Career Advice

Women & Public Policy Summer Internship

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, Internships 0 Comment

The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is the place to be if you’re a college woman interested in a career in public policy. PLEN is unique: Nowhere else can students learn how Washington, D.C. really works from a faculty comprised exclusively of women leaders who make and influence public policy every day. These women are members of Congress, major judicial figures, presidential advisors, senior government leaders, nonprofit advocates and corporate lobbyists.

Through PLEN, you’ll secure a summer internship directed at your specific interests during the weeks of May 21-July 27, 2012. PLEN helps you focus on what organizations will give you the best experience, help you develop a resume and land the spot you want, and coach you through the application process.

Once in Washington, you’ll meet at least weekly with PLEN and other PLEN interns to process your experience, expand your contacts by meeting with women leaders, and exchange information and impressions with other interns.

You’ll also participate in PLEN skill-building sessions to begin developing important career-related expertise in areas like networking, job interviewing, and salary negotiations.

Application

Deadline December 31, 2011 (postmarked by this date)
Students interested in interning at a government agency should notify PLEN no later than October 14, 2011

View the 2011 Summer Schedule of speakers and events.

Most Climate-Responsible Companies Revealed; Scores up 54% in 4 Years

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, Jobs, Uncategorized 0 Comment

For those of you thinking about graduation and where you want to work, here’s an interesting index just released by Climate Counts 2011 of the top firms and how sustainable they are. The most climate-responsible companies are revealed with scores up 54% in 4 years. Check them out and think about the criteria as you research companies that you want to work for.

Career Conversation: Environmental Advocacy with Amanda Maxwell ’02, NRDC

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, International, Uncategorized 0 Comment

Join us for a Career Conversation with Amanda Maxwell ’02, Latin American Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

WHEN:  4:30 PM on Thursday, December 1, 2011

WHERE:  Adirondack House Library (EIA)

(this talk will precede the screening & discussion for Patagonia Rising w/Amanda Maxwell)

 NRDC works to protect wildlife and wild places and to ensure a healthy environment for all life on earth. This includes issues ranging from Global Warming, Energy, Air, Transportation, Smart Growth, US Law & Policy and International issues.

Amanda W. Maxwell joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in July 2009, in the Washington, D.C. office. As the Director of Latin America Projects, Ms. Maxwell manages all of NRDC’s campaigns in Mexico, Central America and South America, where the organization works on environmental conservation, energy development, sustainable tourism, fresh water supply, deforestation and other issues.  Ms. Maxwell also leads projects promoting the development of sustainable energy and energy efficiency in the region as a whole. Read more

Workshop: Charting a Course for Meaningful Overseas Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, International, Internships 0 Comment

Come join faculty, staff and students for a workshop on Charting a Course to Successfully Implement Out-of-Classroom Projects

WHEN:  Monday, November 14 @ 7:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Axinn 103

Students: Are you considering, currently designing, or about to embark on an experience abroad—be it through service, research, internship, study abroad, or other means? If yes, you are encouraged to attend a one-hour workshop designed to help make the most of your experience—both for yourself and the community and/or organization(s) with which you will be working, connect to available resources and funding opportunities, and learn about corresponding College policies and protocol.

Please note:

  • Some funding sources will require attendance at this workshop.
  • If your travel is during Winter Term, or if your travel is during Spring Term but you will not be on-campus during Winter Term, or if you are currently designing a proposal, be sure to attend this Nov. 14th workshop.
  • The workshop will be repeated in January and March, as well.

Sponsored by the Rohatyn Center for International Affairs (RCFIA), the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Center for Education in Action (EIA).

 

Welcome Back from Break! Let’s Talk About a Career/Experience with Impact

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice 0 Comment

Now that we’re both back on campus, let’s get started in thinking about how you can translate your interests and passions  into a career with an impact! There are lots of opportunities while here at Middlebury to explore social change both inside and outside the classroom.  For instance, the newly formed Center for Education in Action (EIA) is a great place to start: you’ll find opportunities for civic engagement like volunteering in the community; attending or leading an alternative break trip (MALT); a vast number of competitive post-graduate fellowship resources and some undergraduate fellowships too; resources to obtain funding for an unpaid summer internship; internships offered by alumni, parents and employers looking for Middkids; advice on how to jump-start your job search and lots of employer information sessions throughout the year — just to name a few!

