Careers 2010-10-05

Presented by Career Services...Your Link to the Future Office of the Vice-President for Undergraduate Education

This issue sponsored by A Supplement Yo ur g u i d e t o j o b s , i n tern sh ips, an d gradu ate sch ool Volume 37 #2

October 5, 2010

THINKING ABOUT GRADUATE STUDY?

by Richard L. White More than 80% of Rutgers students indicate that they intend to pursue graduate study at some point. Be sure to start early, plan ahead, and submit meticulous applications to beat the competition.

Why and when should you consider graduate study? A graduate degree builds your credentials, expands your knowledge and experience in your field, and should advance your career in most disciplines. If your goals are clear and financial resources are available, consider graduate study shortly after college. If your goals are not set and resources are insufficient, you should wait several years.

Where should you go to graduate school? Eight key criteria are useful in choosing the right school: 1. Interest in the Field. Your interest in and commitment to your field of study are probably the most important factors. If you're uncertain about what to study, that's a clue to wait.

2. Ava i la bi li ty of a Degree Progra m. Research to find universities that offer programs that are right for you. Professors and current graduate students are great resources.

3. Career Opportunities. What are the current job prospects and future projections in the field? Job markets are bound to change--for better or worse--during any four to five year period.

4. Quality. Four key factors are the faculty, facilities, student body, and reputation. Talk to professors, read catalogs, and talk to professionals in the field.

5. Cost. Cost is one of the simplest ways to narrow your choices. Determine how much money you have available (savings, income, tuition support programs, loans, financial aid, parental support).

6 . Loca ti on. Do you prefer urban, suburban or rural locations? Consider the accessibility of mass transit, commuting time and costs, and proximity to museums, educational institutions, research institutes and libraries.

In This Issue Thinking About Graduate Study?

Career Day AD Where RU Headed

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Director’s Desk Staff Directory Ask the Director Career Days AD

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7 . Si ze. Institutional size provides clues to the overall environment, academic resources, class size, and student-faculty ratios.

8. Credit vs. Non-Credit. A formal program leading to a degree may not be the best route for you. Non-credit, non-matriculated programs might be more appropriate.

How do you get admitted? There are six key aspects to the admissions process: 1. Undergra dua te Prepa ra tion. The trend in graduate admissions is away from requiring specific courses and toward more liberalized requirements. If a graduate program does have specific requirements, make sure you meet them. It is also desirable to show some special achievements in your undergraduate major.

2. The Application. This form is usually your only contact with an admissions committee, and the impression you make is critical. If essays or personal statements are required, make sure you write in a clear, concise, grammatically correct style. Write with conviction and impact, and have your statement critiqued by a professor or career counselor.

3. Credentia ls. Graduate and professional schools require three items in support of the application: college transcripts, recommendations and, in some cases, standardized test scores. Transcripts are obtained from the Registrar, who will for ward your official transcript to the schools. Recommendations should be from professors or professionals in the field who know you and your work well. Set up a credentials file through Interfolio, our online credentials ser vice, available 24/7. Log on to www. inter folio. com .

arranged, you can learn more about the program and provide a clear impression of who you are.

4. Sta nda rdi zed Tests. Standardized tests will not "make or break" your candidacy, but you should prepare for them. One of the most inexpensive ways is to take the two-day, $250 GRE test prep seminar sponsored by Career Ser vices. The seminars this year are October 23 and 30.

For information, go to h ttp : //c a r eer s er vi c es . r u tger s . ed u ; click on “Graduate School.”

6. Deadlines. All schools have deadlines, so apply early. Early applications demonstrate your interest and timeliness. Note other deadlines such as portfolio submissions (for studio programs), interviews (if required) and standardized tests.

To discuss your plans with a career counselor, visit or call our offices and set up an appointment. We can also assist you in critiquing your personal statements. If the plans of recent graduates are any indication, graduate study may well lie in your future.

