tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44999516776209193942009-03-11T08:34:21.823-07:00UWEC Career AdviceThis blog is set up by UWEC Career Services' students who want to share their stories about the job search process, what's going on around town, and other helpful or interesting information. Enjoy!Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-4376794612985082032009-03-11T08:25:00.001-07:002009-03-11T08:34:21.845-07:00New Career SpecialistMy name is Aria Snyder and I am a new Career Specialist at Career Services! I am currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the School Counseling Graduate program. I have been working at Career Services for about 2 months now and I love it! I am learning all about the different resources we provide students while broadening my knowledge on cover letters, resumes, and much more! From my experience with finding the right career I know it can be diffiuclt and frustrating. It took me until my junior year of undergrad to really know what I wanted to be when I "grew up". This journey took time, energy and many trips to Career Services and even a few talks with a Career Counselor. Once I realized that the path I was on was the right one pieces then fell into place and all that frustration and time was all worth it. I love school and I really enjoy my internship here at UW-Eau Claire. I hope you all have a great semester and hope your career finding journeys end with a job you love!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-437679461298508203?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-63311410189809182922008-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:002008-10-24T09:52:13.503-07:00New Career AssociateHello All-<br /><br />My name is Coryn Davis and I am a new career associate at Career Services. I am currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Next semester I will be applying for admitance to the School of Education here on campus and one of the resources that has really helped me prepare is the <em>2009 Job Search Handbook for Teachers. </em>It provided me with great examples of what a teacher's resume should look like and includes a lot of helpful information to use when looking for a job in the education field. I look forward to meeting some of you. Have a great rest of your semester!<br /><br />Coryn Davis<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-6331141018980918292?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-23626015903438817012008-09-16T09:45:00.000-07:002008-09-16T09:50:05.941-07:00Hey Students!Hello Students! My name is Mark and I am one of the new Career Associates at Career Services. I am a freshman and my major is currently social work. I am not completely certain about my major at this point, but the resources here at Career Services have already helped me to learn more things about my interests and abilities. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sigi</span> 3 was very helpful in assessing my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">current</span> skills. It gave me many different options in exploring career options with different majors.<br /><br />Hope I will see all of you soon in the Career Services Office! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!<br /><br />-Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Quamme</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-2362601590343881701?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-12487941098580111762008-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:002008-05-12T09:07:08.499-07:00Summer is here..what should I do?So this will be my last post until next fall...so I thought that I would leave you with some tips on how to fill your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">homework less</span> (is that a word? oh well!) days.<br /><br />I would first recommend continuing to use all of the programs (Ask an Alum, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sigi</span> 3, the Career Services Website, etc.) that I have listed in my previous posts.<br /><br />Second, I would recommend volunteering or getting a job that pertains to one of your interests. Though you may be undeclared, it doesn't hurt to do an activity that you enjoy. You will be building your resume and gaining experience. Who knows, maybe you will discover what you want to major in!<br /><br />Third, I would recommend making an effort to network and talk to others about their careers and college experiences. The summer months are filled <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">picnics</span>, grad parties, and family vacations-the perfect place to make yourself known. You will be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprised</span> to find how many people want to share their career with you. It might even give you some ideas of your own. A future internship may even become <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">available</span>.<br /><br />But, most of all, enjoy the summer!!!! Let the career searching begin!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-1248794109858011176?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-47196948726774291462008-05-05T13:13:00.001-07:002008-05-05T13:51:11.205-07:00Sigi 3!!!! Another answer to the major questionHey everyone!<br /><br />So far I have recommended to you the handouts and Ask an Alum and Friends..but I have yet another recommendation. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sigi</span> 3! This is another online system that enables you to look up specific majors and careers. It can be located on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UWEC</span> Career Services homepage under the "Students" link.<br /><br />Once logged in, there are a variety of options <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">available</span> for exploring your future including links titled: "Check out occupations," "See what I can do with my major," "Find a major," "Search for a school," and "Look for a job."