February 23, 2016
2 - 5 p.m. at the Cintas Center
WORKING IN RESEARCH Career Development Office 1
contents
FEATURES
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Hire-A-Muskie
Need help finding the employer profiles? Want to connect with employers before stepping foot into the Cintas Center? BY EMILY MOORES
9 Career Development Office 530 Conaton Learning Commons 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-1161 www.xavier.edu/career 513.745.3141 cdo@xavier.edu
Why the Diversity Reception Should be a Part of Your Career Plan The Diversity Reception is an excellent venue to network with employers.
BY NICHOLE SIMS, TALENT ACQUISITION MANAGER , ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR
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Court to Conference Room Erik Stenger uses skills gained as a student-athlete in his current position at Fifth Third Bank. BY REDMOND MILLERICK
The CDO provides developmental & comprehensive career directed services to all Xavier students & alumni in contributing to Cura Personalis & Magis. Spring Career Fair 2
Thank you to our
SPONSORS
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Beyond the Business Suit
Katie Philo works as an undergraduate research assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation. BY EMILY MOORES
CAREER TOPICS 5 Career Fair Prep Events 6 First Year & the Career Fair 7 Your Search Begins 10 DarJanae Hopper, Xavier Alum 11 Transferable Skills 14 Importance of a Thank You 16 Networking Tips for Introverts 17 Career Fair Pitch 21 Working your Way to the Top 22 Mentor & Mentee Perspective 23 Tips from the Director
ON COVER: Katie Philo in the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation lab. Photo courtesy of Katie Philo.
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You can find a listing of employers attending the Spring Career Fair on Hire-A-Muskie, and you can also use this technology to get noticed before the fair, create a strategy to navigate the tables, and stand out to employers. Log into Hire-A-Muskie at www.hireamuskie. com or take advantage of the portable option by downloading the app. Search the app store for “Careers by Symplicity.” Learn who is coming and begin your research by browsing the employer listings in Hire-A-Muskie. Employers may continue signing up as late as the week before the fair, so keep checking the list. Each employer lists their logo, job position types and desired majors. Many employers will also post job openings before the fair. Follow links to browse the organizations’ websites and learn more about their values and mission. If you need assistance finding employers who would be a good fit to meet at the fair, you can also use Hire-A-Muskie to make an appointment with a career coach. The ‘Top Ten’ feature in Hire-A-Muskie is a great tool to connect with employers before you step foot into the fair. This feature allows you to send your
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resume directly to your favorite employers. Before you select your Top Ten and send out your resume, have a career coach or employer proofread your resume, then visit Hire-A-Muskie’s “Documents” to update your default resume. On the next page, read about upcoming Career Fair Prep events, which are prefect for polishing your resume and impressing employers. Don’t know which employers to speak to first? Hire-A-Muskie’s map feature will give you the table layout of the career fair. The ‘Top Ten’ employers you selected will be starred, helping you to navigate the tables. Try to speak with the employers you are most interested in first. However, if they have a long line, move on to the next table. At this past career fair, more than 50% of the career fair employers had five or more job openings. Standing in a long line may prevent you from additional opportunities. Speak to an employer who was not on your Top Ten? You can send them a copy of your resume digitally through Hire-A-Muskie. Technology makes connecting easy, but it is still a good idea to bring hard copies of your resume to the fair.
Career Fair Prep Events WITH EMPLOYERS & COACHES
Monday, February 15 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, February 16 February 17 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
As a first year student entering Xavier, a wave of fear, anxiety, and excitement washed over me as I began my college education. In my mind, these four years, are crucial in developing a successful future in the real world. It is never too late to take the first steps on your path toward a fulfilling post-graduate career. Understanding the basics of career development helps to provide you with important stepping stones to greater internships and jobs. As opportunities for resume building and career coaching are announced, you may be wondering, “Where do I start?� The first stop on the road to career success begins with making yourself known. Xavier provides many chances for students and alumni to create long-lasting impressions on future employers. Stopping by the
Thursday, February 18
Friday, February 19
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, February 22 10 a.m -4 p.m.
