Career Services

Interview Tips

2011-11-02T13:45:00.000-04:00

Interviews may be the most nerve racking part of finding that dream job, but with proper preparation, you can turn that dreadful interview into the first step to obtaining that job! The fist step to take is to do your research! If you don't come prepared for an interview, this gives the impression that you will not come to the job prepared as well. Next, practice your 30-second elevator speech. This will showcase your talents and experiences and allow employers to have a quick glimpse at your acheivements. Lastly, during the interview answer all questions honestly and to the point. Also, provide examples to support your answers. Try not to hesitate, or avoid answering questions. The more confident you are with yourself, the more confident you will appear to employers! I personally have learned from my own mistakes. In past interviews, to make myself seem more interested, I would as numerous questions, even if they do not pertain to the job I was being interviewed for. Instead of appearing interested, I know now I was asking far too many irrelevant questions. My personal tip is to ask questions but limit them and make sure they are relevant to your specific job and the company.

To help students with the fear or anxiety about interviews, Career Services is hosting an Interview Prep Workshop For All Majors next Tuesday in the Union.

Time: 12-1pm
Date: November 8th
Location: Student Union, Sandstone 1

How to Prepare for a Career Fair

2011-11-01T13:29:00.000-04:00

Want to be involved with the career fair but don’t know where to start? Come to the How to prepare for a Career Fair TONIGHT from 6-8 pm in the Student Union, Sandstone 3.
Career Services will get you up to date and tell you all the do's and don’ts you need to know to be ready to take on all the employers when looking for a job or internship!
See you then!

Get prepared for the Career & Internship Expo!

2011-10-30T20:50:00.003-04:00

Each year Baldwin-Wallace Career Services works to bring our alumni and current students a great event that can benefit everyone in one way or another. This year has come up fast, and we are excited to be hosting the 2011 Career & Internship Expo in Lou Higgins Rec Center on Thursday, November 3rd, 2011.

The Expo will be held from 5:30-8PM and professional dress is required. For examples of what professional clothing looks like, take a peek at the displays in front of the Candy Counter in the Union or check out some great tips from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. (Additionally, Virginia Tech also has some nice tips you can find here.)

Over 70 employers will be attending, including our fantastic sponsors:
American Greetings Corporation, Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc., DDR Corp., Edgepark Medical Supplies, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Equity Trust Company, Fastenal, Hyland Software, Inc., Jenne Distributors, Meyer Distributing Company, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Park Place Technologies, Quicken Loans, Skylight Financial Group, Westfield Insurance

So what can you do to help you be prepared? Here are some helpful tips:
• Pre-register on B-W Career Network before Wednesday, November 2nd.
• Create/Tune-up your resume.
• Work on your “elevator speech”, or a 30 second pitch that describes yourself and your goals to a perspective employer.
• Print copies of your resume to possibly hand out/leave with employers.
• Know what employers are attending & make a list of the employers you would like to meet.
• Research the employers you plan to meet.
• Attend programs held by Career Services to help you with your prep.

How to Prepare for a Career Fair Tuesday, November 1
6 - 8 pm Student Union, Sandstone 3

Resumania for all Majors Wednesday, November 2
3 - 5 pm Career Services, 104 Bonds

Express Lanes (Walk-in Advising):
Mondays 1 - 3 pm Recreation Center, Tressel Lounge
Tuesdays 9 - 11 am Kamm, 1st Floor Snack Room
(There will be no Express Lanes this Thursday, so make sure you get to one of the other dates if you need to have your resume looked over.)

For more information you can visit BWCN or contact Career Services at 440.826.2101 | email career@bw.edu

JOBS IN DEMAND: Computer Science & Digital Media TONIGHT!!!

2011-10-25T12:07:00.000-04:00

Looking for an exciting opportunity to gain insights into industries that are HOT right here in NE Ohio?
Come to the Jobs In Demand Series: Computer Science & Digital Media, TONIGHT, Oct. 25

Learn from experts in these industries and network with professionals from companies such as Sherwin Williams, FirstEnergy, OEConnection, and more!

What are you waiting for? Don't miss out on this great opportunity! All majors are welcome!!

Jobs in Demand: Computer Science & Digital Media
TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 25
4-5:30 pm
Student Union, Sandstone 3

Studying Abroad Opens the Door to the Rest of the World!

2011-10-20T11:44:00.001-04:00

With the end of the semester approaching fast, have you thought about what other experiences you want to gain while you are at B-W? Getting involved and pursuing developmental experiences are important and can be extremely rewarding later on in life. Here at B-W there are numerous opportunities available for students to take part in.

Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” There are infinite possibilities available to you in college that can change the way you think and act, and studying abroad is just one way to explore, dream, and discover.

Studying abroad is the process of pursuing academic coursework in a different country. For those looking to take the plunge, there are many types of excursions to choose from. There are typical semester and year-long experiences available throughout the school year and over the summer, but here at B-W, there are also options for shorter trips. These shorter trips, which are generally faculty-led, can range from 2-weeks to 1 month. The Study Abroad Office here at B-W can give you more details on types of trips, locations, and what academic programs are available.

Not only does study abroad allow you to travel, but the experience exposes you to different perspectives and ways of life. While your comfort zone may be challenged, you will gain insights into worlds you know little about and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. But the rewards don’t stop there. A study abroad experience can be influential on a resume and provide you with a new outlook on your job search or career path.

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can shape the way you live your life.

So are you ready to expand your knowledge base, meet new people and see what the world has to offer? Then why not talk with the study abroad office and see what experiences are in store for you!

Internships

2011-10-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

I personally consider internships to be just as important as going to class. Being inside of a classroom and listening to your professor explain what it would be like to work in a particular field is one thing; actually working in your field of choice and gaining knowledge from applying those learned skills is completely different! Not only do internships provide you with that extra experience, it also builds your resume which helps you to stand out above your peers. Students can make an appointment with an advisor to have a 30 minute session for a resume review or to answer any other career related questions. Career Services offers Exploring Internships Workshops to help students who are searching for internhips. In addition,

Exploring Internships Workshops:

Wednesday, October 26
12 - 1pm, Kamm 132

To schedule a individualized 30 minute appointment with a Career Advisor, call our office at 440-826-2101 or stop by Bonds, Room 104.

What do PNC, Progressive Insurance, & J.P. Morgan have in common?

2011-10-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

They will all be @ B-W TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 12 for the 2nd Installment of the Jobs in Demand Series!

Jobs in Demand: Finance, Insurance, & Banking
TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 12
Kamm 107
4:00 - 5:30 pm

Learn from experts in the Finance, Insurance, & Banking industries and discover great opportunities & jobs right here in NE Ohio!

Express Yourself With A Resume and Cover Letter!

2011-10-11T15:08:00.004-04:00

Want an internship? Looking for a job? Not sure if your resume is up to par? Career Services is the place for you. While resumes may seem easy to set up, you may be missing the mark on how to make yourself stand out from the rest of the working world.

You really want to be up-to-date on what different companies and organizations are looking for when applying for a job. This is where Career Services steps in. We have a ton of resources for all students to help you get started on building your resume.

Don’t have a resume and want to showcase your unique skills and experiences? Then come to one of our Resume Writing clinics. It is a great opportunity for first year students, or upperclassman to know more about how to start and update a resume.

