Career Wednesday, January 18, 2017
GUIDE
2 | Wednesday, January 18, 2017
CAREER GUIDE 713-743-5314
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10 Networking Tips UCS Student Assistant Spotlight ZACH WORTZEL
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
“Networking” describes the process of fostering and utilizing connections between people to exchange information and ideas regarding job search strategies and career opportunities. Your career network will help to explore potential careers and identify job opportunities. Networking can help you learn information about a specific employer, job, or career of interest to you, obtain advice on conducting a successful job search and possible job leads, and to stand out among hundreds of other candidates by connecting with contacts within a company. Here are the top 10 tips for effective networking: 1. Prepare an introduction (30Sec. Elevator Pitch) and know your purpose for networking. 2. Know your career goals and how to explain them succinctly. 3. Start networking with people you know, they can hopefully lead you to new contacts. 4. Network both on-campus and in the community – view any outlet as a networking opportunity! 5. Never ask for a job! Networking is about building contacts and gathering information. 6. Conducting informational interview can serve as a great networking tool and allows for a more in-depth view into a new contact, company, and/or
occupation. 7. Treat any informational interview like a job interview – you never know where one may lead! 8. Always end an informational interview by asking if there is any contacts that they can recommend you speak with. This will help you continue to expand your network! 9. Follow-up on any leads you are given and remember to thank contacts who have helped you with an e-mail or card! Be organized to remember who you have and will speak with. 10. Networking is all about relationship building! Be positive and professional and you will be a networking pro!
SUMMER INTERN (VARIOUS POSITIONS) It’s an exciting time to join the City of Sugar Land! We are hiring interns for various positions throughout the City. Applicants must be currently completing coursework towards a bachelor's or master's degree and possess an interest in government service. SALARY: $12.00 - $14.00 Hourly Please visit our employment page at www.sugarlandtx.gov/jobs for complete details and to apply online.
Alexandra Jones
Amber Wilrich
Edith Vargas
Major: Human Resources Management Expected Graduation Date: May 2017
Major: Psychology Expected Graduation Date: May 2018
Major: Liberal Studies Expected Graduation Date: Dec. 2017
What is your favorite part about working on campus?
What are the benefits about working on campus?
What is your favorite part about working on campus?
The face to face interactions with students, faculty and staff is what really benefits me as a student worker. By working with these groups of people, I am able to see firsthand, how I can positively influence students and the UH community overall.
I think that working in an environment that grants me the opportunity to network while grooming me to be prepared for the workforce is a great asset.
My favorite part of working on campus is the convenience. As a commuter, I do my best to arrange a schedule that allows me to spend the least amount of time on the road.
What are the benefits about working on campus? Working on-campus is a benefit because the employers are very flexible when it comes to working with your class schedule. I am also able to meet other students who are outside of my major and learn from them.
What are the challenges of working on campus and how do you overcome these challenges? The challenges of working on campus include learning how to balance work with school work, and learning how to interact with students from different backgrounds and colleges.
What are the top three transferable skills you have gained by working on campus? I have been able to improve upon my communication and organizational skills as well as my attention to detail.
What other leadership/ involvement/community service are you involved in? I am President of the Tau Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi in Bauer College of Business as well as a student member of Society for Human Resource Management.
What are the challenges of working on campus and how do you overcome these challenges? Time management would be the biggest obstacle. It's important to manage work and school without letting one overshadow the other. It's forced me to be more organized.
What are the top three transferable skills you have gained by working on campus? One of my goals for working on campus was to gain technical skills. I had never been a tech savvy person, and aimed to better understand technical systems that would make me a better competitor in the corporate world. I have learned how to navigate various computer systems, as well as personal branding, and enhancing professional soft skills.
What other leadership/ involvement/community service are you involved in? I work with an off campus Trio Program known as Upward Bound Math & Science where I help to mentor high school students that are currently preparing for college. I also have done motivational speaking and helped to organize student retreats.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals? My short-term goal is to graduate from UH with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Foundations. I want to also have an internship soon that will help with admission to grad school. My long-term goal is to be a marriage and family counselor with the possibility of owning my own practice one day. My dream is to build on the foundation of helping families by developing a scholarship fund for aspiring high school students who live in low income areas.
