Senior
Wickes Hall 270 | 989.964.4954
careers@svsu.edu svsu.edu/careers
NEWSLETTER 2019-2020
GETTING READY FOR LIFE AFTER SVSU
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EMPLOYMENT FAIRS SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST DEGREE APPLICATION CHECKLIST KEY ACADEMIC DATES
graduate.
06 GETTING INVOLVED 07 ONLINE PRESENCE 08 SVSU CONNECT 09 FINAL PREPARATIONS 10 GRAD SCHOOL 11 CAREER SERVICES FOR LIFE
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EMPLOYMENT FAIRS 2019-2020
2019
AUGUST
27
SEPTEMBER
10
OCTOBER
18
NOVEMBER
7
2020
JANUARY
28
FEBRUARY
12
MARCH
27 JUNE
16
Part-Time Job
Presidential Courtyard / 11am-2pm
Accounting & Finance Curtiss Hall Seminar Rooms / 4pm-6pm
Fall University-Wide
Curtiss Hall Second Floor / 12pm-3pm
Health & Human Services Movement Analysis Lab (HHS Building) / 11:30-1:30
Summer Job & Internship Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms / 11am-1pm
Manufacturing & Information Technology Pioneer Hall / 12pm-2pm
Spring University-Wide
Curtiss Hall Second Floor / 12pm-3pm
Education Employment Fair Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms / 12pm-2pm
For speciďŹ c times, dress codes, and list of employers for each employment fair, please visit: www.svsu.edu/careers
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SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST 1. Don’t forget to apply for graduation! Visit svsu. edu/commencement to view deadlines, payments, and the application for graduation.
6. Prepare for your interview with your future employers by coming to an Interview Workshop or scheduling a mock interview. Visit svsu.edu/careers for more information.
2. Study to increase or maintain your GPA. Use resources like the Writing Center or the Center for Academic Achieving to assist you. Visit svsu.edu/tutor to make an appointment.
7. Attend the Spring and Fall University-Wide Employment Fairs. Visit svsu.edu/careers to view dates, times, and a list of employers for each fair.
3. Log in to your Cardinal Career Network account and create a job search agent. Visit svsu.edu/careers to do so.
8. Attend networking or any industry-specific events that pertain to your major. Networking is a large part of finding a career. Visit svsu.edu/ careers to learn more about networking.
4. Attend a Resume Workshop to touch up your documents before applying for positions. Go to svsu. edu/careers to view the Resume Workshop schedule or view resume tutorials. 5. It’s never too late to join an RSO! Visit svsu. orgsync.com to view a full list of active clubs and organizations at SVSU and find something that interests you.
9. Are you thinking about continuing your education and going to grad school? To view a list of the graduate programs SVSU offers, visit svsu.edu/ gradadm.
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DEGREE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. Each candidate for a degree must file a written application, accompanied by the graduation fee, in the Registrar’s Office. Find the application at svsu.edu/commencement. 2. The application fee is $85. Please make the check payable to SVSU. Payments can be paid online through the my.svsu. edu portal with either a credit card or electronic check. This fee covers partial expenses for the degree audit, the diploma & Commencement exercises. It is non-refundable. Applications without payment will not be accepted. 3. All documentation and official transcripts of transferred credits must be on file in the Registrar’s Office at the time an application is submitted. 4. If you are graduating in December 2019, the deadline is August 30, 2019. 5. If you are graduating in May 2020, the deadline is January 17, 2020. 6. If you are graduating in December 2020 the deadline is September 4, 2020. 7. Visit svsu.edu/commencement for more information.
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IMPORTANT ACADEMIC DATES 2019-2020
FALL 2019 Tuition Due
Classes Resume
Grades Due at Noon
Classes Begin
Classes End
Commencement
August 1
August 26
Labor Day, No Class September 2-3
Thanksgiving, No Class Nov. 27- Dec. 1
December 2 December 7
December 17
December 13-14
Finals Begin December 9
Finals End December 14
WINTER 2020 Tuition Due
Spring/Summer Registration
Finals End
March 15
May 2
Classes Begin
Classes Resume
Grades Due at Noon
MLK Day, No Class
Classes End
Commencement
January 20
April 25
Spring Break, No Class
Finals Begin
December 4 January 13
March 2-8
March 9
May 6
May 8-9
April 27
SPRING 2020 Registration
Memorial Day, No Class
Tuition Due
Classes/Finals End
March 15 April 1
May 25
June 27
Classes Begin May 11
SUMMER 2020 Registration
Independence Day Observed, No Class
Tuition Due
Classes/Finals End
March 15 June 3
July 3
August 15
Classes Begin June 29
*some dates in the SP/SR semesters are tentative
6 IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO
GET INVOLVED
OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
INTERNSHIPS & CO-OPS
STUDY ABROAD
Relevant experience in your field is one of the most important factors employers consider when making hiring decisions.
