Career Center Magazine by Casey Brown

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Brought to you by

Careers in Various Jobs p. 13 Professional Dress and Etiquette p. 20 Job Search Documents p. 30 Secrets to Finding an Internship p. 38

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Heather Kahl Talent Acquisition Manager heather.l.kahl@ehi.com (317) 848-2210 ext. 287

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

INTRODUCTION

A Letter from the Director

ll reliable sources of economic data are indicating that the Indiana economy is slowly but steadily recovering from the “Great Recession.” It is time for candidates to focus on the future and take action to be prepared for a competitive job-search environment. This issue of the Career Center Magazine has been designed as a guidebook to the best career information, essential job-search preparation workshops, résumé writing, and interview skills development.

The articles in the magazine have been researched and written by the professional and student staff members of the Ball State University Career Center to ensure that the information is the most accurate and relevant for the university’s academic majors and for candidates who will seek employment in the state, the region, and the nation. The employer advertising that helps to fund the cost of printing is especially appreciated. The organizations represented are recruiting partners who offer internship and employment opportunities for Ball State graduates. The concept for and design of the Career Center Magazine reflects the enthusiasm we feel for a market that is opening new career opportunities. Design, public relations, and photography students have contributed their professional skills to create a publication with the expressed goal of motivating students to take the steps necessary for career success. On behalf of our professional and student staff, whose mission is to provide personal assistance for the professional success of all Ball State graduates, I hope you enjoy this publication and will use it through the coming year. Mollie Fout Director of the Career Center

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INTRODUCTION

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR M

agazines are hard to create. One has to generate content, come up with a solid design plan, create artwork, generate solid photography, and make sure that everything meshes together in time. That being said, I am fully happy with the product we have put produced. It took a lot of effort, and there is no way anyone could do it alone, but the end product is something with which I am entirely happy, from the brightest picture to the smallest line of text.

n these pages you will find a plethora of information for your career search. Career exploration, graduate school, cover letters, and more dot this publication and the content is ready to be read and utilized by you, our readers. I wish I had something like this in my college days to help guide me along the way. If you never step foot in the Career Center or use any of our amazing services, hopefully this magazine will at least guide you in your goal to become a successful individual in the great job hunt of life.

any thanks go out to many who helped on this project, and you can see the contributors to the right of this page if you are really curious. I want to give extra thanks to all the students who put in their work to make this a great resource for their peers. Whether you’re a freshman or senior, graduate student or one who is in continuing education, there should be something in here for you. That is my hope for everyone.

am normally accustomed to making fun panda bears or penguins on posters to catch people’s attention or writing e-mails that go out to the masses, so this was a wonderful change of pace that gave a chance for everyone to showcase their skills, be it in writing, design, photography, or more (You still might find a panda or penguin hiding out somewhere in here, though. I can’t change that little flair that I have inside myself.)

o sit back, relax, and enjoy perusing the pages of the Career Center Magazine. We had a lot of fun making it, and we hope you enjoy the wealth of knowledge you can gain from it. Pass it along when you are finished reading. We’ll have more next year. Thanks and good luck in your professional careers! BY david CLEVELAND

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS MANAGING EDITORS David Cleveland Joe Goodwin COPY EDITOR Joe Goodwin DESIGNERS Casey Brown David Cleveland WRITERS Lily Barker Larry Beck Carleton Butler David Cleveland Andrew Cunningham Deb Dolak Willow King Locke Caitlyn Miller James Mitchell Will O’Haver Shawn Patrick Ryan Sagar Claire Sullivan Nicole Walcott PHOTOGRAPHER Jon Faloon PRINTERS Action Printing A special thanks to the entire Career Center staff for assisting in compiling all the information that can be found in this publication.

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INTRODUCTION

SECTION Career Advisors Career MAP Career and Experiential Learning Lab Career Exploration Careers in... Green Jobs Technology Government Healthcare Professional U Programs & Services Professional Dress & Etiquette for Life Social Media 101 for your Career Search Interviewing – Tell Me About Yourself... Networking Job-Search Documents Sample Résumés Cover Letter Guide Immersive Learning Secrets to Finding an Internship Finding Jobs Student Employment Cardinal Career Link Campus to Career Graduate School Top Indiana Jobs Top U.S. Jobs Job Statistics Your Personal Checklist Crossword

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INTRODUCTION CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE “Without the students that helped me, none of this magazine would be possible.” -David Cleveland CASEY BROWN

JON FALOON

WILL O’HAVER

NICOLE WALCOTT

Casey Brown is a career assistant at the Career Center at Ball State University. Casey is a junior journalism graphics major with a minor in digital media. She is the youngest of three and is from Washington, Indiana. Casey came to Ball State in 2008 wanting to pursue a career in telecommunications, but switched to graphics in her sophomore year. She found her passion in designing layouts and info-graphics. She is a member of Cardinal Communications and Society for News Design and also works as a technical assistant at the Learning Center. In her free time, Casey enjoys watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her friends and dog, Zoe. She loves to shop, especially for shoes. She also loves to play soccer and was a member of the Ball State Women’s Club Soccer team for two years. This summer Casey hopes to get an internship at a magazine company in New York City. After graduating in May 2012, she hopes to pursue a career at a magazine or website design company.

Jon Faloon is presently majoring in photography with a minor in philosophy at Ball State University. He has been a staff member of the university’s quarterly magazine titled Ball Bearings, has interned as the still photographer for the television show “Man vs. Food,” works currently as head photographer for Mossback Records, and has participated in various other photographic activities. In his free time, he enjoys playing music and is a member of several local bands, playing the drums and keyboard instruments. Some of his earliest achievements include achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and ranking first place in drawing for the year 2005 for the entire Concord School district. In addition, he was a state finalist and featured percussionist for four straight years; in two of those years he was ranked first in the state by the Indiana State School Music Association. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2011 and pursue a career as a photographer and all around artist. He would like to one day live as a photographer who gets to travel around the world and present the images that he captures through his lens to the eyes of the public.

Will O’Haver is a career assistant at the Career Center at Ball State University. Will is senior public relations major with a minor in business. He is the youngest of four and is from Fishers, Indiana. Will started at Ball State majoring in photojournalism, then switched to public relations his sophomore year. Will chose public relations because he enjoys building relationships with people, writing, and the power of communicating with different people though one message. Working at the Career Center has been a great job for Will because it allows him to work in a professional setting while gaining experience for his future career. Some of Will’s hobbies include spending time with family (especially his nephews and niece), taking photographs, traveling, playing classic board games with friends, and attending the Indianapolis 500. Will’s favorite place to visit is South Haven, Michigan. He and his family have been traveling there for more than twenty years. After graduation in May, Will will be pursuing an entry-level position in marketing communications or will be attending graduate school in Indianapolis.

Nicole is an international student from Toronto, Ontario. She is in her second year of the master of arts in public relations program. She is also a graduate assistant in the Career Center and a member of Cardinal Communications. During her free time she likes to watch movies, take her dog on long walks, and work out. Her favorite food is ice cream and she loves “Glee”! Nicole completed her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois University in communication studies and business administration. During her undergraduate experience, she was a student athlete on the Women’s Track and Field Team. Nicole loves her Pomeranian, Korona, and hopes to own two more when she graduates. Nicole’s dream job is to become a permanent vacationer in the Caribbean. However, she eagerly awaits her career in public relations hoping to reside on the East Coast after graduation.

