February 12, 2008 - Working Beyond Expectations

Happy New Year, and welcome to the Career Development Center’s electronic newsletter: Working Beyond Expectations! We hope that you find this newsletter both informative and useful as you prepare for the next level of your life.

Quote of the Week
Career News
IUP Featured Alumnus
FR/SO/JR/SR Tip
Let's Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!
Did You Ever Consider a Career In...
Working Moms
Note from the Director
Editor's Note

Quote of the Week

by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center

[Millennials have] been taught that life is going to be creative and challenging and collaborative and that that’s the way work is going to be. They come feeling much more positive and having a lot of high expectations for their jobs.

-Claire Raines, Denver, Colorado-Based Generational Consultant & Co-Author of Generations at Work

(as cited from Pooley, E. (2005). Kids these days. Canadian Business, 78(12), 67-68.)

Career News

by: Jamie Guilford , Graduate Intern
Career Development Center

Workplace Issues: A Challenge That New College Grads Can Expect

For the first time in history, there are four generations working together in the workplace. This multigenerational workforce includes Veterans (1922-1946), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1964-1980), and the Millennials (1980-2000) (Houlihan, 2007). The ways in which each generation has been shaped by different life events and societal forces has provided each generation with a characteristically different set of work values (Glass, 2007). Veterans value quality, respect, and authority while the Boomers believe that being loyal, sacrificing, and putting in long hours should result in rewards and status; Generation X values productivity over hours worked as well as finding work-life balance while the Millennials are confident, technological multi-taskers who value work-life balance as well (Glass, 2007; Houlihan, 2007). When all of these differing values and expectations come into play, multigenerational conflict in the workplace can result.

How are companies, managers, and employees handling this new workplace challenge? It appears that they are mostly embracing a learning perspective, encouraging each generation to learn about and understand one another through training and workshops so that communication is more effective and the strengths of each generation can be recognized. In particular, companies are educating their employees about the generational differences in communication styles, motivation, and need for supervisory feedback (Glass, 2007).

So as new college graduates enter into the workforce, they need to be prepared for the possibilities of multigenerational conflict on the job, but they also need to have the perspective that sometimes it is only through conflict that great lessons can be learned. In learning how to work together, different generations can draw upon their respective strengths so that the company can become an even more stimulating, engaging, and productive environment in which to work.

Glass, A. (2007). Understanding generational differences for competitive success. Industrial & Commercial Training, 39(2), 98-103.

Houlihan, A. (2007). The new melting pot: How to effectively lead different generations in the workplace. Supervision, 68(9), 10-12.

IUP Featured Alumna

by: Kate Cook, Graduate Assistant
Career Development Center

Meet: Heather Leone
Indiana University of PA
Sociology, '06

Share your undergraduate experience and/or graduate experience:

I started my path to higher learning as an elementary education major leaning towards a concentration in French (FLISET). After taking the Career Exploration Course (ADVT 170), I decided that I would change my major to Sociology with a Human Service Track. I had wonderful learning and growing experiences with the faculty and staff at IUP.

Did you work while you were a student?

Yes, I was employed at the Advising and Testing Center as a student assistant during my undergraduate studies. I had another part time job on the weekends at a personal care home for people with mental and physical disabilities. The experiences that I’ve had in all of my employment has directed me towards education and job searching in the helping professions.

What are you doing now?

I am currently the Americorps Representative in the Office of Service Learning at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

How did your experiences (both academic and/or work related) assist you in deciding what to do post graduation?

I have always had a passion for helping people and my position as the Americorps Representative at IUP allows me to not only work with college students, but also with people of all ages in the Indiana Community.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Hopefully, I will have completed a master’s degree and will be working someplace warm.

What would be one piece of advice?

Don’t be afraid to search for positions outside of western Pennsylvania or wherever your home may be. If you are willing to move outside of your comfort zone you will have a better chance of landing the job of your dreams!

FR/SO/JR/SR Tip

by: Mallory Bower, Graduate Assistant, Career Development Center

Freshman Tip:

Choose a balanced course load. College classes are harder than most high school-level courses. Take classes that will challenge you, but don’t overwhelm yourself. It is important to seek balance between stimulating courses and less intense courses to even out your schedule.

Sophomore Tip:

Take effective notes. Taking notes in class helps you to actually retain information. However, do not make the mistake of trying to write down everything the instructor says. Choose key points and other important information to document. If you are having trouble keeping up with the lessons, you may want to consider asking your instructor if they would allow you to tape record the lecture.

Junior Tip:

Improve your writing. Let’s face it, not everyone is a born writer. But writing is something that you will be doing a lot of during your college career and in the real world. Have a friend or classmate review your assignments, or go to the writing center to get a trained expert’s point of view. Making an appointment with your instructor to discuss how you could improve your writing may also help.

