It has become extremely evident that finding a job in today's economy is somewhat reliant on people you know. When I first started college, I thought that networking was cheating--it was as if I wasn't smart enough or qualified enough to get a job or internship on my own. But what I failed to realize is that networking serves as a step up and an endorsement. To have someone call on your behalf isn't cheating the system, it's playing the system. Today, simply submitting a resume and cover letter isn't going to cut it. It isn't about what you know anymore, but rather who you know. So break out the iCal or the Outlook and start downloading V-cards. Trust me, you are going to want as many as possible.
I have a hard time writing about myself on this blog, but I feel the only way to drive this point home is to in fact, write about my own experiences networking. My dad, in all of his professional glory, has racked up a substantial number of business friends and associates. With his help (and first round of e-mails) many of his friends offered to speak to me on the phone and send out my resume. I expected the worst--many places weren't looking to hire someone just out of college or there weren't any openings to begin with. But the fact that my name and resume were circulating was a giant leap in the right direction.
My dad always tells me that people who are successful in their jobs probably got help along the way and many of those people are willing to pay it forward. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, nor is it an indicator that you are incapable of finding a job on your own. It just means that you are exhausting all possible options and nothing bad can come of reaching out. Take it from me---I was the queen of "I am doing this on my own". So I applied for an internship, told my Dad (who told his business associate who incidentally worked for this person) and less than 24 hours later, I was offered an internship. Now--I am aware that most people have to go through rounds of interviews, and I just got lucky. But instead of being excited, I felt guilty, like they hired me because they felt obligated. I soon realized that there was no obligation to hire me, that I landed the internship on my own merit, but her phone call only made sure that my resume was given a deeper and better look.
The moral of the story is not to be afraid to reach out. Contacting someone, even if just for an informational interview, is more proactive and sometimes more effective than blindly sending applications. Networking is an effective job search tool and it should be utilized, just like a finely crafted resume and cover letter.
Don't be afraid to cast your line---chances are, something will bite.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Making the Most of It
As a student worker in the Career Center, part of my position is to promote Career Center events on campus. I realize as a busy student that there are simply not enough hours in the day to attend everything AND get your work done AND have a life. There are times where I think sleep is simply over-rated.
But attending the 'Alumni in the Spotlight: History Majors' panel shifted my perspective. No, I am not a history major and yes, I am incredibly glad I attended. My primary motivation was work related--I needed to cover this event for a newsletter. But as I sat in the back row, scribbling down pieces of advice and quotes, I realized that I was going to walk away with much more than a news story.
Here's my dilemma: I am a political science major and as of now, want nothing, to do with it post-graduation. I have no desire to go to law school, lobby or work on Capitol Hill. I love Washington D.C. for its culture, not its politics. And three of the four alumni on the panel have careers and lives that have little to do with their majors as well. (Enter a sigh of relief---there is hope for me after all).
Two of the alumni who I related to the most worked in higher education as a Program Manager for Drexel's MBA program and as the Executive Director of Marketing for Everyday Rachel Ray. Both were passionate about their major, the topics they learned and the skills they garnered from studying it. But at the same time, they were interested in other areas, like magazines, marketing and programming in higher education. The advice they offered and the lessons they learned were easily applicable to my life and job pursuit, yet I wasn't a history major. After speaking with both of them after the presentation, I received their contact information and the offer to pick their brain any time I wanted.
The thing to take away from all of this is that the programs offered through the Career Center, although appropriately labeled one thing, can be interesting and applicable to students in other majors. History and political science encourage and foster the same skill set---strong reading, writing and analytic skills, the ability to locate and predict patterns and the development of a global perspective. In fact, any liberal arts major will have these skills post-graduation. Panels like these show students how to hone in on their skills and pursue their passion and I believe that every Muhlenberg student, history major or not, should take advantage of these opportunities.
Who knows--you may just learn a thing--or pick up a business card--or two.
But attending the 'Alumni in the Spotlight: History Majors' panel shifted my perspective. No, I am not a history major and yes, I am incredibly glad I attended. My primary motivation was work related--I needed to cover this event for a newsletter. But as I sat in the back row, scribbling down pieces of advice and quotes, I realized that I was going to walk away with much more than a news story.
Here's my dilemma: I am a political science major and as of now, want nothing, to do with it post-graduation. I have no desire to go to law school, lobby or work on Capitol Hill. I love Washington D.C. for its culture, not its politics. And three of the four alumni on the panel have careers and lives that have little to do with their majors as well. (Enter a sigh of relief---there is hope for me after all).