<br /><br />Since I am thinking that most of you who are reading this blog because you are undeclared or a unsure of your major, I would recommend starting with the "Find a major" link. Under this link, is subtitle called "Occupational Info" which allows you to search by title, major, skills, interests, and even personality type. I think it is best to search under "major."<br /><br />If you are searching by major, it will ask for what College the major you are thinking of is under (Arts and Sciences, Business, etc.), which will be link you to a list of majors. Once you chose a major from the list, it will take you to a page that lists careers that "you would be well suited for," or that share interests/skills with the major.<br /><br />Once you choose a career, links will be made <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">available</span> regarding work settings, required education, income, job outlook. It even lists that type of college classes that you will have to take if you chose this major.<br /><br />I think that this resource is so helpful because it gives you a quick yet detailed guide to a job you might interested. Through using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sigi</span> 3, I narrowed my major/career choices greatly because I would see something that didn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">particularly</span> appeal to me, such as extensive education or a poor job outlook.<br /><br />Try it out! Explore your possibilities!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-4719694872677429146?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-41523743133227943792008-04-23T12:08:00.000-07:002008-04-23T12:42:52.954-07:00The next step: Ask an Alum and FriendsThe major fanatic here again. <br />So...you have narrowed down your major search to a couple of choices, now what do you do? While, Ask an Alum and Friends, of course! If you read the previous post, this program was mentioned, but I wanted to explain it to you in greater detail.<br /><br />Ask an Alum and Friends is an online system in which students, like you, can connect with Alumni who have graduated from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UWEC</span>. There are wide range of Alumni in the system, from alumni that have just graduated in the past few years to twenty or thirty years ago. The system provides the student with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alumni's</span> biography, educational history, and current job information. <br /><br />Why would connecting with Alumni matter?<br /><br />Well, because they are true examples of what people are doing after they graduate. It is great resource to see what people are doing with the majors you are considering. <br /><br />Here are the steps that I would recommend following.<br /><br />1. Go to the Career Services website: <a href="http://www.uwec.edu/career">www.uwec.edu/career</a> and click on the link: Students followed by the link: Ask an Alum and Friends. Click on Student <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Login</span>.<br /><br />2. Click on "Search for Specific <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Alumni</span>." A screen should pop up, that consists of drop down menus for a number of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">categories</span> including: Major, Minor, Industry, and City. Enter a major and/or minor you are considering and press "search." Remember: The more specific you are the less Alumni that will appear, but they may be better tailored to what you are looking for.<br /><br />3. Grad year, Job titles and employer and employment location will appear. If you are interesting in knowing more than the given information, click on "Show Detail."<br /><br />4. More detail should then appear. If this Alumni interests you, click on "Request Match."<br /><br />5. Once you request a match, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UWEC</span> Career Services will be contacted. They will then create a folder for you that contains the contact information. An email will then be sent to you to tell you to come to pick it up at our office, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Schofield</span> 230. Once you pick up the folder, you are free to contact the alumni. This is most often done by email or phone.<br /><br />*Remember that you do not have to Request a match, it is only if you want to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">receive</span> more information than is already given. However, you will not be allowed to view the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Alumni's</span> person<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">al</span> information such as phone number or email address unless you request the match* <br /><br />I would highly suggest using this resource even if you don't plan on directly contacting Alumni. By viewing examples of what people are doing with their majors after they graduate, you could narrow down your own list of majors. <br /><br />So..give it a try! It won't hurt! Good luck and enjoy this resource!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-4152374313322794379?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-44076412828266177632008-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:002008-04-23T10:38:03.689-07:00Job Search StrugglesHelp me I can't find a job!!!<br /><br />As a Career Associate at Career Services, you would think that I would be on top of finding a job before I graduate...however, I'm struggling. I've gone through all the right motions and steps to get to this point where employers with Human Resources positions should want to hire me:<br /><br />- Graduating in May 2008 with Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication<br />- Loyal employee to Career Services throughout my 4 years at UWEC<br />- Training and Development internship with Bush Brothers and Company (Bush's Baked Beans)<br />- Recruiting internship with Express Employment Professionals<br />- Executive board member of two student organizations and member of the professional<br /> organization for my major (SHRM)<br /><br />Sadly, I still can't find anything. What makes my search most difficult is that I'm relocating to another area so I can't "physically" go and meet with potential employers at the drop of a hat. So, with this blog I would like to describe the alternative methods that aren't as commonly used that I've been utilizing to find my perfect job 199 miles away.