Senior Year Preparation in Summer

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

• 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.
  

In my case, a phone interview DOES NOT lead to an in-person interview like many other phone interviews would...it leads straight to a job. So I have to make this one count if I get a callback.

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.

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.

Peter Pan Leaves WKU

I am the Peter Pan of college. I never want to grow up and leave. I love my classes, the people, the events, and everything else Western has to offer. However, this December I will be forced to ‘walk the plank’ (aka graduation line). Since this date is inevitable, certain plans must be made for the post-academic, demanding, crazy college life.

Some potential options are: grad school, law school, full-time employment, (several) part-time jobs, retail jobs, become a bum, travel through Europe (and maybe never come back), or join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.

A way to sort out your future career goals is to speak to your Career Counselor at Career Services Center. Your career counselor is kind of like your academic advisor. Except they help you find jobs and narrow down a career choice. They can also help with picking a major that is right for you.

If you are someone like me, and has no idea of what type of career you want, then set up an appointment with a Career Counselor today. Because I don’t think Tinker Bell has any fairy dust to help.

Spiderman Unemployed & Finding Your Career

Marvel Comics is firing Spiderman! The famous Peter Parker will now join the ranks of the unemployed.

If you're finding yourself reevaluating your career outlook like Spiderman, WKU Career Services offers the FOCUS program to help redefine your career goals. FOCUS offers five interest assessments: work interests, leisure, skills, personality, and values. The inventory takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. You can stop at any point and log back it at any point.

Afterwards, you can research which careers best fit your inventory. FOCUS can cross apply your inventories and help narrow down which careers fit you best. Go to www.wku.edu/career, click on Topjobs Student Login then FOCUS to get started.

Strategic Volunteering

Unemployment was at 9.8% in February, remaining devastatingly high for more than 6 months. Jobs after graduating aren't guaranteed. What can you do to stand out in the crowd of applicants?

Volunteer!

The Wall Street Journal posted an article today, documenting the story of Angela Dorsey, an unemployed MBA/MS. Angela, like many other well-educated individuals, is back in the job search field after the recession. During her time of unemployment, Angela engaged in what she called "strategic volunteering." She identified the companies she wanted to work for, then strategically narrowed down volunteer activities that were in line with these positions.

Students and alum can follow this same pattern no matter what stage of career prep they are in.

1. Identify what field you want to work in. List 5-15 notable companies/organizations of varying sizes within that field that are nearby
   
2. What skills. projects, and activities are consistent with this field and the companies you listed? Research and list.
   
3. Call the companies and ask about volunteer opportunities or ask around in the community about similar opportunities.
   
4. Pick 1-3 of these activities (depending on amount of time required) and actively contribute

As you volunteer more time, try to pick up more responsibility. Go beyond desk work and find a position that will allow you to show creativity, determination, and drive. Check out the WKU Alive Center for more ideas.

Some ideas to consider:

1. Free tutoring after school at local elementary schools, working at The Learning Center, or assisting in test prep for high schoolers
2. Volunteering at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore Center (Business majors and environmentalists alike)
3. Working at a homeless shelter or transitional housing project (public policy, social policy, sociologists, etc)
4. Volunteering at the local animal shelter (Pre-vet). The local shelters are always looking for help!
5. Take a look at Bowling Green's Youth Mentoring opportunities
6. Volunteer with the Police Department

**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.

5 Best Fields For Paid Internships

Looking for a paid internship? Bankrate.com compiled the best 5 fields for paying internships and provides links to search engines in those areas.

They are:

• Banking (up to $30/hour)
  
• Government ($10-25/hour)
• Communications and Social Media ($11/hour)
• Accounting ($25/hour)
• Information Technology ($19-29)

As an rising Junior, I landed an internship in Government with the US Department of Homeland Security, earning $500/week or approximately $12/hour for 40 hours a week. For me, a paid internship was a must. I was not financially able to take 10 weeks out of my summer without getting paid for it. If you're in the physical sciences, take a look into the numerous National Labs across the country. I was stationed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory just outside of Knoxville, TN. They're renowned for hosting nuclear, chemical, and mechanical engineering majors, future math teachers, and those in the social sciences.

If paid internships are your thing, browse the links in Bankrate.com's article or--better yet--call Career Services Center for a personalized meeting.