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

M e e t

Y o u r

INTRODUCTION

James Mitchell ___________ James has worked at Ball State University since 2000 and has been with the Career Center since 2004. He holds a bachelor of arts in English and a master of science in adult education, both from Northern Illinois University. James is the career advisor for students in the College of Architecture and Planning, the Miller College of Business, the Honors College, and (temporarily) the College of Applied Sciences and Technology. He enjoys traveling abroad and has a goal to completely fill his passport before it expires. He once spent a year taking a picture a day to help document his life and hone his photography skills. He also has completed two sprint distance triathlons.

___________

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Willow King Locke ___________ Willow has been an assistant director at the Career Center since 2007. She obtained her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, and her master of arts degree in student affairs from Ohio State University. She is the advisor for the College of Communication, Information, and Media, the College of Fine Arts, and undecided students. Willow likes to travel in her off-time and prefers Team Edward.

___________

Joe Goodwin ___________ Joe Goodwin has been an assistant director in the Career Center since 1990. He serves as career advisor to students in the College of Sciences and Humanities and coordinator of information services for the Career Center. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in English at the University of Alabama and master of arts and Ph.D. degrees in folklore at Indiana University. Joe has been a professional editor for 30 years. One of the larger works he edited is Ball State University: An Interpretive History, written by Anthony Edmonds and Bruce Geelhoed.

___________

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INTRODUCTION

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Develop Key

ills

ent

Fin d E m p loym

Get Professional Experience

Explore Your

sts

I use the Career MAP!

or Go to Grad Sch

ool

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

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INTRODUCTION

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

CAREER AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING LAB

he Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina Hall 235 is the only central source of career information on campus. In addition to printed materials, the lab has computers available for searching the web. Adaptive technology is available. Personal assistance is available to help with every aspect of your career and job search.

he lab has information for • career and major assessment and exploration, • finding internships and jobs, • job-search skill development (résumés, interviewing, etc.), • employer and salary research, • graduate school preparation, • international and minority employment issues,

Careers

Thank Yous

Resumes

• and more! n the Career Center web site, staff members in the lab post up-to-date links to internship databases , websites on many careerrelated topics, and Career Center publications.

BY nicole WALCOTT

Careers

Thank Yous

Resumes

Computers

Front Desk

Information

Bookcases

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EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

CAREER

e all have dreams and ambitions to succeed in the future, and we start on our path by earning a college degree. At college there are a variety of majors that match a variety of jobs. Some careers require specific majors, while others are open to people with any major. n the Career Center’s home page, click on Career and Experiential Learning Lab to find resources that

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXPLORATION

can help you with exploring majors and careers, building job-search skills, getting experience, finding a job or going to graduate school, and much more. For more resources on career exploration go to the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235. The lab is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the school year. BY will O’HAVER

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

What Major is Right for Me? B

eing a student entering college can be challenging. Your parents are not with you, you get to choose what classes to take, and you can decide what you want to do in the future. With these options, you need to ask yourself some questions: Is this the right major for me? What kind of job would I get with this major? Do my goals fit my major? Staff in the Career Center can help you answer your questions and provide advice through several resources. irst, you can set up an appointment with a career advisor by calling 765-285-2430, or you can visit during drop-in advising on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or on Thursday or Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. You can talk to one of the career advisors about what your career goals are, practice your interviewing skills, get feedback on your résumé, and much more.

econd, the Career Center offers career and major assessment tests online including Quest, TypeFocus, and Sigi3. TypeFocus and Sigi3 both provide you with feedback about your interests and careers you might like. Quest helps you identify Ball State University majors and careers that relate to your interests. It is a great way to figure out what interests you have and how they connect with a major. ext, contact people working in careers that interest you. Then ask them a few questions: What does your work involve? What is the work environment like? What skills does one need at your position? What would you recommend for someone with my background who is interested in pursuing a career similar to yours? inding a major that fits your personality and skills can be difficult. Use the resources provided on campus to help you. BY will O’HAVER

Self-Assessment Is Important! W

hen choosing a major or conducting a job search, self-assessment is of key importance.You will want to choose a major that fits your interests and that will help you achieve your career goals. Also, you must be able to describe yourself and explain your goals clearly and completely to employers. ow does one begin goal-setting? First and foremost, keep in mind that goals must be SMART.

Specific Measurable Attainable Results Oriented Time Bound

ou might start by finishing the statement, “I will [state what you plan to do] by [specify a date].” After that, list the steps you will take to complete your goal, what results you hope for, and how you will be aware whether you have been successful. f you write your goals down, you will be much more likely to attempt to achieve them. When progressing through your career, review

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them once in a while, and revise them as your experience grows and interests change. To get started, answer the following questions: • What is my long-term career goal? • Where can I get more information about my ideal career? • What skills and experience do I need? • What classes do I need to take to obtain said skills? • What sorts of jobs (part-time, internship, etc.) would help me to obtain the experience I need?

any people believe that they do not have many marketable skills, expecially those with limited experience. Remember, though, that skills can come from a multitude of sources, including classes, workshops, informal jobs, volunteer work, and even hobbies. kills fall into three categoriestechnical or job-specific, adaptive,

and transferable. The first usually require special training or education. The second type pertain to your work style, such as loyalty and punctuality. The third set of skills are applicable in many work settings. ow it is time to think of examples of when you used your skills. You will need this information as you write your résumé and when preparing for job interviews. You should develop two or three short stories explaining how you have used each skill. Start by analyzing an achievement of which you are proud. Point out the skills you used. Include the problem, the action you took, and the results of what you did. Use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. hat’s it! You are ready to get started. OK, maybe you are not quite ready. Perhaps you should finish reading this magazine first, but now that you can assess yourself, you are on the track for great things to come. Good luck!

BY david CLEVELAND

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Naval Propulsion Engineering Program Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Scholarship Earn up to $140,000.00 as a Student $15,000 entry bonus with $2,000 upon completion of Nuclear Power Training

To Qualify: • 1 year Calculus and 1 year Calculus-based Physics, with C or better • U.S. Citizen • Within 30 months of graduation • For Nuclear Power School teaching positions or Washington D.C. engineering positions, technical coursework must be B or better and must be one of the following majors: Engineering, Chemistry, Math or Physics

Get paid while going to college (Up to 30 months): E-6 E-7 $2250.00 $2602.00 Base Pay (2009 Pay schedules) 1, 2, 3 Housing (w/o Dep.) $ 972.00 $1083.00 2 Subsistence Pay $ 323.87 $ 323.87 Total Pay per month $3545.87 $4008.87 Note: E-7 is obtained by referring someone who enters the Propulsion Engineering Program. You will learn the ins and outs of nuclear propulsion plants, the heart of over 80 submarines and aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy. You will apply this detailed knowledge while supervising top-notch Sailors as they enable submarines to gather covert intelligence and aircraft carriers to launch round after round of sorties.