<br /><br />1. Contacted all of the staffing agencies in the area I will be relocating to incase they have available positions or know of other companies with available positions (It never hurts to have someone else helping to find a job for you; however, be aware of scams. You should NEVER have to pay money for someone to find a job for you!!)<br /><br />2. Checked all of the City of... and Chamber of Commerce websites in the area (Look for tools for job searching, lists of company names to check out, and events going on in the area)<br /><br />3. Continuously checking newspapers, Careerbuilder, Monster, Indeed, Jobs in..., etc. You never know when you might find the right job just waiting for you on the internet.<br /><br />4. Constantly networking-although it's hard from 200 miles away if people remember you're looking for a job in a specific area they will hopefully contact you or recommend you if they come across something. (TIP: because any communication is networking make sure you are always aware of the image you're portraying-it should be very professional at the least)<br /><br />5. Utilized my school's job site and other UW system school's job sites. Also, Career Services has a program called Ask An Alum-this was useful to find contacts in the area that I could do informational interviews with (Remember: informational interviews do not equal jobs; You should never <em>expect</em> to get a job from an informational interview.)<br /><br />6. Joined the area SHRM chapter (Professional organization relevant to my major). There are many of these available for every different field. It's an easy way to get involved in the community by attending meetings, events, and networking with other members.<br /><br />7. Tap into previous employers to see what connections they may have for you, especially if they are in the area you're looking to move to<br /><br />These are some of the things that I've been working on to try and find a job. As of right now, I have a phone interview next week and if that doesn't go well I'll be back on here brainstorming even more alternative ways to finding a job!<br /><br />Have a good day and good luck in your own job searches!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-4407641282826617763?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-7636369740110165212008-04-07T13:33:00.000-07:002008-04-07T14:00:05.477-07:00Major trouble?? -Career Services is a start!I am in my second semester here at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eau</span> Claire and currently undeclared. In the past year, I have went through all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">possibilities</span>-from health care administration to communication sciences and disorders. As of right now, I am thinking of majoring in social work. I think that it would be awesome to work with families and birth mothers in arranging adoptions. I feel that it would be so rewarding!<br /><br />Though I am not officially "declared," you may ask how I got to this point. Well through Career Services, of course! I started working here the second week of school and from my first day in the office I was amazed by all that it has to offer. CS has binders full of major descriptions, pamphlets and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">plenty</span> of worksheets to keep your mind buzzing!!!<br /><br />I began by looking at the list of majors that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UWEC</span> offers and putting a star next to any major or minor that I was possibly thinking of, even if it was very unlikely that would end up declaring it. From the majors that I put a star by, I grabbed the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">corresponding</span> handouts. These handouts list the benefits to earning a degree from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UWEC</span>, what type of classes that you will take, the skills you will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">acquire</span> and some of the interests and values that held by those in that major. The handout also lists organizations to get involved in as well as job titles that people with this major hold. Lastly, the worksheet gives ways in which you can learn more about the major both on campus and through other websites. All this from just one worksheet!!! <br /><br />If you are exploring majors. start looking at these worksheets and stay <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tuned</span> for further steps on how to make that major (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hehe</span>) decision!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-763636974011016521?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-18441750665624116062007-04-02T07:52:00.000-07:002007-04-02T08:23:04.778-07:00Do not Despise Small BeginningMy dad always used to tell me that and I'm fairly certain he wasn't the original author, so whoever first said that pearl of wisdom, my apologies for not giving you credit. Anyway, what do I mean by "Do not despise small beginnings?" Everyone has to start somewhere and the job market is very competitive. Sometimes you can make the best possible impression and there just happens to be someone with better qualifications out there. That's just the way it is for many recent graduates, especially those of us non-computer nerds/accounting masterminds. What is one to do when the job search process feels fruitless?