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