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WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR Have you noticed the Career Center’s new marketing campaign focusing on imagining and achieving your career dreams? We hope you will look to the Career Center as a place to explore your post-graduation dreams — both big and small — and allow us to work with you on reaching them. One of the best ways to start exploring your internship or job goals is to attend the Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 24. There are more than 110 companies scheduled to participate in the fair (and some graduate schools as well), and all of them will have either internDarby Scism ship or full-time job opportunities available to ISU students. This Career Fair is a unique opportunity to meet Indiana State Career many employers and recruiters all in one place and learn about what you could be doing with your future. Center Director At the Career Fair, as well as in the internship and job search process, employers are looking for students who can bring a variety of skills and experiences to their companies. Employers come to ISU knowing that our students are receiving a great education with core knowledge in a number of content areas. But employers are just as interested in what soft, transferrable, and professional skills students bring to the company. The article on Page 4 talks about how important these skills are and what employers want to see from an ISU student. The Career Center, along with other ISU faculty and staff, have developed some Professional Skills Certificates that will help you develop and increase the professional, transferrable, and career-ready skills that you bring to employers. We encourage you to consider completing one or more of these “skills certificates” that will set you apart from your peers and make you a more competitive job applicant. Check out the Career Center page for a list of skills certificates you can start this semester! Best wishes for a great Fall semester and successfully exploring your career dreams. Sincerely, Dr. Darby Scism Executive Director, Career Center Indiana State University
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Employers Seek Graduates with Professional and Employability Skills Last year, the Indiana State University Career Center and Division of Academic Affairs hired Eduventures, a higher education research and consulting firm, to survey employers and human resource professionals in the State of Indiana about the skills and qualifications they seek when hiring new college graduates. Not surprisingly, Indiana employers mentioned that students’ “professional and soft skills” are just as important as their academic knowledge and “hard skills.” What this means is that students not only need to have knowledge and experience in their major and industry area, but they need to know how to present themselves professionally in the workplace. Employers mentioned the following skills/qualities as being the most important for new graduates to possess: • • • • • • •
Communication skills Critical thinking skills Problem solving Teamwork Leadership Analyze and Evaluate Data Global Understanding
• • • • •
Understanding of Technology Self-management / Work independently Strong ethics and integrity Adaptability and flexibility Conducting oneself in a professional manner (email etiquette, professional dress and demeanor, etc.)
Professional Skills Certificates In response to these needs of employers, Indiana State University and the Career Center created the “Professional Skills Certificate” initiative to help students develop some of these employability skills as they earn their academic degree. Faculty and staff from a variety of departments have started developing certificate programs that will help students enhance specific professional skills that will make them more competitive in the job search and more successful in the workplace. A few of the already established certificates include: • Sycamore Career Ready Certificate – focuses on professional identity, skills, and experience to improve your chances at finding a great job. • Workplace Professional Skills Certificate – introduces necessary workplace skills such as customer service, diversity training, sexual harassment prevention, confidentiality and communication skills.
• Certified Peer Educator Training – teaches skills needed by peer educators on health, wellness and safety topics. • Team Facilitation Certificate – prepares students to work with groups in an experiential context related to team and individual growth, group development, and adventure-challenge education. • Leadership Certificate – prepares students to lead by examining the vision, values, and beliefs that will shape the direction of our campus and our world.
There are a number of additional certificates in the planning stages that will be launched in the next year. Students are also encouraged to pursue third party and online certifications that are valued in their respective industry and career fields. For more information on the Certificate Program please see http://www.indstate.edu/carcen/students/certificates.aspx
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DRESS FOR SUCCESS MATCHING ACTIVITY 1 Formal Attire
A While interning, conferences, dinner during an interview, for informational interviews and on-the- job unless otherwise specified 2 Interview attire B Emphasizes comfort and personal expression over presentation and uniformity 3 Professional attire C Training programs and travel 4 Business casual D Internship and job interviews, career and job fairs, networking events, and presentations 5 Casual E Clothing suitable for "black-tie" social events, such as a debutante cotillion or dance * If you are not sure, ask or consult your professional organization
The Suit Two piece matching in dark grey, navy, brown or black. For women, pants or skirt is appropriate.
