This issue is sponsored by:
Volume 37 #3
April 5, 2011
CLASS OF 2012 TACTICS FOR RISING SENIORS Think about it. Your senior year at Rutgers is just around the corner. You may feel elation; you may feel some trepidation and 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 security of friends and 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, neighbors, 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 tactics for you to consider:
#1 Write your resume: This is the single most 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 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. #2 Line up a summer job, internship, or volunteer experience: Check out our online internship listings each week. New internships arrive daily. Visit our website at careerservices.rutgers.edu and click on “Internships” to get started. Register for CareerKnight to gain access to internship listings and visit the Rutgers Student Employment website at studentwork.rutgers.edu for part-time jobs. Finally, see if your academic department has any leads. #3 Attend our big spring career day: Career days are not just for seniors. The New Jersey Collegiate Career Day on May 25 will have over 130 employers, some still looking for summer interns.
In This Issue Tactics For Rising Seniors Career Day AD Where RU Headed?
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Staff Directory Career Knight AD From The Director’s Desk Career Day AD
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Alumni Success Story Faculty Advice Column Careers in Higher Ed AD Career Shift AD
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A Winning Job Search Strategy Employer Spotlight Women Entrepreneurs AD
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Blinds To Go AD
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RU Using Facebook From Campus to Career Career Panel AD SPIN AD
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Reciprocity Career Services Beyond the Banks Ask the Director On the Lighter Side Career Services Inbox Internship and Co-op AD
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Calendar Of Events Dining Etiquette Dinner AD D.B.S.A. AD
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#4 Build your personal 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. Log on to careerservices. ru tgers. edu ; click on “Alumni Career Network.”
the world of work. The Rutgers Online Career Planning Site, designed by our staf f, references Rutgers majors and real jobs obtained by Rutgers graduates. Get an early start. We hope to see you this spring or summer. Our doors will be open!
#5 Do some reading and research: Visit your local library, the Career Services libraries in the BCC and at 46 College Avenue, or Kilmer Librar y to research careers and employers. “Surf the net” to review jobs, industry forecasts, and company profiles. Another convenient resource is the Vault Online Career Library, available on our website. #6 If you’re planning to go to graduate school: Open your credentials file by visiting www. in ter folio. com , and have professors who know you well enough 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 Read the Rutgers “Career Services Guide”: Career Services has some excellent materials for you to read over the summer. Pick up a free Rutgers Career Services Guide before supplies run out. You can also access the guide through our website. #8 Utilize Focus and the Rutgers Online Career Planning Site: Identify your interests, skills, and values through these two interactive sites. See how your personal attributes relate to
WHERE RU HEADED? We asked students: What are your plans for the summer to help you along your career path?
Antonious Fawzy ‘11
Dhaval Trivedi ‘13
Exercise Science
Undecided
“I plan to volunteer at a hospital in Brooklyn. I am applying to medical schools so I can use the experience and networking opportunities.”
“This summer I plan on taking summer classes and doing volunteer work at a hospital. I also will be shadowing a doctor to explore a career track in medicine.”
Camille N. Sennett ‘13
Michael Davidson ‘12
Journalism
Math/Economics
“Iʼve had the same summer job for three years. But this summer Iʼm going to take a chance and branch out and get a job that is more in line with my career goals. Iʼm also taking a summer class to get ahead in my academic program so that I can take on an internship next year.”
“I will be working for Towers Watson as an actuarial intern, working in the pension consulting department.”
Crystle Caigoy ‘12
Sara Esquivel ‘11
Communication/Philosophy
Biology
“I will be taking summer classes as well as LSAT classes from Testmasters. By knocking out some of my last classes, this will give me more time to study for the LSAT in October. I plan on still working at my public relations internship at Daliia with Prema Naturals Inc. that I currently have. I like to stay super busy, when Iʼm not at the beach.”
“I will be networking with friends and family for my job search. Iʼll also be studying for the GRE and planning to take night classes in grad school.”
