Career Journals

CAREER CAREER JOURNAL JOURNAL

December 2007, Vol. December 5 Issue 2007, 2 Vol. 5 Issue

Published by the Office Published of Career by theServices Office of and Career Cooperative ServicesEducation and Cooperative Education

WE’RE MOVING!!!

WE’RE MOVING!!!

After the holidayAfter break, thethe holiday Career break, Services the Career Services office will be located officejust willdown be located the hall just in down Killian the Annex, hall inSuite Killian 205!

Annex, Suite 205!

IN THIS ISSUE: IN THIS ISSUE:

1 Service Learning: 1 Service Why It’s Learning: Why It’s

Important Important Dr. Glenn Bowen talks Dr. Glenn about Bowen the talks about the necessity of service learning necessity of service learning in your education in your education

3 Do You Know3 Where Do You You’re Know Where You’re Going? Career Events Going?and Career Events and How They HelpHow They Help There are lots of great There reasons are lots to of great reasons to attend a career fair,attend and benefits a career fair, and benefits of doing so. Find out of why. doing so. Find out why.

December December Class of 2007 Class of 2007

By Brandy KigerBy Brandy Kiger

This is it. After years This is ofit.diligently After years pull-of diligently pulling all-nighters, drinking ing all-nighters, way toodrinking way too much coffee andmuch writing coffee moreand papers writing more papers than you ever thought than you possible, ever thought you’ve possible, you’ve made it. No more made classes it. No stand more be-classes stand between you and graduation. tween you Everything and graduation. Everything has been turned has in, and beenyou’ve turnedbought in, and you’ve bought the cap and gown. theNow cap and what? gown. Now what?

How Service HowLearning Service Learning Fosters Synthesis Fosters Synthesis and an Prepares Prepares Students Students for Careers for Careers

By Dr. Glenn Bowen

By Dr. Glenn Bowen

Glenn Bowen the Director of Service Dr. Glenn BowenDr. is the Director of isService Learning at WCU.Learning at WCU

We here at Career WeServices here at would Careerlike Services would like Preparing students Preparing for careers students is notfor thecareers primary is purpose not the primary of purpose to say, “Congratulations, to say, “Congratulations, Seniors. You Seniors. You service learning. service In fact,learning. when it comes In fact,towhen career it comes developto career develophave worked hard, have you worked are finally hard,getyou are finally getment, service learning ment, is service the road learning less traveled is the road by students. less traveled by students ting your degreeting and your we are degree proudand of we are proud of you.” You have you.” alreadyYou accomplished have already accomplished Service learning Service is aimedlearning primarily is at aimed meeting primarily community at meeting community a lot, but there’s amore lot, but ahead. there’s We’d more ahead. We’d needs while enriching needs and while enhancing enrichingacademic and enhancing courseacademic concourse con like to help you keep like tothat help momentum you keep that momentum tent. Still, servicetent. learning Still, contributes service learning to career contributes development to career in development various ways. in In various ways. going. going. this article, I willthis explain article, what I will service explain learning what is, service and how learning it works, is, and inhow relation it works, to in relatio

career development career anddevelopment preparation and for the preparation workplace. for the workplace.

Our services areOur still available services are to you still available to you as alumni, and we as would alumni,like andyou wetowould like A you formtoof experiential A formeducation, of experiential service education, learning intertwines service learning community intertwines service community ser take advantage oftake those advantage resources. of those We resources.

We with classroom instruction with classroom and critical instruction reflection. and critical It hasreflection. two goals:Itservice has two to goals: the service to have a ton of career-related have a ton of material, career-relatedcommunity material, and community student learning. and student It involves learning. learning It involves by doing. learning What makes by doing. ser-What makes s career testing and career resume testing helpand at your resume help at your vice learning special vice islearning that it involves special islearning that it involves by doinglearning and by reflecting. by doing and by reflecting. disposal, free of disposal, charge. We freealso of charge. have We also have career fairs happening career several fairs happening times a several times aparticipating Students Students in service participating learning in may service serve learning as math may and serve reading as math tutors andtoreading tutor year where you can yearnetwork where you andcan meet networkelementary and meet school elementary pupils, assist school thepupils, county’s assist Habitat the county’s for Humanity Habitatorganization for Humanity organizati potential employers. potential employers. in building houses in building for homeless houses people, for homeless support people, entrepreneurial support projects entrepreneurial in low- projects in lo Continued, Service Continued, LearningService , p. 4 Learning ,

Continued, Seniors, Continued, p. 5 Seniors, p. 5 1

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Career Services Career Programs Services for Success Programs for Success Students and Alumni: Take advantage Students theand many Alumni: services Take we advantage offer! the many services we offer!

Resume Critiquing ServiceResume Critiquing Service JobCat, MonsterTRAK, and JobCat, Localjobs.com MonsterTRAK, and Localjobs.com Internet-based recruiting systems Internet-based on our website recruiting that systems on our website that Email your resume (cover letter, Email too!)your to resume (cover letter, too!) to include jobs as well as opportunities includetojobs postasa well resume as opportunities to post a resume or mashe@wcu.edu mdespeaux@wcu.edu mdespeaux@wcu.edu and make or anmashe@wcu.ed and sign up for interviews. and sign up for interviews. appointment to discuss it! appointment to discuss it!

Student Employment Student Employment Career Testing Career Testing Need some cash?

The student Need employment some cash? officeThe canstudent help employme If you are having difficulty making If you a decision are having about difficulty making a decision about you testing find a part-time job. We offer you listings find a part-time for on-campus job. Weasoffer listings a major or a career, we offer career a major testing or a and career, we offer career and well as off-campus employment. wellVisit as off-campus them at employment. Visit the interpretation. interpretation. http://careers.wcu.edu. http://careers.wcu.edu.

Career Counseling Career Counseling Career Services If you have a career concern that If you youhave would a career like toconcern that you would like toWebsite Career Services Website Ourevent website calendars, offers links, job articles, event c discuss, call for an appointment discuss, with a call career for counan appointmentOur with website a career offers coun- links, articles, search tools, directories, videossearch and DISCOVER, tools, directories, a videos and DISC selor. selor. computer-aided guidance program computer-aided to help you guidance in your program to help career decision. Available at http://careers.wcu.edu. career decision. Available at http://caree Cooperative Education Cooperative Education Co-op is a program that allowsCo-op you toiswork a program in yourthat allows you to work in your Interviewing Skills Assistance career or major field and receive career directly or major relatedfield and receiveInterviewing directly relatedSkills Assistance You can participate in a mock You interview can participate and improve in ayour mock interview a experience and credit WHILE experience you are stilland in school. credit WHILE you are still in school. interviewing skills through the interviewing Perfect Interview skills program. through the Perfect Int Career Days and Recruitment Career Events Days and Recruitment Events Career Services offers 18-20 recruitment Career Services eventsoffers every18-20 year, recruitment including theevents Careerevery and year, Graduate including School theExpo, Careertheand Allied Graduate HealthSchool E and Nurses’ Career Day, Springand JobNurses’ Fest, Summer Career Day, Job Fair, Spring Engineering, Job Fest, Summer Math, and JobCS Fair, Fair, Engineering, Construction Math, Management and CS Fair, Fair, Constructi Education Recruitment Day and Education multiple Recruitment etiquette-development Day and multiple events. etiquette-development events.

Career Services Information Career Services Information 828-227-7133 http://careers.wcu.edu

828-227-7133 http://careers.wcu.edu

Want to get on the career path?

