CCC Career Planning Newsletter

Career Planning Newsletter For Traditional students, SAGE students, and Alumni

April 24, 2012

Issue 3

Nearing The End... Don’t Fear It! Congrats to the Class of 2012!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

From Classroom to Question Mark

“From Classroom to ?”… 1

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Job At Graduation

What to Look for in a First Job… 2 What Employers Want… 3 Guest Writer: Natalia Martinez… 4 10-Step Plan to Career Change… 5 Playing Fair As a Job Seeker… 6

Graduation is only a few weeks away, and it is overwhelming by itself. On top of that, you don’t have a job yet. You took the right steps, it’s not due to a lack of trying, things just have not gone your way. But just because they haven’t does not mean they won’t.

If you don’t have a job at graduation, follow these three rules:

1. Enjoy graduation — You’ve worked hard to get to this point.

Take in this special experience and enjoy it. You’ve earned it. But realize that when the dust settles, it’s time to get right back to your job search.

2. Don’t panic — Panicking would only take away from the focus you need to find employment. Remain cool and stay positive. Don’t think about the job-search negatives you may have experienced; keep moving forward.

3. Keep trying — Don’t hit the “reset” button and start your job search anew. Keep in contact with the Career Planning Center and key faculty with whom you’ve developed relationships for leads and information. Research employers you would like to work for and stay on top of the news in their industries. And keep working your network.

“Stay positive. Be active. Don’t just sit at home in front of the computer.”

Finding a job can be a difficult task—but you can do it.

For the full article, visit bit.ly/ClassroomtoQuestion

Career Planning Newsletter

Page 2

What to Look for in a First Job Already have a job lined up to start after graduation? If yes, congratulations! If this is your first foray into the professional world, think about these four food-forthought questions.

1. Where Else Could It Lead?

Your first job will likely be an important stepping stone in your career. So, you want to make sure that it can lead to more—and greater opportunities in the future.

Does the company you have your eye on offer a clearcut career path for employees to advance internally? As you’re interviewing, ask questions about how project assignments are determined and ways that you’ll be able to gain more responsibility once you’re there.

2. Will it Make Me More Marketable?

If you know that you want to be in a certain industry or functional area, but you haven’t settled on a specific role, look for positions that allow you to build transferable skills.

For example, you may not want to work with databases long-term, but taking a role where you learn about different software packages, methodologies, and data mining can make you an excellent candidate for any future job that will require number-crunching and technical savvy.

3. Will it Make Me Well-Rounded?

The best way to build transferable skills is to be involved in different types of projects. It’s a great way to gain insight into roles you may not have otherwise happened upon, and at the same time gather brilliant experience and the ability to tell future potential employers “been there, done that!” So, look for positions that allow you to work with different functional areas and take projects that might be out of your comfort zone.

4. Who Will I Learn From?

You won’t know everything when you first start your career, and that’s okay. Your first job is supposed to be a learning experience—so look for a company that encourages the more seasoned employees to mentor and train newbies. Ask about opportunities to meet with other members of the organization, especially women who are a few levels above your current position (those are the brains you want to pick!).

Finding your first gig is a thrilling and nerve-wracking time. Hey, we know it’s overwhelming! But with these helpful hints, you’ll be well on your way to a great career.

For the full article, visit: bit.ly/dailymuse-firstjob

CAREER PLANNING NEWSLETTER CREATED BY: Samantha Makey ‘12 Stephanie Weisel ‘13 EDITED BY: Danielle Ortiz Published by the Career Planning Center.

Comments & suggestions are welcome. Please contact the Career Planning Center at 610.606.4648 or by email at career@cedarcrest.edu.

Career Planning Newsletter

Page 3

What Employers Want: The Perfect Candidate What do employers want in their new employees?

The job description will tell you what qualifications that employer is requiring, but there is another list of “abilities, qualities, attributes, and ‘soft’ skills that they also seek in their new hires.” 

