Happy Holidays! Now Use Your Time Wisely!

Readers,

I would like to thank whoever is reading this blog for helping me in my first real blog experience.  It's been fun so far, and something I never thought would be so rewarding.  My professors as well as the Career and Academic Staff have given me lots of feedback regarding my postings.  Thanks everyone!

I will be going on a short hiatus over break, but I am definitely not abandoning the blog.  I will continue my postings around January 10th, when the first week of class starts.  More job advice coming your way!  Also, a reminder to those seeking employment to look back on past posts about job searching over break.  There is plenty of time to relax, and using your time wisely could help you network and attain more contacts.  Good luck!

Have a good break!
Christine

Forget the First Amedment: Silence is Golden with WikiLeaks

We would all love to believe as Americans that we have the freedoms to say whatever we want wherever we want.  After all, that is exactly what our founders felt was the most important freedom, and why it stands at the top of the list in the Bill of Rights.

But going into the job market sometimes forces us to compromise some freedoms, and especially those that contradict the institution or company to that we are employed.  With the high use of social media like Facebook and Twitter, employees need to be careful we exactly what they say in those status updates or 140 character snippets.

Companies are sensitive to those able to tarnish their reputation online.  Through online searches, they also have the capability of looking into your online profile even before you were hired.  This is a scary thought to many students that do not think of the potential repercussions for their word. 

These key concepts of censorship have recently made headlines with the WikiLeak controversy.  A Huffington Post blog by Rob Fishman announced the State Department's warning to Columbia University students.  They warned students seeking employee to NOT discuss WikiLeaks on their Facebook or Twitter accounts, as it could severely damage their chances of being employed.  This is especially important for those looking into government work.  It gives the impression that students cannot be trusted with important confidential information.  In this case, it seems as though the small risk is not worth it.

So, forget free speech in order to get hired?  This may make you first amendment advocates cringe, but it is important to remember what exactly employers are looking for in a candidate.  While we want to be able to post anything freely, it should not shock anyone that there is always censorship in a company or industry.  It is just the way of the world.

Marketing & Media Majors- A Job Site Just for You!

Mashable.com is a great resource for media students; it's an internet newspaper that focuses mainly on social media news.  It also features entertainment and business areas, but another excellent tool it offers is the job section. 

The section has daily listings of job opportunities from cities nationwide.  The left columns allows for a narrower search; users can filter the jobs by categories and job type i.e full-time, internships, etc.

The jobs range anywhere from those that require 10+ years experience to interships and entry-level.  If you do a basic search, it is easy to find jobs and internships relevant to college graduates.

Each listing contains job description, location, and all the information for requirements for applying.  The companies are also very well know, anywhere from websites to Microsoft to Livenation.  So, check it out and apply!   Good luck

Spice Up Your Resume This Season

 The holiday season leaves us with plenty of time to relax with family and friends and stay indoor to avoid the blustery weather.  Before you spend too much time cuddled by the fireplace, take this time to jump start your job search.

With little to virtually no school work, this is an opportune moment for students to fix their resume and look into new contacts for the new year.

Miranda Gale, a student blogger for USA Today posted similar advice for college students look for prospective jobs in the market.  She highlighted these 5 ideas on how to best use your off time wisely.

1.  Get the Internship- She suggests making a list of your dream job and companies to work for.  Next, attempt and interview with an employer or find out more information. 

2.  Learn a New Skill- Instead of surfing Facebook, she suggests battling through software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or even just reading a new book in the field of your interest.

3.  Volunteer-  This is not the first article to suggest volunteering; It is a resume builder and a great way to make new contacts.

4.  Fix Your Resume-  Make it perfect.  Add classes you have just completed or things that you accomplished during the fall.  Make sure it all ties back to your personal brand.

5.  Network-  Attend a conference of a company near your house, talk to relatives and family friend.  You never know who is feeling generous around the holiday season. 

Just doing a few of these steps will help you do something productive over break.  After all, May is approaching and you want to have as many opportunities to get into the real world.

This video by the Wooden Group, a human resources group, also makes these similar claims in this news interview.  As you watch, check out their key points:

• Resume- Keep it updated with key words you want to be you
• Networking- People you want to contact within the next year
• Use of the Internet
• Volunteer

 

On the Last Leg: How to Get Through the Next Three Weeks

For most of us, we dread the return to school after Thanksgiving break.  After way too much turkey and laziness, it can be very difficult to stay focused on studies, when we are all itching for the holidays.

