UVM Career Services Blog

The Job Fair: From the Other Side of the Table

Posted on March 14, 2013 with No Comments

Advice from Lauren Lavallee of Logic Supply, Inc.

Why is Logic Supply coming to the UVM Job Fair?

Logic Supply is attending the UVM Job Fair on March 20^th 2013 to connect with students as they prepare to graduate and search for their dream jobs to make them aware of our job opportunities.  Logic Supply has experienced tremendous growth and has been an Inc. 5000 winner for 5 years running. Our success is the result of the high performing individuals that make up our company. We look forward to engaging with UVM students, to explore potential fit with out global growing company.

What should students do to prepare for the Fair?

Students should come to the event with specific objectives in mind. Consider what you’re looking for out of a job and what kind of career path you envision for your future.  Be ready to make an impression, dress appropriately and ask relevant questions to gain a clear understanding of companies and their specific roles.

What makes a student stand out at the Fair?

All companies attending a job fair know you are a student and that this may be your first outreach to a professional company. Don’t let that deter you from expressing your interest or asking tough questions. This career fair offers a unique opportunity to get the potential employer to match who you are as a person with how you present yourself on paper. Be memorable, talk to as many people as you can, engage with people, and use this as a networking event.

We’ll see you at the Job Fair Wed, March 20^th 2-5pm 4^th Floor Davis Center.

Read Career Services FAQ’s and Preparation and Tips before you go.

Learn more about Careers with Logic Supply

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

6 Strategies to Find Your Summer Internship

Posted on October 26, 2012 with No Comments

1. Conduct research using online internship databases

These contain hundreds of internship possibilities and enable you to search by area of interest and geographic preference. You can also set up search engines for email alerts on internships of interest. Catamount Job Link is a great resource.  Here are some other databases to help you get started.

2.Target companies and organizations

Have your heart set on a particular organization? Check out their website under ”Careers” and see if there are internships posted. If not, contact Human Resources to inquire about internships and the application process. If there’s no internship program, get to work identifying possible contacts in the organization with whom you might network.

3. Network, network, network!

Who is already in your network that might have good contacts for you? Family, friends, parents of friends and faculty can serve as great starting points. Another great resource is the UVM Career Connection, our own network of alumni, family and friends. Remember, networking is about relationship building, so establish the connection first and then move into conversations about internships.

4. Attend Career and Internship Events

The Internship Hop on October 31, 2012, is a great way to get started on the internship search. Browse our resources, connect with career counselors for a personalized internship search, check out listings, and see where other UVM students have done internships.   Job Fairs are another great way to find an internship. Talk with employers, establish a relationship and follow up!

5. Stop by Career Services for a Drop-In

Drop In’s are a great way to learn about options and resources. Talk with a career counselor for help identifying areas of interest and strategies for your search.

6. Create your own internship

Every employer has projects they just can’t get to.  Be the solution to their problem.  Ask the employer what projects they need help with and then set to work turning this into an internship.

As with any job search, a multi-pronged approach, along with persistence and follow up are key! Start now and keep working all of these strategies and you will be among those who gain that all-important career experience through an internship!

~Mary Beth

After the Job Fair

Posted on October 18, 2012 with No Comments

You came to the Job Fair, talked to employers, dropped off resumes and collected some business cards. Now what?

• Follow up! Let employers know that you appreciated meeting them and express interest in their organization’s opportunities.
• Learn more! Explore the company’s website, follow the company on Linked-In and evaluate fit with your interests.
• Prepare for an Interview!

Still looking?

Catamount Job Link

Part Time Jobs & Internships

Information for Specific Career Fields

Internship Hop: Thursday, October 31^st 1:30-4pm, L/L E-Building (Career Services)

The I-Hop is a Resource Fair to help you identify opportunities!

We’re here to support you:
Drop-ins: L/L E140, Monday – Thursday: 1-4pm
Davis Center Drop-ins: Rosa Parks Room, Tuesdays: 11am-1pm

~Kala

What Employers Want

Posted on October 11, 2012 with No Comments

So you want a job or an internship.  You have worked hard, polished your resume and ironed your job fair shirt.  So now what? What is the secret to what employers really want?

Keep to the basics.  Employers seek people who present themselves well, are well informed and are interested in being actively involved.

Here are a few strategies on sending the right message at the fair and afterwards:

Prepare: Know who is coming and with whom you want to talk and share your resume & skills.

Dress: to signal you want to work and be taken seriously.

Practice: introducing yourself, your skills and interests.

Positive & Personable: Remember employers are people. Start a conversation and show your interest in what they do for a living.

Follow Through: Persistence pays.  Collect business cards and follow up via email or LinkedIn.

It is all in the conversation!  Keep learning, practicing and exploring the avenues for your job journey.

~Holly