Verbal communication skills A strong work ethic

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Teamwork skills

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Analytical skills 

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Written communication skills

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Initiative

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Interpersonal skills

Flexibility and adaptability 

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Problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented

Relevant work experience (through an internship or co-op assignment)

Source: Job Outlook 2011, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Top Jobs in Your Major Business Majors Financial/Treasury Analysis Sales Consulting Accounting (Private & Public) Management Trainee Computer Science Majors Software Design & Development Computer Programming Consulting

Healthcare Majors Registered Nurse Management Trainee (Entry-Level Mgmt.)

Research (Technical/Scientific) Humanities/Liberal Arts Majors Teaching Sales

Social Science Majors Teaching Sales Law Enforcement Social Work Sciences Majors Research (Technical/Scientific) Consulting Actuarial Teaching

Source: Summer 2011 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data job categories most often reported as offered to bachelor's degree level graduates.

Career Planning Newsletter

Page 4

Guest Writer: Natalia De Jesus Martinez-Colon Natalia writes about her experience at two Career Planning sponsored events Career Week / Women in Business Panel There are many times we hear that women are successful in their careers, but one thing I will tell you seeing is believing. For their third event in the Career Week Series, held on March 21st 2012 Career Planning brought to our CCC campus the Women in Business Panel. Panelists included Audra J. Kahr, Chief Financial Officer at Cedar Crest College, Krista Benkovic, Project Director-Customer Process at D&B, and Jess Dominiczak, Clinical Studies Designer at Thermo Fisher Scientific. It made for an interesting panel as they each represented different stages of their careers.

Jess is a recent 2008 CCC graduate, Audra has reached the peak of her career with her position at Cedar Crest College and Krista is still looking for more ways to continue growing after being in the workforce for 10 years. Even though it was a business panel, other majors where also represented such as Nursing, Communications, and New Media. These Women offered a look into the biggest fear of graduating college, not knowing what to do next. Not all of these women knew exactly what their goal was when they graduated, they just let life take its course and followed their passions.

When asked what advice they would give the students these where their top three: Prove people wrong; put your mind to something and you will achieve it.

Don't let yourself fall short of your goals Find a mentor; have a support group.

And last but not least, write things down, so you never forget your ideas.

With that the speakers provided their final remarks, and the raffle of an $100 Macy's card began; somebody was going to be a lucky student, and that was Solinah “Rae” who said she was going to use it towards the cutest shoes for her business attire! Everyone was inspired by seeing and understanding that if they stayed focused, they could also succeed in life.

The Career Planning Center is now on Tumblr! careeratccc.tumblr.com

Etiquette Dinner Most interviews today take place in a public environment, in which case business etiquette becomes important. In the effort of preparing our students for these situations, the Career Planning Center hosted an etiquette dinner event on March 28, 2012. The Blaney Hall Lobby was the venue for this amazing experience. To teach us about these key skills we had the pleasure of having Kerri Gardi, Director of the Career Planning Center at Kutztown University, to indulge us in a crash course on good business etiquette.

Over the stretch of a four-course meal provided by Parkhurst, Ms. Gardi spoke about things that to some of us might have been common sense. For example, passing the water pitcher with the handle in the direction of the person who is receiving it, we all knew that right?

Other things, such as the issue with bread surprised many people in attendance. Usually when we go out to eat and get bread, we slice it in half, spread the butter and then it is ready to go isn’t it? Wrong! In a business setting you are supposed to tear the bread in pieces, and spread the butter individually as you eat it! This fact almost broke my heart. To this comment Ms. Gardi responded “if you think about it, it’s better, because it lasts you longer.” My first thought was she could not have said it better!

Other new found discoveries: Folding the napkin in half and then a one inch fold [to blot away food around your mouth] Pitcher is grabbed by whoever is sitting in front of it and passed around the table counter-clockwise No switching of utensils while you eat Overall it was an eye opening experience, about how job searching is evolving and students need to keep up to date on the skills they will have to acquire in order to be able to land their dream job. Today the job market is not about just your resume, but based on what you can bring to the table.

