Welcome Back! ....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.
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...
What Employers Seek In Today's Employees
Quote of the Week
"The interview levels the playing field. No matter where you went to school, no matter what your GPA is, no matter how much experience you have, no matter who you know--if you aren't able to interview successfully, you won't get the job. -- CollegeGrad.com
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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
News Flash!!!
The Career Development Center has just upgraded the Mock Interview Equipment! This new technology provides a smoother, more efficient process. Utilizing this service, you can expect to:
· Practice interviewing in a simulated setting, one-on-one with a trained mock
interviewer
· Be provided with immediate feedback on your performance
· Review and enhance your resume and cover letter
· Gain information on how to ace your interview
· Know what to anticipate in a real interview situation
· Learn how to make a great first impression
· Take home a DVD of your interview for future reference
Mock Interviews are offered during both fall and spring semesters. You must purchase a Mock Interview packet in the Career Development Center before interviews can be scheduled.
* cash and check are acceptable - no credit or debit cards please *
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The Career Development Center Welcomes Our New Staff Member
Joining the staff of the Career Development Center on July 23 as Assistant Director for Employer Relations and Development is Malaika Turner. Malaika comes to us from the Office of Housing and Residence Life, where she has been the Resident Director in the Tri-Halls for the past nine years.
In her new role, Malaika will be responsible for expanding employer involvement on campus. She will spend a large portion of her time visiting employers at the workplace, telling them about IUP, and developing opportunities for current students and graduates. Another aspect of her job will be to increase the number of students who participate in on-campus recruiting.
Malaika is a two-time graduate of IUP, with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s in Adult Education and Communications Technology.
Welcome, Malaika!
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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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University Testing Services
Did you know that University Testing Services offers standardized testing to pre-registered examinees throughout the year? We provide testing information, schedules, administration,and score reports for the purposes of graduation, competency, licensure and personal certification. Tests offered at our site include CLEP tests, GRE, Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Praxis, and TOEFL. We expect the GMAT test to be available later this fall.
The testing center is located at 311 Pratt Hall and provides a stress-free atmosphere for test takers. Hours of operation for this fall are Monday 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Call the testing center at (724) 357-4994 for more information or to schedule a testing appointment!
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Coming Up! Join Us!
Click here to view a flyer containing activities-at-a-glance for the office.
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Community Involvement Fair
The community Involvement Fair will be held Wednesday September 12, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the HUB-Ohio Room. This is an opportunity for students looking for volunteer opportunities, internships or federal work study employment to meet with local non-profit agencies. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the Office of Service Learning at 724.357.3103 or service-learning@iup.edu.
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The Career Development Center
Presents an…
Open House Reception
Wednesday, September 19th from 11am – 2pm
in
The Career Development Center located at 305 Pratt Hall
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet some new faces,
hear about all that we have to offer,
and socialize with colleagues and friends.
We hope to see you there!
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IUP Featured Alumnus
Meet: Allison Vaughn
Fashion Merchandising '01
MBA '07
Share your undergraduate experience and/or graduate experience:
I had a pretty good graduate experience. I really enjoyed getting to meet new people, especially because the MBA program consists of many students from around the world. You have the opportunity to see what it’s like to try and communicate and work effectively with those from backgrounds very different from your own. Many of the students in the MBA program are very close to each other and they are always trying to include others. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I also enjoyed a chance to work in a departmental office and another support office, Career Services, during my graduate coursework.
Did you work while you were a student?
During my graduate program I worked as a Test Administrator at University Testing, and I also worked for Dr. Bill McPherson in the Technology Support and Training Department. My duties consisted of tracking student grades and attendance, addressing student concerns about these areas, checking on research, editing manuscripts and managing WebCT courses.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am working for a temporary job at Baugh Northeast (a redistribution center for Sysco Foodservices) performing mostly data entry. But more importantly, I moved to Stephens City, VA, right outside of Winchester, and am actively looking for a permanent career opportunity.
