My junior year is winding down--debate is over for the season, finals are here, and I've started a new summer job with the Census Bureau. Next year is my last at WKU.
Preparing for my senior year is exhausting; I feel slightly overwhelmed with the flood of GREs, grad school applications, and grad classes I'll be taking in addition to my senior courses in undergraduate next semester. Use your summer jobs wisely to make the most on your grad school apps.
There are a few things I'm doing to (hopefully) cut down on my workload. Last summer, I knocked out an internship with Homeland Security. This summer, I'm getting real experience in my future field of political work. As a Census Bureau employee, I'll be receiving training in survey completion, statistics, productivity, and management. Summer is an excellent time to get ahead of the career game by gaining extra skills and experience. And if you're lucky, a paycheck as well.
In both summers, I used Career Services to help me find the perfect summer job. I'd advise students at any level in college to use their services as soon as possible. The sooner, the better!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Starting a New Job
So you got the job, now what? I recently found myself in the same position. After being hired as a US Census Bureau Enumerator and four days of training, I found myself in yet another new position: Crew Leader Assistant. I no longer was in the job I had applied for. Same department, newer job. I'd been selected for a managerial position. New jobs or changes in job positions can be difficult.
New jobs are full of learning new management styles, coworker habits, and job responsibilties. This is such a daunting challenge to adjust that 46% of rookies wash out in the first 18 months and 53% of managers and executives brought on board from outside are gone within a year.
So how do you maintain your new job and make a smooth transition? A CNN interview with large company career specialists provides some tips for making the most out of a new job:
1. Know your responsibilities and the goals your boss expects from your within the first 6 months to a year. Write the timeline down so that you know if you're ahead or behind.
2. Ask questions. If you're trying to "reinvent the wheel" on your own, your manager will wonder why you are wasting so much time. Ask coworkers and your boss if you're having trouble understanding something in the workplace. You're new, so people will understand if you're asking questions.
3. Build good relationships with your coworkers. They'll be more willing to help you out and you'll feel more comfortable. If you encounter hostile attitudes, follow three students: First, try to bring to the surface the reasons behind the attitude. Ask questions to understand what's really going on. Second, change the conversation. Focus on the goals of the group, team, or company. Finally, rise above. Take the high road if all else fails.
New jobs are full of learning new management styles, coworker habits, and job responsibilties. This is such a daunting challenge to adjust that 46% of rookies wash out in the first 18 months and 53% of managers and executives brought on board from outside are gone within a year.
So how do you maintain your new job and make a smooth transition? A CNN interview with large company career specialists provides some tips for making the most out of a new job:
1. Know your responsibilities and the goals your boss expects from your within the first 6 months to a year. Write the timeline down so that you know if you're ahead or behind.
2. Ask questions. If you're trying to "reinvent the wheel" on your own, your manager will wonder why you are wasting so much time. Ask coworkers and your boss if you're having trouble understanding something in the workplace. You're new, so people will understand if you're asking questions.
3. Build good relationships with your coworkers. They'll be more willing to help you out and you'll feel more comfortable. If you encounter hostile attitudes, follow three students: First, try to bring to the surface the reasons behind the attitude. Ask questions to understand what's really going on. Second, change the conversation. Focus on the goals of the group, team, or company. Finally, rise above. Take the high road if all else fails.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Common Mistakes
It's Post-Career Fair season, but the job search may not be over for all of you. After reading a textfromlastnight.com post about a girl who handed out resumes with "Bachelor o farts" (instead of Bachelor of Arts) on them, I thought it was time to post a resume editing entry.
Walk in Wednesdays and scheduled sessions with career counselors can catch many of your errors by getting a fresh pair of professional eyes on your paper. Quintcareers.com offers these helpful Top 10 mistakes to avoid:
1. Lack of focus (An unfocused resume can leave employers confused.)
2. Resumes list responsibilities rather than accomplishments. (Responsibilities are boring and don't showcase your unique talents and skills.)
3. Resume lists items in a way that doesn't catch employers interests. (Our career counselors can help you arrange the most important stuff first.)