Want to get on the

Mardy Ashe, Director and Career Counselor Mardy Ashe, Director and Career Counselor mashe@wcu.edu mashe@wcu.edu Michael Despeaux, CoordinatorMichael and Career Counselor Despeaux, Coordinator and Career Counselor mdespeaux@wcu.edu mdespeaux@wcu.edu Donna Ferrara, Secretary and Office DonnaManager Ferrara, Secretary and Office Manager 1. Log into JobCat at careers.wcu.edu 1. Log into JobCat at ferrara@wcu.edu ferrara@wcu.edu

Use JobCat. Use Job

2. Complete a personal profile 2. Complete a person 3. Upload a resume 3. Upload a resume 4.

Submit your online application by 4. Submit your online Steven Wilson, Career ResourceSteven Specialist/On-Campus Employment Wilson, Career Resource Specialist/On-Campus Employment the deadline. the deadline. wilsons@wcu.edu wilsons@wcu.edu

Brandy Kiger, Graduate Assistant Brandy Kiger, Graduate Assistant bkiger@wcu.edu bkiger@wcu.edu

Jill Woodruff, Special Events Coordinator Jill Woodruff, Special Events Coordinator jwoodruff@wcu.edu jwoodruff@wcu.edu

JobCat is updated with new jobs almost JobCat is updated with every day, so check for updates regularly! every day, so check for

The Career Journal is a publication of the Office of Career Services of the Office of Career Services The Career Journal is a publication and Cooperative Education at Western Carolina University. and Cooperative Education at Western Carolina University.

Publisher: Michael Despeaux Publisher: Michael Despeaux Editor: Brandy Kiger Editor: Brandy Kiger

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Do You Know Where Do You You’re KnowGoing?

Where You’re Going?

Great Reasons toGreat AttendReasons a to Attend a Career Event Career Event

By Brandy Kiger

By Brandy Kiger

A lot of students are still askingAthemlot of students areofstill them-is “more perience of job searching is “more perience jobasking searching selves, “What am I going to do?” selves, as “What going to do?” realam at aI career fair” andasthat byreal at a career fair” and that by they near graduation. Many more theybegin near graduation.

Manyare more beginto going, going, students exposed jobs students are exposed to jobs asking that question when theyasking are first that in question when they are first in their field that they might not their field that they might not year students. It’s not uncommon yeartostudents. be have It’sconsidered. not uncommon to be have considered. unsure about your career choice. unsure That’s about your career choice. That’s why we’re here. why we’re here.

“It gives them the opportunity“It to gives them the opportunity to experience the matter whole social side you of the experience the whole social side of the No matter what ye what year are inNo school, Our career events are designedOur to give career network,” events are Dr. designed to give network,” Dr. Burbank Burbank continues, events can b career eventscontinues, can be helpful tocareer you. For you, the student or recent graduate, you, the a student orthem recentpractice graduate, a “giving them practiceand at talking to com-career “giving at talking to comfreshmen and sop freshmen sophomores, leg up on the competition by putting leg up on the competition by putting panies.” It’sevents a greatare chance network panies.”

It’s a great chance to network a goodtoway to get a events handle are a good you face-to-face with potentialyou employface-to-face with employwhat’s there. and just seepotential what’s out there. and just seeon on who who out is out there looking, what ma- is out ther ers. The benefits of having theers. opporThe benefits of having the opporjors they jors they are recruiting, and simply how are recru tunity to meet with these regional tunity em-to meet with theseabout regional em- ofWhen askedtoabout ofan attendWhen asked successes attendto go go upsuccesses and talk to employer andup and talk t ployers are numerous. ployers are ing numerous. ing a careerlearn fair, he points to It’s Xiaoxi a career fair, he points to Xiaoxi learn to network. also a good waytotonetwork. I Martin, an Engineering Martin, an Engineering Technology start looking for in start looking Technology for internship or co-op senior whopossibilities. was hired by Eaton’s at Oc- possibilities. senior whotowas hired Eaton’s at Ocx Employers want to meet you. x They Employers want meet you.byThey tober’s Engineering, Math, andtober’s Com- Engineering, Math, and Comwant you to ask questions, andwant they you to ask questions, and they puter Science Fair. career events allow youJuniors, Fair.

Juniors, to startcareer eve want to know that you are interwant toputer knowScience that you are interstepping stepping up to the plate. You can start up to the ested in their field. Career fairsested give in their field. Career fairs give Mardy Ashe, the director of aCareer Ashe, the director Sernetworking, find a networking, find co-opSeror internship, you the opportunity to give them you theMardy opportunity to give themof Career most who important aspect of discover vices, says the most important vices, aspectsays of the discover is actively recruiting, and who is ac what they want. what they want. career events is simply that they get career events is simply that they get start narrowing do start narrowing down the field for cax Your professors want you x to have Your professors want you to have information out to students.

The expoinformation out to students.

The exporeer choices. reer choices. contact with people who are active contact with people who are active to isreal companies that are hiring is to real companies thatdoaresure hiring in your chosen field. They really in do yoursure chosen field.

They really excellent, givesevents students excellent, and gives students chance and Career events are Career are the evenchance more beneficial want you to succeed, regardlesswant of you to succeed, regardless of the to ask themselves, “Is This this something to ask themselves, “Is this to seniors. to seniors. is where you can start This is what you think the workload they what you think the workload theysomething that I mightsetting want to that I might want to do?” updo?” interviews, boost thesetting net- up intervie give you says. give you says. working working aspect of your career and buildaspect of x Career fairs give you the opportux Career fairs give you the opportu“Thelookmajority of employers of employers in who confidence in whocome you lookare andconfidence what nity to take a reality check: findnity outto “The take amajority reality check: find outcome majors, but they all for specific majors, butare theyingallfor specific you have you have to offer.

Employers want you. to offer. starting salaries, what employers starting are ing salaries, what employers come foradvantage employees.”

Emlooking employees.”

Em- looking Take advantage of Take of that. looking for, and how much your lookingcome for, and howfor much your ployers are usually not dead-set on a ployers are usually not dead-set on a GPA really matters.

GPA really matters. program; theystellar GPA, degree they degree If you have a less If you have a often, less than x You get free stuff, and some x ofYou it’s getcertain free stuff, andprogram; some ofoften, it’s certain want employees from any major who want employees from any major who don’t let that keep don’t let that keep you from attending really, really cool. really, really cool. have the skills to meet their the skills to meet with their needs. career career events.

Ms.needs.

Ashe says, “In any events. Ms. x Having a chance to interview x with Havinghave a chance to interview major, a good GPA is valuablemajor, inter- a good GP employers not only gives you real employers not only gives you real Career Services Career Services served view material and view served material771 andstudents what many employers practice, but sometimes leads to practice, but sometimes leads 771 to students events this through career events this pastthrough semestercareer are looking for, past but ifsemester you haveare lesslooking for, bu real jobs. real jobs. and anticipates thatwork number and anticipates doubling that number thanand a 3.0 GPA, w thandoubling a 3.0 GPA, experience through the spring semester.

It is our through the spring semester.

It is our extra-curricular ac extra-curricular activities can offset Dr. Ken Burbank, of the Engineering Dr. Ken Burbank, of the Engineering goal to host over 300 employers on goal to host over 300 employers on that,” and make yo that,” and make you just as valuable in a Technology Department at Western, Technology Department at Western, campus for the year, a 22% increase campus for the year, a 22% increase future employer’s future employer’s eyes. strongly strongly encourages his students to at- encourages his students to atover last year’s numbers. numbers. careerover fairs.last Heyear’s feels that the extend career fairs. He feels that tend the ex3

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Service Learning, continued from p.

Service 1 Learning, continued from p. 1

income neighborhoods, produce income docu-neighborhoods, docu- courses dents taking produce service-learning dents takingthey service-learning courses explore career options and they opporexplore career op mentaries for nonprofit organizations, mentaries fordemonstrate nonprofit organizations, synthesis throughdemonstrate the resynthesis the retunities andthrough gauge their readiness tunities for the and gauge the or prepare business plans for aorsmall prepare business foritself a small flection plans process as well asflection through process itself asStudents well as through workplace. can use the workplace. experi- Students c enterprises. Students may create enterprises.

Web Students create(e.g., Webpapers, reflectionmay products reflection docu- products docu-theirence ence to (e.g., seek papers, clarity about career to seek clarity ab sites and databases for human sites service and databases for human service mentaries, and business plans).mentaries, Service and business plans).

