Spring 2017 | Issue 2
February 21, 2017 2 - 5 p.m. at the Cintas Center
Getting Involved
contents
FEATURES
4
Hire-A-Muskie
Need help finding the employer profiles? Want to connect with employers before stepping foot into the Cintas Center?
8
Getting Involved
Xavier student speaks about his involvement on campus. INTERVIEW WITH ANDY BENIANA, Accounting, ‘19
Career Development Office 530 Conaton Learning Commons 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-1161 www.xavier.edu/career 513.745.3141 cdo@xavier.edu
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Incredible Ways to Boost Self-Efficacy Xavier employee gives advice about increasing confidence. BY NICHOLE ARBINO, Career Coach
The CDO provides developmental & comprehensive career directed services to all Xavier students & alumni in contributing to Cura Personalis & Magis. 2
Your Future Today
Thank you to our
SPONSORS
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Making the Most of Your Cultural Strengths
CDK Global employee shares experience and insights on incorporating diversity in a professional role. BY CYNTHIA BLANCO, CDK Global HR Specialist
CAREER TOPICS 5 Career Fair Prep Events 6 How to Dress for the Career Fair 7 Looking for an Internship 10 Advice for Education Majors 11 A Career with Protective Life 12 Securing the Right Experiences 14 Three Principles of a Career Launch 15 Working Overseas 20 Xavier Interns 22 Inside Look: Working for Disney 23 Letter from a Career Coach
ON COVER: ANDY BENIANA
Career Development Office
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Updating Your
HIRE-A-MUSKIE ACCOUNT Hire-A-Muskie is where you can find a listing of employers attending the Spring Career Fair, plus you can use it to apply to internships, jobs and much more. Download our user guide at hireamuskie.com/guide. Employers attending the fair will receive resumes and inquiries throughout the day, and Hire-A-Muskie can help you stand out, get noticed before the fair and create a strategy to navigate the tables.
Getting Started 1. Sign in using your Xavier username & password 2. Click My Account left hand button (last left hand link) a. Click Academic i. Enter expected Graduation Date (Month & Year) ii. Select your Job/Internship Search Preferences b. Click Save Changes and Continue c. Select your Privacy Settings d. Click Save Changes and Continue
Upload Your Resume 1. Click Documents button (4th left hand link) 2. Click Approved 3. Click Add New 4. Enter Label (e.g. nonprofit resume) 5. Select Document Type 6. Choose file (PDFs preferred) 7. Click Submit
To Set Up A Job Alert 1. Click Jobs 2. Click Hire-a-Muskie Jobs 3. Use Search or Advanced Search - If you only want to see jobs for specific majors, use Advanced Search and click Add to specify major(s) 4. Once results appear, click Saved Searches 5. Enter Title (e.g. PR internships, on-campus jobs) 6. Select Email Frequency 7. Select “yes” or “no” for new results only 8. Click Save
Explore the system, and meet with a career coach if you’d like one-on-one assistance 4
Your Future Today
Spring Career Fair Tuesday, February 21, 2017 2 - 5 p.m.
