Now that campus is icing over for the winter and snow continues to coat the streets, many of us start to think about relocating to a warmer climate. Sure, travel is a nice thought at this time of year, but with the economic downturn many people assume it is out of the question, especially with the lack of stability in the job market. But graduating seniors searching for jobs or looking for a transitional year, our country’s financial crisis is also an opportunity to work abroad in countries where the cost of living is much cheaper. Don’t know where to start looking? Try some of the following sites:
www.goingglobal.com
www.couchsurfing.com
www.unitedplanet.org
www.bunac.org.uk
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Happy Times are here again.....it's finally BREAK!!!!
So I just got out of my last final of the semester and let me tell you I am literally sitting on Cloud 9 right now. And though I'm not sure how great I did on my finals I am more excited about this break than I have been about any break as of late. I do have to say that though I will be sitting around in my pjs for the next few days not doing anything, I will devote some of my break to my Job Search and you should too. For all of you underclassmen, looking for internships over break is really the best thing to do being that you have no work or finals distracting you. Company representatives are usually in the office for at least a portion of our three weeks of heaven, so if you can't find anything online that interests you, call the company that you would really like to work for! No one ever does that, so it'll definitely make you shine like the bright star that I already know that you are! For you overachievers, if you already know what you're doing this summer, use break to create some contacts by informational interviewing! They're not job interviews they're really just conversations that allow you to learn more about the jobs that you could potentially do, and if you have already been hired to work for a company you must already know someone to interview! It's never to late or early to informational interview, I mean we're all just trying to find our place in the world and I find that informational interviewing only makes that process easier! Seniors, if you don't have a job yet, don't panic!!!! It's still really early, but informational interviewing this break just might change that for you. So get out of bed one day during break, get on Careerlink and look for companies that interest you and call the contact and ask if they could possibly hook you up with someone who does what you want to do one day. Then go watch cartoons!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Study Break Anyone?
Hey Architecture Students!
Getting frustrated with studio? Want to take a break? Stop in and visit the Career Peers at the Career Center in the DUC.
I’m a Junior in the College of Architecture and as I get ready to apply for summer internships, I’m thinking about you. Don’t forget that the winter is when many firms are holding interviews for their most competitive summer positions. Pick your portfolio up off the shelf, revise your resume, and begin the job search process. With our help, it’ll be a breeze.
Do this: Begin by taking a look at your past semesters’ portfolios and grab the best examples of your work. The hard part is already done for you: you’ve already documented your models and drawings! Employers are looking for a small sampling of your work to get an idea of who you are. Create a simple layout for your portfolio, save, and close.
Next, open up your résumé and add your most recent achievements. Need help creating one? Visit our website and take a peek at our design templates: careers.wustl.edu. One you’ve taken a stab, print it out and visit us for some further advice.
Once you’ve compiled all of your information, start considering which jobs you’d like to apply for. Do you or your parents know any architects back home? Have you heard about a job through email, or the Internet? Have you checked out CareerLink for job postings? Need any other help with you job search, come ask us!
Once you’ve found some internships you’re interested in, make contact with the firm, and take it from there. Remember, if you have any questions direct them our way.
See, that’s not too difficult, right?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break! But don't take a break from networking! Thanksgiving gatherings may be the perfect time to meet friends of family and make new connections. Also, don't forget to chat it up while standing in the long lines outside the mall on Friday.
Have a nice Turkey Day!
What I Learned About Informational Interviews
Last week I had an advising appointment with Phil Gallimore and he gave me some very interesting reading material to take home. It was a several chapters out of Katherine Hansen’s A Foot in the Door. I really enjoyed reading it so I wanted to take the time to share some of the things I learned.
On average it takes 200 resumes—but only 12 informational interviews—to get a job offer. This means that informational interviewing is a very effective networking technique. However, these days many people have forgotten that true purpose of the informational interview—which is to gather information. It is not a trick to get a job offer; the offer is just the icing on the cake. So why interview if not for a job offer? Interview to help yourself learn what you really want in a career, to tap into the hidden job market, and to build networking relationships. And at the very least, think of it as practice for the job interview.
The best way to find people to interview is through networking (Yes, you have to network to network). If you can’t think of anyone come to the Career Center for help, but you could always try contacting alumni first (Try Career Connections-https://www.wustlconnections.com/default.aspx?Page=StudentLogin&Redirect=%2fdefault.aspx?Page=CCONBasicMentorSearch).
Requesting the interview can be done by phone, letter or email (ask for 20-30 minutes). The interview, itself, can be conducted in person, on the phone or via email (in person is most effective). It’s very important to prepare for the interview. Research the company so that you don’t waste the person’s time with questions that you could have answered yourself. Dress in professional attire, and bring an updated resume. Don’t forget to call to confirm the appointment and bring a list of questions (about 15 questions for half an hour).
Good Luck and have fun!
Last week I had an advising appointment with Phil Gallimore and he gave me some very interesting reading material to take home. It was a several chapters out of Katherine Hansen’s A Foot in the Door. I really enjoyed reading it so I wanted to take the time to share some of the things I learned.
On average it takes 200 resumes—but only 12 informational interviews—to get a job offer. This means that informational interviewing is a very effective networking technique. However, these days many people have forgotten that true purpose of the informational interview—which is to gather information. It is not a trick to get a job offer; the offer is just the icing on the cake. So why interview if not for a job offer? Interview to help yourself learn what you really want in a career, to tap into the hidden job market, and to build networking relationships. And at the very least, think of it as practice for the job interview.
The best way to find people to interview is through networking (Yes, you have to network to network). If you can’t think of anyone come to the Career Center for help, but you could always try contacting alumni first (Try Career Connections-https://www.wustlconnections.com/default.aspx?Page=StudentLogin&Redirect=%2fdefault.aspx?Page=CCONBasicMentorSearch).
Requesting the interview can be done by phone, letter or email (ask for 20-30 minutes). The interview, itself, can be conducted in person, on the phone or via email (in person is most effective). It’s very important to prepare for the interview. Research the company so that you don’t waste the person’s time with questions that you could have answered yourself. Dress in professional attire, and bring an updated resume. Don’t forget to call to confirm the appointment and bring a list of questions (about 15 questions for half an hour).
Good Luck and have fun!
Monday, November 17, 2008
You really do have skills
I've been noticing a lot recently that people don't have confidence in listing their experiences on their resumes. I've seen a lot of vague entries that obscure the great things that people have done in their time at a job, internship, club, or volunteer activity. Have a friend read your resume, or bring it into quick questions. Chances are that, while you know exactly what you did and learned in a particular experience, it doesn't come across as clearly as it should.
I often find myself asking people what they really did in an entry on their resume, and end up hearing about numerous skills the student obtained that were not displayed in the document. These are questions you can ask yourself: What are the concrete tasks I completed during my experience? What skills did I learn? Who did I work with, and in what manner? What resulted from my work? How did I go about it?
Once you answer these questions, your skills and experience will be clearly delineated for a potential employer to see. This is not stretching the truth, which, as Shana so wisely discussed, is a bad idea for many reasons. This is about accurately and concisely portraying the things you have done and learned that will make you a great addition to the company or organization you're applying to.
If you have any questions about your resume, or any in general, please come into quick questions! It's always a good idea to have a fresh eye look at your work.
-Sarah
I often find myself asking people what they really did in an entry on their resume, and end up hearing about numerous skills the student obtained that were not displayed in the document. These are questions you can ask yourself: What are the concrete tasks I completed during my experience? What skills did I learn? Who did I work with, and in what manner? What resulted from my work? How did I go about it?
Once you answer these questions, your skills and experience will be clearly delineated for a potential employer to see. This is not stretching the truth, which, as Shana so wisely discussed, is a bad idea for many reasons. This is about accurately and concisely portraying the things you have done and learned that will make you a great addition to the company or organization you're applying to.
If you have any questions about your resume, or any in general, please come into quick questions! It's always a good idea to have a fresh eye look at your work.
-Sarah
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Resume Padding: Why it Won't Help You
Ok, we’ve all been there: we’ve all thought about how to fill our resumes with a series of “impressive” activities and experiences. In our highly competitive high schools and colleges, the pressure to be over-involved and over-committed is tremendous. Every new project, student group, or extracurricular activity becomes a siren song for the perennial overachiever. Resist that urge to add yet another student group to your ever-growing list! It won’t help you in the end, and here’s why:
1. Your resume can only be one page long.
That’s right, you have to fit all of your activities onto one page—and don’t forget that some of your resume will be taken up with the essentials of contact information, education information, and the like. You will have to cut down your activities to the ones that are most important to you, so many of your resume-fillers will be weeded out anyways. A very full resume is not necessarily a strong one and too much clutter will actually hurt you—employers will be looking at a lot of resumes and you want yours to be easily read and accessible.