5. Interviews. Interviews are rarely required today in the admissions process. However, if an interview can be

Richard L. White is the New Brunswick-wide director of Career Services at 56 College Avenue

WHERE RU HEADED? We asked students “What are your plans for graduate school and how are you using Career Services to help you?”

Abhimanyu Cherukupalli ‘14

Jayram Pai ‘12

Biomedical Engineering

Cell Bio/Neuroscience

Grad School? Full-Time Employment? Both?

Fall Career Days Graduate School Day AD

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“I intend to go to medical school to pursue a career as a physician. Having already spent time volunteering in hospitals, I hope to use Career Services to aid in finding more ways of getting involved in this field such as volunteering, internships, shadowing, etc.”

Internship Spotlight: Altria Career Tip of the Month Career Opportunities for Majors Career Days AD

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Afra Anees ‘11

Altria AD

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Alumni Success Story Career Services Inbox First & Second Year Focus Speed Networking AD

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Grad School Action Plan Upcoming Career Panels Video Contest AD

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Fall 2010 Events GRE Changes

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Nutritional Sciences “I would like to take a year off after graduation and then attend graduate school. I would like to go to Rutgers for either Nutrition or Public Health. Currently I am taking a GRE class with Kaplan and plan on taking my GRE's next summer.”

Casey White ‘11 Engineering “I intend to pursue a master’s in computational and integrative biology at Rutgers or possibly a PhD. Career Services really has helped with being a single site to learn about prospective employers and positions.”

“I plan to go to medical school because ever since I started working on a rescue squad I became aware of how important good medical care is. I have used the Health Professions Office and Career Services to improve my resume and gather all the medical school application components.”

Justin Saphirstein ‘11 Economics “I plan to go to grad school to study finance. I have a growing interest in the field and I believe that grad school will help me get better job opportunities. I am researching grad schools and am planning on taking Kaplan prep courses to help prepare me for the GMATS. Career Services helps me by keeping me updated on upcoming events, and through them I am able to network with alumni to help me along my path.”

Lauren Jamison ‘11 Information Technology and Informatics “I’m preparing for grad school by going to Career Services and getting my personal statement critiqued.”

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STAFF DIRECTORY Career and Interview Center Busch Campus Center 732-445-6127 Janet Jones, Senior Associate Director Greg Sobol, Assistant Director Jennifer Broyles, Assistant Director Joe Scott, Assistant Director Sue Pye, Assistant Director Tammy Samuels, Assistant Director Toi Tyson, Assistant Director Marcia Milgrom, Career Counselor Barbra Bonifield, Career Services Coordinator Toni Berlingieri, Career Services Coordinator

Career Center at 46 College Avenue 732-932-7997 Chrystal McArthur, Senior Associate Director David Bills, Assistant Director Larry Jacobs, Assistant Director (and Buddy) Monica Bryant, Assistant Director Sylvia Cordero, Assistant Director Tina Vance Knight, Assistant Director Doug Ricci, Career Counselor Scott Borden, Career Counselor Linda Bagen, Career Services Assistant Mark Kerr, Career Services Assistant/Special Projects

CAREERS

OCTOBER 5, 2010

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

By Richard L. White As the title of our cover story indicates, this issue has a special focus on graduate study. Over 80% of Rutgers graduates intend to pursue advanced degrees eventually, and it's never too early to begin planning. Career Services offers a full range of programs and resources for students thinking about or applying to graduate school.

Hundreds of students every year attend our two-part graduate and professional school proDr. Richard L. White gram, consisting of a Rutgers Director of Career Services Gra dua te a nd Professiona l School Expo followed by our Graduate and Professional School Day. The Rutgers Gra dua te a nd Professi ona l School Expo will take place on Saturday, October 9 from 10:00 - 2:00 in the Livingston Student Center. The focus of this event, which is open to the public, is on nearly 100 Rutgers graduate and professional school programs in business, education, engineering, humanities, law, public policy, science, social work and more. Staff and faculty members will be hosting tables.

