Something to think about...

We are in the full swing of finals and the last thing you want to think about is what you want to accomplish over break.  I have an easy one though!  (Yes, I know some of you would definitely disagree).  The WorkForce Career & Internship Fair is on Thursday, February 17th and something to think about over break is what you want to wear to the career fair, an interview, or any other professional networking event.  This decision stresses a lot of people out but it doesn't have to be a panicking situation...it really doesn't! 

One site that is helpful to women when determining the type of outfit to buy for your career fairs, interviews, and networking events is from www.bizme.biz - Best Interview Outfits: Suiting Up For Game Day.

The Career Services Center also has our own suggestions in a "Dress for Success" handout, located in our Online Library 

Some BASICS:

• It is important to project a professional image. (My two cents: much safer to overdress than underdress - even if you are doing and informational interview and there isn't an immediate "job on the line" type situation.)
• Employers may assume that this is the best you will ever look.
• Unfortunately, making your way into the world-of-work means that you may be judged on the way you look and how you present yourself. This may not always be fair. There are a number of things you can do to feel confident about yourself in an interviewing situation. Because, as you know, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
• Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

The goal is to feel great about what you have to offer the company. 
Feeling confident about your professional outfit is one easy way to do this!

Feeling unsure about your options and want a Career Counselor's opinion?  Stop by the CSC or make an appointment with a Career Counselor to go over interview tips.


Call us!  414.288.7423 or  Email us! career.services@marquette.edu


Good luck with finals and have a wonderful, relaxing break!


Bethany Olson

The Employment Outlook for the Class of 2011

Each year members of the Marquette University Career Services staff attend the annual Recruiting Trends Conference in Chicago. This conference features the research of Dr. Phil Gardner, a nationally known economist from Michigan State University. Dr. Gardner’s Recruiting Trends report describes the opportunities and challenges faced by 2011 college graduates based on a recent national survey of 4600 diverse employers.

A summary can be found on the MUCSC website.

Basically, it's still tough out there. But... I heard this story the other day and I think it sheds some light on the outlook for college grads!

Jobless Rate Less Scary For College Grads by Adam Davidson

"Consider some numbers. The overall unemployment rate, right now, is 9.6 percent. That's really high. But for people who finished college, the unemployment rate is a much less terrifying 4.7 percent. That is hardly an economic slowdown at all. Those with advanced degrees are practically in a boom, with unemployment below three percent."

So hang in there... get crackin'. MU CSC has something for every one of you no matter what your path. Check out our updated webpage.

Happy Job Hunting!
Laura

The Long-Term Internship

As a graduate student in the office, I was offered the opportunity to go to the Trends in Recruiting conference in Chicago for the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers. The conference was two days long, but I just went down on Friday to hear the keynote speaker, Dr. Phil Gardner, talk on recruiting trends.

Other than going on my first train ride, I experienced some great opportunities including the ability to network with professionals from around the Midwest, attend informative seminars, as well as hear the hiring trends in the past and future projections.

One idea I’d like to share from my experience is how Dr. Gardner spoke about the importance of having a longer-term internship. He stressed how short-term internships are often not a sufficient amount of time for developing an individual professionally, and not always allowing them to become acclimated to the company’s culture and inner workings. Many students participate in internships that only last a semester or over the summer, but after hearing Dr. Gardner speak, I definitely recommend trying to extend that internship for at least an 8-month period. This will give you the proper time for boundary crossing and being able to truly connect with a business. Definitely take time during your internship to communicate across units, and network with professionals in other departments.

Dr. Gardner suggests that a long term internship is essential for transitioning into the workplace upon graduation. This type of internship proves most beneficial before you finish your senior year, so you can engage and figure out who you are as a learner as well as understand your professional values.

If you have yet to find an internship, now is the time to start looking. Not sure where to start? We’d be glad to help! Make an appointment with a career counselor today.

3 More Reasons to use MU Career Manager!

Career Services is excited to announce that 3 new resources have been added to MU Career Manager! MonsterCollege, Internships.com and CareerRookie. By simply having a MU Career Manager account, students and alumni now have access to thousands of full-time entry level and internships across the country!

Already have an account?
Students and alumni who have an MU Career Manager account already have access to MonsterCollege positions. When you do a job search, you will see a second tab called MonsterCollege Jobs. Once you click on a position you are interested in, you will be re-directed to either the MonsterCollege website or the company website to apply.

To gain access to Internships.com and CareerRookie postings, simply log into your MU Career Manager account and you will be prompted to register for one or both of these job search engines. By clicking on the "Sign Me Up" button, students will be automatically registered on these websites and see the postings on the third and forth job tabs after doing a job search. If you aren't interested in opting in to these resources, simply decline the offer or click on "Remind Me Later."

Don't have an account?
It takes less than 5 minutes to create an MU Career Manager account. You just need to enter some basic information and upload a default resume.

As always, if you have any questions about our online resources, stop in or call our office. We are here to help!