2. Employers want to see your passions and commitment.
Having just a few extracurricular activities that you have really committed to will make your resume stronger. This shows that you are passionate about what you do and that you can handle long-term responsibilities. Being involved in something for more than one year and holding a leadership position is more impressive than a list of activities in which you were only somewhat involved. Spreading yourself too thin will show, trust me.
3. If you can’t talk about it at length in an interview, it’s not worth having on your resume.
Your interview is (among other things) your chance to talk about your experiences; namely, the activities listed on your resume. If you have been involved with something for a while or in a leadership capacity, chances are you will have plenty of good stories and experiences to share. On the other hand, if an employer asks you about an activity you weren’t really involved in, you may not be able to show off your strengths and skills as effectively.
The quest for an internship: Is it too early to start looking?
“The early bird gets the worm, but they worms are hibernating right now,” said the man who would be my mentor for my summer internship at Caltech and Amgen this past summer. It was August of 2007 and I was inquiring about working for him in 2008. I admit, I was a bit overeager and did not need to contact him that early. In fact, the students from that year hadn’t even left yet. However, in December, I received an email from Caltech asking if I was still interested in the position and I ended up getting the job. When I arrived in California, I discovered that my boss had over four times as many students apply as he could accept and that one of the main reasons I got the job was that I asked earlier than anyone else. With that being said, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Come to Quick Question hours! Most people don’t know it, but QQ’s are not just for resume and cover letter reviews. We can help with your job or internship search or alleviate your frustrations with CareerLink. Stop by with any sort of question- we are here to help!
2. Peruse CareerLink! It may seem early, but there are already many postings for summer internships up on CareerLink and even updating your profile and looking around can help you later. Even if you don’t find something now, being familiar with the site and how it works will help make the search easier later on. Also, you will run into any problems you may have early on and will have time to get questions answered before the panic of deadlines sets in!
3. Make an appointment with a Career Advisor. Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or don’t know where to start, going to visit your Career Advisor could turn up opportunities you didn’t know about or prep your interviewing skills to help you land that position!
4. Watch for the Internship Book for 2009! It’s not out yet, but over winter break we will distribute the famous Internship Book which is packed with companies and organizations that specifically recruit WashU students like you.
1. Come to Quick Question hours! Most people don’t know it, but QQ’s are not just for resume and cover letter reviews. We can help with your job or internship search or alleviate your frustrations with CareerLink. Stop by with any sort of question- we are here to help!
2. Peruse CareerLink! It may seem early, but there are already many postings for summer internships up on CareerLink and even updating your profile and looking around can help you later. Even if you don’t find something now, being familiar with the site and how it works will help make the search easier later on. Also, you will run into any problems you may have early on and will have time to get questions answered before the panic of deadlines sets in!
3. Make an appointment with a Career Advisor. Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or don’t know where to start, going to visit your Career Advisor could turn up opportunities you didn’t know about or prep your interviewing skills to help you land that position!
4. Watch for the Internship Book for 2009! It’s not out yet, but over winter break we will distribute the famous Internship Book which is packed with companies and organizations that specifically recruit WashU students like you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Going abroad...what should I be doing NOW?
If you, like me, are a junior going abroad for second semester, it may or may not have crossed your mind to think about what you are going to do when you get back. The summer after junior year is a key year where the pressure is on to get a valuable internship experience. If you are going to be out of the country (some of you without internet access), you could have a tough time finding an internship, or even a summer job, when you return. Furthermore, many programs go much later into the summer than the usual WashU semester, giving you even less time to find a summer opportunity. So, why wait? It is never too early to start looking for internships/jobs and getting your name out there. Here are a few tips to help get you started so you don't end up scrambling come June:
1. Get your resume reviewed during Quick Questions (M/T 12-8 and W-F 12-5) at the Career Center and complete Internship Resume Review (IRR). Now is the time to make sure you have an updated, quality resume that is ready to be sent to companies. This will also get you in the job search mind set. Once you are here, make sure to ask the Career Peer you meet with to help you complete IRR. This will enable you to apply for internships on CareerLink.
2. Browse the internship listings on CareerLink. This will give you a sense of what opportunities are out there. Also, this will give you a chance to apply early to internships that already have postings up.
3. Constantly network. Since you are in a unique position, you can't rely on an abundance of positions to be available to you on CareerLink. Thus, use your few months still at school to exercise every networking possibility you can think of. Ask around to your parents, friends, roommates, friends' parents, family friends, teachers, connections from past jobs, etc. if they know of anyone who works in the industry you are considering. They might not necessarily have a job for you but getting in touch with your roommate's mom's best friend who works in a field you are interested in can only help you. You never know where these connections can take you and connections are often the best way to find jobs and internships, especially at times when most companies aren't yet thinking about hiring summer interns.
4. Get your resume out there! Send your resume to anyone who will take it to get your name out there. You only need your resume in the hands of one right person to land you a job.
5. Interview before you go. If there is anyone who seems at all interested or who has any possible opportunities, set up interviews (even just informational interviews!) during Winter Break, before you go abroad. That way, they will have a strong memory of you when it comes time for the company to do some hiring.
6. Keep in touch! Keep networking and sending out your resume while you are abroad, and keep in touch with companies you have already been in contact with. Even if you have a very promising offer before you go abroad, keep pushing the process forward throughout the semester in any way that you can. The closer you come to having something completely set up when you get home, the better!
7. Don't wait! Most companies will be done hiring by mid-June so don't wait until you get back to search for jobs. Even restaurants and stores will likely be done hiring summer employees by then, so you might be stuck with no backup plan if you don't find an internship. So start now!
8. Search broadly! You might not be able to land your ideal job with all of the difficulties of being abroad. So, get creative. Think of opportunities you might not have considered and ask around to people you might think won't be any help. Also, rather than searching for paid opportunities, search for any opportunity that interests you and look into options for grants or stipends.
1. Get your resume reviewed during Quick Questions (M/T 12-8 and W-F 12-5) at the Career Center and complete Internship Resume Review (IRR). Now is the time to make sure you have an updated, quality resume that is ready to be sent to companies. This will also get you in the job search mind set. Once you are here, make sure to ask the Career Peer you meet with to help you complete IRR. This will enable you to apply for internships on CareerLink.
2. Browse the internship listings on CareerLink. This will give you a sense of what opportunities are out there. Also, this will give you a chance to apply early to internships that already have postings up.
3. Constantly network. Since you are in a unique position, you can't rely on an abundance of positions to be available to you on CareerLink. Thus, use your few months still at school to exercise every networking possibility you can think of. Ask around to your parents, friends, roommates, friends' parents, family friends, teachers, connections from past jobs, etc. if they know of anyone who works in the industry you are considering. They might not necessarily have a job for you but getting in touch with your roommate's mom's best friend who works in a field you are interested in can only help you. You never know where these connections can take you and connections are often the best way to find jobs and internships, especially at times when most companies aren't yet thinking about hiring summer interns.
4. Get your resume out there! Send your resume to anyone who will take it to get your name out there. You only need your resume in the hands of one right person to land you a job.
5. Interview before you go. If there is anyone who seems at all interested or who has any possible opportunities, set up interviews (even just informational interviews!) during Winter Break, before you go abroad. That way, they will have a strong memory of you when it comes time for the company to do some hiring.
6. Keep in touch! Keep networking and sending out your resume while you are abroad, and keep in touch with companies you have already been in contact with. Even if you have a very promising offer before you go abroad, keep pushing the process forward throughout the semester in any way that you can. The closer you come to having something completely set up when you get home, the better!
7. Don't wait! Most companies will be done hiring by mid-June so don't wait until you get back to search for jobs. Even restaurants and stores will likely be done hiring summer employees by then, so you might be stuck with no backup plan if you don't find an internship. So start now!
8. Search broadly! You might not be able to land your ideal job with all of the difficulties of being abroad. So, get creative. Think of opportunities you might not have considered and ask around to people you might think won't be any help. Also, rather than searching for paid opportunities, search for any opportunity that interests you and look into options for grants or stipends.
Monday, November 3, 2008
How do I build a network?
So networking is my favorite thing to do in life! But I know that everyone doesn't share my feelings. Thus, I thought I would break down some of the myths to enable people to feel better about what I consider to be one of the most important skills to have.
Myth #1
A network can only be made if you have BIG connections with important people.
FALSE!!!!!!!!! First of all everyone is important in a network because you yourself may not be connected to the person that you really want to talk to but a person in your network may be. Therefore everyone you know is a part of your network, even your grandma! Which means that you're born into a network, and all you have to do is add on to it.
Myth #2
You have to have a certain type of personality to build a network.
This is totally untrue. I don't think that because you may be somewhat of an introvert, you won't ever be able to build your network. What really matters is your attitude. This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a shy Counselor. AN oxymoron right! Well I thought so initially, and then I realized that she never let her shyness get in the way of dreams. I think the same goes for network building. If you keep your eye on the prize you will always have success.
