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Table of Contents Business cards 4 The Career Center 5 Professional attire 6 Building resumes 10 Online portfolios 11 Negotiating salaries 13 LinkedIn guide 14
Reporters
Afton Harper breaking news reporter Brayden Ash sports reporter Britney Huish academia/campus clubs reporter Jack McGee sga reporter Jade Morrow sports reporter Nicole Walker sports reporter Noah Tucker sports reporter Reginald Lee Jr. sports reporter T.J. Scott senior sports reporter
Trevor Hahn sports reporter Tinsley Merriman msu admin. reporter
Columnists
Blake Haynes columnist Gianna Kelley critic Lillian Durr columnist Lauren Johns music critic Paige Nicewaner columnist Olivia Davis columnist
Visual Staff
Dayton Chambers photographer Katie Batliner graphic designer/illustrator Sydney Arlt graphic designer Lainey Sanders videographer Russ Bray photographer Jadie Arnett graphic designer Madison Harper graphic designer/illustrator Kaitlyn Stratman senior photographer
Distribution
Sarah Longworth distribution director Shania Wolf distributor Kara Smith distributor
Professional staff
Jack Dimond faculty adviser
CAREER GUIDE 2021
is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff.
Cover design by Madison Harper
Standard staff Greta Cross editor-in-chief Desiree Nixon news editor Todd Dearing life editor Stephen Terrill sports editor Diana Dudenhoeffer digital editor Jaylen Early visual editor Allison Davis copy editor Kaitlynne Atchley copy editor Maquelle Huntley copy editor Shannon Noonan copy editor
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Kayla Thompson advertising sales director Madison Harper advertising production director Anne Roberts accounting director
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A 3.5”x 2” cardboard rectangle may still be one of the most effective means for young people to market themselves DIANA DUDENHOEFFER | DIGITAL EDITOR |
@kisstein
“Here’s my card.” That’s probably not something you’ve heard much in the last 11 months since we’ve taken a break from shaking hands, attending networking events and exchanging business cards. Nevertheless, business cards can make all the difference when it comes to getting noticed in a saturated consumer market or big pool of employee prospects. In fact, entrepreneur. com calls them “the most effective direct marketing tools” for making sure you never miss an opportunity to make a worthwhile relationship in your field. Ken Childers, Springfield native and owner of Dogwood Vintage, can attest to this. Childers said they decided to print business cards for their online vintage shop, which specializes in unique, unisex styles from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, so they could have something to give a friend or family member whenever asked about the business.
Photo by Diana Dudenhoeffer/THE STANDARD |
@loveapongo
Childers said the business cards for Dogwood Vintage “can help take the pressure off of ‘selling yourself’ to someone when they’re interested in the business. It’s all right there for them to see easily. I’ve found that people like convenience and ease when looking for a business to support.” “My folks would always ask for my information, and I felt unprofessional not having them,” Childers said. “It made it easier when I met someone in public and my shop came up (in conversation).” Valerie Turner, career resources specialist at the Missouri State University Career Center, said business cards are beneficial for undergrads and recent graduates alike as a means for standing out and getting your name to potential employers. “For students who freelance or have some type of side gig, a business card is important,” Turner said. “If you know someone who has connections that you would like to reach out to, you could give your personal business card to the person you know for them to pass it along to their connection.” Childers, 21, launched Dogwood Vintage in fall 2018, and
Illustration by Madison Harper/THE STANDARD |
@madiharpart
since then their business cards have gone through several redesigns. Childers used Moo.com for the current designs, which sells a business card option made completely from recycled materials. “I strive to stay sustainable in my business, so I really love that feature,” Childers said. Some of the creative elements they were looking for when creating cards for Dogwood included an eye-catching design and succinct wording that’s easy to read. Childers said people usually get excited when they receive a Dogwood card and compliment its colors. “People use the word ‘cute’ a lot, which I don’t mind,” they said with a laugh. Turner said there are several pitfalls students should avoid when designing their own business cards. For instance, you should take care to match your name to the one on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Other elements to add include an email, phone number and personal website URL.
