Category Archives: Senior Program

Nura Suleiman, What are You Up To Now?

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Name: Nura Suleiman

Current job title: Master’s Student in International Law and Settlement of Disputes at the United Nations-Mandated University for Peace in El Rodeo, Costa Rica

Class year: ‘07

Major: International Studies with a concentration on the Middle East, Arabic, and History

 

Where did your interest come from to work in this career?

Since graduating, I’ve worked in Asia, Africa and the Middle East on community-based initiatives.  From farming to micro-finance, health initiatives to education projects, I have learned to be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.  At the fledgling stages of my career, I am a very proud generalist.  I decided to return to school to pursue my Master’s in something that would enhance my development work—the law and negotiation.  University for Peace is, maybe even more so than Middlebury, one of the most unique places I have been.  Nestled in the mountains outside of San Jose, Costa Rica, UPEACE is a bastion of diversity: 10 Master’s programs and 200 students from over 60 countries.  It’s a place where I have found incredibly like-minded people (your typical think globally, act locally folks) who force me to question every decision and point on both a global and local context.

 

What are typical entry level positions in your field and what does a career path look like?

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How to Prepare for ECCD NY for Dummies

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SENIORS SENIORS SENIORS!
For those of you who have an interview at ECCD NY this Friday, here is a short summary of the “prep” sheet you all received from our very own T.Funk (which I’m sure you have all read…)

BIG THINGS
1. Be there 30 minutes before your first interview.
2. Wear your professional suit.
3. Theresa Funk will be there, so don’t freak out. Tyler Lovas and I will also be attending so latch onto us if you need to scream a little.
4. Good luck!

How does this Work?
1. All interviews will take place in one room and will last for 30 minutes each.
2. You must check in at the registration table when you arrive on site.
3. There will be a waiting room for those not interviewing; there will also be a row of chairs “named” for each employer for the students “on deck” to interview (5 minutes prior to interview).
4. Employers will come out of the interview area and greet you at the appropriate chair in the “on deck” area.
5. If you have back-to-back interviews, you will be asked to return to the “on deck” area for the next interview.
6. You should ask for a business card from your interviewer to send a thank-you note after the event.

What to Bring:
1. Picture ID: Student ID or Driver’s License/Passport.
2. Notebook: Very useful for note-taking, collecting business cards, carrying cash/credit cards, and of course, looking professional. You can get one of these professional Middlebury notebooks at the bookstore.
3. Resume (multiple copies!) and maybe even a copy of your unofficial transcript.
4. Cash…for food and transportation NOT bribery.
5. Homework/Reading material…leave your playboy at home.

What to Wear:
1. A suit (duh!), dress socks/stockings, comfortable, yet professional shoes.
2. A watch…or your cell phone, but remember to TURN IT OFF during your interviews.

What NOT to Wear:
1. Heavy perfume/cologne. You do not want to give your employers a headache this early on.
2. Excessive makeup. More appropriate to let your inner beauty shine.
3. Distracting jewelry.

Any questions? Swing by the Career Services. We have drop-in hours from 2-5pm.
Also, you can friend Tyler Lovas on facebook.

Alum Profile: International Relations

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Alumni Career Profile Questions

 

Ryan Palsrok

Name: Ryan L. Palsrok

Current job title:  Consul / Deputy Chief, American Citizens Services, U.S. Embassy Beijing

Class year: 2001

Major: Theater, Acting & Directing

 

 

Where did your interest come from to work in this career?

Living abroad during my childhood instilled a curiosity in me for other cultures and people that has yet to subside.  It also helped me appreciate my privilege as an American, giving me a desire to offer something back.

 

What are typical entry level positions in your field and what does a career path look like?

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Jobs in Law!

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Since you’re a liberal arts student, chances are you can read and write. As it turns out, those are the basic qualifications necessary to work in the legal field. If you’re starting out, chances are you will be a paralegal or legal assistant, but this is a great way to break into the law profession.

