Professionally Developing over Winter Break

Campus is fairly empty around this time of year as many students have traveled away from campus to celebrate the holidays, or simply enjoy almost an entire month off from school. I do though advise you, do not utilize your entire break sleeping and catching up on your favorite TV dramas.

Winter break can be an amazing time to job shadow a professional in your career field of interest. Especially for those of you looking to relocate back home (outside of Wisconsin) after you've completed your degree. Job shadowing is beneficial to those exploring various career paths, those exploring specializations within a career field, those interested in a particular company/corporation, as well as those simply looking to make an inside connection with a specific company. The benefits of a job shadowing experience are invaluable - getting an inside glimpse into a company/profession, networking with professionals, getting your name out there (self-branding), receiving professional development advice, and maybe even feedback on your resume.

Making the request of a job shadowing opportunity may feel odd to some but fairly natural to others. For those who aren't comfortable reaching out to professionals they've never meet before, there's a softer approach - ALUMNI. Finding an MU alumni in your career field of interest could be as easy as browsing through the LinkedIn Marquette University Alumni Association (MUAA) group. The majority of MU alumni greatly enjoy connecting with current MU students and other alumni - if they didn't, they probably wouldn't have joined the group.

So take the plunge, set up a job shadowing experience over break!

Need additional assistance with this process, check out the Job Shadowing handout online (http://mu.edu/csc/undergraduate/documents/JobShadowing.pdf). And please do keep in mind that the MU CSC Career Counselors are still hard at work on your behalf during the winter break, so feel free to give us a call at (414) 288-7423 to set up an appointment over break or for next semester.

The REAL reasoning behind the 60 second elevator pitch!

So you know how we are always telling all of you to fine tune your 60 second commercial/elevator pitch when at career fairs and networking events?  Seth Godin, an expert on marketing yourself, gives such great and simple advice below.  Use it in your next encounter where you have to introduce yourself professionally!

No one ever bought anything in an elevator

The purpose of an elevator pitch isn't to close the sale.

The goal isn't even to give a short, accurate, Wikipedia-standard description of you or your project.

And the idea of using vacuous, vague words to craft a bland mission statement is dumb.

No, the purpose of an elevator pitch is to describe a situation or solution so compelling that the person you're with wants to hear more even after the elevator ride is over.

Read more of Seth Godin's Blog and check out his website.

Six Degrees of Separation

There is an idea that any two people in this world are connected by only six degrees of separation, or six personal connections. I recently attended a conference in St. Louis related to my career field. Like most conferences, meeting new people is the main event other than the educational programming sessions. The idea of six degrees of separation was in full force at this conference, which was a great lead into networking.

As many as 75% of jobs are not available publically. Most employers prefer referrals from employees or other people they know since they know people that have experience and are reliable. Currently networking is the main resource people and students are using to find jobs. With the semester winding down, and the prospect of several weeks of no homework and tests, start thinking about the people you will be running into over the holidays and semester break. Between friends, family, old high school friends, former employers, and distant relatives, plan to spend some time networking over break. You never know who people know and what opportunities are out there! Maybe you are just six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon!

Career Fairs - The Big Debate

The Career Services Center is hosting, not one, but two career fairs this spring.  We often hear concerns from students when promoting career fairs.  I've listed some arguments (along with my own counterarguments) 

Argument 1: "The companies aren't currently looking for students with my major."
Counterargument 1: Fair argument!  The thing is, even if they don't have your major or position you are seeking listed, this doesn't mean you can't talk to them about opportunities.  True, they might say "we aren't hiring for that right now" or "I only hire for a specific department".  But you can't tell me they won't have SOME sort of contact for you.  If they don't or aren't willing to share this with you, well then maybe it's not the type of company you want to work for anyways? 

Argument 2: "I've never heard of anyone that got a job from a career fair."
Counterargument 2:  You are right, I've never heard of a person who got offered a job AT the career fair.  The point of a career fair is not to walk out with a job - that's just crazy.  The point (one of many), is to get an INTERVIEW or at least a lead in your job/internship search.  I have heard of plenty of students getting interviews from a career fair.   