Career Fair Prep Events with Employers and Coaches (times and dates above) gives students the opportunity to make a great first impression. Next, a great career begins with a smart outfit. Dress for the job you want! However, merely looking sharp and having a resume does not lessen the stress of the job search. Attending the daily walk-ins with a career coach can help to alleviate your worries. Our staff are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding proper dress, interview etiquette, and resume building. Our doors are always open, so feel free to stop by! Written by Mary Elizabeth DeWitt, Class of 2019
You may have heard a faculty member or upperclassman talk about the career fair, encouraging you to attend. A career fair? As a first year student? At first glance it may seem odd, but it’s not as strange as it sounds. Below are just a few reasons why you should consider spending some time at the Spring Career Fair. LEARN HOW A CAREER FAIR WORKS. Fairs are big, loud, and full of people. For many, this can feel overwhelming. By spending some time at the career fair when you are not as concerned about landing that dream job, the atmosphere feels much less intimidating. This will help you feel more prepared in a year or two.
CONVINCED? If you’re all in, there are a number of steps you can (and should) take to prepare before you set foot in the Cintas Center. • If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to craft your resume. This important professional document will evolve throughout your time at Xavier, and taking the time to build one now will make it much easier to enhance down the road. • Research companies that are of interest to you. You won’t have a lot of time to interact with any one, single employer, so by knowing what you want to ask them in advance, you will be able to make the most of your time. • Practice talking about yourself and your interests, especially if this doesn’t come natural to you (like a lot of us!). • Finally, dress the part! Make sure you look like your most polished, professional you. Dress suggestions can be found at…. (can we put a link here?)
BEGIN BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS. LAND A JOB! There are some employers looking to hire first year students, either during the school year or for the upcoming summer. Who knows what opportunity you might discover by spending an afternoon at the fair?
The Career Development Office can help you with any Career Fair prep questions you may have. Stop by for a walk-in appointment or schedule with a career coach.
Written by Jen Droege, Senior Assistant Director, Goa: First-Year Co-Curricular Program
T U O B A S U O V R E N G IN L E E F ? IR FA R E E R A C E H T G IN D N E ATT
After spending summer 2015 as an intern, Madeline Martini has advice for first years looking for summer internships.
First Year is challenging enough - choosing a major, taking intensive courses, joining new clubs, finding your friend group, and doing laundry without mom. It can all seem to be a bit much at first, and the last thing on your mind is the job you will get after graduation. In reality, that should be the first thing on your mind, so in four years you can walk into the doors of a company with at a job you love. Not wanting to live in my parent’s basement post-grad, I began my career search one month into the fall semester of my freshman year. I joined clubs related to my future professional interests, conversed with upperclassmen about their internship experiences, attended the fall career fair, and met with my career coach. I created a resume, built a LinkedIn profile, and began creating a professional network. I applied for any and every internship and program that piqued my interest, even if I felt I was not qualified. I interviewed with top companies like Comcast, JP Morgan Chase, and Verizon. I ultimately landed offers from several startups in Cincinnati and
was accepted into some amazing programs at Google, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Marketing EDGE. Programs and internships are out there for freshmen – it just takes a little more sifting. In fact, companies such as Google, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase have corporate programs tailored specifically towards freshmen. While these opportunities are competitive, they are not out of reach. Keep applying and don’t be upset over a few rejections. Remember to utilize your connections, take advantage of the Career Development Office, and apply to as many opportunities as you can! Someone has to get the internship, so it might as well be you. Now is the perfect time to begin your career and be well on your way to your dream job. Tell your mom she can create the craft room and dad can have a man-cave, because you won’t be living there! Written by Madeline Martini, Class of 2018
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. • Cintas Center
• Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • EY • Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati Spring Career Fair 8
YOUR CAREER PLAN Every employer is in the same boat. We want candidates and we want the best, which means a diverse workforce. Our plans are similar: classroom presentations, info tables and the career fair circuit. Then a new opportunity presents itself. A reception; one that is geared towards diversity. Students, here are five reasons you shouldn’t miss it. 1) Well-attended. I have attended several diversity receptions at Xavier, and each year attendance grows. As an African American female, I appreciate events that are designed specifically for me, and I would imagine students are no different. There is a camaraderie that tends to take place in the company of people like ourselves that many are drawn to., and when that event can also lead to a career it becomes even more appealing. With so many attendees you are sure to make a valuable connection. 2) Excellent keynote. Hearing the keynote’s perspective, and learning how she overcame challenges and handled situations as a diverse female, was inspiring as well as eye-opening. It is difficult to know the challenges of someone different from ourselves, but awareness can lead to understanding and effect change where needed. Afterward, I spoke with the keynote and invited her to speak in my class. She readily (and enthusiastically) agreed, and also introduced me to a colleague who had an excellent diversity presentation. This brings me to my next point. 3) Expand your network. Over the years I have been able to build relationships with other recruiters and learn about their hiring needs. If I don’t have anything compatible for a student, I direct them to other companies when I can. The bigger my network, the more opportunities I have to do that. As a member of a couple of organizations with a diversity focus, this information is invaluable. This network will help you tremendously. You never know when one connection will lead to another and, ultimately, a great internship or job opportunity.
