What Risks are YOU Taking for Your Career?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, who stated “do one thing every day that scares you.” We receive a lot of messages, whether they be internal or external, that tell us there’s something to be afraid of. We might make a mistake. We might say the wrong thing. We might be too young, too old… we don’t have enough experience. Whatever the situation may be, we could always find a reason why it would be safer to stay within our comfort zone. However, without courage there is less potential for reward.

Sure, job fairs are scary. Networking events can be awkward and uncomfortable. Being scrutinized by a group of people during an interview?! Forget about it! Yet all of these situations will be necessary for career advancement at some point in our career trajectory. Now is as good of time as any to start getting in the habit of taking these types of risks.

With graduation approaching, there are a lot of ways in which students can put themselves out there in order to get noticed in their desired industry.

The Elevator Speech Competition starts on Friday, March 20^th. This is a great opportunity to practice your elevator speech if this is something that still seems scary to you. The competition also provides the opportunity for finalists to practice their pitch in front of employers: this is a really great way to make connections and create a lasting first impression. There is also potential to win some cash, if the argument to participate wasn’t convincing enough already.

Within our upcoming “Life After UT” series, there are plenty of additional opportunities to learn about how to stand out when you’re ready to challenge yourself to get in front of employers. On Tuesday, April 7^th we have a “Personal Branding and Innovative Job Search” workshop and the week after that we have an “Interviewing Success!” workshop on April 14^th. Consider attending both of these informative presentations if you haven’t already signed up.

Finally, we have an alumni panel and networking event on April 21^st. This is yet another great opportunity to practice your elevator speech and networking skills and increase your comfort level in marketing yourself as a professional.

You can register for any of these events through your HIRE-UT profile: https://spartanweb.ut.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Career_Services/Hire_UT.jnz

Graduation is quickly approaching: what are you most afraid? What risks can you take in order to propel your life as a professional?

 

Melena Postolowski, MA, NCC

Assistant Director of Internship Programs

Office of Career Services, The University of Tampa

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

 

 

Your Quick Guide to Achieving Your Career After UT

Welcome and welcome back to another semester at The Unviersity of Tampa! As you return to campus you may be asking yourself, how do I get through the next 3 + months with rigorous academic coursework and still make progress toward my career?

The answer is simple. Have a plan. “Invest in the future because that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” ― Habeeb Akande

1.     Start where you are. You are a student. Utilize the services offered to students.  Did you know that you have an office dedicated to Life after UT in the office of career services? Employers are on-campus many times during the Spring semester. Have you pre-registered on Hire-UT? What other offices on-campus have professionals that can assist you? Do your research!

 

2.     Pace Yourself. Much like any workout or training plan you must pace yourself when making strides toward your career. What will you do this semester that will open doors for your career? Will you begin to network through information interviews, job shadowing or volunteering? Maybe this semester you begin searching for an internship. Whatever you do make a plan. Time goes by fast!

 

3.     Enjoy the ride. Enjoy talking with professionals. Ask professors, employers, career coaches and other professionals questions. What do they suggest you do to make the most of your time while you are in college? Shoot for the stars and make a plan that fits into your semester. One sample goal would be to make contact with a professional twice/month at an event on-campus or off-campus. Be open to life’s possibilities now and you will thank yourself later.

 

All the best for your career!

Best Regards,

Jessie

Jessie Bush, M.A.

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Professional Development

 

 

 

 

Where the Jobs Are!

Where the Jobs Are!

If you are a December graduate getting ready to enter the world of work or a senior preparing for graduation in May, here is a list of employers that have recently visited The University of Tampa or are asking us to send more Spartans their way.

Even if you are a freshman, sophomore or junior take a look! Many of these employers offer internships, which are a great way for you to make an impression for future full-time opportunities.

Keep in mind that as a UT student, recent graduate or alumni you have an edge with these employers who visit campus or recruit on HIRE-UT with the goal in mind specifically to hire UT talent.

HIRE-UT: www.ut.edu/HIREUT then click on the “Career Events & Workshops” tab to review the fall term calendar.