Argument 3: "I have work/school/internship during the career fair."
Counterargument 3:  Legitimate.  So if you can't rearrange your work/internship schedule and if your professor does not allow you to miss for the career fair, there are alternatives.  Within the career fair guidebook and online (MU Career Manager), we have the companies attending the fair along with contact information.  Now I don't have to tell you how difficult it is to get a phone number or email address of an actual HR person these days, do I?  The career fair guidebooks are priceless and you can contact any of those employers listed to let them know you aren't able to make the fair but would like to apply for the position.  It's a great idea to contact them BEFORE the fair if possible so it shows your drive. 

Argument 4: "I don't know what to do or say when I actually GET to the career fair - it all seems too overwhelming.  I feel more comfortable searching and applying for jobs online."
Counterargument 4:  I was right there with you when I was in school!  Had I known there was a resource like Career Services to help prep me for events like this, I would have actually GONE to events like this!  You can get your resume critiqued , practice your 60 second commercial, and go over the whole career fair process with a career counselor.  Just call 414.288.7423 or drop by Holthusen Hall, 1st floor to make an appointment.

Argument 5: "The recruiters just tell us to apply online.  I can do that without having to wear a suit to my classes."
Counterargument 5: That is frustrating to hear, isn't it?  OK, what we have heard from several recruiters is that it's a company policy that everyone applies within their system.  Heck, even current employees have to apply within the system for a new position.  The policy may be the same for every candidate applying but you can really stand out from every other candidate in other ways.  Impress them at the fair!  I recently heard a recruiter say, "candidates who stop by our booth at the fair are automatically considered for an interview."  After knocking their socks off at the fair, FOLLOW UP!  This is where most students drop off - so you just emailing your resume/cover letter or calling after the fair puts you at a definite advantage!

Pretty convincing?  If you saw good points in my counterarguments...even if you rolled your eyes - here are the spring career fairs for you to at least think about attending.  We get great attendance at these events, so yes, some students do actually see the usefulness but we always love to see those numbers increase.  The point of my blog is to (hopefully) show you how career fairs are a great OPPORTUNITY.  When opportunity knocks...answer!

Reverse Career Fair Registration is Open! Tuesday, February 7, 2012
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
AMU Ballrooms

What is a Reverse Career Fair?
Employers consistently ask for exposure to Marquette University student organizations and access to student leaders. A Reverse Career Fair is an excellent opportunity for student leaders to showcase their professional skills and the values and skills gained as a result of being involved in student organizations.
Student Organizations: More Information | Registration

Thank You!

Two simple words that can have quite the impact!

Thank You acknowledges your gratitude, your appreciation, and your gratefulness towards something in which has been done for you or towards you. As young children, saying thank you was drilled into our everyday lives - oh come on, don't tell me my parents were the only ones enforcing the please and thank you rule.

Well, oddly enough, they were on to something! As we've all grown up quite a bit since then, saying thank you sometimes slips our minds, admit it. Here's when it should never slip your mind though: DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH. Sending a thank you letter, in typed, handwritten, or e-mail form could be the difference between you getting an offer or not. Let's say there's two candidates (you being one of them) and you're both similarly skilled and capable of doing the job; sending in a professional thank you letter may lean the interviewer further in your direction.

A thank you letter offers you the opportunity to restate your top skills and make mention of those things you may have forgotten about during the interview. Send your thank you letter(s) out within 24 hours of the interview, and lastly, be sure to send a thank you letter to everyone in which you met with that day.

The same tactic can be used when you've conducted an informational interview or shadowed a professional; the verbiage may change but the foundation remains the same.

So, in the spirit of the holiday season, let us remember the importance of those two little words - Thank and You.

~*~Happy Holidays All~*~

Knowing & Owning Your Skills

PSST… those of you hoping to begin a career after graduation read this!

A very wise person once told me that a résumé gets you an interview, and an interview can
then lead to you getting a job/career. Now I know we’ve all heard before, from some person or another, to just try our hardest and put our best foot forward during interviews. Here’s the problem with that, if your résumé is not impressive enough to get you the interview, you’ve just missed out on your opportunity to wow the interviewer(s) in person.

