I found this NYTimes article really provocative. Would you call yourself an accomplished child? When’s the last time you were told you were special? What if you’re not? I think this short article will make you pause and think. Take a quick read.
What lessons can you learn from this recent grad: just do it! Go out on a limb, try something different, and most important, persevere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/jobs/taking-a-chance-and-finding-a-dream-job-in-new-york.html
Check out this cool infographic: http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/23/the-new-job-hunt-infographic/
There is a great post over on the Internships blog about your classmate Luke Elder ’13 and his summer at TNC down on Martha’s Vinyard. Thought you would want to read it and get inspired. Also check out the similar post from Bianca Giaver’ 12.5 who also happened to be in the same area (Cape Cod) working for public radio. Both are part of a series called “In Their Own Words”. It’s a really nice collection of stories.
http://sites.middlebury.edu/internship/2012/10/19/in-their-own-words-luke-elder-13/
At EIA we’ve noticed some common problems and recurring errors in your job applications in MOJO. We wanted to call your attention to these now, as early in the semester as possible, in order to prevent you from making these same mistakes in the future. You’re no doubt busy with your senior year, so it’s really important that the time that you invest in pursuing your post-graduation plans is most effectively spent.
Please make an extra effort to pay special attention to the following:
1. Unofficial transcripts: They should really be one page only. We’ve seen several submitted that are well over 5 pages. That is not going to work for the employers. In MOJO, and also at the following link, are simple instructions for using your Degree Program Report to create an unofficial transcript. http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/transcript
2. Blank documents: Proof your materials before submitting on MOJO! Sadly we’ve seen a situation where a resume submitted was entirely blank and unreadable. To avoid this issue, after you upload any document, please preview it and ensure it is what you want.
3. Old documents: Similarly, we’ve seen another scenario where a student used the wrong, old resume to apply for a job. Suggestion here is to remove documents you’ve used in the past for applications, and only leave current resumes and cover letters saved in MOJO.
4. Withdrawing applications: Did you know if it’s before the deadline, and you want to change something in your application, you can do that? All instructions are here: http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/mojo
5. Thank you notes and business cards: To our surprise, employers have given us feedback that students are not sending thank you notes after interviews. Always ask for the business card of the person interviewing you so you have the name and contact information for the thank you note you will send. If you are interviewing by phone, ask for the person’s name and contact information and write it down. If you need assistance learning what to say in your thank you note, read http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/thankyounotes
6. Generic cover letters. Employers reading through stacks of applications can tell if you have just dropped their name into your standard cover letter template. Take the time to do the research necessary to tailor your cover for each employer. You can get started here and be sure to stop by Drop-Ins to assure your application materials are looking good!
Thank you for paying attention to these important issues. We’re here to help and happy to talk with you more about any issue related to your post grad plans. Please come see us any day during Drop in Hours from 2-5.
-Tim
The unemployment rate for new college graduates is down significantly from last year, continuing a decrease in unemployment for this group, according to an analysis of the numbers released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics last week.
Read more here: http://www.naceweb.org/s10102012/job-market-new-graduates/
We’re really proud of the positive story covered in the Campus today. Check it out here: http://middleburycampus.com/article/employment-rate-climbs/
Are you wondering how this will affect your post grad plans? Come to drop in hours, 2-5 pm every day in ADK to chat with us, would be happy to strategize about your options.
Lots to jam into this post, but it’s all good. Here are 3 things to pay attention to:
1) Did you hear that the Career Action Group is opened up to all seniors now? We’d love to set up one just for Febs, but we need more applicants. Here’s the scoop:
We are looking for 12-15 Seniors who can commit to meeting together 4 times starting October 5.(FRIDAYS, October 5 and 19, November 2 and 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hillcrest 103). The group will focus on strategies for achieving your life-after-Midd goals and give you a chance to learn from and support others who are also on this exciting–but often nerve-wracking–journey. Our meetings are interactive and will focus on these key topics:
• Knowing yourself: using TypeFocus assessment results to guide your search
• Fine tuning your resume; developing compelling cover letters/personal statements
• Networking: preparing to conduct fruitful information interviews; LinkedIn
• Developing a search strategy that fits your needs and timetable
• Successful Interviewing
• Supporting each other with ideas, networking contacts, information, and encouragement
Deadline is Monday, October 1. Apply on MOJO
2) If you missed Senior Meeting, check out the video here: http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/media.archive
3) And if finding work in the federal government is your thing, last week we hosted a webinar on this topic. You can check out the archived video here: http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/media.archive
Have you heard of LinkedIn? Maybe you already have a profile, or are just wondering what the big deal is? Come to this session and we’ll talk about doing company research, how to network on LinkedIn, and how to tap into the growing alumni community. It’s pretty exciting stuff, my colleague Tracy and I are looking forward to helping you learn more.
