JANUARY 2009
134 Mary Gates Hall • (206) 543-0535
careers.washington.edu
Follow Your Bliss in ‘09 elcome to 2009! January is a time for resolutions, for goalsetting and renewed motivation. If “find the career of my dreams” is right up there next to “work off those holiday pounds” and “trim my monthly latte budget” on your list, you’re not alone.
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Thankfully, the UW Career Center has planned a month filled with career events that will help you get off on the right foot! January boasts the University of Washington’s 10th annual Career Discovery Week, with hundreds of sessions offered on all three UW campuses. Need advice, inspiration, or encouragement? Get it straight from the horse’s mouth: those working in the field that you’re interested in! And if CDW isn’t enough to help you take on ’09, check out the wide array of career fairs and events offered this month. There’s something for everybody, so pull on your coat, grab your umbrella, and show 2009 what you’re made of—and happy New Year!
Stop By the UW Career Center Drop in for a 15-minute session at the following times: Mon-Thurs, 1:00-4:00 and Fri, 9:00-12:00. Schedule a 50-minute appointment by calling 543-0535 during normal business hours. Appointments are free for students and $40 for alumni and postdocs. Plan ahead because we usually book 2-3 weeks in advance.
Take Note The UW Career Center will be closed Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day. Check out www.mlkday.gov to see how you can “Make it a Day on... Not a Day off!”
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On Diversity... Jennifer Self, Director – UW Q Center
The next few weeks boast Career Discovery Week, the Diversity Career Fair and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; what better time for recognizing and celebrating our differences and similarities? When it comes to the job search and the workplace however, it can be tricky figuring out how to celebrate and honor your own uniqueness. This month we sat down with Jennifer Self, doctoral student and director of the Q Center (http://qcenter.washington.edu) to discuss the challenges many students face while job searching and the resources on campus that they can turn to for help. The following are some thoughts from that conversation. The Q Center staff often works with students who are struggling to decide how much of themselves to reveal while job searching. For example, crafting a resume can become problematic when debating whether or not to reveal a part of yourself that might spark fear or prejudice in others. It’s not an easy decision and it’s a widespread phenomenon. For example, should a student outline years of work with a partisan political group, and risk revealing a political stance which might turn off a potential employer with opposing views? The dilemma may be similar for a student whose work experience is with a gay rights organization, or a religious group. Do they reveal this piece of themselves and risk an employer’s disapproval on the basis of those affiliations, or eliminate the experience from their résumé altogether, leaving a gap in employment? Of course, in a perfect world, each employer would be impartial, and examine a resume only for skills, strengths and experiences. In the world we live in, unfortunately, this is not always the case. As Jennifer Self reminds us, the job search can be especially difficult in a city like Seattle, a city that is largely perceived to be open-minded and liberal. While Seattle and its employers often live up to that reputation, there is a dangerous complacency in assuming that prejudice (Continued on page 2)
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WORKSHOPS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS
CAREER FAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Applying to Graduate & Professional School
iSchool Connections Fair
All workshops, unless noted, are in the UW Career Center (134 MGH).
Learn more about these events throughout this newsletter.
1/14, 3:30-4:30 • 1/28, 1:30-2:30
1/7, 1:30-4:30 • MGH Commons
How to Find a Job
Society of Women Engineers: Evening with Industry Career Fair
1/26, 1:30-2:30
1/21, 1:00-5:00 • HUB Ballrooms
Internships: What? When? Why?
Diversity Career Fair
1/28, 1:30-3:00 • 102 CHEM
1/22, 6:00-9:00 • HUB Ballrooms
Job Offer & Salary Negotiation
Etiquette Dinner (Tickets on Sale Mon. 1/12 - Watch our Website)
1/21, 3:30-4:30
1/26, 5:30-8:00 • HUB East Ballroom
Job Search for International Students
“Out on the Job?” GLBTQ Perspectives
1/13, 3:30-5:00
1/27, 4:30-6:00 • 201 Gowen
Making the Most of a Career Fair
Foreign Language Alumni Panel
1/16, 1:30-2:30 • 1/20, 12:30-1:30 • 1/21, 12:30-1:30 1/22, 1:30-2:30 • 1/27, 1:30-2:30
1/28, 4:30-6:00 • 304 Smith
Networking for Shy People – and Others!
1/28, 10:00-2:00 • MGH Commons
1/23, 2:30-3:30
Environmental Career Fair Employer Panel: Successful Interviews
Resumes & Cover Letters
1/29, 5:00-6:30 • 106B HUB
1/6, 3:30-4:30 • 1/9, 1:30-2:30 • 1/12, 3:30-4:30 • 1/15, 3:30-4:30 1/16, 2:30-3:30 • 1/22, 3:30-4:30 • 1/27, 3:30-4:30
Successful Interviews 1/20, 3:30-5:00 • 1/23, 12:30-2:00 • 1/30, 1:30-3:00
On Diversity... (continued from page 1)
Civil & Environmental Engineering Career Fair 1/30, 1:30-4:30 • HUB East Ballroom
E.N.G.A.G.E. Your Life! (Registration & Fee Required) 1/31, 10:00-4:00 • UW Career Center Register at http://careers.washington.edu/Forms/Engage-Workshop-Registration Indicates Career Discovery Week event
and hatred has been completely erased. The imbalance of power between groups is still prevalent in our city and across the nation, and many are discriminated against based on sexuality, race, religion, age, gender, physical and mental disabilities, and any variety of life experiences that we each carry with us from our pasts.
