Working in a Winter Wonderland

Your last final ends. You've already packed up your belongings and can’t wait to get home. Your friend drops you off at the airport. The crying baby behind you and the deodorant-less man to your right on the plane do not even faze you. You’re going home for the holidays! Winter break. Movies, cookies, friends you haven’t seen in awhile, extended family gatherings, and no schoolwork. Nothing to do but relax.

Fast-forward three weeks. You've caught up on every TV show you managed to miss out on during the semester, you successfully creeped on all 859 of your Facebook friends, and posted some funny tweets that got a favorite or two; you are now 15 pounds heavier and you’re sitting on your coach ‘relaxing.’ This relaxation turns into a WTH moment as you realize there are still two weeks left of break and you have nothing to do. Your friends start to head back to school, your family goes back to work, and you sit on that dang couch you've sunken into at this point, watching reruns of Friends to pass the time, wiping off the cookie crumbs on your chest. There aren't even any more cookies.

Don’t let this be you. Relax, yes. Give up all priorities and motivation, along with basic hygiene practices in an effort to relax, no. At least have a backup plan to help pass some inevitable downtime. Maybe a household project? A work out plan? Better yet, how about some preparation for the next year? Last resort it may be, but it could really set a solid foundation for the next semester. 

• Update your resume. 
• Create a LinkedIn profile. 
• Order some business cards.
•  Look up some possible job offers or internship opportunities that interest you.

Try and hit the ground running when you come back to UT! I hope everyone has an incredible Holiday break, and good luck on finals! I’ll be bothering you with more blog posts in 2013!

Make the Most of Your Semester Break

You have finished with your finals and all you want to do is to go home for the holidays, sleep in and enjoy being with your family.  Pretty soon it is January 2, 2013, and now what?  You have 20 days until classes resume.  Here are a few suggestions for you to make this your most productive semester break ever!

Job Shadow – Make some calls to see if you can arrange a job shadowing experience.  Job shadowing is a great way to gain knowledge and insight into a specific career field.

Informational Interview – Conducting an informational interview has proven to be very successful in gathering information about a particular career field and also expands your network.  Check out our sample questions and how to go about finding opportunities.

Network – When you attend family gatherings and parties, prepare a two minute summary about yourself so that if someone asks you if you are looking for an internship or what you plan to do with your life after graduation, you can give a summary of your career goals and interests.  There are many possible networking connections through family and friends.

Internship/Job Search -Take some time to look at HIRE-UT to check out possible internships and jobs for next semester.  Look at the dates for career and internship fairs and make a note of them in your calendar.  Now is the time to plan some effective networking strategy.

Resume/Cover Letter – If you don’t have a resume prepared, create one!  The Office of Career Services has some excellent resources available on the Job Search Toolbox portion of our website.  Spend some time writing your resume and once you return to campus in January, you can come to our office for a resume review.  We have walk-in hours Monday through Thursday from 3-5 pm beginning the first week of classes.

So give yourself the best gift possible – and invest some time in your career planning!

Enjoy the winter break!

Here's my Card, Call me Maybe?

“Here’s my card,” I answer, as I smoothly reach into my left pocket and pull out a stainless steel cardholder. I flip open the top and swiftly slide out a card. I smile politely, handing off my personal identifier to what could be my future employer. I take note of the facial expressions; the eyebrows slightly arch, pulling the forehead muscles together and the head gives a faint nod of approval. I can tell they’re impressed. Mission accomplished, I think to myself. With a brief shake of the hand and soft smile to bid farewell, I turn and walk the other way playing it off as though I've worked in this field for years.

Business cards are an easy and cheap yet professional and powerful marketing tool. As I pointed out in a previous blog post, and as I’m sure you've been told a thousand times already, it’s not what you know but who you know. Keeping track of individuals you've met and allowing them to have a tangible item in return that explains you is the best method for networking. Business cards are convenient. Plus, handing a stranger a resume on a plane or at a sporting event in hopes of gaining an ‘in’ with the individual is quite comical and inappropriate.