Myth #3
You must be strategic about your networking
I always get a little afraid of the work strategic because to me that means you're going to separate the people that you should from the ones that you shouldn't, which I disagree with. You never know how people are connected, and just because I may not be looking for a job at a specific company, maybe the person at said company has moved from another company that I may be interested in. You have no idea what the future will hold and I think being too strategic about your network hurts you. However, I do agree that you don't want to go to a Career Fair and talk to every company there because that's not using your time wisely. You do want to visit the places that interest you the most, but don't be afraid to get contact information from everyone you meet.
These pointers really help me and I hope they destroy some of the lies that people spread around about networking!
Myth #1
A network can only be made if you have BIG connections with important people.
FALSE!!!!!!!!! First of all everyone is important in a network because you yourself may not be connected to the person that you really want to talk to but a person in your network may be. Therefore everyone you know is a part of your network, even your grandma! Which means that you're born into a network, and all you have to do is add on to it.
Myth #2
You have to have a certain type of personality to build a network.
This is totally untrue. I don't think that because you may be somewhat of an introvert, you won't ever be able to build your network. What really matters is your attitude. This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a shy Counselor. AN oxymoron right! Well I thought so initially, and then I realized that she never let her shyness get in the way of dreams. I think the same goes for network building. If you keep your eye on the prize you will always have success.
Myth #3
You must be strategic about your networking
I always get a little afraid of the work strategic because to me that means you're going to separate the people that you should from the ones that you shouldn't, which I disagree with. You never know how people are connected, and just because I may not be looking for a job at a specific company, maybe the person at said company has moved from another company that I may be interested in. You have no idea what the future will hold and I think being too strategic about your network hurts you. However, I do agree that you don't want to go to a Career Fair and talk to every company there because that's not using your time wisely. You do want to visit the places that interest you the most, but don't be afraid to get contact information from everyone you meet.
These pointers really help me and I hope they destroy some of the lies that people spread around about networking!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
10 Tips on Interviewing
I've been interviewing for the past 3 weeks. Some of them went well, and some didn't.
Let me impart my "wisdom" upon you...
1. Go to the pre-night info session before the interview. Most companies will hold an info session the night before the interview so you can learn more about the position, the company, what they're looking for, and meet the recruiters. This is a great chance to learn about the company and get to know the recruiters before you even do the interview.
2. Do your homework. Make sure you know why you're interested in the position and why you're interested in the company. Come up with at least 3 questions you want to ask the interviewer (not things that can be found on their website).
3. Dress the part. Wear a suit. And if your suit is black, make sure you're wearing black socks.
4. Get there early. 10-15 minutes early. Some companies will have recent graduates there to "warm you up" before the interview.
5. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Make small talk with him or her as you walk to the interview room. Ask them about the weather, about their flight in, whatever, just avoid awkward silence.
6. The first question you'll probably hear is "tell me about yourself". Make sure you have a concise answer (1-2 minutes) where you talk about what you've done and how it relates to the current position.
7. They'll ask you about your strengths, a time when you worked with a difficult team, a time when you came up with a creative solution, a time when you were a leader, etc. It's always a good idea to come up with some examples you can use before the interview. But, don't memorize your answers; you'll sound rehearsed. Be genuine.
8. At the end of the interview, ask them questions. To make it more like a conversation and to show you're paying attention, ask follow up questions about their responses.
9. Remember to get your interviewer's contact info and ask about the next steps in the recruiting process.
10. When you get home, send them a thank you note. Via e-mail or snail mail. Or both.
Let me impart my "wisdom" upon you...
1. Go to the pre-night info session before the interview. Most companies will hold an info session the night before the interview so you can learn more about the position, the company, what they're looking for, and meet the recruiters. This is a great chance to learn about the company and get to know the recruiters before you even do the interview.
2. Do your homework. Make sure you know why you're interested in the position and why you're interested in the company. Come up with at least 3 questions you want to ask the interviewer (not things that can be found on their website).
3. Dress the part. Wear a suit. And if your suit is black, make sure you're wearing black socks.
4. Get there early. 10-15 minutes early. Some companies will have recent graduates there to "warm you up" before the interview.
5. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Make small talk with him or her as you walk to the interview room. Ask them about the weather, about their flight in, whatever, just avoid awkward silence.
6. The first question you'll probably hear is "tell me about yourself". Make sure you have a concise answer (1-2 minutes) where you talk about what you've done and how it relates to the current position.
7. They'll ask you about your strengths, a time when you worked with a difficult team, a time when you came up with a creative solution, a time when you were a leader, etc. It's always a good idea to come up with some examples you can use before the interview. But, don't memorize your answers; you'll sound rehearsed. Be genuine.
8. At the end of the interview, ask them questions. To make it more like a conversation and to show you're paying attention, ask follow up questions about their responses.
9. Remember to get your interviewer's contact info and ask about the next steps in the recruiting process.
10. When you get home, send them a thank you note. Via e-mail or snail mail. Or both.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Resume: 6 Things to Remember
1. Give them what they want. Show them that you are qualified by including the experiences most relevant to the position. Researching the industry and the position will help you decide what to emphasize. You can even make a list of your experiences and
accomplishments and then pick and choose from it when preparing a resume for a new type of position.
2. Keep it simple. Remember, in many cases your resume will be given only a 30 second chance. There is no time for complex sentences. Keep your points focused, concise and clear. The goal of the resume is not to give an exhaustive recap of your past. It is to grab the reader’s attention so that he/she will want to give you an interview.
3. Demonstrate results. Don’t be afraid to use numbers, percents, and dollar amounts. Also, highlight your strengths and accomplishments upfront. There is no reason to save the best for last. Impress them right away.
4. Organize and format. Make sure your resume is organized in a way that will make the information easy to absorb. Check for consistency and parallel structure. Look at it as a whole and see if looks nice. It should be pleasing to the eye. Fill up the page and think about white space. Make sure it is down to one page.
5. Use a variety of strong action verbs. Use the verbs to tell a story and to highlight your strengths. Start your bullet points with the verbs. This way, when employers skim through the bullet oints, the first word they see will already communicate your strengths and experiences. This link provides more resume writing tips as well as a great list of action verbs http://careers.wustl.edu/documents/ResumeCoverLetterWriting.pdf.
6. Get it reviewed. It’s difficult to notice your own mistakes. Ask a friend to read it, or better yet, come to Quick Questions where students trained in reviewing resumes can help. We won’t only look for mistakes, but also provide you with tips and suggestions on how to make your resume even better.
Wait…What CAN I do with my Humanities Major?
When I introduce myself to people as a Classics major, their reaction is almost invariably (right after “what’s Classics?”) an inquiry as to what I plan to do after graduation. For myself and other Humanities majors, the assumption is all too often that the answer can only be “go on to graduate school and eventually teach.” While teaching is an important and rewarding profession, it’s not for everyone—nor is graduate school. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, but there IS something wrong with the assumption that a Humanities degree is restricted to that career path.
In fact, an increasing number of businesses and companies are targeting Humanities majors in the same way that business graduate schools and law schools are seeking students who aren’t necessarily Business, Economics or Political Science majors. A Bachelor’s degree in the Humanities can demonstrate the ability to think, read, and write critically, specialize in a field, learn new skills, and motivate oneself to work hard, among other skills. These are all valuable characteristics for any career path and employers recognize the importance of having employees with diverse educational backgrounds and skill sets.
The Career Center and the various major departments do provide pamphlets entitled “What can I do with a major in...[insert your major here]?” but that’s just the first step. Talk to your Career Advisor about what WU Alumni with your major have gone on to do after college. Look through CareerLink and come visit the Career Center library to see what careers you may be interested in. But most of all, let go of any preconceptions or assumptions about what you can or cannot do with your particular major; you’re not locked into any career path. In the same way, more explicitly “pre-professional” majors like Engineering and Architecture do not necessarily go into those fields after graduation.
Most often, Humanities majors feel like teaching is the only option for them simply because they don’t know what careers are actually available in the job market. So start researching and enjoy your major for what it is—a great education in something you are passionate about—and not as an indication of what you have to do for the rest of your life.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Parents and Networking
This weekend is Parents Weekend, and we all know that means… free dinners! But it’s also a great chance for something you may not be thinking about. Networking! No matter what you want to do after you graduate, you can end up with a couple contacts if you take advantage of this weekend and talk to the right parent.
If your friends know what you want to do after Wash U, they will probably let you know if there’s a way they can help you out. And now is a really important time for them to know, because if their parents are coming to town, you can actually have an in-person conversation with a parent in that field or who has connections to that field. This really doesn’t have to be anything formal, but chances are high that some parent will ask you what you want to do after you graduate. Even if you really don’t have much of an idea, if you can come up with a general response, you’re giving that parent a chance to help you out. And in this economy, we really can use all the help we can get!
So just spend a couple minutes thinking about a general way to describe what you're hoping to do after you graduate, and talk to a few friends about your plans. There are few things that involve little time and risk and give you the chance for a big reward, but this is definitely one!