The following employers are hiring all majors! Review job descriptions to see how your strengths and experience are a match. Also… Visit the Office of Career Services for a resume review to present yourself as a best candidate for these positions and others.

Advantage Sales & Marketing

City Year

Dimmitt Automotive

GEICO

Hispanic Business Initiative Fund

The Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program

Peace Corps

Levin Financial Group

TQL

Tech Data

USAA

Employers that attended the Full-Time Professional Job Fair can still be viewed! Visit HIRE-UT and select Career Fair for your search criteria. These employers include:

Aflac

Amalie Arena/Tampa Bay Lightning

AXA Advisors, LLC

Bristol-Meyers Squibb

Enterprise Holdings

Mercury Insurance

Northwestern Mutual

PepsiCo.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers

Raymond James & Associates

T. Rowe Price

U.S. Department of State

Wal Mart

West Marine

Lily Salem, Manager of Corporate and Community Development
Office of Career Services
The University of Tampa

Holiday Reading and How It Can Set You on the Path to Career Success

If you are traveling over the Thanksgiving break or find yourself just relaxing at the beach, here are a few “good reads” that will energize your career decision making process.  Take a break from studying and turn some pages for self-improvement!

·         You Majored in What?  Mapping your Path from Chaos to Career by Katherine Brooks

This book is a great resource for students who may get asked the question, “What Can I Do With this Major?”  Many majors do not have a direct career path and this book will help map out a path to finding the right career match. 

 

·         Getting from College to Career:  Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World by Lindsey Pollak.

The author of this book is a career expert and global Spokesperson for LinkedIn and lists 90 tips to help you make a smooth and successful transition from college to career. 

 

·         What Color is Your Parachute?  A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters & Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles

This book is listed as one of the “all-time 100 best nonfiction books” by TIME magazine.  One of the most popular guides, this book is updated every year and gives recommendations and strategies to help with your job search. 

 

 

Marsha Sherman, Assistant Director of Career Exploration
Office of Career Services
The University of Tampa

When filling out job applications online is not working!

We have all heard the story that persistence pays off. This statement is true but make sure you are directing your energy in the right direction. A recent CareerXroads survey shows that only 15% of positions were filled through applying to positions online. This is quite staggering when you think that the mindset of MANY college students is to continue applying until something sticks. You may apply to 50+ positions without receiving a single callback depending on the market in which you are applying. In today’s job market you need to be proactive rather than reactive. Even if you are not graduating this semester or next semester or not until next year, you still need to be thinking of your future job search.

Here are 3 tips to become more intentional with your search and start gaining results!

1.       Join LinkedIn! You are a budding professional and this is not Facebook. LinkedIn is a professional networking tool which can assist your job search in many ways, including, actually meeting contacts that work directly in your field of interest. For more information please read: http://spartancareers.blogspot.com/search/label/linkedin’

2.       You need to talk to people. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Professionals are just like you. Do not be afraid to reach out to someone who works in your field of interest. Remember, they were a college student at one time as well. Setup an informational interview to ask them questions about their path, the company they work for and their advice for you as a transitioning professional.

3.       Talk to the people you already know! You are the only one who can spread the message that you will be job searching soon. Remember relatives, professors, professionals in your life, family friends, supervisors, etc. can all be great people to assist you in reaching that post-graduation position.

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts

Now is the time to take control of your job search!

Best Regards,

Jessie Bush

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Professional Development

How Selecting Classes WILL Impact YOUR Career

Its nearly that time of year again!   Just when you think you were in the middle of another semester at UT with midterms, papers and team projects, you turn around and its time to pick Spring 2015 classes already.    This advice goes in the category of “do as I say” not “do as I do”.   It’s time to re-think your classes as you plan for your future.   With major related and core classes at the center of attention this time of year, try thinking about what additional classes you can take that will provide you with a better set of skills for your future.  This advice is coming from someone who took ice skating in college his Junior year instead of thinking ahead to things including IT classes, adding a minor or other relevant classes that could have provided more for me as a person and job seeker.  