So you ask, “How do I create a résumé that will shine above the rest and put me closer to the top of the interviewing list?” There are countless ways to make it happen, one being, knowing and owning your skills. MU CSC very recently had an On the Road event that presented the topic of “Identifying and Building Your Skills.” We learned that employers have standards, along with expectations. They desire for potential new hires to possess good communication, technology, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills, just to name a few. A significant amount of job descriptions will list (directly and indirectly) the skills new employees should have.

So now you ask, “what does this have to do with my résumé?” Well, here’s a simple exercise to aid you in pulling all of those pieces together:

1. Grab a blank sheet of paper and write down all of the skills and job qualifications the employer has mentioned in the job description
2. Now place a check next to each skill/qualification you feel as if you possess
3. Next, think of an experience, or two, in which you’ve displayed that skill
4. Last step, and most important, incorporate those skills into your résumé so that
   employers can clearly see why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.
   

That’s it! With three easy steps you’ve just intensified and enhanced your résumé.

“WAIT”, you scream, “I’m not sure if I can do this on my own.”

My reply, “No worries, that’s what the MU CSC Career Counselors and Advisors are here for.
Either stop by – Holthusen Hall, first floor – or give us a call at (414) 288-7423 to set up an appointment.”

My First Professional Interview!

I just had my first professional interview experience and I survived! When I first saw that the company I was interested in was going to be interviewing on campus I knew that I needed to update my resume in order to highlight the qualities I have that the employer was seeking. In order to prepare for the interview I was sure to know everything on my resume and have answers to the commonly asked questions located on MU CSC's homepage. With the help of my current supervisor I also came up with several of my personal/work experiences where I "worked as a team," "did project management," and "overcame an obstacle" so I would be ready for any behavior based questions. I wanted to be sure I had lots of different things to talk about so that I wouldn’t be repeating myself and so there wouldn’t be any awkward silences. But I think the most important thing I did to prepare was being ready to be excited about the interview. I tried to turn my anxiety about the interview into excitement. And I really think my enthusiasm took me beyond my qualifications for the job. A positive outlook made this stressful interview a positive experience for me, and I think for my interviewer as well since I got a second interview! So my advice for anyone else about to embark on their very first interview is: over prepare, show enthusiasm (even if you are too nervous to feel it at the time), and have lots of questions! Even if you feel like your questions were already answered by the interviewer, try to rephrase them or make them more detailed. I felt like my interviewer really knew how interested I was in the job because I asked plenty of question. And GOOD LUCK!

I was an Arts & Sciences Major...

I would have loved an event like this!  

 
I was a Psychology major and knew I was going to go to graduate school right away but I really would have figured a lot of things out earlier had I attended an event like Career Essentials for Arts & Sciences Majors.  I still had to interview for the graduate program and sell myself and my skills, which I was NOT prepared for.

Whether you are early in your career exploration or in the interview process - this workshop will give you tools to walk away with!  Plus, free snacks and beverages is always nice :)

No matter what your major or class year - stop by!  No RSVP is required.


Email bethany.olson@marquette.edu with any questions!

Post-Graduate Service: Personal & Professional Growth

Recently I was down in New Orleans, Louisiana for the wedding of one of my sorority sisters from college. In between doing a second-line parade down Canal Street and shoving my face with the most delicious cake I’ve ever eaten, I had some down time to meet up with a friend of mine that is doing a year of service in New Orleans. After graduating high school he deferred his enrollment to a 4-year institution out west and moved to an economically distressed neighborhood in New Orleans, mainly caused by Hurricane Katrina. After growing up in the comforts of the Chicago-land suburbs, his new environment was an adjustment, but he is learning something new every day and has come to appreciate what he has and what he has been given in life.
Post-graduate service is an option for students after finishing college and before going out and finding their first job. This is a viable option if you are looking to serve others or to gain a better understanding of the world. There are practical and personal benefits to doing a year of service. Development of leadership skills, cultural education, gaining a better insight into oneself, and work for social justice are just some of the intangible benefits one can gain from volunteering. There are also some tangible benefits as well including student loan deferment, paid room and board, and resume building/work experience that can not only help with a job search later, but also with admission to graduate school. Check out our list of post-graduate service organizations at: http://www.marquette.edu/csc/undergraduate/joblistings.shtml#Non .There are dozens of organizations to fulfill any interest.
While I think of my friend spending 12-hour days helping build houses for families that have lost everything in the wake of a natural disaster, I know he is growing personally through the experience of caring and giving of his hands and heart. He will hopefully bring back the mentality of the importance of creating strong partnerships and aligning with the needs of his community, whether that is to campus next fall or to his first job after graduation.

