Careers 2011-10-04

This issue is sponsored by:

Volume 37 #3

October 4, 2011

THINKING ABOUT GRADUATE SCHOOL?

by Richard L. White More than 80% of Rutgers students indicate that they intend to pursue graduate study at some point in the future. 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, and advances your career. If your goals are clear and financial resources are available, consider graduate study shortly after college.

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. Availability of a Degree Program.

Research 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 your field of interest? Job markets are bound to change—for better or worse—during any four to five year period.

4. Quality.

Four key “quality” factors are the

In This Issue Thinking About Grad School? 1 1 Career Day AD 1 Where RU Headed?

Staff Directory Ask the Director From The Director’s Desk Grad School Day AD

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Alumni Success Story Faculty Advice Column Etiquette Tip Career Day AD Video Contest AD

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Intern Spotlight Employer Spotlight Grad School Action Plan Gre AD Going Global

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Altria AD

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Grad School?

Career Panels AD Speed Networking AD How to Tweet Workshop AD

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Choosing A Major CareerKnight AD Co-op Program AD RU Into Culture AD

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Calendar Of Events Career Knight AD GMAT AD

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faculty, facilities, student body, and reputation. Talk to professors, read program websites and literature, 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 from savings, income, tuition support programs, loans, financial aid, and family support.

6. Location.

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.

7. Size.

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, nonmatriculated programs might be more appropriate.

How do you get admitted?

There are six key aspects to the admissions process: 1.Undergraduate Preparation.

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, and grammatically correct style.

Write with conviction and impact, and have your statement critiqued by a professor or career counselor.

3. Credentials.

Graduate and professional schools require three key items: college transcripts, recommendations, and, in some cases, standardized test scores. Transcripts are obtained from the Rutgers Registrar’s Office. 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 service, available 24/7.

Log on to www.interfolio.com.

4. Standardized 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 Services. The seminars this year are October 22 and November 5. For information, go to careerservices.rutgers.edu and click on “Students,” and then “Graduate School.”

5. Inter views.

Interviews are rarely required today in the admissions process.

However, if an interview can be

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

6. Deadlines.

All schools have deadlines, but don’t wait until the deadline is imminent; 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.

Discuss your plans with a career counselor. We can also assist you in critiquing your personal statement. If the plans of recent graduates are any indication, graduate study may well lie in your future.

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

WHERE RU HEADED? What are your plans for graduate school and how are you using Career Services to help you?

Jennifer Jean-Louis ‘13 English and French

Ashlee Redmond ‘12 Human Resources & Management

My graduate school plan is to get into a five year education program. I want to start using Career Services this year to find other education programs.

I have attended career fairs for internships and it has helped me. I am in a program for Human Resources and Management which is a five year program and I will graduate with a masterʼs degree.

Stephanie Wang ‘15

Meera Patel ‘13

Pharmacy I want to get my PharmD and get my MBA in a one year program. I want to use Career Services to search for internships and narrow my search down to good internships that will be best for me.

Joshua Curtiss ‘12 Psych, Philosophy, & Cog Science After I graduate I want to get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I will use Career Services for resume critiques and get counseling to search for job opportunities.

Cell Biology & Neurosci/Psych I use Career Services to find internships and attend their career fairs. My plans for graduate school are to continue on to medical school or go to graduate school for research.

Parth Gandhi ‘12 Cell Biology & Neurosci/Psych My plans include a Masterʼs program in Neuroscience. Career Services has helped me quite a bit because I obtained resources to use to write my personal statement. Additionally, I will mock interviews to help me refine my skills.

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STAFF DIRECTORY Career and Interview Center Busch Campus Center 7 3 2 -4 4 5 -6 1 2 7 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 4 6 College Avenue 7 3 2 -9 3 2 -7 9 9 7 Chrystal McArthur, Senior Associate Director David Bills, Assistant Director Larry Jacobs, Assistant Director 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

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October 4, 2011

From The Director’s Desk

by Richard L. White Director, Career Services 5 6 College Avenue 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 Dr. Richard L. White degrees eventually, and it’s Director of Career Services 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 Graduate and Professional School Day. This year it will take place on Wednesday, November 2 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, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, the social sciences, and more.

Columbia, NYU, UPenn, 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 our Career Services website and print out a Graduate School Action Plan. We also encourage you to visit graduate and professional school websites.

If you’re a senior seeking a full-time job after graduation or an underclass student seeking an internship, be sure to register for “CareerKnight,” the Rutgers on-campus interviewing and job posting system. Mark your calendar for the Business and Liberal Arts Career Day on Friday, October 21 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 1.

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

Administrative Office 5 6 College Avenue 7 3 2 -9 3 2 -7 2 8 7 Richard L. White, Director Dorothy Kerr, Employer Services Executive Manager 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

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 a credentials service through Interfolio. To get started, log on to www.inter folio.com to set up your account. There is a $20 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?

