UVM Career Services Blog

Savvy Seniors: Job Countdown!

Posted on March 11, 2013 with No Comments

Cindy Conquest, ‘10
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Neurobiology), Bachelor of Arts Spanish
Recruiter/ Managing Director with Readak Educational Services

Working in HR, you must see a lot of resumes every day. What helps a candidate stand out?

Sometimes with resumes, less is more. I see resumes that resemble a wordy mockup of an autobiography. Candidates should be able to fit their relevant qualifications on a single, well-structured page. My company often hires for entry-level positions, so we know our applicants will generally be young and have limited experience. I’m looking for quality of experience over quantity. The best resumes are clear and concise.   Keep in mind that relevant skills can come from a wide variety of experiences.

How do you suggest that students follow up on an application most effectively?

A short and sweet follow-up note is always good. Sometimes I am so swamped that I haven’t had a chance to review a particular application and a well-worded note from a candidate will draw my positive attention to that application. The follow-up is most effective right around a week after submittal. It is important to stay in touch with tact.

Once someone makes it to the interview stage, what can they do to seal the deal?

The age-old firm handshake test still rings true. Consistent eye contact shows self-confidence and honesty. Be well-poised and professional, yet amicable and approachable.  Your words and anecdotes should show what they can contribute to the company. Have some well-worded questions of your own that follow up on the research you’ve done. Finally, a thank you note is always well appreciated.

What are some frequent mistakes that you see applicants making?

Typos in resumes/cover letters show lack of attention to the application process. E-mails shouldn’t be written in the same colloquial language that students would use to write to their peers. A red flag in the interview process is when an applicant walks in the door with questions that can easily be answered from our website. Do your research and nicely demonstrate your knowledge.

Want to learn more?

Attend  Savvy Seniors Workshop: Job Countdown, Wed, March 13th, 4:15pm, L&L E-166 (With Special Guest Alison Keefe a Recruiter from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters!)

Attend Readak’s Information Session regarding positions as Traveling Teachers! Wed, March 13th, 6pm, L&L E-166

Finding Opportunities Abroad

Posted on February 15, 2013 with No Comments

As unemployment continues to remain high in the U.S, many Americans are looking abroad for new opportunities. Aside from the opportunities, a change in landscape will offer a new and exciting experience to grow and learn in a different culture, gain valuable skills – learning a new language – and expand your global network. But moving to a completely different country is a big and risky decision. Here are a few steps to consider:

Setting Goals: Where do you want to work? In what industry or field? What are the skills you want to gain? When do you want to go?

Finding the Opportunities: Begin researching and connecting with organizations you want to work for. Even if an organization is not hiring, it is still beneficial to build connections and gain insights about living and working in that particular country. Other options to consider are: teaching, “paid” volunteer programs (Peace Corps and UN Volunteers), teaching or research fellowships, and study abroad (graduate or undergraduate programs).

Evaluating Your Options: While landing an opportunity is important, considering other challenges that you may face will help you make a more informed decision. What are the costs (airfare, housing, etc.)? How do you apply for a work visa? How long should you stay abroad?

Like finding any other job, it all takes time. Take the necessary time to learn what kind of career you want to develop and your reasons to go abroad. In the meantime, you can learn a language, save up for your trip, and network with people who have studied or worked abroad.

~Hai Chi, Career Peer Advisor

Savvy Seniors: Seek and Ye Shall Find!

Posted on February 4, 2013 with No Comments

Some say that 70% of jobs are never advertised.  70%!

That means that if you are spending all your “job search” time on Craigslist and Monster then you are missing out!

How do you find these “hidden” jobs? There is lots of great advice out there about finding jobs that aren’t advertised.

It mostly boils down to this:

• Network! People hire people. Start getting to know some people today.
• Research Companies and Career Fields.  Start making a short list of organizations that you would like to work for. Get to know some people who work there! (Look on Linked in to see if any UVM Alumni work at your target company.)
• Intern, Volunteer, or Work (P/T, Full Time or Temporary). Get your foot in the door. Companies like to hire internally.  (Bonus: You get to know people.)

Of course it doesn’t hurt to use some on-line resources like Catamount Job Link to Find Full Time Employment.

The most important element of your job search is to keep looking! You never know where you will find “the one,” that first great opportunity after college.  Maybe it will happen at the upcoming Spring Job Fair!

