Dear Working Beyong Expectations! Subscriber,
Because you are a valued reader of the Career Development Center's electronic newsletter "Working Beyond Expectations!", we highly regard your thoughts and perspectives on the newsletter. We have constructed a survey to gather your opinions and suggestions about the newsletter to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our subscribers.
We would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey, which should only take about 10 minutes.
Please refer to the email that you received today from Student Voice and click on the link provided, which will take you directly to the survey.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
The Career Development Center Staff
Quote of the Week
Career News
Distinguished Alumni Profile
Coming Up! Join Us!
IUP Featured Alumnus
FR/SO/JR/SR Tip
Let's Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!
Did You Ever Consider a Career In...
Careers to Help Lower Your Stress Meter
Note from the Director
Editor's Note
Quote of the Week
by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center
There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well, I’m successful now. I might as well take a nap.'
-Actress Carrie Fisher (a.k.a. Princess Leia from Star Wars)
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Career News
by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center
Professional Development: Keeping Current in Your Career
Congratulations! You got the job! Now you can just sit back and relax, right?
Wrong!
You will want to continue to prove to your supervisor and the company that they made the right choice to hire you by engaging in professional development opportunities. What is professional development exactly? While it can signify various experiences within different fields of study, professional development can be summarized as "your ongoing commitment to ensure that your skills and ability to do your job are always relevant and up-to-date" as well as opportunities which provide the chance "to grow and develop professionally" (Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology Office of Career Services, 2001).
Common ways to engage in professional development include participating in national or local conferences, one-day workshops, professional association activities, and formal education such as classes or degree programs. Some professions require that their members complete professional development activities every year. For example, optometrists in the state of Pennsylvania must complete and document 30 credits of continuing education every two years.
Some organizations will pay for or reimburse the cost of professional development activities as well, either partially or in full. It is always a smart thing to ask about these opportunities and the related costs during your job interview. Not only is it pertinent information for your future plans, but it also demonstrates to the employer your commitment to your career.
Be sure to check with your professional associations, trade literature, and your own company or organization for upcoming professional development opportunities. Enhancing your current skills, learning new ones, and staying on top of the trends and new knowledge within your profession will increase your worth as a valued member of your organization.
Reference
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. (2001). Career Resources webpage. Retrieved from http://ilearn.senecac.on.ca/careers/lifelong/gas_professional_development.html
A New Resource for College Job Seekers
A Senior at Cornell University, Amy Gordon, recently co-founded two websites: One Day, One Job and One Day, One Internship. Every day they highlight one company and discuss its entry-level/internship offerings. The posts are editorial in nature, and give students a starting point for researching a company. They also have a blog where job-search articles are posted periodically. Check it out!
Let us "Link" you to our services:
Service Learning and Volunteer Opportunities
Internships
Part-time Student Employment Opportunities (On and Off Campus)
Choosing a Major
National Student Exchange
How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter
Job Fairs
University Testing Services (ACT, CLEP, GMAT, GRE, FLCT, LSAT,
MAT, PRAXIS, TOEFL)
Preparing for Full-Time Job Search
Preparing for Graduate School
Employer Directory - Lists 12 Million Potential Employers - ReferenceUSA
Post Your Resume and Gain Access to Job Listings (CCN)
Education Majors: PA-Educator.net and PAREAP.net
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Distinguished Alumni Profile
Meet Dr. Thomas Rumbaugh '81
Business Administration with a major in Marketing
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IUP Featured Alumnus
by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center
Collin Morrison
Indiana University of PA
BS in Safety Sciences, Class of 2006
Share your undergraduate experience and/or graduate experience:
I enrolled in the Safety Sciences program after the first semester of my freshman year. I became interested in the Safety Sciences program after a conversation with a high school teacher whose husband had taken several classes with the department and suggested that I look into the department. After taking the SAFE 101 class taught by Dr. Laura Rhodes, my interest was peaked and I enrolled in the program. I liked the idea of working as a Safety professional because Safety is important in all industries, and I knew I would have the opportunity to work somewhere interesting.
Very soon after that, I learned about the co-op’s and internships that some Safety Sciences students were interviewing for and realized the benefit they were getting from the work experience. I had my first co-op with Marathon Petroleum Company the summer following my sophomore year and worked as a co-op again with the same company during the summer following my junior year. In the summer of 2006, I interned with Chevron U.S.A., and at the end of that summer, Chevron hired me as a full time Health, Environment, and Safety Specialist.
