All the Best Graduates...

The countdown for May Seniors has begun. Most of your assignments have been turned in, the last presentation of your college career is taking place next week, you have almost no jitters about your final examinations, you can just coast through these next few weeks until graduation. Such an AMAZING feeling! Graduating is a huge accomplishment and something you should definitely be proud of.

After May 20th, 2012 some of you will maintain ties with the lovely Marquette University and others will hold on to their experience as a mere memory. Before you leave, you should know that Marquette has created a variety of wonderful services specifically for it's Alumni:

• MU Connect: MU Alumni Association -> http://marquette.edu/alumni/ 
• Coping with Stress -> http://www.marquette.edu/psyc/about.shtml
• Spirituality -> http://www.marquette.edu/alumni/about-spirituality.php
• Networking -> http://www.mu.edu/alumni/networking-index.php
• Career Services -> http://www.mu.edu/csc/alumni/index.shtml
• Financial Literacy -> http://www.marquette.edu/mucentral/bursar/FinancialLiteracy.shtml

How lucky are Marquette University Alumni to have an educational institution take a life-long interest in their students; those of the past, present, and future. So, no matter where you may venture after graduation - staying close or traveling far - we'll be right here whenever you need us.

All the Best Graduates!!

Soon to be Alumni...

Around this time of year graduates are gathering their cap and gowns, double checking their academic credits, searching for full time positions or post-graduate opportunities, and soaking up as much time as possible with friends and classmates whom they'll miss. It's a busy time in life, a big step towards the future.

Gladly, we here at CSC Never Can Say Goodbye (very famous song by the Jackson 5). To our alumni, we offer job search assistance even after you've graduated from Marquette and moved on. Can't make it in to the office for an appointment, that's quite alright - the CSC Alumni web page (www.mu.edu/csc/alumni) connects you to amazing online resources we recommend to alumni.

Congratulations Graduates! Remember, you only live life once, so make it a good one ;-)

Staying STRONG in a weak economy Part I

Last night the CSC (that's us!), along with the Young Alumni Association, hosted an event focused on staying STRONG in a weak economy. We thought there would be about 30 people there... over 90 showed up. I talked about the economy (mostly bad!) and who is successful at finding jobs (lots of people- this is good!). The real treat was hearing from some local experts. I want to share a few insights they had for the crowd that might be helpful to you too!

From Spano Pratt...http://spanopratt.com/

1. Change your mentality! Quit reading negative statistics. Use positive talk with EVERYONE in your life. How are you presenting your personal brand?
   
   “I’m about to get laid off. Do you know of any opportunities?”
   VS.
   “I’ve been in the event planning field for several years and am excited to start a new direction. I’m interested in gaining more experience and transitioning to the field of Marketing. Do you know of any opportunities that seem to fit with my goal?”
   
   Focus on what you CAN control and not on what you can’t control.
   “You can’t always direct the wind, you can, however, learn to adjust your sails.
   
   
2. Understand the solution you bring to your current organization. What are the implications of the work that you do. STOP DOWNPLAYING! The more you think you are an asset, the more you will talk like you are an asset and the more you will come across as an asset.
   “Fake it until you make it”
   
   
3. Make sure your resume is UP TO DATE. Keep a folder with every single little and big project you do and every quarter update your resume with associations, projects, new roles, etc.
   
   
4. Develop your skills!!! Listen to those performance reviews - it’s hard to critique ourselves to get feedback from others.
   a. Join Professional Associations
   b. Look for opportunities and events in the community with people you wouldn’t normally connect with
   c. Join a board - volunteer first and get more involved. “Pay or Play” - either they will look for a contribution or you will need to do some recruiting.
   d. Keep a spreadsheet of your network so you remember where you met people - the last time you spoke, etc.