Studying abroad enables you to see the world and learn about other cultures.
By participating, you not only better your understanding of your future profession, but also increase your value to potential employers. SVSU and Career Services have an extensive network of organizational partners who seek students for co-ops and internships. These positions are often paid. You must register through Career Services and have your resume and cover letter critiqued & accepted in order to apply for Cooperative Education and/or Internship positions posted by Career Services in the Cardinal Career Network. To apply, visit svsu.edu/careers for more information.
Study abroad programs at SVSU range from 10-day trips, full-semester trips, to yearlong educational programs. More than $85,000 in study abroad scholarship money and funding is available. With less than 2% of the entire US student population studying abroad, this experience on your resume can help you to gain a significant competitive edge. Make lifelong friends from SVSU and your abroad location. Get real-world work experience, learn a foreign language, and take advantage of the opportunity to see the world! For more information, visit studyabroad.svsu.edu.
STUDENT LIFE Take advantage of the many exciting opportunities to grow, learn, and to become responsible citizens and future leaders at Student Life. Whether you join a student organization, attend a leadership program, or volunteer time- Student Life is here for you. We want you to know that student success is always our top priority. Alternative Breaks are one great example for students to learn about an important social issue and then travel to another state, sometimes other countries, to provide service relating to that particular issue. Trips take place during fall, winter, and spring breaks. Visit the website at svsu.orgsync.com for information on more than 200 registered clubs and organizations to give back, meet new friends, get involved, and make a difference.
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SOCIAL NETWORKING AND ONLINE PRESENCE
If you do not have a Linked-In profile by now, get one at www.linkedin.com. It’s now time to build a large network so you can use it later. Opportunities may come to you; recruiters look for candidates who have impressive credentials. Industry groups can offer you value and connection. Be sure to keep your resume up to date. Read the news feed for your industry or field to stay current and have talking points for future interviews.
Many employers use Social Media as a means to screen possible interns and employees. Clean up your page from pictures to your likes. Changing your privacy settings puts you in control of how your profile appeals to others. Think before you tweet. Have a professional username.
Your voicemail greeting may be someone’s first impression of you. Make sure it is a positive one. Identify yourself professionally. Have energy in your voice. Do not get creative with your voicemail, stay professional and simple. Tell people what you want them to do. Do not use a computer generated greeting. For more networking opportunities, go to
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
ePORTFOLIO An ePortfolio is a collection of a student’s work in electronic format. You should include an introduction or welcome to your ePortfolio. This is the first virtual impression that people will have of you, so make it a great one! You ay even want to include a video welcome where you explain the organization of your ePortfolio and direct the viewer through the site. Your ePortfolio may contain all or some of the following: • • • • • • •
Supporting files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.) Evaluations and recommendations Evidence of General Education competencies Evidence of creativity and performance Projects prepared for class or extracurriculars Writing samples Evidence of extracurricular activities, including examples of leadership
Early in your career, you need to build your contacts. The more people you know, the better. Associate with one of the most powerful and influential organizations in the region. Mentoring opportunities with the local business leaders and executives. Meet regional business leaders and political figures of today and tomorrow. Improve networking skills, expand contact base, and advance careers in order to promote their business and themselves. Gain committee and board experience. Learn more about YPNs in the Great Lakes Bay Region at these three sites: facebook.com/EnergizeBayAreaYPN macc.org/mypros saginawchamber.org
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WHAT IS
SVSU CONNECT
AND WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?
is a premiere networking tool for alumni and current students. It is a website that allows you to both re-connect with old classmates as well as enabling you to utilize the trusted Saginaw Valley State University environment to expand your professional network. By fully integrating with social networks, and cultivating a culture of helping and giving back, you will be amazed how vibrant your Saginaw Valley State University community is!
Get Started TODAY! svsuconnect.com
HOW TO LOGIN Go to and bookmark: svsuconnect.com. Login using your LinkedIn or Facebook account to have your basic information automatically pulled into your SVSU Connect profile. OR Login and register using an email address and create a password just for SVSU Connect.
BENEFITS The ability to find, network, engage, and stay connected with over 45,000 alumni and employers around the world. Access to relevant job and internship opportunities targeted specifically to SVSU alumni and students. Opportunity to mentor and connect with current students to provide valuable, professional mentoring relevant to their major. Easy Login by registering using your existing LinkedIn or Facebook account, or build your first LinkedIn profile. The two-way feed keeps your contact information up to date. Get the latest SVSU news and be quickly informed about campus events. Find alumni and fellow classmates by location, so you can interact whether you’re home or traveling.