Service choice and to finalize their career choice deciand to finalize agencies, collect litter in publicagencies, parks, collect littershifts in public parks, learning the role of students learning fromshifts the role of students from sion. sion. make presentations on the state make of the presentations the state of theAs such, passive on to active learners. passive stu-to active learners. As such, stu“Service learning shifts “Service lea environment, conduct voter registration environment,dents conduct voter registration can effectively interconnect dents camcan effectively interconnect camdrives, or raise funds for charitable drives,or-or raise for charitable orpusfunds and community experiences, pusasand well community as well theexperiences, role of students from the role of st ganizations. These are examples ganizations. of com- as These are examples com-gained the knowledge andofskills as thefrom knowledge and skills gained from passive to active passive munity-service projects that may munity-service be inte- diverse projects that areas, somay theybe willintelearndiverse and de-areas, so they will learn and delearners.” learn grated effectively into the curriculum grated effectively the curriculum velopinto holistically. velop holistically. though the process of reflection. though the process of reflection.

Career-Related Outcomes Career-Related Outcomes Synthesis Synthesis Service learning contributes significantly Service learning contributes Service learning significantly can influence Service career learning can in Service learning is an integral element Service learning of to career is an planning integral element of to career planning and professional andinprofessional decisions significant ways. Students decisions in significan Western’s Quality Enhancement Western’s Plan Quality Enhancement preparation.

ThroughPlan their participation, preparation. have Through participation, beentheir known to change their havemajors been known to c (QEP), designed to help students (QEP), makedesigned to help makeandstudents students can students clarify values develop canand clarify develop theirvalues careerand goals because and of the their career goals meaningful connections between meaningful their connections betweenand their both self-awareness self-efficacy. both self-awareness A kind of experience and self-efficacy.

A atkind they had a comof experience the in-class and out-of-class experiences. in-class and well-designed out-of-class experiences. service-learning well-designed project service-learning munity-service site.project Moreover,munity-service participasite. M The QEP is rooted in the concept The of QEP is will rooted in students the concept of allow to acquire and will hone allow students acquire and hone tion in to service learning has ledtion students in service learning synthesis, which, simply put, is the synthesis, inte- which, simply put, is the inte- teamwork, professional skills, including professionalto skills, including teamwork,career, choose a service-related to choose espe- a service-rel gration of knowledge and skillsgration from of knowledge and skills from critical-thinking, problem-solving, critical-thinking, com- ciallyproblem-solving, com- profesin one of the “helping cially in one of the “he separate areas into a coherent whole separate (see areas into a coherent whole (seeskills, munication, and leadership munication, which sions,” and leadership skills, which such as social work or nursing. sions,” such as social w Carol Burton’s Career Journal article, Carol SepBurton’s Journal article, Separe Career vital for success in the workplace. are vitalItfor success the workplace.

Also, as in a consequence ofIttheirAlso, commuas a consequenc tember 2007). Our Center for tember Service 2007).

Service willOur alsoCenter allow for students to exhibit will proalso allow students to exhibit pro-somenity-service nity-service experiences, students experience Learning is playing a pivotal role Learning in the is playing pivotal role in the ductive workchoose ductiveawork habits. habits.a career through whichchoose they can a career throug implementation of the QEP. implementation of the QEP.learning oftenFurther, Further, service providesservice learningspecifically often provides contribute to the pursuit contribute of specifically Clearly, service learning fostersClearly, synthe-service learning fosters synthe- related students with opportunities students to withsocial opportunities justice. related to social justice. sis. Reflection ties together thesis. commuReflection tiesmajors together commutheir andthe career interests. their Asmajors stu- and career interests. As stunity service and the course work. nityStuservice and theprovide courseservice work. Students to the community, dents provide service know to thethat community, Students communityStudents service know that co

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can help them get their foot incan thehelp doorthem get their in the door projects and foot service sites.

Thisprojects does notand service sites. This does not at a place where they would like at to a place where likestudent, to mean they that would a nursing for mean examthat a nursing student, for examwork. They know that community work.serTheyple, know thatserve community ser- orple, must in a hospital nursing must serve in a hospital or nursing vice provides new contacts andvice newprovides new(A contacts new home school and or community home center(A school or community center opportunities. To be sure, more opportunities. than a mayTo more than bebe ansure, appropriate site afor may the nursbe an appropriate site for the nursfew have reported that they landed few have reported that they landed ing student.).

What it means ising thatstudent.). the What it means is that the their first real job at the place where their first real job atprojects the place service andwhere sites should service facili-projects and sites should facilithey did community service. Indeed, they did community service. Indeed, tate the achievement of both the tateserthe achievement of both the sergetting to know people in the commugetting to know people thelearning commu-goals vice goals andinthe vice specigoals and the learning goals specinity and in the workplace will yield nity and in fied the workplace will yield in the syllabus. fied in the syllabus. higher returns than sending outhigher scoresreturns than sending out scores of job application letters and résumés. of job application letters and résumés.

The community-service assignments The community-service – assignments – for upper-class students, in particular for upper-class – students, in particular – In career-focused service-learning In career-focused should service-learning allow them to explore careers, should allow them to explore careers, classes, students should be required classes,tostudents should be required to develop develop job-related knowledge and job-related knowledge and articulate their career choices based articulate on their career choices based skills, and ultimately makeonthe skills, transi-and ultimately make the transian assessment of their interests, anabiliassessment theircollege interests, abili- Accordingly, tionoffrom to work. tion from college to work. Accordingly, ties, and experiences. They should ties, be and experiences.

Theyensure shouldthat be students faculty should faculty ex-should ensure that students exexpected to make strong connections expected toamine make their strong connections service experiencesamine in relatheir service experiences in relabetween classroom and communitybetween classroom andcourse communitytion to the content andtion classto the course content and classbased learning and to document based knowllearning and to document room instruction.

Forknowltheir part, room stu-instruction. For their part, stuedge and skills gained throughedge service and skills gained through service dents should seek the most that dents theyshould seek the most that they learning. Additionally, they should learning. be Additionally, should be and, can get fromthey service learning can in get from service learning and, in expected to express a clear understandexpected tothe express a clear understandprocess, become active agents the process, in become active agents in ing of the complex world of work ing of and the complex ofdevelopment. work and their own career development. their ownworld career to articulate the characteristicsto ofarticulate a pre- the characteristics of a preferred work environment. ferred workInenvironment. the final analysis, students should In the final analysis, students should engage in community service, use engage the in community service, use the Service learning provides motivations Service learning provides motivations service to enrich their learning,service and use to enrich their learning, and use for choosing a career and can enhance for choosing a career and can enhance what they learn to make wise career what they learn to make wise career the career development process. theItcareer development process.

It graduate decisions. They will then decisions. as They will then graduate as helps students gain marketablehelps experistudents gain marketable experiactive citizens prepared not only active to citizens prepared not only to ence and a competitive edge. To ence ensure and a make competitive ensure make a livingedge. in theToworkplace but also a living in the workplace but also that it does, faculty and students thatshould it does,tofaculty studentsinshould make and a difference the community. to make a difference in the community.

-WCU’s carefully design or select the service carefully design or select the service

To achieve To ac synthesis synt during college during students must studen integrate inte “academic and “acade community comm service ser experiences exper with w career plans.” career QEP: Service Learning

Seniors, continued from p. 1

Seniors, continued from p. 1

JobCat and DISCOVER can be JobCat ac- and DISCOVER can be accessed through http://careers.wcu.edu, cessed through http://careers.wcu.edu, so feel free to search the job listings so feel free to search the job listings there and post your resume as there well. and post your resume as well.

Enjoy your graduation! When Enjoy you areyour graduation! When you are done celebrating, remember that wecelebrating, are done remember that we are still here supporting you 100 percent. still here supporting you 100 percent.

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Se

Calendar of Events Calendar : Spring of Events 2008 : Spr February 6

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March 11

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February 6 Construction Management Dinner *Career Fair * 12am -Etiquette 9:00 12:00 pm, UC pm, Grandroom 6:00 pm - 8:00 UC Grandroom

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Etiquett 6:00 pm This even of proper setting. A $15.00 pe ticket/Ca chased at

Primp Your Resume & SLP Career Fair* 26pm -Therapy 26 19 Physical 12:00 pm -UC 2:00 pm, UC Grandroom 4:00 6:00 pm, Grandroom

Primp Y 12:00 pm Does you Services s gestions f

Construction Management Career Fair * 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, UC Grandroom 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Interviews Meet with the experts in multiple segments of the construction and construction related industry.