Boo! Don't Be Afraid, Just Do It!

I often tell people that as a student, I was a great example of what NOT to do. I think I spent most of my time paralyzed by indecision and looking back I realize that the best thing I could have done was... anything. I was so worried about making the perfect decision, the perfect plan, and having everything all figured out that I didn't do anything for fear that I would go down the wrong path or waste my time.

As a Career Counselor I now meet with students who act similarly to how I acted way back when. I am always so excited about this because they have a chance to do better than I did! And it is simple... but you have to start.

1. Think of a couple of things that you like. Kids? Sports? Animals?
   
2. Go here to find a couple of student organization to research; join one or two that reflect your interests.
3. Volunteer - you may love what you are doing, but if you hate your experience, you just ruled something out!
4. Get a part-time job or an internship related to your interests. As you dive deeper into your interest is it still something you want to do?
5. Ask people about their jobs and their career paths. You will probably be surprised to find out that most people do not follow a straight path from their major to their career.

If you are anything like I was, you may not know how to start and that's okay! Come to the Career Services Center and we'll help you get started... but don't let fear get the best of you.

Happy Halloween!

What are your skillz?

What do scrapbooking, keeping a planner and talking like there’s no tomorrow all have in common? Well, maybe nothing for you, but for me, they comprise the things that I am best at doing. In short, they are my skills; skills that I have used to create a major, develop an internship experience and begin a job search in my four years at MU. These "skills" might seem odd…what exactly does scrapbooking have to do with drafting a successful press release, you might ask? However, it’s important to realize that skill sets don’t always envelope only the talents that you learn in class.

Take my example. I have kept a scrapbook since I was about 10, when I first understood that combining pictures with stickers and wacky scissors was way more fun than playing legos with my dweebie brother. Sibling disputes aside, scrapbooking taught me to be creative, to take pride in a final project and to mind details. I started my first planner in 8^th grade, and while I mostly used it for writing down friend’s phone numbers and upcoming school dances, it instilled a discipline for keeping commitments and fostering organizational skills that I still use as a senior in college. Talking? Well, that might be the least impressionable of the three, but public speaking in front of my senior high school class on graduation led to a love for communication that has become more obvious since coming to college (meeting with clients, giving presentations and working in groups, for example).

In brief, these skills helped me decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. Want to figure out what your best skills are? Or better yet, how and where you can use them? Sometimes, your skills are more obvious than you think. The Career Services Center is offering their monthly On the Road series in November just for you! Join us as we build and identify individual skill sets with career counselors and a professional representative from Kohl’s Corporate. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention—the free lunch of the month is Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes (yum!). Perfect for chilly November weather, so we’ll see you there!

November's On the Road to Your Career
Powered by Kohl's
Date: Thursday, November 10
Time: 12:30  – 1:20pm
Location: AMU 157
Topic: Building/identifying skill sets
Menu: Swedish meatballs, salad, mashed potatoes, with coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water

The Big East Virtual Fair Is Coming Soon!

For those of you in the midst of your job search, you are probably spending a considerable amount of time mining through various job postings and networking with professionals in your industry of choice. Good for you, this is exactly what you should be doing. Like anything else in life though, you eventually start to slow down after the initial push, and begin to rely on a couple of favorite resources. The good news is that there is another resource that will be available shortly that allows you to expand your job search without even leaving your couch!

