Welcome to the Women-Identifying Students Affinity Group!
The resources in this section focus on career development resources for students who identify as women. Fresno State is committed to support women’s career development by connecting them with opportunities, mentorship, and communities that understand their experiences.
Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that are dedicated to supporting women:
- Fresno State Cross Cultural and Gender Center (Gender Programs) – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) at Fresno State aims to create and maintain a campus of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity, where all members of the campus community thrive, free from oppression and discrimination.
- FAQs and Resources for Student Parents – This resource includes information and resources for student parents including Title IX rights, lactation accommodations, child care services, and more.
- Fresno State Student Health Center – The Fresno State Student Health Center offers birth control consultations, emergency contraception, and medication abortions for students.
- Fresno State Title IX – In the event of sexual harassment or assault, Fresno State offers resources and safe spaces for victims.
- Student Health Center Mirror Mirror – With societal standards and pressures to look a certain way, a lot of women struggle with self-image or body-image issues. The Student Health Center offers discussion groups to work through these issues and a safe space to discuss them.
- Confidential Sexual Assault Support – It is often difficult for students to speak out knowing about the struggle and reporting that come after reaching out for support about sexual assault or sexual harassment. Mindy Kates is apart of the few groups of people you could talk to confidentially about this sensitive topic on campus, if you aren’t quite ready yet and still have some things you want to talk through.
- Fresno State Title IX – In the event of sexual harassment or assault, Fresno State offers resources and safe spaces for victims.
For students, gaining relevant experience in your chosen field can be difficult. However, there are ways in which you can develop the skills necessary to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive member of the workforce:
- Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success!
- Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program !
- Engage with these community organizations:
- Fresno State CCGC Volunteers – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center invites volunteers to help support diverse co-educational programs, services, and activities for the campus community. Volunteering offers a chance to build cultural competency, gain skills, and add experience to a resume.
- Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
- Black Culture and Racial Justice, Certificate of Special Study – This certificate covers and educates students on Black community-based issues and social inequality.
***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!
- Black Culture and Racial Justice, Certificate of Special Study – This certificate covers and educates students on Black community-based issues and social inequality.
- Fresno State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships – The Financial Aid Office can assist students with any and all questions regarding scholarship and aid eligibility. Contact the Fresno State Financial Aid department during office hours for assistance with your financial aid-related questions.
***NOTE: The Financial Aid Office has multiple peak times each semester where students are trying to reach them. Make sure to plan ahead and contact them as soon as possible for assistance with your specific case. - Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.