You do not have to pre-register to attend the career fair portion of the event. Interviews may be available with some attending organizations from 1pm –5pm following the career fair.

Physical Therapy & SLP Career Fair* 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, UC Grandroom The Physical Therapy Fair is a great opportunity for students and alumni seeking employment in these fields. See JobCat for a list of employers who will be coming to this event.

intended to teach students the rules 1:00 pm -This 5:00event pm is Interviews Meet withof theproper experts in multiple segments ofinthe dining and conversation a formal construction and construction related industry. setting.

Attire is business casual.

The event is You do not have per to pre-register to check attendor thestudent ca- meal $15.00 person, cash, reer fair portion of the event.

Interviews may be ticket/CatCard is accepted.

Tickets can be puravailable with some attending organizations chased at Career Services in Killianfrom Annex.

1pm –5pm following the career fair.

Does your resume facelift? Let the Career The & Physical Therapy Fair is aneed greata opportunity & Services staff take a look at it and provide sugfor students and alumni seeking employment in gestions for revision. these fields.

See JobCat for a list of employers who will be coming to this event.

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SummerEtiquette Jobs & Internships Reception *Fair* March 11 11:00 11am5:30 - 2:00 UC Grandroom pmpm, - 7pm,

Summer Jobs & Internships Fair* 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, UC Grandroom Not graduating until August and/or looking for summer employment on or near the WCU campus?

This is the event for you! Businesses, campus and University departments set up booths to recruit for summer jobs and internships. Students are not required to sign up for this event, but are encouraged to bring copies of the their resumes.

11 Etiquette 5:30 pm -

Not graduating until August and/or looking for UC Multipurpose Room A&B summer employment or neartothe WCU campus?

Students are on welcome participate in this speThis is the for you!

Businesses, campus and emcialevent reception where you can meet potential Universityployers departments set up booths to recruit and how to network! This eventfor is insummer jobs andtointernships.

Students areetiquette not re- during tended teach students proper quired toasign up for this event, but are encouraged reception.

If you are interested in participating, to bring copies of the their resumes.

Engineering, Math and Computer Sciences Corporate, Non-Profit Career Fair *& Government Career Expo 9:00*am - 12:00 pm, UC Catamount Room 1:00 pm - 1:00 4:00 pm pm,- UC Grandroom 4:00 pm, Interviews EmployersEmployers in the Public Service, man- engineerin the fieldsmarketing, of engineering, agement, finance, accounting, computer proing technology and math and computer science gramming,will engineering andfair. engineering technolattend this Meet experts in these fields ogy fields will present at this event. Please join andbe receive timely information on careers, occuus and meet expertstrends, in thishiring field, receive informapational qualifications & job opention on careers advice. You do not ings. and It is hiring not necessary to pre-register for this need to pre-register for this event. event.

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Corporate, Non-Profit & Government Career Expo * 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, UC Grandroom Employers in the Public Service, marketing, management, finance, accounting, computer programming, engineering and engineering technology fields will be present at this event. Please join us and meet experts in this field, receive information on careers and hiring advice. You do not need to pre-register for this event.

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Opportunities for Non-Teaching Opportunities for Non-Teaching 13 Teaching 13 Teaching Majors * Majors *

*For all Expos and Career Days:

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, UC Catamount Room So, you have (or are getting) a degree and you don’t know what to do with it. Have you considered teaching? There are lots of ways to get into the system for non-education majors Come check out the information and see what you might be missing out on!

April

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April

Education Recruitment Recruitment Day* Eduation Day * 9:00 am - 12:00pm, UC Grandroom Education Recruitment Day is a great opportunity for students, alumni and general public interested in opportunities within schools and school systems.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, UC Catamount Room So, you have (orBusiness are getting) a degree and you attire is recausal to professional don’t know what to do with it.

Have you quired. Students and alumniconsidare encouraged to ered teaching?bring Thereseveral are lots of ways to getlatest intoresume. We copies of your the system foralso non-education majors Come suggest uploading a resume into JobCat. If check out theyou information and seewith whatdeveloping you need assistance a resume, might be missing out on! please visit Career Services (2nd floor, Killian

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Annex) or schedule an appointment with a career counselor 828.227.7133.

Eduation Recruitment Day * 9:00 am - 12:00pm, Grandroom Lists of UC attending organizations will be availEducation Recruitment Day is a great able at opportunity for students, alumni and general http://careers.wcu.edu and on JobCat. Lists public interested within willinbeopportunities updated as registrations are received. schools and school systems.

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UC Multi Students a cial recepti ployers and tended to t a reception

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CAREER JOURNAL May 2008, Vol. 5 Issue 4

Published by the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 What We Offer Alumni

3 Do’s and Don’ts of Job

Searches Some advice to keep you on track.

Dear Students and Alumni: Whether you are hearing about our QEP, listening to an RA or other mentor, or reading almost any article on challenges facing college students today, you’ll almost certainly be told about the importance of having a plan. As the word synthesis implies, we at Western believe you should be intentional about your career goals, incorporating the right major, related service, undergraduate research, leadership, and co-ops or internships into your overall education. That’s why we covered those topics in the first three editions of the Career Journal this year. We believe that synthesizing school and related co-curricular activities creates a plan for success both in college and in life afterward.

If you are about to graduate, you should be implementing another kind of plan. Job seekers should develop a structure for their search – they need to establish how they will look for jobs, they should have already fine-tuned resumes, cover letters, and other materials, and they should devote regular time each day or week to their searches. This edition of the Career Journal offers you guidance on using the resources we provide in order

Photograph by Aron Daniels, WCU Alumnus

Congratulations, Graduates!

By Eric Newsom

You’ve taken your last exam of your college career, paid your last fee, and bought the cap & gown. Your family has arrived, and the festivities are in full swing. You’re graduating, and they are proud. So are we, and we wish you the best as you step out into the real world.

But, you say, what am I to do now? Where will I go from here? Am I really prepared for this “real world?”

If anxiety is setting in because you have to do it on your own, don’t fret. We aren’t abandoning you. Career Services is still available to help you, as alumni, with all your job search needs.

What do we offer?

JobCat is a portal to job recruitment through the Career Services website (http://careers.wcu.edu) with listings of potential jobs, internships, and actual job interviews. Through this online system, students and alumni can upload their resumes and cover letters, search for and receive alerts on the availability of open positions from regional companies, and schedule interviews with employers that visit WCU at career fairs. x Career Fairs. Career Services hosts a number of specific fieldrelated fairs and events that bring regional and national employers to WCU for the purpose of spreading information about their companies and interviewing students as potential employees. Majors and fields represented at fairs range from criminal justice to education to x

Continued, Graduation, p. 3

Continued, Dear Students, p. 3 1

— 1 —

Career Services Programs for Success Students and Alumni: Take advantage the many services we offer!

JobCat, MonsterTRAK, and Localjobs.com Internet-based recruiting systems on our website that include jobs as well as opportunities to post a resume and sign up for interviews.

Resume Critiquing Service Email your resume (cover letter, too!) to mdespeaux@wcu.edu or mashe@wcu.edu and make an appointment to discuss it!

Career Testing If you are having difficulty making a decision about a major or a career, we offer career testing and interpretation.

Student Employment Need some cash? The student employment office can help you find a part-time job. We offer listings for on-campus as well as off-campus employment. Visit them at http://careers.wcu.edu.

Career Counseling If you have a career concern that you would like to discuss, call for an appointment with a career counselor.

Career Services Website Our website offers links, articles, event calendars, job search tools, directories, videos and DISCOVER, a computer-aided guidance program to help you in your career decision. Available at http://careers.wcu.edu.

Cooperative Education Co-op is a program that allows you to work in your career or major field and receive directly related experience and credit WHILE you are still in school.

Interviewing Skills Assistance You can participate in a mock interview and improve your interviewing skills through the Perfect Interview program.

Career Days and Recruitment Events Career Services offers 18-20 recruitment events every year, including the Career and Graduate School Expo, the Allied Health and Nurses’ Career Day, Spring Job Fest, Summer Job Fair, Engineering, Math, and CS Fair, Construction Management Fair, Education Recruitment Day and multiple etiquette-development events.