4) Relaxed setting. Xavier students are among some of our best hires, and Career Development does a great job of preparing you for the Career Fair. Nevertheless, some of you are still a little nervous as you approach our tables and share your 30-second elevator pitch. The reception gives recruiters the opportunity to approach you and even guide the conversation, which doesn’t have to be all about work. Since the conversation doesn’t have to be rushed, we can really get to know one another. 5) More memorable. Companies speak to countless students at the fair but for some reason, the applications don’t necessarily flow in the way we expect. Since so few recruiters accept resumes these days, you might have trouble keeping up with which companies you spoke with, and how to throw your name in the hat for consideration. However, at the reception, we tend to have more memorable conversations—that is, more than a job description—and the students we speak with remember us, which leads to a larger applicant pool, and even some LinkedIn connections. That being said, students tend to remember conversations from the reception. When students remember, they apply. When you feel you know the recruiters, we hope you might even refer other candidates, thereby increasing company hires. A true win-win for students and employers. These are just a few reasons for attending the reception. If you are anything like me when I was in college, there is a certain panic that goes along with the realization that graduation is just around the corner. I would have welcomed any opportunity to build my network and make my career search easier. The Diversity Reception is that opportunity, but it doesn’t work without recruiters and all students who value diversity. We look forward to meeting you there! Written by Nichole Sims
Talent Acquisition Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Baby You Can Drive My Car
A Graduate’s Experience Working with Enterprise Finding the right career after college can be challenging. Dealing with rejections, the constant search for a good fit, and the pressure to start making money can weigh on anyone. Xavier students feel this pressure, but are given the tools to overcome, and develop a drive that can propel them forward. So, what drives you? Is it passion, desire, a need to succeed? Well for DarJanae Hopper, it’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car. DarJanae is part of the Management Trainee Program at Enterprise. As a 2015 graduate with a major in Psychology, she is learning the ins-and-outs of becoming a manager and company leader. This program is designed to train new employees in the roles of Manager’s Assistant, Assistant Manager, and finally, Branch Manager, all through a fast-paced, six-months-to-a-year design. From there, the company has different career paths from which you can choose. What’s so great about Enterprise? For DarJanae, it’s everything that comes along with the job. She is being taught how to run a business, and is set up in a company where there is room to advance. It provides competitive pay, formal training, and performance-based promotions, all which challenge her to become the best employee possible. Not only that, but it offers discounts on rentals, bonuses, and access to other brands’ services. It is a job that DarJanae is enthusiastic about, and pushes her forward in her career. Xavier University plays a part in the success of this recent grad. At XU, students are taught the importance of handling adversity, and the moral aligning of their Jesuit roots. It is these important ideas that have encouraged DarJanae to become such an excellent worker. Her work ethic comes from the high expectations that Xavier demands, causing her to go above and beyond the required sales expectations instructed by Enterprise. From the classroom and beyond, DarJanae is a true Musketeer. She embodies the Xavier spirit, and strives to rise in the ranks, using her well-rounded intellect to gain the attention of her employers. It is this tenacious attitude and the willingness to explore new paths that have gotten her this triumph. As she puts it, “The best advice that I could give to my fellow Musketeers is to be optimistic and to allow all new opportunities. To be honest, when I began my job search I didn’t know if Enterprise was going to be a good fit for me. However, after meeting with Nichole Sims, I felt this was the perfect career.” Written by Redmond Millerick, Communications Intern, Class of 2016
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DEFINING YOUR
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Let’s start by defining the term “transferable skill.” A transferable skill is a quality you use to excel in a particular job or function. You will develop a host of skills in each role, and many of them will carry over from one job to another. For example, the skills you develop as a Sales Representative may carry over when you become a Retail Floor Manager. In addition to developing transferable skills in your profession, you may also cultivate them in your social or educational environments. So how can we highlight our best qualities and transferable skills to make our resume stand out? #1: Identify common skills which many employers are seeking, including: • Communication Skills (e.g. speaking effectively, building consensus, developing rapport, listening, respective delegation, managing people or conflict) • Organizing Information (e.g. forecasting, identifying problems and developing creative solutions, defining needs and processes, time management, meeting deadlines) • Technical Skills (i.e. Microsoft, CRM, specialized hard/software, trainability and easily grasping new concepts) • Soft Skills (i.e. adaptability, team player, initiative, relates well to others, positivity)