These three weeks, however, are crunch time in terms of importance.  Finals are approaching, as well as last minute projects, tests, and papers to finish out the semester.  Before you freak out, here are some tips on how to stay focused and healthy during the final stretch.

Kerry Ann Rockquemore, a blogger for Inside Higher Ed, offered tips on how faculty can stay stress free during crunch time.  Although the article is for professors, I think the advice is suitable for students.  Here is a summary of how she plans to work through the next three weeks, with my college student spin on the advice.  

• Plan Ahead- Get out the planners and make a study schedule 
• Try the Reward System- Don't get a Starbucks treat before you finish that last page! 
• Find a crunch time buddy- Library is always better with a friend.  Even try to get a study room.  
• Get comfortable with end-of-semester conflicts- Deadlines will overlap, so making a schedule will help 
• Move Your Butt-  Exercise relieves stress; hit up the gym after you study to get out frustration 
• No Sunday Funday- Use Sundays to plan and catch up on work, it will make the rest of the week easier
• Keep the End in Mind- It will all be over soon!  Think of how happy your parents will be with a high GPA, especially right before they holiday shop.

It is important to not forget about how important the next three weeks are in the semester.  Last minute work can make all the difference in how you perform in the class.  Keep finals in mind, and look out soon for more study tips as it gets closer to the end!

What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger

People recognize that the interview process can be uncomfortable for many.  With every job interview comes an uneasy feeling of uncertainty.  Did they like me?  Was that a good answer?

If we fail to nail a job after the interview, there is almost no way to know what exactly it is you did wrong throughout the process.  Unlike our professors, who often take the time to butcher our papers for improvements, interviewers do not provide feedback to the candidate.

Wall Street Journal blogger Emily Noonan suggests inviting in criticism as a new approach.  Sometimes if we can justify or admit or faults, employers can see us a real people.  It can also help explain a negative aspect of a resume, like a certain GPA or short duration of a job or internship. 

Fortunately, Career and Academic Planning is offering more mock interviews next semester.  Mock interviews are a great way to practice interviewing, and they also offer crucial feedback before you go on a real life interview.  Pay attention for registration this coming Spring 2011 semester!

Talk Turkey Over Turkey: How to Job Search this Thanksgiving Break

Many students return home for the Fall holidays and cannot wait for a full week of relaxation, turkey, stuffing, and don't forget football.  We put off homework, and usually keep the break to a hiatus from the fact that finals are coming up soon.

However, the Thanksgiving season can be a great opportunity for some job searching.  There is little stress, no classes, and the available for networks closer to home.

Jean Baur, a Forbes.com blogger, sees the advantage to a holiday job search.  She highlights a few important tips on how to help yourself.

• Network- Holidays can make people more open to discuss careers
  
• Be Visible- Have an Aunt or Uncle employed by a good company?  Let them know you're interested while scooping some mashed potatoes. 
• Be Proactive-Go to your parents boring work parties or talk to company when they come to your house.  You never know, they might like you enough to give you a job.
• Volunteer- Do something for someone else during the season.  This can add to your resume and your contacts
• Follow Up with Contacts- Send emails and stay in contacts with past interviewers or companies you are interested in.  This shows dedication to the company.  

 In addition to these tips, take the time to do something productive when you are surfing the web at home.  Farhad Manjoo of Slate Magazine stresses the important shift from job sites like Monster.com, to Facebook.  Social networking is the future; jobs, friends, and networks are easily found in the social sphere.

It's important to use this time wisely.  Jobs may open up as the new year approaches.  Happy Thanksgiving, and try not to overdose on turkey!

Top Companies Revealed, Who to Work For

Fortune magazine names the best companies to work for every year.  While we don't want to limit ourselves to only certain employers, it is critical to note where people are satisfied with their workplace.  When looking for a job, it is important to look into a company's values and reputation to see if it is best fit.

The 2010 lists has some obvious trusted companies, such as #4 Google, #24 Goldman Sachs, and #93 Starbucks.  A lot of these companies range from the highest investment firms to the fun Build-A-Bear Workshop, which ranks at #80.

An interesting and key trend to look at within in the list is the growing number of online companies.  Google, the obvious leader, makes it money doing practically everything on the internet.  However, they did begin as simply a search engine and morphed into the powerhouse of the entire web.  Zappos.com, an online retailer, has now become one of the top leaders in the online shopping sector.  The company is now a subsidiary of Amazon.com, one of the first in this industry.

