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

17 Impressive Freshmen

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!

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...