“The information should be current, accurate and well-designed,” Turner said. “A card with too much text or with a layout all over the place would be off-putting.” Childers’ advice to anyone aiming to design their own cards: “Make sure the design fits the style and mood you want. Don’t make a card based on a trend you see going around … You are the one that is connected to the card, so make it personal.” When Childers is marketing for Dogwood, they only give out a card when it feels natural to do so in conversation. “I don’t like to shove it in people’s faces,” Childers said. “I want them to be excited for it.” Even though Childers has seen success with Dogwood because of the cards, business cards can help open the door to many other opportunities. “I’ve met some great local vendors from (business cards),” Childers said. “And it’s gotten me more online traffic, which was a struggle to get going at the beginning. Most importantly, I think it’s helped me believe that I am a professional and that I am capable of doing something big.”
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Career Center helps students plan for their futures AFTON HARPER | BREAKING NEWS REPORTER |
@Affie888
provide interview and resume advice. All services provided by the career center are paid for by student fees, meaning there are no upfront costs to any MSU students or alumni. Due to COVID-19, all of the career center’s services moved online since Spring 2020. Emma Rogers, sophomore psychology major, said she started meeting with career center specialists during the fall 2020 semester as part of the STET program requirements Russ Bray/THE STANDARD | @russ.bray for those involved in TRIO. TRIO, Missouri State University’s Career Center is locat- a program meant to help students ed in Carrington Hall 309 on campus. attend and graduate college, offers support services including tutoring Skills and experience can be hard to illustrate and academic advising, according to the Missouto an employer. Job candidates are expected to ri State website. Sophomore TRIO students are accurately represent their life experiences in just required to meet with career center specialists three times during the academic year. a few pages of a resume and cover letter. Missouri State University’s Career Center Rogers said the Career Center has been useful provides students with the information they need for her and even helped her land a job interview. to successfully land a job in their desired industry. “I used to not even have a resume until I visThe career center’s resource specialists help stu- ited the Career Center,” Rogers said. “I would dents decide on a major, explore job options and suggest knowing kind of what you’re wanting to
find out and come prepared with questions and be ready to learn and listen, because they give you so much useful information and it’s all important things to know.” Valerie Turner, career resources specialist and liaison of the Reynolds College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State, said all appointments will meet through Zoom or by phone. The center is offering virtual drop-in hours for those who haven’t made an appointment. These are on a first-come, firstserved basis, so Turner said students Russ Bray/THE STANDARD | @russ.bray may experience a short waiting period. The second Career Center office in Glass Hall Turner described the Career Center 276. This second office provides College of as a team of helpful, caring specialists Business students easy access to the resources dedicated to providing career services to students. provided by the Career Center. Career Center services can be accessed through the mobile app Handshake. On nities and volunteer work,” Rogers said. the app, students can request career counselor Every semester the Career Center helps stuappointments and create a profile to apply for jobs dents build valuable connections to employers and internships listed. by hosting job fairs, career workshops and mock Rogers said the specialists introduced her to interview events. Handshake and LinkedIn to better prepare for her Students can set up appointments or find more career. information regarding the MSU Career Center at “(Handshake is) sort of like LinkedIn, but it careercenter.missouristate.edu or by phone at 417helps you get access to internships, job opportu- 836-5636.
Work with a purpose. If you’re looking for something more than just another job, we’re looking for you. We’re searching for people with make-it-happen attitude who also want to make a difference. We are committed to always bringing our best, which means we are constantly looking for the best to join us. Does that sounds like you?
View current career opportunities at commercebank.com/careers.
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2021 professional wear Add life to your working-from-home wardrobe GRETA CROSS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF |
@gretacrossphoto
Photos by Dayton Chambers/THE STANDARD |
Jobs and internships have looked different over the last year. Perhaps you worked a remote internship or Zoomed into weekly meetings rather than going into an office. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look and feel good about yourself. Check out these fashion trends in professional wear to spice up your at-home look.