With companies headed online, it would be smart to put energies into working for a company that is going to last.  More sites like Zappos and Amazon will arise, and it will be those workers that may be able to avoid layoffs and bankruptcy against industries that are slowly dying.

Now that you know the best, Apply!  These 22 top companies have over 500 available positions.  Look for some in your area and field of expertise.  Good luck searching!

As Finals Come Near, Stay Drug Free

With the end of the semester approaching, and the cold/lazy weather getting worse, students often lack the energy is takes to knock out those important final exams.

In a desperate effort to focus, many students turn to the drug Adderall.  Used to treat adults and children with ADD/ADHD, the drug is popular throughout college campuses as way to pull off all-nighters and study hard.  This is quite a more extreme measure that knocking back a couple of espresso shots.

It is estimated that 10-15% of college students are using Adderall in order to increase their attention in their studies.  However, since our generation tends to look at the "here and now" situation and not long-term, there are many risks involved that students are not aware of.

No drug should be taken without a prescription (Duh!)  Adderall side effects include increased heart beating, fainting, weight loss, and insomnia.  Not so fun, right?  The drug also does carry a large dependency factor, and many students start to feel they cannot study without it.

There are even extreme cases where the drug can lead to psychosis and suicide.  The May suicide of Vanderbilt student Kyle Craig shows that even those at the top of their class can fall victim to the drug's effects.


The program is growing; perscriptions of the drugs can also be bought and sold around campuses.  This video shows the distribution and effects of the drug on campuses.





In the upcoming weeks, it is important to stay clear of these potentially dangerous drugs.  Speak up if you see a friend who can potentially be addicted to the pills.  Eating healthy, getting enough rest, and exercising moderately are steps to making sure you have enough energy for exam week.  Stay natural, and go to the nearest Starbucks if you need a boost.  

YOU in 60 seconds! Speed Networking

Ever wonder exactly what it takes to "sell yourself" to an employer?  In many situations, there is only a small bracket of time to make an impact that can be crucial to getting you a job.

For the modest people who don't like bragging, there is always room for practice.  Back by popular demand, JMU is hosting Speed Networking.  This event is an opportunity for students to practice their "60 second elevator speech" that they will use to connect with employers at career-related events.  Here is the info:

Speed Networking
Wednesday November 10, 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Festival Ballroom 

Students will practice that one-minute slot to highlights their strengths to an employer.  They will also receive feedback from professionals on how to improve their speech.

RSVP is mandatory on Recruit-A-Duke. 
This video gives a sneak peek into the event, and footage from last year's event.  Check it out!

"They Didn't Teach That in School!" No Longer an Excuse

Being thrust into "the real world" comes along with some scary tasks we are going to need to do ourselves.  Not only will be full-time, but students graduating often have a hard time adjusting to taking care of personal finances.

College does grant students with a piece of an independent lifestyle, but there are still those things we often let our parents deal with : tax forms, rent checks, insurance etc.

We often say give the excuse our courses don't prepare us for these real-life tasks.  However, you are in luck.  JMU is now offering a new course this spring to help students learn about smart ways to handle your money.

Dollars and Sense- IS 275
Mondays- 3-5:30
Burruss Hall Room 139

The course is 3 credits, and focuses on the basics of handling an adult life.  It is not a high level economics course, and is suggested for all majors.  The topics covered will include budgeting, money and relationships, insurance, saving, debt, house shopping, and other real life applications.

Instruction comes from Brad Barnett, an Accredited Financial Counselor and JMU's Associate Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships.  He will share his vast knowledge and expertise throughout the semester. 

If your schedule permits, this class is a great leg-up to get ready for "the real world."  Don't forgot Spring registration beings Monday, November 1st!

Stick to DC- A Promising Region for Job Hunting

Part of looking for the right job is knowing where you want to be.  While many return to the places they grew up, others look to cities full of jobs and the young urban professional lifestyle.

In our current economic, cities who seem to be at the center for prosperity, including New York, are not offering the opportunities they have in the past.  An important part of being marketable is being flexible on location.  New cities might be scary, but college graduates are at the prime age for travel and new changes.

A recent Business Week study showed the south as a prime region for recent college graduates, including Washington, DC.  Due to the high cost of living in cities such as Boston and New York, cities like DC and Houston, TX are more practical for those with entry- level jobs.

This is great news for JMU students, who have many DC employers seek on-campus interviews for possible job opportunties.  Due to our geographic location, many people originally outside the DC area  have access to an area less affected by the economic drowns.