 

As you look to complete your schedules this semester and into the future, I challenge you to work with your advisors to identify some additional classes (as they fit) that will serve you in the long-term.   Adding a minor in MIS, taking a class in Sociology or adding a graphic design oriented class could have a tremendous positive impact in the future as the world of work continually evolves.   While I enjoyed skating on ice and collecting my credit, I often wonder how I could have made better use of my time in college instead of taking some “fluff” type classes that didn’t enhance my skills.   Take a chance and think outside the box, your future self will thank you for it.  Best of luck with midterms, projects and the bi-annual ritual of selecting classes.  

 

Mark Colvenbach

Director, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Why Should YOU Attend a Career Fair?

Career Fairs remain a common practice at universities, yet some students meet such events with apprehension year after year. In anticipation of our upcoming Professional Job Fair, here are some thoughts on why students, at any level, should consider attending:

Career Fairs are an important first step for first year students!
·        Learn about companies to assist you in major selection and ultimate career choice.
·        Gain exposure to recruiters to build relationships and understand the career search process in a no-stress environment.
·        Experience the event. Take the time to walk around and observe your peers and the conversations around you. This will help to prepare you for this event in the future!

Calling all Sophomores! Get involved by attending the Professional Job Fair:
·        Learn about companies that you may want to work or intern for in the future.
·        Practice speaking professionally with employers in a no-stress environment. It's just practice but it could build your network and lead to a great career conversation in the future.
·        Prepare for the career fair and research the companies. Take the time to know who will be attending and challenge yourself to connect with the companies after the fair.

Juniors, Practice makes perfect! Attend the Professional Job Fair to gain a competitive edge!
·        Practice your networking skills. Speak to employers and learn about the experience necessary for your professional job search. Graduation is closer than you think!
·        Prepare for the career fair and research the companies. Take the time to know who will be attending and challenge yourself to connect with the companies after the fair to start building your network and a recruiting relationship.
·        Learn more about professional internship opportunities. Prepare questions regarding professional roles and internships.

Seniors! Your Professional Career Path Starts with the Professional Job Fair!
·        Attend the fair to network with professionals in a variety of industry roles. Do your research and have conversation items ready!
·        Make an Impact! You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Practice your introduction and conversation opening.
·        They are HIRING! Job search does not start at graduation. The average job search can take up to 6 months. Start early and follow-up with contacts made at the fair.

Just as you would study for a test or practice before a big game, preparation for your job search will only increase your potential to be successful after graduation. Networking is an ongoing process and the sooner you start, the more likely you are to develop quality professional contacts along the way.

Join us at the Professional Job Fair this Wednesday, October 22nd from 1-3:30p.m. in Fletcher Lounge of Plant Hall.

Jessie Bush, Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Professional Development

Lily Salem, Manager of Corporate and Community Development

Melena Postolowski, Assistant Director of Internship Programs

Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Getting Ready to Graduate: Are You Ready for the Workforce?

Graduation is in sight and there’s light at the end of the tunnel… but now what!? The anticipation of graduation can be an exciting time met with pride, a sense of accomplishment and excitement about the future. It is not uncommon for students to also feel sad to leave their college experience and have anxieties or fears about embarking on a job search and entering the workforce. While each individual will have different goals for after graduation, there are some common transitions to prepare for:

Relationships may change. Your community after college becomes more intentional, as you seek out relationships of choice rather than relying on the social community universities create. More of your time may be spent networking and developing professional relationships than focusing on relationships that are developed with the sole intent of socializing. This is a great opportunity to get to know people from a variety of backgrounds who have had different experiences than you have encountered. You have the opportunity to learn a lot from your peers and colleagues and professional mentors along the way. After all, “every person that you meet knows something you don’t.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Generational variances exist more in the workforce than they do at traditional universities. You may have gotten used to working with peers close to your age, but this will not necessarily be the case moving forward. There is potential for four generations of professionals at your organization and while it is important to avoid stereotyping, differences in working style or communication could arise. Get to know the individuals you are working with to better understand their perspective and reasoning for approaching a situation the way they do. If misunderstandings do arise, show willingness to talk about the perspectives being represented and develop problem-solving strategies and better ways to communicate. You may also need to be prepared to supervise professionals much older than yourself.