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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 Sue Pye, Assistant Director Tammy Samuels, Assistant Director Joe Scott, Assistant Director Toi Tyson, Assistant Director Marcia Milgrom, Career Counselor Barbra Bonifield, Career Services Coordinator Toni Berlingieri, Career Services Coordinator
Career Center 46 College Avenue 732-932-7997 Chrystal McArthur, 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
April 5, 2011
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK By Richard L. White Our final issue of “Careers” is devoted to getting you ready for the challenges and decisions that lie ahead. If you’re a senior, you may have been actively engaged in the job-search process or Dr. Richard L. White graduate school applicaDirector of Career Services tion process since the fall, and if you’re fortunate, you have received one or more offers from employers or graduate schools. Although the entry-level job market is one of the toughest since the early eighties, it seems to be improving somewhat and there is a job out there for everyone. You are certainly not alone if you have experienced a challenging job search or haven’t even begun your search. If this is the case, be sure to utilize Career Services during your final weeks at Rutgers and during the summer. Also mark your calendar for our Science and NonProfit/Government Career Days on April 8 and our grand finale, the New Jersey Collegiate Career Day on May 25.
If you’re a junior , our article, “Class of 2012: Tactics for Rising Seniors,” provides a roadmap for what you can do this summer and fall to get ready for your senior year job or graduate school search. If you are in your first or second year , I encourage you to visit our website to check out Focus and our Rutgers Online Career Planning Site. Both sites will help you explore your interests, skills, and values in the context of career choices. If you’re a senior, please fill out our “Quick Senior Survey,” which will arrive soon via email. Let us know your plans for next year. You could win one of ten $25 American Express gift cards. Best wishes for a successful conclusion to the spring semester. Career Services will be open all summer. So stop by any office and let us know how we can assist you.
Dr. Richard White is New Brunswick-wide director of Career Services
Administrative Office 56 College Avenue 732-932-7287 Richard L. White, Director Dorothy Kerr, Executive Manager, Employer Services Janet Bernardin, Manager, Special Programs Barbara Thomson, Senior Project Coordinator Alison Koo, Budget and Technical Coordinator Larissa Keller, Employer Services Coordinator Lisa Goddard, Employer Services Coordinator Mary Beth Kimberlin, Employer Services Assistant
Did You Know? Check your eden account regularly for Career Services updates. You can have your eden email forwarded to another email address. Go to webmail.rutgers.edu, choose eden, then click web tools to set up forwarding.
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April 5, 2011
Alum ni S uc c es s S tor y
Ariana Finkelstein
Ariana Finkelstein, DVM Rutgers University 1992 Ohio State University, College of Veterinar y Medicine 1996 Oklahoma State University Internship in Zoo Animal, Avian and Exotic Medicine and Surger y 2001-2002
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most? The least? I love being a veterinarian. My job is different every day. From the species I treat to the diseases they have, it is always different and a continuous learning experience. You always have to be willing to learn. Sometimes pet owners can be difficult. Especially in emergency situations where they need to make life and death decisions in a very short amount of time. That is very stressful. What do you think is the most valuable skill that someone should have if they want to be in your position? Be able to adapt and change - never allow yourself to get stuck in a rut as things will always be different and continually changing. You never
know what situation will present itself or how it will need to be addressed and treated. An emergency can walk in the door and ruin an entire schedule, and you have to roll with it and then move on. What do you think made you successful? Enjoying what I do. I never say “I cannot believe I have to go to work today.” Work is always an adventure. I look at work always as a learning experience; never being bored. I am always open to seeing any species of animal. Never being afraid to say “I don’t know but I can find out…” What advice can you give someone who has plans for grad school? Study hard. Do extracurricular activities, write papers, do a George H Cook Scholars project or equivalent and get yourself published. It will help get you into graduate school or veterinary school. How has Career Ser vices helped you? Career Services helped me get my co-op job for the summer at the Cook College farm. They also helped guide me through the process of getting into vet school.