So why DC?  The expansion of the Federal Government has increased employment opportunities.  The government provides security and benefits, unlike many the rocky businesses of today.

LEARN!  Career and Academic Planning is hosting a Student Webinar with information on Federal Jobs.  Students must reply on Recruit-A-Duke to attend.  The event will show students how to apply, and the benefits of going governmental.

Student Webinar- Federal Jobs
Tuesday, October 26th 4:30-6:00 pm
Festival Conference Room 3

Another great tool is DCJobs, which provides a comprehensive search to everything in DC.

Happy Job Searching !

Want to Get That Edge? Get the Wall Street Journal

I know what you're thinking.  The Wall Street Journal? BORING!

While we like to believe we have tons of time until we become those boring businesspeople reading these types of newspapers, the reality is we do not.  Subscribing to the Wall Street Journal now can enrich your professional side, and give you key information into the business world.

Reading about companies, international news, and stocks gives you an edge by educating you.  Just imagine being able to participate in those adult conversations about the merging of firms.  Exciting right?  Knowing information shows an interviewer you are aware of what is going on around you.  It is also important to know the financial news of a company, especially when they can be your future employer.

The Wall Street Journal is offering educational rates at 75% off the regular price.  Two- year subscriptions to WSJ.com, the print version, and the mobile reader is available for $179.  Seems like a lot, but it is still 75% off!  The WSJ also offers iPad and iPhone apps for on-the-go access.

The apps make the information right at your fingertips. Look how easy it looks in the video.


Start reading!  Check back in a day or two for more tips to help your professional life.

Tidy Up Your Resume at Resume Roadshows

An essential part of finding the job you want is being able to present yourself in a nutshell.  In essence, the resume is that nutshell; it is a one page summary that shows the company your capabilities and who you are.
Resume writing can be difficult, especially for college grads without a ton of experience.  Formatting and keeping it to one page shows an employer you can concisely organize your writing. 

Career and Academic Planning Suggests 3 different types of resume formats.  All are workable to use.  You should chose a resume format based on the job you are seeking.

1. Chronlogical Resume Format- This emphasizes work and experiences with focuses on dates.  This is an easy read to employers and highlights your career growth.

2.  Functional Resume Format- Organizes information under headings of accomplishments or strengths.  Examples of headings are Writing and Editing Experience, Leadership Experience, etc.  This type works well when you want to describe transferable skills, and are looking into a field different than your own.  

3.  Combination Resume Format- This uses aspects of both the chronlogical and functional formats.  It shows off work history and skills and accomplishments.  It makes it easy to highlights experience as well as transferable skills. 

A great program to help you with different formats are JMU's Resume Roadshows. These roadshows offer feedback to your resume draft, and are offered around campus for the entire semester.  Upcoming Resume Roadshows are:

• October 21st- 1-3 p.m. in Harrison Hall 1131
• October 27th- 3-5 p.m. in ISAT 259

Attending one of the roadshows will help you get on the right path to that perfect resume.  With recruiting season coming up, you want to be proud of you in that "nutshell."

More on Resume writing:
http://www.resume-help.org/resume_writing_tips.htm
http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm

Denise Says...Mock Interviews Are a Must

This week's posts features advice from Career and Academic Planning's own Denise Meadows, the assistant Director of Employer Relations and Recruiting Services.

Her focus is on building relationships between employers and expanding new ones.  She likes to maintain a close relationship with students, and is highly involves with the many services and programs offered through Recruiting Services.

One program Denise would like to highlight is the Mock Interview program.  Students can practice their interviewing skills with REAL employers, who offer them feedback on how to improve.  It is best to dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume to discuss.  Denise adds that mock interviews get students ready for that real life experience, and are an area that can be worked on in any point of one's life.

So get out those jitters now!  Sign up for a mock interview on Recruit-A-Duke
Upcoming interviews are with companies such as ARAMARK and the CIA.  On-campus interviewing is a great tool that is convenient and a good way to start searching for good companies.

Click here for more information on general interviewing techniques and tips.
Denise will also be featured next week, with more tips on landing your dream job.  

Thanks for reading :)

LinkedIn Launches Career Explorer, A Tool for Students to Find Employment

 As I was reading various newspapers today, I found another verfication for my previous post.  LinkedIn is everywhere, and companies are now turning to the site to hire you.

The new part of LinkedIn, Career Explorer, was just announced October 4th.  The new program will first be sent out to 60 different universities as a testing program.  Assuming it will take flight, it will then be available to the rest of the LinkedIn population in coming months.