Each year the Big East hosts a Virtual Fair in the fall as a complement to it's Spring Fair at Madison Square Garden. This year is no different, and the event will be held from November 1st through the 3rd. Students from all 16 schools (yes, even Syracuse and Pittsburgh still!) are invited to register and interact with employers from over 40 companies. You can visit http://bigeast.careereco.net/ to check out which organizations are registered in advance so you can prep accordingly.

What is really intriguing about this year's Virtual Fair is that it will actually be interactive. There are some online fairs that amount to not much more than a temporary job board. Those are nice, but really don't give you the chance to learn too much about the organizations. This time is different. Each company has a dedicated chat room developed for their organization where you can communicate directly with their representatives. I've tested it out and it seems to work incredibly smoothly. What better way to start the process with a new potential employer than to be able to identify the job and network simultaneously, all from the comfort of your own home?

We hope to see many of you registered for this event to show the country what we already know; that Marquette students are the best around!

Do You Know What You’re Doing with Your Life?

As a soon-to-be college graduate, I am confident of the direction my degree will take me. But that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, it took no less than 3 changed majors, 4 internships, 5 on-campus jobs and more info sessions than I can count to get me to this point. The Career Services Center (CSC) on campus especially helped me make decisions that realistically, I wouldn’t have made on my own. What I’m saying is it’s not easy deciding what you want to do with your life, but if you can garner some kind of interest in one area over another and pursue it, you’re well on your way to becoming a super star. Oh, and also be ready for the ominous “real world.”  

My senior year of high school, I had an epiphany: I wanted to be on TV. Not in an I’m-going-to-be-the-next-Angelina kind of epiphany. I wanted to be on the news; reporting stories, reading off of a teleprompter, working crazy hours…all of it sounded extremely appealing. Half-way through freshman Preview, however, I ran into Career Services, who asked me some questions to help me realize that I was someone who preferred options, and keeping those options open. As I learned where MU grads worked (all radio stations, news rooms and newspapers), I didn’t feel 100% satisfied with my decision. To graduate with a degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication seemed too final—I didn’t want to be left without any other options. Alas: Communication Studies. 

To be fair, Communication Studies isn’t what I want to do with my life. Many of my classes are extremely theory-based, and while interesting, are not as applicable as How to Write Press Release 101 or Networking 2000 might have been. But I’m getting ahead of myself. An info session sponsored by none other than the CSC (funny how that happened), brought me to my senses. Instead of closing myself off with my major, which I was terrified of doing, why not supplement that major with some other things that I enjoyed? For me, those things were writing and talking speaking, er…with clients and in meetings, yes. That realization opened the Public Relations door. Most likely, if you like doing something, there is a minor/independent study out there for you, and someone to help you find it.

I am happy with the combination of communication, writing and networking that I have discovered via my Communications and Public Relations fields, an “epiphany” I might not have made without the help of that CSC Booth I visited before I even stepped foot inside a classroom. 

Jeremy Eudaly, a Career Counselor with CSC is hosting a similar session after Fall Break, on November 3^rd from 3:30-4:30pm. Why not go and see what it’s all about? Besides, you might decide that you do want to be the next Angelina…the CSC can help you figure it out. RSVP to leslie.skaistis@mu.edu if you are interested in infusing your personality into choosing a major and making career decisions that work for you. I know it worked for me. :)

Volunteer Your Way to a Job

I recently read this great article on the "Fast Company" website that ran through all of the benefits of volunteer experience as you move toward the world of work (http://www.fastcompany.com/1778415/volunteering-will-save-your-career-or-be-a-path-into-a-new-one). I encourage you to go check it out, but here is a brief overview of what volunteer experience can do for you:

• 41% of employers polled said they considered volunteer experience as valuable as paid work experience
• 20% of the hiring managers polled in the survey admitted to making hiring decisions based on volunteer work
• Volunteer experience is the next level of assessing if a person is someone worth hiring when education and work experience are equal among candidates

So, read the article, decide what you would like to give your time to, and go out and do it!

Who Doesn't Want Free Money?!

I knew that would get your attention!

The Marquette University Career Services Center is excited to announce our first ever career programming scholarship!