The Graduate and Professional School Day will take place on Wednesday, November 3 from 12:30 - 3:30 in the Rutgers Student Center. As usual, it will have a national and regional focus with over 130 graduate programs representing business, education, engineer-

ing, humanities, law, medicine, the social sciences, and more. Columbia, NYU, Penn, and Princeton are just a few of the universities that will be on hand. A number of Rutgers units will also be attending.

If you're thinking about graduate school, visit any office of Career Services and pick up a Graduate School Action Plan and Graduate School Admissions Checklist. We also encourage you to visit graduate and professional schools on their websites.

If you’re a senior seeking a full-time job after graduation or an underclassman seeking an internship, be sure to register for “CareerKnight,” the Rutgers on-campus inter viewing and job posting system. Mark your calendar for the Business a nd Libera l Arts Ca reer Da y on Friday, October 15 from 10:00 - 3:00 at the Rutgers Student Center.

Representatives from over 100 employers will discuss full-time jobs and internships.

If you're not sure about whether to pursue a job or graduate school, read the article, "Grad School?

Full-Time Employment? Both?" It may give you some insights into this important decision.

Whether you're on a job or graduate school track, and regardless of your year in school, Career Services has something to offer you. Stop by any of our three offices this month. And watch for our next issue of Careers on November 2.

Dr. Richard L. White is New Brunswick-wide director of Career Services

Administrative Office 56 College Avenue 732-932-7287 Richard L. White, Director Dorothy Kerr, Employer Services Executive Manager Janet Bernardin, Special Programs Manager Barbara Melamed, Marketing & Website Manager Alison Koo, Budget and Technical Coordinator Larissa Keller, Employer Services Coordinator Lisa Goddard, Employer Services Coordinator Mary Beth Kimberlin, Employer Services Assistant

ASK THE DIRECTOR Q: I recently asked a professor about letters of recommendation for graduate school. He told me that Career Services sponsors a credentials service. Can you give me the details?

A: Your professor is right—Career Services offers its credentials service through Interfolio. To get started, log on to www.inter folio.com to set up your account.

There is a $15 annual setup and maintenance fee. You can print out the appropriate forms and give them to the professors who are writing letters for you. In turn, the professors fax their letters to Interfolio, and the letters become part of your account. You can then manage your file on a 24/7 basis, sending the letters that you designate to the schools of your choice without ever seeing the contents of the letters.

We recommend storing 3-4 letters from professors, research mentors, or supervisors who know you and your work well.

Good luck with your graduate school applications!

--Dr. Richard White Director, Career Services

DID YOU KNOW? Check your email to read our weekly “Career Services Update” message listing upcoming events and important information from our office.

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OCTOBER 5, 2010

GRAD SCHOOL? FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT? BOTH? Like many students, you may be just beginning to think about your options following graduation. Should you pursue graduate school or employment or both? Each path offers a variety of challenges and rewards. Advanced degrees can bring status and increased earnings. Employment provides a salary and a break from studying.

Common concerns students mention related to this decision are: "If I don't go to graduate school right away, I may never go."

"Maybe I should work first to help pay for my graduate study."

"Don't I need to get a graduate degree to get ahead?"

"Perhaps I should work first and then decide on the best graduate program for me."

To add to the confusion, there are also the options of full-time employment and parttime graduate study or part-time jobs and full-time graduate study.

As with any career decision, each option presents pros and cons which need to be explored. Meeting with a career counselor to review each option you are considering can help in reaching a decision. Together you can discuss answers to questions such as: “What are the academic and career choices available to me?”

“What are my personal and professional goals?”

“What are the advantages and disadvantages of each choice?”

“What makes it difficult for me to choose?”

“What additional information might help me to decide?”

Exploring these questions with the assistance of a career counselor can help you move past a phase of indecision and put your career plans into action. Call Career Services today and schedule an individual appointment.

DID YOU KNOW? You can subscribe to the Career Services channel on the myRutgers portal for a daily feed of career-related links.

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OCTOBER 5, 2010

INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT: An interview with Altria Niloufar Mahgerefteh, Marketing and P sychology 2011 Where did you work and what were your main responsibilities?