How did your experiences (both academic and/or work related) assist you in deciding what to do post graduation?
My work experiences make me want to work in a university setting and I have interviewed for a position at the local university. However, my business knowledge is applicable to many industries and I’m willing to try any of them. Having done training in a former position and maintaining jobs in customer service also makes me feel as though I’d be good in the area of human resources. What I like most and least about my MBA is that I can do any number of different things because of the general nature of the program. It’s just a matter of deciding which one I’m best at and enjoy most.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I’ll probably still be living in this area but I hope to be working in human resources and on my way to owning a home.
What would be one piece of advice?
Be sure to have a more specialized business degree for undergrad and follow-up with a concentration in the MBA program.
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FR/SO/JR/SR Tip
by: Mallory Bower, Graduate Assistant, Career Development Center
Freshman Tip:
Find a good place to study. Establishing good study habits early in the game is very important to succeed in your college career. Search for a place that is free of noise and distractions, so that you may study more efficiently. Keep in mind that different environments appeal to different students. You may prefer the study lounge in your residence hall rather than the library. Research shows that studying in a classroom-like environment will help to trigger the information while taking your test. Find what works for you!
Sophomore Tip:
Balance your studies with your extracurricular activities. Your sophomore year is a time that you become more comfortable with your new environment and may seek extracurricular activities that spark your interest. While it is important to get involved on your campus, this can become time consuming. Learn to find a balance of academic work and social activities.
Junior Tip:
Keep track of your finances. Students often seek off-campus housing after their sophomore year. This is a great opportunity to learn financial responsibility and budgeting skills. Make sure you keep excellent records that contain your billing statements, leases, and bank statements. Track your financial transactions by keeping your checkbook balanced at all times. If you succeed with these tasks, it will be much less stressful when entering the “real world” after graduation!
Senior Tip:
Start the job search early! It is suggested that you start researching the job market at least nine months before graduation. Do not wait until after graduation to apply for jobs in your field! Employers view this as having poor planning skills. Get yourself out there! Go to job fairs, network with employers, and set up informational interviews with alumni. If you need tips on job searching, visit the Career Development Center for more information.
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Let's Hear What Your Colleagues Are Doing!
Undergraduate Student: Hally Dravecky
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences Education May 2010
How would you describe yourself?
My friends and family describe me as caring, friendly, and dedicated. I also have a good sense of humor!
At what point did you choose your career and why did you choose this career?
During my sophomore year of high school, I realized that teaching Family and Consumer Science would be a great match for me after taking an A’l a Carte Baking class as an elective. As the class unfolded, I realized I enjoyed learning about the class content and liked being part of the learning environment of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom.
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
There are many factors that push me to do my best at college. Knowing that I want to have a successful teaching career after leaving IUP is the biggest motivator for me right now. I am focused on doing my best academically and getting involved in activities that will be beneficial to my career. I also make time to hang out with family and friends; they are always there to encourage and support me.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
It is difficult for me to select only one professor because they all offer something unique to the class. Each one has their own teaching style, and I find favorite traits in each.
What are your standards of success in school?
I love doing the best that I possibly can. When I notice myself starting to ‘slack’ a little, I know that it is time to push harder. I really want to succeed at everything I do.
What have you done to meet these standards?
I put studying before everything else in my schedule and I never skip class. I give myself enough time to study for tests, usually about a week or two in advance. I take advantage of professors’ office hours too; they’re great to go to if you need help with a specific question.
In addition to your academic course load, what activities, memberships, jobs, etc. do you maintain?
I have an on-campus job at the Career Development Center. One of my main responsibilities is to maintain a listing of part-time job opportunities for IUP students. The summer before my freshman year, I worked for the Music Department at Cogswell. I am a member of Grace United Methodist Church where I participate in music ensembles, small group Bible study, and provide child care. Working with young children is great because I am gaining valuable skills that will help me with the child development aspect of my major. After completing my freshman year, I have learned about many more opportunities that I am excited in getting involved with. Keeping a full schedule is not always easy, but I am learning to balance my time and am becoming more organized.
