Cooglife Career and Internship 2018 by The Cougar

Issue 23 / / March 2018

march 2018

letter from the editor

career resources to 14 inspire you

staying motivated

Sometimes it can feel like staying motivated is fundamentally against human nature.

11 CLASS GRAD CAREER INSIGHTS SIDE HUSTLING

FROM BRAND TO BUSINESS

The brand that I created for myself is one that is heavily based in representation.

7 starting a job search

15 SPOTTING BAD CAREER ADVICE

RESUME AND COVER LETTER TIPS

10 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HIRING EVENT

DINING ETIQUETTE

18 JOB APPLICation checklist

COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

Letter From The Editor There are a number of reasons you might’ve picked this issue up.

at least something in here that you can relate to.

Perhaps you’re a grad student looking ahead at what your future may hold. Maybe you’re a senior ready to jump straight into the workforce in a few months. Or maybe you’re like me and you’re an underclassmen who hasn’t even had their first internship yet and the whole idea of navigating a career path for yourself seems so far off (that’s OK too).

If you finish this issue with any unanswered questions or desperate to learn more, I’d highly suggest making a visit to the UCS center. You can either schedule a career counseling session, or check online to get a schedule of their drop-in hours.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a pro when it comes to this stuff. So for this issue, we decided to work with the pros. Within this month’s magazine you’ll find plenty of articles related to careers and professionalism courtesy of University Career Services. These articles will include everything — with topics ranging from resume advice to proper etiquette techniques for networking events. Here’s my advice, soak up everything you can from this issue. Sure, some of it might not feel like it’s super relevant to you or your career path, but I guarantee you that there will be

And just remember this — it’s OK not to have everything figured out yet. Very few students do, and most people completely understand that. Don’t ever feel like it’s too late for something, because it’s not. No matter what level of experience you have, there’s always something you can do to get your foot in through the door and land a job. Everyone struggles with selfdoubt and uncertainty when it comes to their career path at some point, especially now during this strange transitional period of your life where it feels like you’re juggling so many things at once that you’ll just leave feeling burnt out at the end of it.

your biggest fan and advocate for the work that you do and be proud of your accomplishments, because if you’re not, then who is? I hope you guys enjoy this issue, and if you haven’t already, please vote in our Coogs Choose Survey that closes Wednesday, March 21.

THE TEAM EDITORIAL Julie Araica, Executive Editor

arts@thedailycougar.com

erin davis, Assistant Editor

artsassist@thedailycougar.com

maya dandashi, Assistant Editor

artsassist2@thedailycougar.com

DESIGN sonny singh, Creative Director

ame@thedailycougar.com

WRITING

JULIE ARAICA Executive Editor

tiffany brown

PHOTOGRAPHY thom dwyer, Photo Editor

photo@thedailycougar.com tiffany brown

COVER tiffany brown

VIDEO reem al-bishah, Producer

ADVERTISING For advertising inquiries email csmadvertising@uh.edu @COOGLIFEMAG

COOGLIFE

@COOGLIFEMAG

Just remember to always be

Central Delivery Systems, a local courier service, is currently seeking a full time Sales Executive to market Central Delivery Systems in Houston and the surrounding areas. The position will have a salary, opportunities for commission and benefits. Please send resume to joswald.cds@gmail.com Visit www.cdshouston.com to learn more about us. 4

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

Open Positions Restaurant Bartender Banquet Server - On Call Front Desk Agent Front Desk Supervisor

Housekeeping Houseman Housekeeping Room Attendant Housekeeping Lobby Attendant

SOME GREAT BENEFITS WE OFFER: • $50 Metro bus card every month • Medical, Dental,Vision after 30 days • Birthday day off with pay • We pay your citizen application fee • We help towards your tuition • We award you on your anniversary with a pair of shoes through Shoes for Crews • We give back to school supplies every year for your children • Discounted rooms at all Marriott Hotel properties

TO APPLY ONLINE,VISIT: stoutstreethospitality.com/now-hiring.php Please come to Human Resources for job descriptions, thank you. Unless otherwise indicated, applications are current for 30 days or until the position is filled. Employees who refer new employees earn $100.00 for the referral after the new hire successfully completes the 90 day Introductory/Orientation Period. COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

The Muse “The Muse” is a website that offers expert career advice as well as job listings and specific services for all kinds of people. They provide great resources such as resume advice and review, job search strategy and even recommends taking their quiz to better help you find what you’re looking for. “The Muse” is a one stop shop for those trying to gain knowledge on different career paths and get started on their own.