I worked as a sales intern at Altria. Throughout the ten-week internship, I learned and performed the duties of an Altria Territory Sales Manager while gaining fundamental sales skills both in the office and in the field. I had the opportunity to see what it was like to work in the fast-paced world of sales with numerous managers in all types of environments, and also learned about the company and industry in a classroom setting with my fellow interns. At the end of the summer, I, along with another intern, developed and delivered a 20-minute presentation regarding a relevant issue faced by Altria. For the project, we had to

analyze business results and do extensive research to find where the problem was, why it existed, and suggest what could be done to resolve it.

How did you get your internship?

I first learned about the internship at the Business School Career Fair in the fall, where I met the ambassadors who were interns the previous summer. I especially enjoyed their enthusiasm and energy when they told me about their experience, and I asked where I could get more information. I then attended a resume critique workshop where Altria managers looked over students’ resumes and gave advice on how to improve them. I made sure to keep in contact with the ambassadors as I went through the interviewing process and asked them every question I had about the company and the position.

Wha t d id you like best a bou t you r in ter n s hip ?

I loved that my experience at Altria did not

consist of coffee-fetching and copy-making. I was given real responsibilities and the ability to make decisions that affected not only our business, but also the businesses of retailers in the area. I also had the freedom to use my own creativity to research a relevant problem and to use what I learned throughout the summer to recommend solutions. I will never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt after presenting the finished project to senior management. The Intern Finale in Richmond, Virginia was another highlight because we were able to meet other Altria interns from around the country and hear about their experiences. We were also lucky enough to hear from top executives, and even got to drive around a racetrack; it was an awesome trip.

What were the most valuable things you gained?

My summer at Altria taught me so much more than I anticipated. I gained many transferrable skills that I am confident I

will use in not only my professional career, but also on a daily basis. I learned a lot about more efficient ways to communicate and gained more insight on how to be an effective leader, as Altria emphasizes the importance of investing in its employees’ development and success. I also learned that it is possible for a large corporation to remain true to its values of integrity, trust and respect while maintaining its prestigious reputation and position as a Fortune 500 company. It was nice to be part of an organization that keeps these values a priority in all of its business operations and decisions.

What are your career goals and jobsearch strategy?

I hope to work in marketing, sales, or public relations, and possibly attend law school after some work experience. This year, I plan to take advantage of all of the resources offered by Career Services and checking their website and CareerKnight for opportunities.

CAREER TIP OF THE MONTH The Ar ticulation Factor The ability to articulate your background is a combination of good preparation and vocabulary/enunciation. Your "smartness," "sharpness," "quickness," and "brightness" are all attributes that are evaluated based upon your verbal articulation. Whatever you do, don't reach for elusive words to perfectly portray your thoughts. Any practiced interviewer prefers an individual who is comfortable within their vocabulary level than one who is always searching for obscure words at the level above.

In practicing your articulation, take careful note of the "quickie" words which we tend to develop in our everyday speech.

Words like "gonna" and "yeah" and 'y'know" and "kinda" are all interview stoppers. They can make you sound uneducated and coarse. And they have a habit of repeating. We have all probably had a parent point out the use of "y'know" in our speaking. In addition, you may have particular words or phrases you use for emphasis which can become particularly pronounced in the interview. These would include "to tell you the truth" and "truthfully" and "basically" and "OK, well" and "Like,".... As a side note, I once counted the number of times a candidate said "to tell you the truth" after it became particularly repetitive. She said it over fifteen times. And I began to question her truthfulness.

Make sure you are fully prepared for the interview, reviewing both your own background (nothing will kill an interview quicker than someone who cannot recall personal events) and the background of the company. Proper research will help you articulate your answers in a clear and succinct manner.

Content written by Brian Krueger, President, CollegeGrad.com, Inc. Copyright 2004 CollegeGrad.com, Inc. Used by permission of the author and publisher.

Additional entry level career information is available at www.CollegeGrad.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAJORS IN...