HuskyJobs: Online Job & Internship Search
Belonging to a minority group can be anxiety-inducing while on the job search, but remember that you are not the only one being interviewed: you have the right to decide whether the employer is a good fit for you, as well as the other way around.
Please accept our New Year’s gift to you: HuskyJobs, and the On-Campus Interview Program.
For those who find themselves needing guidance, support, or assistance, Self suggests visiting one of the many offices on campus that can help you while remaining mindful of the diverse challenges you face. UW Offices include: the Q Center, the UW Career Center, the Office of Veteran’s Affairs, the Women’s Center, the Disability Resource Center, and the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity. Above all, take time this month to recognize the diversity in yourself and others, and celebrate!
http://careers.washington.edu/ToolBox
Looking for a full-time, part-time, or internship position? Not sure where to begin?
1. Search HuskyJobs for your ideal position. 2. Submit your résumé online through HuskyJobs. 3. If selected, sign up online for an interview time slot. 4. Stroll over to the Career Center for your On-Campus Interview. If that’s not simplicity, we don’t know what is! Check out HuskyJobs today! http://careers.washington.edu/huskyjobs
CAREER QUICKLINKS
Jobs. Careers. Internships.
huskyjobs CAREERS.WASHINGTON.EDU/HUSKYJOBS
careers.washington.edu | (206) 543-0535
• UW Career Center Website http://careers.washington.edu • Husky Career Blog http://careers.washington.edu/Blog • Husky Career Toolbox http://careers.washington.edu/Toolbox • Up-to-the-Minute Student Event Calendar http://careers.washington.edu/Students/Calendar
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myStory: Jaebadiah Gardner
M
ary Gates Scholar, Jaebadiah Gardner credits his parents and grandparents for instilling within him a “huge self-confidence” and an appreciation for building community. But as a freshman, when he shared his feelings about not seeing anything on the campus that reflected his African American heritage, his family’s response was not what he expected. At the end of his freshman year, his dad came to his room, settled into a chair and said, “You know, Jaebadiah, the world owes you nothing.”
His desire to see something of permanence on the UW campus which would reflect a more diverse student population grew into a project involving several students and faculty. “Blocked Out” was originally a concept shared and discussed between Gardner and his friend Sumona Das Gupta, which eventually became the simple and provocative structure just outside the entrance to Mary Gates Hall. What appears at ground level to be a rock seating area is clearly an ear when viewed from above. And the stark granite block imprinted with footprints is representative of those who have been “sold” on the block throughout history, whether literally or figuratively.
Those words awoke him to the realization that what he wanted to see in his community was up to him rather than some faceless “they” to make happen. When he returned to school in the fall, it was with a new sense of purpose. He was determined to do things his way and as he puts it, “to stand on my own twos”.
Challenging himself all through his university experience paid off when the time came to begin applying for initial career positions. Gardner focused on networking, and applied for a position with Turner Construction Co., and, using the foundation of his English major, drew an analogy between crafting stories and visualizing structure. His dad came to his The combination won Gardner his room, settled into a present position as an chair and said, “You engineer with TCC.
As a sophomore he declared English as his major. Although some questioned his know, Jaebadiah, the choice, he couldn’t Although his sucsee sitting through cess has been fueled world owes you classes he hated just by his own hard nothing.” because they might work and desire to lead to a lucrative foster collaboration, career. As an English major, he enjoyed Gardner credits his father’s words for tapping into his imagination to create a turning him around and showing him story, and believed that the choice was the way. We are all sure to benefit as right for him. Gardner also gravitated Gardner continues his efforts to inspire toward campus offices that he felt really and care for his community. “had his back.” He names the Office of - Written by Alyce Mallet Minority Affairs and Diversity and the UW Career Center as two departments that encourage and support students to For more information about the Mary Gates aspire to more, to reach higher, and not Scholarship program, please visit: to underestimate what they are capable http://www.washington.edu/uaa/mge/index.htm of. careers.washington.edu | (206) 543-0535
Spotlight On Events •
Diversity Career Fair 1/22, 6:00-9:00 • HUB Ballrooms If you think the economy has eliminated all job opportunities, think again! Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), this fair is open to students and alumni from all majors. Find more information at http://students.washington.edu/uwnsbe.
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Etiquette Dinner 1/26, 5:30-8:00 • HUB East Ballroom You’ll learn the basics of dining and business etiquette over a four-course meal hosted by an etiquette expert. You will also have the opportunity to practice what you learn while dining and interacting with a select group of professional employers, who help with event sponsorships. Registration is required. Watch for ticket sale information in the month leading up to the dinner. Registration for this event usually sells out very quickly.