#2: Identify specific skillsets the organization is seeking: • Review the job description. In most cases, one or more of the duties or roles will overlap with a previous professional responsibility. Pull out functional keywords from the job description that align with what you have done. • Research the organization’s mission and identify past experiences that align.
#3: Highlight your transferable skills on your resume: • Use the above-mentioned functional keywords from the job posting (e.g. collaborate, design, supervise, organize, represent) and highlight these same keywords in the role descriptions on your resume. You want the reader of your resume to see how your past experience align with the role you are seeking. Be as obvious about this as you can. • Include key accomplishments that apply to your prospective job, even if these were developed in volunteer roles. • Include measureable/quantifiable accomplishments using your transferrable skills (e.g., Upon reassignment to the retail team, increased sales by a 15% margin within 3 months).
When submitting your resume, the goal is to show the reader why you are the best candidate for the role. You should always highlight your most transferable skills as obviously as you can. This may include moving your experience so the most transferable skills are closer to the top, changing your key words to reflect a specific job in which you are applying, or even emphasizing a course/project that aligns well with the role. Your best job application results will come from submitting targeted resumes and cover letters, and if you use the strategies above, landing an offer will be in your future! Written by Rita Stall, Assistant Director
Wear clothes that fit properly - not too tight and not too baggy.
Clean and presentable clothes, and neat and clean fingernails.
Try to avoid bringing backpacks and purses.
Hair and make up should be simple and understated.
Wear classic and comfortable dress shoes.
Wear a nice pair of slacks or midlength skirt.
Keep jewelry, perfume and cologne to a minimum. Iron your clothing.
Long sleeve button-ups or a blouse. Wear neutral colors. Career Development Office 11
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC STENGER
There are a few things that make Erik Stenger a valuable asset. His skills on the court made him a formidable opponent. His business-savvy mind pushed him through his undergrad and masters programs. His ability to balance school and practice show his dedication and commitment. And his 6’8” frame makes him perfect for reaching the top shelf of the office supply room. Erik Stenger has experienced the life of a student-athlete. Starting off at Northern Kentucky University for the first two years of undergrad, he left in pursuits of more rigorous education and a stronger basketball program. He wanted the challenge, and this intensity was carried with him throughout his Xavier career. It was tough managing, however. “Being a student-athlete was a year-round job. There was no time for internships, which put me behind,” said Stenger. “In school, there were pressures to do well, and this mindset could be affected by bad games or practices. Basketball did, however, give me leverage, and provided future work.” How exactly does basketball, or any college sport, provide future work? Well, according to Stenger, it’s through the skills learned and honed on the court. Traits like competitiveness, the drive to succeed, and the confidence to know when to lead and when to fall back. “Teamwork was about personality – spending so much time together, you learn the different skills and ways to navigate. The team structure of pursuing a Spring Career Fair 12
combined goal translates into the real world, and was an easy transition.” It wasn’t only basketball that helped him in his career pursuits. As a student, Erik participated in Athletes in Action, a group that met once a week to discuss faith, school, and prayer. He mentored a student from Withrow High School, and joined the Business Leaders Alliance. Not only did this lead to enjoyment and relaxation from his hectic studentathlete schedule, but gave him the important tools to network and discuss future jobs and aspirations. Now, after graduating in 2014, Erik is leading a new team. As a participant in the Commercial Leadership Program at Fifth Third Bank, he is with 23 other people who are on a two-year rotational period. Every four months, he works with a new group within the program, experiencing different parts of the company. Where does he find the versatility to adapt to new situations? “Skills come out to play, the good skill set I learned from playing basketball. The skill sets around me differentiated, and I am surrounded by motivated, smart people who help and share their own skills.” Knowing firsthand the difficulties of being a student-athlete, Erik shares his final thoughts on overcoming the challenges. “If it is something that makes you happy, keep doing it! Interests, whether you like your current situation or not, will keep you happy.” Written by Redmond Millerick, Communications Intern, Class of 2016