There is one primar y concern of students deciding on a major: What are the career possibilities available to specific majors? In this day of increasing costs for a college education, students and parents want to be sure that their investment of time, hard work and money will pay dividends, and lead to a meaningful job and career.

The Career Services staff helps students learn about career opportunities as they relate to individual skills and interests, previous work experience, and their academic majors.

We offer workshops such as "Choosing a Major” as well as panels of speakers discussing careers. We also encourage you to take advantage of our Rutgers Online Career Planning Site. This site enables you to identify your interests, skills and values, and then relate them to Rutgers majors and real jobs obtained

by Rutgers graduates with those majors.

Another valuable resource is our series of Career Opportunities for Majors in… profiles. Each profile describes the major from a career perspective and lists typical employers, sample occupations, and the skills that are required for success. There's also a list

by Chrystal McArthur

of actual positions obtained by Rutgers graduates.

Our "career opportunities" series includes 77 profiles covering 86 Rutgers majors! Copies are available at or 46 College Avenue office and on our website. Go to careerservices.rutgers.edu and click on “College Majors and Careers” under Quick Links. Whether you're deciding on a major or planning your career, we encourage you to pick up one or more profiles as you explore career options.

Chrystal McArthur is associate director of Career Services at 46 College Avenue.

OCTOBER 5, 2010

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Alumni Success Story

Karan Arora, Rutgers ’10, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, NASA Langley Research Center, Intern

Many scientists are researching how dreams are made. I don't know much about their research, but I do know how my dream came about. When I learned about NASA and the space mission, I wanted to be a part of it so that I could not only fulfill my dream but also contribute to the development of the aerospace industry.

Hoping to eventually work on aircraft design and propulsion, my work in the Ground Facilities and Testing Directorate (GFTD) was exciting. It gave me a fresh perspective of calibration, testing and experimentation and brought me a step closer to my ambition. My research involved design simplification of a force balance, which is used to measure aerodynamic forces and moments on aircraft structures in a wind tunnel.

The entire learning experience was thrilling. When Ray Rhew, assistant branch head of the Systems Engineering Directorate, lectured me on principles behind the function of a force balance, I was awestruck at how an intricate geometry works so simply.

Though the research aspect of my internship was a fun experience, it did come with a lot of responsibility and perseverance. In fact, I had to run many simulation studies to optimize a single aspect of the balance geometr y, and then move onto the next piece of the puzzle. The idea of an intern sharing so much responsibility is an incredible feeling. It is something that I have come to appreciate as a Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars intern.

My internship at NASA has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. It has given me the opportunity to learn, to meet incredible engineers and scientists and, hopefully, to get a chance to be a part of this family. Someday I hope I can become an astronaut. Nonetheless, no matter what I accomplish, it is good to know that there are people who are ready to support me. There are people at NASA who gave me both an opportunity and the means to live my dream as an aerospace engineer.

FIRST AND SECOND-YEAR FOCUS: CHOOSING A MAJOR Think about it. Choosing a major is probably the single most important academic and career-related decision you will make during your years at Rutgers. If you’re a sophomore, that decision is only a few months away. If you’re a first-year student, it’s not as far away as you may think—about 18 months. We encourage you to give this issue serious thought during the next year or two. As you work through the process, you may be tempted to let someone else make this decision for you. However, before doing so, you’ll want to consider your own thoughts and feelings regarding a choice of major.

This is an important decision and needs to be done in a well-informed manner.

As you explore college majors, consider eight key questions before making a final decision: 1. What classes are required for the major?

2. Is there a required GPA to apply for the program?

3. Are you capable of successfully completing the coursework?

4. Does this field of study interest you?

5. What career options relate to the major?

6. Are these career options appealing and consistent with your skills?

7. Is the outlook for employment strong for these career options?

8. What salary can you expect to earn?

Here are three simple steps that you can take to get started on this important decision: Schedule an appointment with a Career Services counselor to explore these issues.