What are the benefits about working on campus? The flexibility. Our office understands that we are students first, so it's reassuring knowing that I am able to give my classes top priority. It has allowed me to learn more about what employers look for. Working at Career Services is also great for people that like interacting with others and meeting new people.
What are the challenges of working on campus and how do you overcome these challenges? I never lived on campus, so one of the challenges I face daily is the early morning commute. I like to focus on the fact that I am spending more time on campus after work and taking advantage of the services the university offers.
What are the top three transferable skills you have gained by working on campus? Learning to send emails for a professional setting is a practice I'm thankful for. UH offers courses that prepare students for writing in the workplace, but regular practice helps instill this habit. The same can be said of data input and program usage, things I wasn't really exposed to before working on campus.
What other leadership/ involvement/community service are you involved in? I am a proud lady of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, IncorporatedGamma Eta Chapter.
WE ARE SEEKING
65 consultants in the following disciplines:
IT • Science • Business • Law • Economics • Engineering “Everyone has the opportunity to make alliantgroup their own, and is given the chance to trail-blaze their own path.” - Bridgette Brashear, Associate Director
“I’m lucky to work at a place where you can learn how to be your best self, a true business professional, and have the opportunity to collaborate in an exciting and dynamic atmosphere.” - Alexander Kirillov, Senior Associate Director
“The atmosphere at alliantgroup is unparalleled, due in large part to the emphasis placed on creating a culture that allows individuals to grow to their full potential.” - Sam Keegan, Senior Associate Director
Submit your credentials to: talent@alliantgroup.com
www.alliantgroup.com 855-763-5370 Houston, TX
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Effective interviewing LAUREN HERMANN
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the crucial step of the job search process: the interview. This is typically the last part of the process, and your goal is to show the employer that you truly are a qualified, well-prepared candidate for the position. In addition to your qualifications, the employer is looking to see if your personality will work well with the organizations’ company culture and team. Know what sets you apart from other candidates: What are your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and long-term goals? Tip: Practicing your responses to the different types of interview questions is a great way to begin reflecting on your skills and experiences, and how they relate to the position. Check out our list of common interview questions below, and set-up an appointment for a mock interview with a career counselor. We’re happy to help you practice! There are two main types of interview questions. 1. Traditional questions ask you to expand on your education, experience, and goals. 2. Behavioral questions ask you to give examples of how you’ve handled certain situation in the past to predict behavior in the workplace. For these questions, it’s helpful to think of a few scenarios and prepare to answer with STAR:
10 Common Interview Questions 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 3. Why are you interested in working for us? 4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
5. What can you offer us that someone else can’t? 6. What are three words your former boss would use to describe you? 7. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of. (STAR) 8. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. (STAR) 9. Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation. (STAR) 10. What motivates you?
5 Questions to Ask an Employer • Who is the supervisor for this position and what level of management are they? • How often are performance reviews given, and how will my performance be measured? • Is there a training program, and if so, how long? • How would you describe the growth potential for the company/industry? • What are some of the department’s ongoing and anticipated special projects?
AVOID THESE TOP 5 INTERVIEW MISTAKES • Not dressing appropriately. • Failure to set yourself apart. • Inadequate research. • Not asking questions. • Not sending a thank you note.
steps to a successful interview
situation
Describe a specific situation or event.
task
What major tasks were you responsible for?
action
Describe action you took.
result
What was the outcome? What did you accomplish or learn.
Courtesy of UH Career Services
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Multifaceted job search process PRIYANKA RAUT
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
Job searching can be overwhelming and tedious; having a strategy can make the process seem less daunting and much more manageable. Although many people interpret the process as linear, job searching is multifaceted, and should be approached that way. There are three strategies to job search: Going Indirect: This tends to be many seekers' first approach at job searching. Going indirect is when seekers use job/employment websites that spider the web for positions based on key words that the user plugs into the search box. They can be general search sites like SimplyHired.com and Indeed. com or industry specific, such as HireCulture.org, Idealist.org or Dice.com. UH students can always begin their job search through Cougar Pathway.
Going Direct: The job seeker goes “directly” to specific company sites to seek out positions. The most important part of going direct is creating a target list. A target list is a list of companies and positions that the seeker is interested in working at/in and learning more about. A target list challenges the job seeker to brainstorm companies/ positions and keep track of
them. It also helps the job seeker track their progress.