Being an athlete takes a lot of hard work and dedication, especially while being in college. The lessons that can be carried into life are irreplaceable. Participating in sports at any level teaches things like time management, teamwork, commitment, leadership, passion, and a drive for success. It’s great to see young adults utilize these skills in the work place after college. It’s hard to teach these skills from the ground up, so it’s nice to see that athletes have a natural ability to transfer these skills to the professional world. As a professional that works with athletes on a regular basis, I often have a lot of advice to give young adults about preparing for life after sports. 1. Get involved in organizations and activities that interest you outside of your sport. Whether community service, shadowing a professional, joining a club or organization, or just getting out and meeting new people at every opportunity, these are all crucial to finding what you love. I truly believe in the old saying, “if you find a career you love, it will feel like you never had to work a day in your life.” 2. Forge meaningful relationships with professors, coaches, pastors, advisors, and friends. You never know how these relationships could blossom into a lifechanging experience. 3. Have patience. It’s not easy when you need a job and have loans to pay. However, it’s important to understand that most things take some time to come to fruition, and and therefore patience is often a key to success. 4. Find a life mentor. This person should be someone that you can trust with anything. They should be the person that will always tell you what you need to hear and not necessarily what you want to hear. 5. My final piece of advice is to give back. There is no greater gift then to give back to those that need it the most. Most of us would never be where we are in our careers or even our personal lives, if it weren’t for someone believing in us. So always remember to “pay it forward” like someone did for you. In closing, if you take the skills you learn as an athlete and transfer them into life after college, you will be one step closer to reaching your goals. Nothing beats hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself. Be willing to listen, learn from others, and be mindful to correct your mistakes. Stay positive and be open to change. Be ready to get back up when life pushes you down. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice. If you do these things, you are ready to step up on the podium as a winner in life!
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The Importance of a
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luxottica.jobs/career-path/undergrads
Musketeers! Be part of our first generation in Norwood.
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It is a myth that introverts disike to talk much or be around people, or that they want to be alone or are shy. Being an introvert or extrovert is actually more about where one acquires, and enjoys spending, their energy. For introverts, this is often internally. Introverts like to talk, but want the words to be meaningful. They are not necessarily shy; they just want a reason to chat. It’s not that they want to be alone; it’s that when not alone, they want sincere and authentic connections, often finding it easier and more pleasant to reach these levels with one person at a time. Many people blame being an introvert on their discomfort with networking. While that may be true, extroverts may also feel this way. For both introverts and extroverts, here are some tips to help you network at the Career Fair:
BE PREPARED
• Know who is coming, make a list, research, and take notes. Having a cheat-sheet tucked neatly into your padfolio will help in customizing your elevator pitch while not making you feel too overwhelmed. • Know your “pitch”: While your “pitch” will change with each employer, your foundation with name, major, and year will remain the same. • Quick Internet research provides information to help determine which employers align best with your career goals. Arrive early and visit your top choices while you (and the recruiters) are fresh.
VOLUNTEER OR SIGN UP FOR BACKSTAGE PASS
• Sometimes looking at something from a different angle will aid in gaining comfort. How about volunteering with the Career Development Office to escort employees or check in students? Another option is to sign up for “Back Stage Pass”. Those that are new to the Career Fair scene are invited to hear tips from employers and be given a tour of the Career Fair before it officially opens. Sign up for the Backstage Pass will take place on Hire-A-Muskie.