The Financial Diet

Four career resources to keep you inspired during your job hunt By Maya Dandashi

College is a complex enigma that enables students to become well-rounded individuals in order to “succeed.” Although, the definition of success varies from person to person. For you, graduation might be right around the corner — taunting you, whispering in your ear “where to next?” Or, maybe you’re an underclassman in desperate need of an internship, whether for class credit, money or both. If you don’t know where to start, and the World Wide Web is too intimidating, don’t fret. Here are four great career resources that’ll help you get a headstart on job/ internship hunting and provide you with much needed career inspiration.

Photo courtesy of Pexels

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

“The Financial Diet” covers topics like money managing, finding a job and learning how to balance work and personal life. They are unique in discussing degree alternatives (things that you can do to further your career other than getting a certain degree) for college students and people of other demographics. Whatever type of adulting questions you have, “The Financial Diet” has all the answers you need. Don’t forget to check out their recipes, grocery shopping advice and DIYs as well!

“What Color is Your Parachute?” by Richard Nelson Bolles This resourceful career book is canon in the realm of job hunting and has been revised every year since it’s first publication in 1970. The book focuses in on the concept of networking and its importance in finding the right job for you. More importantly, the book ties in the more general topic of finding oneself and what you as a working member of this massive society really want to take from this life. In its newest versions, “What Color is Your Parachute?” also gives advice on how to utilize the Web as a resource to assist you in all your career endeavors.

CreativeMornings “CreativeMornings” is a unique alternative to the typical career guide book or website. The company began as a breakfast lecture series designed for creative communities to help people of many occupations prosper in their disciplines. The website now provides job listings, video recaps of their talks and dates for their future events, podcasts and blog. Although one might think this resource is limited to those in the the creative industry, the company strives to provide advice one how to be productive and creative in any job.

I need a job. Where do I start? BY LAUREN BERRYHILL, DONAH JUSTICE & AYO OGUNYE UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES

Job Seeker’s Glossary Applicant tracking system: Software used by companies that scan your resume and filter by criteria, such as industry keywords, skills, and experience, to see what resumes are the closest match to the job description. Behavioral interview: An interview technique based on the premise that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. An example is, “Tell me about a time you worked in a team to reach a goal.” The interviewer is looking for a specific and detailed example that follows the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method. Elevator pitch: A 30 second introduction of yourself that highlights who you are, what makes you unique, and the benefits you can provide. This can be used when asked, “Tell me about yourself.” Hard skills: Teachable skills that are easy to quantify and demonstrate. Examples include technical skills, languages, and certifications. These should be listed on a “Skills” section of a resume. Informational interview: This can be conducted with someone

working in a field of interest to learn more about a specific career or industry. Topics can include previous work experience, what the person does day-to-day in the role, what they like and dislike about their role, and what advice they have for the interviewer. Helpful insight can be gained to see if the career or industry is a good fit. Networking: The act of connecting with people and using people you know to market yourself and gather information about a career or industry. Networking can be done online, such as on LinkedIn, or in person, such as at career fairs or events. Soft skills: Subjective, personality-driven skills that are hard to measure, such as work ethic, communication, and leadership. These skills should be demonstrated in the experience, relevant projects, and activities section of a resume. Transferable skills: Skills that are valuable in all kinds of careers, and are generally soft skills. It is important to emphasize your transferable skills when pursuing a job in a new industry to show how you can add value to the organization.

The internship and job search process can be intimidating, especially if it is your first time. We broke down some of the common terms you might not be familiar with, as well as some tips for international students and those looking for on-campus employment.