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FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR FUTURE
FINISHING TOUCHES
CARDINAL FOR LIFE
Update Resume and Cover Letter on the Cardinal Career Network.
Regardless of your plans after graduation, you’re automatically a member of the SVSU Alumni Association when you graduate. For more information about special offers and events, visit alumni.svsu.edu.
Meet with a Career Services staff member and have everything critiqued. Attend a resume workshop. Develop job search strategies. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services. Attend employment fairs. Visit svsu.edu/careers to view schedules for resume workshops and employment fairs.
Cardinal. GRAD SCHOOL You already know the benefits of attending SVSU, have you considered earning your graduate degree at SVSU too? We offer 18 graduate programs and one doctoral program in areas such as health care administration, nursing, business administration, administrative sciences, computer science & information systems, communication and digital media, and education. Our part-time program can be completed in 18-24 months and offers evening, online, and hybrid classes to accommodate busy working professionals. As an SVSU undergraduate, we’ll waive your application fee! For more information on our graduate programs, please visit svsu. edu/gradadm. Stay SVSU Loyal!
SUPPORT FUTURE CARDINALS You can make a difference. Alumni support is very important to the lives of our students and in our community. You will create opportunities for thousands of students looking to make a better life for themselves and for others. You will inspire students to broaden their minds, expand their horizons, and challenge themselves to exceed their potential. You will enlighten the region through professional, artistic, cultural, and personal development programs and events. To make a gift or explore ways to give, visit foundation.svsu.edu for more information.
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ARE YOU PREPARING FOR
GRAD SCHOOL? GRADUATE SCHOOL While the graduate school process is a long one, and you may feel you have plenty of time to write essays, get recommendations, or take your tests, you will find that the time passes incredibly quickly. Don’t let these deadlines sneak up on you and avoid unnecessary stress as you wait for the last professor to finish a recommendation or try to cram for your GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, or other exam . PLANNING TO APPLY You can begin contacting schools and getting graduate school applications at any time. Start at least a full year in advance! The amount of time it takes to prepare for the application process may depend on the program you are applying for; give yourself ample lead-time to fulfill any requirements. If you are changing careers or entering a program that is different from your undergraduate studies, you may find that there are some prerequisite courses necessary in order to gain admission into your intended program. You also want plenty of time to gather information on the various programs in your area of interest and to evaluate the relative benefits of different schools before you start applying. Planning a year ahead will give you time to consider what you want out of your graduate school education, gather information from various sources on the best programs and schools, and assess the overall costs of graduate school. The graduate school application process is highly competitive. Apply to enough schools so that you will have options should you not be accepted into your school of choice. You will want at least one ‘safe school’ that you are confident you can get into, as well as one school that presents a real challenge in terms of competitiveness. INTERVIEWS One of the best ways to gather information is to talk to people. Talk to experts in the field; your SVSU professors, faculty of prospective graduate schools, and students who attend the schools or programs you are considering. The most valuable thing you can do is learn all you can about different schools and programs. Gathering information from a variety of sources is your first step to getting the answers you need. TESTS Almost all graduate programs require some type of standardized test, such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT. Since these tests have a significant impact on the success of your application, you might want to invest in some preparation materials for any exams that may be required for the program for which you are applying. RECOMMENDATIONS It is important to always continue building relationships with your professors. You are much more likely to get a positive recommendation if your professors know you and can speak from personal experience rather than solely reciting a list of your accomplishments. If you have the opportunity to talk to your professors about your interest in graduate school. You may be surprised to discover how receptive they will be. They were in your shoes at some point and will probably be more than happy to help you with advice or assistance. ESSAYS You can also begin drafting the personal statement you will need for your application essays. For some people, writing their personal essay is the most difficult part of the process; starting early can help alleviate the stress as deadlines are still far away. One benefit of writing you application essays in advance is that you are able to think through your reasons for pursuing a graduate education and consider your qualifications for graduate school. Frequently, students will learn something about themselves through this highly introspective process that helps them better define their academic and personal goals. This clarity can be of great benefit when considering where to apply. Be sure to customize each essay for the specific program; demonstrate you have researched the specific program and faculty.
Career Services
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IS HERE FOR YOU, FOR FREE, FOR LIFE!
You can stay connected via the Cardinal Career Network to view and apply to all job postings you qualify for free of charge for life!
Career Services posted over 2,000 entry-level opportunities for SVSU seniors to start their career in 2018-2019.
11% of all postings in the Cardinal Career Network in 2018-2019 were for Career/Degreed, 5+ years of experience. SVSU Career Services is a resource for alumni to take the next steps in their career.
Stay Connected Your @svsu.edu email address is yours to use for life!
There were over 6,000 job opportunities in the Cardinal Career Network during the 2018-2019 academic year.
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