There are also lots of other initiatives on campus to explore and to connect your academic and outside the class experiences.  Check out MOJO to find a J-term internship off campus for credit and don’t forget to visit the Project on Creativity and Innovation to unharness your creative ideas and juices!

There is lots to share with you, so feel free to come into EIA and set up an appointment to talk to me about your passions, ideas and plans…we’re all ears here!  For now, I hope to get out interesting information that is relevant to CCG and finding opportunities that will help you to make a positive impact in the world.

Since we know some of you will refer back to this blog after graduation, we will start tagging articles that promote opportunities so that they fit into several categories: undergraduate opp(ortunities) or alumni opp(ortunities). Feel free to comment as well; we love the feedback!

WORKSHOP: Meaningful International Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, International, Internships, Volunteer 0 Comment

Thinking about studying abroad or pursuing international service work, research, internship, or other form of international immersion experience?

If yes, then broaden your thinking and enhance your preparation by attending the following workshop!

Meaningful International Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships: Charting a Course to Plan, Fund, and Implement Out-of-Classroom Projects

  • Wednesday, February 16, 4:30-6 p.m., Robert A. Jones House conference room

This workshop will address how to:

  • design effective projects
  • prepare for the practical aspects of overseas experiential learning: research, internships and volunteering
  • enhance cultural awareness
  • optimize effectiveness abroad
  • reflect on the experience and integrate it back home

For further information:  Peggy Burns (x3450, mburns@middlebury.edu) or Tiffany Sargent (x5082, tiffanys@middlebury.edu)  (ACE/EIA)

Sponsored by Center for Education in Action and Rohatyn Center for International Affairs

Student comments after a previous offering:

“I am a little disappointed that I did not do more abroad because I did not have this knowledge.”

Good Food Jobs and How to Get Them

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, Internships, Jobs, Non-profit Opportunities 0 Comment

Yes, you have an interest in food, but corporate dining and hotel chain eateries are not your focus: you want to make a difference in the world. Taylor Cocalis and Dorothy Neagle, Co-Founders of GoodFoodJobs.com will talk about the variety of ways to work in food – from entry level to expert, day job to lifetime fulfillment – and how to go about securing a good food job.

Come join the Career Conversation:
WHEN: 4:15 PM, Wednesday, November 10, 2010
WHERE: Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard, Rm. 103
(Refreshments and snacks provided by MCOG & Weybridge House.)

They’ll answer the following questions, and more:
What exactly is a good food job, anyway?
What are some examples of existing good food jobs?
How do you find them?
How do you get them?
How do you grow in and beyond your good food job?

Co-sponsored by Career Services, the Middlebury College Organic Garden and Weybridge House.

Midd Kids…Keep Ya Head Up!

Jaimie Park Career Advice 0 Comment

What’s so great about a liberal arts education? Every Midd Kid asks this question especially during their senior year when they see job posts that specifically seek out undergraduate students with a communications or business major. Well Midd Kid, let me answer your question.

WRITING SKILLS. Think about the 2 CW courses that we are required to take in order to graduate. Remember your FYS and how you had to write and rewrite essays during your first months at Midd? What about all those papers you have to write for class? Correct me if I’m wrong but, thinking back on my 24 classes (Chinese included), each class required some sort of writing, and each professor had their own specific writing preferences that Midd Kids had to cater to. Middlebury basically gives you 4 years to seriously hone those writing skills that businesses want!

Don’t believe me? Just ask Dalya F. Massachi from OpportunityKnocks.org.

Massachi wrote: Employers know that writing well will help you succeed in fundraising, marketing/outreach, advocacy, project management, administration, etc. No matter if you’re at the entry level or in senior management, strong writing skills are critical if you want to capture the interest and attention of your constituents and prospective donors. Virtually everyone working in the nonprofit sector has to do some writing at some point. And the better you can do that, the deeper and broader your impact will be. Your organization may produce great work or come up with outstanding ideas, but if you present those achievements or thoughts poorly they will not get very far.

Midd Kid, you are special. There are people out there who want you.

