Category Archives: About CS

Just Keep Swimming!

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By Shannon Feeney Andre, Employer Relations Coordinator

For the seniors wondering “what’s next;” for the juniors needing internships; for the first-year and sophomore students just starting out – have no fear, Career Services is here!  With three-and-a-half weeks left until the spring semester ends, there is still time to figure out what to do this summer.  Our office offers a variety of services to help students with their career development from the basics like resume writing to more in-depth conversations about your major.  If you aren’t sure what to do next, here are some tips to get you started:

Resume Help

  • Drop-in hours are a great opportunity for you to have that extra set of eyes review your resume.  These fifteen minute sessions allow you to ask the important questions and assure you that your resume is ready to go.  Check out our drop-in hours on the Career Services’ homepage.
  • Career Guides offer a full range of advice on everything career-related; however, if you’re just starting out, the section on resume writing is great place to find the main components.  We even produce three editions based on your class level: Freshman/Sophomore, Junior/Senior, and Master’s.

Job/Internship Search Resources

  • OrangeLink is the online job and internship board managed by Career Services.  All students have access to the postings on this site.  It’s easy to get started – just log into MySlice and under the ‘Career Services’ header, click on the link to OrangeLink.  If you’re an alumnus needing access, contact our Help Desk at 315.443.9093.
  • Indeed.com is a Meta search engine that allows you to look for positions based on keywords and location.  It’s a great place to start looking for jobs and internships since it gives you the ability to pull positions off multiple websites.

Counseling Sessions

  • Career counselors are here to help if you’re feeling a bit lost too.  If you’re wondering about what major to pursue, what career path is right for you, or where your interests lie, we’re happy to help.  To schedule an hour-long appointment with one of our career counselors, give us a call at 315.443.3616.

If you’re thinking you may need help in a variety of areas – resume writing, interviewing, networking, and personal branding – check out the Career Crash Course on Friday, April

The Career Crash Course is a one-day event featuring employer instructors leading workshops on career essentials.

The Career Crash Course is a one-day event featuring employer instructors leading workshops on career essentials.

5th!  Employers will lead sessions on the basics of your career search in this one-day event.  Participating employers include General Electric, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Northwestern Mutual, PepsiCo, and Teach for America.   Students interested in participating should sign up in Career Services (235 Schine) by 4 p.m. on Thursday.

“Should I Go To Grad School?”

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By Alaina Spadaro, G’14
Graduate Assistant, Career Services

Graduate Assistant

Alaina is the graduate assistant in Career Services. In this post, she shares some thoughts and resources about pursuing a graduate degree program.

To Go or Not to Go?
Wondering about graduate school? Well, “Should I go to graduate school?” is a common question we hear in Career Services and one that I am familiar with personally. When I was in my senior year of undergrad, I didn’t know whether or not I wanted to pursue a degree past my B.A. and if so, what program of study I should choose.  I knew how much effort it would take to apply and had to decide quickly. Time limitations, financial concerns, and family pressures combined to make my graduate school decision complex. The choice to go or not to go is unique for every individual and situation.

I would not recommend graduate school to someone who is unclear about his or her career path. There’s a lot of emphasis in today’s economy on continuing your education. However, without a specific career goal in mind or without being ready, the pressure of graduate studies could become too much. Personally, I needed to be certain that I really wanted the job opportunities that would be available when I finish my graduate degree. Otherwise, I don’t know if I would have the motivation and willpower to complete the demanding program.

Identify Your Career Path
In my opinion, the most important aspect of deciding whether you should go to graduate school is to identify your career path. There are many different fields and industries to consider and you want to make the best decision for you and what you want out of life. It might sound cheesy, but knowing your “work self” is pivotal to finding a rewarding employment opportunity down the road. Your work self is a term we use to help students define their unique capabilities, interests, and values impacting their career decisions. Many undergraduates don’t get the opportunity to think about what they value in a career, whether it’s work-life balance, organizational structure, or workplace culture. If you don’t know your work self very well, I’d say that work experience trumps education.

NOTE: You don’t have to go graduate school right after undergraduate studies. Many have successfully completed graduate degrees both during and after obtaining some work experience.  Often, work experience shows you what it’s really like in your field of interest and what kind of education is required to advance. 

