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