This issue is sponsored by:
April 2, 2013
Volume 39 #3
CLASS OF 2014:
STRATEGIES FOR RISING SENIORS Think about it. Your senior year at Rutgers is just around the corner. You may feel elation; you may feel some anxiety; or you may feel a combination of excitement and concern. The reality is that you have just one more year to go until you leave the collegiate environment and take the next significant steps in your life. Will you look for a job? Work full time or part time? Attend graduate school? Do volunteer work? Work during the day and go to graduate school at night? It’s not a bad idea to begin tossing around some ideas with friends, professors, and family members. It’s never too early to begin the process of “career planning.” What can you do this summer to get ready for your senior year? Here are strategies for you to consider:
# 1 Wr i te your resume: This is an important document in your job search. It’s also an excellent exercise and tool if you’re planning to go to graduate school. Write your resume and stop by University Career Services to have it critiqued during weekly “drop-in hours”: Monday and Wednesday from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Busch Campus Center; and Tuesday and Thursday at 46 College Ave. from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Our offices are open all summer.
I n This I s s u e Strategies for Rising Seniors Career Day AD Where RU Headed?
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Career Services Directory From the Exec. Director’s Desk Ask a Career Counselor Career Tip Career Day AD
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Alumni Success Story Faculty Advice Column Career Panel AD
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Employee Spotlight From Campus to Career RU Using Facebook? Dining Etiquette Dinner AD
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Merck AD
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It’s Not “Just A Job” Career Knight AD RICP AD Jump Start Your Job Search AD
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Services for Students Etiquette Tip Interviewing Strategies AD Develop Your Personal Brand AD Leadership for Success AD
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Events Calendar RICP AD
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# 2 Li ne up a summer j ob, i nternshi p, or volunteer experi ence: Check out our online internship listings each week. New internships arrive daily. Visit our website at c a r e er s e r vi c es . r u tger s . ed u and click on “Internships” to get started. Log in to CareerKnight to gain access to internship listings and visit the Rutgers Student Employment website at s tu d en tw ork . r u tgers . ed u for part-time jobs. Finally, see if your academic department has any job leads. # 3 A t t en d ou r bi g sp r i n g ca r eer da y: Career days are n ot just for seniors. The New Jersey Collegiate Career Day on May 30 will have over 100 employers, some still looking for summer interns. # 4 Bui l d your persona l network: Talk to lots of people, asking them what they do, and what they like or dislike about their jobs. Ask their advice on how to find a job. Consult the Alumni Career Network to identify alumni who majored in your field. The network contains Rutgers graduates who are eager and willing to provide career information and advice. # 5 Do some rea di ng a nd resea rch: Visit your local library, the University Career Services libraries in the BCC and at 46 College Avenue, or Kilmer Library to
research careers and employers. Go online to review jobs, industry forecasts, and company profiles. Another convenient resource is the Vault Online Career Library, available on our website.
# 6 I f you’ re pl a n ni ng to go to gra dua te school : Open your credentials file by visiting w w w. i n te r f ol i o . co m and have professors who know you well write a letter of reference for you. Also, research graduate programs on the internet. The summer is a great time to do this before you wind up in another busy fall semester. # 7 R ea d the R utgers Uni versi ty “Ca reer Servi ces Gui de”: University Career Services has some excellent materials for you to read over the summer. Pick up a free Rutgers University Career Services Guide. You can also access the guide through our website. # 8 Uti l i ze our ca r eer a ssessmen ts a n d the R u tgers Onl i ne Ca r eer Pl a nn i ng S i te: Identify your interests, skills, and values through these resources. See how your personal attributes relate to the world of work.
Did You Know? For lists of jobs obtained by Rutgers graduates with specific majors, log on to our “Major and Career Profiles” series at careerservices.rutgers.edu/CareerHandouts.shtml.
Get an early start. We hope to see you this spring or summer. Our doors will be open!
Where RU Headed?
What do you plan to do this summer to help with your future career? Dhara Sardhara ‘15
Steve Shimchick ‘15
Cell Bio. & Neuroscience and Public Health
Communication
This summer I will be working as an EMT to gain experience so one day I can become the doctor I aspire to be.