Blazer
A blazer is a wardrobe essential and can complement both feminine and masculine styles. A solid or patterned blazer can dress up a professional look or can be dressed down with a graphic tee underneath, which is suitable for a casual work environment. Zoe Brown, Sartorial Magazine editor-in-chief, said she believes a blazer can elevate a look, making an individual feel powerful and put together. “I have a corduroy blazer with elbow pads that is tailored but has a bit of a ‘70s vibe,” Brown said. “The material makes it trendy and shows off my personal style. “The way you present yourself in the workplace is incredibly important. The way you dress can make you feel more confident in yourself, so you should take care to make sure what you’re wearing is suitable to the environment you work in and sends a good message about who you are.”
@dayton_thedean
my Zoom sweatpants to work and have purchased a few pairs of wide-leg pants that teeter the line between sweatpants and work pants.” According to Vogue Business, one-fifth of U.S. consumers purchased athleticwear for purposes other than exercise in 2018. Notable athleisure brands include Athleta and Lululemon. Whether you’re working from home or venturing into a new work environment this year, Zoom or walk in with style and confidence. Follow Sartorial Magazine, Missouri State University’s fashion magazine, for more on fashion and pop culture trends on Instagram @SartorialMag Disclaimer: Zoe Brown formerly worked for The Standard.
Monochromatic color schemes
Sophomore Abby McGrath wears an olive blazer over a gray shirt, blue jeans and brown Chelsea boots. Blazers can be used to dress up or down outfits.
Make a statement in person or virtually when dressing with monochromatic color schemes — styling a look around a single hue. “Right now, I really love neutral and monochromatic looks for professional dress,” Brown said. “I think brown, beige and cream tones are trendy right now and can easily be incorporated into professional workwear.” Megan Gustashaw of GQ Magazine recommends the “blackout fit,” a head to toe outfit of just black garments. According to Gustashaw, the “blackout fit” is a high quality outfit to have on hand and makes for a clean transition between the workplace to after-work affairs. “It also just happens to look damn cool, which isn’t a phrase often used when talking about business casual clothes,” Gustashaw said.
Athleisure
In the time of working from home, athleisure, a hybrid of loungewear and business casual, has become increasingly popular. Liam Hill, sophomore fashion design and marketing major, said he believes COVID-19 has had a huge impact on professional fashion trends. “You see lots of people that are coming back to work in-person but are finding ways to bring their loungewear into the professional space,” Hill said. “I definitely wish I could wear
Sophomore Abby McGrath wears a black monochromatic outfit. Single hue outfits can be use worn for many different occasions.
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Located just northeast of Kansas City, Liberty Public Schools serves more than 12,500 students in preschool-12th grade. Liberty is family-oriented and sees its over 30,000 residents of the community take pride in being neighborly and maintaining a hometown spirit. It’s an exciting time to consider a career with Liberty Public Schools – your chance to be part of a dynamic, growing district, rich with opportunities! For more information please visit our website: www.lps53.org For employment opportunities and to apply online, please visit: https://liberty.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Liberty Public Schools Junior Liam Hill, writer for Sartorial Magazine, wears a beige blazer over a black turtleneck, beige plaid pants and black Doc Martens. Blazers are versatile, allowing for professional and casual looks.
8 Victory Lane • Liberty, MO 64068 816-736-5300 • careers@lps53.org Follow us on Twitter @lps_careers
Liberty Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons.