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Faculty Advice Column Steve Miller, Professor of Journalism What advice do you have for students who are unsure of their major? You first need to ask yourself, “What is my dream job?” A major problem with our students is that they believe their dreams can’t come true. They create impediments such as “I can never get that job/internship.” I then ask them, “What do you have to lose?” You have so many opportunities out there, and because of the internet, it’s so easy to send out your resume. A major does not determine your life. Just because you declared your major, doesn’t mean that you’re automatically bound to a specific job. All a major really is, is a set of courses you like, plus courses that are specific to your career goal. My advice is to take courses in subjects you like. It will make you a better candidate for a job or internship, you’ll perform better because you’re doing what you enjoy, and you’ll be better educated overall. Finally, don’t be overly concerned with jobs.
Given the current economic situation, what suggestions do you have for students who are debating between going to graduate school and entering the workforce? Do not go to graduate school unless you are certain that it is something you want to do. Grad school should not be used as an alternative to looking for a job. It will add on extreme debt that will damage your fiscal stability. Furthermore, being in grad school is not the same as being an undergrad. Many graduate programs prefer that you have experience in the workplace. Don’t use the economic situation as an excuse to give up on looking for jobs. What job related skills will students develop through journalism and what job opportunities are available? Journalism can open up the world to a variety of jobs. Our students go on to pursue careers not only in journalism, but in law, media, advertising, public relations and so many other areas. You not only learn how to write, but how to write well. Learning how to communicate well over various media and understanding the symbiotic relationship between technology, communication, and people prepares you to go on to great things. Internship coordinators love Rutgers students. As quoted by one coordinator, Rutgers students are, “better prepared in terms of training. They are smarter and hungrier.” Many of our students do not realize that they are at one of the best universities that produces well-prepared, spot-on candidates.
What can students do to increase their chances of finding a job? I tell my students that it’s not about you, it’s a numbers game. In the past where it used to be 250 candidates going for an entry-level job, there may be 500 candidates now. You need to show how smart and well-prepared you are. Do your research and just be yourself. Employers are looking for people that they can trust, people that can work well, and can be a good teammate. Have a well-written cover letter and resume. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Know proper etiquette and dress for success. You need to be thorough and on the spot. Interviewing for a job is like writing a research paper. You need to have a thesis and learn how to back it up. Prove to employers, “I’m a great candidate, and this is why.” Finally, three words: believe in yourself.
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A Winning Job Search Strategy
CAREERS
April 5, 2011
Employer Spotlight
by Peter Vogt, MonsterTRAK Career Coach
An interview with Ramneeta Taluja, General Manager, Blinds To Go
You’ve posted your resume online and even applied for a few positions. You’re also scouring the newspaper classifieds like crazy, sending off cover letters and resumes for all the job openings that seem to fit you. Is there anything else you can do to look for a job? Absolutely! In fact, the more diverse your jobhunting strategy, the more effective it’s likely to be. Here are eight tactics you can use to track down job opportunities:
What skills does your company seek in new hires for fu ll- tim e or internship oppor tunities? At Blinds To Go we look for people who enjoy working with others and have an interest in people management or leadership. BTG hires full-time candidates with professional attiRamneeta Taluja tudes who are self-starters and who show entrepreneurial skills but who are also team players. Applicants who have high social interaction skills, communication skills, and who are open-minded and thoughtful would be ideal. We hire interns and co-ops to build skill sets in young candidates who are interested in starting a career.