Banquet Hall 1, Cintas Center Tuesday, February 14 • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 15 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, February 16 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, February 17 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, February 20 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
In Fall 2016
2,500+
Employers in Hire-A-Muskie
87%
of employers
thought Xavier students made a positive impression at the Fall Career Fair
86%
of employers
thought the resumes at the Fall Career Fair were of high caliber The Career Development Office had
1,084
coaching appointments in fall semester
Career Development Office
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HOW TO DRESS FOR THE
NEAT and
trimmed facial hair
CONSERVATIVE
tie
professional HAIRSTYLE
modest
conservative
pants/skirt + jacket
coordinated
Dark socks & dark dress shoes
LIGHT
MAKE UP
BLOUSE
skirt hemline
cLose-To-Knee
(watch slit)
white long sleeve COLLARED SHIRT OR color coordinated with suit
conservative
suit-dark
no
cologne or perfume
(blue, gray, black)
short, trimmed nails
neutral nail polish IF DESIRED
minimal JEWELRY
Low HeeLs
(less than 3 inches) or flat dress shoes
WHAT TO BRING: Portfolio, Copies Of Your Resume, Pen, List Of Questions LEAVE AT HOME: Backpacks, Headphones, Baseball Caps
It Is Never Too Early
To Start Looking For An
As a freshman in college, there are so many firsts that arise on our checklist, but why is it that getting an internship isn’t one of them? We are told that we should try to be ahead of the game, but for some reason, internships are left out of the equation. There’s only so much that we, as students, can learn in the classroom. I experienced this first hand. The classes at Xavier prepare us to apply the knowledge that we have learned in professional situations, but there isn’t a class that shows us exactly how to navigate those situations. Professors can try their best to create an environment that mirrors the workplace, but there are so many unpredictable factors that cannot be simulated. That is, the workplace is sometimes too unpredictable to imitate. So what is it that we can do to avoid the shock of going into the workplace? We can apply for internships, and the earlier, the better. Looking for internships in your freshman and sophomore years allow for a less stressful experience. If an interview doesn’t go well, there is still time for you to find another. I personally found that the first internship is the most confusing and rewarding experience. The workload was different than what is required in a classroom setting, communication is key, and going the extra mile is something that is expected. There was never a moment where I felt that I wasn’t learning something new. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that it never hurts to start networking early.You can never be sure how a connection with a professional in your field can help you. I was personally terrified of this part of the internship process, but as I said before, the more you put yourself in these situations the more comfortable you become with them. Does this sound a little repetitive? It’s because I firmly believe that the reason why students should look for internships is for the professional practice. The more we expose ourselves to professional interactions the more comfortable we become, and as a result we will be able to deliver our best work and put our best foot forward. Above all of these lessons, I was able to learn more about myself through my internship. I was able to figure out when I work my best and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I believe it’s important to know these things about ourselves so we can become better employees. So next time you find yourself wondering if you should be looking for an internship as a freshman or a sophomore, I encourage you to take a chance. Internships are a lot more than just work experience; they are a chance to learn more about yourself and the world around you.
Written by Meredith Bruno Advertising & Public Relations, ‘19
Career Development Office
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Getting Involved
An Interview with Andy Beniana
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Your Future Today
Emily Moores (EM): What made you decide to get involved as a first year? Andy Beniana (AB): Deciding to get involved as a first year student was one tough decision. I say this because I thought it was going to be difficult to balance academic and social life. However, I made the right choice because I formed an enduring friendly relationship with my peers in my respective organizations. Since I participated in organizations, I have been able to connect with faculty members and class peers. Because of that encounter, it made my Xavier experience illuminate. EM: How did you decide what student organizations to get involved with? AB: Deciding which organization to get involved in was not too difficult because I wanted to join organizations similar to the clubs I joined in high school. I also wanted to join clubs that would help me connect with students, faculty members and university resources. EM: What is the most important lesson you have learned from these experiences? AB: I learned two important lessons from my experiences. They are the following: join an organization that is relevant to your major, and do not join more than three organizations. I learned these lessons when my time at college began to manifest. It is very difficult to offer the same amount of commitment if you are a member of more than one organization, especially if you hold multiple leadership roles. Therefore, sacrifices have to be made in order to compensate. In the end, I found that a majorrelated organization can help unravel your passion. It is also a great way to meet aspiring individuals with similar interests as you. EM: How do you manage your time? AB: Frankly speaking, time management was a difficult challenge to overcome. I say this because
high school and college are very different, yet similar, entities in terms of how students utilize their time. In high school, I was a student-athlete. I played football, track and field, and wrestled. In addition to my athletic life, I was a heavy participant in choir and participated in clubs that interested me, such as chess. As a studentathlete, I was well aware of the fact that active participation in extracurricular activities would take an enormous amount of my time. Because of that awareness, I gave precedence to matters that needed my attention. In other words, I had to prioritize what work needed to be done so that I did not stretch myself too thin. As a result, I was able to utilize my time effectively. I also developed a habit of writing important information down in my planner as friendly reminders. I concurrently use this approach as a second-year student. I am currently a resident assistant along with my two leadership roles as president of National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and vice president of university relations for Accounting Society. Therefore, I need to develop a style of keeping track in order to meet deadlines and experience an almost stress-free college life. EM: What advice do you have for your fellow students? AB: Participate in organizations that interest you. If an organization has “somewhat� of an interest to you, it is better to give it a try than not. The reason is that it will help you to get out of your comfort zone, and therefore allow you to connect with wonderful individuals. Employers also love to see students get involved on campus, because the students are demonstrating great uses of their time while at school. Organizational participation assists students in uncovering their passions. Interview by Emily Moores
Development Coordinator, CAIN-Churches Active
Need to talk with a career coach about leveraging your extracurricular experiences on your resume? Make an appointment through www.hireamuskie.com
Advice for
EDUCATION MAJORS Mackenna Rife
Major at Xavier: Early Childhood Education Graduation Date: May 2016 Current Job: Kindergarten Teacher at Omaha Public School District
Don’t be afraid to ask questions- EVER. Every teacher has been in your position, and they are there to help you! Be patient and ask for help, but most of all, have fun!
