Calling All Seniors!

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?

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!

Grad School Fair and Grad School

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!

The Economy and Green Jobs

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

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

References

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.

First-Year Open House

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!!