In this issue: On-Campus Interviews Engineering Career Fair Employer On-the-Line Biology & Biochemistry Majors
WSU Career Services
Hire-a-Shocker
Building Shockers, Building Professionals Issue 02 / 09.03 .13
Top Tips for Answering Interview Questions Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, www.naceweb.org.
Employers believe the best predictor of future behavior is recent past behavior. For example, do you know someone who is always late to class? What’s the likelihood that she’ll be late to class tomorrow? That’s the principle of “behavioral-based interviews,” a common interviewing technique. Interviewers want to get a picture of how you have behaved recently in a situation because it will help them determine how you’ll behave in a similar situation on the job. Answering these questions takes insight into what employers are looking for. Prepare for the interview Before going to an interview, look at the job description (if one is not available, use the job posting as a basis) and think about some of your most important milestones: projects, grades, presentations, and work experiences that make you proud. You’ll use these milestones as examples when answering questions. Use your best examples to concisely tell the story to the interviewer. In addition, here are some standard attributes that many companies look for, including: - Strong communicator - Adaptable/flexible - Able to work in teams - Self-directed/motivated - Strong follow-through - Goal-oriented - Demonstrates honesty and integrity Think through your activities and experiences, and identify those that you can use to show you have these attributes. During the interview The interviewer says: "Tell me about a time when you were a part of a difficult team and what you did to get the team back on track." Include the following in your answer:
“Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life move forward.” -Oprah Winfrey
- Situation: Explain the situation in detail. Was it a class team? What was the project? What was difficult about the project? - Action: What did YOU do to pull the team together? What specific action did you take? Don’t talk about what “we” did or “they” did. Talk about your role in the situation. - Outcome: Discuss the outcome of the project or team. Did the team succeed? How did you know the team was successful? - Learning: Sometimes you’ll be asked about a situation in which you weren’t successful. Talk specifically about what you learned, how you modified your behavior, and how you’ve incorporated this lesson into your routine. Keep your answer focused on recent job-related experiences. Whenever possible, use examples from your class work, professional association, or other degree-related experiences. Do not use personal or family examples, or examples from religious organizations. Additional interview advice - Make sure your response is clear and concise. Watch the interviewer’s body language. If he/she seem uninterested, wrap up your answer. - If you can’t think of an answer, say so. Don’t try to bluff your way through because the interviewer will know it. - The best candidates are able to speak to everything on their resume. Use your career services center to practice sample questions and participate in mock interview sessions.
Accounting Interviews The Fall semester is on-campus interview time. Accounting firms are scheduled to interview in our office from September 30 through October 8. Students who want to request an interview must have an approved resume in Hire-a-Shocker by September 9. A great resume is the key to getting an interview An employer should notice your resume because it is outstanding, not because it is filled with mistakes. A resume must be letter perfect. It should be without grammatical errors, misspelled words, unusual type or funky formatting. If an employer sees errors on a resume, he or she is likely to assume that you will not be careful in your work. A poor resume leaves a bad impression with an employer. And while a resume is not going to get you a job, it is the key to obtaining an interview. When you upload a resume into Hire-a-Shocker it will be critiqued and, if needed, suggestions will be emailed. The Starter Kit, which is located in the Resource Library of Hire-a-Shocker and on our webpage, offers sample resumes and tips for writing a resume. Career counselors are available during walk-in hours to help you perfect your resume. Make a good first impression with a perfect resume.
Career Coffee Blog...By Jan Mead Telephone Etiquette During Your Job Search Any introduction to an employer is important, whether face-to-face or by telephone. Here are a few important things to remember regarding telephone etiquette. Record a professional message for your home phone, cell phone and answering machine. Train anyone who might answer the phone for you (think roommates, kids...) to answer the phone politely, take a message and deliver the message to you immediately. Be prepared to receive a call from an employer anytime you answer the phone. If you are in a noisy environment, or any situation that could compromise the quality of your conversation (for instance, you just woke up) let calls go to your voice mail...where the caller will hear the professional message I talked about earlier. Return all phone calls promptly, or at least within 24 hours. If you don’t, the prospective employer will assume you are no longer interested. Good luck. Get a Job!