Two of the alumni who I related to the most worked in higher education as a Program Manager for Drexel's MBA program and as the Executive Director of Marketing for Everyday Rachel Ray. Both were passionate about their major, the topics they learned and the skills they garnered from studying it. But at the same time, they were interested in other areas, like magazines, marketing and programming in higher education. The advice they offered and the lessons they learned were easily applicable to my life and job pursuit, yet I wasn't a history major. After speaking with both of them after the presentation, I received their contact information and the offer to pick their brain any time I wanted.
The thing to take away from all of this is that the programs offered through the Career Center, although appropriately labeled one thing, can be interesting and applicable to students in other majors. History and political science encourage and foster the same skill set---strong reading, writing and analytic skills, the ability to locate and predict patterns and the development of a global perspective. In fact, any liberal arts major will have these skills post-graduation. Panels like these show students how to hone in on their skills and pursue their passion and I believe that every Muhlenberg student, history major or not, should take advantage of these opportunities.
Who knows--you may just learn a thing--or pick up a business card--or two.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Miami Herald Edition
Even though I am a die-hard New York Times girl, I will periodically read my hometown newspaper, The Miami Herald. It must have been a lucky day, because on the front page of the business section was an article titled "Once-certain jobs for postgraduates are scarce". Horrifying? Absolutely. Real? You bet.
College graduates are not the only group of people feeling the tight constraints of the job market. Recent MBA and law school graduates are also struggling to find jobs---some having graduated from top schools such as UC-Davis and even better, at the top of their class.
Nearly a decade ago, markets for both MBA and law students were thriving. But now, there are "too many applicants and not enough career opportunities". According to the article, nearly 80% of employers scaled back on campus recruiting, an event that many students relied on as an integral part of their job search. For law school graduates, the market has simple "tanked", according to the executive director of the National Association for Law Placement. Law students who actively pursue summer associate positions (which historically lead to job offers) find that there are fewer offers. For those who were lucky enough to be offered jobs, start dates have been pushed back, some indefinitely.
But there is another element of fear for those who are graduating unemployed: student debts. Law school students graduate with nearly $80,000 worth of debt for a private school education, and those who attend public school graduate with nearly $54,000 worth of debt.
To help those who are unemployed, law schools have begun creating their own jobs, attempting to formulate relief packages. UC Berkley's law school has created career development and financial planning programs for third-year law students and creates "bridge fellowships" for third year students hwo have not found jobs.
The good news is that despite a discouraging market, law and business schools are seeing a surge in interest and applicants. Perhaps it is to delay the inevitable or perhaps people are hoping that by the time they graduate, the job market will be better. The best thing to do is remain informed and realistic about the current economic situation. As Sir Francis Bacon once said, "knowledge is power".
Happy hunting.
For the full article, click here:http://http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/22/1539941/once-certain-jobs-for-postgraduates.html
College graduates are not the only group of people feeling the tight constraints of the job market. Recent MBA and law school graduates are also struggling to find jobs---some having graduated from top schools such as UC-Davis and even better, at the top of their class.
Nearly a decade ago, markets for both MBA and law students were thriving. But now, there are "too many applicants and not enough career opportunities". According to the article, nearly 80% of employers scaled back on campus recruiting, an event that many students relied on as an integral part of their job search. For law school graduates, the market has simple "tanked", according to the executive director of the National Association for Law Placement. Law students who actively pursue summer associate positions (which historically lead to job offers) find that there are fewer offers. For those who were lucky enough to be offered jobs, start dates have been pushed back, some indefinitely.
But there is another element of fear for those who are graduating unemployed: student debts. Law school students graduate with nearly $80,000 worth of debt for a private school education, and those who attend public school graduate with nearly $54,000 worth of debt.
To help those who are unemployed, law schools have begun creating their own jobs, attempting to formulate relief packages. UC Berkley's law school has created career development and financial planning programs for third-year law students and creates "bridge fellowships" for third year students hwo have not found jobs.
The good news is that despite a discouraging market, law and business schools are seeing a surge in interest and applicants. Perhaps it is to delay the inevitable or perhaps people are hoping that by the time they graduate, the job market will be better. The best thing to do is remain informed and realistic about the current economic situation. As Sir Francis Bacon once said, "knowledge is power".
Happy hunting.
For the full article, click here:http://http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/22/1539941/once-certain-jobs-for-postgraduates.html
Thursday, March 18, 2010
If at first your don't suceed...