For More Information Log On to WWW.NAVY.COM or Contact Petty Officer Michael Fussle @ (260) 215-1461 Email: Michael.fussle@navy.mil

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

CAREERS IN...

GREEN JOBS

TECHNOLOGY

“S

GOVERNMENT

o you want to be a rock superstar be surprised at some of the jobs in the and live large – a big house, five fields! “Green” and technology jobs can cars, you’re in charge?” Or maybe you’d encompass many different majors, and prefer doing something else. For those the government takes on all sorts of of you who don’t know what you want positions. Health care may seem as if it to do, we’ve provided some insights is just for doctors and nurses, but there to four career fields you may not have are really many different types of jobs thought of yet. in the field. he following pages have stories o not let your assumptions get the written about careers in “green” best of you. Read on and discover jobs, technology, govenrment, and some of the types of positions that are health care. Read them all—you may available. Maybe it is something you

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HEALTHCARE

have always wanted to do, or maybe it will point you in the right direction. Whatever the case, there are careers in all sorts of industries. And if we do not have the industry listed that you are looking for, just stop on by the Career Center and we can let you in on the many job possibilities out there. Are you excited yet? I know I am! Keep reading for more! BY david CLEVELAND

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Green Careers that Bring in Green

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

SI N. .. GR EE N

he Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Careers states that the green job market is one of the most talked about aspects of the green economy. Green careers provide fair wages, good benefits, opportunities for advancement, and healthy working conditions and are accessible to job seekers from all backgrounds in all areas of the country. areer opportunities in environmental consulting, education, law, nonprofits, and corporate management are growing faster than careers in other industries. “Environmental consulting is a $125 billion industry,” according to the Environmental Business Journal, “with the number of firms growing more than 26 percent from 2001-06.”

A Guide to Green Jobs A

ccording to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, green jobs produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. Jobs in the green industry are increasing and changing the skills employees need in such professions as construction, professional and business services, repair and maintenance services, and energy production. Green jobs center on environmental protection, preservation, or sustain-

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ability. Careers are available for all levels of education, experience, and skill. More opportunities are being created as industries and corporations convert to new energy-efficient technologies to reduce their impact on the environment. f you are looking for a career in the green industry, examine your values. Compose a list of your top ten values. Decide what each word means for you and write that down. Examples of val-

Environmental Career Median Salary Climate Change Analyst $72,408 Carbon Management Consultant - $124,200 Air and Water Quality Technician - $48,400 Engineer - $66,000 College Professor - $56,120 Outdoor Educator $17,110 Science Teacher - $48,690 Lawyer - $102,470 Lobbyist - $49,690 Legislature Analyst $51,981 Sustainability Manager $68,020 Public Relations Specialist - $47,350 Development Director $76,770 Program Manager $38,445 BY will O’HAVER

ues that could pertain to green employment are accomplishment, creativity, nature, service, health, and helpfulness. When you have your list, decide if each value is critical to your job satisfaction and if it is associated with your major or current work situation. ccording to Green Jobs: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Employment, finding a green job is no different from finding any other sort of job. “The basics, continued on page18

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EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

Technology Comes in All Shapes & Sizes

SI N. .. TE CH NO LO GY

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

ave you ever wanted to have a job in technology but didn’t know where to start? Well, guess what? Technology careers abound for all sorts of majors. Technology is far from just working with computers, so think about how you might use technology. Some people go into informatics, while others make video games. Computer technology is of course an obvious major, but even telecommunications majors get a chance to have their hands in technology. Graphic and industrial designers often use computers for their assignments, and forensic scientists rely on their computers heavily. hat about technology intrigues you? Is it the way it is changing our everyday lives? Do names like Google and Apple appeal

to you? Do you just enjoy computers so much that you have to be involved? Figure out your reasoning behind wanting a career in technology and start there. e prepared to study your whole life because technology changes every four to six months, and you have to stay current in the field,” says Shannon Lyon, the Career Center tech support specialist. “You cannot just learn it, and then you’re done. You have to stay invested.” career in technology isn’t for everyone, but if you are ready to put forth the time and effort, it might just be the path for you. Stop by the Career Center to learn more!

“B

BY david CLEVELAND

Be Competitive in the World of Tech L

ooking to be competitive in the current job market? Think about a career in technology. One of the top career fields involves many technical aspects. This does not necessarily mean that you need to major in computer science, computer technology, or information systems (although this does help), but you need to have a good grasp of the technology required for your industry to have a leg up on the competition.

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ccording to Dr. Phil Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute of Michigan State University, all technical majors will see an increase in hiring of 19% on average this year. Employers are specifically seeking graduates with majors in computer science, computer information systems, and computer programming as well as people with master’s degrees in these areas to fill existing and projected shortages. The average start-

ing salary for a computer science major is listed as about $47,000 a year in the same study. hose with majors in the sciences and humanities should not fear. Technology can play a role in helping you to sell yourself to employers as well. Bringing technical skills to a job helps one stand out from the competition. Consider learning programming languages or such Adobe programs as Incontinued on page18

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Target Your Government Job Search

SI N. .. GO VE RN ME NT

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

n Federal Jobs: The Ultimate Guide, it states that a basic federal job search is easy as long as you know where to look. The book provides five simple steps to target your search to the agencies where you want to work. tep 1: Explore the Charts—With more than 2,700,000 employees working for the government, you must break the federal government into agencies to make it more manageable. tep 2: Explore the Profiles—Explore the agency profiles. They can provide specific details on each federal agency, including job descriptions for the positions they hire most, locations of regional offices, and contact information.

tep 3: Locate Job Openings—Job listings are usually posted on the agencies’ websites because the federal government does not list job openings in the local newspaper. tep 4: Read the Vacancy Announcement—This written statement published by a federal agency describes one or more vacant positions. It gives detailed specifics on what the position entails, the qualifications an applicant must have, and information on how to apply for the job. tep 5: Send in Your Application—When you read the vacancy announcement for a position you are interested in, you will learn the method for submitting your application.

BY will O’HAVER

Have You Ever Considered...? T

Have you ever considered working for Uncle Sam? According to The Book of U.S. Government Jobs, There are over 2,700,000 federal employees, half of whom are now eligible for retirement. More than a million jobs must be filled as baby boomers say so long to their federal careers. here are many reasons to consider federal employment. The average salary plus benefits is $119,982 compared to $59,909 for the private sec-

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tor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in the federal government, except the Postal Service, are expected to increase by 10 percent over the coming decade, which is close to the projected 11 percent growth rate for all industries combined. Student loan payoff, relocation, and cash incentives are now offered for hard-to-fill positions and the benefits package is great. taffing levels in the federal government can be subject to change, due

mainly to changes in public policies as legislated by Congress. However, there still will be numerous employment opportunities in many agencies in the coming decade, because of the need to replace workers who leave the workforce, retire, or accept employment elsewhere. The demand will grow for specialized workers in areas related to border and transportation security, emergency preparedness, public health, continued on page18

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EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

SI N. .. HE AL TH CA RE

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Offers More Than You Think

he health care industry provides many unique career opportunities for those interested in health and service. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, health care is one of the largest industries, providing 14.3 million jobs for wage and salary workers in 2008. Additionally, ten of the twenty fastest growing occupations are health care related, and 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs will be generated by 2018 (more than any other industry). obs are available in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, offices of physicians and dentists, home health care services, offices of other health prac-

titioners, and ambulatory health care services. These segments provide a range of careers in ranging from human resources and financial services to therapists, registered nurses, and physicians. Most important advances in medical technology and information technology require skilled workers in those areas as the industry continues to grow.

