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.