In this issue: NetApp Employer Day Education Majors Career Planning Timeline
WSU Career Services
Hire-a-Shocker
Building Shockers, Building Professionals Issue 03 / 09.16.13
Career Confidence...by Kevin Gaw Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, www.naceweb.org.
In addition to the requisite skills, experiences, and organizational match being sought for a position for which a candidate is applying, most employers screen for what I call “career confidence.” Career confidence is not self-confidence, nor is it self-assurance of one’s capabilities that they can “do the job.” (Insider tip: An instant interview red flag is when a candidate comes off as entitled, overly confident, or egotistical.) Career confidence involves passion, purpose, and a realistic career plan. Employers want to know if you care about the position and the organization to which you are applying, if you will find meaning and direction in the work, and if you have carefully thought about how the opportunity fits onto your career path. They want to know if you think the opportunity is a match with your values and if you think you will grow in the position. Bringing new employees onboard is an expensive process, and employers want to make good hiring decisions. And you want to be hired by the right people for the opportunity that matches you. Passion and Purpose This phrase is tossed around a lot. Is it important? Does it really mean anything? Indeed! Without passion and purpose in what you do, there is no meaning. And without meaning, what’s the point of a career plan? - You do want to enjoy your work, yes? - You do want to gain satisfaction from your effort, yes? - You do want to feel like you are contributing and making a difference, yes? We have all met individuals who are full of passion and purpose; they stand out because they are easy to recognize—they’re happy, engaged, energetic, and “in the flow.” They have a zest for living and for engaging in their daily work. They have a vision for their future and they express a very real sense of purpose. To actualize their career plans, to express themselves, they know how and when, what and where, and (this is essential), why. What Is “Passion?” Consider the following ultra-brief descriptors. It is:
Emily, Career Services’ student assistant, updating her profile.
Be sure to update your profile in
Hire-a-Shocker every semester!
An intense, deep, and emotionally compelling feeling or desire; A devotion that permeates everything; and/or A boundless enthusiasm that consumes you. Most of us discover and experience passion during our academic studies, often during unique classes that get us excited about some aspect of the course content. We also experience passion when we discern and discuss new ideas that make sense to us and fill us with excitement and energy. Recognize this? Passion is that exciting internal energy that ignites our intellect, our emotions, and our sense of purpose. Often passion is defined in three progressive levels: interests, desires, and sacrifice. Interest-level passions are commonly options that attract your interest and your curiosities, but they are not essential and you could pass them up; they are simply interests. Desire-level passions are interests and curiosities you could and do pursue and explore, given time and resources. You might explore these, but you may decide to put some on hold, because you have other, more pressing passions. The third and highest level is characterized by sacrifice. You are willing to put many important things aside to express these passions. Students passionate about medicine and helping others will make their medical studies their core priority, putting all else aside. Computer science students passionate about code will stay up late every night tackling coding problems. Engineering students passionate about the discipline engage with those insanely challenging and long work problems with relish. Passionate writing students write and re-write their stories, seeking the best way to express themselves and their characters. Performing arts students spend several months perfecting their roles, just for a three-night run. All of these students—and the list goes on and on—willingly give up or put aside many of their interests and desires to achieve their ultimate passions. These are the future leaders in their professions because they dive deep into their passions and have purpose. Continued on back page...
National News Rules to Boost Hiring of Veterans, Persons With Disabilities New Department of Labor regulations will improve hiring and employment of people with disabilities and veterans, Vice President Biden announced on Aug. 27. Two final rules will update requirements under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require federal contractors and subcontractors to affirmatively recruit, hire, train and promote qualified veterans and people with disabilities. "In a competitive job market, employers need access to the best possible employees," said Secretary Perez. "These rules make it easier for employers to tap into a large, diverse pool of qualified candidates." The rules will become effective 180 days after their publication in the Federal Register. United States Department of Labor
Career Coffee Blog...By Jan Mead 5 Reasons to Consider Temporary Jobs I often suggest students and other job seekers work temporary jobs as part of their career exploration and/or job search. Five good reasons why: 1. Temp jobs give you the chance to try out different jobs and employers. 2. You can actually make money – and even more importantly – contacts, while continuing to job search. 3. It gets you out of the house and around people. Which can be much more upbeat than searching for jobs online all day long, day after day...you get the idea. 4. Temporary jobs fill those gaps on your resume—periods of time which otherwise you might not be able to explain to a prospective employer’s satisfaction. 5. Temporary positions often evolve into full-time, longer-term jobs. Some employers “try out” people by hiring them in temporary positions. If the person in the temporary role performs satisfactorily, they may be hired to work directly for the employer. Last week, I met a recruiter who now works full time for a company where he started as a temp. In my own career, three of the jobs I’ve enjoyed the most and stayed at the longest began as temporary assignments. Think about it...a temp position may be “just the ticket” to contacts, cash, and career moves. Go Shox!