There are a bunch of law jobs in MOJO for Midd seniors, check them out here:

1. Paralegal, Bello Black & Welsh LLP

Boston, Mass

Bello Black & Welsh LLP is a premier labor and employment boutique law firm concentrating in the representation of management in all aspects of labor and employment law, including litigation, labor-management relations and day-to-day advice and counseling. Located in the Back Bay area of Boston, the Firm is committed to providing high quality representation by senior attorneys at cost-effective rates. We understand that most employment matters do not require large, inefficient teams of attorneys, but rather that the full focus and attention of an experienced attorney provides the best value and results for clients.

Deadline: Mar. 29

 

2.  Paralegal, New York County District Attorney’s Office

New York, NY

Paralegals in our particular bureau perform a range of tasks. One of the primary responsibilities is to write, with a designated attorney, at least one elementary legal brief each month. Other principal duties are related to the management of our caseload in the federal and state courts. Specifically, these tasks include administering a computerized case tracking system and communicating frequently with the criminal defense bar and various courts. Paralegals also assist bureau attorneys in the production of their briefs by locating documents, proofreading, and performing miscellaneous research and clerical tasks. In addition, each paralegal is assigned a unique administrative duty pertaining to a particular facet of our daily operations.

Deadline: Mar. 31

 

3. Paralegal/Legal Associate, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Washington, DC

The paralegal/legal associate will assist attorneys with reproductive rights litigation and policy work including: legal and factual research using Westlaw, academic resources, and the Internet; cite-checking and copy-editing briefs; assisting in production and service of filings; writing and editing non-legal documents describing developments in the area of reproductive rights law; and responding to requests for information. He/she will also be responsible for various administrative tasks including: faxing, copying, filing, and assisting in travel and meeting arrangements.

Deadline: Apr. 1


4. Civil Rights Paralegal, Relman, Dane & Colfax PLLC

Washington, D.C.

Relman, Dane & Colfax PLLC, a public interest law firm in Washington, D.C. that represents primarily plaintiffs in discrimination cases, including fair housing, fair lending, employment discrimination, and public accommodations cases, is looking for a full-time paralegal to work with the Firm’s lawyers. Duties include conducting interviews with potential clients and drafting memoranda analyzing their claims, conducting factual investigations, performing factual and legal research, reviewing documents during the discovery phase of litigation, organizing and maintaining case files, interviewing witnesses, working with attorneys to prepare client presentations, and assisting with trial preparation. The paralegal will also be expected to perform various administrative tasks.

Deadline: Apr. 15

Spring into Action Fair

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Spring time at Middlebury means outdoor eats at Proctor, really pretty flowers, an awesome MCAB concert, jumps at Bristol Falls, and of course…job fair!

This year, the Center for Education in Action (Career Services, Alliance for Civic Engagement, Health Professions Advising, and Student Fellowships & Scholarships) is hosting an “Action Fair” rather than the annual “Job Fair” since our line-up has extended to grad schools, fellowship programs, service opportunities, counseling in various industries in addition to the job leads.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS SENIORS!
When: Monday, February 28
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Where: Coltrane Lounge
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Job Post: CleanTech U Seeking 5 New Associates

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**MOJO has this job posted. GO/MOJO

**Application deadline is Tuesday, November 12th. They do not sponsor for the H1-B visa.

CleanTech U Associates Overview

Building the new clean energy and green economy is not only one of the largest economic opportunities of our century, but a human necessity. In a few short months, CleanTech U (www.cleantechu.org) has launched at several leading U.S. universities, been recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative and begun formulating a China engagement strategy to create an international network and organization.