BY nicole WALCOTT

No Med School? No problem! W

hen you think of jobs in the health care industry you probably think of occupations like doctors, nurses, dentists, medical technicians, and other occupations that involve taking care of the health needs of people. However the health care industry offers careers for a wide range of majors offered at Ball State. re you a social work major or interested in counseling? The heath

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care industry needs people to counsel and work with people diagnosed with HIV and other serious illnesses. Social workers and counselors are also needed for geriatric, psychiatric, public health, and school settings. re you a public relations or marketing major? Hospitals and other health organizations need people to direct and work in their public relations and marketing departments. Salaries

typically range from around $40,000 to over $140,000 for highly experienced workers. re you an education major looking for work outside the traditional K-12 setting? Consider a career as a public health, childbirth, or CPR educator, or a trainer for employees at hospitals and other health organizations. Salaries for these occupations typically start around $25,000. continued on page18

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Green Jobs continued from page14

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS like crafting an appropriate resume, targeting where to post your resume, writing customized cover letters, focusing your search, and so forth, are the same.” The most important task when seeking green jobs is doing your

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE research. Find out as much as you can about the organizations that you’re interested in working for. Besides visiting their website, seek independent information about the company for a more balanced picture.

Industry Sector Number of Establishments Percent Distribution Construction 820,700 38.1 Professional and Business Services 779,100 36.2 Other Services (Maintenance Services, Professional Organizations) 183,300 8.5 Natural Resources and Mining 88,700 4.1 Information 77,000 3.6 Manufacturing 77,700 3.6 Trade, Transportation, and Utilities 49,300 2.3 Public Administration 42,100 2.0 Education and Health Services 26,400 1.2 All Other Sectors 10,400 0.5 Total 2,154,700 100.0 BY will O’HAVER Government Jobs continued from page16

Technology Jobs continued from page15 Design, Flash, and Dreamweaver. Web design skills will help in many careers, such as telecommunications, marketing, journalism, and business. re you on Facebook constantly? Do you like to tweet? Many companies are creating positions such as director of social media or social media manager to reach out to their customers. These types of positions involve skills such as marketing, public relations, creativity, and excellent writing. areers in technology come in many forms. Do you enjoy writing? Think about a career in technical writing. If you are creative and artistic, designing video or graphics may be a good fit for you. Are you interested in sales? Add some technical background to your résumé to break into a field in technology sales. or more information on career options that may be right for you, check out the Career Center. You can visit the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235 for great resources. You can also meet with a career advisor during drop-in hours (Monday-Wednesday 1 to 3, Thursday-Friday 10 to noon).

and information analysis. ost federal departments and agencies prefer workers with previous training and experience for their positions. Once you are employed, each federal department or agency de-

BY willow KING LOCKE

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BY will O’HAVER

C F

termines its own training requirements and offers opportunities to improve job skills to advance to other jobs. These may include technical or skills training, fellowship programs, seminars, or workshops, or programs at local colleges and universities. or information and resources about careers in government visit the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235, and visit usajobs.gov to find your next job in government.

Health Care Jobs continued from page17

re you in an artistic major? The health care industry needs art, music, and dance therapists. Salaries for these occupations typically range from around $30,000 up to over $60,000. re you a business administration major? Consider a career as a hospital administrator, health services administrator, director of volunteer services, or a quality assurance director.

re you into biotechnology and science? Biomedical engineers, specialists, and technicians are needed to bridge the gap between the mechanical world and the world of flesh and blood. A career in medical research is also worth considering. oes technology interest you? Major health care organizations need computer specialists and people to manage, operate, and train others to use the technology and equipment needed in the industry. n times of economic uncertainty the health care industry offers a growing job market, security, great benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to society. It is well worth considering as you explore the opportunities available to your major. BY deb DOLAK

D I

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

Programs & Services P

rofessional U—The “Professional U” program series offers students and alumni information on how to find jobs and internships. Students and alumni can learn about résumés, cover letters, networking skills, and much more during the programs.

R W I

ésumé Basics— Learn how to make your résumé rise to the top of the employer’s stack. riting Effective Cover Letters—Get tips for writing cover letters that will catch employers’ attention.

nterviewing Basics—Learn strategies to help you stand out in job interviews: understand the importance of research before the interview, what to wear, and what questions to ask.

F N G

ind Your Fit—Get tips for finding careers that match your interests. etworking Your Way to a Job—Learn tips on how to effectively network with people to possibly find your next job.

et a Job! Use Cardinal Career Link—Get helpful tips for using the various components of Cardinal Career Link in your job search, setting up on-campus interviews, uploading résumés, and registering for job fairs.

ot Resources! Cool Tips! Web Resources for Your Job Search—Learn about using the Internet as a resource for researching companies, finding jobs, preparing for interviews, and more.

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inding Jobs at a Job Fair—Get tips for making the best use of your time at a job fair.

Web of Resources: The Smart New Way to Find Your Internship—Learn about Internet resources to help you connect with internship opportunities and put all the pieces together in your internship search.

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tiquette Dinner—Get tips on basic table manners and proper dining in a business setting.

ocial Media and Job Search—Use cutting-edge social media tools in your job search.

evelop Your Online Brand—Learn the importance of protecting your online brand: using privacy settings, controlling what employers can see, and building your brand online. BY will O’HAVER

www.bsu.edu/careers

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL DRESS AND ETIQUETTE FOR LIFE. [ 20 ]

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

Dining Etiquette

Bread Knife and Bread Plate

Dessert Spoon

Water Glass

Salad Knife Entree Knife

Salad Fork

Entree Fork

Entree Plate and Napkin

Soup Spoon

Coffee Cup and Saucer

It’s More Than Just a Meal M

any interviews will involve some type of meal, and your dining etiquette can make or break you. Since social skills are considered important in many industries, use the following tips to help navigate tricky dining situations. irst, keep in mind that the meal is not about the food at all, it is about the conversation you are having. Never forget that this is also part of the interview process. You are always a candidate and your manners may be evaluated. The most important pieces of etiquette are that you want to be gracious and not make anyone feel uncomfortable. orried about what to order? Stick to food that can be cut with a knife and fork. Avoid foods that are messy or eaten by hand such as spaghetti, pizza, or ribs. If you

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have questions, you can ask your server, but do not make substitutions or changes to the dish as this might make you appear picky or hard to please. f you are confronted by a confusing place setting, remember that drinks are typically on the right and clustered near the knife. When using silverware, you can use the general rule to work from the outside in. If in doubt, follow your host’s lead. ere are a few other tips: • If you need to remove something you are chewing (fat or a piece of bone) it goes out the same way it went in. For example, an olive pit can be removed by hand but meat eaten with a fork should be taken out with a fork. • Even though it may be wasteful to leave uneaten food, never ask for a doggie bag.