Inspire • Invest • Innovate
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Income over passion: In defense of hard work
Passion over income: Why I chose my dream LILLIAN DURR | COLUMNIST |
@weird_wondurr
During my freshman year of high school, I decided to change my career path from veterinarian healthcare to writing. The first person I told was my agriculture teacher. I had never had someone express more belief in my abilities before. Despite the fact that I was telling him I was deciding to abandon my future career in his field, he told me he thought my new plans were a perfect fit. I was thrilled. With my confidence rising, I went to tell my science teacher. Head high, I walked into his room and told him I had long considered this change and felt it was what I was born to do. He told me a career in the arts meant I would starve and never be successful. Clearly, these first two reactions were incredibly polarizing and, in many ways, hyperbolic representations of the two sides of an age-old debate: When choosing a major and future career do you chase a paycheck or follow your passion? Despite criticism, I decided I would always follow my passion. I never considered myself a materialistic person, and joy seemed too rare of a commodity to sacrifice for pay. So I swore to chase my passion for as long as I could. In a perfect world, I thought I wouldn’t have to consider income at all, but alas, passion doesn’t pay the bills. I have worked to find a path that will both sustain me and allow me to chase the passions I hold close. According to Science Magazine, “Those with incomes of $90,000 and more were nearly twice as likely to report being ‘very happy’ as those with incomes below $20,000, there is hardly any difference between the $90,000-and-more group and the $50,000-to$89,999 set.” This shows that while an income that is capable of promoting a comfortable lifestyle is strongly related to happiness, excessive wealth is not strongly correlated to an individual’s reported happiness. It was with this in mind that I chose to follow my passion, and that I have seen many other individuals I know choose to follow theirs as well. Although this was my choice, I do find some of my friends and classmates have chosen the other side of this predicament. I have peers who picked a major because they knew it could support a lifestyle they wanted to live. To this I have always challenged them: Choosing a field you’re passionate about will allow for more success. As explained by Aimee Wragg for The Guardian, “The concept of standing by what you love despite the risks is dismissed by some - namely disapproving parents and teachers - but I believe it to be more sensible than fo-
cusing solely on a job. Having a genuine interest in something can’t be faked and it’s the surest way to succeed.” As an education major, I have faced no shortage of questions from mentors and peers alike regarding why I chose a career with an average annual salary of about $49,000 in Missouri, but my answer will always remain the same: I’m chasing my passion, not a paycheck. I chose first to love what I do. Steve Jobs is quoted, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Graphic by Sydney Arlt/THE STANDARD |
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LAUREN JOHNS | MUSIC CRITIC |
All my life I’ve been surrounded by doctors, engineers, business analysts and accountants — career choices that make big bucks. These people would be in college for a long time with a rigorous curriculum. By the time they graduated, all their hard work would equate to a large selection of jobs. They’d be working in a hospital 24/7, punching numbers on an office computer or scheduling financial consultations. Passion for their day-to-day ventures seemed to be a lower priority when looking at the paycheck.
@sydneyarlt.png
@lje2017
That’s not me. I’m a graphic design major, so I’m not the likely candidate to believe income is a top priority. But as a child, I always dreamed of becoming a professional singer. Then, I wanted to be a professional writer, publish a book or two. The reality is, I would most likely be living off the wages of tips in fast food restaurants or possibly sleeping in my car for a bit. I still love music, of course, but the career as a standalone is too unpredictable, and I really need something to keep me well-fed and out of my car in the meantime.
“Even if I end up at an office job designing wireframes for websites, it creates a stable enough environment to explore other hobbies in my free time that I can turn into additional income.”
Grphic design became a safe haven. I am perfectly aware that it is still an art degree and I’m still gambling with my well-being. But in the end, I’m using what I’m good at and applying it to a job in higher demand. If I had decided to focus on writing, I could go for journalism or maybe dabble in copywriting. Again, not the highest-paying jobs, but they are in greater demand than my own attempt at a freelance publishing company or creating my own personal blog. The way I see it, even if I end up at an office job designing wireframes for websites, it creates a stable enough environment to explore other hobbies in my free time that I can turn into additional income. I am not afraid to switch jobs further down the line. I’m not the type of person who enjoys monotony, coming and going from the same place and doing the same thing. A well-lived life to me is one that is spontaneous and full of opportunities. So right now, I will choose the job with the higher income. I see it as a kind of future investment.