CareerKnight is our online system for scheduling oncampus interviews, reviewing internship and job listings, registering for Career Services workshops, learning about career days, developing your resumes and cover letters and more!

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October 4, 2011

Alumni Success Story Dominique K. Bogatz Cook College, 2001, Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior Glenn A. Bergenfield, P.C., Attorney What asp ect of you r job do you enjoy the m ost?

The least?

Dominique Bogatz I really enjoy collecting information from prospective clients about their cases in order to decide whether our office should take them on. I also enjoy conducting discovery and mediating cases. I dislike the sometimes difficult personalities of the adversaries.

What do you think are the most valuable skills that someone should have if they want

to be in your position?

Good listening and great writing skills.

What do you think made you successful?

Persistence and patience.

Wha t a d vice ca n you give som eon e who ha s p la n s for gra d u a te school or is lookin g for a job stra ight ou t of college?

Have a lot of patience and don’t give up. It’s a ver y dif ficult job market out there, but you have to go out and meet people at various career events, hand out your resume, be persistent, follow-up, and network. If you decide to go to graduate school, make sure you have a clear plan of what you want to do after you graduate. Enrolling in graduate school to avoid getting a job right now is not necessarily a good move.

ETIQUETTE TIP: Feel Good Later It’s a typical day and you are in your car on the way to work. All of a sudden, a tiny person in a giant Chevy Suburban cuts you off.

With a cell phone in one hand and a large coffee in the other, that person still manages to give you an extremely offensive hand gesture.

You cer tainly didn’t deser ve that, so what should you do?

Lay on the horn? Tailgate menacingly? Jump into the next lane, push the accelerator to the floor, or pull up next to the person and give the look?

Do nothing. A strong person uses restraint. Dr. P.M. Forni, author of Choosing Civility, says, “Restraint is the art of feeling good later.”

Source: the Culture and Manners Institute at www.cultureandmanners.com

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Faculty Advice: Ann Coiro Ann Coiro Associate P rofessor, English 1 . What advice can you give to students who are not sure of their major?

First, freshman and sophomore year is an excellent time to explore a wide range of courses and to test out your interests and your strengths. It is also important throughout college to take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Among Ann Coiro the many possibilities are guest lectures by eminent experts, internships, student activities, writing for student publications, and study abroad. Second, study a field to which you are drawn, not simply what others suggest.

2 . What suggestions do you have to students debating between graduate school and work?

It doesn’t need to be an either-or question. Even if you are sure you want to go on to graduate school, it is often a good idea to work for a year or so. For one thing, you want to be sure that graduate school really is what you want, and getting away from school for a while helps clarify that. Plus, applying to graduate school is surprisingly time consuming, and the process is difficult to juggle while also completing senior year. If you are considering graduate school, it is key to establish strong relationships with two or three faculty mentors who can supply you with advice and, crucially, letters of recommendation. In fact, getting faculty letters on file is an excellent idea, whether you think graduate school is in your future or not.

3 . What skills will students develop as English majors?

English majors learn to read carefully, to analyze, and to write well.

They also learn to work collaboratively, listen to others, and debate with others in order to gain deeper understandings. Also, they gain invaluable historical and cultural perspectives. All of these are fundamentally important skills in a wide range of professions.

4 . What job and internship oppor tunities are available for students majoring in English? What can they do to increase their chances of finding a job or internship?

There are hundreds of internships available to English majors; go to Career Services and take advantage of the contacts they have and the advice they can give you. Your chances of finding a job are multiplied by every skill you have—and you probably have a greater range of skills than you realize. Work with Career Services and your faculty mentors to write a resume that demonstrates all that you can do. Office hours are ideal practice for the job market. Go! Drop by often and talk with your professors and teaching assistants. You will learn what it is like to be in a one-on-one interview and how to critique and explain your own work.

And you may pick up some excellent leads as well.

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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Employer Spotlight An interview with Christopher Thomas of ALRTRIA: Employee name: Christopher Thomas Title: Sales Development Associate Company name: Altria Group Distribution Co. What skills does your company seek in new hires for fu ll- tim e or internship Christopher Thomas oppor tunities?

Our company looks for leaders.

Displaying leadership is a key characteristic we look for when evaluating potential candidates. Working in a fast-paced environment our employees must also be well organized and able to manage their time and resources effectively in order to succeed.

What is special about working for your company?

A common response you will hear from any employee of Altria when posed with this question is that “the people” make this a special company. The culture and work environment implemented from the top down allow employees to manage a great worklife balance as well as challenge themselves on a daily basis through their work.

What can a student expect to learn during an internship at your company?

Our internships are a realistic 10 week summer program in which you participate in activities similar to our entry-level Territory Sales Managers. You will partake in business analysis and presentations as well as be given a small territory of accounts to call on as if you were a full-time hire. You will be paired up with a mentor throughout this process to help you learn the position as well as aid in your personal and business development.

What type of questions can a student expect during an interview with your company? Are they behavioral-based?