Career Planning Newsletter

Page 5

The 10-Step Plan to Career Change How does it happen? Perhaps you just begin to lose interest. Perhaps you find something that interests you more. Perhaps your company is downsizing. These are just some of the numerous reasons people find themselves on that precipitous cliff looking back on their career just as the dirt begins to crumble beneath them.

Take it slowly and make sure what you really want to do is change careers. Then use this 10-step plan, and you will be on much more sure footing -- and on a path toward career change success.

Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes Are you changing careers because you dislike your current job? What excites you and energizes you? What's your passion? Consider taking a self assessment to rediscover yourself.

Step 2: Researching New Careers Once you've discovered (or rediscovered) your passion, spend some time researching the types of careers that center around your passions. Check out the Career Planning Center’s list of career exploration tools.

Step 3: Transferable Skills Leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new career. There are many skills (such as communications, leadership, planning, and others) that are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in your new career.

Step 4: Training and Education You may find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Take it slowly. If the skill you need to learn is one you could use in your current job, see if your current employer would be willing to pick up the tab.

Step 5: Networking People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network.

Step 6: Gaining Experience Obtaining a part-time job or volunteering in your new career field not only can solidify your decision, but give you much needed experience in your new career.

Step 7: Find a Mentor Find a mentor who can help you through the rough patches. Your mentor may also be able to help you by taking advantage of his or her network.

Step 8: Changing In or Out Some people change careers, but never change employers. It's more than likely that you will need to switch employers to change fields, but don't overlook your current employer.

Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics If it's been a while since you've had to use your jobhunting tools and skills, now is the time for a refresher course.

Step 10: Be Flexible You'll need to be flexible about nearly everything from your employment status to relocation and salary.

Set positive goals for yourself, but expect setbacks and change - and don't let these things get you down.

For the full article, visit: bit.ly/quaint-careerchange

Summer Hours The Career Planning Center is open all summer!

Call, email or fill out an appointment request form to set up an appointment.

Office Hours: 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Evening appointments available upon request.

Phone: 610-606-4648 Email: career@cedarcrest.edu Appt request form: bit.ly/cpcappt Note: The College will be closed on Fridays in July.

Career Planning Newsletter

Page 6

Playing Fair: Your Rights & Responsibilities As a Job Seeker What you can expect from the Career Planning Center 1. Confidentiality. The Career Planning Center’s staff are expected to maintain the confidentiality of student information.

2. Freedom of choice. No biases will be put into YOUR decision.

3. Access to all services and events. We have flyers and information posted all around campus.

4. Access to career information. Check out our resources on our website!

5. Testing information. Staff can inform you of available tests, purpose, location, and policies.

What’s your part in this?

1. Provide accurate information about your academic work and records, including courses taken, grades, positions held, and duties performed.

2. Be honest. Do not lie or stretch the truth on your resume or applications, or during any part of the interview process.

3. Interview genuinely. Interview only with employers you’re sincerely interested in working for and whose eligibility requirements you meet.

4. Adhere to schedules. Appear for all interviews, on campus and elsewhere, unless unforeseeable events prevent you from doing so.

5. Don’t keep employers hanging. Communicate your acceptance or refusal of a job offer to employers as promptly as possible.

6. Accept a job offer in good faith. When you accept an offer, you should have every intention of honoring that commitment.

7. Withdraw from recruiting when your job search is completed.

What you can expect from employers 1. Confidentiality. Employers shouldn’t disclose information about you without your written permission.

2. Accurate information about what is expected of you and their employment opportunities.

3. Freedom from undue pressure. It is improper for employers to pressure you to revoke your acceptance of another job offer.

4. Timely communication. Employers are expected to inform you of your status in the hiring process.

5. Fair treatment. If an employer has to change the conditions of your job, you are entitled to know.

6. Testing information. Employers should inform you in advance of any necessary assessments.

7. Nondiscrimination. Equal opportunity and affirmative action principles.

For the full article, visit: bit.ly/jobchoices-playingfair