While enrolled in the Safety Sciences program, I participated in the ASSE student chapter, became a member of Rho Sigma Kappa honor society, and had the opportunity to work for the department as the Keller Lab coordinator.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am working in the Chevron Gulf of Mexico Business Unit in Covington, LA. My group supports operations involved in oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. By August, I will be working for Chevron in Bangkok, Thailand, in a group that also supports offshore production.
How did your experiences (both academic and/or work related) assist you in deciding what to do post graduation?
Academically, the course work gave me the foundation of what I know today in my current position. My two co-ops directly affected my decision to intern with Chevron and ultimately accept a full-time job with them. When I started the program, I did not picture myself where I am today. After my first co-op, I knew that I wanted to work in the petroleum industry, and I am in the heart of it down in Louisiana.
How did the Safety Sciences Department prepare you for the job market?
In class, the professors used lab times for activities that allowed us to use our book knowledge in practical scenarios. That was very important. The ASSE student chapter brought professionals from all different industries to come and speak to us about their jobs in the field of safety. This provided us the opportunity to see the very broad spectrum of industries and jobs where one could work after graduating from the Safety Sciences program.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
In five years, I see myself working for Chevron in the Gulf Coast region. I will be a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). I also hope to have my master’s degree or at least be enrolled in a master’s program in the next five years.
What would be one piece of advice?
Get work experience before you graduate by taking advantage of the co-op and internship opportunities! Companies come to IUP to recruit YOU and practical work experience in the HES field can give you an advantage when it’s time to start working in industry.
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FR/SO/JR/SR Tip
by: Mallory Bower, Graduate Assistant
Career Development Center
Freshman Tip: Stay on campus. Don’t go home every weekend because “there’s nothing to do.” Though you may be going to school in a small town, there are always things going on—you just have to find them! Talk to upperclassmen and members of the community to find out what things are going on at the university and in town.
Sophomore Tip: Again… stay on campus. Avoid moving off campus your sophomore year. Though you may be feeling the lure of off-campus living, staying on campus will help you to stay focused and to meet new people. If it’s apartment-style housing that you desire, check out the new Suites.
Junior Tip: Study abroad. Never had the opportunity to travel? This will give you the chance to earn college credit and see the world at the same time! Many students describe this as a “once in a life time experience.”
Senior Tip: Fight senioritis. You’re almost done, so why slack off now? Try not to lose momentum towards the end of your last semester, it could cost you your diploma! As always, find a balance between academics and social life—both are important and necessary to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle.
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Let's Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!
by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center
Current Student: Nicole Buczak
Indiana University of PA
Safety Sciences, Class of 2008
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as ambitious, motivated, down to earth, sociable, goal oriented, responsible, and an efficient individual.
At what point did you choose your career and why did you choose this career?
I attended a career fair in my junior year of high school here at IUP. I received brochures about the Safety Sciences as a considered major. I chose this program because of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This was important to me because the ABET program assured commitment to the quality of my future. As well as on-campus job recruiting programs every fall semester and wide ranges of job opportunities.
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
I like the sense of accomplishment and success; therefore, leadership, devotion, and determination are strong qualities I [embody]. These traits are from the many expectations from my two loving parents, Laura and James Buczak. They have encouraged me to do my best and provided me much support. Without their support, I would have no determination or willpower.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Tracey Cekada. She has inspired me to “go beyond expectations.” For example, she introduced the opportunity to enter the 2007 Common Freshman Reader contest. This contest focused on a reading called “Fast Food Nation,” by Eric Schlosser. Daniel Snyder and I constructed a poster of safety and hazards associated with meat cutting and packaging. After all our hard work, Daniel and I were recognized as the poster winners. Without her appreciation of my efforts, I would not be as motivated. She also has given me much responsibility and opportunity within the Vice Presidency position in ASSE. She has acknowledged my volunteer efforts by nominating me twice to the Volunteer and Chacivity awards ceremony held by the campus.
What are your standards of success in school and what have you done to meet these standards?
Successes in the Safety Sciences department consists of the ability to recognize, control, and eliminate hazards; time management; interpersonal skills; development of leadership; communication; and involvement. I have met those standards by devoting two summers in the Safety Sciences field and excelling. I have also dedicated much time and effort into my studies as well as being involved with ASSE and RSK. To aid in my professional development, I have participated in CPR/First Aid classes and hazardous materials training.
In addition to your academic course load, what activities, memberships, jobs, etc. do you maintain?