The Application Process
Once you identify your career path and realize an advanced degree is the appropriate next step, prepare to apply (and that can be daunting).  I have to be honest…the application process takes much more time than you anticipate. If you’re considering graduate school the fall of your senior year, then you better hustle to get your applications together for the following fall. Often, application deadlines are in January and February.  Not to mention, many graduate schools and programs require a standardized test (GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT). Below are some resources that I’ve compiled to help you along the way.

Some useful links when considering graduate programs:

Below are links to the main pages for graduate school exams:

You’re Not in This Alone
There’s no way that I could address all the concerns and questions you, as an individual, have about the application process or grad school. I hope, however, that you realize that you don’t have to navigate the question: “Should I go to grad school?” on your own.

For more advice on the many aspects of the graduate school application process, please come to Career Services to speak with a counselor. We would be happy to discuss your decision with you or answer any question you might have along the way.  Just call 443-3616 to set up an appointment or stop by the office at 235 Schine Student Center during Drop-ins.

Our counselors can help you:

  • Clarify whether you should pursue a master’s degree or a PhD
  • Research graduate schools and programs
  • Develop a strategy for the application process
  • Fine-tune your personal statement
  • Revise your resume for graduate school
  • Practice for your graduate school interview
  • Understand what a GA/TA/RA is and how to apply

Best of luck with your decision! And please let us know if we can help.

Career Resources Series: Use Vault.com to Score Points with Employers

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By Chuck Reutlinger, Associate Director, Career Services

“Why are you interested in us? What do you know about us? Why are you interested in this position and this career path? What are your strengths? Where do you see yourself in the future?”

Employers ask questions like these to see how much you really know about their organizations, their products or services, their work cultures, and, of course, the actual tasks, challenges and preferred qualifications of a specific job. Why? They are trying to identify that candidate who has an accurate grasp of the realities of working in a specific role; is confident that their knowledge, skills and attitude can produce desired outcomes; whose personality and work style will fit easily into their work culture; and who will be energized by the work they do now and in the future. This will be the candidate with whom they will want to form a relationship and to whom they will gladly make an offer.

VaultIn order to properly impress an employer, motivated job seekers have come to depend on a number of resources that capture and publish information on industries, employers, specific careers, and the tactics that employers use to evaluate candidates in the various stages of consideration.  Foremost among these resources is Vault.com.  Through its various profiles and lengthy guides, Vault provides the kind of information that networkers, cover letter writers and interviewees can use to compete successfully for an offer of a job or an internship. Familiarity with such information has become an employer’s expectation of their best candidates.

For the general public visiting Vault’s web site, some information is presented free of charge but most of the truly valuable information carries a cost.  Fortunately for students, Vault makes arrangements for colleges and universities to pay an annual fee that affords their students access to a great deal more crucial insider information on industries, careers, employer cultures, preferred qualifications, interviewing styles and formats, and much more. Syracuse has such an arrangement whereby students can log on to Vault through a Syracuse portal, set up their own accounts on Vault, and use the resources without the restrictions that non-Syracuse users would encounter.

To access Vault through the Syracuse designated pathway, students need to follow these steps every time they wish to use this resource:

  1. Go to this section of the Career Services website and click on the login link
  2. Enter the SU designated user name and password
  3. Click on Vault Career Insider on the next page
  4. Set up a new account for first time users or log in with existing account login info set up in an initial visit

Counselors at SU Career Services can help students to grasp how Vault information can help them.  Resources similar to Vault include Wet Feet and Glass Door although SU does not currently have specific arrangements for student usage.

Prepare for the Fair! (Career Fair, that is…)

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By Shannon Andre, Employer Relations Coordinator

With the Spring Career Fair less than a week away, there’s only a little time left to get ready to impress the employers visiting campus!  Here are some quick tips to help you along the way:

1)      Have an up-to-date resume.

Even Otto has a resume!

Even Otto has a resume!

Remember that your resume is a marketing tool.  Most recruiters will spend less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume.  You’ll want to make a great impression!  Spend some time reviewing the Career Services Career Guide for all the basics of building a resume.  Make sure it’s free of grammar and spelling mistakes too!  Once it’s ready, have it reviewed by one of our career counselors during 15 minute drop-ins, or visit us during Resumania on Monday, February 4.  Employer experts will review resumes from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

2)      Do your research.
One of the most frequent criticisms we hear from employers is that our students have not done their research when they approach the employer’s table.  Before you attend the Career Fair, it’s important to check out the employers visiting, the opportunities they have available, and to learn a little bit about the company.  Utilize resources like OrangeLink, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the company’s website to do the background research.  It will make you stand out!

