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.
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."
Quote of the Week
Editor's Note
Career News
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...
Job Hunting Tips for College Students
Quote of the Week
“With the increasing use of online screening, an applicant’s e-mail address could influence whether a resume gets tossed into the cyber-trash or makes it to human resources.” - MSNBC
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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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Career News
by: Emily Tamosauskas, Graduate Assistant
University Testing Center/Career Development Center
What does your email address say about you???
Be aware that a simple email address can have a lasting impression on an employer. Email addresses such as hotbabe23@hotmail.com or bickerdude190@aol.com are not necessarily the best choices. It can be easy to forget this small detail, but let me tell you, it will make or break a hiring decision. According to FabJob.com, email addresses that are not professional can leave an employer questioning your qualities. They stated, "An unconventional email address can definitely be held against you when it comes to applying for a job. It may seem unfair, but it’s no more unusual than employers making judgments about applicants based on other superficial criteria." You do not want a red flag being raised just because of an email address. Take the time now to create a new, professional email address such as yourname@gmail.com. Gmail accounts are free and easy! Also, keep in mind that your IUP email address will not last forever. Think about creating this new professional email account before you graduate or start job hunting. Trust me, you will be happy you did!
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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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Coming Up! Join Us!
Click here to view a flyer containing activities-at-a-glance for the office.
(no longer available)
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Professional Week! (January 28 - February 1, 2008)
Click here to view a a complete listing of the week's activities.
(no longer available)
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IUP Featured Alumnus
Meet: Chad Jurica
Indiana University of PA
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Services/Disability Support Services/Special Education
Minor in Educational Psychology (M'07)
Share your undergraduate experience and/or graduate experience:
As an undergraduate student, I was very focused on my academics and student organizations. I was a brother of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, IUP Chapter, contributed to various community service projects around the town of Indiana, such as Big Brothers, Food Bank Donations, Operation Santa Claus, etc. On campus, I sat on the Residence Hall Council for Wallace Hall. I was a guest presenter on behalf of IUP at the Pennsylvania Transition Conference held in Grantville, Pennsylvania where I presented work entitled “Creating Communities of Practice: Shared Visions for the Successful Transition of Students with Disabilities,” in cooperation with Dr. Kent Jackson and Dr. Janice Baker, IUP faculty members. From 2002-2007, I was the student coordinator for the Teacher Recruiting Fair hosted by IUP. This position involved organizing and recruiting school districts from all across America to come to IUP to recruit teachers for their districts. I presented awards at the Chacivity Awards & Volunteer Reception in 2007, gave campus tours to perspective freshmen as a Campus Trailblazer, and spoke at commencement for my department in 2007. Last, but not least, I won the crown of Homecoming King in 2005!
Graduate Experiences
As a graduate student here at IUP, I am the Assistant Resident Director for Scranton and Lawrence Halls. I help advise the Residence Hall Council, am responsible for coming up with programming ideas for 10 specialty floors in my buildings, and act as a staff advisor for Alpha Phi Omega. I recently became involved with advising for CAACURH which is a National Organization for Student Leadership, and I oversee and advise a staff of 28 community assistants.
Did you work while you were a student?
As an undergraduate student I worked for the Office of Career Services, now known as the Career Development Center. I also worked as a Sales associate at American Eagle Outfitters. In the summer of 2007, I worked within the office of Advising and Testing, for new student orientation.
What are you doing now?
I am a Graduate Student in the department of Student Affairs in Higher Education.
How did your experiences (both academic and/or work related) assist you in deciding what to do post graduation?
As an undergraduate student working within the Student Affairs Division, I always knew that I wanted to help other college students succeed academically and personally. I took pride in the different organizations and committees in which I was involved. I personally view my working as an undergraduate student as the stepping stone that really helped me become aware of my potential and leadership skills.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I can see myself working at a mid-sized institution in the field of Housing and Residence Life. I have come to really enjoy the interactions with many diverse individuals. It’s amazing to watch someone grow and mature in a small time span of a semester - from washing their own clothes to paying their own bills. I have had many different interactions with many different people and the interactions make my job very enjoyable.
What would be one piece of advice?
As long as you can put your mind to something you can achieve anything, this applies to any field not just mine.