Career Services Information 828-227-7133 http://careers.wcu.edu Mardy Ashe, Director and Career Counselor mashe@wcu.edu Michael Despeaux, Career Services Coordinator and Career Counselor mdespeaux@wcu.edu Donna Ferrara, Secretary and Office Manager ferrara@wcu.edu Brandy Kiger, Graduate Assistant bkiger@wcu.edu Steven Wilson, Career Resource Specialist/On-Campus Employment wilsons@wcu.edu Jill Woodruff, Special Events Coordinator jwoodruff@wcu.edu The Career Journal is a publication of the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education at Western Carolina University.

Publisher: Michael Despeaux Editor: Brandy Kiger

2

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Want to get on the career path?

Use JobCat. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Log into JobCat at careers.wcu.edu Complete a personal profile Upload a resume Submit your online application by the deadline.

JobCat is updated with new jobs almost every day, so check for updates regularly!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Job Hunting

By Brandy Kiger

Summer is here and the job hunt is on. Whether you’re a recent graduate (congratulations!) or just looking for a summer job, here are some tips to help get you started:

Do’s ; Stay positive! ; Put together a resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio of your work. Show off your strengths. ; Update your resume. Now’s the chance for you to clean it up and make it look professional. If you’ve just graduated you can add that to it, and any honors you received at graduation. Make sure you proofread it before you send it out. ; Research the company. Knowing what you’re applying for and who you’re going to work for is always a good thing. ; Use job boards in your job search.

Career Services has the local job board and JobCAT you can check out, and they are updated frequently! ; Dress appropriately for interviews, and dress for the job you want to have. Steer away from too casual and too sexy. Instead, be conservative. ; Network whenever you can. It’s not necessarily about what you know, but who you know or who you’ve impressed. ; Ask good questions when interviewing. It shows you are interested in the position, that you’re thoughtful, and that you’ve done research. ; Say “Thank you,” because courtesy

counts. After an interview, make sure to send a thank you note to whoever is in charge of hiring. Nearly 15% of employers said they would automatically dismiss a candidate who didn't send a thank-you note.

Don’ts : Don’t sit around and wait for a job to come to you. Be proactive in your job hunt, create a schedule and stick to it. : Don’t go it alone. Job searches can be tedious, so the more help you have the better. Feel free to drop by Career Services for advice and information regarding your job hunt. : Don’t spend time applying for jobs for which you’re not qualified. Research the expectations and qualifications for the job before you send off your resume.

Dear Students, continued from p. 1

to find jobs, writing resumes and cover letters, and related advice. On our web site, you can log into JobCat and find job listings, actually practice interviewing through the Perfect Interview Online program, and take advantage of many of our other services. In our office, we remain available to you all summer, and alumni can always turn to us for help. Personally and professionally, we take great pleasure in providing you with support, and we’re proud to see you succeed.

Sincerely, Michael Despeaux, career counselor and publisher of the Career Journal

: Don’t waste time applying for jobs you’re not really interested in. Instead focus your time and energy looking for what you do want! : Don’t talk negatively about your last boss, it makes the hiring committee wonder what you would say about them. : Don’t make your private life public.

Instead, clean up that profile on Facebook or MySpace to present the best, most professional version of you. : Don’t give up!

Information courtesy of CareerBuilder.com

WCU Career Services has a Facebook page!

Become a fan , and we can send you updates on Career Services and Co-op Event Happenings. Find us online by searching keyword “WCU Career Services” on Facebook.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

Graduation, continued from p.1

business to construction managex Interview Preparation. The Perfect ment. A full schedule of career events Interview is an online computer procan be found on the website at the gram that allows participants to take a beginning of each semester. virtual job interview. Users are prox Job Search Assistance. Career Servided with options that allow them to vices offers help in fixing up resumes view examples of how best to answer through a critique program. Counselquestions and a coach that explains ors are available for consultation in subtexts for each question. The properson or through e-mail. With help gram also discusses what factors from a counselor, students and should be in the user’s answer. Analumni can turn lackluster resumes swers are recorded either in text or on into successful selling points that help video, so users can see how well they secure jobs. did at communicating their responses.

3

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Counselors are also available for mock interviews where they can provide firsthand commentary on the quality of responses, and advice and support for those who are about to go through the real thing.

So march proudly today, and celebrate your achievements, WCU graduates of 2008. And, tomorrow, when the reality of finding a job sets in, give Career Services a call at (828) 227-7133. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Getting Started:

Resume and cover letter templates NAME e-mail Street City Phone

Return Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Email Date

OBJECTIVE: (Highly specific, short – 2 lines – statement optimally stating desired position and what you can contribute – education, skills, experience, etc.)

EDUCATION Western Carolina University Full Degree (no abbreviations) and Major

Inside Address of Official Title Organization Address Cite, State, Zip Code

City, State May 2006

Salutation:

RELATED COURSEWORK x Use this section if you do not have any directly applicable experience or if the job description cites specific required courses EXPERIENCE Employer Position Title x Action verb describing accomplishments x Action verb describing accomplishments Employer Position Title x Action verb describing accomplishments x Action verb describing accomplishments

Purpose of letter—inquire as to positions in your field which may be open in the organization. If applying for a job, state the job and how you heard about it.

Discuss your interest in the job—the specific position, the company, the industry. Demonstrate that you have researched the company and position you are applying for.

City, State Dates

Point out significant experience and education in your field which may make you a desirable employee for the organization. Relate those experiences to the job/organization to which you are applying. (this is the longest paragraph)

City, State Dates

Restate your interest in the organization and the position for which you are applying. Discuss availability for an interview, i.e., speak with someone about a/the position. Thank them for their consideration.

COMPUTER SKILLS x Excel, Word, Access, Linux, [etc] HONORS, ACTIVITIES, & COMMUNITY SERVICE (this heading could also say, LEADERSHIP & HONORS, or PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY & VOLUNTEER WORK, etc.) x Honor x Honor x Activity x Activity

Sincerely,

Your Name

RESUME CHECKLIST

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

x x x

x x

x x x

Do not use a template program!

Don’t use fancy fonts or overuse boldface.

Keep objective statement short and specific, telling what you can do for the company.

Use action verbs and parallel language.

Print resume on quality resume paper.

Keep it under one page in length.

x x x x

4

Type each letter separately so that each is an original.

Address the letter to a specific person using the complete and correct name, title, company name, street address, city, state and zip.

Use resume-quality paper.

Use a good printer.

Use correct grammar, good sentence structure, and follow a standard business style, block format.

Include your return address, zip, phone, email in the letter, regardless of the fact that these are on the resume.

Personal Perspective, continued from p. 1

Welcome Back!, continued from p.1

CAREER JOURNAL

our Business Etiquette dinners and receptions where you can learn good networking skills, as well as how to conduct yourself at a business function.

Internships and Co-ops make a valuable addition to your resume and curricular exPublished Officefor of Career Cooperative Education perience.

If you by arethe looking one forServices Springand semester, drop by our Fall Career Fairs where employers will be interviewing, and check JobCat and the local area job board for opportunities. For more information about internships and co-ops, please contact our officeIN and THIS set up an ISSUE: appointment with a Career Counselor.

1 Asure Personal Seniors, make to comePerspective by and let us help polish your resume so that you can put your best foot forward. Check out professional opportunities, such as jobs and intern3 How to Handle a Struggling ships via JobCat, which can be accessed through our website. It’s a great resource for local and national jobs and professional opportunities.

Economy

jors and minors, developing a career plan with short-term and long-term goals, pursuing experience in the areas of co-ops, internships, and service learning, and effectively marketSeptember 2008, Vol. 6 Issue 1 ing themselves to employers, Western students will be seen as purposeful, prepared, and excellent.

Michael Despeaux, career counselor and publisher of the Career Journal

Also, take advantage of ourCalendar online resources such as Perfect Interview. Perfect Inter4 Fall Events view allows you to participate in a mock interview, record it, and review your performance. It’s a great tool that will give you an advantage when you start interviewing for jobs.

Welcome to Western!