Getting ready to graduate in less than two months scares me, but not for the reasons you would think. I am not afraid to move on and experience something besides the 84 acres of Muhlenberg's campus. I am not afraid to try something different and deviate from my 'political science academia' path. I am not afraid to move to a new city, make new friends and at 21 years old, essentially start from scratch.
But what I am afraid of is failing. I am terrified of graduating and feeling lost, feeling unprepared and (a distinct reality) jobless.
Will Wright of the Stupid Fun Club was asked what would be in his "two minutes commencement speech". He wanted to focus on the value of failure. Wright believes that graduating with a specific mindset about what you want to do and how you need to do it isn't for everyone. Graduating with rigid plans can lead to failure and then deflate a person's drive. For Wright, it is about accepting your failure, celebrating that you gave something a try and to embrace the new outlook that it has given you. For him, failure isn't really failure--it is more of a large scale trial and error. Wright believes that failure will occur when a person tries to fit a square peg into a round hole, or mold themselves to a work environment that isn't conducive to their strengths or talents. Rather, he encourages students to find a place where they can grow and adapt with.
I am graduating with a political science major and Jewish studies minor. My last four years studying have given me invaluable tools, like strong analytic skills, the ability to become a concise writer and the opportunity to be well-versed on American and International events. But when I got home for winter break this year, I realized that I wanted nothing to do with political science come May. I didn't want to work in politics, was unsure of law school, had zero interest in lobbying and felt completely lost. In my head, I had failed. But I realized that I had done more than most people---I had tried out a few kinds of environments through internships, took classes I thought would interest me and began picking people's brains about their jobs and careers.
Taking time to figure out what is right for you doesn't mean you have failed as a student or person. Rather, it means that you have made the brave step of being introspective. People change careers all the time and at all ages. At 21 and 22, we aren't expected and shouldn't have all the answers. So apply for that job or internship that may be out of your comfort zone. Enroll in the class that sounds really interesting. Take a leap, try something new and if you don't like the outcome, then you take the lessons it has taught you and the experience gained and confidently go forward to the next adventure.
For the full interview, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/business/14corner.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1
But what I am afraid of is failing. I am terrified of graduating and feeling lost, feeling unprepared and (a distinct reality) jobless.
Will Wright of the Stupid Fun Club was asked what would be in his "two minutes commencement speech". He wanted to focus on the value of failure. Wright believes that graduating with a specific mindset about what you want to do and how you need to do it isn't for everyone. Graduating with rigid plans can lead to failure and then deflate a person's drive. For Wright, it is about accepting your failure, celebrating that you gave something a try and to embrace the new outlook that it has given you. For him, failure isn't really failure--it is more of a large scale trial and error. Wright believes that failure will occur when a person tries to fit a square peg into a round hole, or mold themselves to a work environment that isn't conducive to their strengths or talents. Rather, he encourages students to find a place where they can grow and adapt with.
I am graduating with a political science major and Jewish studies minor. My last four years studying have given me invaluable tools, like strong analytic skills, the ability to become a concise writer and the opportunity to be well-versed on American and International events. But when I got home for winter break this year, I realized that I wanted nothing to do with political science come May. I didn't want to work in politics, was unsure of law school, had zero interest in lobbying and felt completely lost. In my head, I had failed. But I realized that I had done more than most people---I had tried out a few kinds of environments through internships, took classes I thought would interest me and began picking people's brains about their jobs and careers.
Taking time to figure out what is right for you doesn't mean you have failed as a student or person. Rather, it means that you have made the brave step of being introspective. People change careers all the time and at all ages. At 21 and 22, we aren't expected and shouldn't have all the answers. So apply for that job or internship that may be out of your comfort zone. Enroll in the class that sounds really interesting. Take a leap, try something new and if you don't like the outcome, then you take the lessons it has taught you and the experience gained and confidently go forward to the next adventure.
For the full interview, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/business/14corner.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1
Friday, March 5, 2010
Take it Easy
Welcome to Spring Break!
Take this weak to regroup and recharge. Sleep a little later. Watch a little to much TV. If you are headed down South, take a nap in the sun. Try not to remember that this is our (GASP!) last spring break as students--and just for that, let the job searching lie for a few days.
I'll be back next week with more stories, updates and news articles! Enjoy your (very hard earned) vacation.
-Jessica
Take this weak to regroup and recharge. Sleep a little later. Watch a little to much TV. If you are headed down South, take a nap in the sun. Try not to remember that this is our (GASP!) last spring break as students--and just for that, let the job searching lie for a few days.
