Learning and growing

I have just returned from my annual MPACE conference. This was a great time to learn new techniques for connecting our career services to student needs, enjoying fun times with amazing colleague's and enjoying the in between moments as a gift of time to regroup and gather strength for the coming storm.

What storm might that be you may ask...well, unless you have been living in a cave, you know we are experiencing one of the worst economic negative shifts in a lifetime. Yet, despite the gloom and doom, I cannot help but feel that this is a time for personal and professional assessment and review. It is moments like this where greatness reveals itself. You very well may be that greatness.

What is greatness then...maybe it is simply the ability to see things with a different eye than everyone around you. It may be the simple ability to avoid panic and to use the swirling emotions of this time in history to the benefit of yourself and others. Greatness is often the eye of the storm.

Seek support, build your connections, read the tea leaves, trust your gut, manage the manageable and do your best with the rest. In many ways you can envision this as a rising wave that may be more fun to ride (despite the fear) than to just sit and watch from the "safety" of the shore.

In short, do the work, take the time, speak your truth, know your goals, remain ethical, fight for your values, be true to friends, be professional, be respectful of those deserving respect, challenge lies and hidden meanings, ask for what you need, do your homework, read a book, watch less TV, take a long walk, listen to your soul, take responsibility, stop saying "I didn't know" if you should have known...again, do the work!

"Steps" for success

Step 1: Self -assessment (know who you are and what you want)
Personality (MBTI)
Values (Card-sorts)
Skills (Skillscan)
Interests (Strong Inventory)
Knowledge and learning (courses)
Entrepreneurism (taking a chance, leap of faith)
Finances (what do you need to earn in order to thrive?)

Step 2: Research
Career trends (go to O*Net)
Information search
Information interviews (prepare questions ahead of time)
Job shadowing
Gaining experience (internships, volunteer)
Salary (visit salary.com)

Step 3: Decision Making
Career Objectives
Personal Objectives
Goal setting (short and long-term)

Step 4: Networks and contacts (build this before you really need it)
Job search
Resumes and cover letters
Thank you letters and follow-up (always, this WILL make you stand out)
Interviews (prepare, try mock interviews to get ready)

Step 5: Work
Job offers
Success at work (Career management)

Step 6: Life-Work planning
Re-evaluation
and then...

Self-Assessment again ...this series of "steps" is a life-long cycle and you are constantly changing!

Questions to ask during networking meetings/informational interviews

Regarding the Career Path

~ Describe your career path. How did each job lead you to your next position?

~ How/why did you decide to pursue the career in which you are working?

~ How did you get your current job?

~ How do most people enter this profession?

~ What is the best way to find out about jobs in this field?

~ If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way?

~ If you decided to make a career change, what other fields would you consider? What are some related jobs and industries?

The Nature of the Work

~ What are your job responsibilities?

~ What is your role in the organization?

~ Could you describe a typical workday for me?

~ How much time do you spend dealing with people? Gathering, analyzing or organizing data? Using technology?

~ What portion of your day is spent working independently? Working on teams?

~ What abilities are important for success and enjoyment in your field? What values are important? What personal attributes are important?

~ What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

~ Despite these challenges, what motivates you to stay? What do you find most enjoyable?

~ How has your work affected your lifestyle?

~ How often do you work past 6 PM and on weekends? Is traveling required?

Job Outlook

~ What is the employment outlook in your field? Describe new developments.

~ What developments on the horizon could affect future opportunities?

~ Are too many or too few people entering this profession?

~ Why do people leave this field or company?

~ How frequently do layoffs occur in the industry?

~ Who are the most influential people in the industry today?

~ Which companies have the best track record for promoting women and minorities?

~ How does your company compare with others we’ve discussed?

~ Are there opportunities for self-employment in your field?

Education and Experience

~ What qualifications do you seek in a new hire? What skills would make someone stand out among other job hunters?

~ What educational preparation would you recommend for someone who wants to advance in this field?

~ How do you stay current in your field?

~ Is a graduate degree important? If so, what fields of study are helpful?

~ What advice do you have for students who are preparing to enter your field?
Can you recommend any courses/training I should take before furthering my job search?

~ How can students find summer jobs or internships in your field? Are there other means of gaining experience before graduation?

~ Salary and Advancement

~ What starting salaries/salary advancements can one expect?

~ What is the career ladder for this position?

~ Where can someone in an entry-level position expect to be in two years? Five years? Ten years?

~ To get promotions, is changing jobs/companies necessary or recommended?

~ What is the background of most managers/executives?

Sources for Additional Information

~ Can you recommend sources for more information (professional organizations, specific books, trade publications, journals)?

~ Do you know of other professionals with whom I might speak for more information about this field? When I call may I use your name?

~ Would you mind looking at my resume and offering feedback?

~ How important is the resume and what makes one impressive?

~ Is there anything else you think I need to know?