Erin (McGrail) Fry
Major at Xavier: Early Childhood Education, 4-5 generalist endorsement Graduation Date: May 2011 Current Job: Third Grade Teacher at Ross Local Schools
Spend some quality time on your resume and have someone else proofread it for you. A strong resume will really help your chances of getting an interview. Do your research: find out all that you can about the districts where you are looking to apply. In most interviews, they will ask you why you are specifically interested in their district. Apply with the consortium, and don’t limit yourself to one specific district.You may find a job you love in an unexpected place. Go to the Xavier career fair (Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky Education Career Fair). It is a wonderful place to network and get some initial interviews. Be calm, confident, personable and professional. Good luck as you start your job search!
Kerri McGrail
Major at Xavier: Mild/Moderate Special Education & Minor in Deaf Studies Graduation Date: May 2016 Current Job: Intervention Specialist at Riverview Elementary School
Be patient. Start the job search and preparation as soon as you can.Work on your resume and references as soon as possible. Have Xavier help you with the process, because they have your best interest at hand. Be optimistic and be yourself.You will get a job and be so happy!
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Your Future Today
Finishing my senior year at Xavier, just like many of you, I thought I had my road forward all figured out. My degree in finance was about to be completed. I had interned extensively with a major company. I could see my career path lighting up with them, one step leading upwards to the next, right in my mind’s eye. At that point, I never heard of a company called Protective Life, and I’m certain I wouldn’t have believed it if someone suggested that I would be working for them for the next 12 years (and counting). That experience is worth keeping in mind as you attend Xavier’s career fair. As you’ve surely learned throughout college, things rarely go exactly as planned. Approaching what is ahead with an open mind is often the better approach. Protective Life turned out to be an ideal fit for me, even as I was unaware of who they were. When I got their offer in the summer after my Xavier graduation, I became just the 18th employee in their Cincinnati office. (We now have more than 100 employees in our sales and marketing office.) It literally took two weeks before I had a desk chair I called my own! In leading our sales team at Protective Life, I’ve come to believe there are three points that ought to be priorities for job seekers looking for the best fit - identify a job you are passionate enough about that you look forward to getting out of bed and heading there every morning, make sure that same position leverages your talents and, finally, be sure that career growth opportunities are part of what the employer has to offer. In 12 years, I’ve moved up through the ranks nine times - only two of those jobs had previously existed before I moved into them. That brings me to another point worth sharing – successful business leaders need to be confident they can operate in environments filled with ambiguity and white space. Today’s business world requires flexibility and creativity. Protective Life is a growing company that offers opportunities. We’ll turn 110 years old this year, and as of 2015, became a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, Japan’s second largest life insurance company. I visited Japan in October, where I found myself on stage in front of 2,000 international colleagues and shaking hands with our CEO, who is the leader of the 10th largest life insurance company in the world. That moment seemed a long way from what I was envisioning during my final Xavier days, but it speaks to the advantages of keeping your options open. If you’d like to know more about what Protective Life can offer today’s Xavier grads, stop by and talk to us at the career fair.You might just find your eyes opened to a path of your own you didn’t expect. Written by Aaron Seurkamp, ‘04 Finance | Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer | Protective Life Corp. Career Development Office
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Securing the