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“Out on the Job?” Panel: GLBTQ Perspectives 1/27, 4:30-6:00 • 201 Gowen GLBTQ individuals will share their perspectives and personal experiences regarding a variety of questions about being out, in, and somewhere-in-between on their resumes, in job interviews, and on the job. Panelists from a wide variety of industries will address how their decisions about being out-on-the-job have influenced their career paths, relationships, and sense of self.
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Employer Panel: Successful Interviews 1/29, 5:00-6:30 • 106B HUB Ever wonder what employers really want to hear in an interview? During this panel discussion, you’ll get the inside scoop from employers on how to go from a good interviewee to a stellar one! Observe an interview role play that is critiqued by the employer panel and get concrete examples of how to best answer interview questions.
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E.N.G.A.G.E. Your Life (*Fee Req’d) 1/31, 10:00-4:00 • UW Career Center This program is for students preparing for the next pivotal transition. Whether you’re uncertain about your next steps after graduation or not sure what you’d be good at, this personalized workshop will help you. You will walk away with confidence, clarity and a plan to ensure your success. Why wait? Create your career success plan today! Register online at http://careers.washington.edu/Forms/ Engage-Workshop-Registration.
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JANUARY 2009
Career Clips
Quick Tips for Your Career Success
Diversity in the Workplace
Matthew N. O. Sadiku and Pamela Obiomon
The increase in globalization demands more interaction with people from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds than ever before. As a result, the demographics of the workplace are changing rapidly. According to a 2001 report by the Council of Competitiveness, women and minorities are the fastest growing segment of the workplace. In 2004, about 20% of all engineering master’s degree recipients in the United States were women, up from 2% in 1975. African-American, Latino, and American Indian students now make up 11% of U.S. engineering graduates, according to the National Action Council for Minority Engineers. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that minorities will make up close to 40% of college student bodies by 2020. Three minority groups (African- Americans, Asians, and Hispanics) are forecast to comprise more than 25% of the U.S. population and 29% of workforce entrants. For this reason, profit and nonprofit organizations need diversity to become more creative and open to change. Organizations must focus on diversity to remain competitive in the global market. Diversity is beneficial to both employees and employers. Employers need to embrace those with a different point of view because the challenges we face today come in different forms and it takes diverse thinking to meet them. The diverse skills, perspectives, and creativity of the employees enable companies to deliver the best solutions to their customers. When we are made to feel tolerated, we feel excluded; we are silent about who we are; we hide our differences to fit in; we are ignored and feel that no one cares about our needs; and we expend energy trying to be accepted. When we are appreciated and accepted, we feel included; we feel that others are both interested in and care about us. When others identify with us, we matter, our differences are seen as a positive and they matter. We are included in decisions and opportunities; we are productive. Respecting individual differences can increase productivity. In an era when flexibility and creativity are keys to global competitiveness, diversity is critical for an organization’s success. Read the full article online at: http://www.ieee.org/portal/cms_docs_iportals/iportals/membership/students/potentials/Potentialsweb2Diversity.pdf
Career Discovery Week is Here Panels, Career Fairs and Networking ….oh my! This year, the University of Washington’s 10th Annual Career Discovery Week (January 26-30) offers students and alumni more than 150 free sessions on career development and exploration topics at all three UW campuses. There is quite literally something for everybody, from “What Can I Do with a Drama Major?” and “Careers in Sports” to “Yikes! Do I Really Want to be a Teacher?” and more. Networking events are planned for many departments on campus while career fairs and recruitment events including the Diversity Career Fair, the Public Service & Non-Profit Opportunities Fair and the Featured Employers Night: Sales, Marketing & Management which are key Career Discovery Week offerings. Hundreds of alumni and friends will be on hand to share their career experiences and tips on every career field imaginable. Panel presentations, career fairs and conferences, networking events, skill-building seminars, and more—whatever your interests, there’s something for everybody at this year’s Career Discovery Week. Visit http://careerweek.washington.edu for a detailed event guide, and be sure and use the MyCDW feature to help set your schedule. We’ll see you there! careers.washington.edu | (206) 543-0535
Q&A With Kris Kero Sr. Career Counselor
Need swing dancing lessons and career advice? No problem, Kris has you covered... Q: What’s the most
common question students ask, and what’s the answer? A: “What can I do with my major?” ... It depends what you are interested in doing and what your strengths are. Q: Do you have a nickname? A: “Pineapple.” I lived in Hawai’i for a few years and I love tropical locations. Q: What key UW Career Center services should students take advantage of? A: Using our website! Q: What’s your favorite activity or hobby outside of work? A: Walking at Alki Beach, reading, watching movies, singing and dancing. Q: Any other tips or advice you’d like to share with students? A: Find a way express any form of your creativity, for yourself and/or the world.
The UW Career Center newsletter is brought to the students of the University of Washington each month with contributions from staff and students like you. If you have any questions, please contact us through our website or by stopping by. Nick Morse, Editor and Layout Cara MacMillan, Writer Alyce Mallet, Contributing Writer
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