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TEACH SPS 2021-2022 FIND YOUR FUTURE HERE! ENGAGING CAREERS. RELEVANT TRAINING. PERSONAL BENEFITS.
STEP 1: APPLY THROUGH POSTING(S) 2021-2022 SPS R-12 Educator
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STEP 2: ASSESSMENT
Take the Teacher EPI Assessment
(link emailed after submitting the application)
STEP 3: DISTRICT INTERVIEW STEP 4: APPLY FOR SPECIFIC JOB POSTINGS
WEBSITE
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JOB POSTINGS
spsmo.tedk12.com/hire
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI SPS HR: 417-523-4647 HUMANRESOURCES@SPSMAIL.ORG
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When applying for a job, internship or promotion, having a resume is crucial to the interview process. In some instances, jobs will ask for a resume in lieu of an application, so making a good first impression is heavily reliant on experience and how a resume is set up. When applying for jobs online, employers may run a resume through an applicant tracking system (ATS) for key phrases that match the job description. The Missouri State University Career Center’s website recommends to avoid using a template, graphics, shading and decorative fonts in order to pass through an ATS as well as tailor the resume to Graphic by Diana Dudenhoeffer/THE STANDARD | @loveapongo the specific position or company. The Career Center typically hosts Resume “Research shows that recruiters spend Madness, an event in which students can show about six seconds on the first pass-through of their resumes to a specialist and discuss advice a resume; therefore, readers need to access on what should be changed. the information quickly and easily,” according “We aren’t doing Resume Madness this to MSU’s Career Center’s website. semester, but we have numerous opportunities Be cautious of how much wording is on for students to have their resumes reviewed,” the page, as too little will indicate lack of skill Turner said. “Drop-in hours don’t require apand too much text without enough white space pointments; just visit the Zoom link during will be too hard for the employer to read. those times.” The Career Center will be hosting a resume To avoid paying a professional, MSU students can have their resume viewed on Hand- webinar on Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. to discuss topics shake, a recruiting app for internships and relating to the hiring process and resume tips. entry-level jobs. These webinars and other services provid“Students also can make an appointment ed by the Career Center are available to MSU with a career resources specialist for help with students as well as alumni through student starting their resume, questions about resume fees. and a resume review as well as visit our (CaVisit the Career Center’s website to view reer Center) drop-in hours,” Valerie Turner, resume samples, information on events and career resources specialist at MSU’s Career office hours at careercenter.missouristate.edu Center, said.
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CAREER GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | • 11
An online presence is key to getting a job in the 21st century DESIREE NIXON | NEWS EDITOR |
Graphic by Sydney Arlt/THE STANDARD |
@DesireeNixon17
@sydneyarlt.png
When applying for a job, most require a resume and cover letter. However, in today’s ever-changing world, it is important to attain an online or e-portfolio as well. According to the Missouri State Career Center, “a portfolio is a collection of materials that prove your skills, achievements, and the scope and quality of your experience, training, and/or education.” Andrew Cline, media journalism and film professor at Missouri State University, said resumes tell what you can do, and an online portfolio shows what you have actually done. Each major has different things to show; according to Cline nearly everyone can benefit from having an online portfolio. To start, Cline recommends students use a free web browser site, such as Wix. com or Weebly, to get familiar with website building. After that, students should buy their own domain. This helps them look more professional. Domains can be purchased from a website like Namecheap.
Valerie Turner, career resources specialist at MSU’s Career Center, said in addition to website builders like Weebly and Wix.com, there are specific services for different industries. These include Adobe Portfolio for media, journalism and film and Bulbapp for teaching. Turner said regardless of the hosting site, students should keep it simple. “This portfolio site will define you as a professional,” Turner said. “It needs to have some kind of focus and organization. It cannot be all over the place.” As an example, Turner said a fashion major should not have science projects on their portfolio; it just does not fit. Additionally, Cline said not to forget to put your resume, recommendations, contact information and cover letter on your website. It can be helpful for some employers to have everything in one spot. For more information regarding portfolios, visit the Career Center ’s website at careercenter.missouristate.edu/Students/Portfolios.