Teamwork will be the norm. Many universities require and encourage teamwork in the classroom, as this skill is utilized on a daily basis in the world of work. We do not exist in isolation, so learning how to work with others will be crucial to your career success, whether it is on your immediate team or with professionals from another department. Learn how to capitalize on people’s strengths and different working styles and offer to pitch in when help is needed. Not only will this help produce the work that needs to get done but it will also serve as a networking strategy over time.

Finally, learn how to budget time and money. You may need to prioritize tasks at work and will notice that project deadlines and punctuality will be stressed more in the workplace than they have been throughout your college career. In order to budget your money, you will want to list your expenses, calculate costs and prioritize based on your income. The earlier you start saving, in general and for retirement, the better prepared you will be in the long run.

Enjoy the transition and the growth that comes along with it. Welcome to the world of work!

 

Melena Postolowski, MA, NCC

Assistant Director of Internship Programs, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

New to Tampa!

Like many of you I am new to Tampa, FL and I knew right away this was a great place to stay. More than 60% of students who attend The University of Tampa choose to stay in Florida after graduation. Most of those Spartans stay in the Tampa Bay area.

 As Manager of Corporate and Community Development my focus is building partnerships with companies and organizations. This summer I hit the ground running to meet with employers in the Tampa Bay area that are eager to hire UT talent. Here are some fascinating facts! Keep an eye out for these employers and more at on campus recruiting events brought to you by Career Services such as Fairs, Info. Sessions, Open Houses, Tables, Workshops as well as on HIRE-UT:

Bright House Networks: There’s a red phone for emergency calls for banks across Tampa Bay to request a network shut down case there is a security breach. A perk for full-time employment is free cable!

Citi: Known as “the leading global financial services company” is growing in Tampa with hundreds of positions for recent grads to fill over the next few years.

Coca-Cola: A major office is located just 15 minutes from campus and they are hiring! Employees get free cases of Coca-Cola brand beverages every month!

Glazer Children’s Museum: Recruits interns and volunteers from UT regularly. The museum features CRAFTOLOGY, an annual event just for young professionals to taste craft beers, listen to local bands and connect for a great cause all inside the inspiring atmosphere of the creative and fun experiential learning exhibits for kids.

 Nordstrom: This name is eye-catching not just for style, but also for the resume with great retail and internship positions.

Northwestern Mutual: Offers a top internship program where many of the positions turn into full-time employment.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP: One of the world’s largest providers of Assurance, Tax and business consulting services with professional opportunities for more than just accounting majors.

Skoda Minotti, CPA: Within walking distance to campus, this local firm is growing and is featured on campus this term for On Campus Interviews!

Tech Data: Located 10 minutes from UT, a truly global company known as “one of the world's largest distributors of technology products from leading IT hardware and software producers” serving over 100 countries.

Keep an eye out for these employers on HIRE-UT.  Employers on HIRE-UT seek Spartan talent specifically… So you already have an edge! If you are curious about making the Tampa Bay area your home visit HIRE-UT (http://www.ut.edu/HIREUT) to learn more about local career opportunities.

 

Lily Salem

Manager of Corporate and Community Development
Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Owning My Career

                It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman pursuing a degree in marine biology with no idea of what I wanted to do after graduating, or how I was going to do it. I am now a senior who will be completing a degree in marketing with a minor in public speaking in May of 2015. I have three internships under my belt, great connections in my career field, knowledge about my industry, and a solid idea of what I would like to do after graduating and how I will be able to attain my goals. A lot has changed in the past four years, and looking back I am happy to have been able to take control of my career. By utilizing the many career services resources here at the University of Tampa, I now understand how important it is to get a head start on looking into your future goals and the steps that are needed to achieve them.  

To start, it helps to have an idea of what kind of industry you would like to pursue. Again, I initially started my college career as a marine biology student but I soon realized that I was not happy doing that. I dreaded going to all of my classes and taking the time out of my day to study the material. After making the switch to marketing, my classes are now something that I look forward to, and I thoroughly enjoying learning more about the industry. After finding a broad idea of what is the best fit for you, you can then cater your goals to something more specific within your industry.  