Right Experiences Olafare Olagbaju ‘16 is a Xavier economics alumnus whose active community participation earned him two immediate job opportunities as an organizing fellow with the Ohio Democratic Party and a yearof-service client advocate for the Cincinnati branch of Saint Vincent de Paul. Olagbaju found that volunteering and getting involved with campus activities helped him meet influential people. As an international student from Nigeria, he first earned a position on the board of African Students Association and became a Manresa orientation volunteer. He was later introduced to a student who encouraged him to participate in Xavier’s Student Government Association. Their three-member team ran a successful campaign and won the overall student election for president, vice president and secretary in 2015. Olagbaju currently works in the social services department of Saint Vincent de Paul. He splits his shifts between 20 hours as a client advocate in the office and 20 hours in the community as a co-leader for a program called “Getting Ahead.” Olagbaju serves as a supportive counselor who searches for factors that may affect an individual’s situation, and he explores resources to help that person. He advises students to keep an open mind when considering job opportunities and make sure their experiences align with particular career interests. “As long as you work hard to find an opportunity that challenges you and offers a chance for personal growth, don’t be afraid to approach it,” Olagbaju said. “Ultimately, make sure that whatever you sign up to do is the right fit for you and a successful career.”
Interested in a Political Career? Meet with a career coach to discuss your options. www.hireamuskie.com
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Your Future Today
Written by Emily Linginfelter Public Relations, Advertising & Digital Media, ‘17 2016-17 Communications Intern
Three Principles of a Career Launch Imagine starting a political career right before the 2016 presidential election. For Xavier political science and public relations graduate Abbie Sumbrum’16, this became a reality! Sumbrum has always been influenced by the public sector of government. Her father worked as a city firefighter and her mother was a crossing guard for Buffalo, NY. Growing up in a civil life, she learned the importance of active participation and community service, and this grew into a lifelong fascination in political science. As a case worker for Congressman Brad Wenstrup, Sumbrum assists constituents who need help with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, Medicare or Medicaid. She answers people’s concerns and brings their voices to Congress so they can receive action. “My career is an rewarding experience, because I have the opportunity to communicate with the public and see how contributions of government can bring something positive into their lives,” Sumbrum said. Sumbrum offers this advice: 1. Be involved with Xavier’s support system“Develop your relationships and have them sustainespecially with your professors. There is no one else who will push you harder or encourage you to follow your dreams. I also participated in a Xavier program called TriO, which offers support to first-generation college students. They made me realize my potential and strengthened my determination to succeed.” 2. Participate in the Mentor program- “I was initially afraid to network, but once my mentor introduced me to different professionals, I learned from their career insights and make adjustments to my plans.” Learn more about the Mentor Program at xavier.edu/mentor 3. Receive real-world experience- “I cannot stress the importance of internships. Explore areas outside of your major’s general workplaces. I had about six-to-seven internships during my four years, and they helped me narrow down the work experiences that I enjoy.” Written by Emily Linginfelter Public Relations, Advertising & Digital Media, ‘17 2016-17 Communications Intern
Career Development Office
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HOW DO YOU FIND A CAREER ABROAD?
GOINGLOBAL 1. Log into your Hire-A-Muskie account (www.xavier.edu/hireamuskie) using your Xavier username and password. 2. Under the ‘Shortcuts’ section on the right hand side, click on ‘Going Global’ at end 3. Create a Going Global account. 4. Using Going Global to search for international internships and jobs and research specific countries. 5. For additional assistance, make an appointment with a Career Development Office career coach through www.hireamuskie.com.
Musketeers! Be part of our first generation in Norwood.
