In this issue: • Technology Fair • Designer Jobs • Resumania
WSU Career Services
Hire-a-Shocker
Building Shockers, Building Professionals
Issue 05 / 10.21.13
Are you bypassing good job opportunities? by Jill Pletcher, Director of Career Services In today’s tight job market, it’s in your best interest to consider all possible options. It’s easy, however to bypass super opportunities based on limited information. Here are a few suggestions to help you decide whether a job is one you really should consider: Look beyond the company name What if you’re not familiar with the company? Smaller or lesser-known organizations frequently provide outstanding opportunities for recent graduates. Smaller organizations are often known for giving employees a broad range of responsibilities with great variety and the opportunity to develop new skills. A newly formed company could grow by leaps and bounds and you would be in on the ground floor of an exciting venture by accepting a job. Look beyond the industry Students frequently decline an interview because the type of employer is not of immediate interest. “How could I possibly be excited about lumber or plumbing supplies or yard decorations or insurance...you fill in the blank?” Take the time to look at the tasks of the job, not just the type of employer. Individual responsibilities attached to a job will provide you with the skills to move to the next level, regardless of industry.
Education Career Fair Representatives from school districts in the Wichita area and across Kansas will be in attendance. Tulsa Oklahoma Public Schools will also be represented. This is an opportunity for students to meet representatives and learn about the programs, enrollment, and benefits of each school district. Bring copies of your resume and dress to impress! Hughes Metropolitan Complex November 8, 2013, 2:30-4:30 pm The list of attending school districts is on our website www.wichita.edu/career. Go to the events page.
Look beyond the job title Even if the job title isn’t exactly what you were hoping for, the responsibiliWSU Hughes Metroplex, 29th & Oliver ties of the job might allow you to do the things you love most. It’s also possible you’ll learn new skills that will serve you down the road. Always look closely at the tasks outlined in a job description and ask for clarification during the interview. If there’s a chance you’re interested in a job, take the time to apply and interview. You never know what opportunity you might uncover.
Military Employer Day Joining the military is a big decision. Representatives from military service branches will be on campus November 13 to talk to you about careers, benefits, and serving in the military. Stop by Career Services, 203 Grace Wilkie, between 10:00 am and noon to meet the men in uniform.
Technology Fair Visit us at the Hire-a-Shocker booth! Learn More…2013 WSU Technology Fair ---Tuesday, October 29 ---11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ---Ablah Library Discover the many ways technology is used on campus today. It’s all about collaboration and learning.
Employer On-the-Line columns are now available on the web! • Helpful job search tips • Informative details about organizations • Thought-provoking comments • Beneficial advice for Shockers as they graduate
Career Services will be demonstrating Hire-a-Shocker, our online job posting system. Hire-a-Shocker: “Learn More, Use It Better!”
Articles will be added as we publish new issues of the Hire-a-Shocker Newsletter!
Hire a Shocker
Career Coffee Blog...By Jan Mead What do you think is one of the most important job search tools you have at your disposal? You got it – your resume. I’m not speaking of just “any old resume” however. I’m speaking of your “professional” resume. You know – the one with no typographical, grammatical or spelling errors. The one that gives you credit for your experience and qualifications, but does not exaggerate. The resume that does a good job of selling you and that an employer or recruiter can review in 5 seconds or less. Whoa! Sounds like a lot to expect, doesn’t it? It is a lot to expect, but there is help. The good folks in Career Services like resumes much more than you would ever expect and would be happy – in fact, even excited – to review your resume. We like resumes much more than is probably healthy. We review resumes for fun. We stay in touch with employers and professional associations so we stay current with preferred resume styles and content. Some of us even read ourselves to sleep at night delving into resume guides. We won’t write your resume for you – you can pay upwards from $250 for that “downtown” – but we will guide you and give you a professional resume critique.
That’s important – even essential. Get a job. We can help!
Go Shox!
www.wichita.edu/career Under Featured Links
Employer On-the-Line...By Jeanne Hopkins Ryan Lawn & Tree, Inc.
Interviewee: Debra Warner, Staffing Coordinator What was your first job after completing your education? “I graduated with a Bachelor in Communication. I began my professional career in business-tobusiness sales selling copiers, then working in payroll. I transitioned into public relations for a travel company before settling into my career at Ryan Lawn and Tree.” What are some positions at your organization which students might not expect to find? “We have jobs that other companies deem as hourly positions and have turned them into careers. The payoff for this is a level of expertise that is turning our industry on its head. The right person with a passion for the job becomes an internal recruiter. A lot of recruiting is trying to correct the poor performance of associates who don’t match the job they are doing. At Ryan, we take high energy people who love working in an outdoor office; people who have strong customer service personalities, and put them in a professional position working with our clients.” Why do you want to hire Shockers? “Most job dissatisfaction comes from a person and the job not being a good fit. Many people are not suited to sit eight hours behind a desk. If they have a marketing degree, accounting or even psychology degree, they may be much better suited doing physical work, where they are paid to think through each detail of a job for client satisfaction. We can teach horticulture on the job if a person wants to learn. We cannot change behaviors. Some of our outstanding associates are learning to love a career they had not thought about when they were going to college. We are looking for those unique Shockers who have something to prove and the energy and drive to make it happen.” What major should consider applying for jobs? “We encourage all majors to apply. Some people may not be a fit. It is more of the person’s talents and attitude that will make him/her a fit.” Do you have a job search or resume tip to share? “Match your gifts with the requirements of the job. If you truly love what you do, the money will come.” What is unique about your organization? “Our shareholders work here. Everyone benefits from everyone’s success at Ryan.” Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? “We are truly unique in what we do and how we do it. We carefully interview to get to know the talents of those we hire. If you are high energy, sharp, love the outdoors and have something to prove, you may be a fit here at Ryan Lawn and Tree. Check us out via www.ryanlawn.com and see if a deeper look into our careers holds an interest for you.”