4. Resume goes too far back in the past. (Or doesn't have enough in the present!)
5. Resume buries important skills.
6. Resume is not bulleted. (Makes your resume disorganized and hard to follow.)
7. Resume uses an over-used template. (Means your resume won't stand out against the crowd.)
8. Resume lacks keywords. (Our counselors can help you find action-packed keywords in your industry.)
9. Resume contains reference issues. (Sometimes references are not correctly placed on the resume or lack specific necessary information.)
10. Electronic format is off. (Counselors can advise you as to what formats may improve your resume in both print and electronic formatting.)
Career Services Center can help you identify and avoid these mistakes. Call for an appointment or drop in Wednesdays from 10 am-3:30.
**Disclaimer:WKU and the Career Services Center are not affiliated with outside links in any way and are not responsible for the link's content. The article, however, contains useful information relevant to career preparation.
Walk in Wednesdays and scheduled sessions with career counselors can catch many of your errors by getting a fresh pair of professional eyes on your paper. Quintcareers.com offers these helpful Top 10 mistakes to avoid:
1. Lack of focus (An unfocused resume can leave employers confused.)
2. Resumes list responsibilities rather than accomplishments. (Responsibilities are boring and don't showcase your unique talents and skills.)
3. Resume lists items in a way that doesn't catch employers interests. (Our career counselors can help you arrange the most important stuff first.)
4. Resume goes too far back in the past. (Or doesn't have enough in the present!)
5. Resume buries important skills.
6. Resume is not bulleted. (Makes your resume disorganized and hard to follow.)
7. Resume uses an over-used template. (Means your resume won't stand out against the crowd.)
8. Resume lacks keywords. (Our counselors can help you find action-packed keywords in your industry.)
9. Resume contains reference issues. (Sometimes references are not correctly placed on the resume or lack specific necessary information.)
10. Electronic format is off. (Counselors can advise you as to what formats may improve your resume in both print and electronic formatting.)
Career Services Center can help you identify and avoid these mistakes. Call for an appointment or drop in Wednesdays from 10 am-3:30.
**Disclaimer:WKU and the Career Services Center are not affiliated with outside links in any way and are not responsible for the link's content. The article, however, contains useful information relevant to career preparation.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Facebook Love
Recently I added a new friend to my Facebook account. But she is more than a college friend. I see her as a network connection to a potential career choice.
Most students just see Facebook as a way to connect to friends, classmates, and family. Nowadays, it’s a great way to network to potential careers.
I met my new friend a few weeks ago when she came to visit some friends. She works for a company that I would also like to work for one day and for the same job position. She has a ton of advice about the job and will be a great reference when I go to apply.
Next time you log on to Facebook take a look at your friends list. See who is going into what profession, who will be a network tool later in life, and make sure you stay in contact with them. You never know who and when that networking tool will come in handy.
P.S. Make sure that your Facebook page is professional and employer ready. For more information click on the following link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1734920.shtml
Most students just see Facebook as a way to connect to friends, classmates, and family. Nowadays, it’s a great way to network to potential careers.
I met my new friend a few weeks ago when she came to visit some friends. She works for a company that I would also like to work for one day and for the same job position. She has a ton of advice about the job and will be a great reference when I go to apply.
Next time you log on to Facebook take a look at your friends list. See who is going into what profession, who will be a network tool later in life, and make sure you stay in contact with them. You never know who and when that networking tool will come in handy.
P.S. Make sure that your Facebook page is professional and employer ready. For more information click on the following link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1734920.shtml
Major Changes
When I was 5 I wanted to be a vet. At 6 a meteorologist. When I turned 7, an astronaut. Then at 8, a clown.
It’s safe to say that at 22 I still do not know what I want to do for a career. But thanks to Career Services, I know what I like and don’t like as career choices.
Career Services has a program called FOCUS. FOCUS is a self-paced, career guidance tool that can assist you in making some important decisions like choosing an academic major or career path. (From the Career Services Center website).