I'd like to get an internship with a radio station (ideally Radio 104.5) to give me some experience for a future in the music industry.
Chris Bober ‘15
Shane Guinan ‘15
Physics
Genetics and Political Science
While I keep busy with a summer job I plan on looking for possible lab positions to which I can apply.
Working at a summer camp is a great way to boost skills in communication and empathy, which will be helpful with being a doctor or research team member.
Yesha Chokshi ‘15
Leo Gefter ‘15
Supply Chain Management
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
I am planning to study abroad this summer and this will help me in my future career by exposing me to different cultures.
This summer I will conduct research at the Rutgers Driscoll Lab. Our team will be characterizing the molecular biology of exercise in roundworms for the first time.
CAREERS
PAGE C2 THE DAILY TARGUM
April 2, 2013
From the Executive Director’s Desk
By Rick Hearin, Executive Director of Career Services
full-time and internship opportunities in your areas of career interest. While on our site:
I would like to take an opportunity during this issue to speak specifically to juniors. Information provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that students who utilize their campus career offices are more likely to receive job offers by graduation. Unfortunately, some students wait until the last minute to begin thinking about life after Rutgers. And with many employers making full-time job offers during the fall semester before students graduate, summertime is a great time to learn about the resources available through our office.
a. Utilize “Vault” to explore various industries and professions. b. Investigate where previous graduates have gone through the “Candid Career” informational videos. c. Schedule a virtual mock interview through “InterviewStream” to gain confidence in your interviewing skills.
WH AT TH I S ME A NS FO R Y O U 1. Partner with our office to define, explore, and pursue your career goals throughout the upcoming year. 2. Learn about career counseling appointments and utilize our online resources. 3. Use the summer to get a head start on careerrelated activities, so you are prepared to make your senior year as productive as possible.
3. Consider graduate or professional school. Learn about the application process, entrance exams, and how to approach faculty members for letters of recommendation.
NE X T S TE P S 1. Update your CareerKnight (careerservices.rutgers.edu) account to take advantage of
Rick Hearin is the Executive Director of the University Career Services office at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
2. Attend our upcoming New Jersey Collegiate Career Day (May 30 from 9:30am- 3:30pm) and meet with employers looking for candidates like you.
With you as an active partner Rutgers University will continue to be a place that produces competitive graduates in any economy. Just be smart, use the career resources available to you, and start now.
Ask a Career Counselor My roommate, who has had a bunch of inter views, told me that some recruiters start the inter view by saying, “Tell me about yourself.” How do I prepare for that question and answer it in the inter view?” --Rutgers Senior Hi RS: Thanks for your question. It’s a good idea to be prepared for this topic. I encourage you to practice a response to this question, maybe with a friend. Start by writing down three key points about yourself--one personal, one academic, and one work related. You want to keep your answer short, informative, and well structured. Your response might sound like this: "I would like to touch on three things: my personal, academic, and work background. I grew up in Summit, New Jersey and finished in the top 10% of my class, while playing soccer and the flute. I enrolled in Rutgers and decided to major in economics because I wanted to learn the basic concepts of our money system and the global economy. I have had several internships and part-time jobs while in college, including my current internship at Johnson & Johnson in Skillman, New Jersey, where I am supporting the consumer sales division. My career goal is to work in pharmaceutical sales.” This covers all three main points in just about 30 seconds. You don't want it to sound overly rehearsed, but I hope this will give you the idea. Good luck with your upcoming interviews.
Career Tip Th e G r ea tes t R e s u m e Mi s ta k e Ever y year, I see resumes from individuals who tr y to “stretch the truth” in order to sound more desirable on paper. It’s “resume inflation.” This lack of honesty, when discovered, instantly disqualifies that person from fur ther consideration. Corporate recruiters are paid to screen people out, and the quickest and surest way a candidate is screened out is when a “white lie” or exaggeration is found.
Did You Know?