Now you’re probably thinking, why do I need a business card? What would it even say? Just because you don’t have a full time job or internship, doesn't mean you shouldn't have a business card. As a busy student constantly engaging in new activities and meeting new people along the way, college is the perfect time to start creating a professional network. Business cards assist in branding yourself while making successful connections. It can be as short and sweet as name, major, email, phone number, and expected graduation date. Don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if there is no real substance to your card; your basic contact information is all it takes to obtain a connection. Look at it this way: If you didn’t have a business card and someone asks for your contact information, would you be more or less embarrassed scribbling it down on a nearby napkin or scrap piece of paper?

Business cards are the perfect supplement to a great first impression and make you appear more professional. Vistaprint is a great place to order your first business cards; you can even get basic designs free of charge (and no, Vistaprint is not paying me for including them in this post). Just remember to use a solid email address, not your school one. What happens after you graduate and start making more professional connections? Once you receive them, carry them with you at all times. You never know where you might run into someone of interest.

Share your contact information, network, and start establishing your personal brand. Get a hold of some business cards, as soon as possible, and enjoy the impressed responses you’ll receive from potential employers.

(Source)

Is the Economy Turning for Upcoming UT Graduates?

The economy was a major focal point for the presidential race and has continued to be for the country as a whole.   Recent numbers indicate that a slow but steady economic upturn are just around the corner.   This past Sunday, the St. Petersburg Times and TBO.com shared several success stories of local Tampa Bay area businesses as well as possible business relocating to this region.   Staying current with the local economy is a critical strategy in your search for a full-time job or internship.   Local resources such as the newspapers, business journals and even on campus programming, can lead you right to the companies who are hiring despite everything you have heard in the media.   Check out these great stories below.  

Three financial firms may inject 1,000 higher-wage jobs in Tampa Bay area

Tampa-based Webjet.com takes off

Veterans Day

November 11 marks the observance of Veterans Day.  It was originally designated “Armistice Day” after the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.  Since the fighting in World War I ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,  November 11, 1919 was proclaimed the first commemoration of Armistice Day.  In 1954, legislation was passed to honor veterans of all wars, and November 11 was designated as an official federal holiday – Veterans Day –  to honor American veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The University of Tampa is a proud participant of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program and has been recognized as a Military Friendly School.  In addition, the Office of Career Services has identified some specific Veteran Student Resources for our veteran students including tips on translating military skills and experiences into a functional resume.  

This year on  Veterans Day, say thank you to a veteran for his or her service. 

Dining Etiquette

Our annual Etiquette Dinner will be held on Friday, November 9^th in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club.  We expect over 150 students and 20 employer partners who will host the students at their tables for the meal.  Virginia Edwards, a nationally recognized etiquette and protocol expert, will again be the featured speaker.  In her October newsletter, she included a list of “Five Dining Ifs” that she allowed me to share with you.  These tips and many more will be shared at the dinner this Friday night.  If you haven’t made a reservation for this year, we’ll see you next year!

  

Five Dining Ifs

Handling oneself at the table during a business meal can be nerve racking.  Like anything else you have accomplished, it requires practice.  Here are just a few things to remember.

ü If your soup or beverage is too hot, do not blow on it or fish ice out of your water glass to cool it down.  It can be cooled by stirring with a spoon or left to cool naturally.

ü If you tend to “talk with your hands”, do not do so while holding your fork or knife.

ü If you are finished eating, do not push your plate away.  Leave it where placed when served.  Place your fork and knife in the “I’m finished” position as a signal to your server to remove the plate and utensils.

ü If you are not drinking coffee, do not turn your cup upside down in the saucer.  Place two fingers on the rim as the server approaches and say “No thank you.”

ü If you have separation anxiety when it comes to your cell phone, leave it turned off in your pocket when dining.  Even on vibrate it can be a distraction to you and to your dining companions as you constantly silence the buzz.

Don’t bring out your “manners” just for business occasions.  Practice makes perfect so remember to use proper dining skills at every meal.