Do you need a little extra cash to get you through the semester? Our office also provides student employment opportunities with non-work study and local jobs. Check

By Brandy Kiger by clicking on the ‘Local Jobs’ link. From out our listings at http://careers.wcu.edu/ WCU Career Services has a Facebook there, you can contact employers and set up an interview. Whatever your career page! needs may be, we’re help.

Stop ourlast, office, call or send us an email. We Whether this ishere yourtofirst year or by your promise doglad our best to prepare you forbeginning the real world, whether it’s tomorrow or wetoare that you’re here.

The Become a fan, and we can send you upfour years from now.year Have a great semester! of the school is an exciting time, with dates on Career Services and Co-op Valley Ballyhoo, new friends, and new Event Happenings. Find us online by classes. As the dorms open up and college searching keyword: “WCU Career gets back into the full swing of things, we’d By Mike Despeaux like you to start thinking about your goals.

Services” on Facebook.

By Brandy Kiger What do you want to achieve while you are With tighter credit, a struggling real estate market, high gas and food prices, Planning future in What an uncertain ops, and pursuing learning opportuhereyour at Western? do you econwant to do andservice our larger economy in a probableFacebook recession, college students may is atoday’s registered trademark omy can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have nities.

Take those extra classes that willfuture. Some may personally experience financial when the doors close on your senior year, feel anxious about their of Facebook, Inc. to be. There are only many you give you a leg up on the job your and you’re out so in the realthings world? hardship, andmarket. nobodyIscan escape the daily deluge of tough economic forecan control, and while the job market might GPA not so hot?

Getin a tutor.

Be proactive casts the news and on the internet. As a college graduate during the receslook a Iflittle it’sstarted your best bet toabout focusthatand focused, and it will take you long youshaky, haven’t thinking sion of 1991, I cana personally relate to the fear induced by coming of age duron yourself and your academic success, way.

Here are waystimes. that you can make yet, or don’t know where to start, feel free ing a period of rising unemployment andsome difficult instead. yourself marketable: to come by the Career Services office. opportunities and to maintain perspective, students at Western can We’re here to help. We’ll talk with you The external factors Whileare it can be challenging There about are lotscareer of opportunities available out threats in the job market.

These things Keep a strong opportunities, help you decide take heart in some greatare initiativesŹ happening at theirGPA University that will prethere, you just have to look for them.

We what you don’t have a lot of control over. what major would best suit your plans and pare them to weather this storm and be successful in the new economy. Durrecommend useand a SWOT ap- career While you should beemployers aware of in everyŹ Network people inwho yourcan field careeryou goals, go overanalysis important ingdefinitely lean times, field look forwith the workers offer proachdocuments to corner your area of the market them, they should not your like resumes andjob cover letters. proven skillsprimary in areassources such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to and look what is best you. SWOT is of concern. your at skills and how Ourfor counselors are for available Mondayapply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting; Western, our QEP Ź Identify Weaknesses, Opan acronym for Strengths, fit in withtothe job you Friday, and we recommend that you call seeks to provide every student with thethey opportunity develop andwant apply portunities, Threats. areadeterRight now, the these job market is tight and required in their major or not, co-ops and internships aheadand or e-mail to These schedule time to meet qualities.

Whether minedwith by internal highly competitive, know what ita chance is that to gain Źcareer-specific Clean up yourexperience resume and an edge in them. and external factors. offerso every student employers are looking for and tailor your the job market. We expect career fair attendance to rise as employers seek to The internal factors, your strengths and experiences to meet that demand. and Ź efficiency Participateand in Internships We also have career events scheduled hire graduates whoMore can improve their raise the bar&inCo-ops terms of weaknesses are unique to you, more employersenergy are looking to see what throughout the year, and and Fallonly 2008you events and innovation. At Career Services, we also help students capture have control over them. is important to 4 ofkind of soft skills a potential employee can on their Ź resumes Take advantage of service materials are outlined on theItcalendar on page these skills and experiences and job application know what you’re good and where you to start offer. They want to prepare know ifto a candidate learning opportunities this newsletter.

It’satnever too early and interview.has fall short.

Whatout do internships you alreadyorbring to theem-good communication skills, and if he or she scouting potential table? ployers, What cansoyou do to improve your effectively.

They exist want now to andŹ Improve your and written stop by our Career Fairs andwrite clearly and Many opportunities on the horizon fororal students who are purmarketability in this economy?

Make a list, hire people with a strong work ethic and skills Expos to see who is hiring. In addition to poseful and prepared. As one professorcommunication told me in 1991, in any economy, and look forevents, ways toyou strengthen your weak Thinkthere about how you can show- for excellence.” Through careful selection of mathose are welcome to sign upcharacter. for will always be “room areas by participating in internships and co- case these things and you’ll be golden. Ź Practice your interviewing skills

A Personal Perspective on the Job Market How to Job Search in an Uncertain Economy

Continued, Personal Perspective, p. 3

Continued, Welcome Back!, p. 3 3

1

— — 1 — —

Career Services Programs for Success Students and Alumni: Take advantage the many services we offer!

JobCat, MonsterTRAK, and Localjobs.com Internet-based recruiting systems on our website that include jobs as well as opportunities to post a resume and sign up for interviews.

Resume Critiquing Service Email your resume (cover letter, too!) to mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu or mashe@email.wcu.edu and make an appointment to discuss it!

Career Testing If you are having difficulty making a decision about a major or a career, we offer career testing and interpretation.

Student Employment Need some cash? The student employment office can help you find a part-time job. We offer listings for on-campus as well as off-campus employment. Visit them at http://careers.wcu.edu.

Career Counseling If you have a career concern that you would like to discuss, call for an appointment with a career counselor.

Career Services Website Our website offers links, articles, event calendars, job search tools, directories, videos and DISCOVER, a computer-aided guidance program to help you in your career decision. Available at http://careers.wcu.edu.

Cooperative Education Co-op is a program that allows you to work in your career or major field and receive directly related experience and credit WHILE you are still in school.

Interviewing Skills Assistance You can participate in a mock interview and improve your skills through our online Perfect Interview program.

Career Days and Recruitment Events Career Services offers 18-20 recruitment events every year, including the Career and Graduate School Expo, the Allied Health and Nurses’ Career Day, Spring Job Fest, Summer Job Fair, Engineering, Math, and CS Fair, Construction Management Fair, Education Recruitment Day and multiple etiquette-development events.

Career Services Information 828-227-7133 http://careers.wcu.edu

Want to get on the career path?

Mardy Ashe, Director and Career Counselor mashe@email.wcu.edu

Use JobCat.

Michael Despeaux, Career Services Coordinator and Career Counselor mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu Brandy Kiger, Graduate Assistant bkiger@email.wcu.edu Steven Wilson, Career Resource Specialist/On-Campus Employment wilsons@email.wcu.edu

Log into JobCat at careers.wcu.edu Complete a personal profile Upload a resume Submit your online application by the deadline.

Jill Woodruff, Special Events Coordinator jwoodruff@email.wcu.edu The Career Journal is a publication of the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education at Western Carolina University.

Publisher: Michael Despeaux Editor: Brandy Kiger

2

1.

2.

3.

4.

— 2 —

JobCat is updated with new jobs almost every day, so check for updates regularly!

Personal Perspective, continued from p. 1

Welcome Back!, continued from p.1

our Business Etiquette dinners and receptions where you can learn good networking skills, as well as how to conduct yourself at a business function.

Internships and Co-ops make a valuable addition to your resume and curricular experience. If you are looking for one for Spring semester, drop by our Fall Career Fairs where employers will be interviewing, and check JobCat and the local area job board for opportunities. For more information about internships and co-ops, please contact our office and set up an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Seniors, make sure to come by and let us help polish your resume so that you can put your best foot forward. Check out professional opportunities, such as jobs and internships via JobCat, which can be accessed through our website. It’s a great resource for local and national jobs and professional opportunities.

jors and minors, developing a career plan with short-term and long-term goals, pursuing experience in the areas of co-ops, internships, and service learning, and effectively marketing themselves to employers, Western students will be seen as purposeful, prepared, and excellent.

Michael Despeaux, career counselor and publisher of the Career Journal

Also, take advantage of our online resources such as Perfect Interview. Perfect Interview allows you to participate in a mock interview, record it, and review your performance. It’s a great tool that will give you an advantage when you start interviewing for jobs.

