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You’ve studied abroad…now use it to stand out!

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By Christina Faulkner, Career Services’ Employer Relations Program Coordinator

So you’re back in the States after a semester abroad; you’ve explored a new place, culture, and maybe a new language too. Your semester abroad can be a great leverage point on your resume and in an interview to help set you apart from other candidates!

Christina in Niokolo Koba National Park during her study abroad experience in Senegal.

Christina in Niokolo Koba National Park during her study abroad experience in Senegal.

Put it on your resume
Your resume is often the first method of contact you will make with a potential employer, so you want it to stand out against all of the other resumes they see. Having experience abroad distinguishes you from other candidates because it shows that you can adapt to new environments and be independent.

Depending on how relevant your study abroad experience is to the job you are applying for, you can list it briefly or more in-depth. Always include the location, duration, and title of the program on your resume. If you studied at a university while in your host country, include the name of the university as well. If your study abroad experience is directly applicable to the job, you can expand on it by sharing the classes you took (and whether they were in a language other than English), research projects you conducted, what you learned, and/or skills you gained.

If you held an internship, volunteered, or conducted research abroad, add your title and duties under the appropriate section of your resume.

Include any languages you learned abroad in the skills section of your resume. Add your proficiency in the language – basic, intermediate, conversational, or fluent.

Examples:

Resume Pic Christina

Talk about it in an interview
What you choose to put on your resume, including study abroad experience, may come up in an interview; if it’s on your resume, then you should be prepared to discuss it. You can also use experiences from your trip abroad to answer behavioral interview questions. Examples:

Interview Christina

Examples like these can show you are adaptable, determined, a good communicator, and so much more!

Everyone’s study abroad experience is unique and challenging in its own way, so use it to prove that you are the right person for the job. Be proud of your experience abroad – you learned, explored, and put yourself out there!

For individual help, please visit us during drop-ins! These times will change beginning May 13, so please keep an eye on our website.
Monday           12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday          12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday      3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday          2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Jerejef! (Thank you!)

A MAJOR decision: living my dream at ESPN

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By Rachel Eldridge, SU ’10

I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. I have a strong stomach and never panic, both things I was sure were required to get your M.D.

Little did I know that I would end up far from where I started out as a biology major at Syracuse University.

Rachel Eldridge graduated from SU with a dual degree in English and Political Science. She followed her passion for sports and now works for ESPN.

Rewind to 2007. I was sitting in chemistry class; not only was I bored, I had lost the passion I thought I had. I was good at science, which forced me to feel like it was the career path I was supposed to pursue. My mom always asked me, “If you had one day to yourself, what would you do? However you answer that question, that is what you should spend your professional career doing.” My answer for as long as I could remember was “I’d watch sports.”

So there I was, a year and a half out of college, working at an intellectual property law firm in Washington D.C., with degrees in Political Science and English.

I was starting to get antsy. I knew that eventually I was going to have to decide if I wanted to go to law school, and if I didn’t, I needed to make a change and I needed to make one that was calculated. With my two degrees, I knew that I didn’t have the clear and overt qualifications for a position in sports, but I figured it was worth a shot. I was pressured into applying, but luckily I didn’t have to cast a net of applications in desperation. I had a job, which gave me time to be honest with myself about what I wanted.

I finally had the guts to do it. On a late Saturday night, I did a quick search regarding employment at ESPN, pretty convinced I had a zero percent chance of getting hired.

In the end, I refused to put restrictions on myself. I took a risk and it worked out, even if I did have to wait an agonizing four months to work through the process at ESPN. I know that it won’t always work out as it did for me, but you can’t convince yourself not to do something because you “aren’t qualified” or because “it’s way out of your league” or because you didn’t major in a specific subject or industry area.

I didn’t have much experience working in sports, but transferable skills and a passion for sports were enough to not only get me through the door, but hired by the World Wide Leader in Sports in the research department as part of the Stats & Information Group. Looking back at my path: from biology to political science and English to sports, I took many turns but am happy with the result. I am not sure how much my specific majors actually mattered, but I do know that I needed a degree to achieve these goals!

If you’re looking for help deciding a major, check out Career Services’ Major Dilemma Drop-Ins, March 25th – 28th.  First-year and sophomore students who wish to discuss their majors can stop by during the below times:
Monday, March 25 – 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26 – 3:00- 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27 – 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 28 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“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.

Three Ways to Enhance Your Employability for Nonprofit Jobs

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By Ben Thomas, Guest Blogger

In preparation for the Nonprofit & Government Career Fair on Wednesday, February 20, The Riley Guide Blogger Ben Thomas shares tips on standing out to nonprofit employers.  Stop by on Wednesday 2/20 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Panasci Lounge, Schine Student Center, to connect with more than 50 agencies searching for interns and entry-level hires.  Some agencies attending include: City Year, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Math for America Foundation, and United States Department of Agriculture.  For a full list of attendees and positions available, visit OrangeLink.  Cropped

Nonprofit careers are looking more and more promising to Americans who still struggle to find work. A recent report by CNN estimates that the nonprofit sector’s 1.5 million organizations generate almost $1.5 trillion in spending every year – and that the sector has continued to grow robustly throughout the recession. If you’re looking to expand your career options, nonprofit work might be just the right area for you to explore. Even so, you’ll need to tailor your profile pretty differently than you would for the corporate world. Here are three ways you can start improving your shot at a nonprofit job, starting right now.