In addition to completing the academic courses required for my major, I participate in other outside-of-classroom activities that exemplify working beyond expectations. They are. . .
I went beyond expectations when I became a music minor. I knew that my schedule would become rather crazy; but I really wanted to keep music in my life. The minor not only adds more courses to my schedule, but I must also make time to practice my music and go to ensemble rehearsals and concerts. Taking the minor has helped me to go beyond my expectations by allowing me to keep my passion for music while earning my degree and gaining a number of valuable skills. My time management skills have sharpened. I have learned how to budget my time to keep my schedule running smoothly.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to find a job and begin my teaching career.
What advice would you give to an IUP student in order to have a successful experience at IUP?
You are at college for a reason—to get your education. Take it seriously. Attend classes regularly and make sure to study hard. However, don’t overwork yourself. Make sure that you have fun in the process.
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Did You Ever Consider a Career In...
. . .Human Development and Environmental Studies
The Human Development and Environmental Studies Department is unique in that it is made up of four very different programs. Each of the programs, however, is committed to the department mission of training professionals who can help people use their resources effectively to live more satisfying and productive lives. The mission of the Human Development and Environmental Studies Department is to prepare individuals to support human and environmental needs and to perform professionally in a changing, diverse technological and global society. The department is composed of programs that are interdisciplinary and share humanistic values. All majors have an applied focus and stress critical thinking, problem solving, professional judgment and ethics, decision-making and synthesis of information.
One of the programs in the department is Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Professionals in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences are specialists who recognize the interrelationship of families with their near environments, and who integrate and synthesize information from across disciplines to empower families to be contributing members of society. The mission of the IUP undergraduate program in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) is to prepare educators who are empowered to enable youth and adults to manage with reason and creativity the challenges across the lifespan of living and working in a global society.
As an educator, the FCSE graduate is prepared to guide a variety of teaching-learning situations. Since education is a people-centered profession, the program focuses on characteristics of various learners or clients, learning principles and different applications of the teaching-learning process. A wide range of strategies for working with individuals or groups is included. Hands-on experience is provided throughout the program to develop the teaching skills learned in classes.
The FCSE student is also prepared with a comprehensive subject matter background. Courses from all areas of Family and Consumer Sciences are included in the program. Courses in the program focus on the major content areas of foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, child and family studies, personal and family management, and housing and interiors. Students also take a core of teacher preparation courses. This contributes to the versatility of the major since the broad range of knowledge may be applied to a wide variety of settings.
A graduate of the FCSE program is qualified to teach Family and Consumer Sciences classes in vocational or non-vocational programs. Settings include teaching in middle, junior and senior high schools and secondary vocational centers. Other career options include employment as consultants in teaching Family and Consumer Sciences at the elementary-school level or serving as Family and Consumer Sciences teachers for special education students. Teachers of adult programs work with various agencies and local school districts offering adult enrichment, continuing education, evening and summer classes and programs for special groups such as parents, senior citizens and migrant workers. The Cooperative Extension Service, utility companies, health and human service agencies and retail establishments also employ graduates.