Student Employment FAQs What is an on-campus job? An on-campus job is typically a part time position (10-20 hours) with a company or department who is located on campus. How do I search for on-campus jobs? UH Students can search for jobs through Cougar Pathway. To apply for a position: 1) Log into Cougar Pathway through Access UH 2) On the home page screen, look to the left hand column and click the Jobs tab 3) Search for on-campus jobs through the On-Campus Student Employment or College Work Study tabs 4) To apply, click the job posting and click the “Apply” button on the column to the right **You must have an approved resume on Cougar Pathway to apply 5) Select your approved resume within Cougar Pathway, to apply What is college work study? If you're eligible for financial aid at the University of Houston, your financial aid package will possibly include a work-study component, in which you'll take a part-time job to earn money toward your college expenses Work-study jobs go to students with demonstrated financial need, and most students work 12 to 20 hours each week during the academic year. Can I still get a job on-campus if I do not have college work study? Yes, you can! On Cougar Pathway there is an On-Campus Student Employment tab that will list jobs that do not require college work study.

5 tips for International Students Develop a portfolio of application documents such as a resume, cover letter, and even an online portfolio. Give it to professionals in your area to review it and give you feedback. Figure out where you are most marketable in the US based on your current skills.

Make sure your communication skills are up to date. Practice your English language skills in a comfortable environment, so that you get better. Be engaged in your conversations.

Start your job search as soon as you arrive. Be proactive. Never forget that your stay in the US as an international student is time bound unless you make a move to change that. Be flexible and willing to consider areas where no one else is looking.

Find a mentor, preferably an alumni of your current institution and who was once an international student to help guide you along the way and give you valuable advice.

Networking on steroids, as international students who want to secure a job in the US you have to network non-stop using the power of the internet, and in person opportunities. Be strategic in your networking approach. COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

Staying motivated, even when you want to quit

Art and story by Erin Davis Sometimes it can feel like staying motivated is fundamentally against human nature. With just a quick search online, you can find a huge amount of content based on how to deal with lack of motivation, how to motivate yourself or what truly motivated people do to stay that way. While there’s a huge amount of advice out there, I feel that a lot of them miss the point. Motivation is something that comes and goes, and it has to be tended to if you want it to last. As someone who unfortunately failed quite a few times but also thinks of themselves as motivated, there’s a few things that I’ve learned about how not to quit (even if I really want to). As easy as it sounds, you need to find something that you really want to do. Though it seems simple, it’s often the hardest thing to do. It takes a great deal of self-honesty to know what you want, beyond grandiose material or financial goals. Maybe you want to help people, save the planet or work with children. Whatever it is, it needs 8

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

to be something you’d want to do even in your spare time, even if there wasn’t a paycheck involved. When it does come to that paycheck, however, it helps to find a company that shares that same vision, or a position that fits in with your personal values. Having a genuine passion for something is going to make the initial motivation that you have to succeed last so much longer, because it’s going to make work feel less like work. This is your life, so it’s important to feel like you have meaning in it and are doing something worthwhile. It’s always important to remember that success doesn’t come easy for anyone. Well-known figures such as Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling and even the Beatles were initially rejected or experienced failure in some way. It’s impossible to imagine a world today without them, because they stayed motivated and continued to try in spite of rejection. Success, really, is always a result of persistence and hard work. Some people may be more privileged or talented, but ultimately, the most important thing is to keep trying. Remembering that success is something that you have to work for, and not something

you just expect for your efforts puts the motivation that you do have into perspective. When it comes to motivation, it’s definitely a marathon; not a sprint. When it comes to both motivation and success, you have to be willing to enjoy the journey. If all that you can think about is the end goal, it’s going to feel like a never-ending road trip. If you’re taking the time to enjoy what you’re doing and you believe in your goal, time is going to pass quickly. You don’t want it to feel like work, and you don’t want to be stuck watching the clock. Motivation is something that you cultivate, and you can’t always count on it to last. If you ever do feel like quitting, first ask yourself if you’re really doing what you want to be doing. If the answer is yes, remember why you started and that success is only going to come with time and dedication. Motivation is always going to come from inside, and if you keep that in mind, you’ll always have exactly the amount of motivation that you need.