ASK OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS TAKE BREAKS!
• Introverts gain energy internally, so take a moment and step out of the Fair. Visit the research tables, hydrate, eat a mint, and breathe.
• Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”. An example is, “What is your favorite thing about working in this organization?” • Not only does asking questions get the pressure off of you, you can gain great information, look intelligent with your thoughtful questions, and make the person with whom you are talking feel truly valued.
HAVE AN EXIT STRATEGY
• Make sure you know what the next steps are if you are interested in the position or organization. • Thank the organization representative for their time. Make sure to make eye contact and shake hands. • Ask for a business card and/or if you can connect on LinkedIn. Whether they have a business card with them or not, make sure you know their name and title so as to send a follow up thank you email and LinkedIn connection request later. Check out our LinkedIn article at the bottom of our homepage, xavier.edu/career • After stepping away from the recruiter, stop and write down a couple notes. This will help you remember the conversation and how you feel about potentially working there. Additionally, these notes will help make your thank you emails more personalized and relevant.
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Written by Andrea Mersmann, Career Coach
Written by Andrea Mersmann, Career Coach
Approach with a handshake, smile and direct eye contact. Begin your pitch with your name, year of graduation/class, and what you are majoring in.
Share your story. Why are you interested in them? What do you have to offer? What experiences would be of interest to them?
Utilize the updated online list on Hire-a-Muskie, and then research the companies. Jot down what you notice. Perhaps use something like the “cheat sheet” below to help you organize. Fill it out and take it with you to the Career Fair. Review it before going up to the different employers.
What do you do well? What are your strengths?
Share your goal: Why are you talking with them? Do you want to know more about a position? Do you want to learn more about the organizational culture by asking about their experiences?
Always remember to customize! With each company you talk to, you’ll need to customize your experience and skills to fit the qualifications they are looking for in candidates.
Practice! While each “pitch” is customized, your intro will be the same and practicing will help you find your rhythm.
If the company isn’t hiring or are hiring for positions you are not interested in, skip this box but don’t think you shouldn’t talk with the employer. You should!
ORGANIZATION NAME
POSITION TYPE
List the experiences, skills, and strengths you have that match the company and what they seek from candidates.
WHY YOU
Why are you interested in this company? Knowing and being able to talk about the company really makes you stand apart from the other candidates.
WHY THEM
Leave this section empty until after you speak with company representatives. After you talk, step away and write any details on who you spoke with, how to apply, etc.
NOTES
THANK YOU NOTE
Use this box to remind you to write a thank you email. Make sure to follow up within 3 days.
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A senior at Xavier University, Katie Philo is a biology major aiming to use her degree. With an initial interest in genetic counseling, Katie began to look for opportunities to gain experience, and found a research position at Children’s Hospital. “The Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation is the largest pediatric research program in the Midwest, conducting basic, translational, and clinical research. Cincinnati Children’s also hosts several graduate programs in the biological sciences (MS and PhD) from the University of Cincinnati.”* Her advisor, Dr. Engle, first alerted her to this opportunity, which is paid and will last two years.
hours. At the end of her summer research internship, Katie will prepare a poster to present to the SURF student symposium. While having an internship is great for your resume, it is also a chance to reflect on what career path is best for you. For Katie, her internship with the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation changed her mind about her career path. Now, Katie has decided she wants to conduct research in a lab, with a focus on developmental biology.
“While having an internship is great for your resume, it is also a chance to reflect on what career path is best for you.”
As an undergraduate research assistant, Katie assists Stephen Trisno, an MD/PhD student from the University of Cincinnati with his research. Katie works with pluripotent stem cells – trying to grow new ones and transforming them into esophageal cells. She works with a variety of procedures and techniques, and experiential education opportunities like this are a great way to discover both what you do and don’t like to do. Through her internship, Katie realized she prefers a hands-on experience instead of a more client-facing field such as genetic counseling.