CleanTech U is looking for dynamic, innovative upstarts to help create launchpads for student entrepreneurs and leaders. We’re not looking for the pencil pushing, pinstripe dressed, clock in-clock out type; we’re looking for the troublemakers, envelope pushers, dreamers. If you have a penchant for carving out new solutions, innovating out of a corner, seeing the opportunity in the midst of chaos: We’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for five associates in various fields. Location is virtual and time commitments vary according to position, availability and aspirations. To apply, please send your resume and motivation letter (not in formal diction please!) to info@cleantechu.org and insert the position you’re applying for in the subject line. We’re looking to fill these positions ASAP, so tell us why you’re crazy enough to be considered!


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Business Analyst Position

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Midterms are wrapping up, and as Fall Break approaches, we’re all getting ready to see our families, take that trip to New York City, or just relax here on campus. But before you begin to de-stress for a few days, don’t forget to check out an amazing Business Analyst Position provided by one of Midd’s own alumni!

 This Business Analyst Position was brought to us by alumnus Bruce Johnson, who is currently VP of HR at C & S Wholesale Grocers. As an analyst for C&S Grocers you will be working for a major $19B company that serves over 3,900 stores nationwide. C&S is the largest food wholesaler and the 12th largest privately held company in the United States.

The location of this job is particularly great if you’re interested in staying in the New England area after graduation. You would be located in Keene, New Hampshire, a great New England city located close to one of the nation’s coolest places—Boston, Massachusetts. This is not to mention the fully furnished, subsidized housing C&S provides…

If you’re interested, mark your calendars. The application deadline is Sunday, October 17th, and C&S will be conducting On-Campus Interviews Wednesday, October 27th.

Below is the description from Mojo, but be sure to check it out yourself and send in an application!

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C&S Wholesale Grocers Info Session with Bruce Johnson ’78 TOMORROW

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Bruce Johnson ’78, C&S Wholesale Grocers Executive Vice President of Human Resources and is coming to campus tomorrow, Tuesday, October 5 from 5-6 pm in MBH 104.  C&S currently has a Business Analyst job opening for graduating seniors, but all students are welcome to come to the event to learn more about the company.

Eastern College Career Day – Boston

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Need to get away? Have an urge to go to Boston on a Friday? Well here is a great way to get off campus seniors!

Eastern College Career Day (ECCD)

You will have the opportunity to interview with Boston/New England employers for jobs in fields like Accounting, Education (certification not required!), Law, Marketing, Sales, Economics Research, Consulting, Banking, Investments, Technology, and Mental Health/Human Services, and more.

When: Friday, November 12, 2010
Where: Bay Back Events Center. Boston, MA
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 5, 2010 (11:59 pm)
Register and apply at: http://eccdb.experience.com/er/security/login.jsp

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Current Best Employers

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Bloomsberg Businessweek has a huge list of the current best employers (only 30 are listed in this post but you can find the whole list here.) Guess what seniors! You’re in luck. Scroll through and you will see some familiar names. We have a bunch of alums who are signed up on MiddNet who work at these companies. #20 is coming to campus and #26 already has something up on MOJO!

1. Walt Disney
2. Lockheed Martin
3. Deloitte & Touche
4. Goldman, Sachs
5. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6. U.S. Dept. of State
7. Raytheon
8. General Electric
9. JP Morgan
10. Abbott Laboratories
Continue reading →

Resumania 2010

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It’s that time of year…Resumania is here.

Now that you seniors have all attended the senior meeting and are all super siked to go out and find jobs, let Career Services help you with the first huge step: RESUME. Below, you will find helpful posts to get you started.

Still not sure of what to do? Come to the Adirondack House anytime from 2pm to 5pm for a 15 minute meeting with one of our counselors. 15 minutes is all they need to completely edit and perfect your resumes! This week and this week alone, ALL of our counselors will be on call to help you with your resumes. Today is Wednesday. That means you still have tomorrow and Friday to come in and get your resumes checked.

Maybe, just maybe…if you are really lucky, they may answer your cover letter/short career questions too.

