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 a helpful networking and research tool during the job search process!

 

Katie Meyer-Griffith

Associate Director of Graduate Career Services & Strategic Initiatives

Office of Career Services, The University of Tampa

Start of the Spring Semester the Right Way

There are many thoughts that may go through a student’s head when beginning college. Many students are worried about making new friends, being away from home and on their own for the first time, finding independence, choosing a major, re-creating one’s self-image, time management, - the list goes on and on. With everything else going on during this major life transition, staying career focused is often times pushed to the back burner.

It is completely normal for students to go through this transitional period – but at some point it is crucial for a student to re-focus on his or her goals, and the sooner the better. We have often times hear the expression “You get what you put into it”, and that is true for college as well. This is the time period for you to gain as much knowledge and experience as you can in order to make yourself marketable to the work force when it is time for you to graduate.

The University Of Tampa Office Of Career Services offers an amazing workshop called “What Makes YOU Stand Out?” in order to help students with setting themselves above other candidates when applying for jobs. One of the questions that this workshop helps answer is “Why should a company hire you over all of the other job candidates?” Think about it – there are thousands of students in your graduating class, all taking similar classes, all competing for the same jobs as yourself upon graduation. It is your time to differentiate yourself.

A professor of mine, who used to hire for the previous company that he worked for, told my class that having a high GPA is noteworthy, but if all that candidate did was take classes then he usually wouldn’t hire that person. He told our class that he would much rather hire a candidate with a lower GPA (note: a 3.5 compared to a 4.0) who is well rounded and that gives of him or herself. He mentioned that students should join organizations, volunteer, and be involved with things that are going on. He said that doing things like those mentioned above prove that the candidate is dedicated to working without compensation, can work with and get along with other people, and has great time management.

But, where to start? The University of Tampa offers a plethora of resources that are great to help create a well-rounded, one-of-a-kind student. There are over one hundred clubs and organizations at The University of Tampa and many more resources. Getting involved gives you the opportunity to take leadership roles, network and gain experience in your field. Getting involved on campus will also give you more experience to put on your resume in order for you to land your first position.

Remember that it is a process to build your resume, get experience, and show employers that you are who they should hire. Get started as soon as you can and when it is time to graduate you will be prepared for what is next to come.

Tori Williams

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

 

 

Internship Fair Prep 101

Experience is vital when applying for post-graduate positions. However, getting your foot in the door can be easier said than done these days. While competition remains heavy in a world enthralled with tech savvy young adults with high ambitions, how can students ensure they gain the proper experience necessary to get hired?

 Internship fairs are a great chance for students to not only get the chance to gain experience, but also to network and practice “selling themselves” to employers. Preparation is key here. With The University of Tampa’s Internship Fair coming up on February 2^nd, students should keep the following tips in mind prior to attending.

1.      Suit Up

To ensure that you look the part, prepare your outfit in advance – this includes ironing and any dry cleaning that may be necessary. Refer to the following infographic if you are struggling with determining if your attire is appropriate or not:

 

2.      Do Your Research

Prior to attending the fair, know what firms will be there and further research the ones that interest you.  Once you have found the ones that interest you, rank them. This will come in handy when trying to navigate the crowded room packed with equally as eager students as yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to visit some of the tables that are not on your list – be open minded. Lastly, employees appreciate it when candidates are knowledgeable about the company, so keeping some facts handy before you approach them can be helpful.

3.      Know How You Want to Sell Yourself

Internship fairs are not interviews, but merely a couple of minutes to make an impression – good or bad. You aren’t given a whole lot of time to make a first impression, however you are given time to prepare one. Before attending the fair make a list of 4 or 5 key points from your resume/prior experience that can serve as talking points when you meet employers and are met with the question, “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”

4.      Be Ready to Network

Work the room. Whether you are talking to employers or just fellow students, be friendly and approachable. If you have business cards – bring them. If not, it’s okay, but do make sure you have plenty of copies of your resume and that they are stored in a protective folder so that they are presented to employers in a polished manner. If you need help with your resume stop by our office in RIVC 116 and someone will be happy to help you.

 

5.      Google Yourself

Last, but not least, google yourself before attending the fair. Ask yourself if the persona that is portrayed in the results is someone you want a future employer to see. Always be mindful of what you are doing/posting on the internet because employers DO look at your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. when considering you for a position.

With these tips in mind you will surely be prepared for the upcoming spring 2015 Internship Fair, Monday February 2nd from 1-3:30p.m. in Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall.

 

For a list of companies log into your HIRE-UT account now:  www.ut.edu/hireut .

 

We can’t wait to see you there and hear about the experiences you gain from attending! Use the hashtag #utampainternshipfair2015 to document your time at the fair!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Eliza K. Majka

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa