This past Friday I hosted an orientation session for new students to learn about Career Services and was thrilled to have 17 attendees. Yes, that's right, I was thrilled that 17 freshmen and transfer students were interested in "career stuff." Now I don't blame the other 2,000-ish freshmen for not attending - I have to admit I probably would have opted to nap if I were in your shoes - BUT as long as I have your attention I thought I would remind freshmen through seniors why you might want to be thinking about your upcoming career a little bit this year.
Freshmen! This is the year to explore. Join student organizations, take a variety of classes, volunteer, and begin researching careers. Looking for a little help deciding on your path? Take Career Planning and Decision making (ARSC 1040)... there is still room in the course!
Sophomores! Begin thinking about how you can gain career-related skills, start building your professional network, and develop a resume. Not sure where to start? Make an appointment with a Career Counselor - we'll help get you started!
Juniors! Now's the time to develop a job search plan which will include registering on MU Career Manager, attending career fairs, and practicing your interviewing skills. Surprised you should be planning already? Enroll in Job Search Strategies (ARSC 1050) for a step by step approach!
Seniors! Keep doing all of the above, but remember the practice round is over. Freaking out? We are here to help!
Remember there is something for everyone at the Career Services Center!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Does Your Career Success Resemble the Mob?
One of my contacts in our field recently informed me about a new series of articles that Yahoo is producing on the Job World. I was immediately intrigued because of the rather unique title:
"Mob Rules Apply to Career Success: The Goodfella's Guide to Effective Workplace Communication"
If that doesn't draw your attention, I don't know what does. Once I started reading the article, I quickly realized that it made perfect sense. There are many times in a day, in a week, and in a month that people inadvertently put their foot in their mouth, or somehow otherwise hinder their career outlook. Often, you don't even realize you are making an error until well after the fact.
Listening in a job, especially when you first begin your job, can be the best thing you can do. By all means, ask questions when you have them, but keeping the idle chatter to a minimum, if not always than at least at first, can help you avoid digging yourself a hole before you ever have a chance to succeed. There is a reason sayings like "Less is more" exist after all...
"Mob Rules Apply to Career Success: The Goodfella's Guide to Effective Workplace Communication"
If that doesn't draw your attention, I don't know what does. Once I started reading the article, I quickly realized that it made perfect sense. There are many times in a day, in a week, and in a month that people inadvertently put their foot in their mouth, or somehow otherwise hinder their career outlook. Often, you don't even realize you are making an error until well after the fact.
Listening in a job, especially when you first begin your job, can be the best thing you can do. By all means, ask questions when you have them, but keeping the idle chatter to a minimum, if not always than at least at first, can help you avoid digging yourself a hole before you ever have a chance to succeed. There is a reason sayings like "Less is more" exist after all...
Hanging out, in the back of your mind
On my way into the office today I stopped and helped two families find their way. One mother and father was looking for the new Marquette Sobelman's. I'm sure this is soon to be the campus hotspot! The other family was staring down at their New Student Orientation packet trying to find their group.
After both of them went on their merry ways, I realized that while I think about career education much of the time, not very many other people do. Most students, whether returning or new, have their minds on things like finding classrooms, meeting roommates, setting big goals for the best semester yet... that sort of thing. Choosing majors, finding internships, applying for graduate school, preparing for the career fair... these are all little tiny thoughts hanging out, in the back of your mind.
My point is this: when you are ready; when those tiny thoughts make their way to the forefront of your mind, let us know. The Career Services Center is here... just for you. Whether you have it all together or haven't a clue. We can get you started... wherever you are.
Have a great semester, enjoy your first week, and don't be a stranger!
Laura Kestner
Director, Career Services
After both of them went on their merry ways, I realized that while I think about career education much of the time, not very many other people do. Most students, whether returning or new, have their minds on things like finding classrooms, meeting roommates, setting big goals for the best semester yet... that sort of thing. Choosing majors, finding internships, applying for graduate school, preparing for the career fair... these are all little tiny thoughts hanging out, in the back of your mind.
My point is this: when you are ready; when those tiny thoughts make their way to the forefront of your mind, let us know. The Career Services Center is here... just for you. Whether you have it all together or haven't a clue. We can get you started... wherever you are.
Have a great semester, enjoy your first week, and don't be a stranger!
Laura Kestner
Director, Career Services
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