First impressions matter: Resumes and cover letters by LAUREN BERRYHILL, UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES As a Career Counselor, the most common topic I talk to students about is creating or updating their resume and cover letter. These documents are the initial opportunity to make a positive first impression on an employer and are intended to advance you in the recruiting process.

organizations, and honors. Through these experiences, you can highlight your transferable skills, which are versatile skills you have gained that can be applied to a new work setting and can demonstrate your potential to succeed in the position you are applying for.

For your resume: Tailor your resume and connect it to employer needs When applying to a position, read through the job description and company website to really understand what the employer is looking for. Each position is different and has various expectations and requirements, so a â&#x20AC;&#x153;one size fits allâ&#x20AC;? resume is not the most effective approach when applying to multiple positions.

Demonstrate your attention to detail through consistent formatting and proofreading When building a resume, one of the most important aspects of the document is the formatting. Even if you have great experience and skills, inconsistent formatting or grammatical errors can display a lack of attention to detail and might hinder your chances of advancing in the recruiting process.

Know your transferable skills When obtaining your first internship or job, you might not have any relevant work experience to place on your resume, and that is okay! Ways to supplement this include highlighting your academic experiences, such as relevant coursework and projects, as well as volunteer work, student

For your cover letter: Be concise The cover letter should not be more than one page. Since you only have a page to impress an employer, think about the most important, relevant, and unique experiences and skills you want to focus on. Clearly make the connection between

what you have to offer and what the position is looking for. Make sure it sounds professional The cover letter is also an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, so be sure to write in a professional tone. Make sure to proofread the document, not just for grammar, but also to ensure you are adding the appropriate company name and information. Be specific and focus on what makes you stand out Focus on unique experiences that can set you apart from the other applicants. Also, be sure to demonstrate your skills instead of just listing your top skills. For example, saying you are detail-oriented is not as effective as providing a specific example of a time you paid great attention to detail. Preparing a resume and cover letter can be a daunting process, especially if it is your first time. I encourage you to schedule a career counseling appointment on Cougar Pathway, our online portal through AccessUH. We are here to help!

Do you want your voice to be heard by over

40,000? Join The Cougarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writing staff! Fill out an application on Get Involved facebook.com/TheDailyCougar

@TheDailyCougar

COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Brings Hiring Event to UH BY ANNE HOPTON-JONES UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES In December 2017, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) hosted its second “hiring event” at University Career Services. The event intended to attract alumni from Houston universities, but was open to any Texas based candidate. The TCEQ team hosted its first event in June 2017 and engaged more than 200 participants while hiring for 12 positions. The second event in December drew in more than 150 participants during a two day period, resulting in 14 hires. To date, TCEQ has hired four University of Houston alumni following the recruitment dates. A TCEQ assistant manager commented that the December event produced “a much higher quality of talent”

from the University of Houston candidates. He was impressed. When asked why the TCEQ chose UH’s University Career Services for this event, Human Resources Manager Jennifer Bowers stated, “The staff at University Career Services is a great team to partner with for hiring entry level natural resources positions like the Environmental Investigator. The team is always welcoming and works diligently to help us accomplish our goals. The

location of the career center is also convenient to the agency’s Houston Regional Office. The number of interview rooms and the UCS staff ’s flexibility makes the event efficient and productive.” For more information on hosting or attending on-campus interviews at University Career Services, please contact Associate Director of Employer Development and Relations Anne Hopton-Jones at ajhopton@ central.uh.edu.