Senior Tip:

Try to decrease anxiety. Graduation is a scary time. Beginning the job search can create unease or anxiety in students. Proper preparation can help to alleviate stress and build confidence. Make sure you have taken steps in the right direction towards a successful future!

Let’s Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!

by: Kate Cook, Graduate Assistant
Career Development Center

Current Student: Rich Lansberry
Indiana University of PA
Finance ’09

How would you describe yourself?

Proactive, humorous, energetic, and willing to compromise my satisfaction in order to help others.

At what point did you choose your career and why did you choose this career?

I didn’t choose to study Finance until the fall of 2007; prior to that I was a marketing major. I chose Finance because of the different opportunities within the field, and I wanted to graduate from the Eberly College of Business with a better understanding of how the world’s financial markets work.

What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

Personal satisfaction and rewards. I feel that the harder I work for something, the more I will benefit from the outcome.

Who is your favorite professor and why?

This is a really tough one. Although he is no longer here, I’m going to say Mr. Matt Slifko. I had him for Probability and Statistics the fall of my sophomore year. He was fresh out of graduate school, and his first teaching opportunity at the collegiate level had been at IUP. I think he got along with the class so well because of his young age, but I can’t forget how he would make fun of himself every Monday for the senseless things he had done over the weekend and the extent of how much one man could love Tom Petty.

What are your standards of success in school and what have you done to meet these standards?

I try to maintain as many A’s in class as possible, which is my personal level for success. However, if I honestly put forth my best effort and end up with a B, I can accept it easily.

I wouldn’t say that I studied all the time, because I didn’t. If I did it would probably have been much easier to maintain the GPA that I have now. I think it’s very important to go out and have fun, and do the things you want to do; I believe a main identity of a college student is to sometimes have too much fun, but then learn from your mistakes. If you blow off studying for a test to go out and party, you’ll understand why you didn’t do so well on the exam. It’s a learning experience.

In addition to your academic course load, what activities, memberships, jobs, etc. do you maintain?

I participate in a number of different organizations and activities, most of which I’ve held or currently hold leadership positions.

Currently, I’m the President of Phi Gamma Nu (PGN), a co-ed Professional Business Fraternity in the Eberly College of Business. PGN has helped me enhance my communication and organizational skills by planning community service and professional development events while also increasing my leadership abilities.

I just joined the IUP Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) this semester and have already learned so much from only a few projects. SMIP has helped me think more critically and analyze situations at a more detailed level.

I’m the current Vice President of Publicity for the IUP College of Business Student Advisory Council (COBSAC). Holding this position has strengthened my ability to market an organization as well as develop more advanced public speaking skills.

I had the opportunity to become a Founding Father of the nationally recognized fraternity, Kappa Sigma, here at IUP. I served as the Grand Procurator (equivalent to Vice President) during the re-colonization process in the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. My leadership and public presentation skills were extended greatly during my time in office.

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...

After heavy recruiting from Dr. Affaneh, I decided to join a team from IUP in an investment research competition sponsored by the CFA Institute of Pittsburgh. Along with four other students, we are representing IUP in a competition against Pitt, Duquesne, Penn State Behrend, and Carnegie Mellon.

I also enjoy taking advantage of IUP’s various intramural athletics. Softball and volleyball have been two favorites, but all of the sports are competitive and a great way to get out and get active.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have no plans set in stone, but I’m thinking that I want to travel as much as possible, hopefully at the expense of the company that I’m working for. I have nothing strapping me down to a particular place at this point in my life, and I want to use that to my benefit to take advantage of any career opportunity that I may unveil.

What advice would you give to an IUP student in order to have a successful experience at IUP?

If a student wanted my advice on how to have a successful experience at IUP, I would tell him or her this: You’re here to learn and grow, and you’re here to have a good time--make it the time of your life. If you can balance those two ideas, you will have no problem getting the most out of Indiana. Keep your family close, but don’t let it hold you back from opportunities away from home.

Did You Ever Consider a Career In...

by: Kate Cook, Graduate Assistant
Career Development Center

. . . Accounting?

Careers in accounting are gratifying and challenging, whether they be in industry, public accounting, or the government sector. Accountants can obtain a variety of professional certifications. Each professional certification program includes examination and experience requirements.

The accounting profession has emerged as one of the leading growth professions. Careers are open to women and men of all backgrounds. It is a profession that offers immeasurable expansion but consistently provides a good income, stability, and benefits. There are career opportunities for accounting graduates in industry, government agencies, international companies and the list continues to expand. Many government agencies actively seek out accounting majors.