Over the summer, she will be continuing with her research in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF) while receiving 2 credit
Cincinnati Children’s has a long history of hiring Xavier students and graduates to work within the Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation - many have been admitted into the University of Cincinnati graduate programs housed at Cincinnati Children’s. We encourage XU students to utilize the Career Development Office and take advantage of their services and expertise. Cincinnati Children’s coordinates research hiring through the Career Development Office – they attend both the fall and spring career fairs and schedule on-campus interviews in the spring. According to a Children’s Hospital representative, “The combination of excellent students, faculty, and career staff is why we continue to recruit at Xavier University.” Written by Emily Moores, Communication Assistant * Children’s Hospital Representative
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Working Your Way to the Top We’ve all heard the old adage. After setting our goals, it’s time to “climb the ladder of success.” What does that mean, exactly? What does it take to put in the time, dedication, and commitment to start from step one and continue until the job is complete? Adam Brandner knows all too well that tireless process. As a 12-year employee of CDK Global, he has experienced the job at nearly every level. Every company has a different way of formatting its rungs of the ladder, ways to enable employees to climb further up the chain of command. For CDK, everything is about following the tiers of the business, growing from within. From Tier 1 Technical Support to Tier 3, Adam was able to see the growth and development of this company from all perspectives, gaining insight, developing relationships, and increasing his responsibility. Now a team manager, he has reached the point where he is hiring for the position he started in all those years ago. Adam completed his undergrad at Northern Kentucky University, receiving a degree in Computer Science. After he started working for CDK Global, the leading global provider of IT and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail industry, he quickly realized his love for the company and the importance of building yourself up as an employee. Starting in Tier 1, he was available to customers, interacting and helping communicate the service they needed, and was able to establish relationships with clients. Moving forward, he was able to advance to the second Tier, learning more about the ins and outs of programs, more advanced information, and expanding his knowledge of the industry. Upon reaching Tier 3, he was thrown into the complete technical world, putting his computer science skills to the test. He helped with coding, troubleshooting, technical writing, and collaborated with Research and Development to ensure defect fixes met expectations. This step-by-step of success doesn’t happen in just a few months. What Adam demonstrates is the importance of committing to a company, one that respects drive and pursuing career goals. Not satisfied with just his undergrad, Adam attended Xavier to achieve an MBA with a concentration in international business. The most impressive part? He attended class after work, dedicating three and a half years towards receiving his degree. He did this not only to better himself and his skill set, but to make himself a better asset for the company he enjoys so much. CDK Global, like many companies, puts importance on hiring from within and rewarding those who work hard, and want the challenge of more responsibility. There aren’t just a few steps to becoming a leader within your career, it takes strength and perseverance. Even at CDK, there are smaller steps within the different tiers, which continually challenge the employee to push and strive for greater goals. Employees like Adam Brandner. He is someone we can look towards as an example of what can happen if we set goals, strive for continued success, and push ourselves to gain the leadership positions we know we deserve. Written by Redmond Millerick, Communication Intern, Class of 2016
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PERSPECTIVE
MENTEE
PERSPECTIVE
MENTOR
Do you ever wish you knew someone who works in a career or industry which interests you and who could teach you more about it? Someone who could help you build your professional network? Someone who could mentor you through your path from classroom to career? You are in luck, because that person exists and wants to help! The Xavier University Mentor Program links students with professionals in similar industries – providing a practical application of networking skills as well as personal and professional growth for students. In the fall of my sophomore year, I did not know which business major was right for me. I didn’t think I could make that decision after only having taken a few business courses. I heard about the Mentor Program and decided to apply. I wrote on my application that I needed some guidance in choosing my major.