Pick up a copy of our free 2010-2011 Career Services Guide at any one of our three offices on the College Avenue or Busch campuses.

Visit the Career Services website at careerservices.rutgers.edu for: --“Choosing a Major Action Plan” --“Career Opportunities in…..Series” covering 85 majors --“First and Second-Year Students” site Paper copies of our handouts are also available at any office.

Good luck in your search for the major that is right for you.

Source: The Researcher News, NASA Langley Research Center, Editor & Curator: Denise Lineberry, Managing Editor: Jim Hodges, Executive Editor & Responsible NASA Official: Keith Henry

CAREER SERVICES INBOX Dear Dr. White, I am applying to medical school this year, and have been in contact with Greg Sobol (Career Services in Busch Campus Center) for the last two years. I have sought his guidance regarding interviewing skills and preparing my personal statement. Greg has really exceeded my expectations and I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the great help he has provided me.

Services I previously received from highly reputable training personnel when I worked in the corporate world pale in comparison to the quality of service Greg provides. He has prepared me for tough medical school interview questions, helped me organize my thoughts and my views on controversial issues, and has elevated my personal statement to make it resonate well with the reader.

With Greg’s support, I also gained a greater sense of confidence and have been able to project why I am a good candidate for medical school. He was really wonderful and I value all the help he has given me. I would be remiss if I did not share my appreciation with you.

Regards, Osman Abbasi Syracuse University (MS Engineering) SUNY Binghamton (BS Engineering)

DID YOU KNOW? Bring your Rutgers ID when visiting Career Services for appointments, drop-ins, on-campus interviewing, seminars, and career days.

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GRADUATE SCHOOL ACTION PLAN Planning Process • Visit any Career Services office, pick up our Career Services Guide, and review information pertaining to graduate study.

• Visit our website at careerservices.rutgers.edu; click on “Graduate School.” Also click on “Events” and attend programs pertaining to graduate study.

• Meet with a career counselor and/or faculty advisor to discuss your graduate school plans and the decision-making process related to these plans.

• Attend two programs this fall: Rutgers Graduate and Professional School Expo on October 9 from 10:00-2:00 (Rutgers programs only) and the Graduate and Professional School Day on November 3 from 12:30-3:30 (Rutgers and nationwide programs).

• Attend off-campus graduate school events such as the Graduate and Professional School Days each fall at Rutgers-Newark and Rutgers-Camden, the Law School Admissions Day at Rutgers-Newark and the MBA Forum offered at numerous locations. Check their websites for details. If you are a health professions student, register with the Health Professions Office.

• Research graduate and professional schools through their websites, or Peterson's Guide to Graduate and Professional School Programs at www.petersons.com.

• Pick up GRE, GMAT, or LSAT booklets at Career Services. Sign up and prepare for the appropriate exam. Consider prep courses given through Rutgers or organizations such as Kaplan or Princeton Review. Answer sample questions online or in test prep guides.

• Visit graduate schools you are interested in and talk to admissions representatives.

Application Process • Review the graduate schools’ websites for information on programs and application procedures.

Request information about specific departments, faculty research and financial aid.

• Utilize our online credentials service in support of your applications. Set up and manage your own reference file at www.inter folio.com. Request letters of recommendation from three professors who know you and your work well.

• For specific questions regarding professional schools, visit pre-law, pre-med and other pre-professional advising offices at Rutgers.

• Have your application essays critiqued by a career counselor, mentor or academic advisor.

• Submit applications, official transcripts, and other required materials on time.

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GRE CHANGES BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2011 According to Kaplan Test Prep: The test time frame will change from 3 hours to 4 hours.

For fall 2011 graduate school admission, you should take the GRE now because the new test results from the fall 2011 test may not be available until December. You may miss fall admission deadlines. After that, your test scores will be available immediately, as they are now.

Although you can take the GRE 5 times a year, Kaplan recommends taking it only once or twice.

You should spend 2-3 months to prep for the test.

The scoring system and types of questions are changing.

Current and future GRE scores are good for 5 years.

The subject tests are not changing.