TODAY, Monday the 17th
12:30 in Hillcrest 103
If you can’t make it, definitely check out: http://learn.linkedin.com
A clever student at the Senior Meeting yesterday asked this good question during the new Q&A portion at the end. We emphasized so heavily many of the good things to keep in mind, by turning around the question it really made me and my colleagues think.
I commented that closing doors and not being curious was something to stay away from. In lots of my advising with students, I hear that opportunities like jobs on MOJO don’t get many applicants because the name of the company or title of the job is not attractive or name brand. I’m encouraging you to keep an open mind and go through this process of post grad planning with a mindset of exploration. If an employer is coming to campus, and it’s 6 pm on a Tuesday night and you have nothing else going on, stop by the info session and listen in. You might learn something, even if you never apply. If you find yourself walking by ADK next week or month and thinking, “Hey, I remember that presentation they gave”, then walk up the few steps, open the door and walk in. See what it’s like inside, you might be surprised, we’re happy to see you!
For anyone who missed the meeting, stay tuned for a link to a video online next week you can watch. If you did make one of the sessions, we’d love your feedback on this survey: http://middlebury.keysurvey2.com/f/456105/5333/
Thanks!
A pretty heavy question to consider this early in the academic year, but it’s on my mind because I was at a career conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson last night and she brought it up. With a small group of about 10 students, she was discussing her career in print journalism and how she got from one place to another. She started with a story from one of her first internships where she had to write an article about the last day of school in an elementary school. Although not initially enthused by the idea, she grew to enjoy it and only later in her career did she realize the impact this first assignment had on her.
Her basic message: opportunities do not always present themselves to you. Keep your eyes open to different experiences.
Here in EIA we are all about helping put some focus and direction to your life path. It starts with you walking in the door and engaging with us. I encourage you to start, anywhere, even if you know us folks in ADK well, or never imagined even what happens inside that old white building with the tall skinny tree in that roundabout where the buses leave from for breaks.
First things first, Senior Meeting is Wednesday at 1, 4 or 6 in Dana so pick the time best for you, and come get an introduction to how we can help you this senior year.
And by the way, Isabel’s answer to her own question was “leave the world a little better place than when you got here”. What’s yours?
Updated 9/14:
Welcome to your senior year! Hope you had a great summer. I’m the new guy in EIA thinking hard about how to help you transition to the world of ‘whatever is next’ after graduation. I want to make sure you first of all know this very important date coming up soon:
Wednesday, September 19
Choose one of these three times: 1 pm, 4 pm or 6 pm. Then show up in Dana Auditorium and be ready to learn all about your options for next year, and what you can do now to get started. You’ll see me, or my other career counseling partners, up on the stage, going through a brief but informative 45 minute presentation.
In the meantime, you can start browsing our new EIA website here: go.middlebury.edu/eia
The parts on career exploration, job search, fellowships and graduate school are all excellent, but poke around and get familiar with your resources. And lastly, don’t forget to tune up your resume, and bring it into RESUMANIA. More tips on that on the website too.
Thanks, and look forward to seeing you soon.
-Tim
Associate Director, Career Services
Center for Education in Action
tmose@middlebury.edu
443-5105
As you’ve probably noticed, we haven’t been posting over the summer. But stay tuned, we’ll be ready in the fall with announcements and stories and resources for the class of 2013. Thanks!
Current job title: Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting LLP
Class year: 2005
Major: International Studies (Political Science/French)
Minor: Economics
Don’t forget to apply to the job at Deloitte by the deadline, Sunday, September 25. Go to MOJO now.
Where did your interest come from to work in this career?
After studying Political Science and Economics at Middlebury, then receiving my Masters at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, with a concentration in Global Commerce & Finance, I was looking for a management consulting career that focused on international development.