My interest in the Xavier Mentor Program comes from a few important life experiences. As an undergraduate preparing for my job search, I look back now and realize how I was completely unprepared to choose a career path or make a good first impression. By the grace of a solid social network and an individual who saw more potential in me than I did in myself, I found my calling. Early in my career, I was the beneficiary of some great guidance from mentors who took an active interest in my development. Today, I still lean on some of the advice and wisdom dispensed more than twenty five years ago. It was clear that I needed to share that kindness with some unsuspecting sophomore. My other motivation hits closer to home. My own children, one a recent graduate and the other a semester shy of the big day have been information sponges when not absorbed in technology, sports or
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A few weeks after my mentor selected me, he invited me to spend a day shadowing different departments of business at his office. Getting to see exactly what each different department did on a daily basis was the most beneficial way for me to figure out what I did and didn’t like about business. I found the most interest in the Marketing department and decided quickly to declare that as my major. I am so happy with my decision and grateful that I had someone to help guide me through it. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity! Apply for the Xavier University Mentor Program in the Fall of 2016! Lorene Garnier Mentoring Intern and Mentee, Class of 2017
the distraction of the day. Over the years, I shared my own hard knocks stories but knew that they would only listen to so much parental drivel. Putting them in touch with people in my peer group proved useful and timely as they started making their “real world” plans. While the downloads were similar to my own, a new voice always seemed to resonate well. Along the way, some reverse mentoring takes place, too. As I consider my organization’s workforce needs in the future, we will hire our share of college graduates. Spending a few hours a month with my mentee and seeing life from their perspective provides me with generational insights that are invaluable. To all who might consider this mentoring opportunity, I say jump in and pay it forward! Bob Capobianco Vice President of Strategy Management American Modern Insurance Group
TIPS ON BEING
Professional Using electronic methods (like LinkedIn and Hire-A-Muskie) to land a job/internship requires a different strategy than the in-person methods. Take FULL advantage of the face-to-face opportunity to connect with recruiters at XU’s Spring Career Fair by making sure you’re prepared. Even though the job market is healthy, landing your dream job or internship is still a competitive process. Employers want job candidates who are work-ready. Following these simple tips will help you make a great first impression and may even help you get an interview!
1. Smile when offering your elevator speech Did I say that these tips were simple? Smiling is certainly an easy way to showcase your confidence and approachability. These are two qualities that any employer would want in candidates. Don’t know what an elevator speech is? Ask the Xavier University Career Development Office (CDO) or perform a search online!
2. Do your research Knowing what an organization does or the types of advertised job openings they have will differentiate you from other candidates. Just as you want to be wanted as a job candidate, the organization wants you to want them. Showing what you know will highlight your aspirations. (Hint: Use the Hire-A-Muskie app to view a list of companies!) Not doing research on organizations you plan to speak with is the most common mistake of job candidates as rated by recruiters.
3. Dress professionally Sounds simple: and it is! Please remember that your goal is not to look trendy but to look professional. There’s a difference! Crisp, unwrinkled clothing, groomed hair, no overpowering perfume/cologne are some great tips. For women, nothing low-cut or short (meaning no more than 2 inches above the knee if opting for a skirt or dress). For the men, make sure your tie is tied properly, wear a belt, and socks
should be dark. When in doubt, send a pic of you attire to CDO (cdo@Xavier.edu) and we’ll give you the thumbs up or down. Don’t rely on your roommate!
4. Personal job search materials Have your marketing materials ready, such as your resume and LinkedIn profile. Stop by CDO during walk-in times to meet with a coach for editing suggestions, as CDO meets with employers all the time and we know what they like to see. Make sure to make plenty of copies of your resume but don’t be surprised if Career Fair organizations want you to also apply online. Be sure to stop by the LinkedIn Photo Booth during the fair to get a free, professional photo taken.
5. Send a thank you Sending an appreciative email or note to recruiters you met at the fair is a great way to remind them of your qualifications. During the event, ask recruiters for their business card when concluding your conversation. This ensures you have the proper spelling of their name and a contact for which to follow-up. Before leaving the fair, stop by the Thank You Card Booth. CDO has thank you cards (pre-printed and free) and we’ll even mail them for you (stamp included!). Written by Jen Franchak, Executive Director
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BECOME OUR PINCH OF SALT. You know, that special ingredient. Part-time, Full-Time and Co-Op positions available
Join our team and apply online at
BISTROGROUP.COM
Beth Bamber
YOUR PASSION. OUR INGREDIENTS. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.
Qualified is a new initiative from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion that will help underrepresented students and potential employers best leverage diversity in the workplace.
Two Upcoming Events: Diversity Reception February 16, 5:30pm at the Cintas Center Day-in-Life Trip to Macy’s Credit Customer Services February 26, 10 a.m. in Mason, OH
If you have interest in any of these opportunities please email smitht44@xavier.edu. SPONSORED BY