If your friends know what you want to do after Wash U, they will probably let you know if there’s a way they can help you out. And now is a really important time for them to know, because if their parents are coming to town, you can actually have an in-person conversation with a parent in that field or who has connections to that field. This really doesn’t have to be anything formal, but chances are high that some parent will ask you what you want to do after you graduate. Even if you really don’t have much of an idea, if you can come up with a general response, you’re giving that parent a chance to help you out. And in this economy, we really can use all the help we can get!
So just spend a couple minutes thinking about a general way to describe what you're hoping to do after you graduate, and talk to a few friends about your plans. There are few things that involve little time and risk and give you the chance for a big reward, but this is definitely one!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Who do you want to be?
It’s amazing how fast three years can fly by. I remember, like many other freshmen, I thought I was destined for a career as a doctor. Now as a senior, I am now no longer on the pre-med track and still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I would be lying if this time was not nerve-racking, but I must admit that it is exciting. In less than 9 months (Yikes!), I will be out in the world, exploring new options and breaking out of the Wash U Bubble. In less than 9 months, I will be one step closer to being a “real” adult. An adult that has a full-time job and doesn’t depend on meal points to purchase food.
As many of us in the Class of 2009 are about to leave the comfort of Wash U, we are looking towards (or dreading) life after graduation. Is it grad school, a job, or a fellowship program? Is it going back to live near our families, or venturing to some new locale? As I was pondering these things, Carol Moakley (one of the many amazing advisors at the Career Center) suggested that I asked myself one thing:
“Who do I want to be?”
I know it sounds philosophical, but as we all begin a new chapter in our lives, it’s important that we learn more about ourselves and our priorities. The more you learn about your passions and your desired lifestyle, the easier it will be to find opportunities that are a good fit for you.
So to my fellow seniors, take a deep breath. The next stage after college is an important, but is only one part of figuring out what is our purpose in life. In the upcoming months, explore different options by talking to people in fields that interest you, going to company informational sessions, and reading books about industries that intrigue you. Apply to jobs, transitional programs, or graduate schools that appeal to you most, while remaining mindful of deadlines.
Life after graduation is a whole new story, and your first chapter, isn’t your last. So try not to worry…too much.
As many of us in the Class of 2009 are about to leave the comfort of Wash U, we are looking towards (or dreading) life after graduation. Is it grad school, a job, or a fellowship program? Is it going back to live near our families, or venturing to some new locale? As I was pondering these things, Carol Moakley (one of the many amazing advisors at the Career Center) suggested that I asked myself one thing:
“Who do I want to be?”
I know it sounds philosophical, but as we all begin a new chapter in our lives, it’s important that we learn more about ourselves and our priorities. The more you learn about your passions and your desired lifestyle, the easier it will be to find opportunities that are a good fit for you.
So to my fellow seniors, take a deep breath. The next stage after college is an important, but is only one part of figuring out what is our purpose in life. In the upcoming months, explore different options by talking to people in fields that interest you, going to company informational sessions, and reading books about industries that intrigue you. Apply to jobs, transitional programs, or graduate schools that appeal to you most, while remaining mindful of deadlines.
Life after graduation is a whole new story, and your first chapter, isn’t your last. So try not to worry…too much.
I'm in sort of an interesting spot this year. As a double major in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and English, potential career paths were hard to pin down. I'm currently a senior, and a great class I took on women's health last year inspired me to follow the path I've now chosen. Instead of going into social work, or working for an NGO, I've decided to go to nursing school after graduation, and am really excited about it. I see nursing as a concrete way to make change and do something interesting.
It took quite a bit of last-minute planning for me to ge to the point that nursing school is a reality. I had to juggle around classes, drop a thesis project, and take summer school, but I'm really doing it, and am so happy I took that leap.
My advice for people who have no clue about what they want to do after graduation is to deeply explore your interests: take classes that inspire you, do research on things you're excited about, and think outside of the box. We're still young-we have decades in which to change careers, change mindsets, and start over. It is never too late to try something new. If you don't know what you're interested in this point, come into the career center and take a self-assessment or two. Strengths Quest and Strong Interest Inventory are great places to start.
Good luck in your own search!
-Sarah
It took quite a bit of last-minute planning for me to ge to the point that nursing school is a reality. I had to juggle around classes, drop a thesis project, and take summer school, but I'm really doing it, and am so happy I took that leap.
My advice for people who have no clue about what they want to do after graduation is to deeply explore your interests: take classes that inspire you, do research on things you're excited about, and think outside of the box. We're still young-we have decades in which to change careers, change mindsets, and start over. It is never too late to try something new. If you don't know what you're interested in this point, come into the career center and take a self-assessment or two. Strengths Quest and Strong Interest Inventory are great places to start.
Good luck in your own search!
-Sarah
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Are we planning our Careers or are we just trying to plan the next two years?
I’m a junior this year. Writing that sentence gave me chills (If you’re a junior, or have been a junior you will know exactly why I said that). I think I‘m at this weird cross road in my life where I’m re-evaluating everything. I constantly hear the phrase, I have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life, but I wonder if that‘s what I’m really doing? Though I’m interesting in consulting, I don’t think that I’m going to do that for the rest of my life. Thus, I made a plan, just like all Wash U students do, but what does that mean? Nothing, but the funny thing was it really made me feel good to know that I did have some type of direction in my life. But how stable is that plan? In truth I may get into a consulting internship this summer and realize that I hate it and then what am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to start a new Career? So I’ve decided, that at this point in my life, I’m not planning my Career, as if it’s the only one I will ever have, I’m planning my next two years. I don’t think it’s fair for me to decide exactly what I’m going to do until I retire at 20 years old. I’m sure that my life and interests will change along the way. In ten years will I even want to be in Healthcare? Maybe by then, I would have picked up some artistic skills and put all my money into redefining my craft (well maybe). I have no idea what’s going to happen. So I guess my advice for those flustered juniors and stressed out seniors is try not to focus on planning out the rest of your life, focus on planning the next two, the rest will fall into place.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
There’s still time…
My sole goal for last summer was to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. By the time mid-August rolled around and I was packing for my senior year of college, I still hadn't found the answer. But, I realized that I still have time. Yes, I used to get annoyed when everyone I talked to would tell me "you still have time". I'd been hearing that phrase since high school and figured, "I'm graduating soon; I'm running out of time". But the truth is, the first job you take is unlikely to be what you do for the rest of your life. Don't freak out if you don't know what you want to do yet. Many people do transitional programs such as Teach for America or Americorps for a couple years. Business students may work for a consulting firm for 2-3 years, and then move on to do an MBA or get a job in private equity. There are also management development training programs where you rotate through several different functions before you decide which you want to focus on. If you're interested in research, you can take a research assistantship position in a lab before deciding if grad school is right for you.
Last summer, I told myself that I was going to finally decide between getting a job and going straight to graduate school. I did a lot of research. I did informational interviews, talked to professors and career advisors, and took the GRE and the GMAT just in case. And still, by the end of the summer, I hadn't had an epiphany yet. Apply for jobs or apply for grad school? I realize now that the best thing for me to do is to not rush into grad school. Don't go to grad school because you don't know what else to do. Don't go if you have no idea of what you want to do with the degree when you're done. Grad school is a huge commitment: time-wise and money-wise. Make sure you're committed. I realize now that I can do both: work for a few years and get some real-world experience, then go to grad school later if I still wish to do so.
If you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life, don't freak out. You still have time. You have the rest of your life to figure it out.
-Fannie
Last summer, I told myself that I was going to finally decide between getting a job and going straight to graduate school. I did a lot of research. I did informational interviews, talked to professors and career advisors, and took the GRE and the GMAT just in case. And still, by the end of the summer, I hadn't had an epiphany yet. Apply for jobs or apply for grad school? I realize now that the best thing for me to do is to not rush into grad school. Don't go to grad school because you don't know what else to do. Don't go if you have no idea of what you want to do with the degree when you're done. Grad school is a huge commitment: time-wise and money-wise. Make sure you're committed. I realize now that I can do both: work for a few years and get some real-world experience, then go to grad school later if I still wish to do so.
If you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life, don't freak out. You still have time. You have the rest of your life to figure it out.
-Fannie
Focusing on the Job Search
It’s hard to believe that for so many of us, senior year is here. It’s a time to be excited as we close our academic ventures and focus our attention on maximizing the memories and important relationships of our college experience. However, it is also a time of transition as we each decide on the next step after college. For many of us, jobs are in the near future and pursuing a job search may be a full year project.
For many of us applying for jobs, our industries have not started recruiting. Our finance and consulting peers are hitting the job search now and getting offers, but what should the rest of us be doing while we wait for jobs to open in our fields? On top of that, how do we deal with feeling inadequate or unprepared when pursuing the work force. Work may still feel like that distant entity that we only correlate with our parents and “real” adults. But how can we feel confident in pursuing a great job when there seems to be a lot of competition? How do we get excited about applying to jobs when the economy doesn’t seem promising? How can we be so sure that we want to work when we still can’t answer that enduring question: What do I want to be when I grow up? If you find yourself questioning and unsure like me, here are some suggestions that can help us get focused and make us feel more prepared for pursuing the job search.