Hone your talents
Many jobs in the nonprofit sector rely heavily on skills you may have developed elsewhere – for instance, many nonprofit organizations are in need of teachers, translators and event organizers. If your skills fall under a technical heading, you may be in an even better spot. Nonprofits need professional websites, secure networks and knowledgeable tech support staff, just as any company does – but many nonprofit managers report that their organization’s technology is a bit behind the times. Whether you’re talented at upgrading technology or sprucing up an aging public image, a portfolio of projects you’ve completed on time and under budget will serve as a strong recommendation for your ability to contribute. If you freelance at all, seek out some clients – nonprofit or otherwise – whose business model emphasizes ideals like sustainable energy or free education. These projects will do more than just boost your resumé – they’ll also give you glimpses of the nonprofit sector’s look and feel.

Learn the territory
No matter where your talents lie, you’ll want to spend some time investigating the structure and needs of some nonprofit organizations in the field that interests you the most. Nonprofit work comes with its own set of expectations: many nonprofits value compassionate ideals over  competitive spirit; personal relationships over profitable ones. Though many corporations toe lines like this, you may find that a corporate go-getter attitude comes across as excessively intense – even intimidating – to people who’ve spent years in the nonprofit sector. What’s more, nonprofit work comes with its own set of terms and titles. These don’t necessarily refer to different concepts than those used in the corporate world, but they’ll come in handy as you approach nonprofit employers for a pitch or an interview. Speaking their language, in their preferred tone of voice, will take you far in the relationship-driven world of nonprofit work.

Donate your time
When a nonprofit manager looks over your work history, one thing that’s sure to catch his or her eye is volunteer work. This doesn’t have to mean service in the Red Cross or the National Guard (though such experience certainly wouldn’t hurt). What’s important is to emphasize that your volunteer work wasn’t a one-time resumé-booster, but represents a lifelong commitment to generosity with your talents. Time is valuable for all of us, it’s true – but even some after-work hours cleaning up a local park, or a few hours a week offering free tech support to a local school, can help you show your community-oriented side to potential employers. By the same token, make sure your volunteer hours are clearly related to the nonprofit work you aim to do – whether your donated time is in the service of a similar charity, or just devoted to tasks similar to those you’d like to perform for a nonprofit organization. A little open-heartedness now may go a long way in the near future.

Though many organizations in the nonprofit sector emphasize different virtues, structures and expectations than those emphasized in the corporate sector, nonprofits still value many translatable skills and character traits. So as you enter the working world, keep your options open, and give nonprofit work a serious look. You may find that you’re pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

Ben Thomas is an expert on many topics related to the job hunt. He writes about such topics for www.rileyguide.com.

Career Fair’s Over: Now What?

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In this short video, Associate Director of Employer Relations Sue Casson shares some quick pointers on how to follow up with recruiters now that Career Fair is over!

This two-minute video is worth watching if you’re curious about the next steps to take.

We hope you had a wonderful experience at our Spring 2013 Career Fair!

Click the link:
Sue Casson on Career Fair Follow-Up

 

 

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!

Internship Advice from a Fellow Student

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By Erica Clapp, Career Services Student Assistant

One of the most valuable quotes I learned from my internship this past summer is to “find a company that fits” before worrying about the specific job. It’s true that a lot of people don’t even end up being employed in their major, so this advice will serve you well in “the real world”…and also when searching for internships.

As you head home for Winter Break, it’s the perfect time to start thinking seriously about your summer internship.  You’ll find that companies offer a variety of roles, so it can’t hurt to take a peek even if you think a company is not for you. Here are some tips on how to go about doing this:

  • Make a list of your interests and look for companies that fall in line with these. Working for someplace that genuinely interests you makes any internship more fun!
  • Check the “Careers” section of company websites. Most companies will have internship opportunities posted there.
  • Ask! If internships aren’t posted on a website, it never hurts to send an e-mail to inquire about potential opportunities. Don’t be upset if you never hear back. You tried.
  • Apply to as many positions as you can. Your chances of receiving a call back/interview will increase.
  • Think outside the box. This means applying to some positions that may not directly correlate with your major. However, this can give you valuable insight into other fields.
  • Be open to relocation. This can give you an edge, as companies often want to diversify their workplace by hiring interns from far away. Plus, you’ll get to see a new city!
  • Use your personal connections. Sometimes, the best way to get an internship is by knowing someone. This gives you a definite edge in the hiring process.
  • Use your resources. SU Career Services offers great resources, like OrangeLink and ‘CuseConnect.
  • Keep your eye out. Besides the obvious resources, internships can be posted in obscure places… Read bulletin boards and random flyers!