• Do not cut a roll in half and slather each half with butter. Instead, tear off a bitesized piece and butter it. • Soup should be eaten by spooning the soup away from you and sipping from the side of the spoon. Soup served in a bowl with handles and no spoon present can be drunk from the bowl itself. f you would like to learn more about dining etiquette, plan to attend one of the Networking and Professional Etiquette Dinners offered by the Career Center this semester. You will be served a threecourse meal while learning lots of good information about dining etiquette. Check the calendar on the Career Center’s website for dates and times. There is a small fee for the dinner and registration is required. Sign up in Lucina Hall 220.

BY willow KING LOCKE

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

PROFESSIONAL DRESS

A black suit looks professional, but men can also choose navy or gray.

Business casual should still look professional and appropriate. Suits are the rule for interviews.

Women can choose a skirt or pants suit in a neutral color for a professional look.

Shoes should be leather, lace-up, coordinating with the suit and always polished!

rofessional dress is critical in the workplace. Make a positive impression in your first interview and carry that forward once you are hired. Always dress as professionally as possible, which means you should always wear a suit to an interview. Choose one that is neutral in color and fits

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you well. If you are in doubt, err on the side of conservative.

en should make sure belt and shoes match and remember that white socks are a no-no! Women should wear a skirt or pants suit that is neutral in color. Choose shoes

based on comfort rather than trends.

hile it is important to dress professionally, you do not want to be remembered for your clothing. Instead, you want interviewers to notice your great skills, personality, and fit with the organization. BY willow KING LOCKE

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PROFESSIONAL DRESS

• Facial hair (if any) should be well groomed. • Keep your suit jacket on throughout the interview. • Long sleeves are a must with a tie, even in the summer.

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• Stay away from noisy jewelry. It can be distracting. • Makeup should be natural looking – nothing that detracts attention. • Always choose a conservative neckline.

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Developing Your Online Brand Developing your online brand is similar to dressing up for a dinner with family or going out on a date. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb with the pink ’80s sweater and plaid pants; you want to match and look presentable. Similarly, you want your online presence to match you, your goals, and accomplishments. Branding is essential to career advancement because it helps define who you are, how you are great, and why you should be sought out. Branding is your reputation. Branding is about building a name for yourself, showcasing what sets you apart from others, and describing the added value you bring to a situation. Here are some ways to build your online brand: • Gain Experience/Track Accomplishments. Your accomplishments and experience are the foundation of your career. • Education/Training. Finishing your education or training is necessary to start a career, and it provides you with the skill set for your career. • Promote Yourself. You don’t want to brag but you want to promote your accomplishments respectively, and the best ways to promote your self is through your résumé. List all your accomplishments, skills, education, and past jobs.

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• Become an Expert. You want people to come to you for the answers. Start by creating a blog to show off your knowledge that pertains to your career. To become the expert become a “sponge”— learn as much as you can and retain it. • Build Relationships. Relationships and brands go

hand in hand. Building up your brand needs to start out with building relationships with colleagues, friends, and people within your career. Relationships are very important and could lead to your next job. *Information from Dr. Randal S. Hansen, www.quintcareers.com BY will O’HAVER

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

for your career search

Secrets to Getting Your Social Media Next Job Using Social Media Do’s & Don’ts The emergence of social media brings new jobs, new ways to find jobs, and new ways to connect with employers. Here at the Career Center, we can provide you with ways to enhance your online presence as you look for your next job. The Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina Hall 235 has great resources to help in finding new jobs and connecting with employers. Some of the resources can even be found online at www.bsu.edu/careers; click on Career and Experiential Learning Lab, and then click on Publications. Here are some social media sites that can be useful as you start your next job search: • LinkedIn—one of the fastest growing professional networking sites • XING—good for networking in Europe and Asia • Ecademy—strong entrepreneurial focus • Ryze—hosts special networks for organizations to help members interact • Viadeo—an international site with four contact levels • Facebook—a more social and less business-orientated networking site

• Twitter—social networking site Creating a profile in several of these sites can enhance your networking ability. For example, LinkedIn pulls jobs from such other sites as Monster, CareerBuilder, Yahoo!, and Hot Jobs. You can search by keyword, title, function, industry, company, location, level, and date of job opening. TweetMyJobs.com has listings from more than 4,000 employers. When using Facebook, your profile should look professional and presentable to employers. Use the information tab to store education and work history, along with links to items that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. There are two ways to find job postings in Facebook— third-party applications and Facebook groups. Third-party applications include CareerBuilder and Simply Hired. You can use Facebook groups to learn about businesses and organizations that match your occupational goals. Privacy settings are important when using social media. Connect only with people you know and trust, and be selective with the personal information you put on social networking sites. BY will O’HAVER

Do’s • Do create a complete profile on professional networking sites. • Do grow your network by accepting invitations. • Do facilitate introductions for others who request them. • Do show appreciation and keep your word. • Do realize that you are communicating with a global network and a diverse set of people. • Do spend time lurking to become familiar with sites before participating in discussions. • Do use proper grammar. • Do pursue traditional face-to-face networking as well. Do not’s • Do not refuse to introduce those who ask. • Do not use texting shortcuts in your writing style. • Do not neglect face-to-face networking. • Do not spam network contacts. • Do not be selfish and overwhelm contacts with introduction requests. • Do not give out contact information for your network contacts without permission.

Cleaning up your online presence

No matter how hard you try to remove all unprofessional information about yourself online, some of it will remain in cyberspace. Here are some easy ways that you can clean up that online image: 1. Google yourself; see what

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employers can see about you. 2. Hide the unprofessional information by joining LinkedIn—a professional networking site. 3. Create a website about you and your skills. For example, if you are a photographer, create photo galleries

that show off your latest and newest pictures. 4. Start writing a professional blog about your adventures through college, but keep it professional. 5. Join professional groups around campus, and upload your experiences through

BY will O’HAVER

tweets on Twitter and status on Facebook. 6. Last, don’t hurt your own image by a picture, tweet, or status from the past weekend—that might be the deciding point in your job search. BY will O’HAVER

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Tell me about yourself... How to be prepared for every interview.

[ 26 ]

nterviewing is a daunting task for anyone, but being ready for the interview is your key to success. Interviewing techniques and interviewers vary greatly, so a general rule of thumb for interviewing is, “Be prepared for anything!” Sometimes you may go into an interview knowing who you will be meeting with and the structure of the interview, while other times you are left in the dark. While it is nice to know the details about the interview beforehand, there are steps you can take to be prepared for any interview: • Know yourself • Research the organization and position • Be ready to answer the employer’s questions • Have questions for the in-

terviewer. o into the interview ready for anything the employer may throw at you. That starts with knowing yourself. You should be able to talk about yourself, your skills and abilities, and your experiences. Find ways to relate your previous experience to the job you are interviewing for. esearching the position and company you are interviewing with is important. Look at the company website, but also look beyond. While the company website may have valuable information they are likely to highlight only the positives about the company and position. he major part of the interview is answering

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All About Phone Interviews

hone interviews are used as a means of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. They are often used as a screening tool through which recruiters narrow down a pool of applicants to choose the ones to invite for in-person interviews. Phone interviews are also sometimes used for interviewing outof-town candidates. hile you are actively job searching and looking for internships, you should be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. Below are some tips for successful phone interviews. irst, be prepared to interview. This means prepare for a phone interview like you would for an in-person interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses as well as

W F

questions. It is important for you to paint the picture of your previous experiences and potential to be successful in the future. Many employers believe previous experience is the strongest indicator of future behavior. Use the Problem, Action, Result (PAR) approach to answer questions: Problem or Situation escribe a specific problem or situation you experienced at work or school. Be sure to briefly describe the context of the problem (where it happened and how you were involved). Action ext, tell what action you took to resolve the problem.