The Division of Student Affairs Enrollment Servicesour demonstrates our values commitment We demonstrate ourandvalues through commitment to through studentoursuccess student success providing an impactful experience learning experience outside theclassroom. classroom. bytoproviding an by impactful learning outside ofofthe

TRANSPARENCY

EMPOWERMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

DIVERSITY

COLLABORATION

How are you defining your success? Your #UHSuccess is defined by you! uh.edu/dsaes 10

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

UH_DSAES

INNOVATION

Career insight from a recent CLASS grad by edith vargas UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES b.a., liberal studies, 2017 You never know when or where you will find an opportunity. A little over a year ago, I attended a career fair at the University of Houston, seeking a part-time position. I found out Career Services was hiring, and applied. Now a year later, I am working as an intern for the Employer and Development Relations Team at University Career Services. My time at UCS has shown me that companies seek students from our campus because of the diversity at UH. The same can be said of CLASS majors. Although it might seem like all companies seek students in a specific field, oftentimes that’s not the case. Companies regularly contact the university seeking to recruit from a variety of backgrounds: political science, psychology, economics, and communication to name a few. Even if you have never attended a UH career fair, it’s a perfect opportunity to network with recruiters and you can begin by researching local establishments that are specifically seeking CLASS undergraduates. If you are looking for quick career fair tips regarding resume building, interviewing, or marketing your major/minor, check out UCS’s YouTube channel or how to work a career fair video. One thing to keep in mind is that companies often seek to hire for positions which don’t specifically align with that company’s industry. For example, an engineering or consulting firm is recruiting for advertising or technical writers for their products and services. Even applying for a seasonal position is an excellent chance to break into your field of choice. Job searching is often a long process, but know that there are resources here to help you. I hope this message has inspired you to seekout opportunities for individual and professional growth.

5 suggestions for students who may be exploring their career options this semester: • Start or spruce-up your LinkedIn. • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor AND a career advisor. If you’re not sure what you want to do, taking an assessment is a great start. The Focus 2 assessment provides data for careers that might best match your personality and interests. I think it’s beneficial to learn which skills you have to offer, and then find out how you can apply them in the workforce. • Attend seminars. There are so many workshops that UH students get access to, and most are already included in your tuition. To name a few: UCS, UH Technology Trainings, LAUNCH, and those provided by registered student organizations (RSOs). • Join an on-campus organization in a field you might have interest in. There are over 400 organizations to choose from. If time allows, join one for career development and networking, and one for interest. • Search for an internship or job on Cougar Pathway even if it’s in a field you’re not entirely sure about. On any given day, there are over 1500 on and off campus jobs posted on Cougar Pathway. COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

HOW I TURNED MY PERSONAL BRAND INTO A BUSINESS Photos and story by Tiffany Brown Educators prepare us to be subordinates — worker bees trained to submit to established brands and conglomerates. But modern technology has brought upon a revolution in the way we think about earning money — it’s no longer just about contributing to the profit margins of wealthy businessmen — but creating a brand for yourself. The brand that I created for myself is one that is heavily based in representation. I am the creator and owner of an online vintage clothing store called Bushwillows Vintage (where I sell 80’s and 90’s vintage clothes) and my freelance photography business Bushwillowsphotog — where my expertise is photographing fashion photography, but my clientele ranges from graduation shoots to children. For decades the lack of representation for minority models in the fashion industry has been heavily debated and decried. When I went about creating my brand, that was one of the biggest issues I wanted to tackle. A graphic I created for Bushwillows vintage’s website, featuring Miriam Leonor as my model.

Complaints of the lack of diversity in the modeling industry has fallen on deaf ears for decades, and with the rise of entrepreneurship and social media, various business owners like myself have taken it upon ourselves to kill two birds with one stone: break free from old business norms by creating our own and enacting the change we want to see with the images we project with our businesses. The internet has given ordinary creators the ability to showcase, make a profit and gain notoriety from their skills. Whether it’s fixing cars, building computers or creating digital art, everyone possesses an innate skill they excel at and can gain wealth with. Entrepreneurship isn’t just vitally important to the economy, its affects can be seen in other areas such as improving representation, competition, creating jobs and innovative creations being used to improve the quality of life in our society. While in recent years I’ve basked in success with my two aforementioned businesses, I hit a few bumps along the way before success.

Model Kennedi Bradford poses for a shoot for Bushwillows Vinatge.