The new program will have search options for college students seeking jobs, based on their school, level of education, and personal industry.  It will contain information from relevant jobs, salary ranges, and the right people to network.  It also provides insight to facts, statistics, and industry trends about professions and companies.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the 'big four' accounting firms is paying millions to sponsor the program.  Like many accounting firms and companies, they hire thousands of college students per year from different campuses across the country.  This is the first time LinkedIn has worked with a corporate sponsor, and hopes to do it more in the future for further innovation.

My suggestion would be to look out in the coming months for Career Explorer.  It looks like an extremely valuable tool for college students, and contains a ton of information regarding jobs and markets.  I belive it will further LinkedIn's credibility, and expand the site to reach a younger audience.

So keep an eye out!  And until next time...

Link Yourself In

You have a Facebook.  You've played around with Twitter.  You may have some Flickr photos out there, but are any of these professional enough to show an employer?  If you're like most college students, you've hastily made yourself unsearchable on Facebook and blocked your pictures in a frantic attempt to hide the side of college life employers wouldn't quite approve of.

Well it is possible to use a social media tool with those serious adults and professionals looking to hire you!

Let's look at LinkedIn.  With over 75 million users, its not as dominating as Facebook or Twitter, but can be used by those desiring to find jobs or even climb up the ladder in their field.  It's simple and free to use, unless you want some fancy features.

Think of it as an online resume; users create a profile with their past education and experiences.  Instead of Facebook's "friends", you have "connections".  They are past employers, friends, co-workers, and anyone in your direct circle.  It's smart to have lots of content in your profile, and to keep it as open as possible.  Unlike Facebook, we want people to find us!

LinkedIn is a breath of fresh air for social marketing we are willing to share.  Seem confusing?  What is LinkedIn? explains exactly what it is, as simple as a cartoon.  Not convinced? Why Join? shows us that corporate professionals are using this tool daily.  So join the bandwagon, and get LinkedIn.  It can open opportunities as well as creates a web of people in your professional sphere. 

Get to that Career Fair!

Career fairs are a fabulous way to chat with employers and make contacts.  Don't be afraid to put yourself out there!  Take the risk and go see what's out there in the job market.  Go to the different tables and strike up a conversation with an employer, even if it's not in your direct line of work.  Just because you're not a business major doesn't mean companies don't have departments with almost every field of interest.  You never know -- that one conversation could lead to a potential interview. 

JMU's career fair is this Monday, October 4th from 12-4pm in the Festival Ballroom and Highlands room.  There will be over 100 employers in attendence, so it has an opportunity for every student!  Students are urged to dress professionally.  No jeans!  Bring a few copies of your resume to show it off.  This is not the time to be modest people, remember-- you want a job! 

Career fairs are not just in universities.  There are thousands of fairs all over the country happening all time.  For information on career fairs happening in your area, look to NationalCareerFairs.com.  So get out there, dress up, and take the day to do something positive about your future!

Economic Gloom Seems to be Fading, Studies Say

So there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Many students, especially those like me graduating soon, have been thinking about "the real world" with skepticism.  Our leaders, those around us, and what we see everyday remind us that our economy is not where it once was.  News stories about alarming unemployment rates are the norm, and we often are desensitized to this idea of a failing economy.

But it looks like things are changing!

 Just last week, Washington announced that the recession has ended, and has been on the upswing since last June 2009.  This is not to say the economy is at all perfect, since the economic downturn of the 18 months after December 2007 was the worst since the infamous 1930's disaster.  However, the future looks brighter for our generation, especially those looking to be out on the job market.

In addition to this great news, a post by the Curran Career Consulting blog posted that although the class of 2010 had one of the economies to be met with, more than 100,000 college graduates were on the workforce than two years ago.  Though it is still highly difficult and competitive to grab that dream job, there numbers of jobs will increase for us in near future.  The blog ends with students to become highly focused on what they want to achieve in the job market.  Bottom line, you have to be a go-getter to survive in this current job search.

So don't sit back and say that there are no jobs to look for!  Working on your resume early in the recruiting season is an important tool for getting ahead of the game.  Job fairs and other meetings are important for gaining interest with employers.  But more on that later!  Check back later in the week for advice from some of JMU's Career and Academic Planning Advisers!

Construction!

Just seeing what the first blog post will look like! Currently under construction to make it perfect ! :) I'll be posting soon!