3)      Practice your elevator pitch.
When you approach an employer, you’ll give them a firm handshake, introduce yourself, hand them your resume, and then have a few moments to explain why you are a great candidate for their position.  Be prepared to speak for 30 to 60 seconds about your qualifications, experiences, and goals as they relate to the position you are interested in (this is where that research is really important).  Don’t be afraid to write it down and practice!

4)      Dress for SUccess.
First impressions are key, which is why dressing the part is so important.  Make sure your clothes are ironed and appropriately cut.  Some suggestions for business dress include: dress pants, khakis, button-down shirts, collared shirts, suits, ties, skirts, and blouses.  Remember comfortable shoes too!  Check out Career Services’ Pinterest board for some examples.

If you need additional help preparing for the fair, Career Services is hosting two workshops this week – Wednesday, January 30 from 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. and Friday, February 1 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  Learn how the Career Fair works, what to wear, what to bring, and how to approach employers.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday, February 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Flanagan Gymnasium for the Spring Career Fair!

Summer in the City…the City of Syracuse, that is!

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By Alyssa Austin ’13

During mid-semester last year, I decided to browse OrangeLink in an attempt to find possible internships for the summer. I filled out each selection box as specifically as I could and not before long, a unique looking name called “Terakeet” was presented as the best possible suggestion given my previous answers. A Search Engine Optimizing (SEO) Company located right in downtown Syracuse was looking for interns, and I wasted no time in sending an email to the person named, as well as a copy of my resume.  Short of two weeks, I received my first email response and after a few more email conversations and one in-person interview, I was awarded an intern position. Now I encourage every SU student to use OrangeLink to find internships and possible jobs for the future.

I’m not much of a “city-person,” so I was happy to find that downtown Syracuse is the perfect balance of bustling city life while maintaining intimate settings for hanging out with friends or grabbing lunch – something I did on a regular basis with other interns. Within our hour break, we got to see a lot of downtown Syracuse, relishing in our memories of being there during freshmen orientation. On more than one occasion I, as well as other interns, ran into Terakeet employees on the weekends, illustrating the intimacy one can achieve in the city. It was not only comforting to recognize other individuals, but an enjoyable experience.

Not only did my internship teach me the art of doing specialized research through social media, forms of professional writing and dynamic investigative reporting, but they also made the summer worthwhile and most importantly, taught me how to be successful after college in whatever I choose to pursue. Sometimes arriving early allowed me to talk with other employees about their experiences, for example, how they decided to enter the workforce over graduate school or how they simultaneously decided to do them both. I gained not only skills I will utilize in the workforce, but valuable advice on life after undergraduate studies and I have my internship to thank.

There are so many avenues to pursue while in college – it can be a tad overwhelming, but thankfully, we SU students have exceptional assistance at our disposal. I could not be more grateful for OrangeLink and Career Services.

Check out Mac Cummings, CEO of Terakeet, when he speaks at the Tech Garden on Tuesday, September 25th at 6:00p.m.!

Career Services and YOU: A Welcome Desk Perspective

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By Carol Hornstein

Carol Hornstein

Carol Hornstein’s friendly face greets all visitors to the Career Services office in Schine 235. In this blog post, she offers her perspective on all that our office offers!

C   Career Services: first things first, don’t feel confused! We’re here to help you.

O   Online resources – our website has so much information! Click on each population for specific services such as undergraduate, graduate or alumni. Our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages all offer different types of information that can be accessed from our home page.

N   Notice that our office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. when classes are in session and 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. during the summer. We’re open year-round, with the exception of a few holidays and the last week of December! You can have an hour-long appointment with a career counselor in person, over the phone or via Skype. No matter where you are in the world, you can reach us!

F   Fifteen-minute drop-ins happen Monday and Tuesday 12-2:30 p.m., Wednesday 3-5:30 p.m., and Thursday 2-4:30 p.m. when classes are in session. These are short sessions for quick questions. Consider drop-ins the launching pad for a longer appointment to discuss your resume and cover letter, or more. They take place on a first-come, first-served basis, and we always have two counselors available to meet with you.