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FR/SO/JR/SR Tip
by: Mallory Bower, Graduate Assistant, Career Development Center
Freshman Tip:
Form study groups early. It is important to find peers that you can effectively study with. You should start seeking classmates early in the game so you know who you can best work with. Study groups are an opportunity to discuss course material in more detail and to gain the insights of other students in your class.
Sophomore Tip:
Start looking for internships early. A lot of internships are not offered until your junior or senior year. However, it is important to start gathering information on possible internship opportunities that could benefit you before graduation. This is also a great time to perfect your résumé and your networking skills!
Junior Tip:
Need to take a standardized test? Some graduate programs require standardized testing scores for admission. Future teachers and international students are also required to take these kinds of exams. Make an appointment early to take your GRE, MAT, GMAT, PRAXIS, TOEFL, or CLEP. IUP’s University Testing Center is located in 311 Pratt Hall. Call 724-357-4994 for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Senior Tip:
Start building your professional wardrobe. Ideally, your senior year should be packed full of networking opportunities such as job fairs and site visits. This is also the year that you will be interviewing for jobs in your field. It is important for every job seeker to have at least one business suit for interview purposes. Also, invest in practical wardrobe pieces such as button-down shirts, blouses, slacks, and skirts. First impressions are everything—so make sure you look the part, too! Visit this link for more information about proper business attire: http://old.www.iup.edu/career/resources/interviews/interviews.shtm
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Let's Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!
Current Student: Meg Phillips
Interior Design (M09)
December 2007
How would you describe yourself?
Easy-going, mature, responsible, motivated
At what point did you choose your career and why did you choose this career?
I chose this career while in high school. I want a job in which I have great interest so I don’t feel like I am going to work every day.
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
The satisfaction of achieving my goals on my own helps motivate me to put forth my greatest effort.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Susan Venatta. You can tell she has a lot of knowledge and experience within Interior Design. She’s the first teacher I ever had who can be critical and motivational at the same time. She gives you criticism without making you feel like you failed.
What are your standards of success in school and what have you done to meet these standards?
I never allow myself to get below a 3.0. I feel that B's are average, and I refuse to let myself be lower than average. I would like to continue making the Dean’s List.
To meet these standards, I do a lot of studying. I have turned into that kid who is always in the professor’s office the day before an exam to get those last minute questions answered.
In addition to your academic course load, what activities, memberships, jobs, etc. do you maintain?
Prior to this semester, I always worked two jobs. My jobs included being an assistant, waitress, and currently working in an on-campus office. Working teaches me responsibility, commitment, and time management. My work experience will prepare me for the "real world" because I know I have to revolve my work schedule around my school work. This helps me complete tasks on time.
I am a member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). Professional designers are still members today, so it’s important to be a member while you’re a student. By becoming involved, I benefit from workshops and networking with current designers.
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...
I always go to workshops and other bonus activities. Even if I know I have an A in the course. It’s nice to have that safety net just in case.
What are your plans after graduation?
To work within a commercial design firm or with an event planning organization.
What advice would you give to an IUP student in order to have a successful experience at IUP?
Definitely become involved in activities both in class and outside of class. If you can spare the time, working during school is really a great opportunity to prepare yourself for the time management skills needed in the future.
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Did You Ever Consider a Career In...
. . . Theater and Dance?
Created in 1977, IUP's Department of Theater and Dance began with three faculty and twenty majors and has grown to a full-time faculty of ten with approximately one hundred and fifteen (115) majors. In 1993, dance was added into the curriculum with the addition of two new dance faculty members. The Department of Theater and Dance is dedicated to theater and dance as collaborative and highly disciplined fine arts that demand a broad based undergraduate education. Graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in theater, television, film, real estate, advertising, business, law, and education. Approximately one third of our graduates have pursued graduate work. Our department provides academic service to the departments of English, Communications Media, Elementary Education, Consumer Services, and the Robert E. Cook Honors College. Introduction to Theater and Introduction to Dance are an integral part of the university's Liberal Studies curriculum.
The Department of Theater and Dance presently offers one-degree program: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theater. In addition, two Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Degree tracks are housed in this department: Music-Theater and Dance Arts.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in theater is a broad-based, liberal arts program providing a foundation in theater studies with a concentration in a specific area of theater. Students have the opportunity to pursue a specialization in theater, a minor in dance, a minor in another discipline, a double major, or fashion a program of course work involving a wide range of disciplines.