<br /><br />Think about internships. *gasp* Especially if you've never yet had one. Yes, even if they're underpaid or even unpaid. Before getting all offended at the prospect of being a lowly intern after all your hard work to obtain a degree, think about how terribly incestuous some industries are. Everybody knows everybody in some job markets and it's not so much what you know, as who you know. Ever seen an entry level job description that requires X years of previous experience? Confused? Employers, unfairly as it is, can find people who have that and would obviously prefer it. This means the first year out of college we might have to hold on to the grueling restaurant server shifts in our agonizing quest for those X years of previous experience! Of course, some are fortunate enough to land a job making bank right away (aka. MIS and Accounting folk), but not all. Just don't think you're too good for an internship simply because you have a degree. Many employers use internship positions as trial stages to try you out and see if you're a good full-time, salary position fit so don't rule those out. Don't get discouraged. Make it a point to spend a certain amount of hours each week searching and applying. Don't throw out the ramen noodles just yet because you might have to start small. Good luck!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-1844175066562411606?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-63367700089513893382007-03-13T11:48:00.000-07:002007-03-13T11:50:33.263-07:00Professional Associations: Not Just for "Grown Ups"Hi, Moriah here again!<br><br><br /><br />One often overlooked area of many resumes is professional associations. Maybe people assume that they aren't qualified to join them since they're not yet professionals. But having the connections that come along with professional association memberships can give you inside knowledge and direct your attention to important areas of your field. Here is a compilation of several other benefits.<br><br />Joining while still a student is a much better deal than waiting until after graduation. Some organizations have minimal $10-35 fees for a one -year student membership. (Full memberships for professionals can reach $100.)<br><br />Along with getting cheaper dues, you can begin to refocus your attention from classroom knowledge to the mainstream culture of your field. Discover who is the Brad Pitt of geology and the J-Lo of finance. Learn about the lesser-known or hot subfields of your discipline.<br><br />Staying informed about the ins and outs of your field is important to impressing interviewers. Like employer research, participation in a professional association will show increased dedication and commitment in your interviews. A candidate that demonstrates genuine interest in his/her field stands out head and shoulders above a candidate who merely went through school and got a degree.<br><br />Professional association memberships also tell a lot about your professional development. If you know enough to join an organization and follow the activities and information it puts out, employers will see that you are concerned with your professional development and are likely to be a more motivated worker.<br><br><br /><br />These are only a few of the outside benefits of association membership. For a database of hundreds of associations, see <a href="http://www.galenet.com/servlet/AU?finalAuth=true">Associations Unlimited</a>. Don’t neglect this potential asset in your career development!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-6336770008951389338?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-38513908180714424212007-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:002007-03-12T11:47:07.316-07:00Overcoming the Balancing Act: Moving Stress Off CampusHello~ My name is Lindsay and I am a double major in Organizational Communication & Sociology... I will be graduating <em>this</em> May! I am also currently planning my early June wedding<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HYffrTD-vbU/RfWUbuVEZAI/AAAAAAAAAAY/o_OJUwNIk-E/s1600-h/scale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041098561924916226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HYffrTD-vbU/RfWUbuVEZAI/AAAAAAAAAAY/o_OJUwNIk-E/s320/scale.jpg" border="0" /></a>, working part-time, & trying to finish up my end-of-college course requirements, etc., while also attempting to enjoy my last semester. As I was thinking about my weekly "to do" list, a few thoughts came to mind about how college students are (or are not) creating a healthy balance in their lives. Needless to say, the following advice is something I am working on myself!<br /><br />How often have you heard about or been encouraged to maintain a work/life balance? I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I have noticed that students appear to be expanding the meaning of the word work. We have taken the idea of a work/life balance and turned it into a _____/life balance. You fill in the blank: school work, projects, part time jobs, significant others, friendships, extracurricular activities, job searches, and so much more. It is truly profound how students (for the most part) are managing so well, but what are we sacrificing to make it all happen?<br /><br />I guess what I’m trying to say here is… take a break! Relax. Beat the balancing act and designate time for yourself and for things that make you happy. As college students, I think we are often in the position of being tempted to try and “do it all,” when, in reality, we are simply spreading ourselves too thin. While the responsibilities of college life will not disappear, try prioritizing them and be sure to set aside time for yourself; preferably doing something you enjoy. Watching TV, renting a new movie, exercising, catching up with friends, attending a sporting event, going to the mall, taking a nap, journaling… anything ring a bell?