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

LinkedIn's Field of Study Explorer Tool helps you connect career paths with your major!

Have you ever wondered, “What can I do with my major”? 
Well, LinkedIn launched a new tool this year to help you find out what others with your major are pursuing!

This new tool, Field of Study Explorer, is designed to help you explore career paths based on college majors. The Field of Study Explorer provides you with information on:

• Where people work
• What they do
• Where they went to school
• Where they live; and
• How you are connected

The best part of the information depicted on the graphs for each of these areas? They are interactive! Simply select any of the blue bars to “dive deeper” into the information available.

To get started with the Field of Study Explorer tool, log-in to your LinkedIn account and select the “interests” section at the top of the screen. Under “interests”, select “education” and then “see fields of study”. To explore different majors, select the “explore more” drop down menu on the right side of the screen.

If you have any questions, on exploring different career paths with your major contact the Office of Career Services.