Employer On-the-Line...By Jeanne Hopkins Farmers Insurance Group
Melissa Rae Meurer, University Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Team, Olathe, Kansas Heithum Moatassem, College Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Team, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Why do you want to hire Shockers? “As an organization we know top talent is hard to find, we want to provide opportunities to as many students and alumni as possible, to ensure our organization remains one of the best companies to work for. We remain committed to this promise per our recent award from Ingram’s as one of the best places to work (Olathe, KS) and The Reader’s Choice Award (2007-2013) for the best places to work in Oklahoma City.”
What are some types of career positions at your organization which students might not expect to find? “We know, you’re thinking we only hire for sales or becoming an agent of some kind. However, some of our largest hubs in Los Angeles (CA), Olathe (KS, Kansas City Metro), Oklahoma City (OK) and Grand Rapids (MI) are largely dedicated to our claims operation. This is the customer service you receive if you have been in an accident or something has happened to your home. Farmers Insurance Group has close to 20,000 employees worldwide and we hire for literally every type of position you can imagine. Here are just a few that we hire for: Accountants, Financial Analysts, Marketing, Customer Service Associates and Office Claims Adjusters.”
What majors should consider applying for jobs? “Great news, we are not major specific! We are looking for hardworking, multi-tasking, leaders in all fields, groups and programs. Please note: for our specialty departments, i.e. accounting, an accounting degree may be required.”
What is unique about your organization? “Farmers Insurance Group has an extremely fast-paced work environment and because of that we are always trying to balance the hard work with a bit of fun, relaxation and community integration. Each location can vary but we create a friendly atmosphere by inviting local food vendors for lunch, we often host BBQs and work closely with local charities. We also bring health screenings on site, offer movie rental, dry cleaning, car detailing, game rooms and chair massages on site for your convenience. Also, our schedules are flexible so that you can maintain a work/life balance.”
Do you have a job search or resume tip to share? “Look for a business that has goals that align with your personal goals and go from there. This will help to ensure that even if you don’t land the “perfect” gig, you will be happy with the work environment and can work toward other positions within the company to achieve your dream career.” “Make the resume easy to follow, chronological and simple!”
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? “We are not just sales! Farmers Insurance Group is so excited to get to know you and has a wide variety of different career opportunities waiting for you!”
Careers Center Stage:
Adult Literacy & GED Teachers Adult literacy and General Education Development teachers instruct adults and youths who are out of school in basic skills, such as reading, writing and speaking English. They also help students earn their GED or diploma. Three types of teaching opportunities: Adult basic education: Teach students the basics of reading, writing, and math. Students often enter these classes at or below an eighth-grade level in these subjects. Students generally are 16 years and older and need to gain proficiency in these skills to improve their job situation. GED and adult secondary education: Prepare students to take the test to earn their GED. Sometimes these teachers help students to finish the credits necessary for them to earn a high school diploma. Some programs are combined with career preparation programs so that students can earn their GED or high school diploma and a career-related credential at the same time. In addition, GED and adult secondary teachers help their students improve skills in communicating, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Reminders: NetApp Tech Talk Sept. 25, 6-7 pm, 208 Hubbard Hall CCH Information Session Sept. 26, 4 pm, RSC 266, Pike Room Engineering Career Fair Sept. 26, 3-6 pm, Beggs Hall Lobby Prepare for the fair with a Resume Review Sept. 23, Noon-7 pm, Grace Wilkie Hall, Room 203 Sept. 24, Noon-7 pm, Grace Wilkie Hall, Room 203 Sept. 25, Noon-4 pm, Grace Wilkie Hall, Room 203
English as a Second Language (ESL): Teach students to read, write, and speak English. People in these classes are recent immigrants to the U.S. and others whose native language is not English. ESL teachers help students with practical vocabulary for jobs and daily living. They may also focus on preparing students to take the citizenship exam.
Jobs of Interest
Basic Duties:
Job 18333 - Bilingual Development Coordinator, Wichita Hispanic Chamber (Try a key word search for bilingual to find similar positions on Hire-a-Shocker and be sure to create a job agent!)
- Evaluate student’s strengths and weaknesses - Emphasize skills that will help students find jobs - Assess students for possible learning disabilities - Help students develop study skills - Connect students to other resources in the community, such as mental health services or job placement services
Important qualities: Cultural Sensitivity – Teachers
must be able to work with and be respectful of students from a variety of cultural, educational and economic backgrounds.
Patience – Working with
students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Patience is important when helping students who struggle with the material.
Job Outlook: Employment of adult literacy and General Education Development (GED) teachers is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected from continued immigration to the United States and demand for adult education programs.
