UVM Career Services Blog

Making a Career Transition

Posted on January 17, 2013 with No Comments

When thinking about making a career change many people might question whether or not it is worth their time, energy and resources to follow through with it due to the overwhelming feeling of the process. However, when people start reflecting on why they’re ready for a change possibly due to burn out, financial instability or new interests, taking the necessary steps toward a happier career can be worth the struggle. Below are a few tips to help you work towards your new goals and obtain the career that’s right for you:

1. Realize it’s never an easy process. Changing careers can create anxiety and fear, which are normal emotions when facing change, but it’s important you use these emotions to your advantage. These emotions can help you assess why you’re thinking about this change and if they are pointing out factors you should be considering when deciding to follow through with the transition. It may be helpful to talk about your ideas with a career counselor or life coach to identify what it is you’re looking for in a job, how your transferable skills can be marketed to a new industry and how to create a plan that will be manageable for you.
2. Use your network. Consider connecting with friends, family, former colleagues, or finding people through LinkedIn to help you network. By identifying people who work within the field of interest, you will receive first-hand information about the reality of the chosen career and how you can get started with the transition. However, it’s probably a good idea to speak with more than one person within the field to give you a broader perspective.
3. Build a support team. By surrounding yourself with people who are positive and supportive of your new pursuits, you will have the additional resources you need to pull you through the skepticism you may encounter.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every artist was first an amateur.”

~Danielle

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.

Savvy Seniors: Networking Advice from a Recent Grad

Posted on November 15, 2012 with No Comments

Trisha Hlastawa, ’12,  graduated with a degree in Community Entrepreneurship and Public Communication. She currently works at Healthy Living in South Burlington as a Customer Service Supervisor and Community Outreach team member.

What role has networking played in your career exploration and job search?

Networking has played a key role. I found out about a job at Healthy Living from a Career Counselor who knew my interests. I got the job and have worked in many different positions at the store since. Previous to this position, I used networking as a way to find jobs as needed.

Networking can be a bit intimidating to some, what’s been your experience?

I have found networking to be intimidating when I don’t know anything about the person I am interacting with. The key thing is to find something to talk about that is familiar to the person and myself and that we can both relate to. Once a conversation is sparked, it can lead in many different directions. Overall, networking has been rewarding to me. As many people say, it is a small world. The more people I meet, I find people who know people I know and vice versa. We are all ultimately connected in some way.

How do you recommend students get started with networking?

I recommend students start networking with people they know. Express interest in meeting new people to your relatives or friends; this can spark their interest in helping you to make more connections. It’s also really important to put yourself out there and get involved in on-campus activities or part-time jobs. Sometimes you just have to take chances and see what happens.  Establishing relationships with people who know what you are interested in and want to see you succeed can make a big difference when you are looking for a job.

For more information on Networking see the Career Services website.

Also, don’t miss this great workshop!

Savvy Seniors: Networking Workshop Wed. Nov 28th, 4:15pm, L&L E-166

Make the Most Out of Your Internship Experience

Posted on November 13, 2012 with No Comments

So you’ve landed an internship—great! But what can you do to make this a valuable, learning experience? Here are a couple of tips to consider:

1) Ask questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially when you are confused about a task you were given or if you are merely curious about the culture of the organization. Asking questions will enhance your experience at an internship and will allow you to learn more about the company. Not only that, but maintaining a curious mind will also allow your supervisor to realize your interest and potential within the business beyond your internship program.

2) Connect with your coworkers and boss.
Have conversations with the people you work with—it’s a great way to learn more about the company you are interning at and also a great opportunity for you to network and make connections! Ask them about their college experience, career path, hobbies, job search process, tips and advice they may have for you—anything you deem being worthwhile and beneficial to your own, personal growth and career path. Along with that, share your own passions, experiences, and dreams with them. Let them get a glimpse of who you are as an individual and form those relationships.

3) Get excited and have fun!
Get excited, be motivated, and stay hungry for more knowledge and assignments! Also make sure to have fun while you’re at it!

With all these in mind, remember to make the most out of your internship experience!

~Michelle, Career Peer Advisor

Savvy Seniors: It’s a Small, Small World

Posted on November 1, 2012 with No Comments

It’s commonly said that we’re separated, at most, by six degrees of separation from any other person. In their recent book, the start-up of YOU, Reid Hoffman (cofounder and chairman of LinkedIn) and Ben Casnocha discuss the 1967 study that this oft repeated phrase is based on. They also note how it might show up in daily life: “The clerk at the local hardware store once hiked through Yosemite with your brother-in-law. Your new girlfriend is in the same bowling league as your boss…It’s fun to make these unexpected connections.”

These connections, however, they argue, are more than fun and interesting, they are gateways to new information and potential opportunities.  Hoffman and Casnocha discuss the importance of having both strong and weak ties in our networks. The strong ties are built on trust and well developed mutual interest and similarities, while the weaker ties can “serve as bridges to other worlds.”

Most students and alumni realize after some reflection, that they do know someone who may be a good potential contact in their career exploration and job search. Quite often the person they think of is one of those weaker ties, or 2^nd degree contacts, for example the uncle of a friend. All students, however, can tap into the power of the extended UVM alumni network through LinkedIn. As Hoffman and Casnocha write, “Online social networks are converting the abstract idea of worldwide interconnectedness into something tangible and searchable. Out of an estimated one billion professionals in the world, well over 10 million of them are on LinkedIn.”

If you’re not LinkedIn, it’s time. If you are already on it, chances are you could be using it more effectively.

To get started:

• Senior Checklist for Career Success: Polish your Resume and Professional On-Line Presentation
• Begin Networking and Informational Interviewing
• Savvy Seniors: Linked In Workshop: Wed, Nov 7^th, 4:15pm L&L 166,
• Savvy Seniors : Networking Workshop: Wed, Nov 28^th, 4:15pm L&L166

~Kala