Career Trends Magazine

CAREER

Career Month 2009 Issue

ASK BIZZY LIZZY SENIORITIS? YOUR LAST SEMESTER! STUDY TIPS FOR THE SUPER BUSY JOB SHADOWING BOBCAT SUCCESS

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SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 22

CONTENTS 3 JOB SHADOWING 5 BIZZY LIZZY 7 STUDY HABITS 9 NEW SEMESTER

Amanda Chris Over the last ten years, Career Services has assisted Texas State students in discovering what it's like to work in specific career fields through the Job Shadowing Program. This unique externship offers students a chance to test out their career choices during the winter break. The primary goal of the program is to expose a diverse group of students to a career setting within their major. Students who participate in the program have an opportunity to examine job responsibilities and skills to gain insight into the future outlook of occupations they are considering.

Students may also develop possible contacts for internships or full-time jobs for their future.

Erick

My JOB

SHADOWING

Three real stories told by three real students

“

I'm a Finance major with an interest in doing actuary work when I finish school; so when I selected companies to shadow I tried to keep it within that area. The two companies that I shadowed were Texas Department of Insurance and Frost Bank's Corporate Lending Department. I went to TDI first. When I got there I was welcomed in by everyone. I was able to speak with all different levels, from the regional director to the folks that do the auditing.

Although it was geared more towards accounting, I learned about the benefits that the government gives it's employees and that TDI worked hand-in-hand with an actuary firm to get their figures.

Even though the Department of Insurance wouldn't be the greatest fit for me, I still got a lot out of talking to everyone there. Next I went to Frost Bank. I got to speak with the people that run the corporate lending side of the bank. Once you get established you have a client base that you can rely on while still attracting more business. It seems like it would be very lucrative once you got your foot in the door. After speaking with the head guys, I spent some time with the people that were just starting out. It was nice to see that a lot of what I was learning in class at the time was being applied to a career. Definetly makes it seem much more worthwhile. I was very impressed by their professionalism and got to ask a lot of questions over lunch that I wouldn't have asked in an office setting. It was very beneficial. I'd recommend Job Shadowing because it gives you an idea of what will be expected on a daily basis in a real-life setting. You'll find out what areas you're good at and what you need to improve upon. Also, hearing individual's first-hand experiences and their advice to someone just getting out of school is priceless.

Erick, Finance “

It was nice to see that a lot of what I was learning in class at the time was being applied to a career. Makes it seem much more worthwhile.

This opportunity gave me a huge insight into the world of advertising and I am grateful I got the chance to do it.

“

This past December I did a job shadowing assignment at Dieste. This company does a majority of the Hispanic advertisements you see. It was great following a different kind of style, their company did major contracts with Under Armour, Whey Protein, and the largest contract with AT&T Cingular. I had the chance to follow around a few different departments like the Creative Department where they come up with the ideas for the campaigns and also the Account Services department where they set up the campaigns and pitch the ideas. This opportunity gave me a huge insight into the world of advertising and I am grateful I got the chance to do it.

” Chris, Advertising

”

I jobshadowed at Academy's corporate office in Katy this past January. I thought it was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone in a relatable field do the same! It probably helped, that the lady I followed was super helpful and informative, but it was so much information for one day. I might even say it would be a good position to try over the span of a few days. I got to help choose fabric for Fall 2009 private label garments, then update the assortment plan. We also toured the distribution center (which is unbelievably massive), and we made a store visit to meet with the apparel manager and discuss store conditions and upcoming events. I am a Fashion major, so after taking Buying I and II, it was a huge help to see what I had learned in the classroom in a real life situation. It would have been even more helpful had I done it in between taking the two courses.It also was great when looking for an internship or a job later on, becuase it was voluntary so potential employers are always impressed with that.

”

Amanda, Fashion

I thought it was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone.

Bizzy Lizzy is here to answer any career related questions you may have.

Think of her as your professional “Dear Abby.”

Dear Bizzy Lizzy,

Bizzy Lizzy’s Two Bits

Bizzy Lizzy is a Recruiter for TxSt University Career Services.

A store at the outlet mall offered me a job, but the store I really want to work for hasn’t called me since I’ve turned in my application.

What should I do? Take the job that’s being offered to me, or wait to see what happens with the store I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want?

“Winners never quit and quitters never win”

Send your Bizzy Lizzy Q’s to eb29@txstate.edu

-In a Pickle Dear In a Pickle, Well, since you said REALLY three times, here is what you do…Call the manager of the store that you REALLY want to work for and merely ASK FOR AN INTERVIEW. This shows initiative, a quality your competition ain’t got, and isn’t that the point? To set yourself apart from the competition? Ask “Would you be available tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM to meet with me to discuss my qualifications?”