D N

answers to typical interview questions. In addition, you may want to try the following: • Keep your résumé in clear view to help you answer questions. • Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review. • Have a pen and paper handy for note taking. • Turn off call waiting to avoid interruptions. • Use a land line instead of a cell phone to avoid dropped calls and static. • Clear the room (remove kids or pets; turn off electronics; close the door). econd, be sure to consider phone etiquette during the interview. You won’t have visual cues that you would have when talking with someone faceto-face. The following tricks can help you be successful.

• Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink. • Don’t interrupt the interviewer. • Keep a glass of water handy in case your mouth becomes dry. • Smile (smiling projects a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice). • Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. • Take your time (it’s acceptable to take a moment to collect your thoughts). inally, after the interview, make notes about what you were asked and how you answered. Remember to thank the interviewer and follow up with a thank-you note or e-mail reiterating your interest in the job or internship. Remember, the goal of a phone interview is to set up a faceto-face interview or to get to the next

BY nicole WALCOTT

Result inally, what was the result or your action? What impact did you have? This is perhaps the most important step, but it is often missed by job candidates. sk questions at the end of the interview. Most interviewers will end by asking if you have questions for them. It is important to demonstrate that you have a good understanding and honest interest in the company and position. Avoid asking questions about salary, time off, and other selfserving topics at the first interview. These questions can be saved for the negotiation stage of the hiring process.

BY shawn PATRICK

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[ 27 ]

DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

Q&A with Heather Kahl, Talent Acquisition Manager with Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Q A

: What makes a good interview into a great interview? : Students that are all-around polished. They look sharp and they are very confident in themselves. Also, if they have done their research on our company and they use that information that they pulled off the website within the interview.

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Sample Interview Questions! These are sample questions one might run into during an interview. Study them carefully – they will probably help you! “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity to show your leadership. You can explain how you are a leader, a hard worker, or passionate about the role.

“What is your greatest weakness?” This is a good chance to show your fit. Talk about a skill you would like to develop, or : What is the biggest turn-off during an inshare an example of how you are already terview? working on strengthening this area.

Q A

: Not looking professional and presentable is the biggest turn-off during an interview. Males should be wearing a tie, and females should not be dressing up like it is Friday night. Candidates need to look professional because they do not want anything to deter from the actual interview.

Q A

: What is the best advice you have for students going on interviews? : Students need to have their résumés critiqued before meeting with an employer, either done by the Career Center on campus or by other employers. Also, participate in mock interviews as much as possible to improve your skill sets before going on a actual interview.

Q A

: As a recruiter, what would you say is the biggest problem students have during interviews? : Students who lack confidence and downplay their past experience or accomplishments. If they are not confident during the interview, it really hurts them. BY will O’HAVER

“Describe a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.” You can show more leadership here. Define what you did, detail how it was an unexpected form of leadership, and explain the result and what you learned from it. “How have you handled a difficult working relationship?” This is a time to showcase teamwork. Describe a difficult relationship while keeping a positive attitude, explain how you handled it, and talk about what you learned from the experience. “When have you had competing demands on your time and how did you handle them?” Here is yet another time to showcase leadership. Define the time commitments you faced, detail how you prioritized your time, and explain your reasoning for prioritizing how you did. *Information taken from Ivy Advising practice interview cards. For your own copy, stop by the Career Center today to pick some up!

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

NET WORK ING Networking through LinkedIn

Choose Your Own Adventure: Elevator Speech

ore than 80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Building a professional network and making the most of it is essential to a successful job search. LinkedIn is a professional networking site that can help you find the contacts to grow your network quickly and lead to a job. Using LinkedIn can also be useful in promoting yourself and establishing your image as a young professional. Starting your LinkedIn account can be very easy, especially with help from the Career Center. Students can go to the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235, for more information about LinkedIn. reating a LinkedIn account is easy—At LinkedIn.com enter your first and last names and your e-mail address in the boxes provided, select a password, and then click the green Join Now button. our profile is basically like your résumé online. Once complete, your profile will guide you toward other contacts and groups to network with, as well as to jobs. o complete your profile: • Enter your current job and your past two positions (if you have them). • Write your profile summary. • List your specialties. • Enter your education information.

• Upload a professional photo of yourself. • Save changes when you are finished. ne way to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities to emplyers is by requesting recommendations from past colleagues or employers. Recommendations can provide you with a great way to network with people who have the same skill set or abilities. LinkedIn considers three recommendations the minimum number necessary to have a complete profile. inkedIn is a valuable tool for finding jobs by making contacts with groups and people. Clicking Jobs in the navigation bar will provide you with several options to perform a simple search: by keyword, specific region in the United States and abroad, and ZIP code. reating your LinkedIn account enables you to break free from the clutter of other social networking sites and focus on your professional identity. Connecting with groups and contacts in your areas of expertise opens doors to new opportunities for your future career.

Imagine you’re standing in an elevator and the doors are about to close. Someone sticks an arm in at the last possible second. You’re frustrated at the delay until the doors open and Bill Gates (or Oprah Winfrey, or some other person you want to impress) walks into the elevator. Now what? You don’t know what to say. You stare at your shoes and hope that he gets off on the next floor. Even though you have always wanted to work for him and think he’s a genius, you just can’t find the right words. ARGH! Or You know that you only have about 15 seconds until this elevator ride is over and you know what you want. You go for it! Even if it’s not meeting someone famous in an elevator, an elevator speech can help you be able to explain your goals to someone when you are networking with them. They help make your message clear, concise, and coherent. What should you say? Greeting—Introduce yourself: smile, have a good handshake, and make eye contact. Message—You decide how you want to steer the conversation with one (or more) of these tools: • Pay a compliment. • Make a statement (about your strengths, your area of study, or what you’re looking for). • Ask a question. Response—Communication is a two-way street. Give him (or her) the chance to talk. “Mr. Gates, my name is Charlie Cardinal. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am currently a senior at Ball State University studying history with a minor in peace studies and conflict resolution. I just got back from a trip to Africa. I really admire your foundation’s work with the underprivileged there. How could I find out about opportunities to work with your organization?”

