So you've decided to go to the career fair......

Okay, so you've decided to go to the career fair to network with employers, to learn a bit about opportunites available, or just to get some practice. Congratulations on taking that initiative!

A common question that comes next is "What do I say to employers once I get there?" There are two things that you will need at your disposal......

1.) Your 60 second commercial:

You may have heard about the 60 second commercial, but in case you haven't here you go.

Your 60 second commercial is a way to introduce yourself to employers and covers Where you are now, where you've been, and where you are going.

Here is an example:

"Hello. I'm Dot and I will graduate in 2012 with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication."

As a student here at Marquette, I have had the chance to gain leadership and organizational skills through my involvement in the ABC club. In addition, I have worked for two years as a server at the Annex allowing me to gain valuable customer service experience.

I am seeking an internship in the field of public relations for next summer."

2.) Follow up questions for employers to get the conversation:

Follow up questions are key to getting the conversation started and give the employer something to respond to.

Here is an example related to the previous 60 second commercial:

"Can you share with me any opportunities within your organization that might fit with my skills and experience?"

Remember, practice makes perfect so be sure to practice before the career fair.

Happy networking!

-Jeremy

Career Fair on the Way!

As many students are reaching that time to start looking for internships and jobs, the Career Services Center is having career fairs next week to assist with this process. These fairs provide an amazing opportunity to meet with employers from many different fields as a way to network and reach out.

The Non-Technical Career Fair is on Wednesday, September 28, and there are 85+ employers attending! On Thursday, September 29, there will be 76+ employers visiting for the Technical Career Fair. The fairs run from 1 PM - 5 PM, so students should be able to find a time around their busy schedules that works best.

If anyone is feeling like he/she might want some help with some last minute resume tweaking, it is recommended to come to the Career Services Center (Holthusen Hall) for walk-in hours (12 PM - 2 PM Monday - Friday). We have interns here that can help with polishing up your resume to make your resume look its best.

In addition to making your resume look its best, we strongly encourage students to dress to impress. Wear clothes that you would wear to an interview so that you make a good impression. You only have a short amount of time if you want to meet with all the employers, so making a good first impression is key. If you have questions about your attire, please stop in the Career Services Center for assistance.

Since you have a limited amount of time to meet employers, this is the perfect opportunity to work on your 60 second commercial. A 60 second commercial is what you want to say to employers to introduce yourself--where you are coming from, what you are doing now, and where you want to go. It is important to practice this because it gives employers a snapshot of who you are professionally. If you are not feeling comfortable about your 60 second commercial, please feel free to stop in the Career Services Center, and one of our counselors or interns will assist you.

The career fairs offer a great opportunity to Marquette students . Please take advantage of this amazing occasion, and stop by!

Planning Ahead

Most people plan for things that they have upcoming in their life. It might be where they are going for Spring Break, when they are going to call their parents, or even how they will make it to the end of the week with only $2.64 in their checking account. The common theme is that these things are set in advance. Now, things happen from time to time that throw off the plans. It's happened to everyone before, and will happen to everyone again. For the most part though when plans are made, the anticipation is that they will be followed.

This phenomenon occurs in the job search regularly. Deadlines and schedules are regular occurrences, and ones that employers use to manage the search process. One thing that I've seen happen with students when beginning their search is a lack of recognition regarding the value of these timelines. Part of this is understandable; students are accustomed to a more relaxed atmosphere with considerable freedom. However, being able to meet these deadlines and hold appointments is something that employers value. Even things that may seem inconsequential, like an information session, are still important, because it shows how you value their time. Going to information sessions, taking slightly inconvenient interview times, or even following up when you said you would is necessary to excel in a job search where you are trying to stand out amongst hundreds of other candidates. Take the time to complete these steps and you will find yourself moving along in the search far more successfully. Show the employers the courtesy to their plans and timelines just like you would like from them on the job.

Fall into the Career Fairs next week!

Non-Technical Day
For non-technical students and alumni seeking internships or full-time jobs with employers from areas of Business, Communication, Government and Non-Profit.
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Marquette University, AMU Ballrooms

You can view attending employers and positions available in MU Career Manager or in our electronic Guidebook (online soon). Hard copies can be found in the AMU on a 2nd floor table starting Friday, September 23.

Thank you to our Career Fair Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors




Silver Sponsors


Bronze Sponsors

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Technical DayF
For technical students and alumni seeking internships and full-time jobs to emet with employers from areas of Engineering, Computer Science, IT, and other technical areas.

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Marquette University, AMU Ballrooms

You can view attending employers and positions available in MU Career Manager or in our electronic Guidebook (online soon). Hard copies can be found in the AMU on a 2nd floor table starting Friday, September 23.
Thank you to our Career Fair Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Where do I put my purse?

One very common question when it comes to etiquette when dining out is, "Where do I put my purse?" Here is the answer straight from the leading experts at the Culture and Manners Institute.


Purse or pocketbook should be off the table during a meal. Either place the purse on your lap under your napkin, or if it is one of those giant saddle bags that you are hauling around like a piece of luggage, place it on the floor either between or touching your feet. Do not sling the purse over the back of your chair, where it might hinder traffic and it is an easy target for pick-pockets. Well, that and it is really embarrassing when you stand up and the chair falls backwards.


Gentlemen, if you are reading this and saying, "I am feeling a little cheated, because I don't have a purse...or a man bag." Here's one for you: Do not flip your tie over your shoulder during a meal. Learn to eat neat.

To receive your own weekly etiquette tip sign up here.