A Note From Career Services:
Be sure to look for the #HireOrange opportunities that we often post on Twitter. Also, we’ll be doing our Internship Workshops again next semester; check our website for times and locations!

 

Job search dilemma: why I chose to turn down an offer

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By Jennifer Ngo ’13, Career Services Student Assistant

Jennifer Ngo ’13

I spent this past summer interning in NYC. By the time September rolled around, I received an offer for a full-time position through my internship.  I was ecstatic about the opportunity, which I’ll call “offer A.” It meant I would be able to return to the same firm and maybe even work with the other interns who received their full-time offers as well.  However, in the back of my head I knew that there was another career path I wanted to pursue.

I looked through OrangeLink and attended several of SU’s career fairs to network with other companies, mainly because of my role as the professional chair of an organization on campus.  I happened to stumble on a full-time job opening (which I’ll call “position B”) that sparked my interest. I applied on a whim through OrangeLink. To my surprise, I received an invite to interview.  As I continued to learn more about the position, I realized this was the career path I was looking for.  I knew this opportunity was “it”.

Unfortunately, the deadline to respond to offer A was only a week after my interview for position B.  I wondered if I would even have a chance to hear back for the second round interview.  After interviewing for the first round, I knew that I would have to ask offer A for an extension…that or consider turning down a full-time offer with no guarantee of landing position B. I was left with uncertainty and doubt. How do I even go about asking for an extension on my offer? What should I do? Do I just turn down an offer I am genuinely excited about to possibly have a chance to pursue my ideal career?

I turned to a place I knew would have some answers to my questions: Career Services in Schine.  I received some great advice from Kim Brown, assistant director for alumni programs, who further referred me to Mike Cahill, the director of Career Services, for guidance.  I went to the perfect place to talk through my dilemma and received some very helpful advice.

Be Honest.
Be honest with yourself and the recruiter.  Many seniors find themselves in this situation. One of the biggest mistakes students make is to accept an offer, then break the contract they signed with the first company when they receive another outstanding offer. That is a surefire way to burn a bridge.  I knew immediately that was not an option!  I explained my situation to my recruiter and assured her that while I was still very interested in the position and offer, I would be grateful for a little more time.  I understood that the recruiter was not obligated to give me an extension.  However, many recruiters understand the time crunch and signing an offer for a full-time job upon graduation is a big step for students. Luckily, I bought some time to think over this offer and what I should do.

Weigh the Pros and Cons.
Weighing the pros and cons is probably the best way to make a tough decision like this.  With the extra time I had to respond back to my deadline, I thought about my chances of actually landing position B and the tough job market out there.  Would I be able to find another job if I turned down offer A and wound up not landing position B?

I decided to reach out to the recruiter for position B, express my interest in the position and make the recruiter aware of my very short deadline with offer A. Thankfully, the company I was interviewing with was extremely accommodating with regards to my deadline.  I had enough time to move onto my second round interview and received offer B before offer A’s extension deadline. I decided to turn down offer A and accept offer B because it puts me on track to pursue my ideal career path.

Ultimately, the decision to turn down an offer to pursue your ideal career depends on how much risk you are willing to take (especially in this job market). Keep in mind that it is okay to talk to the recruiters and let them know about deadlines and maybe ask for an extension.  They are not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying.  And for anyone who feels as clueless as I was about how to approach job hunting dilemmas such as this, take the step of going to the Career Services, because they are always there to help!

Entrepalooza: Connecting the Students Who Will Change the World

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Guest blog post by Chelsea Orcutt

As a student, it can be difficult to narrow down all of your passions and interests into a clear career path. You might feel like there’s no career out there that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Why not forge your own path and start your own venture? It’s a daunting task, but Syracuse University offers a variety of resources that will help you turn your great ideas into a reality.

On November 28 at 5:00 p.m., the Milton Atrium in the Life Sciences Complex will be transformed into Entrepalooza, an event featuring entrepreneurs and innovators sharing their ideas and searching for new talent to help move their businesses forward.

This event, fueled by the Raymond von Dran IDEA and the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School of Management, aims to connect student startups and local startups with the talent they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Demo Alley at Emerging Talk 2011

Each startup will have a display at Demo Alley, where attendees will have a chance to learn more about what each company does and the skills they’re looking for. The event is structured in a way that a student can walk into Entrepalooza with an idea and walk out with a co-founder. It just takes networking and a desire to innovate.

Entrepalooza provides an excellent opportunity for students to step outside your home colleges and meet others from across campus that have similar interests, valuable skills, and bright ideas.

The event also includes a 60 Second Pitch Competition with a $500 prize, an App Competition, and a $500 award for best table display at Demo Alley. The evening packs in plenty of chances for students to see others’ work and find exciting projects to pursue.

If you’ve caught the entrepreneurship bug and want to start your own venture, or simply want to connect with students with great ideas, Entrepalooza is a can’t-miss event. It’s the perfect way to open your eyes to the innovation and startup culture being cultivated right here on campus.  All you’ve got to do is jump in!

All event details, including a schedule for the evening, can be found here. For more information, contact Tory Gentes at trgentes@gmail.com.