**BONUS: MOJO instruction will be available as well as gift certificate door prizes!

Top 10 Mistakes Midd Kids Make on their Resumes

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top-ten-blue-300x299

  1. TYPOS/Grammar mistakes:
    • Even in the SAT’s, the spelling of your name is worth 200 points.
    • This may not be an essay, but tense switch from past to present is still frowned upon.
  2. Not including GPA:
    • If it is higher than 3.0, put it in! Otherwise, employer will presume it is lower.
    • Data points are essential. Employers like numbers.
  3. Including too much high school info:
    • It has been 4 years. There must be other things to write about.
    • Only include it if:
      • High school has a high name recognition
      • Job/internship is in that local area
      • Awesome GPA/leadership experience
  4. Using weak verbs
    • “Worked with” is not as strong as “organized” or “managed”
  5. Assuming that one resume fits all
    • Even if you are applying to jobs in just one specific field, depending on the employer, some experiences are more valuable than others.  Continue reading →

Copy&Paste of a Real Midd Kid Mistake

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mistake

—–Original Message—–
From: [Midd Kid Employer]
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:30 AM
To: Pidgeon, Becky A.
Subject: FW: Middlebury Resume Submitted

Dear Ms. Pigeon,

The attached cover letter from [Midd Kid] is addressed to the
[some other] Group, not [our company].

I do not know where this mistake originated, but could you please see
that it gets rectified and the letter resubmitted.

We’ll give [Midd Kid] a “Mulligan” on this.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Midd Kid Employer]
Managing Director

—–Original Message—–
From: bpidgeon@middlebury.edu [mailto:bpidgeon@middlebury.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:14 PM
To: [Midd Kid Employer]
Subject: Middlebury Resume Submitted

Tuesday, March 09, 2010, 08:13 pm

Dear [Midd Kid Employer]:

[Midd Kid] has submitted a resume for you to review.  This resume
has been attached and is for the position of [job position].

If you have any questions regarding your job posting, please feel free
to contact Career Services.

Sincerely,

Becky Pidgeon
Middlebury College
Career Services
802.443.2485
bpidgeon@middlebury.edu

Seniors, Let’s Get Started!

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Dear Class of 2010.5/2011:
Welcome back to your last semester/year of college. Congratulations for coming this far! If you haven’t noticed by now, Demetri Martin is gracing posters all over the campus with 2 Important Things:

1. Senior Meeting 2011
Monday, September 13
Dana Auditorium
12:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
**All Seniors must attend ONE session in order to participate in recruiting/MOJO job listings/graduate school listings.

2. Resumania
Tuesday-Friday, September 14-17
Adirondack House
Get your resume ready for action this year!
Bring it in for editing and strategizing.

We can’t wait to see you all at the Senior Meeting!

Love Always,
Career Services

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Meaty Tip on Meetings

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Start meetings on time. If you hold up meetings for latecomers, you are treating the people who did show up on time as if their time is less valuable. If you make a habit of starting late, people will assume your 9:00 AM meeting really begins at 9:20 AM and at 9:00 AM they will all still be grabbing coffee and wondering out loud about who took the last doughnut.

Respect your audience: end on time.  Have an agenda and stick to it. If you are speaking at the meeting, be prepared with your material. People who are unprepared talk and talk and talk until attendees are slipping under the table.

We all know of certain people who can talk the leg off a chair and those who can derail a meeting onto the strangest topics.  As the meeting leader, you are in charge.  In your mind, you may be tackling them at the knees and throwing them to the conference room floor.  In reality, a simple, “We seem to have slipped off topic and we need to return to our agenda…” will do.

Etiquette Tip of the Week: How The Close Goes

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Ever get to the end of a letter and ask yourself, “How do I end this?”  Here are some ideas on how to close:

Best closing for a business letter: Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Very sincerely,
Also appropriate for business and slightly less personal: Yours truly, or Very truly yours,

(Yours, by itself, is something you yell out to your partner in doubles tennis.)