In Spring 2007, a safety group and I put forth our hard work in the undergraduate scholar’s forum. We submitted a boiler experiment that was conducted in SAFE 345, a systems safety lab. My group and I presented the safety of certain components on a Johnston Boiler. Although we did not win, the group had the opportunity to represent the Safety Sciences department and our knowledge.
I’m actively involved in ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers), an organization within the department which has provided me with my leadership skills. I have planned fundraisers, donations, meetings, community service, blood drives, volunteer audits, attended leadership conferences, participated in the women in safety forum, and wrote ASSE newsletters. Two years consecutively, I have been recognized and awarded for my volunteer achievements in this organization by the campus.
I’m also a member of an honors society called Rho Sigma Kappa (RSK). It is an association to recognize a high academic status and leadership in the Safety Sciences program.
In addition to completing the academic courses required for my major, I participate in other outside-of-the-classroom activities that exemplify working beyond expectations. They are...
…two job-related Co-ops. Co-ops help students apply class information to the “real world” of safety. During the summer of 2006, I worked at Allegheny Energy conducting respirator fit tests, air sampling, and procedure revising. The Summer of 2007, I worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber. I accomplished things such as Job Safety Analysis (JSA’s) on many types of machines; I assisted in Living Disaster Recovery Planning System (LDRPS), and noise assessments at the Gemini stores.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be working a full-time internship with Lyondell Chemical in Pasadena, Texas until August. They are one of the world’s largest polymers, chemicals, and fuel companies. After the internship, I plan on acquiring a full-time position in the Safety Sciences field thereafter. Also, on June 6th, 2009, Daniel Snyder, a Safety Sciences student, and I will be married.
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Did You Ever Consider a Career In...
by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center
. . . Safety Sciences?
Mission
The mission of the Safety Sciences Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is to prepare individuals for careers in the safety sciences, which encompass occupational safety, occupational health, environmental safety, fire protection, ergonomics, systems safety, emergency planning and response, and safety management.
Programs of Study in the Department
- Bachelor of Science in Safety Sciences
The undergraduate degree program in safety sciences is built on an interdisciplinary base which provides for insight into engineering, systems analysis, management, human relations, communications, and computer sciences, along with the specific areas of occupational safety and health.
- Master of Science in Safety Sciences
The master’s in Safety Sciences is designed for individuals interested in developing their capabilities beyond the undergraduate program.
- Minor in Safety Sciences
This minor sequence is recommended for students majoring in the related safety and health disciplines such as Nursing and Allied Health; Industrial and Labor Relations; and Environmental Health.
- Certificate of Recognition
The Certificate of Recognition is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and have safety and health program activities as peripheral responsibilities within an organization.
PA/OSHA Consultation Program
Since 1983, IUP's Safety Sciences Department has been the officially designated agency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for providing occupational and health consultative services made available through federal regulations. The program is designed to assist private-sector employers in the Commonwealth in understanding and voluntarily complying with applicable safety/health regulations enforced by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Internship Opportunities
Internships in the Safety Sciences Department are an integral part of the academic program, providing students with an environment which fosters academic and personal growth. They are field-based extensions of classroom learning, enabling students to relate theory to practice, experience conditions of the work world, and clarify individual career goals. All Safety Sciences seniors must complete an internship before graduation.
Some of the current internship opportunities are available with such prestigious companies as GE Consumer & Industrial, Lockheed Martin, Alcoa, Inc., Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Kinsley Constructions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, Trinity Industries, Inc., Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., ITT Electronic Systems, Human Genome Sciences, OmniSource Corporation, and Allegheny Energy.
For more information regarding our programs and fields of study, please contact Department Chairperson Dr. Lon H. Ferguson in Johnson Hall, Room 117 or at 724-357-3017. Please also visit our website at: http://www.iup.edu/safetysciences/default.aspx.
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Careers to Help Lower Your Stress Meter
by: Malaika Turner, Interim Assistant Director for Employer Relations and Development
Career Development Center
Wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a stress-free society? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to rush here and there to keep up with life? The economy is changing; technology is changing and the job market is changing. Well, if you’re looking to decrease your stress level, Chloe Dowley has identified 8 careers to lower your stress level. Enjoy!
-Malaika M. Turner
Careers to Help Lower Your Stress Meter
by Chloe Dowley
It's 11 p.m. on a Sunday night, and you're glued to the computer screen, biting your nails, pulse racing. No, it's not an exciting moment in your weekend-long Halo 3 tournament, or even a big sell on eBay. You're trying to meet yet another deadline for work. Sound familiar? If long hours and an unwieldy workload are stressing you out, maybe it's time to consider a career change.