What Students are Looking for in an Employer- Do you agree?

Recently, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shared responses from the 2012 Student Survey of what new graduates seek in their employers.   The results have been summarized into 4 key areas below.

•  Students want to hear directly from the company and its reps via on campus programs.   Common ways this is accomplished at UT are through Open Houses, Job Fairs, Workshops and Student Organization Meetings.
• Reinforcing this branding messages through multiple resources is often the key.  These trusted contacts could be fellow students, Career Services reps, family members and faculty.
• Have a great intern program as an introduction to the company.   Key focus should be given to conducting PAID internships and internships that have project level work.  Must be meaningful experience.
• Benefits packages are becoming increasingly important as students enter the world of work.

 Do you agree with these key focus areas?   Are there other things you look for in a company when seeking a job or internship?   Comments are open, share your thoughts!

Spring Registration

It’s time to pre-register for Spring semester classes and you are still exploring majors.  What classes should I take?  What courses would be a good fit for my tentative major?  These are just a few of the questions that might be going through your head as registration time nears.  The Office of Career Services can help you narrow down your major choices and along with your adviser  assist you in identifying classes that will be helpful in making your decision.

As mentioned in a previous post, we have many useful resources on our Career and Major Exploration page that will help you look at your options.   First year students will begin registration on November 12,  and the Office of Career Services is hosting a “Looking for a Major” workshop on Wednesday, October 31 at 5:00 pm in RIVC 102.  Please join me as we talk about registration, how to navigate the catalog and find the major requirements, and discuss your concerns about choosing the major and career that is just right for you!  After the workshop, I will be available to answer individual questions and also schedule follow-up appointments to discuss your career/major options.  I hope to see you at the workshop!

Introducing Yourself to Success

Your heart races and palms begin to sweat as you’re overcome with an adrenaline rush coated with embarrassment and stupidity. You awkwardly ask the person you’ve met previously how they’re doing, and hope they can’t tell you failed to uphold one of the most basic business etiquette principles: you forgot their name. The conversation is forced as you struggle to come up with the name and how you’ve met them...no luck.

There are methods that can be used to save yourself, but the biggest priority should be making sure it doesn’t happen again. The importance of remembering someone’s name when you meet him or her can be critical, especially in today’s increasingly competitive world of business. Remembering a name allows you to come across as a more professional and reliable individual; not to mention, nearly everyone likes hearing the sound of his or her name.

Half the time, as we’re meeting someone for the first time, we stress about giving a firm handshake or worry about what to say next, only concerned with introducing ourselves. I confidently go for the handshake, reminding myself of what to say next. “Hi, I’m PK,” I say proudly. Then we tend to think about how firm of a handshake it was, whether or not we gave off a great first impression, or even criticize their handshake (your hand may be throbbing from an aggressive shake or you laugh to yourself because of how dainty it felt). At this point, the other person has already introduced his or herself and you just smile politely, now beating yourself up inside because you completely missed their name. 

Listen, relax, and just like shampooing your hair, repeat! Repeat the person’s name. This could be in your head, but make sure to say it once more aloud and in a less menacing voice than Anna Faris. Maybe ask how it is spelled or if there is any cultural history behind it. Even attach the person’s name to an image. Attaching memory cues to the name is going to help with memorization since our mind learns through images, actions, and emotions, as opposed to verbal cues.

If you find yourself struggling, don’t panic. You can still pull out your bag of tricks to redeem yourself. Try introducing a third party whose name you DO know. Hopefully, the mystery person will reintroduce him or herself, saving you from an awkward encounter. If it is someone you met at a networking event or less than two times, reintroduce yourself and recognize the previous encounter. “Hi, I’m PK. I believe we met before.” Chances are they’re facing the same dilemma as you and will greatly appreciate the easy out you just provided. Another approach is to just skip the introduction all together and ask them how they are doing. They may sense you forgot their name, but will not be able to prove it unless they directly ask. Just remember, NEVER commit to a name unless you’re positive; otherwise, congratulations, you just took part in the epitome of an awkward situation.