The dates for upcoming our Resume Writing Clinics are:

Wednesday, October 19th in the Union Sandstone 1 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Thursday, October 27th in Kamm 106 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Wednesday November 16th in Ritter 101 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm

If you are unable to attend one of these clinics, then stop by our Express Lanes, which take place every week! They are fifteen minute sessions with a Career Advisor, who can look over your resume, give you advice on what to add or change, or tips on how to organize it. You can find the Express Lanes times on your Blackboard site under your Career Services link. Once there, check out the Career Services Fall Calendar.

Another great source is setting up an appointment with one of our awesome advisors in the Career Services office. They love meeting new students, and want to help B-W students succeed in finding a job or internship. Be sure to have a resume ready no matter what shape it’s in. Your resume can only get better.

But enough talk about resumes. When applying for a job or internship, a lot of organizations may also want a cover letter from you. If you do not know what a cover letter is, let me explain. It is a brief description of who you are, what your experiences have been in that field, and why you are interested in the job or internship. It is basically a quick bio for an employer to find out more about you and what you can offer as an employee. Having a strong cover letter will really help you to be remembered when it comes to interviewing. You can also come into our office for an appointment to go over your cover letter.

Remember it is never too late to build your resume or start on a cover letter. With great resources at B-W, you will be prepared with a flawless resume and cover letter to land the job or internship you really want.

GRAD SCHOOL FAIR TONIGHT!

2011-10-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

Thinking about Graduate School?

Be sure to attend the Grad School Fair TONIGHT, Tuesday, Oct. 4!
College and university recruiters from over 100 graduate programs will be on hand to talk to you about application requirements, program details, and can answer any questions you may have! Dress is business casual.

3rd Annual Grad School Fair
TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 4
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Center for Innovation & Growth (CIG)

Don't miss out on this great opportunity! For a complete list of schools and graduate programs being represented at the fair, visit the B-W Blackboard site: https://bb.bw.edu/

Discovering the Right Path for Your Future

2011-09-29T16:21:00.000-04:00

Being in college doesn’t guarantee having all the answers. There may be times when you feel like you are the only person who has yet to declare a major or decide what you want to do after college, but I promise you are not alone.

According to an MSNBC article by Gayle B. Ronan, “Eighty percent of college-bound students have yet to choose a major.” Furthermore, the article goes on to say that around fifty percent of students who have declared a major can end up changing their major an additional two or three more times.

The decisions faced in college can be frustrating, and when it comes to picking the path that is right for you, Baldwin-Wallace Career Services is here to help. Don’t even know where to start? That’s okay. By coming in to Career Services and getting information for logging in, students can access a site called Discover. Through a simple online survey that you can take from the comfort of your residence hall, Discover helps to assess your interests, abilities, and values. Once completed, Discover points out career areas that may be compatible for you. It is recommended that students come in for an appointment with an advisor after completing the Discover survey. As someone who has personally utilized Discover, I can tell you that talking with someone who is trained to read your results is a great help.

Whether you are undecided, unsure, or just seeking general career advice, the advisors at Baldwin-Wallace are always willing to help you take the first (or second) step in the right direction for your future.

Discover HOT Jobs and Internships in Northeast Ohio!

2011-09-29T10:29:00.000-04:00

If you are looking to discover HOT Jobs and Internships in Northeast Ohio, join Career Services tonight and come to the first
Jobs in Demand Series: Healthcare and Social Service!

Meet with industry professionals, network, and learn about what
skills employers are looking for!

Jobs in Demand Series: Healthcare & Social Service
Thursday, September 29, 2011

4:00 - 5:30 pm
Recreation Center, Higgins 204

Is Grad School In Your Future?

2011-09-26T09:21:00.000-04:00

Have you ever considered going to graduate school? Students choose to pursue graduate school for many reasons. Whether you want career or professional advancement opportunities, or want to know more about a particular subject, Career Services can help you take the right steps to reaching your post B-W goals!

October 4 marks the Graduate School Fair taking place at B-W. Currently, over 40 schools have signed up to attend offering a diverse set of programs. Whether you are looking to receive your MBA (Masters of Business Administration), MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Science), or another type of degree, the Graduate School Fair can open doors to finding the right school and program for you.

Before you come to the Fair, take part in our Graduate School Workshop Part 2 which will go over vital information regarding admission requirements, application procedures and which tests you might have to take. The workshop will be next Tuesday, September 27th in Malicky 114 from 12:10 – 1:10 pm. Career advisors will be on hand to talk about next steps and what you should do to prepare for the upcoming Graduate School Fair!

Coming to these events will also put you into a drawing to win either a Kaplan Prep Test Course for any graduate school exam compliments of Kaplan, or a free Cap & Gown, from the Career Services Office!

So come and join us for these great upcoming events! Information about the Grad School Fair can be found on the B-W Career Network. A list of schools attending can also be found on there!

Career Services Can Help You With On-Campus Recruiting!

2011-09-21T10:50:00.000-04:00

College is the fastest four years of your life. Sometimes as freshmen, you don’t realize the opportunities available to begin the job and internship search! Your future starts the first day you start school at B-W, and it is never too early to start working on building your resume and making career connections. One easy way of doing this is by participating in on-campus recruiting. Through on-campus recruiting, companies and business come to B-W to recruit students for internships and jobs. No matter what year you are, it is a great way to make connections with employers and to get to know what is that they do, and also what they look for in an employee.

The Career & Internship Expo, one of our largest events here in Career Services, takes place in November. Last year over 70 companies participated. They want to meet students like you, and answer any questions you have. It’s a professional environment, but also a more comfortable way to approach a business and ask about job and internship opportunities. Career Services also offers different preparation programs that will help prepare you for the Expo so you can be at the top of your game to score a job or internship.

Another way Career Services can help you prepare for such situations is by coming into our office and setting up an individual appointment with an advisor. By doing this you can have your advisor help you go over your resume, cover letter, and even ask interview questions. Career Services has a great program called the Perfect Interview where you can set up a mock interview to help you familiarize yourself with the interview process. Look for our flyers and calendars to see upcoming event information. It is never too late to prepare for your future, and Career Services can help!

Career Services...the best kep secret!

2011-09-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

Career Services is an on-campus resource for both students and alumni. Competing for jobs and internships is hard enough, but not having the right resources to be able to present yourself well is even worse.
This is where Career Services comes into play! Career Services has various events throughout the year to help prepare students for the "real world". I personally love this office! The career advisors have turned my terrible mess of a resume into a masterpiece that I am proud to present to any employer! If you have no idea where to go or who to turn to for help with your career related problems, come straight to the Career Services office! Don't be shy! Come right in and a career advisor will help you with your cover letter or resume, freshen up your interview skills, or simply help you find your dream job or internship.

Located in Bonds and open Monday through Friday, Career Services is here and ready to help! Whether it's in our office for an individual appointment or at one of our many events, we are here for you! Each week we offer events such as Express Lanes, Resume Writing Clinics and Internship Workshops.

Take a look at some of our upcoming events:
Graduate School Workshop Part 1: Tuesday, September 20th
Graduate School Workshop Part 2: Tuesday, September 27th
Graduate School Fair: Tuesday, October 4th

Consider Blogging...as a Career!