Acceptable, but a little on the chilly side: Cordially or Cordially yours,

To someone you know well, but not enough to kill the fatted calf over: Regards, Warm regards, Kindest regards, Best wishes, All the best, As always, As ever,

For a family member or close friend: Love, With much love, Fondly, Affectionately, Affectionately yours,

Addressing clergy or members of high political office: Respectfully, or Respectfully yours, Faithfully, Faithfully yours,

Thanking someone: Gratefully, Gratefully yours,

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Tough Love

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It’s “Tough Love Week” at the Culture and Manners Institute. And this is difficult for us to say, but we only say this because we care.

Not everybody is going to like you.  No matter how nice you are (and we know you are!), no matter how hard you work or how much you contribute, some people will find something not to like about you. We know it’s hard to believe and it’s very sad. (sniff…sigh)

Now that you know, it’s time to pull up your big boy pants (big girl pants) and say, “That’s THEIR problem.”  Try not to make their problems your problems.  Always look for the good in others and be kind to the people who do not like you.  In fact, smile at them — frequently.  Don’t let them win.

Etiquette Tip of the Week: The Most Cowardly Act

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If you have an interview or a business meeting with a potential client at a restaurant, kill your wait staff with kindness.  How you treat the wait staff is a reflection of how you will treat others — whether they are people reporting to you in the workplace, co-workers or the clients themselves.

Mistakes are made.  Be patient and try not to send an item back unless it is so dangerously undercooked that it is crawling off the plate.  Do not make the wait staff run back and forth to the kitchen. Avoid giving special instructions that might make you appear high maintenance. (“I’d like a slice of lemon in my water…I’d like the poppy seed dressing on the side…”)  If you are on a diet, the diet resumes after the business meal.

People who like to show the wait staff who is boss end up looking like jerks.  Bullying the wait staff is the most cowardly act, because they cannot fight back without a possibility of losing their job.  Treat the wait staff as you would like to be treated if you were the one serving the meal and handling five other tables.

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Place Knives Blade In

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Do you talk with your hands?  For the safety of everyone around you at the table, please put your knife down and do not use it to gesture.

Knives at your place setting are always “blade in” (the blade faces towards your place setting.)  On a bread plate, the butter knife rests horizontally across the top (think 10 and 2 on a clock), with the blade facing you.  Similarly, when you are eating American style, a knife not in use should rest horizontally across the top of your plate, blade in.  When eating Continental (also known as European) style, the fork and knife are placed in an upside down “V” on the plate, with the fork tines down on the right and the knife, blade in, on the left.  (An easy way to remember the upside down V is to set them down exactly as you were holding them.)

When you are finished, fork and knife are placed diagonally on the plate (think 4 on a clock) with the fork closest to you and the knife, again, blade in.  This signals to the wait staff that they may remove your plate.

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Brain Drain

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Want to take years off an education?  That is what happens when one uses crude language and profanity like: “That sucks.”  “Bite me.” “I screwed up.”  “I’m so screwed.” “Crap!”  “O-M-G.”

Profanity does not command authority, it shows a lack of control and makes the user seem less educated.  One should not let profanity undermine the education one has worked so hard to get, but rise above it.

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Going Up

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Have you ever approached an elevator, only to see the person inside madly pushing the button to close the door before you get there?  So much incivility in life has to do with people in a hurry.


Elevator rules are simple: business etiquette is gender neutral — in business, the person closest to the door exits the elevator first.  All other times, social etiquette dictates that gentlemen stand aside and let the ladies on and off the elevator first and everyone stands aside for the elderly or those needing extra time.  If you are waiting to board the elevator, allow those coming off the elevator to exit first.

Hold the door for people trying to board or disembark; do not hold the door to make plans for the evening with someone outside the elevator, while others are waiting.  If you are standing next to the control panel, offer to push someone’s button (though not in those words).  If you are at the back of the elevator, do not try to reach across everyone to hit the button yourself, ask nicely for someone to select your floor.  If you are alone in an elevator with big mirrors and you decide to primp, check your teeth or make other adjustments, please keep in mind that you may be doing so for the entertainment of the building security personnel.