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Your Future Today
The choice to live and work abroad has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Because I had to work to support myself and my tuition at Xavier, I was unable to pursue study abroad opportunities. It hurt me for so long, because I fell in love with a culture and wasn’t able to explore it. I made the decision that I wanted to travel after graduation. With the assistance of Xavier faculty and the Career Development Office, I was able to find not only a good company, but one that was in Japan. After years of being fascinated with the art, history, culture and language, I wanted to experience the country. I made the decision to teach English to children through a company called Amity. My time in Japan has been amazing, and I absolutely love it here. Every day is a new adventure. Maybe you have studied abroad, perhaps even had a gap year. However, living and working abroad is different.You get to see everything about a country; things that are great as well as things that are not. It’s all worth it though, because the benefits outweigh the risks. There are many benefits to working abroad. These include the building of self-reliance, becoming a better human being, immersion in the local language and culture, other foreigners you can meet, and it adds value to your existence. When you live abroad, there is no one there to take care of you. Sure, you will probably have friends, but if you aren’t careful and spend all of your money, no one will be there to save you. After a few times, Mom and Dad probably won’t save you, either. Budgeting won’t just be for special needs, but will become a part of your survival strategy as you try to balance travel and responsibility. Once you get used to budgeting, you will be able to focus on other things. Things such as the new culture that you are living in. The foreign signs and shops line the street. If you live where there is a train, the stations are all different and unique. In Japan, transportation is amazing; trains are timely and clean. People follow a social order and are relatively calm. There is also the Shinkansen, which can be comparable to an airplane without the ability to fly. It can go hundreds of miles in just a few minutes. The gourmet foods that you eat at a Japanese restaurant in America are everyday meals here. Convenience stores are truly convenient here. Things like this are easily accessible on weekends and holidays. I think living abroad could be the answer to prejudice and social injustice in the world, simply because you are a minority. It’s written all over you, with the way you walk, talk and interact with people. You will stand out. Living in a smaller city or town increases these observances. It could be the constant glances from people passing by, waiting longer in line, or even being laughed at by cashiers. This may seem unpleasant, but this experience creates more compassion and empathy for people who are different.You are literally walking in their shoes. When
you know how it feels, you become more aware of your actions. Through this exposure, you could become a better person. Studying the local language becomes easier in a foreign country. Just like an infant, you are exposed to the language every day. If your goal is becoming fluent, this is possible. With time, you will get to hear the different dialects of the language and be able to know what everyone has to say. Being able to order pizza, catch a taxi or talk to a coworker in their native language is pretty awesome and adds to the experience. Even with things being new and foreign, chances are you are not alone. Even in a small town, you are in no way the only foreigner there. Maybe you haven’t spotted them yet, or don’t know where they gather. However, just like you, there are others who want to travel, too. There are many reasons people choose to live and work abroad, and because of this, you won’t just meet other Americans.You will meet many foreigners who may be British, French, German, Spanish or Australian. Even though you come from different places, your experiences will be similar.You’ll hear about stories and experiences and become more fascinated with the world. Ideas will be planted in your mind, and you’ll look forward to unexpected adventures. Not only that, but when you feel homesick, these people will be essential to your health and happiness. Being abroad is such a wonderful thing. It makes life slow down, and for good reasons. If you believe that you were born to do more than pay bills and die, living abroad may add value to your life. It will change you.You will never be the same, nor will you want to be. The connections you make can last as long as you want them to. Traveling becomes a part of your soul and enriches your life in ways you didn’t think it could. That is why living abroad is so beneficial; it gives back your life in return. Many people put off travel until they are much older and retired. This is great, too, but there are no guarantees in life. As a younger person, you may have more bodily strength to handle the hiking and mountains. You’ll have more endurance to go further in less time. You’ll remember it better and have fewer regrets, and if you are lucky, you may even find love. Living and working abroad has been an amazing experience for me. Living in Japan is amazing, and I recommend this experience to anyone. Sure, there is prejudice in the world. However, it’s all part of the experience of living in a foreign country. If anything, it should make you more compassionate towards others. Through this experience, I have learned to become more self-reliant and directed. My language skills have also improved, and I’m now able to understand the language in different contexts. I have met all sorts of people and learned more about the world. As of now, living abroad is something I will continue to do. I really don’t see an end to this adventure, and I encourage you to begin an adventure of your own. Written by Blair Millicent Brauch, ‘14 Liberal Arts Amity English Teacher Career Development Office
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Incredible Ways
to Boost Self-Efficacy
I think I can, I think I can… Entering your job or internship search can be daunting. There are a vast number of industries, companies and jobs to explore, each with their own unique culture and responsibilities. As the career fair nears, there are a number of strategies you can employ, but at the root of the whole process is your self-efficacy. What is self-efficacy? Self-efficacy is your confidence in your ability to be successful at any given task. It is the little voice in the back of your head saying “I’ve got this.” As you enter your job or internship search, having low or high self-efficacy can influence what positions you pursue or even which employer tables you are comfortable approaching during the fair. Self-efficacy can be affected by a number of factors, including your past performance, encouragement from others, and interactions with mentors and role models.