The Shirt or Blouse Blouses and shirts should be well-fitting, solid color, long-sleeved, no patterns. For women, no low necklines. The Shoes Dress shoes, polished. For men, the color should match the belt. For women, the color should be black or should match the suit. No open-toed shoes, platforms or heels over 2.5 inches. The Accessories For men, a classic metal watch (no alarm), one ring, no piercings, a plain tie or small pattern. For women, a classic metal watch, small gold or silver earrings, simple necklace. If wearing a skirt, be sure to wear stockings. Grooming Neatly arranged or trimmed hair, clean nails, minimal perfume or cologne, no visible tattoos, no smoker’s smell. For men, shave or trim face hair. For women, minimal makeup and plain nails.
1:E, 2:D, 3:A, 4:C, 5:B
Answer Key:
What Not to Wear for an Interview Leggings Unmatched suit Large patterns Camisoles or sheer tops Anything too tight Boots Sandals
Heels over 2.5 inches Backpacks Plastic accessories Athletic socks Piercings Skirts shorter than knee length Large barrettes or hairbands
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Thank You Partners As we embark on another whirlwind recruiting season, I would like to pause and express my gratitude to our Employer Partners whose presence and participation make our on-campus recruiting events a success. By attending the Career Fair, you have shown that you believe in the power of BLUE and the effect that it has on students as potential interns and employees. Your commitment to the University through this one event is significant and appreciated. Because of this, I invite you to continue to work with the Employer Relations team to explore some of the other ways that you can recruit BLUE. Whether it’s to post a job on Sycamore Career Link, or host a group of students at your company for a site visit, I welcome the opportunity to connect with you and discuss how we can help you reach your desired talent. Thank you for believing in STATE and having the confidence to hire our students and graduates.
TERESA DWYER
Sincerely, Teresa Dwyer Assistant Director, Employer Relations teresa.dwyer@indstate.edu
CAREER CENTER
Get Involved With On-Campus Recruiting Doors open when you take advantage of opportunities and opportunities abound through On-Campus Recruiting. You might not know this but right now, employers want YOU. That’s right, while you are engrossed with student activities, leading a student organization, working on campus or at some parttime job while seamlessly balancing it all with the pursuit of knowledge - YOU are most desirable to future employers. That’s right, they want to meet YOU. So much so that company recruiters even come to campus for the purpose of seeking YOU out, educating YOU about opportunities with their company, and interviewing YOU for internships and jobs. This phenomenon where recruiters come to campus with the hope of finding bright, talented students and future graduates for their internships and entry-level roles is called On-Campus Recruiting, or OCR. OCR occurs in a multitude of ways and it’s happening more often than you might think, right here at Indiana State University. Career Fairs The most obvious way that recruiters participate in OCR is by attending the Career Fair. This event draws a large number of representatives from big name companies to those smaller and mid-level firms. The Career Fair is open to all students, freshman through senior, graduate students and alumni, from any academic discipline. This is your chance to have that face-to-face contact with a recruiter, during which time you can ask all those burning questions that you can’t always get the answers to from a website. You can learn first-hand about the hiring pro-
cess, what they look for in potential candidates, the career path of new employees. The list is endless. What you need to know is that the Career Fair is your chance to ask those questions and get the answers you will need in order to make an informed decision about choosing a major, determining if an internship is in line with your career goals, or if the company is a good fit for you. This is your time to explore and learn. Go, seek, and discover. The opportunity is there for you! Information Sessions Another way in which companies will engage in OCR is by hosting an information session. Information sessions happen throughout the academic year and are either coordinated by the Career Center or by a targeted academic department based on the companies’ recruiting needs. An information session is a scheduled time where company representatives come on campus to educate you about careers within their organization. It is standard practice that representatives will collect resumes at the session and conduct interviews either immediately following the information session or the following day. Therefore, you’ll want to come prepared with a resume and ready to make a positive first impression.
On-Campus Interviews Not all companies that interview on campus choose to do an information session. Many jobs that are posted in Sycamore Career Link are tied to an oncampus interview schedule. While the Career Center tries to promote these opportunities within the appropriate academic department and through targeted emails, the best way to stay informed about who is interviewing on campus is log in to Sycamore Career Link and view “All Interview Schedules”. This will give you the low down on which companies are coming to campus. A more refined search will detail those companies that fit with your qualifications. Employers have the ability to select who they want to interview in advance, so you’ll want to have a resume that has been critiqued by a member of the Career Center ready to go for when these interview sessions are posted. A delay in submitting your materials could result in a missed opportunity. On-Campus Recruiting provides students with a unique prospect, one in which companies come looking for you. Recruiters see that you are developing time management skills, honing your leadership experience, making decisions that have an impact on the future, and involved in your community. You’re engaged in your education and that’s what employers are seeking, students just like YOU. Opportunities like this don’t happen after you’ve graduated. Take advantage of these while you are at Indiana State University, you won’t regret it. For a complete list of upcoming events, please go to http://career.indstate.edu.