2011-04-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

If you're thinking of a unique way to utilize your resourcefulness, creativity, writing, or if you're like me and you're open to an interesting opportunity for English majors, consider becoming a blogger. Blogs can be personal and professional, and they're great for communications, public relations, and marketing purposes. Be part of the industry you're interested in working for, but in a new way. Bloggers can work freelance, for newspapers and magazines, book publishers, radio and television stations, and business or non-profit organizations. Plus, it's a fun way to be subjective about a topic that you're passionate about!

Imagine all the contacts you gain from the people that follow your blog. It's a great way to network professionally, while allowing people to get to know your interests based on the information you write about. Some experience is needed, preferably a bachelor's degree, but majors vary. You could be hired to write an economics blog if you majored in economics. The same goes for political science, botony, anything! And tell Mom and Dad that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in a summary of 2009, the average salary was $54,000/year nationally. That's about $26.00 per hour, and if you get to freelance in your pajamas, that's not a bad trade-off!

If you consider yourself someone with insatiable curiosity and you're looking for an "out of the box" way to target a career path, consider blogging. Or start doing it as a hobby and see what kind of following you get. It's not the same old kind of personal or professional writing you're used to, so you might learn you're a writer and you never even knew it.

Juggling the Transition from College to Everything After

2011-03-28T17:06:00.000-04:00

As a graduating senior, I'm fully aware of the looming responsibilities a senior endures in his or her final semester as an undergraduate. I keep thinking back to senior year in high school, when arrangements were in the works to choose a college and the relief I felt when I finally had my plans lined up for post-graduation. I also remember the struggle it was to balance school work, extracurriculars, and time to plan for the future. That was high school! Now, the options seem endless, and so does the school work. I'm ready for it all to be over, but at the same time, thinking about everything I need to do before it's over is beyond overwhelming. Finding time to devote to planning for the imminent future, which will be here, ready or not, in 40-some days, is now more of a challenge than ever.

My advice is to figure out how much time you have to devote to various responsibilities, otherwise known as Time Management 101. But, as a soon-to-be college graduate, you're a pro at time management by now, right? I tend to think about the "here" and "now," focusing on what I need to do in the moment, taking everything day by day. That will leave me without a plan, which I will have to scramble to put together immediately after I graduate. Take about an hour or so, depending on how much homework, how many extracurriculars, hours at work, etc. you have, to devote to a job, internship, or graduate school search. Organizing the information you encounter is also helpful, so be sure to file or save your information in case you need to come back to it. Be sure to set goals for yourself in terms of following up with your application. Employers aren't necessarily going to do it for you! Remember, the ball is in your court from here on out.

It's not all about planning for a career or graduate school. Graduation is also about leaving some room for emotional and social fluxes. Everything is exciting one minute, and then for the same reasons it was exciting, it's all stressful the next minute. Take time to slow down and reflect on yourself so that you can be prepared to know yourself and what you expect from yourself when you graduate. Don't have an identity crisis, but rather embrace these challenges as a motivation. And don't forget to savor the last several weeks by really spending time with YOU because those 40-some days will be over before you know it.

Government Career Day on March 24th

2011-03-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

Are you interested in careers in government? If you answered YES, plan to attend Government Career Day on Thursday, March 24th at the Dolan Center for Science and Technology at John Carroll University from 9 am to 2 pm.
Government Career Day is a unique opportunity to connect and network with government agencies that have immediate or future hiring needs. Additionally, a series of workshops will be offered during the day covering such topics as navigating the usajobs.gov web site; writing KSA's; applying for jobs with the State of Ohio; and federal employment for veterans.

The event is sponsored by the Federal Executive Board of Cleveland and Cleveland State University in cooperation with John Carroll University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University and Ursuline College.

To prepare for Government Career Day, take advantage of Career Services scheduled resume writing clinics or express lanes to create and polish your resume. If you are not able to attend any of the scheduled workshops, just call 440.826-2101 or drop by Career Services, Room 104 Bonds to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

If you’re interested in internships and/or government careers, you won’t want to miss this event. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 24th!

Calling All Seniors!

2011-02-22T11:26:00.003-05:00

Are you a senior getting ready to enter the workforce; this can be a very trying time and a nerve-wracking one as well. Although I am not a senior, while meeting last summer with professionals I experience the “real world” first hand. It was definitely one that you want to be fully prepared for and have a smooth transition into. Career Services and Counseling Services have teamed up to present to all seniors insight on how to make your transition from college to career. It will take place on Wednesday, February 23^rd at 4pm in SS2; this is sure to be a great presentation and a very helpful one as well.

Wrestling with an Undeclared Major, No Problem?

2011-02-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

Are you undecided about your major; this is not a bad thing. Being undecided affords you the opportunity to sample courses from many majors and choose one that fits your likes and interests. We all were at some point undecided majors within our college careers and it takes time to figure out exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. For instance, I understood coming to B-W that I wanted to be a business major, what I did not know was what area I wanted to pursue. I eventually took courses from different majors within the department and settled on one that fit me well and that I could see myself doing. If you are undecided about a major or career path, Career Services can help you. On Thursday, February 24^th we are hosting an event to help undecided students prepare to declare a major. It will take place in SS3 during community hour. So come on down and PREPARE TO DECLARE!

Governement jobs webinars

2011-02-07T13:23:00.002-05:00

No fear Career Services is here!
With graduation quickly approaching, finding a job is taking the number one spot on many college students to do lists. Does the secret service or FBI sound like your dream job? Well you’re in luck because Career Services is having a webinar directed towards students who are interested in jobs and internships with the federal government. This webinar will highlight a number of internships across government, and show students how to research, find and apply for an internship that is right for them. Even if you are not completely sure if this may be the right fit for you, give it a try anyway and who knows you may find that working with the federal government is perfect for you! For me personally, whenever I am not completely sure if I should attend an event by Career Services I give the office a call or simply go anyway. That way I do not feel guilty for not going and to my surprise the event turns out to be very helpful.

There are going to be two webinars on 2/8/11 and 2/16/11 both of which you can call and register for at 440.826.2101. Don’t forget, you can always register for any Career Services events on the B-W Career Network, too

Study Abroad: More than a Vacation

2010-11-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

I studied abroad in Spain this past summer with the notion that there would be no homework. Why I thought this, I don't know. I was on summer mode, and I have never once taken a class, let alone done homework, in summer. Also, I didn't think of myself as really being in school. I was in a foreign country, making new friends, and everything was new. There was too much to see and too little time to think about academics. But after I started developing relationships with my peers, the professors, and the coordinators of my study abroad program, I realized that I was establishing contacts with people that might be useful in my career. Then I started focusing a little more on my purpose for studying abroad.

Even though many people think of "studying" abroad as nothing more than travelling, I have to admit that studying abroad was not a vacation. Many people have internships abroad, or study another language with professors that don't speak the students' native language. Don't get me wrong, this experience was challenging in a completely beneficial and fulfilling way, but I think students need to know that most study abroad programs are not a cake walk. You have to attend classes regularly, as most of your grade depends on class participation, and since, in my opinion, temptation to not go to class and not do homework is a bit more prominent while studying abroad, you really have to prioritize.

My Spanish professor did not speak any English. Yes, that was extremely intimidating at the beginning of my program, but I knew I needed to delve in. No professor in any country teaching any language expects the study abroad students to be perfect. Why would students be studying if they already had the subject, language, and culture down pat? Conversations you can have with professors and program directors about the language, culture, and prospective career opportunities will really help you develop contacts within that country if you potentially choose to work there.

