Read this helpful article on what you could be working on right now!
Click here to read “Graduating into this job market? Here’s what every college senior should be doing now” by Rhania Kamel
Time4Coffee Podcast
Time4Coffee is a social enterprise — the centerpiece of which is a podcast — dedicated to helping college students, grad students and young professionals still looking for the right job in the right career, navigate a rapidly changing global job marketplace.
As the Time4Coffee name implies, these in-depth ‘caffeinated career conversations’ and related blog posts, explore many of the same topics covered when people meet, in person, over a cup of coffee to ask for career advice. However, without personal connections and geographic proximity, most young people wouldn’t have entrée to meet these professionals in person. Therefore, Time4Coffee’s mission is to level the playing field so that no matter who you know (or don’t know) and no matter where you live, you can still have access to the same amazing career advice 24/7 just by pressing play.
Time4Coffee also aims to leverage social media platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram to generate meaningful engagement between young people and professionals, from the entry-level up to the C-suite, around the country and the world.
Click here to hear first-hand career insights about Architecture, Design, Authors, Writers, Publishing, Advertising, Marketing, PR, Journalism, Media, Sports, Arts, Film, and more!
Conversation with James Farrell, Vice President, International Originals, Amazon Studios
James Farrell, Vice President, International Originals, Amazon Studios
Graduation Year: 1999
Major: International Politics & Economics
Thank you, James, for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us. Could you briefly introduce your career path and any major transitions that you made? How do you believe that your Middlebury education impacted your career? My first job after college was at Bear Stearns. I quickly realized that I didn’t share the passion my colleagues had about the financial services industry, and so to pivot my career I went to business school at Columbia University. During business school, I did a few internships at media companies. These experiences gave me exposure to the entertainment industry and helped me to land a job at Sony Pictures after I graduated. I have stayed in the entertainment business ever since then.
I like to think about the Liberal Arts education as a long-term play. Concededly, if I had gone to a larger university, where I had taken classes in things like finance and marketing, I might have been better prepared for my first job. However, the education I had at Middlebury was much broader. It taught me how to think critically and collaborate with other people. In my job I often have to communicate with stakeholders from different countries and cultures. I feel fortunate that my time at Middlebury prepared me well to handle all types of interpersonal relationships. Sometimes students from Liberal Arts backgrounds may feel a bit behind in their technical skills when they get to their first job. But as they progress in their careers, the value of their education will become more and more obvious.
How do you suggest that students prepare for interviews? What quality do you usually look for when you have to interview a candidate? Generally, interviewers like to see candidates’ passion, as passion motivates people to work harder. I find that people with passion are usually willing to put in the extra hours to improve their skills, even if it may take them years to perfect at their jobs.
The Amazon interview process is especially interesting. The interview questions often revolve around our 14 leadership principles that echo throughout the company’s day-to-day practices. For instance, one of the principles is “Think Big.” We don’t make decisions purely based on financial metrics like quarterly earnings. Instead we focus on broader issues like if a strategy fits customers’ long-term interest. Another principle we have is “Bias for Action.” We want people who are comfortable making hard decisions, not people who habitually resort to inaction under challenging times. Our HR always remind candidates to familiarize themselves with these 14 principles before they go to an interview, but many people don’t take it seriously, only to regret when they are asked about exactly these principles in their interviews. My advice to students is to carefully read the companies’ value propositions and take time to prepare unique answers for each company you interview.
What do you suggest that students do to expand their network and ask for mentorship at the initial stage of their career? The easiest time to ask a person for mentorship is when you have an opportunity to spend 1 on 1 time with them. It could be during lunch , commuting, or even some casual company events. You may want to have a nice conversation with that person first as an icebreaker. If you then politely ask, “Would it be possible if we get together every few months, so that I can ask for your advice on my job?” Most people would say yes. Another important thing is to quickly follow up and lock in the opportunity you captured. As soon as the meeting is over you should send that person a thank-you email and set up some time for the next conversation.
This series is coordinated by Xiaoli Jin ’19. Look for more alumni profiles each week. You can connect with Xiaoli on LinkedIn.
If you are interested to interview alumni and contribute to this series, please contact Xiaoli Jin 2019′ on Midd2Midd.
In this time of social distancing, we are all looking for new ways to stay connected, and Midd2Midd is one of them! Midd2Midd connects Middlebury students, alumni, and parents, supporting mentoring, networking, and engagement within the Middlebury community around the world. Midd2Midd is your place to make things happen. Simply complete your profile, create a customized search, and begin to network!
SENIORS: AmeriCorps VISTA Work@Middlebury with CCE!
The Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement invites graduating seniors to apply to our full-time AmeriCorps VISTA positions (August 2020-August 2021). Please learn more at go/ccevista. Apply via Handshake. Priority deadline for applications is May 29th.
Details:
Do you want to support college students’ experiential, community-based learning? Interested in social justice work at the youth development level? We seek two motivated, organized, and compassionate individuals for two, one-year VISTA positions at Middlebury College. The VISTAs will work closely with the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) team to help coordinate and advise youth and mentoring student service organizations such as Community Friends, DREAM, Page One Literacy Project, Middlebury College Access Mentors, Wild Midd, STEAM Girls, and Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring. The VISTAs will help build capacity in programs and community partnerships that improve college aspirations and success and help Addison County children thrive. The VISTA members will also support communications initiatives in the Center for Community Engagement to promote local and global community-connected opportunities. They will supervise college student interns and collaboratively create social media posts, blog posts, weekly e-newsletters, library displays, and other communications efforts that reach multiple stakeholders.