Get the Green Job You Want Now: Oct 25 in NYC

Jaimie Park Career Advice 0 Comment

Brought to you by: Green Collar Blog

Get the Green Job You Want Now is a program by the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York that will take place on October 25 in New York City.  This event will feature a panel of executives who will share their experiences of successfully transitioning into green jobs and include opportunities to meet with green recruiters before and after the panel.

Read more

End of the School Year Reminders

CarolynK Career Advice 0 Comment

As finals approach and as you finish your last classes, remember that the CSO is still here for you (even after you graduate!)

Drop in hours with counselors will continue this week from 2 to 5 PM. If you want to talk about how to approach your summer employer, or how to find a job when you are at home, stop by!

Happy hunting!

Workshop to Prepare you for Sophomore Year TONIGHT at 7 PM

CarolynK Career Advice 0 Comment

Class of 2013 and 2013.5,

Tonight (Monday) and Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, the Peer Career Advisors from the C.S.O. are hosting a workshop called Decision Points: A Road Map to Sophomore Year.

Current Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (not staff of the College) will talk with you about

  • Chosing a Major and a Major advisor,
  • Identifing Career Interests and Skills,
  • Contacting Employers and
  • Using CSO Resources

It will be held both Monday and Tuesday from 7 – 8 PM in the Gifford Annex Classroom. The workshop will help you prepare for your sophomore year and use your summer wisely.

Please join our Facebook event Decision Points.

We look forward to seeing you there.

How to Build a Resume without Work Experience

CarolynK Career Advice 0 Comment

Many college students lack what they believe to be relevant experience in the job market. Don’t worry if this is you, you have plenty of other marketable skills!

College Students rarely see the importance of their computer skills. If you are competent in Excel, Word or other programs, include it on your resume!

Coaching and Teaching experience are also valuable. They show leadership, command of a subject and the ability to work with other people.

Awards also help beef up your resume. Were you on the Dean’s list this past semester? Were you a college scholar? Are you an eagle scout? Did you win in the cribbage tournament? Whether or not these seem important to you, it is crucial to realize that these represent many skills that employers are looking for.

Leadership experience, such as being the treasurer for a club or the captain of a team, is also something that is important.

For more ideas, check out The Intern Coach’s Q&A section.

Thinking of an Internship Abroad?

Tracy Himmel Isham Career Advice, International 0 Comment

Being a Career Counselor on weekly Drop-Ins at Career Services (CSO) allows you to confront all kinds of situations: from the student who really has no clue what they want to do when they graduate in May to the student that is looking to get back abroad after a return from their study-abroad experience. All types of inquiries are welcomed and encouraged! Frankly, the less straight forward, possibly the more satisfaction a student might walk away with if I’m able to assist them in realizing their own strengths and skills that are transferable and applicable to just about anything (well, almost anything!)

One area I’ve seen a lot of traffic lately is students looking to find ways to get back overseas for either summer internships or jobs. So here are a few tips in looking for those opportunities: Read more

Spring Job Fling Recap

CarolynK Career Advice, General Green Opportunities, Jobs, NGOs/Intl. Development, Non-profit Opportunities, Social Entrepreneurship 0 Comment

It was great to see you all at the Spring Job Fling this afternoon. We had a great turn out!

For those of you who couldn’t make it, don’t worry! There are still jobs out there.

Here you can find the packet that we were handing out. It contains a sample of jobs that are out there in the environmental, social welfare, and common good sectors.

For those of you interested in working in Education check out our Education Jobs and Resources listing here here!

And remember to use MOJO and LACN to look for jobs. If you have any questions, post a comment or come to drop in hours at the CSO, which happen 2 to 5 every weekday.

Green Update

CarolynK Career Advice, General Green Opportunities 0 Comment

Do you know the most recent news with the smart grid? What about the scoop on electric cars?

One important way to stay in tune with job opportunities is to leep track of the most recent tech innovations. That is why I recommend Earth2Tech.com. Earth2Tech is a great resource for staying touch with the world outside of Middlebury. From maps of clean tech startups (mentioned in a December post if you recall), to updates on innovations such as the ecoATM, Earth2Tech.com is amazing. To find categorical listings, go to the Maps section, and Read more