1. Learn about yourself. In understanding what jobs fit us best, we need to first understand ourselves: our skills, our weaknesses, our passions, etc. You can achieve this through personal reflection. Keep a journal. Ask those close to you what your strengths and weaknesses are. Also take advantage of self assessments offered by the Career Center. Just walk in and ask the front desk. These assessments are particularly helpful with identifying your personality as a best fit within the job force.
2. Make yourself feel more comfortable with the industry that you think interests you. Read up on the industry first. Most importantly, get out there and meet people. Informational interviews are a great way to do this. Find out what kinds of skills are necessary, what your daily tasks may be. The great thing about this is that informational interviews are another great way to network. You’ll get your name out there and show others within the industry how interested and dedicated you are.
3. Finally, share your interests and ideas with those around you. Searching for a job can be very stressful. There’s no reason to hold it as a personal burden that you deal with by yourself. Talk to those around you. Express your concerns, fears, questions, excitement or whatever you’re feeling at the time. I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with where great advice, encouragement, or answers to prolonging questions came from.
These are just a few tips that can help us get started with the job search. It is a process. Hang in there and I’ll continue to keep you updated as I undergo the same challenge. Best of luck!
-Kimberly
For many of us applying for jobs, our industries have not started recruiting. Our finance and consulting peers are hitting the job search now and getting offers, but what should the rest of us be doing while we wait for jobs to open in our fields? On top of that, how do we deal with feeling inadequate or unprepared when pursuing the work force. Work may still feel like that distant entity that we only correlate with our parents and “real” adults. But how can we feel confident in pursuing a great job when there seems to be a lot of competition? How do we get excited about applying to jobs when the economy doesn’t seem promising? How can we be so sure that we want to work when we still can’t answer that enduring question: What do I want to be when I grow up? If you find yourself questioning and unsure like me, here are some suggestions that can help us get focused and make us feel more prepared for pursuing the job search.
1. Learn about yourself. In understanding what jobs fit us best, we need to first understand ourselves: our skills, our weaknesses, our passions, etc. You can achieve this through personal reflection. Keep a journal. Ask those close to you what your strengths and weaknesses are. Also take advantage of self assessments offered by the Career Center. Just walk in and ask the front desk. These assessments are particularly helpful with identifying your personality as a best fit within the job force.
2. Make yourself feel more comfortable with the industry that you think interests you. Read up on the industry first. Most importantly, get out there and meet people. Informational interviews are a great way to do this. Find out what kinds of skills are necessary, what your daily tasks may be. The great thing about this is that informational interviews are another great way to network. You’ll get your name out there and show others within the industry how interested and dedicated you are.
3. Finally, share your interests and ideas with those around you. Searching for a job can be very stressful. There’s no reason to hold it as a personal burden that you deal with by yourself. Talk to those around you. Express your concerns, fears, questions, excitement or whatever you’re feeling at the time. I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with where great advice, encouragement, or answers to prolonging questions came from.
These are just a few tips that can help us get started with the job search. It is a process. Hang in there and I’ll continue to keep you updated as I undergo the same challenge. Best of luck!
-Kimberly
Mock interviews!!! Get them while they're hot!!!
It was 8am on a sunny Thursday morning as I took the Metrolink down to the medical school to meet my mentor. I had just pressed out the wrinkles in my new suit and my professional attire helped me to exude confidence. Despite the fact that my mentor told me he would ask difficult questions I felt prepared. We met in his office, shook hands and began, establishing an easy exchange. Things were going quite well until he started asking me questions I had never heard before. I was broadsided and started to lose my composure stumbling over my vision of the next ten years of my life and the goals I had formed about my career path. To say the least, it was a complete disaster. Or was it? It was a mock interview after all and though my mentor was proud to have caught me off guard, he did get his point across about what it takes to truly be prepared for an interview. Most importantly, I learned from this experience and when I interviewed recently I knew exactly what to expect, answering questions fluidly and coherently.
Whether you are planning on entering the workforce, applying to graduate programs, or preparing for an internship, learning how to present yourself to others is an important skill to have. The Career Center offers mock interviews which can give you a chance to practice and find your common slip-ups before you ever shake the hands of a recruiter. In addition, we have resources such as packets of commonly asked questions, how do dress, and skills to help you promote yourself. This process is especially important if you are a senior who is beginning their job search. If you have not heard about it yet, I strongly encourage you to sign up for the Senior Prep Series or SPS. It is required in order to apply for jobs listed on CareerLink and it includes a mock interview for the job of your choice which will help you to come ready and confident for your first interviews.
-Stephanie
Whether you are planning on entering the workforce, applying to graduate programs, or preparing for an internship, learning how to present yourself to others is an important skill to have. The Career Center offers mock interviews which can give you a chance to practice and find your common slip-ups before you ever shake the hands of a recruiter. In addition, we have resources such as packets of commonly asked questions, how do dress, and skills to help you promote yourself. This process is especially important if you are a senior who is beginning their job search. If you have not heard about it yet, I strongly encourage you to sign up for the Senior Prep Series or SPS. It is required in order to apply for jobs listed on CareerLink and it includes a mock interview for the job of your choice which will help you to come ready and confident for your first interviews.
-Stephanie
Job Search: Start Now
Senior year is here and it’s hard to believe that in eight short months my title as “student” will be taken away and replaced with “alumnus”. I have to admit, this change of title scares me because I know what it means. It means that a chapter in my life that I have really enjoyed will come to an end. It also means that a new chapter will begin, and with it will come the time to get my first real job. AAAAAAAAAAAAH!
So to make the transition into real world a bit easier, I have set a goal for myself. I want to graduate Wash U. with a job already lined up. Although I still don’t know what I want to do with my majors, I do know that hiding from the future won’t get me anywhere. I have eight months to find a job, and I am starting now.
I have set aside time each week to work on my job search (here is a link to help you get started with your job search http://careers.wustl.edu/documents/job%20search.pdf). It’s much easier for me to do something in many small chunks, over a long period of time, than all at once. I usually try to get an hour or two in each week. What I have found is that the actual job search is not as daunting and scary as it seems. It’s really not that hard—the hard part is finding time to do it and actually doing it. It’s kind of like writing a term paper. You don’t want to do it—you’re tired and have a million other things to do—but once you start it’s not so bad. So, yes, I have chapters to read, tests to study for, and projects to work on, but I remind myself that I do all that because I hope that it will help me get a good job. And no matter how great my grades are, I know that the job won’t find me, I have to find it. So that’s why every week, even though there are other things I would rather be doing, I sit down and work on my job search.
So to my fellow job seekers, my message to you is be proactive and start your job searches now. You will thank yourself when it comes time to start that new chapter in your lives.
-Julia
So to make the transition into real world a bit easier, I have set a goal for myself. I want to graduate Wash U. with a job already lined up. Although I still don’t know what I want to do with my majors, I do know that hiding from the future won’t get me anywhere. I have eight months to find a job, and I am starting now.
I have set aside time each week to work on my job search (here is a link to help you get started with your job search http://careers.wustl.edu/documents/job%20search.pdf). It’s much easier for me to do something in many small chunks, over a long period of time, than all at once. I usually try to get an hour or two in each week. What I have found is that the actual job search is not as daunting and scary as it seems. It’s really not that hard—the hard part is finding time to do it and actually doing it. It’s kind of like writing a term paper. You don’t want to do it—you’re tired and have a million other things to do—but once you start it’s not so bad. So, yes, I have chapters to read, tests to study for, and projects to work on, but I remind myself that I do all that because I hope that it will help me get a good job. And no matter how great my grades are, I know that the job won’t find me, I have to find it. So that’s why every week, even though there are other things I would rather be doing, I sit down and work on my job search.
So to my fellow job seekers, my message to you is be proactive and start your job searches now. You will thank yourself when it comes time to start that new chapter in your lives.
-Julia
Take the Internship Success and Stipend Class!
If you're thinking of getting an unpaid internship this summer, you should strongly consider enrolling in the Internship Success and Stipend Class that starts next Friday, October 3, and meets weekly for the remainder of the semester. Summer stipends are not guaranteed if you take the class, but the Career Center will consider your completion of the class when making its decisions. Last spring, I took this class, and it probably contributed to the Gephardt Institute's decision to offer me a stipend that enabled me to intern at a non-profit in New York City.
The class only meets for an hour a week, so as long as you don't have a direct conflict, it really won't take up much of your time. There is some homework, but most of it is relevant to your internship search and will help you get the most out of your internship.
This is a great way to learn about maximizing your internship experience. Also, if you are planning to go abroad in the spring and are considering an unpaid internship when you return for the summer, this is your best chance to get financial help! RSVP on CareerLink soon!
-Daniel
The class only meets for an hour a week, so as long as you don't have a direct conflict, it really won't take up much of your time. There is some homework, but most of it is relevant to your internship search and will help you get the most out of your internship.