Do you need a little extra cash to get you through the semester? Our office also provides student employment opportunities with non-work study and local jobs. Check out our listings at http://careers.wcu.edu/ by clicking on the ‘Local Jobs’ link. From there, you can contact employers and set up an interview. Whatever your career needs may be, we’re here to help. Stop by our office, call or send us an email. We promise to do our best to prepare you for the real world, whether it’s tomorrow or four years from now. Have a great semester!

How to Job Search in an Uncertain Economy

By Brandy Kiger

Planning your future in an uncertain economy can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are only so many things you can control, and while the job market might look a little shaky, it’s your best bet to focus on yourself and your academic success, instead.

There are lots of opportunities available out there, you just have to look for them. We recommend you use a SWOT analysis approach to corner your area of the job market and look for what is best for you. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. These are determined by internal and external factors.

The internal factors, your strengths and weaknesses are unique to you, and only you have control over them. It is important to know what you’re good at and where you fall short. What do you already bring to the table? What can you do to improve your marketability in this economy? Make a list, and look for ways to strengthen your weak areas by participating in internships and co3

WCU Career Services has a Facebook page!

Become a fan, and we can send you updates on Career Services and Co-op Event Happenings. Find us online by searching keyword: “WCU Career Services” on Facebook.

ops, and pursuing service learning opportuFacebook is a registered trademark nities. Take those extra classes that will of Facebook, Inc. give you a leg up on the job market. Is your GPA not so hot? Get a tutor. Be proactive and focused, and it will take you a long way.

Here are some ways that you can make yourself marketable: The external factors are opportunities and threats in the job market. These things are Ź Keep a strong GPA what you don’t have a lot of control over.

While you should definitely be aware of Ź Network with people in your field them, they should not your primary sources of concern. Ź Identify your skills and how they fit in with the job you want Right now, the job market is tight and highly competitive, so know what it is that Ź Clean up your resume employers are looking for and tailor your experiences to meet that demand. More and Ź Participate in Internships & Co-ops more employers are looking to see what kind of soft skills a potential employee can Ź Take advantage of service offer. They want to know if a candidate has learning opportunities good communication skills, and if he or she write clearly and effectively. They want to Ź Improve your oral and written hire people with a strong work ethic and communication skills character. Think about how you can showcase these things and you’ll be golden. Ź Practice your interviewing skills — 3 —

Calendar of Events : Fall 2008 September 30

October

8

21&22

Etiquette Dinner 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, UC Grandroom This event is intended to teach students the rules of proper dining and conversation in a formal setting. Attire is business casual. The event is $15.00 per person, and cash, check or student meal ticket/CatCard is accepted. Tickets can be purchased at Career Services in 205 Killian Annex.

Construction Management Career Fair* 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, UC Grandroom 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Interviews Meet with the experts in multiple segments of the construction and construction related industry. You do not have to pre-register to attend the career fair portion of the event. Interviews may be available with some attending organizations from 1pm –5pm following the career fair. Check out the Career Services website for possible interviews.

Teaching Opportunities for Non-Teaching Majors 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, UC Catamount Room So, you have (or are getting) a degree and you don’t know what to do with it. Have you considered teaching? There are lots of ways to get into the system for non-education majors. Come check out the information and see what you might be missing out on!

28

Education Recruitment Day * 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Ramsey Center Concourse Education Recruitment Day is a great opportunity for students, alumni, and the general public who are interested in opportunities within schools and school systems.

30

Criminal Justice Career Fair 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, UC Grandroom This career fair is open to all WCU students & alumni interested in public sector careers within the law enforcement, corrections, forensic science fields. Meet experts in these fields and receive timely information on careers, occupational trends, hiring qualifications & job openings. It is not necessary to pre-register for this event.

November Health & Nurses’ Career Fair* 6 Allied 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, UC Grandroom

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Engineering, Math and Computer Sciences Career Fair* 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, UC Catamount Room 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Interviews Employers in the fields of engineering, engineering technology and math and computer science are invited to attend this fair. Meet experts in these fields and receive information on careers, occupational trends, hiring qualifications & job openings. Check the Career Services website for possible interview opportunities.

29

Graduate School & Corporate Career Expo* 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, UC Grandroom The Graduate School & Corporate Career Expo is an excellent opportunity for any student wishing to continue their education to shop for a graduate school or for those looking for a full time job, internship or co-op. All majors are encouraged to attend!

*For all Expos and Career Days: Business causal to professional attire is required.

Students and alumni are encouraged to bring several copies of your latest resume. We also suggest uploading a resume into JobCat. If you need assistance with developing a resume, please visit Career Services (205 Killian Annex) or schedule an appointment with a career counselor 828.227.7133.

Lists of attending organizations will be available at http://careers.wcu.edu and on JobCat. Lists will be updated as registrations are received.

Our Allied Health & Nurses’ Career Day is a great opportunity for juniors, seniors and alumni to find out about health field-related jobs and internships.

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December 2008 | Vol. 6 | Issue 2

Career Journal Published by the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education

Inside this Issue 1 Perspective: Disability Awareness in the Workplace 3 Networking for Success 4 Spring Events Calendar

Congratulations Graduates!

By Brandy Kiger This is it. After years of diligently pulling all-nighters, drinking entirely too much coffee and writing more papers than you ever thought possible, you’ve made it. It’s finally over, and you are graduating. Now what?

Career Services would like to say, “Congratulations, Seniors. We’re proud of all your hard work!” You have already accomplished a lot, but there’s more ahead. We’d like to help you keep that momentum going as you head out into the “real world.”

Our services are still available to you as alumni, and we would like you to take advantage of those resources. We have a ton of career-related material, career testing and resume help at your disposal, free of charge. We also have career fairs happening several times a year where you can network and meet potential employers.

JobCat and DISCOVER can be accessed through http://careers.wcu.edu, so feel free to search the job listings there and post your resume as well. Enjoy your graduation! When you are done celebrating, remember that we are still here supporting you 100 percent.

Perspective:

Disability Awareness in the Workplace

By Lance Alexis When I was asked to write a piece concerning disability in the workplace, I was happy to oblige. As I was thinking about the topic, I could not help but feel disheartened that there was a definite need to write an article explaining the presence of people with disabilities in the workplace. My hope would be that in the many years since two impactful pieces of legislation concerning the topic, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, this would be a widely-known and accepted concept. While battles against sexism, racism and religious intolerance still occur, at least the basic tenets of these concepts are generally understood, as is the fact that there is recourse for those who experience such prejudices. People with disabilities comprise a group fighting multiple battles against prejudice without mainstream commitment. The basis of bringing about a new understanding lies in three interconnected forms of awareness: self-awareness, awareness of rights and employer awareness.

People with disabilities seeking employment must establish a level of comfort with being considered a person with a disability. This is not an easy task because the common model followed by much of society concerning disability is the medical model of disability (Seelman, 2004). This model is based on the perception of disability as a problem in a person’s body in need of medical attention. Authority on disability is believed to be in the hands of professionals rather than those with disabilities. This perception is unfair because it is bound by the biased view of what the medical world deems normal or healthy (Seelman). It further proves unfair because the model objectifies those with disabilities since they are viewed based on their disability rather than their personhood (Smart, 2001). Many want to stop being viewed as patients and be given the opportunity to live their lives as workers, students, parents, etc.

Perspective Continued on page 3

Career Journal

Page 1

Career Services Programs for Success Students and Alumni: Take advantage the many services we offer!

JobCat, MonsterTRAK, and Localjobs.com

Student Employment

Internet-based recruiting systems on our website that include jobs as well as opportunities to post a resume and sign up for interviews.

Need some cash? The student employment office can help you find a part-time job. We offer listings for on-campus as well as off-campus employment. Visit them at http://careers.wcu.edu.

Career Counseling

Career Services Website

If you have a career concern that you would like to discuss, call for an appointment with a career counselor.

Our website offers links, articles, event calendars, job search tools, directories, videos and DISCOVER, a computer-aided guidance program to help you in your career decision. Available at http://careers. wcu.edu.