Understanding the Enemy
Job stress is one of the most common complaints among Americans, and research indicates that it has become a more widespread problem in recent years. In 1992, the United Nations named job stress "The 20th Century Disease," and the World Health Organization has called it a "World Wide Epidemic." Also, studies have shown that too much negative stress can contribute to health problems ranging from migraine headaches and depression to life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks. Is that pension plan really worth it if you won't be alive to cash it in?
Turn Off the Career Pressure-Cooker
What's an overworked guy or gal to do? Though it may seem out of the question after a 60+ hour workweek, redirecting some of your energy toward identifying and training for a new career may be the best investment you can make. The careers listed below are not anxiety-free (every job by nature has some elements of positive and negative stress), but they do offer a combination of freedom, creativity, and personal satisfaction that can help keep your pulse rate normal
1. Accountant
If you're well-organized and have a knack for calculations, a balanced profit and loss sheet can offer a restful escape from the stress of complex office politics. You don't even have to leave your computer to earn an online accounting degree, which can be found at hundreds of accounting schools nationwide.
2. Preschool Teacher
Working with young children can definitely be a challenge. Yet introducing preschoolers to the world of education through art projects, group play, and music can be extremely therapeutic as well. Earn your degree in early childhood education and you could get paid to help three- and four-year-old kids on a daily basis. Even if you have to stay up late to get a teaching degree online, you can make up for that lost sleep when your students enjoy their post-lunchtime naps.
3. Nursing Assistant
Caring for patients as a nursing assistant delivers the feel-good perks of a medical career without the stress of med school or week ends on-call. A nursing degree could set you up to enter a career field projected to see 264,000 new job openings over the next 8 years.
4. Financial Planner
Though spending your own money can produce high levels of anxiety, helping others manage their funds can be just the opposite. A degree in finance can help you learn the basics of tax law, insurance, and investing principles to assist others as they prepare for retirement or plan their estate. To minimize the stress of funding your own education, keep costs down by researching your financial aid options for an online finance degree or an MBA.
5. Massage Therapist / Physical Therapy Assistant
Whether giving and receiving backrubs at a massage therapy school, or practicing flexibility techniques in a physical therapy assisting program, you can learn how to help people maximize relaxation. And if you incorporate some of these exercises into your own daily routine, you could have a recipe for a tension-free workday.
6. Pastry Chef
It's hard to get stressed when your office smells of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Although some pastry chefs work odd hours, the love and creativity they put into their work can be extremely liberating. Most pastry chefs get their start in culinary school, where they can refine and hone their artistic skills.
7. Graphic Design
Being creative under pressure isn't easy, but earning a graphic design degree could help you join the ranks of the designers who are self-employed. Working for yourself can give you a tremendous amount of flexibility, and allow you to balance your personal and professional lives as you see fit.
8. Desktop Support
Desktop or computer support specialists use their expertise to help the rest of us deal with the stress of malfunctioning technology. With a bachelor's degree in computer science (or simply experience and technical training for some positions), you could enjoy low-stress super-hero status by saving hard drives from evil viruses.
Derail Your Stress Train
Though many factors can contribute to on-the-job stress, remember that you always have some control over how you react to it. As you begin your journey toward a lower-stress career, make sure you cultivate some personal stress-reducing habits as well. A little career training can go a long way in helping you launch your new low-stress career.
http://education.yahoo.net/degrees/articles/featured_8_careers_to_help_lower_your_stress_meter.html
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A Note From the Director
A Note from the Director, Mr. Mark Anthony: "You came to college to get a good education that leads to a good job or admission to graduate school. But, there are no guarantees. The Career Development Center can help you prepare by obtaining the skills, abilities, opportunities, experiences, and tools to achieve your goals. This newsletter will keep you informed of how we can help you."
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Editor's Note
Editor: Tracy VanHorn-Juart, Career Development Center
We hope you enjoy the bi-weekly publication of Working Beyond Expectations ! Its intent is to inform readers of the events and services that are available through the Career Development Center, as well as, to encourage the reader to explore the multiple opportunities that are available to them through employment, careers, and academic programs and services at IUP. The newsletter is designed specifically to enhance the educational experience and to prepare the student for their next level of achievement. Whether the next level be freshman to sophomore, classroom to internship, undergraduate studies to graduate studies, or student to full-time employee, the Career Development Center will assist in making smooth and prepared transitions.
If you have any questions , or, if you have recommendations for enhancing this resource, please contact me via email at tracyvan@iup.edu.
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