A number of organizations have established a process through which to gain professional certification. The process typically includes examination, education, and experience requirements. Some of the most popular certifications are CPA, CMA, CIA, CFP and CISA. The accounting salary usually increases upon completion of various certification areas. Professional accountants have codes of ethics that must be followed and they are governed by various agencies.

Accounting graduates pursue career path options from the below areas:

Public Accounting

Accountants working for CPA firms perform audits, prepare tax returns, and do tax research and planning. They act as management advisors offering expertise to individuals and industries in a variety of consulting areas.

Business and Industry

An accounting degree can provide the path to positions such as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. Other accountants in industry specialize in areas such as forecasting, budgeting, financial analysis, or internal auditing. Many students begin as staff accountants and progress to senior accountant, supervisor, manager, controller, and up to CFO, CIO, or even CEO.

Government and Not-For-Profit

All levels of government need accountants. They can use their expertise to gain management positions. Accountants are employed by federal, state, local, and educational agencies. The FBI, IRS, GAO, CIA, and Secret Service all employ a large number of accountants.

Every fall semester, the Department of Accounting hosts the Accounting Career Day for those interested in accounting. In addition, our Student Accounting Association (SAA) is one of the most active student organizations on campus and welcome prospective students to attend our meetings. For more information, please contact:

Contact the following individuals for more information:

Dr. Germain Kline, Chairperson (gpkline@iup.edu) or Ms. Tabitha Yagle, SAA President, Junior IUP Accounting Major (t.a.yagle@iup.edu)
421 Eberly Bldg.
724-357-2686

Additional Accounting Career Links:

www.aicpa.org – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
www.picpa.org – Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Working Moms

by: Malaika Turner, Interim Assistant Director for Employer Relations and Development
Career Development Center

As a working mother of two, I find that at times it is difficult juggling the job and the family. I’m thankful that I work in an environment where my supervisor is supportive of my needs as a mother. More and more working mothers across the country are looking for employers that will accommodate their needs and help them to be effective as mom and employee. The article below will highlight a few companies that embrace the working mom.

Malaika M. Turner

Employers Who Make it Easier to be a Working Mom
By Caroline M. Levchuck

Working mother may be a redundant term because all moms work hard, whether it's in the home or out. But mothers with jobs face unique challenges every day. Thankfully, there are many employers who offer a supportive environment to help these women shine, personally and professionally.

Read on for a closer look at how some of the U.S.’s largest employers are embracing working moms.

1. Cisco Systems

Who they are:

Founded in 1984, Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco employs more than 47,000 employees worldwide, 24 % of whom are women, and frequently appears on Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies" list.

Made for Mom:

Women matter at Cisco. Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Susan L. Bostrom, who was the executive sponsor of Cisco's Women's Initiative from 2001 through 2004, firmly believes "that diversity in the workforce brings diversity of thought which increases a business's competitive advantage."

Perks: Cisco offers on-site childcare at its San Jose headquarters, priority access to a network of 200+ childcare centers, backup emergency childcare, adoption assistance, comprehensive breastfeeding support services, flexible work options (almost 100% of all Cisco employees have some type of remote access at their homes) and an array of on-site services to help moms on the go.

2. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Who They Are:

One of the country's premier pediatric healthcare systems, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has two pediatric hospitals and five immediate care centers. 61% of executives and 82 % of workers are female.

Made for Mom:

President and CEO James Tally says, "Those [employees] who have chosen to be working mothers ... are especially important because they make a difference in the lives of children in two places - at home and at work. So, we've always felt an obligation to support them in their indispensable and important roles."

Perks:

All employees have access to flexible scheduling options and are encouraged to participate in telecommuting when possible. Adoption assistance is available and "Great Expectation" baby showers are held regularly to celebrate with all parents-to-be. Workers receive pregnancy counseling, a $100 savings bond for each new addition to their families, access to a lactation consultant and company-sponsored childcare and more.

3. American Express

Who They Are: In 2005, American Express celebrated its 16th appearance on the Working Mother "100 Best Companies" list. A leading global payments, network and travel company, 61% of American Express's 42,453 employees are women.

Made for Mom:

American Express features many employee networks to enhance professional and personal growth, one of which is its "Women Interests Network."

Perks:

American Express offers the triumvirate of flexible work options: Job sharing, a compressed work week and part-time scheduling. Telecommuting is a work-life balance opportunity as well. An adoption-assistance program is available as are education- and legal-assistance plans.

4. Eli Lily & Co.

Who They Are:

Eli Lilly and Company is a leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical corporation employing 44,000 people worldwide. Lilly's products include Cialis, Evista and Prozac.