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Internship Success Stories Employers have stated that they want to hire recent graduates who have some experience. Internships are a great way to gain experience in your field of interest and network with industry professionals at the same time. If you are looking for an internship visit the Career Center for assistance with your search and learn more about the Internship Scholarships that are available. Here are a few success stories from our summer interns! Jaylon Hines Indiana State University Communications and Marketing “My internship was absolutely wonderful! I was able to have so many opportunities of networking and professional development that I would not have been able to get anywhere else. I was even offered a permanent position! I truly loved every moment.”
Renisha Murray WTWO/WAWV “As a graduating senior my internship has taught me that it’s not about the finish line, it’s about the journey that brings together a resume well worth showcasing. Interning with Channel 2 has truly sharpened my character in many ways from my professionalism to my presentation and simply increasing my knowledge of how the “realworld” works. I want to be a reporter, and if any student has the opportunity to intern no matter what profession, I say take it. Many students would do anything to be where you are and there’s nothing like getting to know what your career will look like once you get there. Remember don’t just have goals, have a passion for what you want to dedicate your entire life to, I certainly do.”
Amy Hicks Hayden Park Physical Therapy “I believe that my internship helped me professionally because it gave me hands on experience in the field that I am interested in, as well as making me more excited about pursing a PT career in the future.”
Elinor Balensuela Arts Illiana “My internship experience surpassed my expectations. Every day with Arts Illiana was a new adventure. On any given day I could be working with artists, helping put together and open a gallery exhibit, writing press releases and magazine articles, or going to set up art at various locations in town. The people at Arts Illiana are wonderful; they are some of the kindest, funniest, and intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure of working beside. The Focus Indiana Scholarship that I received has helped me professionally by opening up a new world to me. While I have been writing for Spectrum (Arts Illiana’s quarterly publication), I have had practice with article writing and editing. Both of these skills will help me in pursing my future goals, whatever they may be. I am grateful for Focus Indiana in helping me find a place that has become one of my favorite places to be. I am currently still working with Arts Illiana and I couldn’t imagine leaving any time soon.”
Much more than a paint store! Are you looking for a fast paced career that challenges your abilities, and also a company that takes a personal interest in YOU and YOUR talents? The Sherwin-Williams Company has been in business for over 148 years and is the industry leader in providing top quality coatings and related products to paint contractors, manufacturers, industrial users, and the retail trade. Now Hiring! Management/Sales Trainees Summer Interns Join our college network by texting “Sherwin” to 88769
An equal opportunity employer M/F/H/V
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Using Social Media In the Job Search General Social Media Tips A vast majority of employers are using multiple social media platforms to recruit new talent. They may post jobs through their accounts, accept applications, promote their company, or simply look to open a dialogue with potential candidates. An applicant should expect that employers will Google them and/or check out their social media accounts. Below is some general advice that will help applicants have a strong social media presence. 1. Complete your profile for all sites you join. 2. Post diverse content such as quotes, recommendations, links to articles, books, or videos of interest. 3. Subscribe to (follow) companies and industry leaders. 4. Stay up-to-date on new features and privacy settings. 5. Always be positive! Employers DO want to the see these items on your profile: • Your professional qualifications • Intelligent and creative content • Demonstration of solid communication skills • Positive references and comments from other people • Awards and accolades you’ve received Employers DON’T want to see these items on your profile: • Inappropriate photos or content • Content on drinking/drugs or sexuality • Bad-mouthing previous employers, co-workers, or clients • Poor communication skills • Misrepresentation of qualifications
http://www.pinterest.com/isucareercenter/
have quality and strength in your connections over quantity.