A Worldwide Marketplace

Last Friday I was manning a booth for the CSC at the Study Abroad Fair. This wasn't anything new for us; we've been attending these events for years now. You may be wondering, as many of the attendees did, why exactly Career Services would be at such an event. It's a fair question. We certainly are not sending students abroad (at least not directly. Plenty of students get help from us for service projects overseas). It would be nice, but we don't have those kinds of resources (although if you're an employer, we have EXCELLENT corporate sponsorship opportunities).

What we were there to focus on was simply spreading the word that, just because you aren't here on campus or even in the USA, you can still use the experience to your advantage. More and more students are studying abroad each semester (22% of Marquette graduating students last year), which has given them invaluable skills and experiences for their job search and career. I think we have all heard many times about how employers want multicultural competence. We've heard it because it is true. What better way to be able to gain some of that competence than actually going to another culture? We hear time and time again that employers love students who challenge themselves, and while you won't get a position just because you studied abroad, it certainly is not going to hurt your chances of getting an interview.

Studying abroad is going to help you long term, but even in the short run you can still complete an effective job search. Technology is an amazing thing, and something you should take advantage of while you are in random country X. Use our Career Manager system to explore jobs and internships. You might need to send the recruiter a message to let them know that you are overseas and possibly not on the normal timeline for contact, but otherwise there is no discernible difference in the process. Even interviewing isn't a barrier anymore. In fact, we hired one of our amazing interns (who you can meet with for walk in hours daily from 12-2) after a Skype interview since she was in Rome last spring.

I would encourage each of you to look into the possibility of going abroad during your college experience. Not only is it a great opportunity to experience living in another culture, but you can truly further your prospects for landing that dream job in the future.

New Semester, New Internship

You know what I love about the student workers and interns who work in the Career Services Center?

I love how hard they work and their dedication to our team.
I love their drive to succeed.
I love that they are able to manage their time and make a significant contribution to our office.
I love how they are learning so fast and asking relevant questions.
I love that they are flexible and volunteer to help whenever able.
I love that they are able to balance their lives.

And you know what's funny? Employers have mentioned some of these same qualities as being essential for success and seek these characteristics in college graduates. So, as you are starting your new internship this fall, don't just go through the motions; give that internship all you've got and lay the groundwork for your future success!

Oh, and thank you to all of our great CSC student workers and interns - we couldn't do everything we do without you!

Mark Your Calendars!

No matter who you are...MU's Career Services Center has an event for you!  Here are just a few of the upcoming events that our office is excited for:

Looking to learn more about career topics like networking and job search?  Do you like food?  Well then this is your event!  Take a look at this monthly series:
On the Road to Your Career
Powered by Kohl's
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2011
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Location: AMU 227
Topic: Career Networking

Looking to find an internship or job and want to actually talk to the recruiters?  Well then this is your event!
Fall Non-Tech Career Fair
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Marquette University, AMU Ballrooms
More information for Students or Employers

Fall Tech Career Fair
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Marquette University, AMU Ballrooms
More information for Students or Employers

Looking to gain etiquette dining skills in case you have an interview where a meal is involved?  Well then this is your event!
Etiquette Dinner
Date: Monday, April 23, 2012
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: AMU Ballrooms
Required registration opens Spring 2012 on MU Career Manager

Many more events are listed on our website.  If you have questions about ANY of our events, feel free to contact me!

My First Week in the CSC!!

I just started as the Employer Relations Coordinator in the CSC. This is my first week, and so far I really see how much the Career Center helps students get on track to obtain their goals and possible careers they would like to pursue. In addition to all the hard work the staff does in order to help students, everyone has a positive attitude and a great sense of humor.

I have had the opportunity to meet all the Career Counselers, all of whom strive to put students on the right path to success. Kristin, my boss and Employer Relations Manager/Assistant Director of Career Services, took me out for lunch so I could get a look at the Marquette campus. We ate at Tory Hill Cafe, and I got the lobster bisque! It was one of the best soups I ever had. I would definitely recommend this. She has done a great job getting Kohl's and other large companies to come promote job opportunities.

O-Fest, which took place yesterday, was very exciting. All the different organizations around campus set up booths in the Central Mall. A Kohl's representative, Aria, came with some give-aways and gifts. The CSC and Kohl's were giving away Kohl's bags (reusable bags that would be perfect for carrying workout clothes), flash drives, leather padfolios, high lighters, business card holders, ice cream scoops, chip clips, and a huge Oscar Meyer stuffed hotdog pillow! Students came by and learned some information about what the CSC does and tips for interviews. It was a great chance to meet several students on campus and get our name out there.

Most of the students I have met so far have been excited about the services offered in the CSC. From resume and cover letter critiquing or help, mock interviews and interview skills, assistance in discovering what major would work best, and even what jobs are available with the particular majors are all things that students have come to see the Career Counselers for here in the CSC. We also have walk-in hours if students want some quick help on resume writing and things like that. The CSC will have two Career Fairs coming up on September 28 and 29. There will be several employers on campus looking to talk to students about internships and job opportunities. I would encourage all students to attend since the feedback I have heard about the previous fairs from students has been wonderful.

I am really looking forward to meeting all the employers and students who come visit the Career Services Center. Good luck to everyone with the start of a new semester!

“What are my skills?........I don’t even know where to start.”

As a Career Counselor I frequently as students to tell me about their skills and a common response is "I don't even know where to start." That is a very normal response simply because we don't usually go around talking about our skills to everyone we meet. Students gain skills through coursework and class projects, colunteer experiences, internships, part-time jobs, as well as through campus activities. Whether you have developed interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, or more specific career related skills, you will need to talk about them to employers in order to land a job where you can use them. Everyone has skills, it just takes practice to communicate them well.

The good news is that the Career Services Center offers individual appointments to help you learn to communicate the skills that you have worked so hard to acquire. Setting up an appointment is easy; just call the Career Services Center at 414-288-7423.

Jeremy Eudaly

Career Counselor