(You have just made his/her life a lot easier by setting up an interview FOR them.) If the position is still available, chances are, you’ll get that interview tomorrow at 10:00 AM! As a courtesy, contact the store that has the offer on the table, let the manager know you will have an answer for him/her in one week and stick to your word. (We don’t want to close the book on them just yet.) They will appreciate the gesture, trust me. Now research, research, research the company your interviewing with tomorrow, iron your interview clothes, print out two copies of your updated resume and GET TO BED! And for-crying-out loud: DON’T BE LATE. You’ve made it this far. Don’t blow it by being late. Promise me now that you won’t be late. Good luck and don’t be late!

-Bizzy Lizzy

Whatever happened to sticking with a job for more than a day? Why are some so quick to quit? What is that saying we used to say in basketball…“Winners never quit and quitters never win?” Do you believe that? Think about it for a second.

Well let me tell you something. I DO! I BELIEVE! Quitting is EASY. Yes, we all have the free will to do whatever we want in life, but instead of taking the easy way out and quitting that job that you have only had for one day, just think about it for a second.

Why do you want to quit? Is it because your first day was too intense and you are exhausted? Is it because your cubicle mate smells like chili-cheese Fritos and you’ve had an aversion to those since the “incident”. Seriously, are you listening to yourself right now?

Why not show up the next day and apply the knowledge you learned the previous day, then rinse and repeat? Look at the situation as a challenge that you are ready to face head on.

You will learn this position and be successful in your own right as long as you have that winning attitude. You HAVE to be willing to start from the bottom and have the grit/determination to stick with it AND believe me, things will get better and you WILL succeed.

This is how our work experience builds character. Your character is what distinguishes you from any other Tom, Dick and Harry and makes you valued as an employee. It is uniquely yours. When others quit, you didn’t. When you were faced with a challenge, you said “bring it on chili-cheese breath!” (I hope you didn’t say that word for word.)

In conclusion, a quote by Barbara Sher.

“You can learn new things at any time in your life if you’re willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.”

Best of luck, Bizzy Lizzy

WED., OCT. 7, 2009 3PM - 6PM STRAHAN COLISEUM

Feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Find yourself eating on the run and staying up late studying? Does this sound familiar?

If so, you are not alone! Here are some ways to improve your study habits and finally get a decent nights rest.

When it comes to studying, the transition from high school to college is a drastic change. That’s why it’s so important for students to learn about good time management, note taking skills, and other study habits. Professors provide a lot of resources for their students because they want to see you succeed.

They have office hours and will allow you to make an appointment to fit both of your schedules just don’t be afraid to ask.

Time management is vital to surviving your college career. People waste enormous amounts of time, and students are you exception. It’s important to make a complete schedule for each semester. Start with the fixed blocks of time such as class, meetings, and work. This will give you an overview of how the semester will be arranged so you can set realistic goals. Also, make a “To Do” list each day. By making a list each day you will allow yourself to map out each day so that you can get everything done.

Even though this may sound unnecessary, college is very hectic and you don’t want to miss an assignment for class. When it comes to actually studying, you want to try to study two hours for every hour you spend in your class. Although this may sound like a lot of work, it will save you time to study each day rather than the night before the test. Another tip is to study the subjects that are boring or difficult first and early in the day. People tend to put off topics they hate until last and then it’s harder to concentrate when you need to the most.

“Research shows that within 48 hours the average person forgets approximately 75% of what was just understood and continue to “forget” slowly after that. The same research shows that immediate review and periodic follow-up review not only stopped the forgetting process but reversed it by a large extent according to The Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC).”

You can think about four times faster than a lecturer can speak. Therefore, effective listening requires the expenditure of energy; to compensate for the teacher’s rater of presentation, you have to actively intend to listen. One way to enhance listening is note taking. Using a systematic approach to the taking and reviewing of your notes can add immeasurably to your understanding and remembering of the content in the lectures. Many students make the mistake of

thinking that by going to class and just listening they will understand the lecture more than if they were taking notes.

In reality, notes provide a permanent record to help you learn and remember later. Also, taking notes helps keep you alert in class and stray from daydreaming. Before class starts be sure to have a snack to keep you alert and sit close to the professor. You will learn that by sitting closer you will pay more attention and get less distracted. Once the lecture starts, try to paraphrase your notes rather than copying word for word. In other words, listen more than you write. If you professor posts their lecture slides print them off and bring them to class.

This will make note taking easier and allow you to only write what you have to and listen more. Always remember to write down examples given in class. You might understand the topic now, but when it comes to studying for the test you may need to refresh your memory and examples are helpful. It’s important to review your notes within twenty-four hours after class and fill in the holes.

When it comes to preparing for the exam it’s helpful to make up potential test questions along the way. Then you can make notecards of the terms and potential test questions to help prepare you for the next test.

Once you have set up a schedule and learned how to take good notes, you have to get your work done on time. Turning in your work late will just make a bad impression and leave you with a bad grade. The more you can participate in class, the more you will enjoy learning. That’s why it’s important to choose instructors that actively involve students in learning.