<br /><br />Also, please be sure to designate some quality time with your pillow. Yes, your pillow. I can bet you will get more out of this as opposed to spending that same time with your textbook and a Mountain Dew (or whatever vice you may have) at 2:00 in the morning. And I am <em>almost</em> positive you will perform better on your exam or project as well.<br /><br />With all of the pressures and responsibilities in life, take some time to figure out what really needs to get done and what can maybe wait until tomorrow. People usually prefer to feel happy and in control of their lives… doing all you can to move stress “off campus” may just make you one more person that others love to be around! Best wishes in your own little balancing act. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-3851390818071442421?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-12244776694763730172007-02-28T08:49:00.000-08:002007-02-28T09:04:05.215-08:00Common Myths about Resumes<p><span style="color:#339999;">Hello everyone! As a college student, writing that first resume can be intimidating. Many students just don’t even know where to start. Then there’s the added pressure of actually using it to obtain an internship, or that full-time position. In the end, students should realize that your resume is often times the first representation of you to a potential employer. <br /><br />Ok, so hopefully I haven’t just made you even more intimidated by the resume writing process, but gave you some motivation to start now! But before I give you some helpful tips and explain some myths associated with resumes, I should explain who I am. My name is Tiana and I’m currently a junior Human Resource Management major at UWEC. I’ve worked on campus at Career Services for 3 years now, and I can genuinely say that Career Services has helped me immensely in preparing for college and beyond. It’s definitely a place that no student should be a stranger to. <br /><br />With my experience in helping students with their resumes, I’ve heard many common myths that students have about resumes. I would like to clear up just a few of them:<br /><br />Myth #1: You don’t need to start writing a resume until your Junior or Senior year of college. FALSE! It’s never too early to put together a rough draft of your resume. Even as a freshman, you can gather relevant information, and create a format so it’s easy to add experiences as you get them. Plus, writing a resume when you don’t have application deadline pressures makes the process a lot less stressful. <br /><br />Myth #2: The “templates” that programs like Microsoft Word offer are good to use when writing a resume. Generally, that’s FALSE. Although many students think they’re taking a shortcut to complete their resume, they could be wrong. Templates make it hard to add any personal touches to your resume. And they are VERY recognizable to recruiters, who may think students weren’t interested in the position enough to create their own resume.<br /><br />Myth #3: A 1-page resume is much better than one that is 2-pages long. <br />FALSE. You will get MANY different opinions on this one, but I think it’s becoming more and more acceptable to have a 2-page resume. Many students are gaining a lot of relevant experience through internships, campus organizations, and coursework, and some find it hard to fit all of it on 1-page. If this is the case for you, just make sure your second page is at least 2/3 long. </span></p><p><span style="color:#339999;">I should explain that although these are my opinions coming from my experiences with resumes and employer preferences, there will be some that argue with me. Ultimately, it is up to you. After all, you know yourself better than anyone when it comes to your experience and preferences. <br /><br />Career Services offer FREE resume review service to all students. So… if this has inspired you to create or modify your resume, but you still have some questions, please take advantage of this free service! Trained Career Associates can give you suggestions on everything from formatting to content. So don’t feel intimidated by the whole topic of resume writing. In the end, it turns out to be a valuable learning experience that directly helps your future!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-1224477669476373017?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-34011504870796625352007-02-20T09:17:00.000-08:002007-02-20T10:40:04.419-08:00Time Management<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HYffrTD-vbU/RdtAS7Q0_TI/AAAAAAAAAAM/WPRytghUkqU/s1600-h/planner.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HYffrTD-vbU/RdtAS7Q0_TI/AAAAAAAAAAM/WPRytghUkqU/s320/planner.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033687702406757682" /></a><br />I know everyone tells you that you need to have great time management skills and I know that you usually just brush the thought right out of your mind. I am here to really tell you how important the skill of time management really is. <br /><br />First of all, my name is Hannah and I am a sophomore here at Eau Claire. I am a Psychology major with a Women’s Studies minor and I am planning on attending grad school for high school guidance counseling. <br /><br />Okay, now onto time management. First and foremost, having this skill could make or break your college career. With meetings, appointments, classes, exams, work, volunteering, and just plain fun, students like us can get severely overwhelmed. The number one goal of any student should be to not go crazy every semester. This will come through knowing yourself and your limits as well as trial and error. With that said, let’s move on to some suggestions.