And then there is the "vacation" part of studying abroad, which I think is the travelling aspect of it. I studied in Spain, but I travelled to many different countries and met many different people last summer. I made a friend in my study abroad program who travelled with me, and so not only did I make contacts with people I interacted with in other countries, but people who live not far from me in the U.S. No matter what your focus is when you study abroad, you're only benefitting yourself! You make friends, learn about different cultures, and boost your resume potential by having this experience. Even though you still need to work hard, and you should to get the most out of your time abroad, it is a fun opportunity in a challenging way. Yes, studying abroad is more than a vacation, but if you do it right, you'll learn a lot about yourself!

First-Year Open House

2010-11-10T16:45:00.000-05:00

The First-Year Open House is approaching fast and it is vital that all first-years do not miss out on this great opportunity to get acquainted with Career Services. The event will take place November 18^that 11 a.m. in Career Services located in Bonds. I actually attended this event my first-year in college and it was definitely an experience. It was informative, as well as, engaging. I learned a lot about the different aspects of Career Services and what they could offer me as a student. I enjoyed this event so much; I began to also take advantage of other programs that I would have not known existed otherwise. The First-Year Open House also offers free pizza and a chance at winning Chipotle gift cards. I would strongly recommend this event to all first-years because not only does it reward free pizza and potentially chipotle gift cards; it is very essential to YOUR success moving forward. Come and check us out!

Taking the Discover test and making a 4-year action plan

2010-11-04T14:28:00.000-04:00

One of the first things every freshman student should do when coming to college is take the Discover test! The discover test is composed of several questions to help find out what someone is interested in and then helps to find an area of study based on what is most interesting to that student. I took the Discover test my second semester of my freshman year. After taking a few classes I quickly realized that Business Administration was not for me! I made an appointment with a Career Services advisor and together we went over my results and came up with an idea of what major would go along with what I was interested in. I always thought I would be a business major but after I took the test I realized I am more of a hands on person. Working with things such as financial statements did not seem as appealing to me after all. After I completed my Discover test and found a new major I began to make my four year action plan. Every student should have a four year action plan because it allows the student to see what they have already done and what needs to get done. Along with that, it comes in handy when scheduling classes. If you have your four year action plan completed then while you are registering for classes you are able to see exactly what classes you need to complete your core as well as your major and minor requirements. Jumpstart your college years by taking the discover test and making your own four year action plan!

Tips for writing a resume and cover letter

2010-10-07T15:21:00.000-04:00

Now that I am a junior in college, I can see that two important documents that every student must have are a resume and cover letter. A resume and cover letter are like your golden ticket to your dream job or internship. I learned that lesson in high school. When I was a senior, I had a hard time finding a summer job. At first, I just completed the required applications but after a week of searching with no interest from employers, I began to hand out my resume with the application even though most of the places I was applying to did not require one. Sure enough, I received a phone call saying I was hired and one of the reasons why was because of my resume.

No matter how outstanding your accomplishments may be no one will ever know about them if you don’t promote them effectively in a cover letter and resume. Even if you are not the most qualified applicant for a job or internship, the simple fact that you have a well written resume and cover letter may make the difference between you getting the job or not.

Below are some basic tips for resumes and cover letters:

• Limit your resume to one or two pages

• Limit the length of your cover letter to one page approximately 3-5 paragraphs

• Include specific examples in your cover letter to illustrate your skills and background

Career Services is the perfect place to go to clean up your resume and cover letter!

• Come to a Resume Writing Clinic to learn the details of building an effective resume

• Call or stop by to make a 30 minute appointment with one of our Career Advisors

• Come to Express lanes for a quick 15 minute review of your resume or cover letter

Exploring Internships

2010-09-22T10:46:00.001-04:00

INTERNSHIPS…Although sometimes it is hard to find an internship that fits...It is worth the time it takes applying, and searching. There are many places to find internships, here are two I use:

1. The Baldwin-Wallace College Career Network, here you can find a listing of internships, a brief description of the company, requirements such as major or experience.

2. Clevelandintern.net is similar to the BWCN but the job posting are not postings called directly to our office, but they include a lot of Cleveland Area companies that have available positions.

I created an account with Clevelandintern.net three years ago, I forgot I had an account with Clevelandintern.net, but this past summer 2010 I got a call from a company who reviewed my resume and called me for an interview. Unfortunately their schedule conflicted with mine because I was taking classes in the summer, but the point is I got an interview without even applying to the job. This is a great tool because many companies in the Cleveland Area are searching this database looking for candidates and resumes and setting up interviews.

To me…Internships are important…not only because they are a resume booster…You can gain hands on experience…apply in classroom learning…test drive to see if you like the career path… and learn from a professional environment...

If you leave a positive, lasting impression on your supervisor it can sometimes lead to a full-time position, or can provide great recommendations.

If you need a little more direction in seeking internships you can attend an Exploring Internship Workshop which will help you learn strategies for searching, applying and securing an internship.

Exploring Internship Workshop:

· September 30, 2010 11:45-12:45 p.m. Kamm 106

· November 11, 2010 11:45-12:45 p.m. Sandstone I

Grad School Fair and Grad School

2010-09-17T15:22:00.000-04:00

When I was starting out at B-W, I was a Business Administration major. After much thought, I decided I needed to be more specific in what I wanted my career to be and I chose Accounting. I chose Accounting for several reasons: I was interested in the 3/2 Program which allows me to get my Bachelor’s and Master’s in 5 years and also obtain 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA Exam. I actually apply this spring for the 3/2 program and am doing it because:

1. Grad school is a great for me to further my education;
a. I sometimes say… “Well, I have to go through more school, but essentially it is a 1-2 year investment with a high return.”

2. Grad school will help me increase my earning power once I enter the workforce
a. I can’t say no to that!

3. Grad school will increase my knowledge of my career field
a. Once I get out into the workforce I will want to perform at a high level and understanding my career field in-depth is a fast way to excel amongst my peers.

So now begins the process of applying…wish me luck!

On-Campus Recruitment in Career Services

2010-09-14T10:01:00.002-04:00

As an English and Spanish major, I know that I will not be partaking in much on-campus recruiting in Career Services. By working here for over a year, however, I have observed several things from students during on-campus recruitment that I would like to share with those of you who may participate in the recruitment process.

I have noticed that it's always important for students to arrive early. The employers and recruiters always are! I remember one student who arrived only about five minutes early, and everyone in Career Services was panicking because he had to fill out paperwork beforehand. It just looks like you're really excited about the position if you arrive early and prepared!

It also looks like you're ready for a career when you dress up for on-campus recruiters. Although recruiting on-campus may seem more informal than having an interview in an employer's office, you should always dress for the job you want. Seeing students dress casually around campus and then seeing students dress in the most professional clothing is quite a contrast and sometimes it's hard to believe it's the same person I saw wearing sweatpants the day before!

All in all, on-campus recruitment is a convenient way for students to proactively seek the job they want. And although it's conveniently located right in our office, it should still be approached with the same professionalism as an off-campus interview.

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...

2010-09-07T16:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome back students of Baldwin-Wallace College. I hope you all had a great summer and you are ready for the upcoming year.

Here in Career Services we have a lot of exciting news for you all. If you are not familiar with us we are located in Bonds (Room 104). We are here to help you find that internship or future job opportunity. We want to give you a solid foundation when it comes to your future. We offer many Resume Writing Clinics, Exploring Internship Workshops, and one on one Resume Critique with one of our very helpful Career Advisors, along with many other events.