Connecting & Networking: Networking is vital for a job seeker’s success. 70% of all positions are filled by word of mouth. Networking is also the most reliable way to keep pessimism at bay. Hearing about others' successes and failures can help you see your job search in its proper context, rather than as a reflection of your professional or personal worth. A multifaceted job search can quickly become overwhelming if you don't keep track of your efforts. Take a few minutes out of each day to update a document or spreadsheet in which you briefly note the source of any new potential opportunity, the action taken and any planned next steps. Doing so might feel unnecessary, but it will help you identify
redundant efforts and dead ends. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment on days when you don't receive encouraging responses from network contacts or potential employers.
Important to Remember: Be Alert. Be Aware. • The great majority of employers are honest, but for those employers who are not, be aware of these security tips: • Never pay a recruiter or an employer for a job • Never supply bank account, social security number or credit card information • If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is (examples, “no experience necessary” “earn money fast”) • When you are in doubt, ask a career counselor in the Career Development department or Google the company name with the word “scam.”
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Beat the heat: Making the most of your summer ZACH WORTZEL
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
Summer provides many opportunities to build your resume through different avenues. Whether it is gaining experience in your field through an internship, picking up some useful transferrable skills through a summer job, volunteering to see what fields might be for you, or even a combination of them all, making the most of your summer will help with your full-time job search! Below is information on some of the summer opportunities available to students. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Formal Internships • Specified learning outcomes • Structured mentorship components/academic components • Ongoing/offered yearly • Many are national in scope
Informal Internships • May not be as structured or established • Academic credit may/may not be offered • Could be only offered once/not
continuous • This may be the internship you create yourself by networking with contacts • Equally as valuable as formal internships!
Tips for Applying • Start early – avoid procrastination. • Some internship programs have early deadlines (i.e., Federal and large companies) • Employers may recruit yearround, fall only, spring only, both semesters or as needs
arise • Some employers recruit 1 – 2 semesters in advance of when the internship will begin • Total process – applying and interviewing – may take several months • Create a dynamic resume and cover letter • Create a 30-second introduction for interviewing and networking
with? • Jobs that involve development/ training/etc. will provide universally beneficial experience • Quantify and show the capacity of your work
Remember Your summer job does not necessarily have to be directly related to your career plans Summer positions are a good way to gain a non-academic reference
SUMMER JOBS Think skills. • Focus on the soft skills you will learn – customer service, verbal and written communication, conflict resolution • Did you work on a team? What role did you play and what did you learn from the experience? • Communication skills – what were the different types of people that you communicated
WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, EDITORS AND DESIGNERS
WA N T E D !
Courtesy of UH Career Services
A P P LY
ONLINE ON
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I NVOLVED!
W W W. T H E D A I LY C O U G A R . C O M
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Tips for gearing up for Spring 2017 recruiting ANNE HOPTON JONES
internship opportunity: • If you are seeking academic credit for your internship, please refer to your academic department for requirements in advance of accepting an internship. • All jobs and internship positions should be professional in
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYER RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT, UCS
MONICA THOMPSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UCS
Finding Appropriate Internship Opportunities Whether you have secured or are seeking an internship for the summer, University Career Services offers tips for evaluating appropriate internships. This information is shared with employers on our website. However, it also serves as a guideline for students to use during their internship search. University Career Services reviews all jobs and internships posted by employers for appropriateness and content and reserves the right to remove or decline any job postings that are deemed unsuitable for internship and full-time positions. Postings must also adhere to the UCS recruiting policies, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principals for Professional Practice, and all federal and state employment laws. Please use the UCS employer guidelines when considering an
see the Fact Sheet: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act • Job descriptions should be detailed, clear, and comprehensive. • Compensation is indicated and established on base salary (not including commission).
Caution: Please be aware of employers that contact you indicating they received your contact information through your school’s database. Do not respond to the message nor accept or deposit checks in your personal bank account for supplies or equipment. If you do, your bank will hold you liable and you must pay the money back to the bank. nature, and require a degree or pursuit of a degree. Full-time positions require an education level of Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. • All job postings for unpaid internships must list a specific person or specific title that the intern will be directly supervised by, and the intern must be working at an employer office. UCS does not approve virtual internship positions. Please
Rm. N221 University Center 713-743-5350 uh.edu/csm fb.com/uhstudentmedia twitter.com/uh_csm
NOW HIRING
MEDIA SALES REPS EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO CSMADVERTISING@UH.EDU
Must be able to work 15-20 hours per week. Must have a drivers license and reliable transportation.