<br /><br />In my experience, I have grown to have a very strong bond with my planner. Yes I said planner. A student and their planner should be as one. One planner with everything scheduled into it. If you are not a planner or a scheduling type of person…BECOME ONE!!!! Some people can effectively keep track of everything in their head, but that is just crazy. Writing down everything, even fun activities, will help to ease your mind when it comes time to schedule another activity. <br /><br />The other bit of advice that I can give you is to follow the old saying to leave work at work. This should really be applied to all students. If you have a job, leave the work and worries that are involved with it at that job. No use worrying about something until the next time you work. Also don’t try to do work outside of your scheduled work hours. I almost guarantee that it will come back to haunt you. We are too busy as students with meeting with groups, doing homework, and checking Facebook  to worry about work. This is one rule that I have come to live by through many bad experiences. My life is better, my mind is clearer, and I am a lot happier with leaving work at work. <br /><br />I really hope that this helped and I didn’t sound like I was preaching. I know that you all have heard it a million times, but manage your time…write down everything!!! Also as a final thought, PLEASE never feel bad saying “no” to anyone or anything. Your sanity as a student is your number one priority.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-3401150487079662535?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-85861571544674123662006-12-05T08:55:00.000-08:002006-12-05T09:03:01.260-08:00Position Descriptions-- READ THEM!My name is Kate and I'm a senior who will need to apply soon for a full-time job for when I graduate in May! For those of you in the same boat as me, here is a little bit of advice that I have found to be helpful in the application process. I think it makes the whole thing a lot less intimidating!!<br /><br />It may seem obvious to read the position descriptions of the jobs you are applying for BEFORE you submit your resume, but you might be surprised at how often they are overlooked. I am currently sitting on a search committee for a new position at Career Services, and just learned that many people are adequately qualified for the job but do not read the position description carefully and forget to include pertinent information on their resume and therefore get overlooked in the application process!! <em>Yikes!</em> <br /><br />Not only should you read the position description to make sure you are qualified for the job and include the necessary qualifications in your resume, but the position description can be your <strong>"secret weapon"</strong> to get the job!!<br /><br />Yes, I said <strong>"secret weapon". </strong>Read through the description and pick out <strong>key adjectives</strong> mentioned frequently, analyze the <strong>skills and requirements</strong> necessary, and look for the <strong>assets</strong> of the job you could bring to the company. Then, <strong>format your resume specifically based on this job description</strong>: include those key adjectives, show how you demonstrate the required qualifications in your past experiences, and emphasize how you stand out among the other candidates.<br /><br />This will help you snag that dream job you've always wanted. Just remember never to lie on your resume but feel free to brag about yourself! By simply reading and thouroughly analyzing that position description-- your secret weapon-- you are that much closer to being the top candidate!!! Yay!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-8586157154467412366?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-62684860356236239682006-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:002006-11-20T10:39:10.536-08:00Graduation, Impostors, and Black Holes: My Job SearchThis is Moriah, a Marketing Associate at Career Services. I'm an English major graduating in May 2007, so my job search is almost in full swing. Many people probably figure that since I've worked here at Career Services since I was a freshman that this whole 'finding a job' thing is no biggie; Totally not true! I find myself at times emulating all those panicky, wide-eyed graduating seniors I've seen come into CS who are absolutely freaked out about graduating and moving on to the next stage in life: Being a Grown-Up. Where do I even begin?! Never mind getting a job, what about figuring out where to live, what positions to look for, salary, living on my own, bills... There are so many important things that I "knew" about before but didn't really think about until now.<br />As you look ahead, realize that there are a lot of things to think about, but most of them do not warrant freaking. Rather than viewing the entire future from graduation to retirement as one big black hole that somehow has to be filled in before May, step back, breathe in deep, exhale, and take one step at a time:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1: Realize you're not locked in to anything. </span><br />A job is just a job. Sure, it can be a great, fulfilling step towards your dreams. Or it may not be the right fit for you. You have to start somewhere, and making the best of it will only sharpen your skills for the future and get you closer to finding the job that really IS your dream job. You won't know unless you try it out!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2: Keep perspective.<br /></span>You have a good 40 years of work ahead of you (maybe you don't want to think about that ^_^). But imagine all the cool things you'll have time to try! If you're like me, you have a lot of interests, and that makes narrowing down an industry or profession difficult. Don't worry about finding the perfect job right off the bat (remember step 1, you're not locked in!). Try to enjoy where you are and take advantage of the unique opportunities of each position. When it's time to move on, go for it! And look for more unique opportunities that fit your skills and interests, not necessarily your degree. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3: Ignore the "impostor syndrome".<br /></span>"<span style="font-style: italic;">So I've had a few classes on science and technical writing. Now I'm supposed to tell people that I'm a Science and Technical Communicator. It feels kind of like a lie. Dang, it IS a lie. Truth is, I just had a few classes!