First thing that is essential to do is make sure you have a B-W Career Network Account set-up and Updated. Being signed up with our B-W Career Network gives you the ability to see our calendar and the many upcoming events, look at internship and job postings, and gives you access to all the great tools available to you, so YOU can potentially find that internship or job.

STEPS TO GET INVOLVED IN CAREER SERVICES

• CREATE YOUR B-W CAREER NETWORK ACCOUNT (THE B-W CAREER NETWORK WEBSITE)

• ATTEND A RESUME WRITING CLINIC

• COME TO CAREER SERVICES AND SCHEDULE A ONE ON ONE APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF THE CAREER ADVISORS

• ALWAYS KEEP YOUR B-W CAREER NETWORK ACCOUNT UPDATED

• ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON THE CALENDER FOR ANY UPCOMING EVENTS

EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES

• (SEPTEMBER 9TH) EXPLORING INTERNSHIPS WORKSHOP

• (OCTOBER 5TH) GRADUATE SCHOOL FAIR

• (NOVEMBER 4TH) CAREER AND INTERNSHIP EXPO

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON…

SPRING 2010 semester is officially over!!!

2010-05-05T11:25:00.003-04:00

On behalf of everyone in Career Services, we would like to wish all B-W students a safe summer.

To all graduating Seniors: We wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavors. Be sure to fill out the Post Graduation Survey and don’t forget Career Services is here to help you after you have graduated.

We are committed to the success of our current students and alumni. Make sure to utilize your summertime wisely: Use it to take classes or intern and, of course, to relax. We want to thank you all for using our services, attending our special programs and our workshops. We hope you have learned and found them useful. We invite returning students to visit Career Services next fall to find out what we have to offer and how you can benefit. We are dedicated to providing services to help every student through the journey to career success. Until next year, have a great summer!

Jobs for the Future

2010-04-22T09:13:00.006-04:00

Ever wonder what you'll be doing over for the next 10 years or so? Odds are you won't be doing the same thing you're doing now. In fact, the job you may have in the future may not even exist today. Take a look at the following websites to see which industries are worth considering for the future based on employment growth and which industries are declining.

Hot Jobs for the Future

60 Jobs that will Rock the Future

Industries with the Fastest and Biggest Growth

The Next Decade's Growth Industries

Top 10 Green Jobs for the Future

And if you're still curious about what career path to go down after graduation, make an appointment with Career Services or explore the B-W Career Network.

The Economy and Green Jobs

2010-04-19T15:30:00.001-04:00

Throughout U.S. history we have experienced eras in time such as “The Industrial Revolution” and with the most recent recession we are commencing a new era; the era of “Sustainability,” so to speak. The U.S. Government has invested billions of dollars into green energy and sustainable resources. The industry is on the boom and there is an increasing demand within the field. Case in point, Baldwin-Wallace College has implemented a new major founded on Sustainability to better equip students for an increasingly sustainable world. They have also had a wind turbine installed on campus. It is the new trend of the era to “GO GREEN.” Companies are now resulting to hiring Energy Auditors, Scientists, and Engineers to assist them in “going green” and making sure they are doing all in their power to be sustainable. April 22, 2010 marks the 40th Earth Day which helps to promote sustainability and conservation of the Earth’s resources; I highly encourage all to not only consider their impact on the Earth and how they can become more sustainable as individuals, but to also consider a “green job” in your field.
· IT
· Healthcare
· Business
· Engineering
· Management
· Science or Math

Career Connections and Mentors

2010-04-12T16:41:00.001-04:00

Gaining experience before entering the job market can make a huge difference, which is why networking and connecting with professionals in your field of choice is vital. Baldwin-Wallace College Career Services offers a mentoring database called Career Connections which allows students to search for an alumni mentor; this program offers a variety of benefits for students and alumni alike such as:

1. Job Shadowing
2. Relocation Advice
3. Informational Interviews
4. Networking
5. Industry Information

Gaining access to Career Connections is fairly easy; any student who has a Baldwin-Wallace College Career Network account can access Career Connections with the following steps:

1. Log on to the B-W Career Network with the username and password provided by Career Services (www.bw.experience.com)

2. On the home screen, click on the Career Connections link and from here you can view mentors profiles and request to connect.

In addition, please be sure to be professional when interacting with mentors.

1. All communication (verbal and written) should be professional
2. Respond to mentors in a timely manner
3. Last but not least, Be sure to thank your mentors for their support

Transitioning into Life after College

2010-03-31T16:52:00.011-04:00

Being able to expect the unexpected and embrace change are good ways to go about preparing for life after college, or "the real world." Job searching, living arrangements, finances, and relationships will all have to be juggled with, but with some heads up it will all be manageable. The following articles may help you start planning for the "in between" of college and career. And don't forget, to start looking for jobs and internships now, login to the B-W Career Network.

10 Myths About Life after College
An article with a positive look at all the negatives you've heard about post-grad life

Life after College
A website with blogs and articles about life, work, money, careers, and happiness after college

How to Adapt to Life after College
A website with a step-by-step (and brutally honest) way to approach life after you graduate

Making a Successful Transition from College to Career
A "reality check" for what college has and has not prepared you for

Or make an appointment with Career Services to explore your options for post-graduation!

The Art of the Elevator Speech

2010-03-29T14:11:00.002-04:00

What is an elevator speech and why do I need one?

An elevator speech is a short introduction of who you are and what you have to offer in about 200 words or less. It should highlight your uniqueness and focus on the benefits that you provide. It is delivered in an enthusiastic, upbeat way and includes introducing yourself, shaking hands, and making eye contact.

How do I come up with a good speech?

Do your research. This means doing a lot of introspection to figure out your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your interests and abilities. Be sure to state what exactly you are seeking (e.g. internship. full time job, etc.).

Need help or more information? Check out these links for more ideas:

DRESS for SUCCESS

2010-03-17T12:12:00.005-04:00

Dress is key to making an impression. Not understanding or considering your environment at the workplace or during an interview can cause a positive or negative first impression. Your attire and appearance conveys to others who you are, and many of us want to make a good impression. Sometimes it is difficult to understand what does and does not constitute business professional attire, business casual or casual dress, and the magnitude of importance this plays in our professional lives.

Continue reading to learn more…

Attire is a critical aspect of professionalism that many people overlook. It is important for us as students and emerging leaders to show that we want to be taken seriously. Your clothes should stand out as polished, but not draw a lot of attention. Appropriate attire supports your image, furthermore allowing you to exhibit yourself as someone who takes the interview process and employment seriously. For example, your appearance gives a college recruiter or interviewer a first impression, before directly speaking with you. Your attire should make you feel confident. I hold firmly to the saying “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” I try to do so at my internships and summer jobs because of the opportunity to network with other professionals. Keep in mind that these professionals did not interview you so they do not know about your experiences or skills. Their first impression of you will be based solely on your appearance. In addition, once you are employed, always be sure to dress appropriately for the type of job or industry. If you are unsure about proper attire for the workplace, ask your supervisor before your first day on the job.