The Interdisciplinary Fine Arts degree tracks in Music-Theater and Dance Arts also provide broad-based, liberal arts programs focusing on theater, dance and music for the Music Arts track and Dance with secondary areas in theater, music or art for the Dance Arts track.
Students who pursued these majors would certainly be prepared for entry level positions in professional theater companies, the film or television mediums or in dance education – or be able to pursue a graduate degree in theater or dance. In addition, they would be earning a liberal arts undergraduate degree with the development of a considerable work ethic, the ability to solve problems creatively as well as work as a cooperative team member. All of these skills are highly marketable beyond the arts fields.
Students interested in being accepted into any one of these three majors housed in the Department of Theater and Dance would need to audition or do a presentation as part of that process, in addition to an interview with department faculty.
Developed and implemented in 1996 and revised in 2005, the Department of Theater and Dance’s Dance Minor program provides a foundation for those interested in teaching dance, working with a dance company, managing a private dance studio, working with theater productions, or desiring a broad-based education within the dance discipline.
The minor in Theater is based upon the student’s intention for the minor with an approved minimum of fifteen credits in courses for the minor worked out between the student and the department chair.
Any student interested in pursuing any of the majors or minors in theater or dance should contact the Department Office (104 Waller Hall) at 724.357.2965 for further information.
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Job Hunting Tips for College Students
by: Malaika Turner, Assistant Director for Employer Relations and Development
Career Development Center
How To Land a Job With Potential
Don't wait until after college graduation to look for a job.
If you're a college student preparing to graduate, you may find that the job market for new graduates is not exactly hot. There are plenty of jobs out there, but finding a really good job will take more effort than it has in recent years, according to some experts.
Those with real-world work experience in their field will have a significant edge over those without such experience. If you don't have experience in your field in the real-work world, even unpaid internships and volunteer experience will help. Look for these opportunities while you're still in college and be sure to highlight them on your resume.
You shouldn't necessarily turn your nose up at a job you think is below your potential and desired income level, but neither should you settle too quickly for the first opportunity that comes along.
Getting an early start will put you in the position of being able to turn down jobs without the potential you're looking for and holding out for a job with more promise. Look for a company that promotes from within and has the structure to provide opportunities for career advances to talented and hard-working employees.
How will you know if a job is right for you? Before you start looking for jobs, think through all the things that are important to you and make a checklist. Some things to consider:
· Is pay more important or less important than flexible hours?
· Are good benefits more important than higher pay?
· Would you give up some perks in order to work in the city or are the suburbs more appealing even at a lower salary?
In order to evaluate job opportunities, you need to have a concrete idea of what your priorities are.
Once you've determined exactly what you're looking for in a job, tweak your resume accordingly. Then begin your research of companies that you might like to work for.
Networking is one of the most powerful methods of finding a great job. Make a list of your contacts and how they might be able to help you. Talk to people who are working in the field you're interested in and in the companies you'd like to work for. Don't limit yourself to newspaper help wanted ads or online job postings.
The best jobs usually go to those who start looking a little earlier and look a little longer. Take advantage of any contacts you have in the field you're hoping to work in.
Additional tips:
· Take advantage of the Career Development Center here at IUP in 302 Pratt Hall
· Attend job fairs on campus
· Brush up on your skills and schedule a mock interview with the Career Development Center
· Participate in on-campus interviews set up by local companies looking for staff.
· Before going to an interview, research the company as thoroughly as possible so you can speak intelligently about the company's business and its goals and how your skills and experience can help advance the company's agenda.
· Use all the job-hunting strategies available to you. Don't limit yourself to one or two methods of job hunting.
· Remember that your resume is your ambassador. A messy, unprofessional resume or one with typos in it will give a bad impression to your potential employer. Take the time and effort to prepare a professional-looking resume that succinctly highlights your strengths and experiences and will make a good impression on those who read it.
· Once you've landed the interview, be sure to follow up afterwards with a brief, neatly written note expressing your interest in the job and demonstrating your understanding of what the company is looking for in the ideal candidate.
· Once you have the job, give it your best efforts, even if it's not your ideal job. Your work ethic and work habits will follow you around from one job to the next. Make sure the news is all good.
Job Hunting Tips for College Students. How to Land a Job with Potential. About.com: Financial Planning
6 Nov. 2008 http://financialplan.about.com/od/studentsandmoney/a/JobHuntingTips.htm
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