Career Testing If you are having difficulty making a decision about a major or a career, we offer career testing and interpretation.

Interviewing Skills Assistance

Cooperative Education

You can participate in a mock interview and improve your skills through our online Perfect Interview program

Co-op is a program that allows you to work in your career or major field and receive directly related experience and credit WHILE you are still in school.

Career Days and Recruitment Events

Resume Critiquing Service Email your resume (cover letter, too!) to mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu or mashe@email.wcu.edu and make an appointment to discuss it!

Career Services offers 18-20 recruitment events every year, including the Career and Graduate School Expo, the Allied Health and Nurses’ Career Day, Spring Job Fest, Summer Job Fair, Engineering, Math, and CS Fair, Construction Management Fair, Education Recruitment Day and multiple etiquette-development events.

Career Services Information 828-227-7133 | http://careers.wcu.edu Mardy Ashe, Director and Career Counselor mashe@email.wcu.edu Michael Despeaux, Career Services Coordinator and Career Counselor mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu Brandy Kiger, Graduate Assistant bkiger@email.wcu.edu Steven Wilson, Career Resource Specialist/ On-Campus Employment wilsons@email.wcu.edu Jill Woodruff, Special Events Coordinator jwoodruff@email.wcu.edu The Career Journal is a publication of the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education at Western Carolina University.

Want to get on the career path?

Use JobCat. 1. Loginto JobCat at careers.wcu.edu 2. Complete a personal profile 3. Upload a resume 4. Submit your online application by the deadline.

JobCat is updated with new jobs almost every day, so check for updates regularly!

Publisher: Michael Despeaux Editor: Brandy Kiger

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Perspective Continued from page 1 (Seelman, 2004). Because people with disabilities often find disability portrayed in a negative light, they try to retreat from a part of who they are (Michalko, 2002). This form of self-denial often leads to a retreat from friendship, kindness, love, affection, and other attributes considered positive in a social setting for fear of rejection and further separation (Firestone, Firestone, & Catlett, 2003).

Self-awareness ties into a person being motivated to learn more about his/her particular disability and methods to self accommodate including legal protections. The rights of people with disabilities to request necessary reasonable accommodations from employers has been established over the past decades and has been strengthened with the recent reauthorization of the Americans with Disabilities Act that goes into effect January 1, 2009.

Self-awareness and understanding one’s rights assist in employer awareness. Regardless of the level of legal knowledge of a given employer, until that employer works with someone with a disability, he/she does not have the opportunity to apply it or fully understand what constitutes an accommodation. The majority of accommodations do not require much structural or financial commitment, and a person who is self aware and knowledgeable of the necessary accommodations associated with his/her disability will be able to present this fact as well as properly accentuate the benefits of accommodations no matter the cost. Disclosing a disability heightens the opportunity to be an effective employee and assists with increasing employers’ knowledge bases. If a person does not disclose a disability, he/she is not eligible for accommodations. Without those accommodations, there is a heightened likelihood of struggle in the workplace.

The willingness to overcome social concern and disclose a disability to an employer has an effect beyond the workplace.

Interactions between people with disabilities and those without, especially in professional settings, are essential to break down the barriers between disability and non-disability. The importance of those interactions lay in the fact that a lack of understanding, knowledge, and exposure between members of the two cultures is the primary obstacle to acceptance (Senelick & Dougherty, 2001). That significant exposure is contingent upon heightened awareness.

Lance Alexis is the Director of Disability Services at Western Carolina University and can be reached at 828-227-2716.

References:

Firestone, R.W., Firestone, L.A., & Catlett J. (2003). Creating a life of meaning and compassion: The wisdom of psychotherapy.

Washington DC: American Psychlogical Association.

Michalko, R. (2002). The difference that disability makes.

Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Seelman, K (2004). Trends in rehabilitation and disability: Transition from a medical model to an integrative model (part 1). Disability World, 22. Retrieved December 23, 2006, from http://www.disabilityworld.org/01-03_04/access/ rehabtrends1.shtml Senelick, R.C., & Dougherty, K. (2001). beyond please and thank you: The Disability awareness handbook for families, co-workers, and friends. Birmingham, AL: Health South Press.

Smart, J. (2001). Disability, society, and the individual. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen.

Networking for Success

By Brandy Kiger

Preparing to enter the job market can be a scary thing. Wouldn’t it be nice if you already had connections that could help you make the transition a little easier? This is where networking comes in handy. Networking is about assessing and utilizing the resources in your personal and professional life to aide you in your search for a job, as well as help you build a career.

The primary purpose of networking is to create and foster professional relation-ships. It is not about using people, but rather finding connections that can help you in your job search. You have to re-member, however, that networking is a two-way street. Look for ways that you can also contribute to the relationship. This will make your networking most effective.

Benefits

Finding Contacts

The reasons for networking are numerous.

Many job opportunities fly under the radar and are never posted. Instead they are snapped up by people with the right connections. By building a network, you have access to those connections.

When building your network, it’s important to have a plan. Begin your net-working through people you know. It will help make the process less intimidating. Make a list of all your personal and professional contacts, and then analyze how you can benefit each other. Who do you know? Where do they work? What jobs have they had in the past?

Networking also allows you to receive advice, tips and strategies for entering your job market. Talking with people in your field will also open doors to insider information that you won’t find on the company website. You can look to those who are currently hired for details on what the job environment is like, what is expected of employees, and what it will take to secure and succeed in the position you are applying for.

Start with your immediate family and friends, then look to college professors, previous employers, clubs, or student organizations to which you belong. From there, you can move outward into friends of friends, social networking, and other associations and organizations. Taking it step-by-step makes the process less intimidating.

Networking Continued on page 4

Career Journal

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Spring 2009 Calendar of Events February 3rd

Etiquette Dinner 6:00 pm – 8pm, UC Grandroom This event is intended to teach students the rules of proper dining and conversation in a formal setting. Attire is business casual. The event is $15.00 per person; cash, check, or student meal ticket/CatCard will be accepted. Tickets can be purchased at Career Services in 205 Killian Annex.

11th Construction Management Career Fair* 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, UC Grandroom

17th Physical Therapy & SLP Career Fair* 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, UC Grandroom

March 10th Summer Jobs and Internships Fair

11:00 am – 2:00 pm, UC Grandroom

Etiquette Reception* 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, UC Multipurpose A&B This event is intended to teach students proper networking at its best.

Attire is business casual. The event is $5.00 per person; cash, check, or student meal ticket will be accepted. If you are interested in participating, please visit Career Services or call 828.227.7133.

11th Corporate, Non-Profit & Government Career Expo* 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, UC Grandroom

Networking Continued from page 3

Volunteering and service learning projects are also a good way to build connections and find additional resources in your field that you might not necessarily find otherwise. You can also use these experiences in your resume.

Once you make this list of potential contacts, create a database or some other sort way to track them that will allow you to record who you’ve contacted and what you’ve learned from the experience. By keeping records, you can use that per son’s name when you make your job contact (with their permission of course!) and also follow-up on any other references they give you. It’s also polite to send a “Thank You” card to let them know you appreciate their time.

Here at Western Carolina, you can start building your network by talking with professors and mentors in your major and attending career fairs. Both of these re-sources can put you in touch with real employers and give you a head start in your job search. So, attend a career fair, call your advisor, or just stop by your department. People want to help you; you just have to ask.

12th Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Career Fair* 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, UC Grandroom

Find us on

18th Teaching Opportunities for Non-Teaching Majors & 19th 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, UC Catamount Room 24th

Facebook

Education Recruitment Day* 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, UC Grandroom

*For all Expos and Career Days Business casual to professional attire is required. Students and alumni are encouraged to bring several copies of your latest resume. We also suggest uploading a resume into JobCat. If you need assistance with developing a resume, please visit Career Services (205 Killian Annex) or schedule an appointment with a career counselor 828.227.7133.

Lists of attending organizations and details about career events will be available at http://careers.wcu.edu and on JobCat. Lists will be updated as registrations are received.

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WCU Career Services has a Facebook page!

Become a fan, and we can send you up-dates on Career Services and Co-op Event Happenings.

Find us online by searching keyword: “WCU Career Services” on Facebook.

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