Thinking about working or studying abroad? Log on to the University Career Services website and click on “Going Global” under “Boost Your Job Search.” In-depth country profiles are available along with profiles of America’s largest cities.
A recent candidate attempted to show experience in a computer language by placing it on his resume. It generated calls, but it also generated rejection letters when it became apparent that he did not really have a foundational understanding of the language. Doors were shut (ver y hard, I might add) that could have otherwise been open to him. Remember, the resume is not a work of fiction. While it should emphasize the positive, it should never emphasize what does not exist.
Adapted from Brian Kreuger of CollegeGrad.com
CAREERS
April 2, 2013
Alumni Success Story Name: Krishna P. Valluripalli Year of graduation and major: 2006, Marketing Position and Company: Strategy and Business Development, AT & T
1. What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most? The least? Krishna P. Valluripalli I enjoy teamwork. The collaboration process combines different perspectives. Often in Strategy, I work on initiatives that involve participation from multiple organizations within the company. This provides a great opportunity for me to work closely with other groups, understand each other’s functions, and how they impact overall business goals. I enjoy every aspect of my current job. It’s hard to describe the least aspect. In today’s business world, it is important to have a “can-do” attitude that can help you get ahead at work. 2. What do you think is the most valuable skill that someone should have if they want to be in your position? Strong leadership skills are required to succeed. Leadership takes on many different faces. Leadership is a very important factor in today’s business world. Your ability to listen, communicate, persuade, and collaborate is essential as it distinguishes you from other individuals. The greater variety of competencies a leader displays with strength, the greater his/her business results. Apart from this, one should have the inner drive to learn about the business. Working for AT&T or any large corporation creates unprecedented opportunities for you to explore and learn. I would encourage you to utilize the resources to help you establish a long term career with the company. 3. What do you think made you successful? There are several key attributes to my success. One common element is that I had mentors (formal or informal) at every stage of my life. They provided guidance, constructive criticism, and unbiased advice in relation to my career, work/social life balance, and
much more. It’s important to know what you want to learn before you begin the process of identifying target mentors. Mentoring can help strengthen facilitation or management skills. Networking is another key attribute. It is one of the most valuable uses of my time in terms of return—and not just in monetary terms. I believe networking is essential to career success. Throughout your life you will make networking contacts that develop into relationships including friends, colleagues, and professional prospects. 4. What advice can you give someone who has plans for graduate school or is looking for a job straight out of college? A wise executive once said “have passion in what you do and you’ll succeed.” Since then, I explore interesting opportunities. Do not think that a graduate degree is your ticket to success. Rather, it is important to identify your goals and interests, and understand how a graduate degree would benefit you or advance your career. I would advise recent graduates to gain significant professional experience before attending a graduate school. Working in the corporate world exposes you to a wide variety of areas of business and creates an opportunity for you to explore your interests and drive toward your passion. After all, it is crucial to ensure that graduate school is worth your time and investment. 5. How has University Career Ser vices helped you along the path to where you are right now? University Career Services played a key role in formulating my career plan. It offered great networking opportunities through career fairs, alumni events, and provided guidance on job search, resume/cover letter, interviewing skills, and more. Having a great resume is so important to your employment chances. This is your first impression. This is your chance to capture your potential employer’s attention, to pique his or her interest. Career planning is a key to preparing for life after graduation. It is important to utilize University Career Services and the vast amount of resources it provides toward your career success.
THE DAILY TARGUM PAGE C3
Faculty Advice Column John Taylor Associate Professor, Chemistry
1) What advice can you give to students who are not sure of their major? If you are one of the lucky ones, and you have a vision of your place in the world, you can seek advice from faculty and professionals on which major or majors will allow you to go down that path. And the J o h n Ta ylo r answers can be surprising. For example, one of my high school friends chose accounting as his undergraduate degree, and he became an accountant and then manager for several international charity organizations. He traveled the world in that capacity, which is not how one normally envisions the life of an accountant. If, however, you are clueless (like I was), you have to try to look within yourself and analyze your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your passions (likes and dislikes), and try your best to find a match. In my case, I discovered that I was a scientist by inclination, because I was quite unable to choose a career – I needed more data! There is something to be said for simply following a path in the directions where you excel. You will be rewarded by the positive feedback (good grades and more), and we all like to be praised! Often, the interest and fulfillment in the major you choose (and the career to which it leads) is further down the road, when you have more depth to your understanding of the subject. So it is often while taking the more advanced classes that you begin to see your future. I believe that as long as you are seriously engaged in your studies, you might chose any one of several different majors and find a successful path in life. In other words, the choice is less important than you might think!