**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.

Advice for the Unemployed and Job Seeking

For those who have recently been laid off, downsized, or are just plain out of work, these helpful tips can improve your chances of standing out from the crowd.


From resume preparation, career fairs, waiting for callbacks, and selling yourself in the interview, entering the workforce can be an intimidating time. Click here for advice on how to make it a little easier.


**Disclaimer:WKU and the Career Services Center are not affiliated with Suite 101(the link) in any way and are not responsible for its content. The article, however, is written by a Peer Career Counselor (Sarah Spiker) and contains useful information relevant to career preparation.

Resume Design Tips

Resume design is an important part of the presentation process. A modern, yet professional design scheme can increase a resume's attractiveness and add to its content.

A cohesive design strategy can augment the content of the resume itself, while a shoddy or plain document can force the content to fade into the background of an employers choice of potential picks. Use the handy design tips on color, simplicity, font types, balance, paper choice, and white space at my article on Suite101** to brighten up a boring resume.

If you need assistance with the content of the resume, stop by Career Services for informational handouts and schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor. Or, simply pop on by on Walk in Wednesdays for assistance...no appointment needed!


**Disclaimer:WKU and the Career Services Center are not affiliated with Suite 101 in any way and are not responsible for its content. The article, however, is written by a Peer Career Counselor (Sarah Spiker) and contains useful information relevant to career preparation.

Walk in Wednesdays

Need a resume edited? Need to polish up that Cover Letter? Then hop on over to Career Services in DUC A230* every Wednesday from 10:00am-3:30pm, no appointment required.

Peer Career Counselors-- like myself-- and the Career Services Staff can help you improve resumes and cover letters.

Things to bring:

• Hard copy (paper) of your resume/cover letter--not a digital copy. If you bring a digital, we'll ask you to print it out.
  
• A list of your volunteer activities, work experience, awards, and extra curriculars
• A list of 300-400 level classes you have taken/are taking in your major or field that relate to your intended job
• The job description of the job you are applying for (helps us focus your resume). If you don't know, bring a sample of a job you'd like to eventually have.

Now, be careful...we don't do your resume for you. But we can help you edit. Having a perfectly polished resume will make you stand out in the selection process and get a call back for an interview.

*DUC A230 is across from Southwest, in DUC, but up the hill from the food court. Enter the doors in DUC nearest to the Bate Shop.

Starting an Internship Search

Internships can drastically improve your chances of being hired after you graduate because they provide experience and familiarity with the day-to-day operations of your field. However, beginning an internship search can be a daunting task. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for before starting your search, you can improve your chances of success in finding one that meets your needs.

There are a few essential questions to ask yourself before starting. Keeping a list of preferences will help you narrow your selection down and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

• Do you know what field you want your internship to be in? If you’re thinking about changing your major, talk to the Career Services Staff. If you have a concentration within your major that you really enjoy, you may want to seek out organizations in that same vein. For example, if you are a political science major with a concentration in non-profit organizations, you may want to seek out child advocacy non-profit groups and shadow an employee in the field.

• What size of business? Does the size of the organization matter to you? If you’ve always pictured yourself in a small-town business environment, a large corporate business background may help you gain experience, but it may not satisfy your individual needs. Search for opportunities with organizations that fit with your vision of a company.

• Paid or unpaid? Can you afford to take time off your normal job to pick up an unpaid internship? While some internships are paid and highly competitive, many are unpaid. Be realistic in narrowing your selection down. If possible, evaluate the quality of the experience rather than the amount of money you’ll make as a result.

• How long, when, and where? Depending on the number of hours per week, some students take their internship concurrently with academic classes while others use Summer and Winter Terms. If you’re looking for out of state opportunities, can you afford a standard living in the area? Be sure to factor in financial obligations before accepting a position out of state.

• Do you want academic credit? Many departments offer internship credit within your major. If departmental credit is not available, you can still qualify for COOP 200 credit from Career Services.

• What skills do you want to learn or use? Watch out for glorified desk clerk positions! Before applying or accepting a position, ask your potential internship coordinator onsite what type of work you will be performing. Does the description fit with your coursework? At the end of the internship, you want experience in the field not just in answering phones. (Although that may be an important part, especially if you’re in sales.)

There are many questions to ask yourself before beginning your search. These are just a few that may apply to your field and major. You can also go to Career Services Center to receive assistance.