Contact Professional Organizations in Your Field National, regional, and local professional organizations exist in great part to help their members with career development. Many organizations include field-specific job listings on their websites or in their printed publications. Visit Company and Organization WebSites Many companies and organizations post their job openings on their own websites, usually under an “Employment” or “Career Opportunities” link. Many also have an application process where you post your resume on their website, which places it in their applicant tracking system. Apply Directly to Organizations That Interest You Do you know you want to work specifically for Company X or Organization Y? If so, send a well-written cover letter and resume directly to the company, either to its human resources manager or, often more effective, to the person who would likely make hiring decisions for the department that interests you. It isn’t always easy to find the right person to get in touch with; typically, you’ll have to do some digging. Network, Network, Network Generally the most effective job-hunting approach, networking is simply talking to people to either track down helpful personal contacts or learn about job openings that may not necessarily be advertised. Start by talking to your own family, friends, and acquaintances. Let everyone in your life know you’re looking for a job, and give them an idea of what type of job you want. Join Professional Associations If there’s a professional organization in your field, join it and start participating in its meetings and other events so you can get to know people in your area of interest. Work with a career counselor to both tap his or her contacts and learn of alumni who might be able and willing to lend you a hand in your search. Finally, don’t forget to tap your professors’ connections as well. Participate in Job Fairs Many cities, particularly large ones, host job fairs at various locations throughout the year. Most colleges and universities hold their own job fairs as well. A job fair is a rare opportunity to have employers come to you, so make sure you attend whenever possible. Use a Placement Agency or Recruiter/Headhunter There are companies out there that specialize in helping people find jobs. Some of them even focus on working with college students and recent college grads. Maybe one of them can help you. A word of caution, however: While most organizations receive their fees from employers (and not you, the job seeker), some will seek money from you. So be careful, and make sure you know who’s paying the bill. Consider Temping Often, by working briefly as a temp for a company, you can position yourself to be hired for a full-time, permanent position that opens up later. Even if that doesn’t happen, however, temping can help you see various companies from the inside, meet people in your field of interest and earn some pretty good money. The more diverse your job-hunting methods are, the more opportunities you’ll uncover and the greater the chance is that you’ll find, and land, the job you want. Visit careerservices.rutgers.edu for help with your job search.
Did You Know? Career Services has a channel on myRutgers. Add us to your “Everyday” tab!
What is special about working for your company? BTG has a company culture that is very focused on developing and getting the best out of people. All our managers are accountable for people development goals as well as operating goals. This creates an environment where the development of human capital is paramount. Although we are a fairly large business with operations in both the US and Canada, BTG is an entrepreneurial company where an individual can have a huge impact. Development of human capital is especially important because we are a company with a strong culture of promoting only from within. For example, the three young managers leading the Florida expansion have been with the company between 2-3 years. The rate of growth and the success of that market will be largely driven by the team these young managers are able to hire and develop. There are few places where you can grow this fast and get this much responsibility a few years out of college. What can a stu dent exp ect to learn du ring an internship ? Given the long-term nature of our development programs, a student would get valuable insight into the
BTG culture while working with our leaders. We offer two co-ops for students who would ideally be candidates for our leadership development programs upon graduation; FaME for general management and MLDP for manufacturing or supply chain management. Students learn job functions, social skills to connect with consumers, and how to make smart business decisions. When are you scheduled to be on campus? Given our local headquarters and our success with graduates in the past, Rutgers is a core school for our leadership development programs. We are active on campus in both fall and spring. What type of questions can a student expect during an interview? Are they behavioral-based? Relax. We want to get to know you as an individual. What are your interests, career and otherwise? What’s important to you in a job or career? What’s important to you in a company? And we will give many chances to get to know us (we use open houses, store/plant visits). And you will meet many people on our team, some of whom were in your seat less than a year ago. Use this opportunity to get to know us. The better you know us and the better we know you, the greater the probability that we both have found a good long-term fit. What is the best way to find out more about your company? Check out our website at www.blindstogo.com. If you would like to talk to Rutgers alumni and ask them about their experiences, below are some Rutgers graduates who have volunteered to assist students. Email them your phone number and they will return your call. Ramneeta Tajula, Communication, 2003—rtajula@blindstogo.com Vitor Silva, MBA, 2005—vsilva@blindstogo.com Lisa Korn, Business, 2002—lkorn@blindstogo.com Jonathan Dukes, Economics and Labor Studies, 2009—jdukes@blindstogo.com
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RU Using Facebook? By: Michelle Tong ‘1 2 With over 500 million active users on Facebook, Career Services decided to join in on the fun with its own fan page. Currently, there are over 1,300 fans of Rutgers Career Services! The page keeps you updated with upcoming events and workshops, useful career-related articles, special internship/job postings, and even interactive contests to win some cool prizes! In November, 2010, Career Ser vices launched its first Facebook contest where students commented on “What was your favorite Career Services event that you’ve attended?” Twenty lucky participants were entered in a drawing for a gift card. Popular responses included career days, internships in the health professions, dining etiquette, and speed networking. 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 Career Services resources and/or suggestions for improvement. Help Career Services help you and let your voice be heard!