Go Shox!
Engineering Career Fair Co-op, Internship & Full-Time Thursday, September 26, 2013 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Beggs Hall Lobby
WSU Alumni Engineering Panel Thursday, September 26, 2013 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ahlberg Hall 200 Get the inside perspecƟve on working in the engineering eld from WSU Engineering Alumni. Ask quesƟons about the industry at this engaging panel session.
30 Minute Prep Workshops
Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. - GW 222 Friday, September 20 at 12:30 p.m. - GW 222 Tuesday, September 24 at 12:30 p.m. - GW 203 (All workshops will take place on the second oor of Grace Wilkie Hall.) Learn about resumes, elevator pitches, professional dress and proper networking behaviors.
WSU Engineering students have an exciƟng opportunity to connect with employers who are looking to hire interns, co-op posiƟons, and full-Ɵme employees. Dress is business aƫre. Bring your resume. To see an up-to-date list of employers aƩending visit: www.wichita.edu/engineeringfair
Resume Reviews
Monday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wed., September 25, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. All resume reviews will take place in Career Services, 203 Grace Wilkie Hall. Get your resume reviewed by the experts before the Engineering Career Fair. No appointment necessary.
Sponsored by the Oĸce of CooperaƟve EducaƟon & Work-Based Learning, the College of Engineering, and Career Services. For quesƟons contact Kim Kufahl, kim.kufahl@wichita.edu, (316) 978-6981.
Employer On-the-Line...By Jeanne Hopkins Waddel & Reed
Wade Herbert, LUTCF, Managing Principal, Wichita Office Wade Herbert has 24 years of experience in the financial services field, including two and one-half years with Waddell & Reed. As part of his managing principal duties, Wade also mentors and trains new financial planners. Why do you want to hire/recruit WSU Graduates/students? Wade: “New graduates are preferred – this is my background for getting into the field of financial services. Half of our future financial planners will be new graduates.” What positions are available? Wade: “Currently, a financial planner for Wichita. The Wichita Waddell & Reed office hires approximately six financial planners per year. There are currently 1800 Waddell & Reed financial planners nationwide. Smaller training classes for Waddell & Reed’s Career Readiness Track provide more time for mentoring. Fewer financial services companies are hiring untrained planners – they do not want to provide the training. Waddell & Reed’s training takes place generally over two years. Mentoring might continue longer. Jobs you would not expect to find at our Wichita office include marketing and accounting positions. Waddell & Reed is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.” (This past year, W&R Headquarters posted nine positions on Hire-a-Shocker.) What type of candidate is a good fit for this field? Wade: “People good with numbers OR a people person who can handle the numbers.” What are the backgrounds of other reps at Waddell and Reed in Wichita? Wade: “Teachers, coaches and ministers are successful as financial planners. Counselors, CPA’s, and those with banking backgrounds also do well. They are patient and teach/guide the client to their decisions. As for students and new graduates, I would look for a counseling background at summer camps. I like to see a lot of community activities on resumes. Tools I would expect new grads to bring to the table are communication, good with numbers, socially active, marketing and communication classes.” What would the first few months/years be like in this career? Wade: “A financial advisor/planner would begin with six to eight weeks for certificate level completion. You would train and practice with a mentor for a couple of years. The mentoring might continue longer than two years. Income results from commissions. New Financial Advisor Transition Programs let you learn while you earn. There are four different plans for receiving income. New college graduates might be interested in a monthly salary program. To be a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) you need five years of experience and completion of the CFP program.” www.Waddell.com - http://www.cfp.net/become-a-cfp-professional