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

Before Bushwillowsphotog, my blood, sweat and tears went into Bushwillows Vintage. Initially beginning as a handmade friendship bracelet and hairbow Etsy store called Bushwillows, the brand morphed into being a reflection of my passion for vintage clothing. The change didn’t happen from my own sensibilities, but from looking up various videos about e-commerce, viewing my competition and receiving business advice offered to me by fellow e-commerce stores. Here are my top three business advices discovered from trial and error.

Know Your Audience

Whether you’re selling car parts or crystal necklaces, know who your audience is. An integral part of getting customers is knowing who you’re selling to. When you market to them via ads, flyers, or other marketing techniques, you know what imagery to potentially use to grab their attention.

Brand Identity

To have a successful business, potential customers need to be able to identify with your brand. Pick and use/create images and post them on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, to create an overall mood and identity for your business. My identity for my brand, for instance, is 90’s vintage and memorabilia combined with West African imagery.

Know What’s Popular

Always keep tabs on what is currently popular with the demographic you are trying to sell to. You can have a unique idea, but try to tailor that cool idea to current tastes of what people like. Otherwise, your sales will be miniscule to nothing at all. Model Brooke Wood wears Bushwillows Vintage in my Neo Kinderwhore photography editorial for Toksick magazine.

LIFEGUARD TRYOUTS STEP INTO DINO VALLEY Let's Explore where the Dinosaurs Roamed! Long ago, dinosaurs left footprints in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. Today, you can walk in their tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River. Meals are provided. Pre-trip meeting 3/28 at 4pm. Register at the CRWC - Member Service Desk. Registration deadline 3/23 at 5pm.

APRIL 6, 2018 MAR 30 - APR 1

FRIDAY | 1:00 — 4:00PM NATATORIUM Bring a swimsuit and towel. We will certify you!

Student Member: $115

BEACH DAY

Non-Member: $170

CRYSTAL BEACH | APRIL 21

GROUP FITNESS & PT AUDITIONS Tuesday, April 9, 2018 If you are passionate about helping people and have a desire to promote a healthy lifestyle, then this maybe the position for you! Contact Joseph Secrest at jrsecres@central.uh.edu

STRENGTHENING THE PRIDE

Join Outdoor Adventure for a day at the beach! We will teach you how to stand up paddleboard (SUP), kayak and boogie board. Lunch is provided. Pre-trip meeting 4/18 at 4pm. Register at the CRWC - Member Services Desk. Registration deadline 4/13 at 5pm.

UHRecreation

Member: $30 Non-Member: $60

uh.edu/recreation COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

Photo courtesy of Pexels

side hustles to take on for some extra cash By Julie Araica

Maybe you’re too busy for a part-time job, or maybe you just want to brush up on a hobby and make some pocket money out of it. Whatever your reasons may be, side hustling is a great way to earn cash and keep fresh at the skills you’re good at. Here are 15 different side hustles that you can try today. Tutoring

own schedule. You’ll earn what you

at it, you can get offers from brands

up their broken computers or

Whether you work for the school

put in to it.

willing to work with you.

smartphones.

students in things that you are

Babysitting/pet sitting

Take surveys online

Work in catering

skilled at is a great way to stay sharp

Maybe you love babies, puppies

Tedious, maybe, but if you spend

Working for a catering company

and earn money doing so.

or both — ask around your

about 10 to 15 minutes each day

for big events like weddings or

neighborhood and find out if any

taking surveys, they can quickly add

graduations means that you are

Copywriting

is going out of town and needs

up and earn you some extra pocket

hired when needed. Sign up for

If you’re a concise writer, why

someone to watch their loved ones.

change.

events whenever you have the

or on your own, tutoring other

freetime.

not try copywriting? Copywriting involves writing text for advertising

Dog walking

Garden work

or marketing, and it’s often times a

This side hustle doubles as an

Go around your neighborhood and

Data entry work

skill people are willing to pay for.

exercise. Just ask around your

advertise yourself online to find out

Data categorization, updating

neighborhood or join a dog walking

if anything needs help cutting their

consumer information and

app like Wag!

grass or tending to their yard.