Be sure to become a fan of Rutgers Career Services. Find us at Facebook.com/RutgersCareerServices.
Top 5 reasons to join the Facebook page Stay up-to-date with Career Services events. Participate in special contests and be entered to win some cool prizes! Learn about exclusive internship and job opportunities. Check out career advice articles; you never know when you could use some tips. Learn about special careerrelated events held off campus. Michelle Tong is a Rutgers University student majoring in Communication. She currently serves as a Career Services Communication and Journalism Intern.
April 5, 2011
From Campus to Career: 1 0 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 tremendous difference 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.
Did You Know? Thinking about working or studying abroad? Check out our “Going Global” website. Log on to the Career Services website and click on “Going Global” under “Boost Your Job Search.” Over 25 in-depth country profiles are available along with profiles of 40 of America’s largest cities. A must if you are planning to relocate.
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CAREERS
RECIP ROCITY: CAREER SER VICES BEYOND THE BANKS Are you planning to live and work outside of central New Jersey? Then you should take advantage of the agreement between Rutgers Career Services and a network of career centers throughout New Jersey and the country. Through your affiliation with Rutgers and Career Services, you can receive “reciprocal services” at most schools in the locations of your choice. Here is how reciprocity works:
Step 1 Send an e-mail message to Dr. Richard White, Director of Career Services, at riwhite@echo.rutgers.edu. Step 2 Include your name, current address and phone number, year of graduation, and school(s) that you would like us to contact on your behalf (maximum of three). Step 3 I will write a letter to the career services director at the school(s) of your choice, requesting that he or she grant you access to the career library, job listings, and other services. I will mail a copy to you. Step 4 When I hear from the school, I will send you a copy. In some cases, the school will send a copy directly to you. Please note the following: If you’re in a hurry, there is usually no need to wait for a formal reply from the school. If you show up with your copy of my letter, almost all schools will honor the letter on the spot. Normally you will be able to utilize job listings, directories, DVDs, and other resource materials. Normally you will not be able to utilize such services as on-campus recruiting or individual career counseling. Each school will specify the breadth of its services for students or alumni from other schools.
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Ask the Director Dear Director, My roommate, who has had a bunch of interviews, told me that some recruiters start the interview by saying, “Tell me about yourself.” How do I prepare for that question and answer it in the interview?” —Rutgers Senior Hi RS: Thanks for your good question. It’s a good idea to be prepared for this question, if it does come up. I would 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. Your response should be about a minute, which is a decent amount of time when you watch the clock. 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.”
You can utilize this service at any time—as an underclass student, senior, or graduate. A small number of schools (e.g., Boston University, Delaware, George Washington, and Georgetown) charge a modest fee ($25 or $50) for a certain time period (usually six months). Most schools do not charge. Schools in the University of California state system, Columbia, Harvard, NYU, and Penn do not provide reciprocity. Good luck with your job search “beyond the banks!”
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. —Dr. Richard White Director, Career Services
“The Director” answers questions every weekday morning on the Career Services website.
Career Services Inbox Dr. White, Thank you so much again for working with me on my personal statements. Your valuable revisions and inspirational guidance throughout this process is much appreciated. I will be completing my applications this week and will most definitely let you know where I end up continuing my education. I look forward to sharing good news with you in the spring! Sincerely, Michelle Eisenberg, Psychology 2011
On the Lighter Side As you transition from backpack to briefcase and step out into the world of work, familiarizing yourself with the following “corporate lingo” may help you learn your way around. Competitive Salary = We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors. Join our fast-paced company = We have no time to train you. Duties will vary = Anyone in the office can boss you around. Casual work atmosphere = We don’t pay enough to expect that you will dress up well. Must be deadline oriented = You will be six months behind schedule on your first day. Some overtime required = Some time each night and some time each weekend. Requires team leadership skills = You will have the responsibility of a manager, without the pay or respect.
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April 5, 2011