This is a great way to learn about maximizing your internship experience. Also, if you are planning to go abroad in the spring and are considering an unpaid internship when you return for the summer, this is your best chance to get financial help! RSVP on CareerLink soon!
-Daniel
Thursday, April 17, 2008
So Long, Fair Well… But WAIT- I don’t have a job!
So this is it. The end has begun. As a senior graduating in a month, it’s hard to believe that 4 years have come… and now gone. Every opportunity to hangout with friends is precious and not taken for granted. It’s a semi-sweet time.
On the other hand, for more of us than you know, the question of, “what are you doing after graduation?” still looms with a big question mark for the answer. I’ve started getting creative with my response and saying it’s like a good movie, the climax can’t come too soon- the viewer must be kept in suspense.
Nevertheless, it is a little unsettling and frustrating when friends are landing jobs and looking for apartments near their graduate schools and you’re still writing cover letters.
Words to my fellow job-seekers-
1. Blueberry Hill tonight, 9:00pm- be there! (jk,jk,jk…)
2. The sun will come out tomorrow.
May is actually an artificial deadline. We have May 16th as the deadline because that’s when we graduate- companies don’t have this deadline and will be hiring on May 17th (hard to believe, I know!)
3. Meet face-to-face! If you’re doing informational interviews- FORGET the phone!! I know, I know- it’s far away, etc. Do all in your power to meet with people in person.
4.Keep knocking. So have you really followed up with everyone you’ve contacted? Check in with the ones you haven’t contacted in a couple of weeks or a month.
5. Keep your chin up! Set your eyes on your goal and go for it.
On the other hand, for more of us than you know, the question of, “what are you doing after graduation?” still looms with a big question mark for the answer. I’ve started getting creative with my response and saying it’s like a good movie, the climax can’t come too soon- the viewer must be kept in suspense.
Nevertheless, it is a little unsettling and frustrating when friends are landing jobs and looking for apartments near their graduate schools and you’re still writing cover letters.
Words to my fellow job-seekers-
1. Blueberry Hill tonight, 9:00pm- be there! (jk,jk,jk…)
2. The sun will come out tomorrow.
May is actually an artificial deadline. We have May 16th as the deadline because that’s when we graduate- companies don’t have this deadline and will be hiring on May 17th (hard to believe, I know!)
3. Meet face-to-face! If you’re doing informational interviews- FORGET the phone!! I know, I know- it’s far away, etc. Do all in your power to meet with people in person.
4.Keep knocking. So have you really followed up with everyone you’ve contacted? Check in with the ones you haven’t contacted in a couple of weeks or a month.
5. Keep your chin up! Set your eyes on your goal and go for it.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Seniors, graduation is now upon us, but don't think that since you are leaving campus you have to leave behind all the services of the Career Center. It's true, there will be no more late nights at Bears Den, our wustl email addresses will expire, and the ID cards won't let us into anything anymore, but a positive thing is that the Career Center will always be available to you even after you graduate. Imagine, 10 years down the line, you realize that you truely hate your job and want to switch careers. You can come back to the Career Center and retake (or take for the 1st time) a career assesment test to help guide you in your career switch. Maybe you love your job, but for some reason after 2 years you are laid off. You can still make an advising appointment to talk about how to get another job in that sector or take a look at what E-recruiting has to offer. Perhaps it's 2030 and you need help with your interviewing skills because it's been awhile since the last one you did. Make a trip back to St. Louis in order to participate in a mock interview or read books about interviewing in the library. Yes, class of 2008, we will be gone after graduation on May 16th but the Career Center will never forget us.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Looking Back
The other day, one of my fellow career peers asked me "where did the last four years go?" So I started thining about where all of my time went and just how enjoyable it all has been. I also thought about how I'll be working in Chicago next year and thinking back through all of the tiny experiences that brought me to that point.
Each step I took with the Career Center ultimately, and unknowingly, brought me one step closer to my goal of a good job upon graduation. Simple information sessions about resumes and cover letters helped me prepare for the next steps, which in turn led me to prepare far better than I ever imagined. Ultimately, the preparation and experience (both good and bad) helped me figure out what I want and search it out.
Those of you reading this blog should realize by now that all of us career peers utilized the Career Center to the fullest in order to help find what we desire for post graduation plans. In the same way, each of you should be finding the opportunities offered by the career center which will help you the most. For some of you, only a few things may help, but those few things may be the difference between getting what you want and watching it dissapear in front of you.
Each step I took with the Career Center ultimately, and unknowingly, brought me one step closer to my goal of a good job upon graduation. Simple information sessions about resumes and cover letters helped me prepare for the next steps, which in turn led me to prepare far better than I ever imagined. Ultimately, the preparation and experience (both good and bad) helped me figure out what I want and search it out.
Those of you reading this blog should realize by now that all of us career peers utilized the Career Center to the fullest in order to help find what we desire for post graduation plans. In the same way, each of you should be finding the opportunities offered by the career center which will help you the most. For some of you, only a few things may help, but those few things may be the difference between getting what you want and watching it dissapear in front of you.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thoughts of a Senior
I'll admit that I don't have a whole lot to say about work (academic or professional) right now. The advice that I will give is to assume a similar mentality every once in a a while. Somebody just asked me if my work was winding down or if I was going to be busy through the end of the year. I told her that I wasn't sure if my work was getting easier or if I had just reevaluated my priorities, but that I was hoping to have as relaxing and enjoyable a month as I imagined possible.
The weather is starting to get nice, Thurtene Carnival is right around the corner, and graduation is shortly after that. I have by no means ignored my studies or my commitments to learning, but I have reminded myself that the opportunities to go outside and play softball, bike through Forest Park, or build an enormous facade with my close friends are numbered. In just over one month I will be starting my summer internship, surrounded by complete strangers. I am excited for the opportunity but I'm also commited to enjoying my limited time here.
The weather is starting to get nice, Thurtene Carnival is right around the corner, and graduation is shortly after that. I have by no means ignored my studies or my commitments to learning, but I have reminded myself that the opportunities to go outside and play softball, bike through Forest Park, or build an enormous facade with my close friends are numbered. In just over one month I will be starting my summer internship, surrounded by complete strangers. I am excited for the opportunity but I'm also commited to enjoying my limited time here.
For those of you who are seeking summer positions, do not worry! There are still opportunities available and it is always within your power to create opportunities (see older posts about using the Book of Lists or about networking, for example). A number of engineering firms, including bioMerieux, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Caterpillar are all looking for students. Other industry's are still recruiting as well! Check eRecruiting for complete listings.
Whether you are looking for a position or not, don't forget to take some time to enjoy yourself!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thank You!
A lot of people maybe finishing up interviews for jobs, internships, and grad schools around this time. But don't forget one of the most important things about the interview, the thank you card! I do say card because it is more personal and may make you stand out from those who sent thank you emails. Plus, think of all the emails you receive during the course of a day. Most professionals get even more than you. There are certain circumstances were email thank you notes maybe the better option, like if they are making a decision about you in the next couple of hours or if the company is really big on communicating by email. The point is to express your gratitude. They took time to interview you from their schedule and will have to make a decision about you alone or present you to other people and a group decision will be made. The least thing you can do it let them know you appreciate the time that they spent on you.
What goes into a thank you note? It is a very nice thing to reiterate some of the conversation that occurred during the interview, why you are interested in the company/school, and what qualities you think will be beneficial to that company/school.
Who does a thank you note go to? Everyone that interviewed you or anyone that you engaged in a substantial conversation . If you meet a lot of people on a tour, you don't have to send individual thank you cards to everyone you meet. Sending a card or email to a department address to everyone and asking it to be circulated around the office is a good idea too.
Have you applied to a lot of jobs/internships/schools and haven't been getting any good news yet or no news at all? Try sending a thank you note today Even though it is best to send the thank you note out within 24hrs of the interview, it is better late than never. Just try it, you maybe surprised how a little expression of gratitude maybe the one thing to turn your opportunity search around and find a successful position.
What goes into a thank you note? It is a very nice thing to reiterate some of the conversation that occurred during the interview, why you are interested in the company/school, and what qualities you think will be beneficial to that company/school.
Who does a thank you note go to? Everyone that interviewed you or anyone that you engaged in a substantial conversation . If you meet a lot of people on a tour, you don't have to send individual thank you cards to everyone you meet. Sending a card or email to a department address to everyone and asking it to be circulated around the office is a good idea too.
