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
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Transitioning into Life after College
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!
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!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Art of the Elevator Speech
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.
- 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.).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
DRESS for SUCCESS
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
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
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What Employers Want
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.
• 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.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
SPRING INTO CAREER WEEK
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.
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.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Connection to the Real World--Employment, Graduate School--Start Networking!
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.
•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.
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