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Students should can make a portfolio to get a job. An online portfolio can be created using online services such as Weebly or Wix.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd 10AM–2PM
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Interviewing in the digital world
Pre-COVID-19, interviews were done in person or by phone call. While these methods still exist, the 21st century has offered another option in the form of virtual interviews. While Zoom has recently become popular, director of the Missouri State University Career Center, Kelly Rap, said students should be well rounded with other video call platforms. “If students are getting an interview with an employer for a job, the employer will set the platform,” Rap said. “Students have little choice over that. They’ll just have to kind of be familiar with all the different methods of virtual communication these days because the employer will have their preference.” Leonard Horton, senior instructor of media, journalism and film at Missouri State, said since technology is effective if used by the majority, Zoom is the “flavor of the month.” Horton said it is important to have a good internet connection when online conferencing. He also advised not to sit in front of a window to avoid backlighting. Rap said students should practice with the technology prior to interviews and reach out to employers if they have any questions. For professional interviews, Rap encouraged students to isolate themselves to prevent distractions. According to Jonathan Newman, assistant professor of English, students should also
consider sound when interviewing or using online conferencing professionally. A headset or external microphone will increase audio quality for the listener. For backgrounds during interviews, Rap, Horton and Newman said a non-distracting background works best. It can be virtual or natural, so long as it doesn’t take away from the experience. Rap said when choosing a virtual background, most platforms offer a professional setting if the interviewee does not have a professional photo for a background. Professional backgrounds include office spaces or libraries, as opposed to pictures of the interviewee with their family or pets. Newman went on to say a background sets the basis of what tone you are trying to convey during the interview. “If you are trying to connect with students or peers in a more formal way, it can be useful to let people in your life a little more,” Newman said. “And they can create a sense of connection and conversation. There’s my kid’s drum set or something like my guitar.” Newman encouraged interviewees to act like they are in the room with the interviewer. This helps keep focus on the task at hand and Illustration by Madison Harper/THE STANDARD | @madiharpart prevents distraction or even tabbing out of the With COVID-19, many interviews are being conducted via online video call. interview.
TINSLEY MERRIMAN | MSU ADMIN. REPORTER |
@merrimantinsley
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Negotiating salaries for young professionals JACK MCGEE | SGA REPORTER |
@jack_mcgee_
sity— named after entrepreneur William Hofstra — are just a few examples of organizations While there are multiple factors to consider that help assess pay scales for certain positions. when negotiating, salary plays an important More universally, the Seattle-based PayScale role in workplace tenures. In order to success- provides employees and employers salary exfully determine a befitting salary when entering job markets, it’s important to conduct research on what’s normal for the industry. Valerie Turner, career resources specialist at the Career Center, emphasized the need to conduct research before an interview. She also said it is important to accept that being new to the workforce may challenge negotiating power. “If a student is just beginning in their field, they aren’t going to receive the same salary as someone at a senior level,” Turner said. “If someone is negotiating salary but they don’t have experience, they need to stress what it is they’re giving the employer.” Leonard Horton, media, journalism and film instructor at MSU, said he thinks young professionals with little experience still have plen- pectations. ty of ammunition to negotiate with. Horton said as companies’ budgets continWithin numerous studies, it is commonplace ue to tighten, they are constantly looking for Illustration by Madison Harper/THE STANDARD | @madiharpart that a salary scale is produced by groups of ways to cut costs, and older employees tend to The art of negotiation, especially with an researchers to determine how much employees demand more and provide less. That’s where employer, is an important ability to find a mu- should expect as they enter the job market. recent college graduates come in. tual agreement that meets the employee and Drexel University, the Public Relations Stu“Whether it’s doing it via all technology or the organization’s needs. dent Society of America and Hofstra Univer- automation, or a social media wizard that can
“Every organization has a problem. Your goal is to tell the employer how you plan to address it. You need to find the problem, and then present yourself as the solution.” - Leonard Horton, MSU media, journalism and film professor
Be a part of something BIG!