2) What suggestions do you have to students debating between graduate school and work? You have to decide what you need for fulfillment, and where you will look to find it. Graduate school represents a choice to have a professional qualification that allows you to take charge of your own actions in the workplace, and usually direct the actions of others as well. In the sciences, for example, with a bachelor’s degree, you will usually be following someone else’s plan every day, with only rare chances for providing input based on your own ideas. An advanced science degree, usually a Ph.D., is required to change that. On the other hand, we all know the stories of people who, like Steve Jobs, dropped out of college and became highly successful without even an undergraduate degree. If you have that entrepreneurial spirit, or maybe artistic talent, for example, your career may take off without the need for graduate training of any sort. In this case, the value of your education is related to how it develops your capacities for engaging with the world, in more of a liberal arts sense than in terms of the development of any needed specific professional skills. However, the importance of this last point should not be underestimated. 3) What skills will students develop as a chemistry major? Chemistry majors are expected to have strong analytical capabilities, and a basic understanding of the chemical and physical properties of materials, and how these relate to molecular structure. Our lab classes also develop specific skills in performing chemical reactions or investigating various chemical systems, and then analyzing and reporting the data and drawing conclusions based on chemical theory.
4) What career path can you take with this major? The obvious ones relate to research, applications or sales in the pharmaceutical industry, materials science (solar energy, for example), cosmetics, the food industry, or companies specializing in diagnostics or equipment related to the health industry or quality control. Chemistry majors also end up in government organizations, such as the EPA or FDA, and there are several other science-related careers, sometimes requiring further training, including patent law, science librarian, or science writing. 5) What can students do to increase their chances of finding a job or internship? Networking is often the number one step, whatever your career direction. Talk to everyone. Let your career goals be known to as many people as possible, and send out your resume to everyone. While you are in college, it is also important to take the first steps towards making yourself an attractive candidate as a graduate. Get engaged in research. Look for relevant summer jobs or volunteer opportunities. These will give you a track record of experience, and a list of people who know you and your capabilities well and can write strong and meaningful recommendation letters. Successful experiences of any type will lead to more opened doors, and these, in turn, will lead to more successes.
PAGE C4 THE DAILY TARGUM
From Campus to Career 10 Tips for a Successful Transition from College to the Workplace As graduation approaches, many college seniors are preparing to enter a professional work environment for the first time. The transition from college student to employee is exciting. It is also a huge challenge because of the differences between life in college and life after college. As you begin your move from college to career, here are 10 basic keys to success: 1. Arrive at work on time, preferably a little early. Stick to your allotted time for lunch. As a new employee it is important to demonstrate a strong work ethic and dedication to your career. 2. Dress appropriately. Observe how other employees dress, especially colleagues in the same position as you. Always look neat and clean. 3. Ask your supervisor for feedback on your performance. 4. Observe your colleagues in action. Take note of office protocol. Avoid office gossip. Steer clear of “complainers.” 5. Demonstrate good manners. Always knock before entering a colleague’s office. Answer your telephone politely, even if the call is internal. 6. Identify a mentor. Find a person who is further along on a similar career path who is willing to take you under his/her wing. 7. Ask lots of questions. Do not pretend to know all the answers. Learn what you need to know. 8. Always stick to deadlines. If you are going to have a problem meeting a deadline speak with your supervisor as soon as possible. 9. Pay close attention to the organization’s culture. Learn how things work. 10. Volunteer to help your co-workers. Ask your supervisor what you can do to contribute to special projects. You’ll get noticed and be on your way! These tips also apply to students beginning internships this summer. Good luck with your transition to the workplace and your job.