We look for a well-rounded candidate so our questions can stem from a variety of areas, but many are behavior-based and revolve around a candidate’s leadership capability, teamwork, and ability to apply feedback.

What is the best way to find out more about your company?

The best way to find out more would be to attend one of our information sessions that we frequently hold with student organizations or talk to us at a career fair. You will get a flavor for the culture of our company through our employees. Until then you can learn a lot about us on the web by visiting www.cantbeattheexperience.com.

Intern Spotlight

October 4, 2011

G R ADU ATE S CH O O L ACTI O N P L AN 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. ru tgers. edu ; click on “Students” and then “Graduate School Planning.” 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 the Graduate and Professional School Day on November 2 from 12:30-3:30pm (Rutgers and nationwide programs).

• Attend off-campus graduate school events such as the Graduate and Professional School Days each fall at Rutgers-Newark and RutgersCamden, 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.

• Review GRE, GMAT, or LSAT information. Sign up and prepare for the appropriate exams. 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 in which you are interested and talk to admissions representatives.

Application Process An interview with Miguel Zorrilla of ALRTRIA: Student name: Miguel Zorrilla Major: Communications Year of graduation: December 2011

Where did you work and what were your main responsibilities?

Miguel Zorrilla I interned for Altria Group Inc., a Fortune 500 company. My title was sales and distribution Intern. My main responsibilities included administrating sales and marketing initiatives for three separate operating companies at retail. I was also responsible for conducting a detailed analysis of a key account, providing recommendations for all three operating companies to top management.

How did you get your internship?

I attended one of the Rutgers career fairs on campus, and after speaking with a former Altria intern, I got excited about the opportunity. I went onto Altria’s “Can’t Beat the Experience” website and learned more about the company and the internship in particular. After applying for the position online, I was invited in for an interview at the Busch Campus Career & Interview Center. After two additional interviews, I received an offer for the summer internship.

What did you like best about your internship?

I had a couple of internships in the past, but interning for Altria has provided me with the best experience so far. The thing I liked best was the company’s dedication to the internship program. The company treats this program like a true business function, from the hiring process to the final event.

Everything is planned with great detail to allow the interns to get the most out of their experiences. I

was able to work with many different levels of employees, and everyone was eager to help the interns succeed. The bottom line is that Altria treats its interns like a part of the team, something that is rare in internship positions.

What were the most valuable things you gained?

The most valuable thing I gained from my internship at Altria intern was real-world business experience. My internship confirmed that working in sales and marketing for a major corporation is what I want to do upon graduation. Altria provides its interns with experiences that a classroom could not provide, such as one-on-one interactions with clients and preparing and presenting business projects to top management. The Altria internship program has a slogan of “Can’t Beat the Experience,” and it truly lives up to this. The experience and value you gain as an Altria intern cannot be beat.

• Review graduate school websites for information on programs and application procedures. Request information about specific departments, faculty research, and financial aid.

• Use our online credentials service in support of your applications. Set up and manage your reference file at www.interfolio.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.

What are your career goals and job- search strategy?

I hope to work in the sales and marketing department of a major corporation. I began my job search strategy early in my college career by pursuing as many internships as possible to gain the experience and networking opportunities to lead a full-time job. The biggest part of my job search strategy is to utilize the resources available to me, specifically Career Ser vices and CareerKnight.

Attending job fairs and open houses around campus is the best way to get your resume circulating and learn about different companies and positions available. Utilizing CareerKnight is essential; this is a great resource available to students.

There are hundreds of companies searching specifically for interns and entr y-level positions on this site. I would advise all students to use this resource, which has been essential to me throughout my time at Rutgers.

Did You Know?

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

October 4, 2011

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GRAD SCHOOL? FULL-TIME EMP LOYMENT? BOTH? Like many students, you may be thinking about your options following graduation. Should you pursue graduate school, 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?” “ P erhaps I should work first and then decide on the best graduate program for me?“ 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, 732-932-7997 or 732-445-6127 ext. 0

Did You Know?

You can subscribe to the Career Services channel on the myRutgers portal for a daily feed of careerrelated links.

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FIRST AND SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS:

CHOOSING A MAJOR Think about it. Choosing a major is an important academic and career decision you will make 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. 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 your major.

As you explore college majors, consider these questions before making a final decision: • What classes are required for the major?

• Is there a required GPA to apply for the program?

• Are you capable of successfully completing the coursework?

• Does this field of study interest you?

• What career options relate to the major?

• Are these career options appealing and consistent with your skills?

• Is the outlook for employment strong for these career options?

• What salary can you expect to earn?

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

• Pick up a copy of our free 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: —“Rutgers Online Career Planning Site” —“College Majors and Careers” providing career information on over 80 majors —“First and Second-Year Students” web section Good luck in your search for the major that is right for you!

Did You Know?

Career Services served more than 100,000 visitors in our offices last year.

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October 4, 2011