Thank you for considering these opportunities. Email Kailee (kbricknermcdonald@middlebury.edu) with questions.
SENIORS – Group Advising Appointments to discuss searching for Jobs/Internships in the Arts
In addition to signing up for 1:1 advising appointments, I’m offering group advising appointments this semester focused on a specific career path. Please continue to check back since we will discuss a different industry during each meeting. This week I will be hosting and facilitating two group advising appointments to discuss Careers in the Arts. Please let me know if you would like to attend one. I will add your appointment in handshake. Wednesday, April 29 from 3pm – 4pm EST Career Path: Performing Arts Friday, May 1 from 3pm – 4pm EST Career Path: Fine Arts These group advising appointments will be a great opportunity for students to learn more about a specific industry, build a career community, and practice peer to peer learning. I am limiting the number of participants. Therefore, YOU MUST REGISTER WITH ME. Please send an e-mail to agomez@middlebury.edu to let me know you will attend, and I will add your advising appointment to handshake. |
SENIORS: Alumni Advice from the Last Great Recession
Join five Middlebury alumni from the classes of 2007 to 2009 who graduated into an economic marketplace much like the one you are facing today (minus the global health pandemic). Gain perspective and hear how they got through it and landed on their feet.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 5:30 pm EST
Our alumni panelists are Midd2Midd volunteers, and like the other 3,000 alumni, they are there to mentor and assist you during these times of uncertainty. If you haven’t already, sign up to join Midd2Midd now!
Financial Planning Webinar for College Grads
This is a program recommended by a Middlebury Trustee! Check it out if interested.
AN INVITATION FOR THE COLLEGE STUDENTS OR RECENT GRADUATES IN YOUR LIFE! PLAN TO JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING WEBINAR! Future Ready: Financial Planning 101 A Webinar for College Students and Recent Graduates Thursday, May 7, 2020 2:00-3:00 p.m. Interactive Presentation with Q&A Session Register Here While we are all currently “stuck” at home, wondering about the future, life will eventually get back to a new normal. And for current college students or recent graduates, there will be lots of exciting changes to navigate as this new generation enters the workforce. So now may be the perfect time for young adults to gain a better understanding of budgeting and financial planning for future goals! Wolf Group Capital Advisors has put together an interactive webinar designed for college students and recent graduates, to prepare them to launch into adulthood with a solid understanding of the joys and challenges of financial independence. In this webinar, we will answer, in detail, key questions like: * How do I set a monthly budget and track spending? * How do I know how much money to be saving? * How do I build good credit? * How do I best take advantage of employer benefits? * How do I make realistic and smart housing decisions? * How do I allocate money to reach personal goals (vacations, grad school, or savings? * Why is it important to choose someone to keep me accountable? Please register in advance for this webinar. Space is limited. Not sure you can make it? Register anyway to ensure you receive a recording of the webinar and any hand-outs! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register Here Webinar Presenter Kevin Ostergaard, CFP®, ChFC® Kevin is an Associate Financial Planner at Wolf Group Capital Advisors specializing in holistic financial planning. He is dedicated to supporting and guiding his clients to achieve financial freedom through the development of a comprehensive financial plan and tailored investment management strategy. Kevin is a Certified Financial Planner® and a Chartered Financial Consultant®. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in economics and also holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Georgetown University. Please Join Us |
Hope you check it out if interested!
SENIORS – Group Advising Appointments to discuss searching for Jobs/Internships in Film and Media
In addition to signing up for 1:1 advising appointments, I’m offering group advising appointments this semester focused on a specific career path. Please continue to check back since we will discuss a different industry during each meeting.
This week I will be hosting and facilitating two group advising appointments to discuss Film and Media. Please let me know if you would like to attend one. I will add your appointment in handshake.
Wednesday, April 22 from 3pm – 4pm EST – Career Path: Film and Media
Friday, April 24 from 3pm – 4pm EST – Career Path: Film and Media
These group advising appointments will be a great opportunity for students to learn more about a specific industry, build a career community, and practice peer to peer learning.
I am limiting the number of participants. Therefore, YOU MUST REGISTER WITH ME. Please send an e-mail to agomez@middlebury.edu to let me know you will attend, and I will add your advising appointment to handshake.
How to be Successful in the Virtual Interview Process!
At AlphaSights, they are looking for ambitious, commercially driven students interested in a client facing role to join their firm beginning January 2021. The Associate Program at AlphaSights would allow you to work with top-tier consultancies, institutional investors and corporations to connect them with the industry expertise they need to make better, faster business decisions.
Join them for the webinar: How to be Successful in the AlphaSights Virtual Interview Process to discuss open roles in New York and San Francisco, as well as tips that you can use to navigate the virtual interview process.
Click here to register in Handshake!
LinkedIn Student Profile Tips and LinkedIn Learning suggestions
As you may know, LinkedIn gives you the keys to controlling your professional online identity. Click here to learn more on how to develop a great student profile!
In addition, I would like to hear from Midd students the LinkedIn Learning courses you have completed, and why you would recommend them to your peers. I will compile a list and share with all students via my blog in a few weeks. Therefore, please e-mail agomez@middlebury.edu your course suggestions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!