Remember, it is there to guide you. Focus does not tell you what to do for a job, it makes suggestions for you to decide about. Just because FOCUS suggested that I become a clown does not mean I am going out tomorrow to buy a big red nose. It just means that my personality, values, skills, and work interest match that of a clown. Another way to look at it would be an entertainer.
When you take FOCUS make sure to keep an open mind and make sure you are not in a funk mood. Otherwise, you might be the owner of a bright red nose.
It’s safe to say that at 22 I still do not know what I want to do for a career. But thanks to Career Services, I know what I like and don’t like as career choices.
Career Services has a program called FOCUS. FOCUS is a self-paced, career guidance tool that can assist you in making some important decisions like choosing an academic major or career path. (From the Career Services Center website).
Remember, it is there to guide you. Focus does not tell you what to do for a job, it makes suggestions for you to decide about. Just because FOCUS suggested that I become a clown does not mean I am going out tomorrow to buy a big red nose. It just means that my personality, values, skills, and work interest match that of a clown. Another way to look at it would be an entertainer.
When you take FOCUS make sure to keep an open mind and make sure you are not in a funk mood. Otherwise, you might be the owner of a bright red nose.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Phone Interviews
After applying for and test a civil servant test to become a Census Taker today, I was informed that--if selected--I would be required to complete a phone interview. Now, I tend to think of myself as a whiz at in-person interviews: command of language, engaging personality, ability to sell myself, etc. But never have I had to complete a phone interview.
Some basics to remember:
Some basics to remember:
- Smile as you talk! Even if your interviewer can't see you smiling, it will come through in your voice.
- Keep a resume handy. It will remind you of your achievements and the careful wording you have already worked so hard to perfect.
- Confirm the caller's name and refer to them as Mr./Mrs./Ms. Smith.
- Remember your manners. Thank yous and polite conversation goes a long way; since you can't shake hands, be extra courteous.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Making Choices
I'm applying for a US Census taker position for summer. It offers up to 40 hours a week, a flexible schedule, and experience with a government agency (which is perfect for a PoliSci major like me!), so I'm quite excited about the opportunity.
In career decisions and potential career opportunities, we all have to make critical decisions--where do I apply? What position do I take? Do I take Job A or Job B? Well, I had my first critical decision in a long time. Normally, I plan things out quite well, avoiding as much overlap in scheduling as possible. Unfortunately, this time it was out of my hands.
In order to apply, I have to take a basic competency test (think of a dumbed-down version of the SAT). This test has to be proctored and is only offered on very select dates. It came down to this coming Monday. And although it starts at 11:30am and is only supposed to last one hour, it could last up to two hours.
There's the problem. If the test takes two hours instead of one, I'll miss a volunteer presentation and class. I hate making critical decisions like this... but it had to be done. I have a professional responsibility to the presentation and an academic responsibility to the first day of a bi-term class.
Even still, I weighted the career test with greater importance, asked around for someone to cover the presentation, and emailed my professor that I might be late. Now I'm crossing my fingers and hoping everything goes as planned....a SHORT test and NO traffic so I can be everywhere I need to be when I need to be.
In career decisions and potential career opportunities, we all have to make critical decisions--where do I apply? What position do I take? Do I take Job A or Job B? Well, I had my first critical decision in a long time. Normally, I plan things out quite well, avoiding as much overlap in scheduling as possible. Unfortunately, this time it was out of my hands.
In order to apply, I have to take a basic competency test (think of a dumbed-down version of the SAT). This test has to be proctored and is only offered on very select dates. It came down to this coming Monday. And although it starts at 11:30am and is only supposed to last one hour, it could last up to two hours.
Ruh oh!
There's the problem. If the test takes two hours instead of one, I'll miss a volunteer presentation and class. I hate making critical decisions like this... but it had to be done. I have a professional responsibility to the presentation and an academic responsibility to the first day of a bi-term class.
Even still, I weighted the career test with greater importance, asked around for someone to cover the presentation, and emailed my professor that I might be late. Now I'm crossing my fingers and hoping everything goes as planned....a SHORT test and NO traffic so I can be everywhere I need to be when I need to be.
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