bring more traffic to their website, they’re looking for younger people who can help them do things more efficiently,” Horton said. While the skills necessary to successfully negotiate salaries as a freelancer compared to being an employee are similar, Horton said an agreement can be more easily met due to the lack of additional contractual obligations. The simplicity of writing a check without any legal ties may be optimal for some, yet insecure and uncertain for others. Additionally, Horton said students need to be a solution to their employer’s obstacle, not just a warm body. “You need to research the organization you are applying for and find the problem,” Horton said. “Every organization has a problem. Your goal is to tell the employer how you plan to address it. You need to find the problem, and then present yourself as the solution. Start to think and speak like an employer, and they will see you differently.” Despite the complex art and science of negotiating salaries, a fundamental modest courage is essential to success. “Confidence is extremely important,” Turner said. “This doesn’t mean being egotistical, though.” “Confidence is knowing your value. Anyone who isn’t sure of their value needs to do a lot of self-reflection and research.”
We’re Growing Near You Paddio seeks great people to help shape the future of homebuying. We are now hiring Loan Officers, as well as other upcoming positions, in Springfield, MO. Being part of Paddio is about more than mortgages. It’s about the people we serve: the men, women, and family members who want a place to call home.
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“I feel so fortunate to be working with Paddio. As a young professional, there are many opportunities to grow and advance in a solid career, surrounded by amazing, likeminded people.
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Making the most out of LinkedIn BLAKE HAYNES | COLUMNIST |
FIND YOUR FUTURE AT OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Omaha Public Schools, we prepare our students for life in a world where understanding and appreciation of diversity are essential. MISSION: To prepare all students for success in college, career and life. VISION: Every student. Every day. Prepared for success. VALUES: Equity, Results, Leadership, Accountability and Joy. PROGRAMS:
We serve a diverse body of 50,000 students within: 63 elementary schools 12 middle schools 7 highschools 1 virtual school & 13 alternative programs
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LinkedIn is a career and professional social in. You can also list any additional schools you media platform. The site is designed to help may have spent time at, like for a summer prousers network, share work, find jobs and ulti- gram or a study away trip. mately succeed.
Building your profile
Having an organized LinkedIn profile that embodies you and your exemplary work is key. A professional headshot or at least a professional-looking picture is a good idea and for your cover photo. Choose something that showcases your work or the message you stand behind. For example, mine is a picture of downtown Springfield. I currently work in Springfield, so it fits where I’m located.
Building your Network
Gaining connections on the platform is what builds your networking body as well as what will hopefully land you a job. Under the “My Network” tab, explore roles in your field. This may be people who attend your institution, work at your company or share a similar job title. Hot tip: If you are attempting to connect with someone you want to talk with, utilize the “Add a Note” feature. This will send a message to your future connection at the same time they receive your connection request. For success, make it a goal to message two to three people on LinkedIn a week that you want to speak with to gain close contacts.