The next time you’re introducing yourself try and truly relax, listen to what they have to say, and repeat their name. This could make or break any possible job opportunities, reflect poorly or positively on your professionalism, and worst or best of all, generate that inner sense of disappointment or achievement in yourself.

[Source]

Job Fair Follow-up

Our fall semester Professional Job Fair was last week, and the question that many students are probably asking themselves is, “Now what?!”  If you’re a few semesters away from graduation and you attended the fair just to get a sense of what to expect, now is the time to prepare for next semester’s Internship Fair and/or Career Expo.  If you are graduating this year, you should doing your company research and preparing for interviews.  Whichever situation is yours, get your professional wardrobe ready—See last week’s blog for tips for success!  The number one complaint we heard from employers after the job fair was that many students weren't professionally dressed.  You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a good one!

Get your “elevator speech” ready for introductions either at a career fair or during the interview where the most common question you may be asked is, “Tell me about yourself.”  Research the companies that you are interested in, either before attending a career fair or in preparation for applying for a job or internship.  The second most popular question an interviewer will ask you (in some form or another), is “What do you know about my company or organization?”  If you can’t shine here, the interview is going downhill fast.  Our website has a whole section devoted to interviewing under the Job Search Toolbox tab.  There is even a link to Optimal Resume where you can practice your interview skills online, use a webcam to capture your responses, view your performance, and share it with others for a critique.

If you met a few people at the job fair that you would like to follow up with, send them an email thanking them for attending the job fair and reiterating your interest in their company or organization.  Include something personal that might make them remember you, something that you talked about at the fair.  Include another copy of your resume or perhaps a revised copy that is more targeted to a specific job, and ask for either an informational interview to learn more about the company or a formal interview for a potential job. 

Now what?  NOW is the time to follow up!  Good luck!

Professional Job Fair Reminder

Dress for Success: Career Fair Attire

The Professional Job Fair is only a few days away! Appropriate attire is a key ingredient to effectively navigating a career fair – after all, this is often an employer’s first impression of you! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled some tips on how to dress for success.

When attending a career fair, business professional attire is suggested.

Business professional attire for women:

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. If wearing a skirt suit be sure that the skirt is knee level or slightly above – no short skirts! Also, be sure to wear a tailored blouse underneath. Avoid low-cut tops.
• Closed-toe leather pumps with low to medium heels.
• Jewelry – generally, a good rule-of-thumb is no more than three pieces of jewelry (e.g., earrings, watch, and ring). Jewelry should be understated and appropriate for the workplace.
• In addition, make sure your make-up and nail polish is neutral and professional. 

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

Business professional attire for men:

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. 
• Long-sleeved starched oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue.
• Conservative necktie in color and pattern.
• Dress shoes – make sure your shoes are polished and well-maintained (i.e., no holes!).
• Over-the-calf dark socks.

Additional tips to remember:

• A friendly smile and eye contact will make you stand out!;
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (no backpack);
• Well-groomed hairstyle - avoid unusual styles & colors;
• Wear minimal cologne or perfume;
• No visible body piercing or body art;
• Bring breath mints; use one before greeting recruiter. Do not chew gum!  

Career Services Resource Spotlight: American City Business Journals (online)

The University of Tampa offers students online access to The Tampa Bay Business Journal, including the popular “Book of Lists” resource that is published each year.  To access The Tampa Bay Business Journal – or any of the 39 other American City Business Journals titles – simply log on to the UT library databases and select “American City Business Journals” from the database list. Business journals contain a wealth of information related to a particular metropolitan area and provide comprehensive coverage of the latest business news. With numerous metropolitan areas (e.g., Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Phoenix, Sacramento, South Florida, Washington, etc.) to choose from, this online resource is an ideal choice for job-seekers who are targeting their job search in certain locations. 

Once you have selected a business journal, you have the option to view or download the current issue or previous issues. 