The FCSE program at IUP meets the standards set by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Thus, graduates are readily employable throughout the United States. There is an urgent need for Family and Consumer Sciences secondary teachers not only in Pennsylvania but across the nation as well. Dr. Sally McCombie, Program Coordinator, runs a job bank to help graduates secure teaching positions. For more information contact:
Dr. Sally McCombie
724-357-2336
smccomb@iup.edu
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What Employers Seek In Today's Employees
by: Malaika Turner, Assistant Director for Employer Relations and Development
Career Development Center
Know Your Potential! Sounds like a chapter in a motivational book doesn’t it? What is it that you can offer an employer? Yes, they can offer experience, a salary with great benefits, but in return, what is that you can do to complement an organization? In a fast moving engine called Corporate America, it’s important for post baccalaureate students to have what it takes to work in Corporate America. If you can solve a problem or meet a need in corporate America there will be a job for you! Again, know your potential!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Alexis Dobbins, who is CEO of writeRelations, a literary services firm. The interview is below:
Alexis Dobbins is CEO of writeRelations, a literary services firm that provides writing, editing, and publishing services for its clients. They are launching a national initiative, “The Good In Him”, designed to celebrate African American men and provide tools for reconciliation between absentee African-American fathers and the women who are raising their children. Her corporate experience includes organizational development; identifying the needs of specific companies or initiatives and recruiting staff, management, and consultants as needed. She serves as a consultant for several national organizations to fine-tune their print materials, and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Washington regional chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Malaika: “So Alexis, please tell me – what are employers looking for today in a college graduate?”
Alexis: “There are five key things that I believe employers are looking for today. First is experience in and exposure to the field or area of concentration that supports the needs of the company. Remember that hiring is not an altruistic act – people are hired to meet the needs of an organization. A student should work to gain meaningful experience through internships, volunteering, or other opportunities. Students need to be proactive. Get in front of an organization before you need a job. Students must be persistent. Importunity is Important!
Malaika: “I know that you worked in public media for over 18 years. What are some of the initiatives that public media offers students in college?”
Alexis: “Many public television and radio outlets have developed mentoring and/or internships which weave college students into the field. In many cases, these opportunities are linked to Broadcast, Journalism, or Communications programs within the college structure. Many people are aware of the Emma Bowen Scholarship program designed to facilitate entry into the broadcast arena; this program is heavily supported by public broadcasting.
Malaika: “Talk about some of the other key points that you’d like to communicate to students concerning Corporate America and what they are looking for today?”
Alexis: “To my second point, it helps if students have a breadth of experience that doesn’t relate to their major. One should know that there are standards that Corporate America requires regardless of the degree or expected field of concentration. Students need to be able to write logically and concisely, communicate effectively and in a constructive manner, and understand the formal meeting process. Employers are looking for students who are up on current events; students should read at least one newspaper every day whether hard-copy or online.
“Third, you want to project a polished persona, whether you’re on the phone or at an interview or networking function. Everything you do or say adds to the organization’s view of who you are. Students need to present themselves in a way that is acceptable in a particular corporate environment. Going to an interview for an online start-up? Your attire can be a bit more free form. Perhaps – but you have to do your research. Going to a large accounting firm? You need to have a more conservative look – tailored suit with matching pumps/shoes. The idea is to be sensitive to the organizational culture.
Fourth and pretty simplistic is network. Networking begins in college. Everyone that you meet is a potential connection to that job or that company. Organizations are looking for follow through. If you meet someone at a conference and they give you a business card – it’s important to follow up, even if only to mention that you enjoyed the brief conversation. Meet someone in a grocery store? If there’s even a slight possibility that he or she could be a possible lead to the job you’re pursuing, then remember to follow up. Always follow through and position yourself for continued contact.
Fifth, and critical, is the need to be flexible. Weigh your interest in a specific job against the possible benefit of exposure within a company or an industry. Quick example -- I entered public broadcasting as a software trainer and less than two years later I was developing and managing programs to support a national broadcasting infrastructure requirement, traveling all around the country. That position was not available when I started because it didn’t exist. Once you join an organization and people become comfortable with your skills and abilities, you’re often able to create the job you want!
Malaika: “Thank you so much, Ms. Dobbins, for sharing a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to our readers. I know that it will be helpful to students who are looking to entering the work force.
There you have it! Five key things that employers are looking for in today’s college graduates. I hope this helps to prepare you, students, who are looking to find gainful employment after college. IUP takes pride in the graduates that matriculate through our institution. Let’s exceed basic expectations, making these five tips a momentous start to your journey.
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