Similar occupations: Special Education Teacher, Career and Technical Education Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Elementary, Middle, and High School Teacher, Librarian, Career Counselor, Social Worker and Post-Secondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook / Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job 17935 - Management Development Program, Precision Castparts Corporation
Job 17545 - Research Technician, Monsanto Job 18309 - Entry-level Assistant National Bank Examiner, Office of Comptroller of the Currency Job 18379 - Interior Design Specialist (no degree required,) Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. Job 18349 - Junior Web Developer, High Touch, Inc. Job 18329 - APRN, Valeo Behavioral Health Care Job 18241 - Warehouse/general labor, The Table Guys, LLC
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.
Career Confidence
Continued from page 1...
What Is “Purpose?” - It answers the “Why is this important to me?” question - It is the meaningful goal to which you aspire, the goal that is awakened when you experience passion. The crazy part of purpose is that it is elusive to many of us because it is hidden by external messages about what success might mean. For example, many of us have been taught to value a high income over purpose as the marker of success, and in doing so, we sacrifice ourselves, our families, our friends, and our communities to an external measure, one we really do not control. Did you know that research studies have shown happiness is positively correlated with salaries between $50K and $75K, and anything higher starts to erode that happiness? Yet many of us are still fooled by the money. Remember that very true saying: “Money doesn’t buy you love.” Similarly, many of us have been taught to value certain professions over others, believing those professions are “better” and deliver a more fulfilling life. But what’s this? Most people change their careers several times over the course of their working lives; they are seeking an improvement when they make those changes. Have you ever experienced parental or family or community pressure “to become XYZ” when in your heart, you have always wanted to be “ABC?” Students in such situations know this predicament well. Pairing passion and purpose is essential for personal success, personal happiness, and finding the right career path that belongs to you. Passion + Purpose + Career Plan = Career Confidence By exploring and combining passion, purpose, and your career plan, you have created a powerful combination of career planning that make up “career confidence.” Not only do you know what you want and how to achieve it, you also know the fundamental reasons why you want to achieve it. Career confidence gives you the ability to adjust and tinker with your aspirations as you move forward with life. This is a great place to be when it comes to navigating your career adventure.
Career Planning Timeline On track for a professional career path!
Freshman - Awareness 1. Learn about the services & resources available through Career Services. 2. Gather information about majors & careers, from the Career Services’ website. 3. Create a resume & upload it to Hire-a-Shocker for a critique. 4. Check out the part-time jobs available on Hire-a-Shocker. 5. Join at least one student organization.
Discover interests, values, and abilities. Sophomore - Exploration 1. Make an appointment with a career counselor to confirm your choice of career & major. 2. Collect information about organizations of interest. 3. Participate in every opportunity to learn about majors, careers or companies. 4. Work a part-time job for experience in your major. 5. Update your resume, adding soft skills you’ve refined.
Plan an education that is marketable. Junior - Planning 1. Meet with a career counselor to identify business & industry resources such as Career Connections. 2. Perfect a 30-second elevator speech to be used at all career-related events. 3. Join student & professional organizations related to your major or career choice. 4. Learn to create professional business correspondence such as cover & thank-you letters. 5. Check job listings in Hire-a-Shocker to learn about future job prospects.
Network. Senior - Commitment 1. Attend career fairs & networking events hosted by Career Services. 2. Talk with a career counselor about college-to-career transition & how to be successful. 3. Upload a professional resume into Hire-a-Shocker. 4. Schedule a mock interview with a career counselor. 5. Participate in on-campus interviews.
Prepare to job search.
Fall 2013 Events September 25 - NetApp Tech Talk - 6:00-7:00 pm, 208 HH September 26 - CCH Information Session - 4:00 pm, RSC 266 September 26 - Engineering Fair - 3:00-6:00 pm, Beggs Hall Lobby September 30 - Koch Accounting Interviews October 1 - Grant Thornton Accounting Interviews October 2 - Lindburg Vogel Pierce Fair Accounting Interviews October 3 - Adams, Brown, Beren, Ball Accounting Interviews October 4 - Ernst & Young Accounting Interviews October 7 - Allen, Gibbs, Houlik Accounting Interviews October 7 - BKD Accounting Interviews October 8 - Kennedy & Coe Accounting Interviews October 16 - PepsiCo Information Session October 16 - Consolidated Graphics Interviews October 17 - PepsiCo Interviews October 23 - Target Interviews
FYI
Office Hours Monday & Tuesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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 August Stats
New jobs posted to Hire-a-Shocker: August 1 - August 30 Degree Preferred - 37% No Degree Required - 31% Degree Required - 23%
1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260-0042 316.978.3435 - career.services@wichita.edu www.wichita.edu/career
Seas/Temp/One Time - 8%
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On-Campus - 4% Volunteer - 1% *Percentages will not equal 100. Employers may select more than one choice from Position Type field.