You can always ask older students what teachers they would recommend or search on Pick-AProf to see professor ratings. One of the most common mistakes made by students is the failure to ask for help. People are more than willing to lend a hand you just have to ask.

From time to time you might get a little overwhelmed by your workload. If necessary, pause occasionally and remind yourself that you can do it and what you expect to get out of it—give yourself a pep talk. Just remember that everything will pay off in the end so just go to class and have fun along the way.

SLAC is located in Alkek Library on the 4th floor.

fall into the Last semester Many students picture their senior year of college to be relaxing and full of fun. Although that may be the case for some, others are feeling extremely stressed and anxious. People start to realize that they are graduating in a year and feel like they have too much to do. From finding a job to keeping up your GPA, senior year can get very hectic.

One of the most important aspects of your senior year is starting early. If you haven’t decided exactly what kinds of jobs you want to seek it’s time to make a fine-tuned list and start looking for a job. This can be a long and aggravating process. Not only will you be stressed you will be nervous to hear back from a company and will realize it’s a trail and error procedure. You might apply for fifteen different positions and only get an interview for one. That’s why it’s key to keep an open mind and a positive attitude through out it all.

Another way to help relieve some of the stress from your senior year is to cut back on extracurricular activities. By doing so, you will maximize your time and utilize it in areas that are more important right now. This doesn’t mean drop out of every thing but avoid taking extra responsibilities that will make it hard to keep up with your grades.

It will also be beneficial to opt out of all-nighters. Just try to study ahead because even if you can run on little

sleep, it will catch up to you at the worst time. Gaining experience is vital to your career. If you have put this off until now consider getting an internship, working part-time, or volunteering to get the experience. Once you have done this, network as much as possible. Getting your foot in the door is a huge step when landing a job.

Finally, make sure to stop by the Career Services Office. Hopefully you have learned about our office and utilized many of our services, if not don’t wait and do it! Then you can get help preparing your resume, do mock interviews and much more to get you ready for graduation. You can even learn how to sign up on Jobs4Cats and search for jobs through this database.

One important thing to remember is to follow-up on all job leads. A common mistake made by job seekers is thinking that every thing is complete once you’ve applied and interviewed for a position. By following-up with a company you are showing a continued interest in the job and company.

Make sure to take advantage of your last year in college and realize you’ve come way to far to give up now.

Get your head in the right place the first week of classes and it will be easier to stay on track and keep your goals in mind. By doing this, you put yourself in the position to shine throughout your last year.

Q: Where on

campus can I find tutoring help for my classes?

Q: Where Can I find help with my resume and cover letter on campus?

A: The Career Services Office has many

convienent ways to help any student with a cover letter and/or resume. We offer an online service that gives you a 48 hour critique for your resume given by one of our career counselors, then you may chose to set up a follow up appointment to meet with one of them, to go over your resume in our office. To help with you cover letter you can always set up an appointment by coming in to our office or giving us a call at 512-245-2645.

Q:How can I find a job on Campus?

A: The Student learning Assistance

Center better known as (SLAC) is the easiest way to get help with you classes.

They provide tutoring services ( individual, group, and online) for students in all areas of study. SLAC is conviently located on the 4th floor of the Alkek Library and is open to every Texas State student.

Q:

Where can I start looking for an internship for the summer?

A:

This year as part of Career Month, Career Services is hosting their annual Fall Job and Internship Fair, on WednesJobs4Cats is our job database for day, October 7, 2009. Our Job Fair this all of the jobs on campus, as well as semester is one of our biggest and gives part time jobs, internships and full time the chance for students to meet and drop jobs. When looking for a job on campus resumes to more than 100 companies that there are two different positions to look participate each year. If you are looking at. The first being a work study posifor an internship this is the place to start! tion, which you may work for if you So dress your best and come join us this have been awarded work study from year at the Strahan Colisuem from financial aid, and the second being a 3-6p.m. regular part time position on campus.

When searching for either position, log onto jobs4cats and click on job search.

Where can I see There you can seach by position type s see the doctor on to find the job you are looking for. To campus? Can I get apply for a job on campus make sure my perscription you fill out the on campus application filled on campus? and have your resume and class schedule uploded in jobs4cats.

A:

Q:

Where on can I go on campus to swim indoors?

A: Our new expanision to the

Campus Recreation Center included a new Nataorium that features two new pools, a lap pool and a leisure pool. The new leisure pool is great for students to use , they offer water volleyball, water basketball, a teaching area, and two underwater benches for lounging with various jets. Visiting the new indoor pools could be refreshing during the summer time as well as visiting the other new expanisions of the Campus Recreation Center.

Q:

A: Our Student Health Center on

campus is a free service for Texas State Students to use whenever they need to see a doctor. You can make appointments to visit with a doctor and you may only need to pay for any extensive services you recieve or just to fill your perscription.

Our Student Health Center pharmancy may also fill your perscrtiption from your doctor back home.

Nov. 2 - Nov. 13