Steps for Job Search Success

♫ Evaluate your current level of job satisfaction

♫ Assess your interests, values and skills

♫ Utilize self reflection; journaling

♫ Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives with friends and with professionals in the field

♫ Seek emotional support; friends, family, counselor

♫ Know your financial situation clearly to determine what salary you require for thriving not just surviving, believe in your value

♫ Research the possibilities; gather the background information you will need for completing job applications and creating your resume

♫ Get the resume "done"; competency-based is best to reflect your accomplishments, seek help from your college career services office

♫ Create a job search plan and write it down! (this includes setting goals and determining the steps to reach them)

♫ Consider options for career growth; classes, computer skills, professional conferences

♫ Stay active and energized, stay organized: try putting details in Excel

♫ Network, network, network! Keep track of who you meet. Send follow-up communication

♫ Apply to posted jobs of interest but remember...you MUST actually leave the room for this to be considered a true job search. Most opportunities are found through connections and not online. The computer should be utilized mainly for research and preparation but then get out into the the real world and starting connecting, build and nurture those professional relationships.

♫ Follow up on all employer contacts. Make sure to state in your cover letter to employers that you will call them, and follow through with it. Be sure to send thank you letters to those individuals who interview you or provide any job assistance along the way.

♫ Take good care of yourself. The job search can be long and exhausting, especially in this type of economic turn down. Make time for treating yourself to something special each week as a reward: take a long walk, have a soothing Carmel latte, play with the puppy, read a book...whatever brings you joy...do it!

What employers look for

· Verbal and Written Communication Skills
· Interpersonal Skills
· Leadership Experience
· Adaptability / Flexibility / Creativity
· Enthusiasm and Motivation
· Ability to Learn
· Technical / Computer Knowledge
· Prior Work or Internship Experience
· Problem Analysis and Analytical Thinking
· Self Confidence and Maturity
· Initiative, Self-Knowledge and Direction

Some favorite quotes....

Maya Angelou:
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

Ella Fitzgerald:
Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.

Martina Navratilova:
Just go out there and do what you have to do.

Anais Nin:
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

Liz Smith:
You can't build a reputation on what you intend to do.

Gloria Steinem:
I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career.

Resume Objective Statements

What is your objective?
What does a Resume objective do for you?
Does it just take up space?
Well, maybe like any answer, that depends!

If you are applying for an internship and/or are relatively junior in the career process, then a brief one sentence goal statement that is direct and to the point may be your best bet.If, however, you have experience and a strong skill set, then you may want to consider utilizing a Professional Summary. This is a direct and to the point paragraph highlighting you goals, values, skills and focus areas for your future job.

Take note: Some hiring managers love the simplicity of the one line objective while others absolutely reject the boring, template format. If you must use one sentence, please make is worthwhile! Think of your audience, catch their attention.

In short, make your resume worth the read. More on skills, values, interests coming...and thoughts on how they can and should impact your career journey. Stay tuned for ongoing resume tips. Kate

Jobs and the future

Well, what a great day to wake up and know that Barack Obama is now the President Elect...this says so much about the new day dawning for all of us, the future looks bright and I feel giddy!

I also know that there are many long days of work and diligence ahead for us as a country and as individuals. Money is tight, the economy is shaky and jobs are not easy to find.

Keep hope in your hearts as you enter the work world but do not think that hope alone will find that job. You must work very hard to get where you need to be. The field is very competitive right now with new graduates entering the field, people with advanced degrees who have been laid off are now your competition, parents of kids looking for second jobs to make ends meet are also in the pool. On top of this, hiring freezes are everywhere from State agencies to small firms and large private organizations. In short, there are fewer jobs and more people applying.

So, what to do!?

Do not procrastinate and think that just because you have a college degree someone will come looking for you. You must do the work; get that professional resume in order, network in your field, conduct informational interviews, do an internship, attend career fairs and hiring panels, define your skills for a potential employer.

In addition, take the time to develop the skills you know are being sought after; computer skills, communication skills, research skills, creative skills and team work abilities.

Also, please never, ever think that you are above the need to dress professionally for each and every meet and greet opportunity. Too often I watch students come to career events looking like they have just rolled out of bed. They show up in jeans and t-shirts with no resume and no idea what to say to make that amazing first impression. If you are at a college career fair, your negative impression spreads to your co-students as well. Once a visiting employer gets a negative feeling about a school, they often choose not to visit again. Showing up unprepared makes the job hunt harder for you and your fellow students.

While you are in college, take the time to utilize all of the career-related advice and assistance your career counselors offer. There are always workshops and 1:1 session on resumes, cover letters, informational and job interviews, portfolio preparation, dressing for career success and networking.

In addition, check you campus email for events and visits from employers and graduate school admissions counselors. If your career office is putting on an event for your school, show up and show the visitor just how worthwhile their time is to you. Too many college students today put career development off until the end of their college career. This is a mistake! Your college career office is often very connected to local and national organizations. The more your career counselor knows about you, the better he/she can help connect you to hiring managers.

You can be successful and find the career path you love, but you must claim the journey and do the work.