What are typical entry level positions in your field and what does a career path look like?
Students hired directly out of college, begin their careers with Deloitte Consulting as Analysts. Federal Analysts participate on project teams with professionals who have spent anywhere between a few months and their entire careers in consulting. Analysts will have the chance to take intensive strategy and management consulting training courses, teaching them how to storyboard and logically present information throughout their career.
How did you find the current position you have?
I applied for a position as a Strategy & Operations Consultant after graduating from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service.
How are you using your Middlebury degree?
Deloitte highly values degrees from Liberal Arts colleges, which teach us how to think, not what to think. Over the past two years, I’ve been able to use my writing skills tremendously on various engagements. Furthermore, my courses in international politics & economics have helped me on my current emerging markets engagements.
What experience should a college student obtain to be marketable?
Work experience or internships where students utilize the skills addressed in the above question are of great interest to Deloitte practitioners and all consulting firms! Demonstrated interest in politics and government are beneficial as well for this position.
What does an average day or week look like for you?
Consulting isn’t conducive to an ‘average day’. I spent some time developing a new air cargo security strategy at TSA, and am now heading to Zambia for a USAID global health supply chain assessment.
What books, web sites, or other resources should students take advantage of now to learn about the field?
Go to the Deloitte website!! Also, Cosentino’s Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation
What do you think is the next step in your career plan?
After close to two years at the firm, I was recently promoted to Senior Consultant. I’m going to focus on developing my career at Deloitte, and getting more international development consulting experience, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Current job title: Federal Analyst at Deloitte Consulting LLP
Class year: 2010.5
Major: Economics and Spanish
Don’t forget to apply to the job at Deloitte by the deadline, Sunday, September 25. Go to MOJO now.
Where did your interest come from to work in this career?
My interest in consulting stemmed from my desire to pursue a career that allowed for lifelong learning and growth. The best aspect of my Middlebury education was the breadth and scope of experiences afforded to me throughout my four years at college. Strategy consulting offers me a similar diversity of experiences. I develop and grow as a professional each and every day and apply new skills to projects that constantly evolve and adapt.
What are typical entry level positions in your field and what does a career path look like?
Students hired directly out of college, like me, begin their careers with Deloitte Consulting as Federal Analysts. Federal Analysts participate on project teams with professionals who have spent anywhere between a few months and their entire careers in consulting. Direct-from-college hires are on a career path to become Partners and Principals at Deloitte should they spend their career with Deloitte. Federal Analysts are generally promoted to Consultants after two years, and from there the career track continues to Senior Consultant, Manager, Senior Manager, and Partner/Principal/Director.
How did you find the current position you have?
I applied for my current position through MOJO on the Career Services Website in conjunction with Deloitte’s website.
How are you using your Middlebury degree?
My Middlebury degree is of tremendous use to me in my job with Deloitte. While aspects of my Economics major contribute to my work to a certain degree, it is the skills that all Middlebury students acquire that are most powerful at Deloitte. The ability to think critically and ask poignant questions, write and communicate clearly and logically, work in teams, adapt to change and stay organized are crucial skills, among many others, in strategy consulting.
What experience should a college student obtain to be marketable?
Work experience or internships where students utilize the skills addressed in the above question are of great interest to Deloitte practitioners and all consulting firms! Demonstrated interest in politics and government are beneficial as well for this position.
What do you like best/least about your work?
The people at Deloitte are truly fantastic. I work with a supportive, collaborative and talented team that deeply impacts the Client and their goals in tangible ways. One of the more difficult aspects of the job is the constant travel in and around the DC Metro Area! I typically do not know where I will be working the following day until the night before. Moving between the client site and Deloitte offices requires great flexibility so as to be prepared for a variety of different situations.
What does an average day or week look like for you?
No two weeks are ever the same! Each day brings new challenges and opportunities with the client and in internal Deloitte work. It really keeps you on your toes.
What books, web sites, or other resources should students take advantage of now to learn about the field?
The best consulting resource I can recommend to prepare for case study interviews is Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc P. Cosentino. It got me through recruiting season last fall.
What do you think is the next step in your career plan?
My next steps are undefined at this time. I eventually want to attend graduate school; however, I am unsure of the type of degree I will pursue. For the time being, I am truly thrilled to be working in the Federal Consulting Practice at Deloitte!