Kohl’s Corporate has partnered with Career Services to offer scholarships to registered student organizations to help fund career education programs. Examples of a career education program would be a networking event, alumni panel presentation, site visit to an employer, etc.

We know that many student orgs on campus already plan great career related programs. Why not have some/all of the programming costs paid for? This is also a great opportunity for a student organization to plan their first-ever career program with the help of our office and Kohl's!

How do you get free money for your organization?

It's not as hard as you might think. Click here for application, full details, and programming ideas. Don't delay! The deadline is Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 for spring programs.

Questions? Need ideas? Contact Kristin Adler, Assistant Director of Employer and Campus Relations today!

Panera and Clandestine Operatives

I've always been a fan of spy shows. For awhile I wanted to be Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) and get a new Alias every week. Alas, I am but a humble career counselor helping people achieve their dreams...

One really exciting part of my job is to hear about other jobs. Yesterday it was the CIA: National Clandestine Service. I have to be honest, I never thought all of those gadgets and secrets and covers were really possible. I just pictured people sitting behind desks listening in on inane conversations to gather intelligence.

The stories two agents told, we'll call them Linda and Phil (which may be their real names but I doubt it), were captivating. Linda, married with children, has successfully managed a double life for about twenty years. Phil had one life and then joined the CIA after a military and then a computer career.

I learned about the endless possibilities with the CIA: becoming an agent, designing covers and disguises, learning several languages... It's all possible. They have an internship program too.

What are they seeking? People who are passionate about their country, knowledgeable in foreign affairs with the ability to keep a secret! While this in no way describes me, I have to wonder what such a life would bring.

If this interests you, the application deadline has been extended until October 15. Visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html for more information and how to apply.

Oh, I almost forgot. We had Panera for lunch. A little tip: Get a salad or the Mediterranean Veggie as the Sierra Turkey Sandwich (formerly my favorite) has 33 grams of fat! That's 25 ww points plus points for those who care

Special Agent Laura Kestner a.k.a. Director, Career Services

How to be a STAR when interviewing

I’ll admit, I spend just as much time on my Blackberry everyday as I do talking to other people. Sad, I know. But the dependency on technology seems to be getting stronger with each new wave of incoming students and as I walk through campus, I don’t see faces anymore; I see cell phones and laptops. Face to face conversations have lost their luster and have installed a fear in people’s ability to ‘sell themselves’ in an interview. As our office is in the midst of our busy season and companies are hosting on-campus interviews, I find it only appropriate to take some time to review some basics of interviewing.

There is almost a 100% guarantee you will be asked one if not both of the following questions: “Tell me about yourself” and “Tell me about a time when…” I also find these questions to be the hardest for students to answer when I helping them during a practice interview.

For the first question of “tell me about yourself” you should have a prepared ‘elevator speech’ or 60 second commercial. This answers the basics about yourself: name, year in school, major or degree, your past experiences (as they relate to who you are speaking to), and your future career goals. Practicing this with a friend or in front of the mirror is an easy way to figure out what to say before an interview.

When answering the second question, this is an opportunity for you to tell a story related to what the employer would like you to address. Here is an easy way to structure your story:

S – Situation

T – Task

A – Action

R – Result

Describe a specific time either on a class project, at an internship, a job, or volunteer experience. Think about the situation you were in, what the task was that you had to accomplish, the action or steps that you took to get there, and the end result. Highlight your best self and be a STAR!

So my advice to all the job seekers out there - put down your cell phone, turn off your computer, and unplug for a few hours and practice!

On the Road to Your Career: Career Planning

Who is driving your career?  

Join the Career Services Center for this luncheon series focusing on a monthly hot career topic.

Each month a professional from Kohl’s Corporation representing specific career fields will share industry and expert career advice alongside your Marquette University Career Services Center counselors. 

If you are navigating your career, don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable information while filling up on a free lunch!

Date: Friday, October 7
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Location: AMU 157
Topic: Career Planning
Menu: Soup & Salad with coffee, iced tea, and water

Would you like help with finding direction in your career planning process?  Join us this Friday!

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!