Made for Mom:

Another favorite of Working Mother magazine, Eli Lilly and Company was lauded by the popular publication for "its culture [that] gives people the freedom to figure out how to achieve their own version of work/family balance."

Perks:

Lilly's flexible work options include flex time, flex week, part-time hours, job sharing and telecommuting. There are on-site child development centers (and fitness centers, too) at several locations. All new parents - mothers, fathers and adoptive and foster parents - enjoy paid leave. Elder care and childcare consultation and referral services, including support and information-sharing groups, are available as is adoption assistance.

5. Publix Supermarkets

Who They Are:

Publix Super Markets is the largest and fastest-growing employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States. Founded in 1930, Publix has over 138,000 associates, 884 stores and eight distribution centers across five states.

Made for Mom:

Maria Brous, Director of Media and Community Relations for Publix, says, "Women are an important part of our workforce, as they are in our stores as consumers. Women help us identify consumer shopping trends and provide us with the attention to detail that makes the difference in the overall shopping experience of our customers."

Perks:

Publix offers different perks to suit the needs of employees who work in different locations. In its corporate headquarters, Publix associates have access to the Publix Child Development Center and lactation rooms. In retail stores, Publix offers flexible working hours. In its manufacturing and distribution centers, three different shifts are available to accommodate almost any schedule. Telecommuting is offered when possible, too.

6. PricewaterhouseCoopers

Who They Are:

PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services in order to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. Of its 26,000+ employees, 48 % are women.

Made for Mom:

2005 marked the ninth consecutive year PwC has been named to Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies" list and the second year they've cracked the top 10.

Perks:

PwC's family-friendly perks are almost too numerous to mention. There are discounts and reimbursements for childcare, emergency backup childcare, telecommuting options and part-time scheduling. New mothers (adoptive and biological) enjoy generous paid leave, and three weeks of parental leave is available for non-primary caregivers. All parents have access to the "Working Parents' Network," for support and advice from colleagues.

7. Edward Jones

Who They Are:

One of the world's fastest-growing and most-honored investment and financial services firms, Edward Jones is known for opening the door to careers in finance for women across the U.S. and Canada (and, most recently, in the U.K.).

Made for Mom:

Edward Jones supports working moms in a number of unique ways. Transitional representatives will fill in for investment representatives who are out on maternity leave. Edward Jones's EDGE ("Expectations, Development, Guidance and Expertise") Program is a network of successful women who offer advice to other women on building a thriving business. Michele Holton, Manager of Inclusion for Edward Jones, says EDGE has proven to be a "very helpful resource because you have women who are willing and prepared to take these calls and share their success strategies."

Perks: In addition to tuition-reimbursement packages, full benefits, profit sharing and an opportunity for ownership in the firm, Edward Jones is proud to offer adoption assistance and family leave as well as opportunities for job sharing, flex time and part-time work.

8. IBM

Who They Are:

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with nearly 330,000 employees around the world. For 20 consecutive years, IBM has been one of Working Mother magazine's best companies.

Made for Mom:

IBM spokesman Clint Roswell says, "IBM's goal over the years has been to create an environment and programs so conducive to the needs of women employees that they will continuously attract and retain key talent." What motivates "Big Blue" to embrace working mothers so warmly? "It's good business," says Roswell. "It really makes a difference in the workplace."

Perks:

IBM provides employees with an impressive variety of flexible work options including telecommuting, work at home, part-time reduced work schedules, which are available on a permanent or temporary basis, job sharing, a compressed or flexible work week, individualized work schedules and up to a three-year leave of absence.

9. Microsoft

Who They Are:

Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Founded in 1975, this progressive company has benefits to match.

Made for Mom:

Microsoft has "New Mother Rooms" in most of its campus buildings.

Perks:

Microsoft offers a perk for virtually every need a working mom could have, including adoption assistance, backup childcare, school's out childcare, paid maternity leave and paid parental leave, a contraception benefit, an infertility benefit, on-site mammography testing and much more.

10. Discovery Communications

Who They Are:

Discovery Communications is the global leader in the creation and distribution of real-world media, retail products and online educational services. Networks include the eponymous Discovery Channel, BBC America, TLC, Animal Planet, The Military Channel and more.

Made for Mom:

According to Working Mother magazine, almost 50 % of Discovery Communications' executives and top earners are women.

Perks:

Flex time is all the rage at Discovery and work-at-home options are popular, too (perhaps because Discovery supplies employees with the high-tech tools to do so). Emergency/backup childcare is available and employees have access to the Discovery Family Learning Institute, which offers family-friendly programs and classes.

(http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/balance/Employers_Who_Make_it_Easier_to_be_a_Working_Mom__20060830-021405.html)

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.

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 e-mail at tracyvan@iup.edu.