</span>" If you ever have thoughts like this about your major or emphasis, IGNORE THEM. It's normal for college grads to get to the end of the road and start to think, 'Wow, I am completely unprepared for life in this field.' Truth is, it's just not true. Everyone starts out this way; no one expects you to come out of 4-5 years of education and have the experience of a 20-year veteran. Be honest with yourself about your limits, but have confidence in what you can become. (Note: I didn't make the "impostor syndrome" up -- One of my advisers actually told me about it!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4: Be informed<br /></span>I think this is the point I get hung up on most often. While I personally can't know everything, my sci/tech writing background tells me that I don't have to. I just have to know where to find it. Luckily, here at UW-Eau Claire we have a fantastic Career Discovery Center that has information galore, in the form of print resources, internet sites, and actual people who know more than I do. You ask the questions, they'll help you find the answers. The more you know and feel confident in your resume, interviewing skills, personal strengths and weaknesses, and direction in life, the better prepared you'll be for a proactive, productive, fulfilling life in the job world.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Right now, I'm thinking, "Okay, step one, step two... yeah. That all sounds good, think I got that straight. But what about... (freak-out ensues)." See, it's not a matter of knowing everything to do when you're looking for a job. (Don't worry, I can't even take my own advice sometimes!) It's about knowing and being sure of yourself through the stress of the unknown, and knowing how to address the issues giving you stress. Put that nervous energy to use! That's what it's there for. <span style="font-style: italic;">Talk </span>about your personal strengths with an adviser or friend. <span style="font-style: italic;">Put on your thinking cap</span> about what you are really seeking in your life. <span style="font-style: italic;">Practice </span>the skills you feel you need to improve. <span style="font-style: italic;">Speak</span> with your past employers or teachers about their experiences. Most of all, <span style="font-style: italic;">get to know yourself.</span> You won't ever really be fulfilled in life if you don't know what you really want out of it.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-6268486035623623968?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-61447170995445566772006-11-17T12:52:00.000-08:002006-11-17T13:14:14.317-08:00PortfoliosHi,<br />My name is Cayla Fleck and I'm a junior at UWEC majoring in scientific and technical writing. I also work at Career Services. Friends often ask me career-related questions and one typical question is regarding what to put in a portfolio. I had an interview this week with United Way and I used the opportunity to show off my writing samples. The documents I chose to include were<br />1) Projects I was most proud of<br />2) Projects that were most time-consuming<br />3) Projects that easily corresponded with details on my resume<br />Friends of mine who aren't writers include things like pictures of a t-shirt they made for promotion, thank you letters for presentations, slides from power points, performance evalutions, anything to tangibly prove what you've done. It can be from class, work, or independent projects. If you don't see how it's relevant, think about the skills required to do what you've done. Communication? Organization? Leadership? Software competence? These are valued by almost all employers. Having a portfolio along on an interview increases your confidence because you don't have to rely soly on your speaking ability. I highly recommend it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-6144717099544556677?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4499951677620919394.post-85939477608953726872006-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:002006-11-17T08:30:35.365-08:00Tip for InterviewsHey everyone! My name is Becky and I’m currently a junior at <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>UW-Eau Claire</strong></span>. I also work for the university at the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Career Services office</strong></span>. It’s been awesome to be able to work on-campus because it’s so convenient. Not to mention that we get free food all the time! I’m actually at work right now and I wanted to blog about something I heard in my business law class yesterday:<br /><br />How many of you think the word “sucks” is a swear word? Well, since my mom doesn’t yell at me for saying that one, I never thought it was one. My professor mentioned that employers were noticing more and more how often students say “that sucks” or “school sucks” during interviews or conversations. We use the word unconsciously, but it’s something we should be aware of because some employers are offended by it; which makes sense because if you say “school sucks” you’re bad mouthing your education, which is one of the main reasons employers are interviewing you! Next time you think about using the word “sucks” to describe something….<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>DON’T</strong></span>! Try using demanding, challenging, or testing. Those kinds of words make it sound like you’re accomplishing something or overcoming an obstacle, which are qualities that are appealing to prospective employers.<br /><br />Just a little tip to keep in mind for your next interview, Good Luck!<br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Becky</strong></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4499951677620919394-8593947760895372687?l=uweccareeradvice.blogspot.com'/></div>Career Associateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199200136981874138noreply@blogger.com1