Tips for Using LinkedIn Having a LinkedIn profile that demonstrates your positive professional skills can make a great first impression. LinkedIn is a good way to connect and learn from professionals in the field. Getting Started… For a great profile, focus on 6 key areas: 1. A professional photo 2. A headline that is a quick overview of what you offer 3. Industry related keywords and transferable skills 4. Work experience, internships, volunteer work, and extra-curricular activities 5. University education 6. Gather recommendations from connections. To improve these areas and your profile in general, go to “students.linkedin.com”. Start Connecting! Begin with family, friends, and fellow students. Then seek teachers, professors, and other professionals you have a positive relationship with. Seek out new people to connect with either by having a current connection introduce you or by politely and professionally messaging that individual. Know Your Audience Approach people you do not know in a formal and professional manner. As you build a better rapport, use the language and salutation your connection feels comfortable with. Once you’re connected, stay connected. Give updates and send articles of mutual interest. Remember, it is more important to
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@CareerCenter1
Search for Jobs and Companies Students can look first in “linkedin.com/studentjobs”. This is a listing of internships and jobs that are more entry level than the rest. In addition, use the company filter at the top of your home page to find companies you are interested in. Be sure to follow them and check their careers section. Search the Indiana State University Page for Alumni Here you will get access to your alumni and fellow students. Search for people through various filters: Where they live, what they do, and what they studied. You already have something in common with these alumni (ISU) so they are a great place to start. Google Hangout Tips Google Hangouts has become another good social media job search option for connecting with companies and job forums. Some companies have pre-recorded videos or host live chat sessions to talk about their internship or job opportunities. WARNING – recently there have been many job scams posted through social media. Make sure to always research and verify you are communicating with a “real” company. Ask the Career Center staff if you have any questions! The Career Center is using social media to keep our students informed about upcoming events, workshops, employers on campus and career-related articles. Follow us to keep up to date on all things “Career.”
@indstate_careercenter
Indiana State Career Center
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The Harsh Reality of Resumes and Applications Your resume is your chance to make a first impression and you know what they say about first impressions and second chances. Make your mark with a great resume! Take a look at the numbers and you will see why it is critical to have a great resume to show off your skills and experience. • • • • • • • •
Average time spent looking at a resume is less than one minute. 76% of resumes are ignored if your email address is unprofessional. An average of 250 resumes are received for each position out there. There is an 88% job rejection rate if you have a picture of yourself on your resume. 427,000 resumes are posted on Monster.com per week There is a 17% chance your cover letter will be read, so it better be good to grab their attention. 89% of hiring managers will not hire a candidate that does not have a resume. Only 1 typo can get your resume rejected.
Why Cintas? We are one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation and we’re ready to share our success with you. If you’re looking for a career, and not just another job, consider this: · · · · · · ·
We are the largest company in our industry. We are a market leader with an excellent reputation. We have an outstanding management team, most of whom have been with Cintas for many years. We are experienced, knowledgeable and committed. We are ownership-driven. We are motivated by the long-term value of Cintas. We consider every person on the Cintas team a partner. We act with honesty and integrity in everything we do.
These are the reasons we have been successful in the past and the reasons we will continue to flourish in the future. Our partners know that our success is their success and it could be yours too!
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Fair Well at the Career Fair
Career Fairs are a great way to connect with potential employers … if you follow these tips and plan accordingly! Follow these steps and create a solid plan to ensure you use your time effectively the day of the fair.
• Ask good questions and show interest by engaging in conversation with employers. • Visit with companies you aren’t familiar with – they might have amazing internship and job opportunities!
Before: • Review the list of employers coming to the Career Fair from the Career Center website by clicking the “Workshop & Events” tab and then “Employer Registration” link. • Research information on each employer and prepare questions to ask them. • Let your instructors know you would like to attend the fair as soon as possible so you can make arrangements not to miss anything. • Update your resume by coming to the Career Center walk-in hours 10 a.m. to Noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. M-F. • Make sure your dress clothes are clean and pressed before the fair. • Practice your “elevator pitch” prior to the fair.
After: • Write a “thank you” note or email to the employers you are most interested in and mention something specific you talked about. • Follow up with application deadlines if you told the employer you were going to apply online.
During: • Leave your backpack at “coat/backpack check” station. • Use your prepared elevator pitch that you have been practicing. • Use the map you receive at check-in to find the companies you had planned on talking to. • Stay a while. Work the room by taking your time with each employer.
Your “elevator pitch” is your opportunity to introduce yourself in a way that is interesting and gives the employer enough information for them to get to know you. It’s just long enough to explain your skills and interests before you reach the proverbial top floor in the elevator. Elevator Pitch Example: “Hello! My name is Sycamore Sam and I am the official mascot of Indiana State University. I enjoy getting the fans excited for home games and love to make little kids smile at campus events. I would love to talk to you more about your company and how I can bring my communication skills and positive energy to your organization.”
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