Finding the right career fit

Hi, I'm Jeremy the new Career Counselor in the Career Services Center. I have to say that it's great to be here at Marquette. The first thing I noticed when arriving on campus was the level of professionalism of Marquette students which reinforces this university's national reputation. I can see the pride in the students faculty and staff everyday that I'm on campus and I am very proud to be working here.

When I arrived on campus I immediately sensed that there was something special about being here for me personally, but I couldn't exactly put my finger on it. One day it hit me, I realized that the job I am in is a great fit.

If you meet with a career counselor, or read articles about job hunting, you will likely come across the term "fit" being tossed around frequently. As a career counselor, I encourage students to consider which positions, industries, and organizations are the best fit for them by exploring their interests, skills, work values, and personal styles.

The challenge is that the exploration process takes time and effort, so what is the payoff? For me the payoff is that I look forward to coming to work. I authentically enjoy the tasks and responsibilities that fill my day. I also love learning about new developments in my profession and interacting with others who share my enthusiasm. The energy that I receive from my work inspires me to constantly strive to provide a higher level of service to the Marquette community.

My hope is that you can experience at least as good of a career fit as I do and I believe that you can if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Of course the Career Services Center is here to help you every step of the way.

-Jeremy Eudaly

Social Websites May Not be So Social Anymore

Social Media Websites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have revolutionized the way in which people keep in contact with old friends and sometimes even make new friends. The capabilities of these websites are just about end-less. The sharing of videos, pictures, poems, web links, events, ideas, and so much more is at the fingertips of all who are approved for an account. For those engaging in the enjoyments of these websites, the caution to be mindful of your personal content is rising continuously. The advice is even more so geared towards those looking to enter into the professional world. According to a very recent CareerBuilder.com study featured in the New York Times article More Employers Use Social Networks to Check out Applicants, nearly 50 percent of employers browse through an applicant’s social network pages as a screening method. While some may declare that their Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter pages were created exclusively for social purposes and have nothing to do with their professional capabilities, some employers have a different opinion. The CareerBuilder.com survey also disclosed that virtually 40 percent of employers decided not to offer an applicant a position based on what they’d viewed on that persons social media sites.

Now being aware of this, what do you do? Should you deactivate all of your social media accounts while doing a job search? Of course not! Countless employers actually like to see that your technology and social media savvy. Yet there are precautions you may want to consider:

• First, update your privacy setting so that your content is only viewable to those you desire.
• Clean up your pictures and verbiage; you can be social and professional at the same time.
• Never post degrading or disrespectful messages, statuses, or notes about your current or previous places of employment or co-workers.
• Finally, discuss your career field from time to time; it may actually impress a prospective employer.

On the road to your career

Each year the MU CSC prints a Career Guide outlining all of our services and resources. This year we created a ROAD TRIP theme to outline and encompass all of the "itineraries" we feel most of our students are following.

Stop by Holthusen Hall (two doors down from Varsity) to get your own copy complete with a map to get you well on your way:

1. A guide to your CAREER GOALS



2. A guide to your INTERNSHIP



3. A guide to your GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL



4. A guide to your POST GRADUATE SERVICE



5. A guide to your FIRST JOB

We offer step-by-step resources and information to get you closer to setting and achieving your career goals!

A Different Way to Approach the Career Fair

It’s Career Fair time again!

Our Fall Career Fair will be held next week, Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the AMU Ballrooms. We are very excited to have 140 organizations registered for the fair which means there are a lot of opportunities for students in all majors looking for internships, full-time positions, post-graduate volunteer opportunities and co-ops. Career Fair guides will be available in the AMU and in our office by the end of the week and we will be critiquing resumes in the AMU this week and next week. You can also do a search now for employers who are attending on MU Career Manager.

The MU CSC encourages all students in all years and all majors to attend career fairs to explore different careers and learn about job and internship opportunities. We often hear from students that they don’t see the value of attending the career fair if they don’t see their major or a position they want to do listed in the guidebook. As a Communication major myself a few years ago (ha!), I understand why students say this, but look at a career fair as a way to network with professionals who work at organizations that you are interested in, even if it's not your dream job. For example, communication employers do not often participate in formal on-campus recruiting programs (for a variety of reasons), but that does not mean these companies are not looking to hire for these types of positions. Every organization either has a communication department or outsources this work. Identify companies that you are interested and ask them if they can help you connect with someone in their organization who does what you want to do.

While I have your attention, keep in mind there are three things to think about when you are preparing for a career fair; first is preparation and research, second is how to work the fair and third is how to follow up after the fair. For more information, check out our navigating a career fair handout on our website:

Some quick career fair tips:

1. Put together a professional outfit; a suit is best.

2. Bring 10-20 copies of your resume. Keep in mind that some employers will be unable to take your resume, but will instead direct you to apply online.

3. Do your research before the fair; know which employers you want to talk to.
Make an A, B and C list so you can get organized.

4. Know your career goal or what you think you might like to do and say that
Ex. “I am looking for an entry level marketing position where I can
strengthen my interpersonal and marketing skills."

5. ALWAYS follow through on what the employers tell you to do (ex. Apply
online, sign up for an on-campus interview on MU Career Manager, etc.) and
send them a thank you note (email or hand written) to follow up.

You Are Who You're With

Many of you may have recently began a new job, a new semester, or possibly even a new school. The first weeks and months of any new experience involve the formative nature of relationship building. You are making acquaintances, and possibly friends, over the water cooler, in class, and many other places in your daily life. It is important to stop and think about your actions along the way though.

How many times have you walked by a group of people, and because of what you know about some of the group, you make a sweeping assumption about the group as a whole? This is a common phenomenon no matter the setting in which one finds themselves.

Is it right?

Of course not. But we all know that it happens. The real question is, how can you avoid being typecast in your job?

When you are in your new position, no matter the scope of it, seek out someone in a leadership role to turn to for guidance. Develop a mentor-mentee relationship with this person. Not only will you be able to learn a wealth of information from your mentor, you will become associated with them as well by others. At the same time, be aware of the social dynamics throughout the office. If you notice that a group of people are developing a reputation for gossiping, for example, while in the hallway, you may be well served to avoid getting caught up in that activity, no matter how interesting or juicy the information may be.

Just remember, you are always judged based around the company you keep. Don't damage your reputation early in your career at an organization by surrounding yourself with the "wrong" crowd.