Business journals are a great way for job-seekers to:

·         Increase knowledge of certain industries and trends in a particular city;

·         Conduct company research;

·         Find networking opportunities;

·         Identify growing companies that are hiring;

·         Find job openings that may not be advertised on mainstream websites; and

·         Prepare for interviews.

One of the most popular resources is the “Book of Lists” which is published each year. In this special edition, Business Journals highlight their weekly industry and employer lists.

I hope you find this online resource helpful in your job search process!

Grad School- Writing a Personal Statement

It’s that time of the semester when many seniors begin to consider seriously the graduate school application process.  One of the most common elements of the application is the “statement of purpose” or “personal statement.” They can come in many styles and sizes, but the most common is very open-ended and asks the candidate to tell why he or she is interested in this particular degree or program and what its completion will mean to the candidate.  The most crucial word here is “personal.”   Not only must it be a well-crafted essay with no spelling or grammatical errors, but it must also convey to the reader(s) a sense of who you are and what makes you unique.   A quick Google search will give you lots of advice about writing a personal statement, and once you’ve written your first draft, the Saunders Writing Center on campus is a great place for a free critique.  The Office of Career Services offers an “Applying to Graduate or Professional School” workshop each semester—for fall semester, it will be Wednesday, October 10^th at 5 p.m. in Riverside 102.  It’s a 45-minute overview of the application process with hints and websites to help you find the information you need.  One of the handouts, I always use is taken from Perfect Personal Statements by Mark Alan Stewart and gives the “Top 10 Rules to Write By” for your personal statement.

1)            DO strive for depth rather than breadth; narrow your focus to one or two themes, ideas or experiences.

2)            DO tell the reader what no other applicant will honestly be able to say.

3)            DO provide the reader with insight into what drives you—what makes you tick.

4)            DO be yourself rather than pretending to be the ideal applicant.

5)            DO get creative and imaginative, especially in your opening remarks.

6)            DO address the particular school’s unique features that attract you.

7)            DO focus on the affirmative in the personal statement itself; consider an addendum to explain deficiencies or blemishes.

8)            DO evaluate your experiences rather than merely recounting them.

9)            DO enlist others to proofread you essay for grammar, syntax, punctuation, word usage and style.

10)         DO use a highly-readable typeface with conventional spacing and margins.

Is graduate school right for me?

Where should I apply?

When should I apply?

How will I pay for grad school?

What tests do I have to take?

Come to our workshop on October 10th to help you find the answers to these and other questions you may have about applying to graduate or professional school!

                   

Internship Fair Today

Building Your Professional Network Using LinkedIn

If you have not yet taken advantage of all the features of LinkedIn, you may be wondering what the benefits are. While there are many benefits to LinkedIn, I want to highlight three distinct features: Contacts, Groups, and Companies.  LinkedIn offers you the ability to manage your online professional profile while connecting with colleagues, classmates, professors, community members, and employers. These Contacts are great resources for learning more about fields of study, industries, or job responsibilities. Many students utilize these connections when they want to conduct information interviews or learn more about certain industries or employers.

In addition to connecting with people, I highly recommend that students join Groups that are relevant to their career path or interests. To find appropriate groups, simply use the search feature to locate national, regional, and local groups of interest. Depending on how a group is structured, you may have to be granted acceptance before you can participate in the group. Be sure to read the description of the group before you select “join group” to ensure the purpose of the group aligns with your needs. Once you are a member of a group, you will have access to discussions, member information, jobs, and more!

The final feature I recommend to students is the Companies area. This is a great way to follow companies of interest. Locating specific companies is similar to finding groups – simply use the search feature in the companies section to see if an employer you are interested in has a LinkedIn page. To connect with a company, select “follow company.” Following companies ensures that you will receive their updates. Of course, one of best benefits to following companies is to learn about career opportunities.

For more tips and strategies on how to network on LinkedIn, click here.

Web resources for Career Exploration

At least once a day, a student will tell me that he or she has chosen a particular major, but then the next question is “What can I do with this major?”  Sound familiar? The Office of Career Services would like to share some great web resources that will help you explore possible career paths for your major.