proofreading might sound hellishly

Sell stock photos

boring, but companies are always

If you’re a skilled photographer, why not make some extra cash

Sell your stuff online

Become a virtual assistant

looking for people to do this grunt

by selling your gorgeous photos

Whether that means doing a closet

If you love writing, social media

work for them. Simply register to

to stock image websites. Some

purge or hitting up your local thrift

and blogging, but you don’t want

join a company and sign-up for

websites, such as iStockPhoto, pay

store to buy items and then resell

to start your own, help someone

various tasks.

you royalties every time your photo

them later, this is a great way to get

else out! Find openings for virtual

is purchased.

extra cash in your pocket.

assistants and work straight from

Help others move

home.

If you’re strong and on a tight

Uber/lyft driving

Blogging

This one requires a car, but can be

This one might require a little bit

Tech Repairs

services like Dolly or Lugg and

quite profitable. Just sign up with

more time and effort to become

If you’re tech savvy, help out your

work on your own time to make

a car driving service and set your

profitable, but if you’re consistent

friends and neighbors by fixing

some extra cash.

COOGLIFE // MARCH 2018

schedule, sign-up for moving

How to spot bad career advice By Maya Dandashi Everyone around you is going to have their two cents on what career path you should take, how you should tackle job searching or even techniques on becoming the best student out there to then achieve your wildest dreams. More likely than not, these people are regurgitating information that was once sprawled onto them, thinking that these were the tactics that made them “successful.” In the end, it is up to you to decide whether or not the advice given to you is actually applicable and valid to you. Here are a few ways to detect that the advice you’re given is tainted, biased or just plain trash.

Who’s giving you the advice? If your mom is telling you that the best job for you is the one that’ll make you the wealthiest, or the job that keeps you close to home, you should know something’s fishy. Although she probably means well, of course she does, she’s your mother, she’s most likely trying to ensure that you choose the safest options presented to you. She’s just worried about her baby. It might be more effective to take advice from someone who can neither gain nor lose anything from the outcome of your career choices.

The advice is surface level; about appearances and stereotypes If the person giving you advice is hung up on the type of resume you’ve managed to create, or whether or not you have the right “personality for a certain career”,

then this person is either really old or really boring. The way you lay out your resume and the type of person you are might have an affect on whether you’re going to land a certain job, but they’re not definite answers to anything. The point is, its 2018, and as long as your resume reflects the person you are and your accomplishments, any job that you desire or qualified is within your reach.

Consider if you admire this person and their accomplishments Are they qualified to be giving you advice? The person you seek advice from should be someone who you deem successful and who possibly prevailed through adversity of some sort. You have to seek guidance from someone you trust and admire. Just because it worked for them, doesn't mean it’ll work for you Everyone is different, similarly, everyone’s path to success in their occupation is different. Just because someone thinks that this is the best way to do this or that, doesnt mean it is. Don’t take everything at face value. If one way fails, try another. Realize that your grades and even your degree does not have to define you or the career you could possibly have. Just remember, there are a lot of places and people you can get help from. Make sure to use your better judgement to decide whether the advice you're faced with is useful or not. Most importantly, realize that it’ll all work out in the end, and your career should reflect your personal interests and passions but also provide you comfort and safety.

Graphic courtesy of Pixabay

COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

Your dining etiquette questions -- answered! For even more dining tips and tricks, we hope you can join us for the UCS Etiquette Dinner, hosted every semester, and dining etiquette workshops.

by lauren hermann university career services What should I wear? • Depending on the location of the meal and the employer hosting you, this may vary, but it’s always a good idea to err on the side of professionalism by wearing business professional, especially if the meal is part of an interview process. • Business professional typically means a suit in neutral colors, with minimal accessories or fragrance. Men are encouraged to wear a tie. If I’m given a name tag, which side does it belong on? • The name tag belongs on your right side above your chest, opposite of your heart. You may notice that for this reason, pockets on blazers and suit jackets are often placed on the left side 16