**** (NOTE: Attached is a helpful guide to proper business attire and etiquette. Feel free to use as a reference.)

C:\Documents and Settings\career\Desktop\Guide to proper dress & etiquette.pdf

What Employers Want

2010-02-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hmm…Have you ever wondered what qualities or skills employers look for in an employee? Employers look for employees that are enthusiastic and motivated. They seek qualities such as oral communications, writing skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. It is important as college students to be able to fine tune these skills while attending school; taking necessary steps such as:

• Becoming a leader on campus can bolster teamwork and communication skills
• Taking challenging classes can expose you to problem-solving
• Experimenting with different forms of art can bring out your creativity

Learning to immerse yourself in a diverse range of activities, courses, and experiences can pay huge dividends for you later. Not only are you expanding your social capital by meeting new people, you are simultaneously becoming a well-rounded, diverse individual. In addition to that, do not disregard the importance of networking and resume-building activities; they will essentially provide the opportunity for you to showcase your abilities.

In conclusion, as a student here at B-W I have reaped benefits from being involved on campus. I was able to use these resume builders to obtain a job as a Resident Assistant; involvement is another way to create opportunities for yourself.

SPRING INTO CAREER WEEK

2010-02-17T11:57:00.002-05:00

Hey, B-W students!

Check out the Spring 2010 Career Week events:

1.Monday, February 22nd

Why Science & Innovation?
4:00-5:00 pm, Center for Innovation & Growth

Express Lanes
1:00-3:00 pm, Tressel Lounge, Rec Center

2.Tuesday, February 23rd

Resume Writing Clinic
11:45 am-12:45 pm, Kamm 106

Internship Registration Workshop
12:00-12:30 pm, Career Services, Bonds 104

Express Lanes
3:30-5:00 pm, Wheeler, 2nd floor

3.Wednesday, February 24th

Express Lanes
9:00-11:00 am, Kamm 1st floor Snack Room

Why Social Science & Humanities?
4:00-5:00 pm, Malicky 10

4.Thursday, February 25th

Graduate School Workshop
11:45 am-12:45 pm, Malicky 10

Express Lanes
2:00-4:00 pm, Lang, Main Lounge

5.Friday, February 26th

Cleveland State University Spring Career Fair
9:00 am-2:00 pm, Cleveland State University, Wooding Gym

6.Saturday, February 27th

Kaplan Graduate School Practice Exams (pre-registration required)
Start time vary, Math & Computer Science Building

Prepare for summer internships, after graduation and much more! Take advantage of these events that will lead you towards Career Success.

If you have any questions about the upcoming events, feel free to contact the Career Services Office at 440-826-2101 (ext 2101), or email career@bw.edu. You can also stop by our office in Bonds #104.

Connection to the Real World--Employment, Graduate School--Start Networking!

2010-02-05T12:44:00.002-05:00

Throughout my time at B-W I have realized how extremely important it is to network and establish connections for future endeavors. Whether you are searching and applying for jobs, internships or graduate school, it is important for you to begin establishing a connection to the real world early in your college career. This will allow you to be better prepared for life after graduation. Let me explain how you can begin this process:

•Test drive career choices with internships to see if you like the environment or career path.

•Evaluate your best fit career choice based on your interests and strengths.

•If you’re unsure about attending graduate school, then research graduate school programs, requirements, and talk to professionals in the field.

•In addition, begin to network with employers you meet, attend networking events on campus, connect with alumni career mentors, and keep close contact with past employers & contacts for future references.

Compile a list of people who can serve as potential references by developing relationships with faculty and supervisors. Come to Career Services and utilize the mentoring program, Career Connections. This program allows you to connect with B-W’s alumni professional who have volunteered to provide you with real world advice and tips on how they reached their goals, the process of adjusting to life after college, and much more. You can also consider informational interviewing that will allow you to identify what employers in your field seek and begin to prepare by tailoring your experiences or developing necessary skills. Baldwin-Wallace College and Career Services can provide you with many resources to prepare you for the real world. Begin taking advantage of all the resources that will help you down the path to a successful career.

Reasons to Consider a Job with the Federal Government

2010-02-04T12:18:00.004-05:00

When students start looking for jobs, a lot of them don’t consider the possibility of working for the government. They may think that they aren’t qualified, there aren’t any jobs that would fit with their major, or that the government doesn’t hire students who haven’t graduated or who are fresh out of college. However, this is not the case. According to a new report — Where the Jobs Are: Mission Critical Opportunities for America, released in July by the Partnership for Public Service, government-wide projected hiring needs based on a survey of 34 federal agencies and representing nearly 99 percent of the federal workforce , finds nearly 193,000 mission critical jobs need to be filled in the next two years!

There are also some benefits included with a job in public service, including loan repayment! The Federal student loan repayment program permits agencies to repay federally insured student loans as a recruitment or retention incentive for candidates or current employees of the agency. The program implements 5 U.S.C. 5379, which authorizes agencies to set up their own student loan repayment programs to attract or retain highly qualified employees.

So where do you look if you’re interested in working for the government? Here are some sites to get you started:

Finally, here are some tips on finding a job with the federal government: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWcJWyHEn9Q

The Career Services Office also has many resources available in our resource library and online. Stop by Bonds 104 or call 440-826-2101 if you have any questions!

References

2010-01-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

References are essential elements to a resume that can further solidify your hiring at a company. Companies look to references to gain further insight on: who you are as a person, what type of work ethic you possess, and what type of skills you bring to the table. Furthermore, references can either make or break you. Be sure to ask before adding someone to your resume as a reference; this can backfire and become a very messy situation if the reference does not know of you adding them as a reference. In addition, make sure that you have a well-developed relationship with the person you chose as a reference.

Next, after choosing the appropriate reference, it’s time to prepare them to be able to speak informatively about you in the letter; this should involve giving them a copy of your resume, talking with them about your goals and aspirations, as well as, informing them of the position you are applying for and the job requirements; this will allow them to tailor your skills to the position and speak strongly about you as a candidate.

Lastly, follow-up and thank them for taking the time out to write the reference letter and be sure to keep them updated on the outcome of the whole process.

All You Need to Know about Internships

2010-01-13T16:09:00.030-05:00

Internships are a great opportunity to get experience in a field that is interesting to you! Whether you're interested in a specific career path, major, or simply curious about what a job requires, internships offer real life experience for academic credit.

Benefits of internships include:

Test potential career paths without a permanent, full-time commitment.
Develop competencies and gain knowledge that employers seek when hiring college graduates.

Explore and clarify your major and career goals with professionals in your field.

Establish a network of professional contacts and mentors who may serve as references and assist you with your professional, full-time search.
Increase your marketability for your full-time employment and admission to graduate school.
Take responsibility for your own learning and create a more rewarding college experience.

Career Services is offering an Exploring Internship Workshop a few times throughout the semester. Anyone curious about internships will benefit from this workshop, so come find out anything you would want to know about how to get an internship.

To begin the process of interning, you will need to attend an Internship Registration Workshop, offered every Tuesday at noon in Career Services, Bonds room 104. Pre-registration isn't necessary.

The following resources can help you locate an internship:

Office of Career Services
B-W Career Network
ClevelandIntern.Net
Annual Career & Internship Expo
Family, friends, faculty, and staff contacts

Remember that you must have at least Sophomore status, carry at least a 2.0 GPA, and meet the criteria established by the specific department/division and the Office of Career Services.