Careers Center Stage: Industrial Designers
Industrial designers work primarily in offices, but they may travel to the places where the products are manufactured. They develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers focus on the user experience in creating style and function for a particular gadget or appliance.
Basic Duties: • Research who will use the product and the various ways it might be used • Sketch out ideas or create blueprints • Use computer software to develop virtual models of different designs • Examine materials and production costs to determine manufacturing requirements • Work with other specialists to evaluate whether their design concepts will fill the need at a reasonable cost • Evaluate product safety, appearance, and function to determine if a design is practical • Present designs and demonstrate prototypes to clients for approval Industrial designers generally focus on a particular product category. For example, some design medical equipment, while others work on consumer electronics products, such as computers or smart phones. Other designers develop ideas for new bicycles, furniture, housewares, or snowboards.
Important qualities: - Creativity - Critical-thinking skills - Interpersonal skills - Problem-solving skills - Technical skills
Sample jobs currently posted to Hire-a-Shocker include: Job ID 18430 Ryan Lawn & Tree, Turf Manager, Overland Park, KS Job ID 18741 - Superior Boiler Works, Inc., Electrical Engineer, Hutchinson, KS Job ID 18182 - Georgia Pacific, Entry Level Engineer, Nationwide Job ID 18730 - Dodge City USD 443, Middle School Math Teacher (start date January 2014), Dodge City, KS Job ID 18556 - My Gym Wichita, Children’s Fitness Instructor Job ID 17683 - Everett Public Schools, School Psychologist, Everett, WA Job ID 18008 - TGA of Central Kansas, After-School Golf Instructor, Sedgwick County, KS
A sampling of the holiday jobs posted to Hire-a-Shocker: Job ID 18657 - Kelly Services, Packaging, Assembly and Warehouse Loaders (Holiday), Wichita Job ID 18513 - Chico’s, Sales Associate (Holiday), Wichita Job ID 18666 - Gap, Seasonal Shipment Associate (Holiday), Wichita Job ID 14754 - 20th Century Center, Banquet Attendant, Security, Bartender (Holiday), Wichita
Job Outlook: Employment of industrial designers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of industrial designers who design precision instruments and medical equipment is likely to grow more rapidly. Both areas require a high degree of technical ability and design sophistication. Products in these areas also require detailed specifications and precise equipment manufacturing because of the delicate uses of the finished product.
Similar occupations: architect, interior designer, software developer, graphic designer Occupational Outlook Handbook / Bureau of Labor Statistics
Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about. ~ Unknown
You never know what you’ll find on Hire-a-Shocker! Give it a try. Create a job agent and receive email messages about similar new listings. Questions? Stop by 203 Grace Wilkie Hall or give us a call, 316.978.3435.
Hire-a-Shocker If you’re looking for a job, you need to check out Hire-a-Shocker, our online recruitment system. Post your resume and search for part-time, full-time, degreed and nondegreed positions, including oncampus opportunities. Hire-a-Shocker also shows which employers are coming to career events and allows you to apply for on-campus interviews.
Resumania
M U S E AN IA R “IS YOUR RESUME A TRICK OR A TREAT?“
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM OCTOBER 30, 2013 RSC, 2ND FLOOR STOP BY AND HAVE YOUR RESUME REVIEWED BY ONE OF OUR CAREER COUNSELORS! THE STAFF OF CAREER SERVICES WILL ALSO BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND GETTING A JOB!
GET YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE PICTURE TAKEN! SPONSORED BY CAREER SERVICES
• Stop by & meet our staff! • Ask questions! • Learn about upcoming events! • Get your LinkedIn profile picture taken!
• Plus, tips on getting a job through Hire-a-Shocker! • No appointment necessary, just bring your resume!
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT 316.978.3022
wichita.edu/involvement
getinvolved@wichita.edu
Fall 2013 Events October 24 - Beechcraft Interviews October 29 - Technology Fair October 30 - Resumania - RSC, 2nd Floor November 8 - Education Career Fair November 13 - US Military Employer Day Spring 2014 Events January 16 - On-Campus Jobs Fair February 10 - Education Interview Day April 9 - Spring 2014 Job Fair April 11 - Physical Therapy Career Fair July 17 - On-Campus Jobs Fair
Office Hours Monday & Tuesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm* Wednesday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FYI
*Beginning November 4, our office will be open from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Fridays.
Walk-In Hours Monday, Tuesday & Thursday - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Notice of Nondiscrimination Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205; telephone (316) 978-6791.
Hire-a-Shocker September Stats Degree Preferred - 40% Degree Required - 30% No Degree Required - 25%
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