Hey UT…Are you fully LinkedIn? Here’s some advice from Omar @ LinkedIn to get you ahead!

Many students and alum are starting to reap the benefits of using LinkedIn to develop their network and search for internship and full-time opportunities.  But are you using LinkedIn to get the most out of this amazing resource?  Probably not.   Omar Garriott of LinkedIn, recently shared with UT staff a top 10 list he posted to ensure you get the most out of LinkedIn and find the right connections.   Fully realizing its potential can be a key contributor to finding success as you look to take that next step in your career.   Check out the top 10 list here:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-tips-students-new-grads-linkedin-omar-garriott

Share YOUR thoughts on the most valuable tip from Omar….we want to hear from you.  

 

Mark Colvenbach

Director

Office of Career Services, The University of Tampa

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

Take Advantage of This Time to Become the Most Amazing Version of Yourself

Although to a first year student it seems like college will be a long four years, in reality, it comes to an end sooner than anyone is prepared for. Whether you have made the extra effort to graduate in four years or you are finishing your degree in 5+ years, it is important to realize that this frame of time does not last and once you have graduated it is the real world.

College is a life changing experience for anyone – it is a time to make lifelong friends, find your own independence, study subjects of true interest to you and for you to learn and experience things you never were aware of beforehand. As you become comfortable in your daily routine, it is often times hard to reach out and try new things – especially as you become an upper classman.

It is important to take this time period to mold yourself into someone who you want employers and others to see you as. If you spend too much time partying and sleeping through class, what benefits did you really receive from college? Is that something that you can put on your resume?

Find things that you are truly passionate about and get involved. If you join a club just because your roommate has joined it and not because you like it, oftentimes people who are interviewing you will be able to read right through the act that you put on.

Another great way to help mold yourself into a professional is by utilizing all the tools at the Office of Career Service. Many people mistake the office to solely focused on job search, when actually it provides so much more. If you take a look on the HIRE-UT website it will be easy to find all the events and workshops that are schedules with themes such as “What Makes YOU Stand Out” and “The Right Major for You”.

Career Services is one of the most useful offices here on campus if students use it the right way. Don’t get too comfortable in your everyday routine. Get out there and visit the Office of Career Services to help shape your future.

 

Tori Williams

Marketing Intern

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

 

 

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

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