Examples of places B-W students have interned in the past include:

The Cleveland Museum of Art
The FBI
The Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Orchestra
The Great Lakes Theater Festival
FirstEnergy
Earth Day Coalition

Further information and guidelines about internships can be found on the B-W Career Network, the Career Services website, and by calling or stopping by the office of Career Services, located in Bonds room 104. Start planning for this terrific opportunity!

IMPORTANT INTERVIEWING TIPS!!!

2009-12-03T09:48:00.003-05:00

Dear Fellow B-W Students,

Have you ever wondered how to prepare for an interview? How to answer questions. How not to answer questions. What to ask. What not to ask. Have you thought about how you act during an interview? Perhaps you fidget or close your eyes or make funny faces.

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, I would encourage you to drop by Career Services and take advantage of a great technology tool. Wouldn’t it be great to see yourself in an interview situation and be able to evaluate yourself? With Perfect Interview, you can hear your "ums", "uhs" and "okays", listen to your responses and observe your behavior. Perfect Interview is a software program that simulates an interview situation. A web cam actually tapes your practice interview. The software includes features to coach and guide you in answering questions appropriately. How great is that? I have used Perfect Interview and it was helpful to see my reactions. Now I know what I need to practice to improve my interviewing skills. So stop by Career Services and schedule a time to use the Perfect Interview software. Practice is key to acing an interview.

Here are some interviewing tips that I have found helpful:

· Research the company you are interviewing, jot down notes to take with you to your interview.
· Prepare a list of question to ask the interviewer(s).
· Prepare any documents, writing samples, extra copies of your resume ahead of time. Avoid doing this the day of your interview.
· Get enough sleep the night before
· If the location of the interview is at an unfamiliar place, drive by the day before to avoid getting lost and being late the day of your interview.
· Make sure you are comfortable in business attire. It is always best to err on the conservative side than to not be professionally dressed.
· Arrival early to have time to catch your breath and observe the work environment.
· Ask for a business card to follow-up with a thank you note.

Here are some questions that are common for an interviewer to ask:

1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Describe a difficult work situation/project and how you overcame it.
3. What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
5. What do people most often criticize about you?
6. Why should we hire you?
7. What challenges are you looking for in a position?
8. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
9. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
10. If you can have your ideal position, what would it be and what would you be doing?
11. What do/did you like most about your job? (As listed in your resume)
12. What is your salary requirement? Make sure to research and respond with a broad range. (Don't ask for too much or too little).

First-Year Open House

2009-11-17T12:56:00.001-05:00

Calling all freshmen, Baldwin-Wallace College Career Services is hosting their annual First-Year Open House; this is a great opportunity to learn the inner-workings of Career Services and what they have to offer; when I attended last year I felt it was very helpful and allowed me to become acquainted with the advisors and the different programs that are offered. There will be stations pertaining to different areas of interest, a peer internship panel, complimentary pizza, and a raffle. All of the above are very beneficial; what better way to spend the lunch hour than to learn about Career Services, internships, and eating pizza, so come out and mingle with Career Services and I even heard that B-W’s very own Stinger will be in attendance!!

The Benefits of Studying Abroad

2009-11-11T16:01:00.002-05:00

So...why should you consider studying off-campus? This is a loaded question with many different answers depending on personal aspirations, needs, and your unique point-of-view. Maybe you are interested in learning another language. Perhaps you view studying abroad as a positive career move. Or maybe this is an opportunity to explore the world and experience life from a different perspective. Regardless of your reasons, studying abroad offers numerous educational and personal outcomes.

Here are just a few:

Study abroad can be an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends to the world beyond the classroom walls. There is no substitute for living and studying in a foreign country if you want to gain in-depth knowledge of another culture's customs, people, and language. In addition, you will find that living and studying or working in another country can develop important transnational competencies that can be of interest to future employers.

Study abroad can broaden your intellectual horizons and deepen your knowledge and understanding of international, political, and economic issues. It is almost certain that you will return from your sojourn abroad with a more informed and accurate perspective on world affairs. You will also have first-hand knowledge of how another culture approaches the tasks and challenges of everyday life, a sense of how 'global' the international culture has become, and an appreciation of the importance of international cooperation.

Study abroad does more than promote academic enrichment and personal growth. It also can enhance your employment prospects, especially in the fields of business, international affairs, and government service. Employers increasingly seek graduates who have studied abroad. They know that students who have successfully completed a study abroad program are likely to possess international knowledge and often second-language skills. Such students are also likely to have other transnational competencies that graduate and professional schools and employers value just as highly: cross-cultural communication skills, analytical skills, an understanding of and familiarity with local customs and cultural contexts, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances and deal constructively with differences. (See From Toward Transnational Competence, IIE 1997.)

So you're thinking about studying abroad. Maybe you know where you'd like to go, or maybe you'd like to know more about the programs and which ones are best suited to your major. What's the next step?

Visit the B-W Study Abroad Office website at http://www.bw.edu/academics/study-abroad/ or call/email the office at:

explore@bw.edu
(440) 826-2231

Do you need to prepare a resume…

2009-10-28T12:44:00.003-04:00

For the Career & Internship Expo?
For your job/internship search?
For your graduate school applications?
For a class requirement?
For a networking opportunity?

If so Career Services can help.

As part of Fall Career Week, Career Services is offering 2 resume writing clinics on Thursday, October 29 – 11:45am-12:45pm in Malicky 114 &

7-8pm in Sandstone 3. To register for a session:

Log onto the B-W Career Network, select Resume Clinic from the menu options on the left-hand side of the screen and sign up.

Call Career Services at 440.826.2101 (x2101 on-campus)

Please note: At this session, students will learn how to write a resume. Following participation at a resume writing clinic, students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a career advisor for a resume critique. Resume critiques are not part of this session.

Stay tuned for other Career Week events including…

The Career & Internship Expo
Speed Career Networking
Resumania
How to Prepare for a Career Fair
Express Lanes
…and more!

A complete schedule of Career Week events is available on the B-W Career Network and the Career Services Blackboard site.

Have questions? Need additional information? Please contact Career Services:

104 Bonds

440.826.2101 (x2101 on campus)

career@bw.edu

www.bw.edu/career

Speed Career Networking

2009-10-27T13:50:00.001-04:00

Last year, I was offered three internships on the basis of meeting one person at a Networking Dinner. The benefits of connecting with others are immense; if I did not attend the event I would have not met the necessary connections to even be offered an internship. With that in mind, navigating such events can be nerve-wracking which is why Baldwin-Wallace College Career Services is offering a Speed Career Networking Event before our annual Career and Internship Expo. Speed Networking is an event where people interact with the sole purpose of gaining business contacts and exchanging contact information. It is often compared to “speed dating” in a professional sense. Networking is an essential skill needed to succeed in the professional world. It is known that about 70-80 percent of jobs are filled through networking. With that said, the Speed Networking event will take place on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 1pm to 3pm in Sandstone 3. We hope to see you there and ready to gear up for the Career Expo on November 5, 2009.

HOW TO GET THAT INTERNSHIP YOU DESIRE!!!

2009-10-21T14:33:00.007-04:00

Hey, B-W students!