~Kala

Still not sure what kind of job exactly you are looking for? Check out our earlier post: Savvy Seniors: Explore Options

Ready to start looking? Join us for this special Seniors Workshop:
Savvy Seniors Workshop: Identify Opportunities
Wednesday, February 6^th, 4:15pm L&L E-166

Internship of the Month: Draftfcb

Posted on January 28, 2013 with No Comments

Intern: Sam Patterson
Class Year: 2013
Major: Public Communication
Employer: Draftfcb
Internship Title: Account Management Intern
Website: www.draftfcb.com/

Describe the company and your internship responsibilities:

Draftfcb is a global advertising agency. They offer positions in every aspect of advertising/marketing from account management to creative direction. I interned on the account management side. My primary responsibilities included tracking all advertising materials of competitors for the Valspar paint company, managing day-to-day integrated campaign materials including banners, print, website, and social media, as well as managing content uploaded to their YouTube page.

What did you like best about this internship? What was most challenging?

The most enjoyable part of the internship was being able to work on projects that made a real impact on day-to-day operations. For example, I was put in charge of creating an integration between Facebook and Pinterest so the two platforms could operate more consistently and efficiently.

The most challenging aspect of the internship was being able to work on projects with little direction or oversight. My superiors were often busy working on projects of their own and I would have to use my own discretion to complete the assignments.

What impact did this internship have on your career direction?

This internship ultimately led to a job as I will be returning to Draftfcb in Chicago full-time next fall. The 10 weeks I spent at DFCB this summer showed me so much about how the industry works and helped me realize that this type of career is something I want to continue with. The people I worked with, both full-time employees as well as other interns, were all extremely pleasant and helpful and I am excited to return to that type of workplace environment. Internships provide an extremely valuable experience of working in the real world and getting a taste of what professional life will be like after school.

What advice do you have for students as they apply for opportunities such as this one?

The best piece of advice I can offer to students is that you make an effort to reach out to everyone and anyone that may be able to help you. In my experience, this meant going to LinkedIn and reaching out to get in touch with people working in the field. I was able to meet and connect with someone who graduated from UVM and worked at Draftfcb. They were extremely helpful as I applied to Draftfcb.

• Learn more about Draftfcb

• Apply for their summer internship through Catamount Job Link Position # 10573

World of Work: Alli Morse ’12, State Street Bank

Posted on December 11, 2012 with No Comments

Alli Morse ‘12
Project Manager/Business Analyst
State Street
Major: Mathematics

What are employers looking for?

During senior year of college family, friends, professors, and fellow students are all asking the golden question: “What are your plans after you graduate?” For some students, it’s a question they love to be asked because they have an answer. Maybe it’s graduate school, a full-time job, or traveling throughout Europe for a summer. But I would argue that for most students, it’s a question they dread. Come December of my senior year, I fell into the latter category.

After ruling out graduate school and the trip to Europe, due to the damages it would cause on my bank account, I began looking into ways of incorporating my math skills into the business world. I knew I wanted a large, global and reputable company that would allow me to develop as a financial professional and grow within the company.

After a lot of research and submission of online applications to multiple companies, my friend recommended looking into State Street. With hopes of networking with State Street colleagues, I attended the annual UVM Boston Career Networking Night. After giving my well-planned spiel to a Senior Vice President from State Street, she gave me her business card and told me to follow up with her offline. The next day, I emailed all alumni with whom I connected, including the SVP from State Street. The next thing I knew I was headed into Boston for “Informational Interviews.” After four hours of draining interviews, including an unsolvable math problem, I left One Lincoln Street thinking I would never get a job there. But I was determined to continue on my search.

The next month I dedicated to my job search, which consisted of networking with people at both State Street and other financial institutions. For the most part, many people never responded but I was persistent which, in the end, was key. Over a month after my visit to State Street in Boston, I received an offer from State Street within SSGM ERM Department. It turned out I had key competencies they value. I graduated Cum Laude in May 2012 and in June I moved to the North End in Boston and started at State Street.

I am currently a Project Manager/Business Analyst for the Risk Management department within SSGM. So, landing a job after graduation is possible! It takes time and effort. While beginning your search, here are some tips from a lead recruiter at State Street to assist your efforts.