UVM Career Services Blog

Savvy Seniors: Parting Words

Posted on May 9, 2013 with No Comments

As you prepare to graduate from UVM, you are probably awash with information and advice. This article from US News Money boils it down to what you really need to know: Tough Love Tips for College Seniors Entering the Job Market

The highlights?

Good news! Employers report they expect to hire 13% more new grads than last year!

Reality check: You are still most likely going to need to work hard to land that first professional position.

Overall message: Own your job search process. It’s yours. The resources are here to support you, but you have to manage your time, seek out support and take concrete steps to achieve your goals.

More good news! As a UVM graduate you are now part of a large community of UVM alumni who connect with and support each other. Be sure to create a profile on LinkedIn and join professional groups such as the University of Vermont Career Connection and the UVM Alumni Association. Start building your connections through networking and informational interviewing.

It’s never too late to start where you are. So take a deep breath, stay calm, and take that next step!

Looking for more advice and tips? Read past Savvy Seniors blog posts.

Best wishes class of 2013!

~Kala

World of Work: Ali Peterson ‘07, Shakespeare Theatre Company

Posted on April 25, 2013 with No Comments

Ali Peterson ‘07
Corporate Giving Manager
Shakespeare Theatre Company – www.shakespearetheatre.org
Washington, D.C.
Major: Zoology/Political Science
Graduate Program: Masters of Business Administration, The George Washington University

How would you describe what you do on a typical day?

A typical day is hard to come by in my line of work, we are constantly trying to stay ahead of the curve and be innovative in our approach to our work. On the most basic level I am a fundraiser. I work to research, develop and nurture relationships between our theatre company and corporations interested in partnering with us. My work requires me to keep a close eye on business press, stay on top of the needs of our partners and manage their benefits. I also help to plan major events and strategically advance our relationships with members of Congress.

What motivates you to go to work everyday?

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is a Tony award winning professional theatre company producing and presenting world-class performances of classical shows. The quality of the artistic work inspires me but I am more motivated by the way in which we are able to reach audiences. We go into every DC public school and teach kids how to embrace classical texts. We bring students into our theatre to interact with performers, designers and directors. We offer free performances every summer to people of all income levels and abilities. We do theatre for everyone, to challenge our audiences’ minds and lift their spirits.

What three words would describe your work environment?

Collaborative. Creative. Fun. 

Tell us about your path to this position.

I absolutely did not expect to have this job when I was an undergrad at UVM. After graduation I moved to DC to seek a job in Senator Patrick Leahy’s office. I secured a position as a scheduler in his personal office and did that for two years. I then worked on energy policy for over a year and finally, worked as a press secretary for nearly two years. All told, I spent five and a half years with the Senator and learned a great deal about what I want and don’t want for my career. I learned that I want to work at the intersection of arts and business and I found a way to do that by returning to school and working part-time at the Shakespeare Theatre Company on the side of my work in the Senate.

What advice do you have for students searching for jobs or internships in your field?

Great fundraisers are needed by organizations of all shapes and sizes, if you have an interest in fundraising work I suggest you read everything you can on current trends and practices, take informational interviews with people working in the field, and know the specific demands of the industry you are most interested in. Also, if possible gather some information or develop an understanding of the financial position of the company you are interested in working for.

Savvy Seniors: Interviewing

Posted on April 4, 2013 with No Comments

Jen Guimaraes
Associate Director
Community Sailing Center

When a student lands an interview, what should they do to prepare?
Students should make sure to do their “homework” on the organization that they are interviewing with. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the entire organization by researching their website and any other information that you can gather about them. Create a list of questions you have about the organization and the position you are applying for. Employers always ask for your questions at the end of the interview process and having a list shows that you did background research and are very interested in the position. Make sure to dress appropriately, show up on time, and be professional in your communication (word choice and email style) with the prospective employer.

You must interview a lot of applicants for the Community Sailing Center, what makes a candidate stand out?
A candidate stands out if they are energetic, upbeat, and already familiar with the organization. Make eye contact with the employer(s) you are interviewing with and give complete answers to their questions, not just one-word responses. You can almost certainly anticipate what questions an employer might ask you based on the position you are applying for, rehearsing your answers ahead of time is always a good idea. Don’t forget to smile!

What questions should candidates be asking you?
I’ve had candidates ask a number of questions: Do I enjoy my job? What is a typical day like for this position? What is the chain of command with direct and indirect supervisors? Are there any additional duties that I will have not included in the job description?

Learn more about opportunities, classes, rentals and more at the Community Sailing Center!

Don’t miss this workshop to learn more! Savvy Seniors: Interviewing Wed., April 10^th 4:15pm, L&L E166

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: 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