Have you applied to a lot of jobs/internships/schools and haven't been getting any good news yet or no news at all? Try sending a thank you note today Even though it is best to send the thank you note out within 24hrs of the interview, it is better late than never. Just try it, you maybe surprised how a little expression of gratitude maybe the one thing to turn your opportunity search around and find a successful position.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Still looking for your summer internship? AT&T is looking for summer interns in Tucson, AZ to help with research programs similar to the direction the company is taking as a whole. If you're looking for a summer with a different climate than the currently rainy St. Louis, and are interested in working on and researching technology, you should definitely check out this opportunity. Previous examples of work can be found here: http://www.research.att.com/index.cfm?portal=23
For those of you who have interviews coming up, remember to brush up on your interviewing skills. This is especially important if you haven’t interviewed in a while, or if this is your first ever interview. Think about questions the company may want to know (who are you? why do you want to work here?) as well as questions about yourself (what makes you tick? what other activities do you enjoy?). Scheduling a mock interview can also be extremely helpful as you also get feedback on how to improve your interview. One technique for interviewing is the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Results. Following this method, you can be sure your answer is a strong and confident one that covers all of the important material for the recruiter. Finally, remember that interviewers can ask many types of questions, not necessarily only those related to the internship you're applying for.
For those of you who have interviews coming up, remember to brush up on your interviewing skills. This is especially important if you haven’t interviewed in a while, or if this is your first ever interview. Think about questions the company may want to know (who are you? why do you want to work here?) as well as questions about yourself (what makes you tick? what other activities do you enjoy?). Scheduling a mock interview can also be extremely helpful as you also get feedback on how to improve your interview. One technique for interviewing is the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Results. Following this method, you can be sure your answer is a strong and confident one that covers all of the important material for the recruiter. Finally, remember that interviewers can ask many types of questions, not necessarily only those related to the internship you're applying for.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Finding that job or internship that is a little Atypical
Interested in fields that are not so common, a little atypical?
Or maybe you are looking for a job or internship in your hometown,
which isn’t LA or NYC. The search process can be a little, well, tough and frustrating.
I am experiencing a little bit of this as a senior looking for work in the environmental non-profit field in Florida. It’s quite ironic. There are many environmental campaign canvassing positions available, but really, that’s not what I am looking for.
So what can you do?
To find positions in locations that are a little more obscure, here are some ideas-
1. Search E-Recruiting by location, searching for your town and the nearest big city
2. Non-profit? Search Idealist.org and sign up for the email alerts. They send jobs that are specific to your interests.
3. Looked on Monster or Craig’s List recently?
4. Talk about what you want… to any and everyone. Talk to your parents, friends, and anyone who asks you what you are doing/want to be doing. You never know who or what they know.
Upcoming Deadlines for the less common JOB locations
From eRecruiting
AT&T- Entry Level IT Position
Locations- San Ramon, CA; Hoffman Estates, IL; Middletown, NJ; Alpharetta, GA; Richardson, TX
Altec- Associate Engineer
Locations- Asheville, Charlotte, & Raleigh, NC; Louisville, KY; Roanoke, VA
Upcoming Deadlines for the less common INTERNSHIP locations
From eRecruiting
Arlington Park- Marketing Internship
Location- Arlington Heights, IL
Hedrick Smith Productions- Documentary Intern
Location- Chevy Chase, MD
Abiomed- Software Engineer Remote Monitoring Co-Op and more
Location- Danvers, MA
Or maybe you are looking for a job or internship in your hometown,
which isn’t LA or NYC. The search process can be a little, well, tough and frustrating.
I am experiencing a little bit of this as a senior looking for work in the environmental non-profit field in Florida. It’s quite ironic. There are many environmental campaign canvassing positions available, but really, that’s not what I am looking for.
So what can you do?
To find positions in locations that are a little more obscure, here are some ideas-
1. Search E-Recruiting by location, searching for your town and the nearest big city
2. Non-profit? Search Idealist.org and sign up for the email alerts. They send jobs that are specific to your interests.
3. Looked on Monster or Craig’s List recently?
4. Talk about what you want… to any and everyone. Talk to your parents, friends, and anyone who asks you what you are doing/want to be doing. You never know who or what they know.
Upcoming Deadlines for the less common JOB locations
From eRecruiting
AT&T- Entry Level IT Position
Locations- San Ramon, CA; Hoffman Estates, IL; Middletown, NJ; Alpharetta, GA; Richardson, TX
Altec- Associate Engineer
Locations- Asheville, Charlotte, & Raleigh, NC; Louisville, KY; Roanoke, VA
Upcoming Deadlines for the less common INTERNSHIP locations
From eRecruiting
Arlington Park- Marketing Internship
Location- Arlington Heights, IL
Hedrick Smith Productions- Documentary Intern
Location- Chevy Chase, MD
Abiomed- Software Engineer Remote Monitoring Co-Op and more
Location- Danvers, MA
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Senioritis
As we seniors come back from spring break--the lucky ones with tans, the unlucky ones (me) with sunburns--we find ourselves with only about 8 weeks until graduation. This point in our lives is pretty friggin' important as we set the stage for the rest of our lives. With May 16th bearing down, the stress can easily build up.
For some of us, the Career Center can be a great resource to help out. Counselors here know tons about what to do after graduation; be it a full time job, a year working internationally, or a longer stint with the Peace Corps. The counselors won't do all the work for you, but they will guide you to great ideas and resources.
One of the resources I recommend is wustl.erecruiting.com with its large number of job and internship spots, some specifically tailored for WashU students. Just a glance, and you can find some interesting jobs (among the standard ones) like being a camp counselor at Camp Eureka in Puerto Rico.
For some of us, the Career Center can be a great resource to help out. Counselors here know tons about what to do after graduation; be it a full time job, a year working internationally, or a longer stint with the Peace Corps. The counselors won't do all the work for you, but they will guide you to great ideas and resources.
One of the resources I recommend is wustl.erecruiting.com with its large number of job and internship spots, some specifically tailored for WashU students. Just a glance, and you can find some interesting jobs (among the standard ones) like being a camp counselor at Camp Eureka in Puerto Rico.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Spring Break!
Whether you believe it or not with all of the snow on the ground, spring break is right around the corner. Depending on your plans for the week, it can be a tremendously productive time in any job search.
If you are going home, use this week to make a target list of some companies. Get in touch with them and explore the possibility of meeting for an informational interview at some point during the break.
If you are not going to be in a position to visit with professionals or potential employers, take advantage of some free time and make sure that your materials are in order. Compose a resume that you are happy with. Start practicing cover letter writing.
Many positions, including Procurement positions with Boeing, have deadlines within the next two weeks. Capitalize on some free time over the break as well as the lull in coursework that many students experience after the midterm rush and make sure that you are presenting yourself as the best candidate possible.
Come in for QQ or an appointment with a Career Advisor for help!
Friday, February 29, 2008
cover letter tip
Hey Reader,
If you are at all interested in a job or internship by the time May rolls around you probably have at least absentmindedly thought about getting together a resume and cover letter. While resumes are more or less straightforward in their format and subject, cover letters can be really challenging or worse yet, really obnoxious to write. Remember, it can be hard to extol all of your amazing traits in three short paragraphs but as long as the information you give is relative to the organization and the skills that you bring to it, you are on the right track.
If you are at all interested in a job or internship by the time May rolls around you probably have at least absentmindedly thought about getting together a resume and cover letter. While resumes are more or less straightforward in their format and subject, cover letters can be really challenging or worse yet, really obnoxious to write. Remember, it can be hard to extol all of your amazing traits in three short paragraphs but as long as the information you give is relative to the organization and the skills that you bring to it, you are on the right track.
One of the key points in writing a successful cover letter is showing that your previous experiences and the skills you have gained in those experiences make you a good candidate for the position. Tip: make sure to stay away from language concerning how the position will benefit you. Instead, focus on the skills, the experience, and the passion you would bring to the organization.
If you have any questions about how to write a successful cover letter check the Career Center’s website or stop in for quick questions!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Cool Job Opportunity! Perfect for those thinking about policy or going into law school!
Hey, everybody! Came across this job opportunity, and thought I would share. This employer is specifically interested in (and targeting!) WashU students, so go onto eRecruiting and send a resume and cover letter if you're interested!
Employer: Children’s Rights
Recruiting for: Paralegal (RESUME DROP)
Majors: All
Locations: New York, NY Apply by: 3/1
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
PROOFREAD!!!
Always, always, always proofread anything you submit in writing. Cover letters, thank you notes, and many other kind of business correspondence are important documents that you will generate during any job or internship search. And because you'll most likely be hedging your bets and applying to multiple positions you'll be have quite a paper trail.
Business correspondence isn't fun but it is important and it can be tremendously beneficial. Even a quick letter can tell a person about your maturity, professionalism, and interest in a position. Don't allow the monotony of replicating the process hinder your chances by lulling you into making a typo.
Many documents will assume a similar form, but each document should be personalized. For example, cater your skills to a particular employer in a cover letter or draw from a specific topic of interview conversation in a thank you. One simple way to avoid making errors is to avoid the temptation to copy and paste information. Recreating each new document will force you to actively move through each step of the creative process and improve the continuity in general. Of course, proofread no matter what!
Business correspondence isn't fun but it is important and it can be tremendously beneficial. Even a quick letter can tell a person about your maturity, professionalism, and interest in a position. Don't allow the monotony of replicating the process hinder your chances by lulling you into making a typo.