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Your Future Today
If you often find yourself feeling uneasy about your ability to be successful in a job or internship, there are a number of things you can do to build your self-efficacy, making you more likely to initiate your job search, find a position and stay in that position once hired. 1. Get feedback from a current or former supervisor. Most positions have some sort of review process. If you never had a performance review, ask your supervisor if you can do one or simply sit down to talk about your strengths and areas for improvement. This can help build your self-efficacy, because your supervisor might tell you some strengths that you did not realize you had.Your strengths can help you articulate your skills when asked by an employer. When given areas for improvement, try thinking of small steps you can take to be better in the future. 2. Conduct informational interviews with those whose career paths interest you. Informational interviews have a number of benefits in the career development process. The most obvious is building a network of professional contacts. However, informational interviews can also help you clarify your own career goals and build self-efficacy. Many students feel that everybody else has it all figured out, but through informational interviews, you will find that many people struggled to find their path and build their own self-efficacies. By
connecting with others, you will hear many things that resonate with your own experience and values and make you feel more confident in your abilities. 3. Think back to a time you felt you were doing great work. What made you feel successful? What skills were you using that might be transferable to the positions or industries for which you are exploring? Reading through position descriptions can be a very intimidating part of the search process because there may be a number of things with which you do not have direct experience. However, transferable skills play a huge role in the candidates employers hire. Your experience can come from a job, internship, or even campus involvement. By breaking those big responsibilities into smaller pieces, you can build your self-efficacy and feel more confident in your search. In closing, it is important to be aware of your self-efficacy in the job and internship search. Although it can be a difficult process, feeling confident in your skills, talents and experience will take a lot of the pressure off and make you more marketable to employers. For assistance with any of these strategies to build self-efficacy, schedule an appointment with a Career Coach in the Career Development Office. Written by Nichole Arbino
Career Coach, Career Development Office
Career Development Office
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Making the Most of Your
Cultural Strengths As a recent college graduate, there were a lot of factors that played into my decision of where to begin my career: pay, work/life balance, community involvement and diversity were all important considerations. Why diversity? As a young, Hispanic female, I wanted to join a corporation that was progressively moving. This was extremely important to me since I wanted to work at a company that was not only inclusive, but also culturally-aware. Diversity isn’t just race, gender and/ or ethnicity. Your life experiences, values and morals are all considered dimensions of diversity - gathering different perspectives to a problem is essential for long-term business success. I chose to accept a position with CDK Global, the leading global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. I hit the ground running as an HR Specialist at CDK Global once I graduated with a Human Resources Management degree from DePaul University (Chicago, IL). At CDK, I work on a team that ensures our company is fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Since our company serves more than 100 countries, embracing the entirety of cultures, people, thoughts and ideas is critical to commercial success. This commitment starts at the very top. Four of ten directors on the company’s board are women or minorities, including Board Chair Leslie Brun. To ensure that a commitment to diversity is fully embedded in the company’s actions, CDK established a Corporate Responsibility Council in 2015. Comprised of senior executives, the CRC implements and sustains successful diversity, inclusion and community-investment practices. CDK has established eight Business Resource Groups (BRGs): company-sponsored, employee-led groups that allow employees to take action and address common interests, issues and concerns. The BRGs also act as strategic partners, providing input on business issues