RU Using
Facebook? With over 500 million active users on Facebook, University Career Services decided to join in on the fun with its own page. Currently, there are over 2,300 who ‘like’ Rutgers University Career Services! The page keeps you current with upcoming events and workshops, useful career-related articles, special internship/job postings, and even interactive contests to win some cool prizes! Occasionally, you can find exclusive job and internship opportunities posted on the page. Previous opportunities included nonprofit organizations, the White House Internship Program, the CIA, and even NASA! We encourage you to leave comments about what you like about University Career Services resources and/or suggestions for upcoming programs. Help University Career Services serve you and let your voice be heard! Be sure to check out Rutgers University Career Services. Find us at Facebook.com/RutgersCareerServices. Top 5 reasons to join the Facebook page 1. Stay up-to-date with University Career Services events. 2. Participate in special contests and be entered to win some cool prizes! 3. Learn about exclusive internship and job opportunities. 4. Check out career advice articles, you never know when you could use some tips. 5. Learn about special career-related events held off campus.
Employee Spotlight CAREERS
April 2, 2013
An in ter vie w with J on Cu r s i , Mer ck Name: Jon Cursi Major: Chemical Engineering Year of graduation from Rutgers: 2012 (May) Associate Specialist, Business & Technical Analysis, Merck Where do you work and what are your main responJ o n Cu r s i sibilities? In June of 2012, I joined Merck & Co. as a Business and Technical Analyst within Merck’s 2012-2014 Emerging Talent Rotational Program. Through my position in the Information Technology global support function, I actively work to grow our business by enabling our plants to achieve a more competitive state today than they held yesterday. In the nine months I’ve been with the company, I’ve held various roles in the IT organization ranging from the creation of custom data-capture and analytical applications, to designing several Merck-internal websites, to (currently) leading Merck’s Shop Floor Hardware Standards team. In this most recent endeavor, I work to streamline production at our sites by deploying the optimal configuration of hardware for our operators— desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, barcode scanners, label printers, radio frequency devices, etc.—to best meet each site’s unique business needs. How did you get your current job? After reading about Merck’s ETR program on the Rutgers CareerKnight portal, I followed up with Merck’s recruiting team at a career fair to acquire answers to some of the questions I had about the overall program and positions available. I also attended a Merck information session to gather more insight into the company’s mission and culture. Having decided at this point that Merck was a fit for me, I applied!
What do you like best about your position? Hands down, the responsibility. I’ve only been with the company for about nine months and I’ve been given the opportunity to deliver solutions to some of Merck’s most challenging problems that the company faces today. Such high-priority projects carry with them great visibility from executive leadership, so in the process I have also been able to develop my professional network. What are the most valuable skills you are developing? • Project management • Making rapid, disciplined decisions • Strategic thinking • Working across boundaries What advice do you have for students who would like to follow your career path? Follow your passion(s). You may have already noticed that I went to school for chemical engineering but I’m working in IT. Why? Because at some point in my college career I decided to build my own desktop computer (for gaming purposes, I’ll admit!), thereby opening a Pandora’s box of interests in computer hardware and software that I never knew existed. You’re going to work long and hard hours throughout your career, so make sure you’re pursuing something that rewards you with happiness and satisfaction! Be bold. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and challenge the status quo. Look at each scenario with a fresh set of eyes, and refrain from accepting things as truth solely because “that’s the way it has always been done.” As new hires, most companies want you to make a splash and shake things up. Make yourself as well-rounded as possible. Diversity of skillset is extremely desirable.
Employer Spotlight Good luck!!