Many documents will assume a similar form, but each document should be personalized. For example, cater your skills to a particular employer in a cover letter or draw from a specific topic of interview conversation in a thank you. One simple way to avoid making errors is to avoid the temptation to copy and paste information. Recreating each new document will force you to actively move through each step of the creative process and improve the continuity in general. Of course, proofread no matter what!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Success tips for the Co-op or Internship Search
Carrie, a Junior in Biomedical Engineering wanted to do a co-op during her spring semester, but wanted to stay in St. Louis. She went through the search process and was successful in finding a co-op with Stereotaxis. Here’s what she did, along with some tips.
The Search
-She found out about one particular company from her engineering class
-students had to interview someone from an engineering firm and one student’s presentation sparked her interest
LESSON- You never know where or how you can learn of an organization that interests you!
-She found another organization on The Career Center website and then was able to meet the company at the Job and Internship Fair sponsored by The Career Center.
LESSON- Whenever possible it is always best to meet a representative of a company in person. This gives them a face to put with the name and a feel for how well you would fit with their company.
-A former member of a student group Carrie is in sent out a group email telling that the engineering company he works for is hiring. Carrie applied for a position.
LESSON- Don’t forget to let your friends and family know what types of internships you are interested in (ex. Art, architecture, being a camp counselor…)
Carrie applied and got an interview with Stereotaxis, the company she met at the Career Fair. After several more interviews, she received an offer and accepted!
The Search
-She found out about one particular company from her engineering class
-students had to interview someone from an engineering firm and one student’s presentation sparked her interest
LESSON- You never know where or how you can learn of an organization that interests you!
-She found another organization on The Career Center website and then was able to meet the company at the Job and Internship Fair sponsored by The Career Center.
LESSON- Whenever possible it is always best to meet a representative of a company in person. This gives them a face to put with the name and a feel for how well you would fit with their company.
-A former member of a student group Carrie is in sent out a group email telling that the engineering company he works for is hiring. Carrie applied for a position.
LESSON- Don’t forget to let your friends and family know what types of internships you are interested in (ex. Art, architecture, being a camp counselor…)
Carrie applied and got an interview with Stereotaxis, the company she met at the Career Fair. After several more interviews, she received an offer and accepted!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Cover letters can be a very hard task to do. Often it can take more time than the resume itself. If writing a cover letter is necessary for a job application, as it is frequently required on E-recruiting, here are some common mistakes to avoid before sending it out:
1.) All about me: Don't focus on how the job will be beneficial to you such as "This job is very interesting to me" and "I want more experience in this field." Most employers don't care about your needs and are looking for what you can do for them.
2.) Resume regurgitation: The cover letter shouldn't be a paragraph form of your resume. You may want to focus on a few accomplishments and talk about how those experiences can contribute to the business. You can also highlight things not in your resume.
3.) Carbon Copies: The main goal of a cover letter is to show how enthusiastic you are about the position and what you know about the company. This can't be done with a generic cover letter. Also, many recuriters can tell when they have recieved an impersonalized cover letter.
4.) Self-esteem: As students, we may feel inadequate at times since we don't have that much work experience. Don't use the cover letters to highlight your lack of work experience. Instead talk up your great activities that you have done and how those skills can be useful for their business.
5.) To whom it may concern: Try very hard to personalize the cover letter. If using E recruiting, use the employers search function to see who is the recruiter if it is not listed on the individual job posting. Also, look into calling the company and finding out who to send your job application materials to. If all else fails, Dear Hiring Manager will have to suffice.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Upcoming Career Fair!
If you would like to get your resume reviewed and printed out on resume paper, stop by the Career Center! We've got a big Career Fair coming up on Friday in the Athletics Complex from 10 AM until 2 PM, with 90 registered employers looking to fill internship and full-time positions. To see a list of who's registered, look on eRecruiting under "Upcoming Career Fairs" and "Registered Employers".
We're looking forward to seeing you!
We're looking forward to seeing you!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Though I have only had two long-term internships, my experiences have varied greatly. I have logged hours doing tasks that run the gamut from the banal to the exciting and challenging. I have presented proposals, created and co-run an art show, developed programming for the fall exhibit, researched dance classes for people with disabilities, and organized volunteers. At the other end of the spectrum I have also found myself painting drywall, watching it dry, and even setting up interviews with RV salesman in the greater Ohio area (?!).
The beauty of internships is that they are a great way to try out something that you think is interesting but are not sure if you could have as a career. If you like it then you leave with a positive experience and a little direction in future career searches. If you don’t like an aspect of the job remember, at least you know now as opposed to 5 years down the road when you figure out that that writing up TPS reports makes you want to destroy fax machines with baseball bats. Either way, some of the best advice I received prior to starting my internship was to make sure to ask your fellow employees about their job.
Here are some examples of great questions to ask:
1) What’s a normal day like for you?
2) How did you get started in this career?
3) Do you like your job?
4) What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to stop by the Career Center for Quick Questions or an appointment!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Part-time jobs during the semester
For the past two years, I've worked part-time jobs during the school year. Not only do these jobs provide extra cash (which is always good!), but they also allow me to gain experience in the field I plan on working in after graduation. Many companies in the St. Louis area are looking for some extra help and are more than willing to hire you as intern during the school year. I also found that most of them will be accomodating to your school schedule, so you don't have to worry about the job distracting from your studies at WashU.
I highly recommend using eRecruiting to explore opportunities that may be availabe for the semester. Particularly, check eRecruiting at the beginning of the semester as there will be employers that are looking for help for that semester. Oftentimes, after doing some research on eRecruiting you may have to submit an application on the company's website or even contact someone at the company to find out more about the position. Look for opportunities in the area(s) that you are interested in, but don't be turned away if you can't find a job that specifically matches your interests, be open to different experiences and opportunities. Getting work experience in general will look great on your resume and will give you some talking points in an interview.
I highly recommend using eRecruiting to explore opportunities that may be availabe for the semester. Particularly, check eRecruiting at the beginning of the semester as there will be employers that are looking for help for that semester. Oftentimes, after doing some research on eRecruiting you may have to submit an application on the company's website or even contact someone at the company to find out more about the position. Look for opportunities in the area(s) that you are interested in, but don't be turned away if you can't find a job that specifically matches your interests, be open to different experiences and opportunities. Getting work experience in general will look great on your resume and will give you some talking points in an interview.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A change in Direction
I came into college an excited freshman who was pretty sure she wanted to major in psychology and then go on to become a clinical psychologist. The psychology department offers for credit internships and I decided that would be a great way to gain some hands-on experience in the field. Get an internship this summer, you never know how it could change your life!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Spin
A casual conversation with one of my roommates just provided the inspiration for this post. We were talking about interviews and the inevitable questions about prior experience. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself to answer these questions is get solid internships.However, no matter how good your experience may have been, it is critical to present it correctly. Many resources recommend the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Results. Give specific details about the circumstances of your experience and the responsibilities that you were given. Then describe what you did and how your response added value to the company.
It is also important to direct your experience toward the employer with whom you are interviewing. "Spin" your experience in a way that the skills you demonstrated are applicable to the skills required by position that you are applying to. The best way to prepare in this regard is to do company research before the interview. Familiarize yourself with the company, the industry in which it operates, and the specific requirements of the position.
Be sure to visit the Career Center for company and industry information and for interview practice.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Internships: The Good
Internships make amazing doors. Some come with glass windows that allow you to see through, others are solid wood doors so you dont know whats on the other side until you walk through, and a last group is more like a safe door where you really need the combination just to open it.
No matter what type of door stands before you, they always lead to opportunity. At the very least you have one more experience to put on a resume.
Sometimes one internship will lead to the next, either with the same company in subsequent years, or with different companies in the same industry.
One of the best possible outcomes is when your internship turns into a job offer. One of my friends received a $10,000 signing bonus for accepting the job offer from the company she interned with!
Another good possibility is further definition or even a change in your life's goals. Maybe you thought you really wanted to write for a travel journal, but your summer experience made you realize you'd rather write for a political magazine.
Internships also offer exposure to office politics without actually having to be involved. Sometimes this can put you directly in front of executives of the company, which then puts you in great position (if you impress) to pick up another internship or job offer.
No matter what type of door stands before you, they always lead to opportunity. At the very least you have one more experience to put on a resume.
Sometimes one internship will lead to the next, either with the same company in subsequent years, or with different companies in the same industry.
One of the best possible outcomes is when your internship turns into a job offer. One of my friends received a $10,000 signing bonus for accepting the job offer from the company she interned with!
Another good possibility is further definition or even a change in your life's goals. Maybe you thought you really wanted to write for a travel journal, but your summer experience made you realize you'd rather write for a political magazine.
Internships also offer exposure to office politics without actually having to be involved. Sometimes this can put you directly in front of executives of the company, which then puts you in great position (if you impress) to pick up another internship or job offer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)