and opportunities. Because of this hard work, a 2016 employee engagement pulse survey presented that 80% of respondents believe that CDK Global is committed to diversity and inclusion within the business. Selecting a potential employer that values diversity means you need to know how to market your own diversity. When I was in college, it was challenging for me to market my dimensions of diversity to an employer. I knew I had some cultural strengths that I wanted to discuss in an interview, but I also didn’t want to reveal too much about my personal identity. I’ve figured out a few ways that you can market your diversity to an employer without being too personal: • Do you know a foreign language? Make sure to list your competency levels on your resume. • Have you been involved in a culturally diverse project? If you worked on a team, emphasize your teamwork and “cross-cultural communication” skills. • Have you studied or traveled abroad? Include leadership experiences along with any course projects that you have been involved in. • Have you volunteered at a charity? Whether it’s volunteering at your local church or mentoring grade school children, your leadership and communication skills all come into play through your volunteer experience. These are just a few examples of ways that you can turn your life experiences and values into skills and strengths. As you dig deep for skills that make yourself attractive to an employer, you may already have some transferrable cultural strengths that can give you a competitive edge. I encourage you to think about the ways that you can take your life experiences and cultural competence to another level. It may take some time to think about, but once you’ve figured it out an elevator pitch, you’ll radiate with confidence because you’re not hiding your true identity.
Written by Cynthia Blanco
HR Specialist in Corporate Responsibility, CDK Global
February 17, 2017 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cintas Center Need help searching or applying for positions with an organization participating in the reception? Make an appointment with a career coach (www.hireamuskie.com) Career Development Office
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MACKENZIE TURNER
PJ DUFFY
What was your primary role as an intern? Marketing Communications Intern: • Edited and created email, newsletter and collateral templates • Executed and tracked email marketing campaigns • Created and modified logos and banner advertisements • Benchmarked for tradeshow opportunities • Organized and segmented client data using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software based on primary job function and industry • Attended meetings pertinent to CRM system restructure and website redesign
What was your primary role as an intern? I primarily worked with the sales and marketing functions. Most of my time was spent working on projects related to lead generation, marketing automation and CRM management. This meant that I got to be a middle man between the sales team and the marketing efforts that brought new business.
How did you contribute to the organization? Projects varied throughout this internship. One day, I’d be editing a logo for our Platinum-rated operators. The next, I could be creating a sample of an eNewsletter template for the PRISM vice president to send information to his subscribers. The next week, I could be restructuring client information in our CRM system for better segmentation for email marketing changes. Following that, contacting 3D printing services for tradeshow opportunities. If there was something I could be working on, or something new to learn, I would be ready for the opportunity. Our office always had lots of things going on, and you have to be able to step up, put out today’s fires and continue with the project you were working on to keep up with the pace.
What key attributes made you successful? Being open to trying new things and realizing that there is always something new to learn.
Marketing Class of 2016
Marketing & Entrepreneurship Class of 2015
How did you contribute to the organization? I believe my biggest contribution was my openness to work on whatever was needed from me. I was eager, curious and took projects just to learn how stuff worked.
What are some key lessons you’ll take away from this experience? There is always someone smarter than you. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel just to look like you’re working hard. Sometimes the answers to the most difficult problems can be found if you’re willing to ask the right person a question. There is also a lot of satisfaction from working on things your way and not following instructions from start to finish (if the company, like mine, is willing to let you work this way).
Xavier students gain real world experience working as interns
KRISTOPHER ANTHONY
Master of Business Administration Class of 2017 Where did you hear about this opportunity, and what/ who contributed to your being hired? I learned about the consultant opportunity from the listing of opportunities on Hire-A-Muskie. What contributed to me being brought aboard was that the team was looking for someone with a background in chemistry. With my undergraduate degree in chemistry and prior experience working in the chemical field, it was the perfect fit. How did the Xavier Career Development Office and its services help you along the way to achieve this accomplishment? The Xavier Career Development Office has been very supportive in my endeavors. The Career Development Office refreshed my resume and assisted with necessary cover letters for job opportunities. Xavier’s Career Development Office put me in the position to put my best foot forward, and it has paid off tremendously. What advice do you have for students as they gear up for their job/internship search? Some advice that I have for students getting ready to pursue jobs is to visit Xavier’s Career Development Office. Get your resume refreshed and cover letters ready for recruiters. Network with individuals and companies, because you never know who may know someone that can assist you with your endeavor. Last but certainly not least, always say thank you and send a thank you card to interviewers for taking time to get to know you. Polite professionalism goes a long way while starting your career.