BY will O’HAVER

BY james MITCHELL

C Y

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

There a re search many jobdo that w cuments ill h with yo elp you ur sear for an ch interns hip caree r. Résu or més are ob vious, but cover le t t e rs portfo lios, let , ters of

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

recommendation, and thank-you notes are just as important. In this section, you will learn how to prepare and target your résumé and cover letters for employers, what employers like to see

umé, s é r r u on yo mples a x e d an search of job- ts. For en docum rmation fo more in search on job visit the ents docum Center at r Caree all 220. H Lucina

Job Sea r c Doc h ume nts

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Cov er L ette rs

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Q&A with Heather Kahl, Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Q A

:What is the worst thing a student could have on their resume? : Enterprise receives thousands of applications, and the biggest turnoff with students’ résumés are typos and grammatical errors. Also, students’ objective statements that do not match the position for which they are applying.

Q A

: How important is the design of résumés? : Résumés need to be short, sweet, and one

page long. Résumés do not need to be lengthy, and make sure that they are listing skills that are applicable towards the position.

: How much time do you actually spend with the initial review of a résumé? : Probably a couple of minutes because we look at both the applicant’s résumé and online application. At Career Fairs we spend maybe forty seconds, but we mainly glimpse

through their résumé and give them advice on where and how to apply for our positions.

: Should students have several different résumés or just one when looking for jobs? : In most cases students could use the same résumé, but change the objective statement to match the position for which they are applying.

BY will O’HAVER

Cover Letter Activity Your Strengths*

l in Fil e th s! le rc ci

Cover Letter Contents

Targeting Your Résumé

argeting your résumé to a specific job or position that you are seeking is an important strategy. By looking at the job description, you can tailor your résumé to portray those characteristics that you have that align with what the employer deems as necessary. It is good to note that each résumé is tailored for a job or internship, unless you are uploading a generic résumé that has been tailored for a career field. For example, if you are applying for a teaching position, your resume will have information about all the relevant experiences that would make you a good teacher, like instructional roles, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.

Employer’s Needs**

* You should be able to identify your selling points and what you have to offer an employer based on your interests, past experiences, area of study, and the skills that come from your experiences.

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BY nicole WALCOTT

**This information can come from the employer’s web site, your own research, a job description, informational interviews, or any other source where you can identify what the employer is looking for in a candidate.

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

Sample Résumés

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Bri 2000 W dget Jones . Bri Muncie, dal Wood Lan In e Cell: (7 diana 47306 65) 555 ‐1 Portfoli bejones@bsu 234 o: http:/ .e /bjones du .iweb.b su.edu/

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CA TIO N

Sample Résumés

Permanent A ddress 1536 East Seve nth Street Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 555‐131 3

Dr. Raymond Jo hn Accounting Pro son fes College of Busin sor ess Ball State Univ ersity Muncie, India na 47306 (765) 555‐000 0 rjohnson3@bs u.edu

Dr. Beverly Sti nson Academic Advis or College of Busin , Accounting Department ess Ball State Univ ersity Muncie, India na 47306 (765) 555‐000 2 bstinson3@bs u.edu

Mr. Mike Park er Supervisor of S tudent Emplo yment Career Center Ball State Univ ersity Muncie, India na 47306 (765) 555‐002 0 mparker4@bs u.edu

www.bsu.edu/careers

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DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Mo nte rey OBJ Cir ECT cle • To o IVE Mu b ncie t com ain a , Ind pos m u iana nica i tion tion as 473 EDU s, an a ca 04 • s C d e (76 ma Bac ATIO 5) 5 nag manag N helo e e 55 men r at Ball r o 555 A S t sk f 5 ills. BC Ag Min tate U Social enc nive or: G Wo y us rk eron rsity i n , g tolo Mun my SUM gy exc cie, elle Indi Org MARY nt o ana O a r g an , De • In nizati F SKI cem izat itiat LLS on iona ber 2 ac ed “ tivit l, Ado 0 05 • Pl i p e t s ‐ f a‐Gr ann o r s e Co a t aliti d and c udents ndpare • Or oor on; i and nt P d g • Co anized ncreas inated elderl rogram y i e e ord a ” d d n w d pr Com inat eek ucati n com at the o e • De munic d volu moted ly prog onal, he munity local ju n w a r . nior v a as eloped tion teers’ orksh am pa lth, an hig rtic sche s ops h sc ipat d socia • Ed isted e listeni f d hoo o u r 4‐ les f ion b l pro lder ng s i l pr t e H d o • Co kills ly w ovid clu bim g y r “ r 4 a M 0 n ing g peo ms fo eals bs an • M ducte onthly ith read throug on W d liv ple. r rou S d m ade v h e i p nior esto pre hee onth olunt ng an volun Tea Citi ls” p ck gr eer a d w chin sent t l e y e m z ritin r wo ens o r • Re a c o e g u t t i e g / i p o v ti ram I g s in n r thr . • Cr cruited nstruc s to co ngs for ity new corres k for F ee s t , e r mm p 2 s tate • Co ated re trained ion unit 00 pa letter. onden iends o s. ren o ce. y or f the t Man rdinat ality‐or , and sc s g E , a teac niza lder e i h a e d e g n w h d eme tion tatio ly p • Su e uled e r e s k r , s ab p ogra n ly e ac ervise nt out G and sch duc progr 60 vol m; c d u atio a oo irl S • M ommo region nal a ms for nteers cou l admi ana dati f m a n o t l n Cou con d so r a n enta ged i o s n t r , fer a ncil farm and cial pro lly imp ursing h act tors. WO ing o prog ence fo iviti gram aire R o r r per es. Ass K EXP s fo d nur me vis atio ammin Girl Sc ista r E i s t 2 g n. o arr 5 Gi ing h ation Dale nt A RIENC ang uts of A ome pro rl Sc c v E t i e l i m le, I viti men g res Stu outs n e d iden ram. ts. erica, i . Ball ent As diana, J s Direc nclu ts. S s a ding Pro tate U istant nuary tor, Eri s taffi 2 t , g n c ress ng, Web ram A iversit Depart 006‐P k Man ent Add . Wrigmh or re Perman ber Lane ss y m ster elly Mht@ K l.co im , Ar istant , Munci ent of G sent ao T 0 4 4 1 365 kan kmwrig LEA Ohio 45 sas, , Senior e, India eront olog Sidney, -3081 na, Janu Citi • Vi DERSH 5 J y 5 z u a 5 e ly ry 1 c I (937) 997 ns Coal 2002‐ • Pr e Pres P EXP it ‐J u n Dec E i e emb e 20 ion • Gr siden dent, S RIENC ddress A t 0 5 en 3 t rr 0 e # E o t r 20 Cu 2 ox • Tr up Le , Paren udent S Hall, B 0 5 a t‐ oop Howick diana 47306 Lea der, 4‐ Teache ocial W TION cie, In n H C u o der r M A r 3 EDUCA , Gir lubs o ssoc kers A 55-218 l Sco (765) 5 ssoc f Am iation uts o ia ( e ay 2011 f Am rica (1 2001‐2 tion (2 ected M on 9 004 0 eric rts, Exp uncie, Indiana romotion Opti ‐200 A a (1 96‐200 03) f o r o 995 1 5) Bachel University, M ns, Sales and P ‐200 ) r) te io ta at 0) semeste Ball S munic List (1 Telecom Dean’s r; Major: arketing la o ch M tial S Minor: /4.0 residen ersity P .1 GPA: 3 all State Univ IENCE B : EXPER Honors WORK licies, k-out po na sent as chec e, India 007-pre ugust 2 ibrary; Munci concerns, such A t, n cken L services ulation t Assista library Studen University Bra rons with circ garding at n te ms arise Ball Sta dvise library p urs of operatio ns’ questions re when proble es o  A machin dle patro s, and h renewal e phone to han nters and copy h pri er th it sw w n A ce stan  vide assi Pro 007 leaders ugust 2 new crew tions 2006-A d trained customer rela an October io , s er ee d y y it lo ea Crew L ns; Sidney, Oh g of new emp maintained qual h irin d Jinny Jo ssisted with h customers an otional items ange r  A food fo lays and prom re ownership ch ed ar p Pre ged store disp ip during sto sh an Arr onstrated leader Dem 07 2006-20 ummers, hio dant, S a 7; Sidney, O e sales en atrons tt A e ic ox offic em ets to p Box Off Theatres, Cin ted movie tick and recorded b s u te Keraso old and distrib te cash drawer accura  S ntained ITIES Mai ACTIV nt 07-prese ober 20 ber; Oct 007-May 2008 -April 2008 em m ns team ch 2007 -July 2005 mber 2 romotio ember; Septe member; Mar 9 -FM, p ary 199 une 2007 m all team member, Janu WCRD all Council, 3-J H k ic H ow ust 200 2006 6; k g H 0 ic u , 0 2 ll w A a o t, ly b H ft 2004-Ju presiden 2006 2-March ural So Intram president, July of 2005, vice , October 200 ary 2004-July ss b nu ber 4-H, clu igh School Cla Team, mem , volunteer, Ja im io H Sidney igh School Sw al, Sidney, Oh it H Sidney emorial Hosp M Wilson