Careers Center Stage: Biological Technicians Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Most biological technicians work on teams. Typically, technicians are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biologists or other scientists who direct and evaluate their work. Biological technicians use traditional laboratory instruments and advanced robotics and automated equipment to conduct experiments. They use specialized computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data. Biological technicians work in many areas of research. They may assist with medical research by helping develop new medicines and treatments used to prevent, treat, or cure diseases. Biological technicians who work in microbiology, sometimes referred to as laboratory assistants, study living organisms and infectious agents. Technicians working in biotechnology apply knowledge and techniques they have gained from basic research to product development. In agriculture, biotechnology research will be used to create genetically engineered crops that provide greater yields and require less pesticide and fertilizer. In addition, efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean and preserve the environment will continue to add to job growth. Finally, biological technicians will be needed to help develop alternative sources of energy, such as biofuels and biomass. Basic Duties: - Gather and prepare samples of substances, such as blood, food, or bacteria - Conduct biological tests and experiments - Document work, including procedures, observations and results - Analyze experimental data and interpret results - Write reports that summarize findings
Important qualities: analytical skills critical-thinking skills listening skills observation skills writing skills technical skills teamwork Job Outlook: Employment of biological technicians is projected to increase 14 percent from 2010 to 2020, as fast as the average for all occupations. Greater demand for biotechnology research is expected to increase the need for these workers. Biotechnology research plays a key role in scientific advancements that improve our way of life. Biological technicians will be needed to help scientists develop new medicines and treatments for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Similar occupations: chemical technician, zoologist, epidemiologist, biochemist, biophysicist Occupational Outlook Handbook / Bureau of Labor Statistics
Jobs for psychology, sociology or social work majors posted on Hire-a-Shocker: No degree required Job 18219 - Direct Support Professional, Wichita Job 17959 - Resident Assistant, Wichita Job 18044 - Guest Services Rep., Wichita Job 18077 - Experienced Bank Teller, Wichita Job 18146 - Activities Instructor – Summer Camp, Junction City KS Job 16172 - Part Time Opportunity to Kick Start Your Real Estate Career, Wichita Job 17318 - Office Assistant, Wichita Degree Preferred/Degree Required Job 18226 - Crisis Therapist, SE Kansas Job 18024 - Loan Assistant Processing Manager, Wichita Job 18087 - Social Worker Specialist - Prevention & Protection Services, Independence KS Job 18175 - Retail Manager or Assistant Manager, Garden City, Hays, Salina or Manhattan KS Job 15477 - Foster Care Homes Recruiter, Garden City KS View the job description, requirements and see how to apply on Hire-a-Shocker. Click on Job Search. Do an advanced search and search by the Job ID number. Questions? Call Career Services, 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.
Going Global Young professionals and students in the United States can benefit from participating in professional associations and this applies equally to international students. Since getting involved earlier in your career can offer more opportunities to learn, volunteer, and expand your professional development, it makes sense to identify associations that operate internationally. The lists of associations below can provide a starting point for students and young professionals to connect with organizations and get more involved with their local or international work. One option is to identify companies or groups that are members of an association and consider requesting an informational interview to learn more about how they contribute to their international association.
Marketing
Management
American Marketing Association
American Management Association
http://www.marketingpower.com
http://www.amanet.org
Direct Marketing Association
Asian Association of Management http://aamo.net
http://thedma.org
Destination Marketing Association International
European Management Association http://www.europeanmanagement.org
http://www.destinationmarketing.org
Health Care Education Independent Educational Consultants Association http://www.iecaonline.com
Association of International Educators
International Association of Health Care Professionals http://www.iahcp.com
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.nafsa.org
http://www.aap.org
International Schools Association
American Public Health Association
http://isaschools.org
http://www.apha.org
Fall 2013 Events September 25 - NetApp Tech Talk, 208 HH, 6:00-7:00 pm September 26 - Engineering Fair, see page 2 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 17 - PepsiCo Interviews
Office Hours Monday & Tuesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FYI
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% On-Campus - 4%
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Volunteer - 1% *Percentages will not equal 100. Employers may select more than one choice from Position Type field.