Career Development Office
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Inside Look:
Working for Disney Ashley Arndt ‘16 is a Xavier public relations and advertising alumna who recently earned two internships with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. How did you learn about the opportunity to work with Disney? I learned about the opportunity through word of mouth while visiting Walt Disney World. During a vacation, I noticed a cast member had a college listed on her nametag instead of a city where she was from. I asked her what that meant, and she explained to me that she was participating in a Disney College Program. This internship opportunity allows college students or recent graduates to work at the Disney Parks while earning college credits. Please describe your current role as an employee for Disney. How did you earn the position? I’m currently participating in my second Disney College Program Internship. My role is at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and I am a fairy godmother in training. All Disney College Program participants go through the same application process. We apply online, take a personality profile and complete a phone interview with a cast member. What responsibilities and tasks are involved with your internships? During my two internships at the Walt Disney World Resort, I was responsible for upholding the Disney name in each and every guest interaction. I have worked at multiple locations around the resort, and each themed location requires different language, behaviors and costumes. My key task is upholding the magic at Disney for all the guests traveling from all over the world. What advice do you have for students as they gear up for their job/internship searches? Network, network, network! Use the career center at Xavier and work with your professors to decide what is the best fit for you! Use all of your resources at Xavier, too. Every student should be working with their advisor to establish goals that align with their major’s requirements. Everyone at Xavier wants the students to succeed, but it is up to the student to take the initiative and use the resources! Interview by Emily Linginfelter Public Relations, Advertising & Digital Media, ‘17 2016-17 Communications Intern
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Your Future Today
LETTER FROM A
Career Coach
Dear Students, I write to you begging you to come visit us. While visiting a Career Coach may not be on your top five list of things you look forward to this semester, we can promise you will leave with a better sense of where you are, where you might go, and what you can do now so as to be the best candidate upon graduation. While it may be easier for me to write you yet another email reminder, I would much rather SEE YOU! You have so much to offer.You know that. We know that. How to get to wherever it is that you are going, however, may take some work and support. After all, while classes are important, preparing for success in the future will require more than just learned knowledge, and that’s where my colleagues and I can help. We are not scary and generally pretty relaxed. We do not judge your career goals, whether you know them or not. Full disclosure, my major was undecided (exploratory) the first four years (yes four!) of my undergraduate life. It’s more common than you think and, frankly, it’s okay. I could rattle off the list of things we can assist with, from resume help, to the job and internship search, to deciding a major, to salary negotiations and more. The thing is, though, you can look that up on our website, and you are taking a step just by reading this letter. The next step is coming in. We have walk-ins Monday through Friday, which are 15-minute sessions and do not require an appointment. Want to meet longer? Schedule an appointment through Hire-a-Muskie. We also host the career fairs, info sessions, presentations and more. Last, do not be shy or embarrassed to come in. I mean, let’s break it down and really look at our name: Career Development Office. It’s the development portion I want you to examine. We know there is a process, and everyone comes and goes at their own speed. Figuring out what you want to do and/or finding the right position can be scary. So enlist our help. That’s what we love to do, and we want to help you with it. I look forward to seeing you soon! Andrea Mersmann Assistant Director and Advisor, Career Development Office
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Thank you to our
SPONSORS
STAFF 2017 Career Coaches Heather Deters Nichole Arbino Barbara Turner-Michaelson Andrea Mersmann Rita Stall Beth Zink Darian Richardson
Special Events Valarie Jacobsen
Mentor Program April Robles Sarah Brinker-Good
Student Employment Vicki Clary
Front Desk Liz Tussey Nadia Logan
Want to make an appointment with the Career Development Office? Use your Xavier username and password to sign into www.hireamuskie.com.