An in ter view with Ke n R eis s , Me r ck E m p l o ye e n a m e: Ken Reiss Ti tle : Senior Specialist, Recruitment & Staffing Com p a n y n a m e: Merck Wha t sk ill s d oes you r com p an y s eek i n new hi res for fu ll- tim e or i n ter n s hi p op p or tu n iti es ? Merck seeks well-rounded students with strong leadership, communication, and technical/business skills. Students must be able to communicate their skills/experiences effectively. Employees must be flexible to work across divisions/groups. W h a t i s s p e c i a l a b o u t w o r k i n g f o r yo u r c o m p a n y? Merck foundation lies within innovation and research to uncover unmet medical needs. It’s a large company, but there is a lot of opportunity to work outside your assigned group. Merck has a great histor y, and provides great benefits for their employees. W h a t c a n s t u d e n t s e xp e c t t o l e a r n d u r i n g a n i n ter n s h i p a t yo u r c om p a n y? Depending upon the group in which students are doing an internship, they can expect to have their skills tested as they will be assigned “real world” projects. They will work with a mentor and be evaluated along the way. University and
Diversity Recruiting manages Merck’s “Future Talent Program,” which has 300+ interns at 22 different sites around the U.S. There are ample opportunities to network with other interns and groups while working as an intern at Merck. Wh en a re yo u s ch ed u l ed to b e on ca m p u s ? Merck will be on campus in the fall and early spring at various career fairs, information sessions, mock inter views, and inter view days. Be sure to check with University Career Ser vices to found out when Merck will be on campus. Wh a t typ e o f q u es ti o n s c a n a s tu d en t exp ec t d u ri n g a n i n ter vi ew w i th yo u r c om p a n y? A re th ey be h a vi o r a l - b a s ed ? Interviews are behavioral-based. One can expect questions revolving around leadership, time management, project management, conflict, and technical challenges. W h a t i s t h e b e s t wa y t o f i n d o u t m o r e a b o u t yo u r c om p a n y? Merck’s main site: www.merck.com contains a lot of information on the company, our culture, and our products and pipeline. Be sure to check our career site: www.merck.com/careers, as well as our Facebook and Twitter (MerckOnCampus) pages.
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PAGE C6 THE DAILY TARGUM
April 2, 2013
It’s Not
“Just A Job” Have you worked as a waitress, office clerk, or salesperson while in college? If you have, join the gang! Since these jobs are typically not related to your major, you might consider them as "just jobs," rather than as meaningful steps in your career development. If you think about it, you probably gained something valuable from each job besides a paycheck. What about customer service skills? Communication and interpersonal skills? Time management skills? These are some of the key qualities employers seek when they hire new employees. Describe your job tasks with enthusiasm, and refer to the skills that you developed. The results will be an enhanced resume and a positive impression in the job interview. You may recognize some of these examples in your own experience:
Wa i tr es s
S ki l l s d e vel op e d
Waited on tables
Customer service
Maintained accurate orders
Administrative
Handled complaints
Interpersonal
Totaled bills
Quantitative
Served numerous people
Time management
Trained new employees
Supervisory
O f f i c e Cl e r k
S ki l l s d e vel op ed
Conducted data entry
Computer
Filed papers
Organizational
Handled inquiries
Communication
Collected information
Compiling
S a l e s p er s on
S k i l ls d e v e lo p e d
Displayed merchandise
Marketing
Described products
Communication
Encouraged purchases
Persuasion
Made sales
Selling
Where can you turn for help with identifying your specific skills? University Career Services! Check our spring “Events” calendar for programs on resume writing and interviewing. Also, career counselors can help you identify work-related skills and critique your resume. Visit a University Career Services office to explore these resources. Go for it! It's your future!
Did You Know?
You can update your CareerKnight email address in your ‘Account’ section. Review your account today and make sure we are sending your messages to the correct email address.
April 2, 2013
CAREERS
THE DAILY TARGUM PAGE C7
Etiquette Tip E TI Q U E TTE TI P O F TH E WE E K : Th e B os s Be loyal to your boss. Speak well of your superior to others and support his or her initiatives. Your job is not only to advance your own career, but also to make your superior look good. Seek out super visors and mentors who are ethical and ones that you are proud to suppor t. Never do anything illegal or unethical for your superior, because you will be held accountable.
Source: the C u l tu r e a n d Ma n n er s http://www.cultureandmanners.com/
I n st i tu t e
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