On our career and major exploration site, we have links to “What Can I Do With This Major?” along with links to several government websites such as O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

Maybe you know a specific career that interests you, but you don’t know much about that job.  O*Net Online is a terrific source  and can give you information about the knowledge, skills and abilities  needed for a particular career, as well as the projected salary and outlook for the next ten years.  For example, a recent search for an event planner showed a “bright outlook” for that career in the future.   It’s very easy to search with a key word, or you can type in a particular career in the box that says “I want to be a….” .

On “What Can I Do With This Major?” you will find information on the major along with numerous links to various professional organizations associated with that major.  If you look up Psychology, you will find links to the American Psychological Association, Society for Human Resources Management, and the American Counseling Association, just to name a few.  This site is full of useful information.

So do some web surfing that will benefit you, and find information on your particular major and related careers so that the next time someone asks you, “What are you going to do with that major?” – you will have a good answer!  If you have any questions about these resources or any other career or major exploration questions, please feel free to schedule an appointment with a career counselor to talk about your options!

  

Building Your Profile on LinkedIn

One of the most popular social networking tools for students and professionals is LinkedIn. LinkedIn offers you the ability to manage your online professional profile while connecting with colleagues, classmates, professors, community members, and employers. If you have not yet created a LinkedIn profile, or would like to enhance your existing profile, here are some tips:

1. Ensure your profile headline is informative and professional.
2. Include a professional photo. Ideally photos should be high-quality, close range (think headshot), and free of distractions - including other people or pets! If you do not have a professional headshot, the Office of Career Services will be taking pictures for students’ LinkedIn profiles at the Professional Job Fair (October 17, 2012) and the Etiquette Dinner (November 9, 2012). If you are interested in learning more about the Etiquette Dinner please stop by the Office of Career Services (RIVC 116) for registration information.
3. Highlight your education. Include information about your degree, major or concentration, minor (if applicable), GPA, and honors/awards.
4. Document your experience. Include part-time, full-time, and internship positions. Seek recommendations from employers, colleagues, and supervisors at each position.
5. Customize your public profile URL within the account settings section. Your public profile URL should be professional in nature (e.g., contain elements of your name or initials) so that you can refer others to view your profile online. 

For more tips and strategies on how to build your profile on LinkedIn, click here.

Reminder: Meet the Firms

Networking With Your Peers

It’s the first day of class, and there are two types of situations the average person finds themselves in, regardless of their year in school. 

One: You walk in, hoping you’ll see a friend you recognize. No luck. You contemplate where to sit. First row screams suck up; last row implies you’re a slacker. You slowly slip into the nearest seat in the middle row, hoping no one noticed the little debacle that just took place in your head. You attempt to pay attention to the professor, take a few notes, all the while thinking about your plans for the night. Your stomach begins to rumble and by the time class has ended your notebook is filled with a few doodles and you bolt out of the classroom without saying one word. 

The second scenario: You walk in, sit by a friend, and manage to briefly catch up between the doodles and the hunger pains. The rest of the scenario stays the same, but instead, the two of you bolt out of the door together without interacting with any of the other students in the classroom.

What you didn’t realize before you fled from the room to grab that Chick-Fil-A sandwich is the person sitting in front of you, just so happens to work for the Tampa Bay Lightning, your dream internship. Did I mention the person behind you is the recruitment chair for the fraternity you are interested in? Oh, and your professor worked for Apple before choosing to teach at UT and has more than enough connections to get you a full-time job after graduation. The point is we go to class because we have to. I’m guilty of it too. Do you really think I want to sit through two accounting classes as an International Business and Marketing major? But since we have to attend class to receive that prestigious degree, why not make the most of the time in class? Interact with your peers. Networking does not just mean meeting professionals in your field of study. Take advantage of your college experience, and get to know people!