Paid training! Develop real world client experience and potentially earn $1000+ and commissions.
• All job postings must include an active and professional website, phone number, company location, and recruiters must use a professional or organization-related email address, for example, no gmail or yahoo accounts. The University Career Services office provides resources and services to students, alumni and employers. Although most employers are reputable and reliable, the office does not guarantee the reputation or professional standing of individuals, attorneys, companies, or other employers posting employment notices. UCS is not responsible for the safety, wages, working conditions or other aspects of the off-campus employment. Potential applicants are encouraged and advised to conduct research during the job search process regarding potential employers and employment opportunities presented on the UCS website and elsewhere.
Please notify UCS at (713) 7435100 immediately if you encounter questionable practices in the employment process.
FINDING EMPLOYERS THAT HIRE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Foreign Countries and Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S. https://uniworldonline.com/ search • H1 Base: Free job search tips http://www.h1base.com/visa/ workintheusa/work/HowtofindH1BJobs/ref/1261/
Online RESOURCES for International Students:
Attention Liberal Arts Majors
University Career Services does not own or maintain the websites listed below, and we are not responsible for their content. We provide these links as a service to UH students and alumni. Also note: it is recommended to be cautious of services requiring payment.
As you explore internship and fulltime job opportunities, look to explore opportunities in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and related technical fields. Technology crosses all industries and is used by a variety of age groups. To that end, there is not one discipline that owns technology. Think about it- even toddlers use technology in various pedagogy learning software, and some apps have been developed by middle schoolers. Liberal Arts students that have honed their soft skills and have an affinity for technology should seek out opportunities in the STEM field. Employers seek curious, analytical, and creative students with interdisciplinary degrees that utilize excellent writing and research skills such as liberal arts, social sciences, and art students to work at their company. The Sales and Marketing groups have traditionally hired Liberal Arts students for these same soft skills. The same holds true for why employers with STEM related opportunities value and seek out liberal arts students. Please visit Cougar Pathway via AccessUH to explore internship and job opportunities in the STEM field. Also, see dates for the ALL Majors and STEM career fair that will occur this spring.
Job & Internship Search Resources (from NCDA Resources for Partnering with International Students) • List ofH1B Employers: www. myvisajobs.com/Reports/2015IH1BIVisaISponsor.aspx • MyVisaJobs.com: www.myvisajobs.com • H1visajobs.com: www.h1visajobs.com • International Student Website: http://www.internationalstudent.com/jobsearch/ • US Department of Labor: www. foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/ pdf/h_1b_temp_visa.pdf • “Power Ties:!The International Student’s Guide to Finding a Job in the United States” by Dan Beaudry (Book) • “3 Steps to Your Job in the USA: International Student Edition” by S. Steinfield & H. Yinping (Book) • UNIWORLD: Directories of American Firms Operating in
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 7
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Graduate, professional school checklist
Stay on schedule and apply to grad school on time with these important due dates TIFFANY BITTING
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
JANUARY-APRIL (SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR) • Determine what you want to study; Explore career options and potential earnings with that graduate degree. • Research graduate programs and map out dates for admission requirements. (If possible, try to meet with current students, faculty, and advisor to ensure the program is a good fit. You could reach out via email or have virtual conversations if distance is an issue). • Research and schedule date(s) to take the required entrance exams. Start studying for the exam(s).
JUNE/JULY (SUMMER PRIOR TO SENIOR YEAR) • Gain additional experience by volunteering, shadowing or interning. • Continue studying for entrance exams!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER (FALL OF SENIOR YEAR) • Request application or research application process online (Be sure to note deadline for applying and addresses for where supplemental materials should be sent). • Take the GRE or required standarized test (Make sure you are sending scores to the appropriate schools).