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to leave room for name tags on the right. This allows your name tag to be easily visible when extending out your right hand to greet someone with a firm handshake. When should I start eating? • Wait to begin eating until the host or hostess begins, and the follow the pace of the table. Where should I put my napkin? • When seated to eat, the napkin should be placed in your lap. Ladies will fold their nap in a long rectangle, with the fold facing towards them. Men will fold the napkin in a triangle over one knee, with the fold also facing them. • If you need to excuse yourself from the table, place the napkin on the right

“I attended the University Career Services Spring Dinner Etiquette and instantly felt more confident for events such as professional meetings where I was required to dine with other professionals in the accounting field. I was also able to relax when speaking to recruiters at a formal dinner setting.” Francisco Moreno BBA, Accounting, 2020 side of the table to signal that you will “be right back”. Placing the napkin to the left of the plate indicates you are finished with your meal.

Which utensil do I use first? • A good rule is to start from the outside in, as there is likely to be multiple courses, beginning with soup or salad. Typically a salad fork and knife or soup spoon are placed on the outermost sides of the plate, and will be removed after the course, leaving your entrée fork and knife. “One of the best experience. Should be mandatory for students to come at least once. Great learning experience.” Surya Prakash Pathak Ph.D, Physics, 2020

Which salad plate, bread plate, or glass is mine? • A bread plate, if provided, will be placed to the left of your plate. A salad plate, which is slightly larger than a bread plate, may be placed on top of an entrée plate, or to the left of the bread place. If there is a salad plate and no bread plate, this means that bread is to be served with dinner, rather than beforehand. • A great way to remember which plate or glass is yours is to connect your pointer finger and thumb in each hand. Notice this makes a “b” on your left hand, and “d” with your right hand as a reminder that your bread plate is to the left, and your drinks are to the right. What should I do when I eat something that I don’t want to swallow? • If you find a foreign matter in your food, discretely remove the foreign item by bringing your napkin to cover your mouth and place the item on the side of the plate. Avoid commenting on the item or drawing attention; keep conversation positive and avoid negative comments about the food. • If you receive the wrong order or there seems to be an error with the food, discreetly let the wait staff know. Keep in mind that your behavior is

being evaluated at the table by how you problem-solve in these situations, particularly if this part of an interview process. How do I signal to the wait staff that I am finished eating? • When you are finished eating, place the fork tines down to the left of the knife, with both utensils laying diagonally across your plate (think 10:00 to 4:00 on a clock). • Remember to also place your napkin to the left of your plate as another cue that you are finished eating. Avoid stacking plates or pushing them away from you. Should I order an alcoholic beverage? • If you are under 21, you should not order an alcoholic beverage. If you are 21 or older, it is still not recommended to consume alcohol during business dinners, particularly if you are not hired by the company, because this meeting is an opportunity to present your best professional self and alcohol can impair the ability to do so. “It has helped me a lot, I am more confident when having business dinners.” Maria Farias B.S., Public Health, 2017 Who should pay for the meal? • The host should pay for the meal, but always be prepared just in case. It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping at the table and for valet. What do I do next? • Do not order a “to go” box, this is not appropriate for professional dinners. • Your host invested time and money to meet with you over a meal. Followup within 24 hours with a personalized email or handwritten thank you note to thank them for the meal, and reiterate your interest in and qualifications for the opportunity.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL FUENTES What was I looking for, and how did UCS help? University Career Services (UCS) played a vital role in my professional development as a student at the University of Houston. In order to make myself more competitive for the job market I realized I would need a strong resume. This is when I first sought out the services at UCS. There I was able to learn the fundamentals of resume building and how to effectively market myself. By taking advantage of this service and the job portal, TechConnect, I was able to secure an internship working with NASA at the Johnson Space Center. I would not have been able to secure that opportunity at NASA if it was not for UCS. One of the ways UCS prepared me for success was by using their online resume feedback application, VMock. Another was through their intensive mock interviews and feedback sessions. All these services and many more are offered free of charge at UCS. To be successful, you need to put yourself in the best position to succeed. UCS can put you in that position. COOGLIFE // APRIL 2017

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