Posts Tagged Savvy Seniors
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
Tags: advice, alumni, burlington, Career, career path, Employers, etiquette, events, Experience, how to, job search, Jobs, Networking, photos, Savvy Seniors, search, tips
Category: Dress to Impress, Event, Helpful Resources, Networking, Uncategorized
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 2nd 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:
~Kala
Tags: advice, Career, career connection, career path, events, Experience, how to, job search, Jobs, Networking, online identity, photos, quotes, Savvy Seniors, search, social media, tips, your first job
Category: Career Exploration, Event, Helpful Resources, Job Searching, Networking, Uncategorized, online identity, social media
Posted on October 4, 2012 with No Comments
One of the most common complaints from new graduates is, “every job posting says you need experience, but how can I get experience if I can’t get a job?” Here’s a little secret: you can get valuable experience while you’re still a student!
Here at UVM, there are many opportunities to get involved – whether it’s through your classes, an internship, or student organizations. Each of these opportunities is more than just something to do – you’ll gain valuable experience that can help you get a job after graduation.
Take advantage of your time on campus by seeking leadership opportunities. Being a club officer, an SGA senator, or organizing an event all come with responsibilities that build skills for a full-time job. There are leadership opportunities all over campus – step up! Leadership & Civic Engagement Programs in Student Life has great opportunities!
You can also gain valuable skills through volunteer experiences – on campus or in the community.
Also, you can get academic credit and gain experience at the same time – through taking service-learning classes, pursuing internships, or doing research.
Ready to put all your great experience on your resume? Check out this post from our blog archive, “Showcasing Campus Activities on Your Resume.”
~Laura
Laura Megivern is Assistant Director of Student Life for Leadership & Civic Engagement Programs. Laura is a former career counselor and passionate about helping students get involved. She can be reached at laura.megivern@uvm.edu.
Tags: advice, Career, career path, Experience, how to, photos, Savvy Seniors, tips, your first job
Category: Career Exploration, Helpful Resources, Job Searching, Uncategorized
Posted on September 13, 2012 with No Comments
Welcome back Seniors!
It’s here, Senior Year, your final year at UVM. Surprising how quickly time has gone by?
Your Senior Year is sure to be the same: a blur of homework assignments and social activities that’s over before you know it. However you measure it, or choose to spend it, time is passing. It’s said that how you spend your time reflects your values and shows what you really care about.
Before you get too busy, take a moment and think about where you want to be nine months from now. What steps can you take in the coming year to take you where you want to go? How will you use this time to prepare to transition to work and the “real world”? As Franklin Field said, “The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words: I did not have time.“
So make some time to start the year off right by dropping by Career Services for Careers and Coffee, our kickoff Senior Event. Pick up the Senior Packet, eat cookies, drink coffee and chat with a counselor about your plans for life after college.
Careers and Coffee, Wed Sept 19th, 3-5pm at Career Services L&L 140
Watch for workshops and blog posts throughout the year with more advice on networking, interviewing and more, just for Seniors!
“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.“ – C. S. Lewis
~Kala
Tags: advice, Career, career path, events, Experience, how to, photos, quotes, Savvy Seniors
Category: Career Exploration, Event, Helpful Resources, Uncategorized
Posted on April 12, 2012 with No Comments
Commencement is just six weeks away! If you don’t already know what you are doing and how to get there, here are some tips and advice to get you going.
Not Sure what you Want to Do?
You’re not alone!
What can you do today to prepare for tomorrow?
Take one small step towards your goals!
More Great Advice!
100 Blog Posts Every College Senior Should Read
Quint Careers: Job Search Advice for College Seniors: Job Hunting in Times of Uncertainty
Linked In Founder Shares Advice: Take Intelligent Risks
6 Tips for Success all College Seniors Should Know
~Kala
Tags: advice, Career, career connection, career path, Catamount Job Link, how to, Interviewing, job search, Jobs, Networking, online identity, photos, resume, Savvy Seniors, search, social media, tips, your first job
Category: Career Exploration, Dress to Impress, Helpful Resources, Job Searching, Networking, Uncategorized, online identity, resume, social media