Finding a job
You have access to thousands of full-time jobs, internships and other work opportunities on LinkedIn. Under the “Jobs” tab, you can search specific roles, view the section “jobs where you are a top applicant” and look in the “recommended for you” section. These application descriptions will provide you with a link directly to the careers or application website for that company. You can also find success by adding an “Open to Work” section on your profile. This appears below your title on your profile. In this section, you have the ability to add up to five different types of roles you are looking for. For example, you could put “social media managGraphic by Sydney Arlt/THE STANDARD | @sydneyarlt.png er,” “marketing,” “sales,” etc. By doing this, you will receive frequent notifications from Having a title below your picture and name LinkedIn on hundreds of new job postings reis helpful for other LinkedIn members to know lated to those titles. who you are. You can add your most current job title, that you’re a student or even “active- Be active LinkedIn provides a feed-like feature simly looking for jobs.” LinkedIn advises users to craft a concise biographical section that serves ilar to most other social platforms. Here you as a short bio in addition to a few featured items. can share your own original posts or see other This could be things like a personal website, posts from people you are connected with. According to LinkedIn Mentoring, it’s helpful to research or resume. Further down on your profile will be your be active within the platform. You can achieve experience and education section. According this by simply liking posts you resonate with to LinkedIn, you should consider listing all or enjoy, commenting “Congratulations!” when recent or related jobs or roles you’ve held and someone you know lands a new opportunity, describe them with strong action verbiage. Also, or posting some of your work or recent accommake sure you list your current education. This plishments for people to see and celebrate you includes your current institution, major of study on. and activities or societies you may be involved
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Freelance gigs can provide flexibility at the cost of stability REGINALD LEE JR. | SPORTS REPORTER | Before the social media boom of the mid 2000s, the working model for media professionals was dressing in business casual attire inside a busy corporate building. In 2021, freelancing is well-established as a legitimate alternative. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube have given independent media workers a way to display their portfolio to the clientele of their choice. While having an open schedule is one, if not the main benefit of freelancing, being in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic is changing that drastically. Job security is lowering by the day as newsroom closures have resulted in numerous layoffs. According to The New York Times, over 30,000 journalists have lost their jobs since the beginning of the pandemic. Roughly 60 newsrooms and counting throughout the United State have also been shut down, Poynter reported Jan. 6. With freelancers working on projects without the resources full-time employees have, the efficiency of work has decreased. This has left freelancers analyzing the pros and cons of working for themselves.
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“Freelancers have more control over the projects they work on and can make more money,” Bobby T. Lewis, Missouri State University assistant professor of media, journalism and film, said. “The risks are also more significant, and it is a constant hustle.” Projects can start, then quickly end. A client might end a contract with you prematurely or not pay for the work that was done. Andrew Carroll, freelance sports writer for the Springfield News-Leader, has covered MSU Lady Bears and men’s basketball, high school
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football, and basketball since 2016. Last year, Carroll started to freelance with Field Level Media, which contracts with Reuters, ESPN, etc. to provide game recaps for major sports leagues. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he said he enjoys the work he is creating.
“You have to be quite self-motivated to go out and find work and to always be willing to drop what you are doing to do what is best for the client.” -Bruce Stidham, Springfield News-Leader freelance photographer “You allow yourself to develop as a writer and have fun covering your topic,” Carroll said. “The (Springfield) News-Leader doesn’t tell me how my articles perform and I love that, because if I could see the numbers, I’d probably have a bad habit of hitting refresh too much.” Freelancers receiving assignments that are important to cover but not a priority for the full-time staff is one of the struggles they have to overcome. This can lead to freelancers struggling to build professional relationships. “You’re not going to develop rapport with your readers or be seen as a trusted source by the community,” Carroll said. The most common struggle is inconsistent income. Freelance photographer for the Springfield News-Leader Bruce Stidham, had work lined up in March 2020 for NCAA basketball as well as high school games. The pandemic cause an abrupt cancellation of those events. “You have good months and bad months, good and bad years,” Stidham said. “You have to be quite self-motivated to go out and find work and to always be willing to drop what you are doing to do what is best for the client.” The growing issue of COVID-19 has made the process of becoming a full-time freelancer more difficult. There is no rulebook on how to enter the field as a freelance worker, but Stidham had a couple of ideas to suggest. “The best thing to do is go above and beyond each and every time you have a chance to work,” Stidham said. “It’s almost impossible to start off as a freelancer full time, but as the years go by and you gain enough clients, you can make it a full-time job.”
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