After deciding that marketing was the perfect route for me, I started talking to people within the industry (professionals, professors, friends, and family) gathering advice about the steps that I should take in order to succeed in my field. I have found that there is one thing that is common to succeeding in any field that you pursue: experience. Join clubs that relate to your industry, if you are a biology major look into joining tri-beta, if you are a math major join the math club. This campus is full of opportunity, but you must be the one who is looking for it: you probably won’t receive a personal invitation to become a part of a student organization. Another word of advice is to earn a leadership position in the organization that you have become involved in. Show that you are dedicated and prove that you can take on the responsibility – it will be worth it when you are applying to jobs in the future.

Another way of gaining experience is by interning. As many know, the process to receiving an internship has become more and more competitive over the years. You are never too young to intern, even if it’s just a couple of hours a week. When you gain experience while you are young, even if it is at a smaller, unheard of company, it will open the doors to many other, bigger opportunities because you will have the prior experience that every big name company seems to be looking for these days.

By getting involved and by gaining experience you will have been given the opportunity to network without even realizing it. By maintaining these relationships that you have created with people who you have worked with, or participated in the same organization with, you will realize that these are the people who will be able to help you within your field and if needed be, lead you in the right path.

With these couple of steps, you will be headed on the right path to owning your own career. It will give you the confidence that you need to step into an interview and portray to an employer that you are the perfect fit for what the company is looking for. Your college years can be some of the most valuable years of your life if you utilize them in a way that is fit for your career. There are some things that I wish I did differently as a first year student, but I realized that it is never too late to get started, although the sooner you realize it, the better!

 

 

 

Victoria Williams

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Get ready for that job or internship. Here are some ways to help yourself with a career plan:

*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 social gatherings, have an elevator pitch.  Create 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 then come to our office for a resume review.  We have employer walk-in hours on Monday between 2-4 pm; and Career Services staff walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm.

Make the effort to invest time in your career planning!

Marsha Sherman
Assistant Director of Career Exploration
The University of Tampa

A New Academic Year. A fresh start to a more professional YOU!

Welcome to all new students and welcome back to those returning! This academic year will be the best yet. In order to ensure that the internship or job of your dreams is right around the corner you should follow these top 5 tips to manage your professional image both in-person and online.

1.       Your Professional Career Starts TODAY

a.       Take on the challenge of a new academic year through the lens of the professional that you are becoming. Every person you interact with is a potential mentor, reference, future colleague and networking contact. Arrive to class on-time, take the time to get to know your professors (they are the experts in their fields!) and consider ways to enhance your  professionalism.

2.       Guard your personal reputation!

a.       Make sure that you know and OWN what is being said about you. What do classmates, professors and/or supervisors think about you? If you don’t know, now is the time to ask!

3.       Google yourself!

a.       What comes up when you google yourself? If an employer searches for your name, what do they find? OWN your image online. Create a professional blog, perhaps a dream career journey. Social media can be a very positive way to interact with the professional world around you. Make sure you DO NOT post inappropriate photos or posts. They could change the course of achieving that dream job.

4.       Dress for the job you want!

a.       We all know you do not have to wear a professional suit to make an impression in everyday life. On the contrary, those students who dress in business casual (no flip flops, short shorts, tank tops, etc.) have the opportunity to stand out amongst their peers and show respect to the faculty teaching these courses. Also, make sure you review the professional dress blog prior to the upcoming Professional Job Fair on October 22. http://spartancareers.blogspot.com/2012/10/dress-for-success-career-fair-attire_15.html

 

5.       Become a LEADER!

a.       Challenge yourself to take on an active role in a student club or organization. Employers are interested in those students that not only excel in the classroom but also in the community around them. Leader stands out on a resume!

Take control of your career. Only YOU can dictate your future and it starts TODAY!

 

Jessie Bush
Assistant Director
Career Coaching & Professional Development