Looking for internships??? I am looking for an internship too…besides being a great resume builder, it will allow me to gain hands-on experience and apply my in-class learning to real life situations. An internship will also give me a chance to test drive a career. With this in mind, The Career & Internship Expo is a great way to meet a variety of employers who are hiring. This event will be held November 5th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Student Union. Come prepared with your updated resumes and confidence to meet the employers. Consider these important steps on how to prepare for the Career & Internship Expo:

First, update your resume and have it critiqued by a Career Advisor at Express Lanes from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Main Lounge of Lang Hall. If you don’t have a resume don’t worry you can attend the Resume Writing Clinic, from 11:45-12:45 p.m. in Malicky 114. Both Express Lanes and the Clinic are scheduled for Thursday October, 29th.

Second, prepare yourself and your image to meet the employers at the fair. Plan to attend Creating the Polished Professional workshop on Thursday November 3rd from 11:45-12:45 in Kamm 107. John Fuehrer, Assistant Professor in the Business Division, is the key presenter. You will receive practical advice to help you create a poised, self-assured and competitive professional image.

Finally, prepare for the Career & Internship Expo by learning how to navigate the expo, how to approach the employers, and much more. The How to Prepare for a Career Fair event will also give you a chance to ask specific questions. This workshop will take place Wednesday, November 4th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Kamm 101.

Once you find an internship and you want to receive college credit, be sure to attend an Internship Registration Workshop. This workshop is held every Tuesday from 12:00-12:30 in the Career Services Office, Bonds 104.

Take advantage of Career Week programming. I guarantee you will feel more prepared for a successful internship search! GOOD LUCK!!!

Westfield Insurance Meet & Greet

2009-10-13T13:24:00.002-04:00

Interested in pursuing a career in the insurance sector? Westfield Insurance is holding a Meet & Greet this Wednesday, the 21st from 9-1 in the Kamm Boardroom!!! Representatives will be here to network with students and share information about internship opportunities. Refreshments will be provided as well. All majors are welcome, especially Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice & Economics.

Resume & Cover Letter Tips

2009-10-12T14:43:00.004-04:00

Everyone knows how important a first impression is. But some people don’t realize that their resume and cover letter is usually the first impression given to a perspective employer. If you have a good resume and cover letter, it can lead to an interview and then, a job. However, if you don’t have a good resume and cover letter, chances are you won’t even get a phone call. To help you with making a great first impression, here are some tips. Good Luck!

Things Not To Do:

No Cover Letter: Cover letters are so important to the application process that many hiring managers automatically reject résumés that arrive without them. Make the most of your cover letter by expanding on a few of your qualifications, explaining any gaps in employment or providing other information that will entice the employer to read your résumé.
Assuming spell-check is good enough: In a 2007 survey, 63 percent of hiring managers told CareerBuilder.com that spelling errors are the most frequent mistakes they see in résumés. Spell-checkers can pick up many typos -- but they won't catch everything (manger vs. manager, for example). Always proofread your résumé several times, and ask a friend to give it a final once-over.

Things To Do:

Find a Job. Without a job description to work from, it’s impossible to tailor your skills and accomplishments to fit the employer’s job requirements. Your resume and cover letter should be tailored to the job description! If you do this, there is no need for an objective statement.
Research the Prospective Employer. Know as much as you can about the company and try to incorporate that into your resume and cover letter. Whether they have won awards, recently introduced a new product or concept or whatever…make sure you find way to incorporate it!

Do use action verbs. Do use active voice. Action verbs give your resume strength, power, and direction. Strong sentences are those in which a subject performs an action (active voice) as opposed to an action being performed on the subject (passive voice). For example, “I wrote the SOP for a 5000 employee organization” creates a stronger impression than “the company SOP was written by me”. In the same fashion, remove any statement beginning with ‘Responsibilities included’. Go straight to the verb!

Incorrect: Know how to accurately file records.
Correct: Accurately filed over 10,000 records on a weekly basis

For more information on resume writing and interviewing tips, visit http://fishbowlresume.blogspot.com

What do you want to do when you grow up?

2009-10-10T20:42:00.002-04:00

I came to college thinking I knew exactly what I wanted my academic major to be; well, that changed my sophomore year. I actually picked up a second major. I discovered an interest in public relations, and decided to take PR courses to test that interest. Not only did I enjoy the classes, but I could picture myself working in the PR field. So, I am now a double major in Business and Public Relations. I have given myself the flexibility of two different career paths, therefore not limiting myself. Not only do these two majors complement each other but they can work hand in hand. I am glad that I discovered this passion for PR in time to take classes and declare it as a major. B-W students, don’t waste time trying to figure it out!!! Come to Career Services and take the DISCOVER assessment. It will allow you to explore career options that match your abilities, interests and values. This assessment will ask many varied questions. Based on your responses, it will provide results about careers that may align with your personality, passions, and much more. LET THIS CAREER TECHNOLOGY TOOL GUIDE YOU TO A PATH IN DISCOVERING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION AND WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN DURING YOUR TIME HERE AT B-W. Utilizing Discover is an important step in your journey to career success.

Graduate School Fair

2009-10-01T14:02:00.002-04:00

You know what has been on my mind lately…grad school! I have recently learned while working in Career Services that we will be hosting a graduate school fair on October 6, 2009 in the new Center for Innovation and Growth. We have a host of graduate schools attending such as: The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland State and many more. This is a great opportunity to explore your options after B-W. If you are interested and would like more information on the colleges attending and the programs they are offering, it will be located on the Blackboard site under the Career Services tab for Graduate School Fair. I strongly encourage all to make use of this great opportunity. In addition, registration for the fair is available through the B-W Career Network or by contacting Career Services at (440) 826-2101.

Reasons to Participate in On-Campus Recruitment

2009-09-30T11:31:00.006-04:00

The most important fact about On-Campus Recruitment is that instead of the job seekers approaching employers, the employers come to campus with job and internship opportunities. Qualified candidates can express their interest and employers then choose the candidate who best matches their needs.

Some Benefits of On-Campus Recruitment:

Companies get the opportunity to choose from and select the best talent in a short span of time.
College students get the opportunity to present themselves to some of the best companies within their industry of interest. Landing a job or internship opportunity while still in college and joining just after graduating is definitely what all students dream of!

I know that interviewing can be nerve-wracking, but just keep in mind that it will never be as bad as this: http://www.kewego.com/video/iLyROoafYPtQ.html

Visit us in Jobland

2009-09-17T13:17:00.004-04:00

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the first ever student blog from BW’s Career Services. My name is Ryan D’Arcy, and this is my second year working in the Career Services Office. I major in Marketing, with an Economics minor, and I just began my senior year here at BW. The purpose of this blog is to help inform students of the wide array of help and services offered at Career Services. Aside from working in the Career Services Office, I have also taken advantage of many things they offer. Through the Career Services Office, I was able to get a full-time paid internship last summer, as well as 2 part-time internships during the year.

For those of you who have never taken advantage of Career Services, I would highly recommend contacting the office (440.826.2101 or x2101 on campus) to get your BW Career Network username & password. Logging on to the Career Network allows you to search and apply for jobs & internships, as well as find out about upcoming Career Services events. However, be sure to meet with a career advisor to go over your resume and/or your cover letter before applying to any jobs or internships. The career advisors will show you how to use particular language in your resume, and they will also help you format the resume to look respectable to prospective employers.

Be sure to stop in for any reason, or if you just want to see an especially good looking guy at the front desk. Good luck with the semester, and keep checking the blog for updates. You can also check out the Career Services’ Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts for other updates.

Finding a Job is Easier than you may think….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzs-4kY4REc