I'll be back next week with more stories, updates and news articles! Enjoy your (very hard earned) vacation.
-Jessica
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Funny Money
As a college student, it is difficult to ignore the dozens of credit card companies that contact you you regarding opening a credit card. It is definitely a confusing thing to navigate: each credit card has different perks and it is difficult to figure out which is best for you. And on top of that, deciding whether or not to open a credit card in your name and begin your own line of credit is a monumental decision.
Soon, this may all change.
New laws are being passed that are designed to curb the flooding of credit cards on college campuses, making it harder for students to open credit cards in their own name. Last May, Congress passed a law making it harder for card companies to raise interest rates unless that cardholder was at least two months late in paying a bill. But more interestingly, the new changes will greater affect those who are under 21. Students will no longer be able to sign themselves up for a credit card and receive the (ever popular) promotional t-shirt or teddy bear.
This law appears to be a double edge sword. Students generally tend to accumulate high credit card bills and procure large debts. But at the same time, many students rely on credit card to purchase books, pay club dues and simply thrive on campus. With the current economic situation, credit card companies are weary about students being able to pay off their payments on time, if at all.
So what if your parents co-sign? It may not be so simple. Having a co-signer means that person is putting their credit score on the line so that you may begin your own. If you cannot get a co-signer, then students will need to be able to show that they are financially able to pay off their bills. And even still, credit card companies are becoming more conservative in who they will allow to open accounts. In states like New York, for example, it is illegal to market credit card on college campuses. In Texas, if a credit card company wants to market on a campus, it is required to provide financial literacy information.
Graduating college is about finding and accepting your independence. It means looking for a job, potentially moving to a new city and relying less on your parents. These new credit laws make it much harder for students to do just this. As a second semester senior, I realize that now is the time to begin building my own credit and making small purchases that I can pay off on time. If these new laws are enacted, it will be much harder for me to make small, independant changes in my life. This means that I will have to rely on my parents for even more, like co-signing an apartment or car lease.
There should be other criteria for gauging whether or not a student is capable of opening and handling their own credit cards. Many students have lived in foreign countries, held multiple jobs or internships and lead completely independent lives. I think that credit card companies should consider these other criteria when deciding if a student is a sound candidate. If they won't allow us to attempt financial independence, when are we supposed to learn it?
For the full article, click here: http://http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/19/news/economy/student_credit_cards/index.htm
Soon, this may all change.
New laws are being passed that are designed to curb the flooding of credit cards on college campuses, making it harder for students to open credit cards in their own name. Last May, Congress passed a law making it harder for card companies to raise interest rates unless that cardholder was at least two months late in paying a bill. But more interestingly, the new changes will greater affect those who are under 21. Students will no longer be able to sign themselves up for a credit card and receive the (ever popular) promotional t-shirt or teddy bear.
This law appears to be a double edge sword. Students generally tend to accumulate high credit card bills and procure large debts. But at the same time, many students rely on credit card to purchase books, pay club dues and simply thrive on campus. With the current economic situation, credit card companies are weary about students being able to pay off their payments on time, if at all.
So what if your parents co-sign? It may not be so simple. Having a co-signer means that person is putting their credit score on the line so that you may begin your own. If you cannot get a co-signer, then students will need to be able to show that they are financially able to pay off their bills. And even still, credit card companies are becoming more conservative in who they will allow to open accounts. In states like New York, for example, it is illegal to market credit card on college campuses. In Texas, if a credit card company wants to market on a campus, it is required to provide financial literacy information.
Graduating college is about finding and accepting your independence. It means looking for a job, potentially moving to a new city and relying less on your parents. These new credit laws make it much harder for students to do just this. As a second semester senior, I realize that now is the time to begin building my own credit and making small purchases that I can pay off on time. If these new laws are enacted, it will be much harder for me to make small, independant changes in my life. This means that I will have to rely on my parents for even more, like co-signing an apartment or car lease.
There should be other criteria for gauging whether or not a student is capable of opening and handling their own credit cards. Many students have lived in foreign countries, held multiple jobs or internships and lead completely independent lives. I think that credit card companies should consider these other criteria when deciding if a student is a sound candidate. If they won't allow us to attempt financial independence, when are we supposed to learn it?
For the full article, click here: http://http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/19/news/economy/student_credit_cards/index.htm
Monday, March 1, 2010
Corner Office Time!