U   Understand that your appointment with the career counselor can be just a chat to get things figured out and throw around some ideas OR it can be a strategic planning session where you learn how to equip yourself in order to execute your specific goals.

S   SUccessful strategies: landing that dream job often happens through networking, building a strong social media presence, thanking those who helped you (with a handwritten note!), researching your future employer, and doing informational interviews – in addition to having the proper credentials and documentation. We can help you to learn more about executing each of these strategies.

I   IT’S ABOUT YOU! We want to hear you talk about your dreams, passions, goals and desires. We want what is best for you and we will help you when you need us. We are here for you FOREVER, even if you graduated 30 years ago (or before or after then!).

N   Never think we can’t help you. Did you know that SU alumni love to help students and fellow alumni? You have so many ways to connect with resources that are just a phone call away: 315-443-3616.

G   Get started by calling us or visiting us in Schine 235. We are here to help you. Most of the people who come to our office don’t know what they want until we start asking them a few opening questions. Let us give you the tools you didn’t know you needed. Let’s change confusion to clarity!

A New School Year…and a New Member of the Career Services Team!

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By Magnolia Salas, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Hi everyone, welcome back! I’m Magnolia, the new Communications and Marketing Coordinator for Career Services and a proud recent Syracuse alumna (I just graduated this past May). It’s exciting to start this school year at SU as an employee, since I’ll be able to use my experiences as a student to make Career Services more relatable to you.

Career Services welcomes Magnolia!

Before joining Career Services and moving back to ‘Cuse, I spent some time in NYC which is where I grew up. I loved the Big Apple so much that I became a tour guide for three summers during my time at SU. As a tour guide I was able to share my passion of NYC’s past, present and unique culture with visitors and locals. It was an amazing experience that helped me not only get to know NYC better (I’m full of random NYC facts – ask me about them anytime!) but it also made me world-known. I’m half-kidding. :) In addition to being a tour guide, I was the marketing assistant for local CNY company OhGoodyGoody, selling gift certificates to local artisan shops and restaurants. As you can tell from my experiences, communicating and marketing have always been passions of mine.

My role here at Career Services is to keep doing what I love – getting cool facts out to the masses! I’m here to ensure that students (along with faculty, staff and recruiters) know about the latest happenings in Career Services, in addition to all the cool events and workshops we host.

With that said, keep an eye out for the 2012-2013 Career Guides! Stop by Suite 235 in Schine to pick up your copy come September. You’ll also want to mark your calendars, prep your resumes, and dust off your suits for Career Week happening the first week of October.  And keep checking in with us for more throughout the year – we always have something in the works.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year and all the events, the most important thing is that I hear from you! As I continue to expand our marketing efforts, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Let us know what kind of events you would like Career Services to host.
  • What social media sites would you like Career Services to utilize?
  • Offer ideas on how we can better connect with you or your student organization.

Feel free to drop by, call (315-443-3616), tweet or email me with any questions, ideas or suggestions!

Ciao for now!

Congratulations Class of 2012! And happy summer to ALL!

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Things are pretty quiet here in the Career Services office. We miss all of you! While we will continue to post great content on Slice of Advice throughout the summer, we just wanted to use this post as:

  • A congratulations message to the class of 2012!
  • A reminder of our summer hours for anyone still on campus or looking to set up a phone or Skype appointment with us
  • A call for guest Slice of Advice bloggers
  • An invitation to our SUccess in the City networking events happening all across the country this summer!

We are so proud of the Class of 2012 and look forward to hearing about your post-graduation adventures! Be sure to add your flag to this awesome map. If you’re looking for a job, keep in mind that we work with alumni and would be happy to talk with you over the phone if you’ve already left campus. Just give us a call at 315-443-3616 to set up an appointment with one of our career counselors.

While most students leave campus for the summer, the Career Services office is open year-round! Summer drop-in hours are from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also call to make an appointment anytime. We’re here from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We’d also welcome blog posts from any of you who are doing exciting summer internships, have a great job after graduation, or just feel like you have some career advice to share with our readers. If you’d like to be one of our guest bloggers, please e-mail Kim Brown at kmbrow04@syr.edu.

And finally, be sure to check out the schedule of our SUccess in the City networking events. There’s a good chance we have one taking place in your city! With the exception of NYC which is for alumni only, these events are open to current students AND alumni.

Happy summer!