OCTOBER-DECEMBER (FALL OF SENIOR YEAR) • Explore scholarship/fellowship/ assistantship information for each school; seek out ways to fund your graduate education. (Note within your personal statement or letter of intent if you are interested in conducting research with a specific faculty member or if you would be interested in being considered for an assistantship or fellowship). • Request copies of your transcript from the Registrars Office (it is usually best to have them sent directly to
the addresses where supplemental materials should be sent). • Approach faculty members, employers, etc. to write recommendation letters. Remember to provide them with any required recommendation forms, your resume, a stamped/pre-addressed envelope, and the deadline for submission. • Compose personal statements and supplemental essays for each institution and have your statement/ essay reviewed by University Career Services, faculty members, mentors or advisors. • Meet with University Career Services for a resume/CV/personal statement critique. • Submit applications and application fees for each school by its published deadline.
JANUARY (SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR) • File your Federal Income Tax Return (required before you can complete the
or check out our event calendar at www/uh.edu/ucs
FAFSA). • Complete the FAFSA Online and submit all completed scholarship application forms. • Prepare for any admission/ assistantship interviews by scheduling an appointment with University Career Services for a mock interview. • Attend any preview days/assistantship interview sessions/faculty interview sessions for each institution if you haven’t already.
MARCH-MAY (SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR) • Follow-up on institutions that you have not heard from and make your final decision. • Submit commitment forms and/ or fees to the institution you have chosen. • Ask about program orientation and enrollment procedures. • Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters, informing them of your success.
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Make a positive first impression with your resume
LAUREN BERRYHILL
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
As a Career Counselor, the most common topic I talk to students about is creating or updating their resume. The purpose of a resume is to showcase your experiences, skills, and abilities. It, along with a cover letter, is the initial opportunity to make a positive first impression on an employer and is intended to advance you in the recruiting process. A well-written resume tailored specifically to the position can open the door to an interview. Whether you are applying to a full-time position or an internship, it is important to spend the time and effort necessary to build a polished resume that makes you feel confident. Below are some tips to build a resume employers want to read.
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 “one size fits all” resume is not the most effective approach when applying to multiple positions. Take the time to research the position and organization so you can highlight your experience relevant to the employer needs.
Know your transferrable 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
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.
Demonstrate your attention to detail through consistent formatting 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 can display a lack of attention to detail and might hinder your chances of advancing in the recruiting process.
Make your resume actionoriented Your bullet points should not be a list of job duties found on the job description. Each bullet point
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
MEET OUR CAREER COUNSELORS AYO OGUNYE: School of Communications and Alumni CAITLIN MACNEIL: College of Engineering, College of Natural Science and Mathematics and College of Technology CYNTHIA OLMEDO: College of Technology and Alumni DONAH JUSTICE: College of Education and Graduate School of Social Work LAUREN BERRYHILL: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Business LAUREN HERMANN: Colleges of Architecture, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Exploratory Studies PRIYANKA RAUT: UH Sugar Land Campus TIFFANY BITTING: Graduate and Professional Programs ZACH WORTZEL: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences • • • • •
COMMON SERVICES AVAILABLE
Resume and cover letter reviews Mock interviews / interview prep Career and/or major exploration Graduate and/or professional school preparation Career action plan development
• • • • •
Career fair preparation On-campus student employment hub Develop networking skills Engage with recruiters through information sessions Participate in on-campus interviews
CAREER RESOURCES
COUGAR PATHWAY • Search and apply for full-time, part-time, internship and on-campus employment • RSVP for UCS Events • Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor • Use the Mock Interview portal to practice video/live interviewing SMART RESUME POWERED BY VMOCK • Upload your resume and get instant, 24/7 feedback regarding your resume format and content • Resume will be compared to peers within your field of study FOCUS 2 • Complete this 10-20 minute assessment to start yourself on the path of major or career exploration • Set up an appointment with a Career Counselor to further discuss your results
www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - ucs@uh.edu
should not only demonstrate your relevant duty, but should be actionand result-oriented. Strong action verbs, such as analyze, manage, and designed, should be used to begin each bullet point. The formula “action verb + task + result” is a simple way to format each bullet point.
Don’t forget the basics Before submitting a resume, be sure to proofread! Spelling and
grammatical errors can be easily avoided by not only looking over your resume, but having others look at it as well. Have a career counselor, industry contact, or family member review your resume because having a fresh set of eyes can help find new errors you might not have noticed. You can schedule an appointment with your career counselor by visiting Cougar Pathway, our online portal via AccessUH.