Ironically, the reason that this post is a day behind is because I was getting job advice. The girl who normally critiques resumes was having her resume critiqued, and let me tell you, it was an odd experience.
The quote that I have chosen to highlight today is from Jana Eggers, CEO of Spreadshirt, a custom T-Shirt design company. She was asked "What career advice do you give young people?". Her answer is below:
"Don't be too set on what you want to do. Be flexible. I jumped all over the place... Be confident that you can figure it out."
As a political science major, I was convinced that I either had to work in politics or go straight to law school. A lot of soul searching and a few internships led me to believe that neither of these courses was right for me. Don't get me wrong---I have loved being a political science major. The classes I have taken have made me a strong writer and analytic thinker, forced me to stay up to date on current events and allowed me to hold my own in any conversation. But I just felt that I didn't want to continue it (immediately) after I graduated.
After having a mini life-crisis about not knowing what I wanted to do post-graduation, my friend Jos told me to look at what I liked and was good at and go from there. So I sat down, realized I loved event logistics (I mean, it was my internship that summer) and became comfortable with pursuing that career path.
But, as Ms. Eggers writes, you can't become too set on one path. I began looking up jobs in event planning and realized that often times, it will fall under Development. Working in Development meant looking for jobs in institutions of higher education, not just non-profit organizations. Having taken Marketing in Not for Profits, I began searching for marketing associateships. And last but not least, enrolling in Public Relations and Communications has opened yet another door. So I now find myself applying for jobs in four major (and might I say very different) areas.
I realized that I may not graduate with my dream job, but as long as I like what the job description says, I am sure that I will make it work. Having a lot of interests is not a detriment, rather it allows you to take on the job search with an open mind. Some days I envy those who are Accounting majors, who know what they will be doing come May 23rd. But at the same time, I also love that I have the option of exploring what is right for me.
I finally became comfortable with the fact that at the ripe age of 21, I wasn't expected to have all the answers or know how to do it all. My age is a beautiful gift--it allows me to take chances and risks, and if they don't turn out the way I thought, I still am able to start over again.
So remember--keep an open mind and be willing to consider a job that was not in your immediate plans or your first choice. If anything, it will make you a wiser, stronger and more well-rounded applicant for that perfect job you have been dreaming about.
Ironically, the reason that this post is a day behind is because I was getting job advice. The girl who normally critiques resumes was having her resume critiqued, and let me tell you, it was an odd experience.
The quote that I have chosen to highlight today is from Jana Eggers, CEO of Spreadshirt, a custom T-Shirt design company. She was asked "What career advice do you give young people?". Her answer is below:
"Don't be too set on what you want to do. Be flexible. I jumped all over the place... Be confident that you can figure it out."
As a political science major, I was convinced that I either had to work in politics or go straight to law school. A lot of soul searching and a few internships led me to believe that neither of these courses was right for me. Don't get me wrong---I have loved being a political science major. The classes I have taken have made me a strong writer and analytic thinker, forced me to stay up to date on current events and allowed me to hold my own in any conversation. But I just felt that I didn't want to continue it (immediately) after I graduated.
After having a mini life-crisis about not knowing what I wanted to do post-graduation, my friend Jos told me to look at what I liked and was good at and go from there. So I sat down, realized I loved event logistics (I mean, it was my internship that summer) and became comfortable with pursuing that career path.
But, as Ms. Eggers writes, you can't become too set on one path. I began looking up jobs in event planning and realized that often times, it will fall under Development. Working in Development meant looking for jobs in institutions of higher education, not just non-profit organizations. Having taken Marketing in Not for Profits, I began searching for marketing associateships. And last but not least, enrolling in Public Relations and Communications has opened yet another door. So I now find myself applying for jobs in four major (and might I say very different) areas.
I realized that I may not graduate with my dream job, but as long as I like what the job description says, I am sure that I will make it work. Having a lot of interests is not a detriment, rather it allows you to take on the job search with an open mind. Some days I envy those who are Accounting majors, who know what they will be doing come May 23rd. But at the same time, I also love that I have the option of exploring what is right for me.
I finally became comfortable with the fact that at the ripe age of 21, I wasn't expected to have all the answers or know how to do it all. My age is a beautiful gift--it allows me to take chances and risks, and if they don't turn out the way I thought, I still am able to start over again.
So remember--keep an open mind and be willing to consider a job that was not in your immediate plans or your first choice. If anything, it will make you a wiser, stronger and more well-rounded applicant for that perfect job you have been dreaming about.
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