I would not have received any internship positions if I just went through the motions in class. Luckily, I took SPE 208 early on with Dr. Callahan, who emphasized the importance of networking with your peers. So the next time your stomach is making creepy noises that you’re hoping no one can hear; take the time to introduce yourself to individuals in the class, and even meet with the professor afterwards. The cliché saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” has a lot of substance to it; however, I like to think of it as, who you know may get you the job, but what you know will allow you to maintain the position and work your way up. Remember a balance between knowing people and knowing the material is the key to being successful.

Law School Fair

Spartan Street Fair

Positive News on the Job Front

It seems that the job market for recent grads has been one of fewer opportunities and the cause for major stress over the past few years.   While TheUniversity of Tampa continues to see a high percentage of its graduates attaining full time employment or acceptance to graduate schools, more positive signs on a national level should help to ease the pressure.   According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) , the job market for college graduates continues its upward trend as employers responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2013 survey at this early juncture expect to increase hiring by 12.2 percent.  It’s important to note that the data presented here are preliminary and will likely change by the time the survey is completed in September. Still, while not complete, the preliminary data offer early insight into the climate of the job market for the Class of 2013.  

So far, the projected overall hiring increase exceeds the plans of employers last year when they estimated a hiring bump of 9.5 percent. Furthermore, this year, only 8 percent of respondents are reporting they will decrease college hiring, the smallest percentage since 2007. 

One area that has remained the same among the Class of 2013 and the previous two classes are the degrees that are most in demand, which include: Finance, Accounting, Computer science, Electrical engineering, and Mechanical engineering.  

The Office of Career Services has a full slate of events this year to help connect you with opportunities and companies to network with.   The calendar of current events is available in HIRE-UT.  

Part-Time Job Fair Tomorrow

We Want You Back

The Office of Career Services has developed a new program this year to reward you for attending our events.  Make sure to grab your Career Services Card at our next event and begin earning stamps!

With the RNC right in our own back yard (literally and figuratively!), I can imagine that it may have some sparked some additional interest in working for or with a government agency.   This semester we anticipate having the State Department at our Professional Job Fair on October 17th (1-3:30 p.m. in Fletcher Lounge), and the CIA and FBI are conducting a workshop/panel discussion on careers in the US Intelligence Community on Wednesday, November 7th (5-5:45 p.m. in Riverside 102).  It’s always beneficial if you can meet someone face to face, so be sure to check HIRE-UT regularly for other opportunities to interact with these and other employers.

Here’s a list of websites that may get you started—it’s by no means exhaustive but will hopefully provide you with a place to start.  Good luck!  (And, of course, we’ll start with the RNC and DNC websites!)

www.gop.com/jobs

www.democrats.org/contact/about_jobs

http://www.usajobs.gov                        Official website for the federal government

http://www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs     Student and entry-level federal jobs

http://www.makingthedifference.org

http://www.usa.gov     

www.usaid.gov/careers                       US Agency for International Development

www.cia.gov/careers                           Central Intelligence Agency

www.fbijobs.gov                                  Federal Bureau of Investigation

www.dia.mil                                         Defense Intelligence Agency

www.federalreserve.gov                     Federal Reserve System, Board of Governors

www.gao.gov                                      Government Accountability Office

www.jobs.irs.gov                                 Internal Revenue Service

www.nsa.gov                                      National Security Agency

www.tva.gov                                       Tennessee Valley Authority

www.state.gov/careers                       US Department of State

www.house.gov                                  US House of Representatives

www.senate.gov                                 US Senate

www.dcjobs.com                                 Jobs in and around DC

www.hillzoo.com                                 Jobs and internships on Capitol Hill

www.opajobs.com                              Opportunities in Public Affairs (Fee-based)

www.thehill.com           

Picture by Jim Reed

Welcome

Welcome back! I hope you had a great break and are ready for another successful semester.  Thanks for visiting the Office of Career Services blog, Spartan Careers.  The mission of this blog is to provide students with the resources and information that they need to guide them through the career development process. The goal is to provide students with a central place to go when they are in need of information.  This blog will be updated a couple of times a week, so check back often. 

We hope you have a great semester....Go Spartans!