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Sample Résumés

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www.bsu.edu/careers

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

DEVELOP KEY SKILLS

Cover Letter Guide Your Present Address City, State ZIP Code Date Person’s Name* Title Employer Name Street Address City, State ZIP Code

Include an introductory cover letter with each résumé you send to employers. Each letter must be originally typed and signed.

* Make every effort to get a specific name. If you absolutely cannot, address your letter to the right department, making sure you know the current name of the department—for example, Human Resources vs. Personnel.

Dear (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.):§ (First Paragraph) Indicate the reason for writing, the specific position for which you are applying, and, if there is a position open, the source from which you learned of the job and the date it was posted. If you are inquiring about jobs in general and no opening was advertised, indicate your interest in career opportunities in your field. (Second Paragraph) Mention why you are interested in the position or organization and its products or services. Relate your academic or work background to the position for which you are applying—how are you qualified for the position? Point out your practical work experience, specific achievements, and unique qualifications. Mention information other than what is on your résumé. (Final Paragraph) Refer the reader to your enclosed résumé, which summarizes your qualifications, training, and experience. You may also mention how an employer can obtain your references or credentials. Refer to your interest in a personal interview and indicate your eagerness to meet personally to learn more about the position. You may suggest several dates or indicate your flexibility as to the time and place. Include your phone number. If the vacancy notice included the employer’s phone number, indicate that you will call within seven to ten days to find out if an interview can be arranged. If you indicate you will call, follow through! Thank the employer for taking the time to read your letter and résumé. Sincerely, (Your written signature) Your typed name Enclosure (refers to enclosed résumé)

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§ If you are unable to get a name or do not even have the employer name (as with a blind ad), do not use “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” “Dear Employer” or “Director of (fill in department)” are examples of appropriate salutations in these cases.

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GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Immersive Learning

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

According to the BBC website, Building Better Communities Fellows is an immersive learning program in which faculty and students find real-world solutions to real-world problems for Indiana businesses and organizations. Funded in part by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the fellows program engages interdisciplinary teams of students led by a faculty mentor in on-site, problem-based projects. Ball State University assists the local economy by focusing on directly improving services, developing new job opportunities, improving quality, or improving competitiveness for business and community partners. To find out more about BBC Fellows and other immersive experiences visit bsu.edu/immersive.

“Immersive” experiences are unique to BSU. That means you, as a student, will need to be able to explain them to RECENT PROJECTS potential employers. You’ve JFNew NativeSpec Database Development done good work and it’s Students from a variety of disciplines collaborated with JFNew and the Ball State time to show it off ! Emerging Technologies unit to design and develop a searchable database tool to be Here are the top ways used for specifying native plant species for ecological restoration projects. Throughout that you might be the project, the students interacted with restoration ecologists, native landscape designers, able to bring up your botanists, and native plant nursery professionals to define the need and scientific constraints immersive experiences: to make this database system a highly useful productivity tool. The final product was a • On your résumé: decision support tool that will help ensure the success of sustainable landscaping and Listing your ecological restoration projects. immersive experience like any other work Saint-Gobain Containers Recycling Initiative experience can give This student team worked with Saint-Gobain Containers, a leading producer of glass it more credibility packaging for the food and beverage industry. Saint-Gobain is committed to using a greater on your résumé. percentage of recycled glass in its packaging. As part of its efforts, the company wants to focus Listing specific on appropriate legislation to increase the amount of glass that Hoosiers recycle. Students with accomplishments a passion for the environment and public policy teamed with Saint-Gobain to learn about the can also help you issues surrounding glass recycling while researching economic and environmental impacts make the most of the associated with the passage of a bottle bill in other states. experience. • In an interview: Wayne County Historical Tourism Once your résumé In this project, Ball State University students helped the Levi Coffin House Association gets you an interview it in Wayne County prepare for upcoming growth opportunities as a result of a new visitors’ will be your opportunity center planned for the site by the Indiana Department of Natural Resource Division to tell stories—specific, of State Historic Sites. Students majoring in architecture, business, and humanities detailed descriptions of conducted focus groups and developed a strategic plan based on their findings. As part things that you learned, of their plan the students developed a community walking tour, a volunteer docent created, or fine-tuned as part handbook, a driving tour, and historic signage. They also completed grant proposals of your immersive learning to implement their projects. project. • In an online portfolio: You Without a Voice might be able to show off some of Students on this team worked with a committee recently formed in Muncie your work on the project through an to recruit and train volunteers willing to serve as medical guardians online portfolio. This web-based tool for elderly individuals who must make important medical decisions could help you show off a creative design without the guidance of family and friends. The group gained a vast piece, a report, a PowerPoint, or some other amount of knowledge regarding medical and legal issues related tangible product. to the care of the elderly while learning about community and regional resources for this population. Students developed a training manual and implemented the training protocol with the first group of volunteers. BY james MITCHELL

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www.bsu.edu/careers

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

JUST BECAUSE YOU PUT A TIE ON SOMETHING DOESN’T MAKE IT PROFESSIONAL.

LET THE CAREER CENTER HELP YOU. www.bsu.edu/careers

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GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

to an Are you still undecided about what you want to do with your major? Or are you just starting to take courses in your major? Either way, the Career Center recommends exploring your career options through internships. These experiences enable you to explore a work environment, allow you to evaluate what you like or dislike about a certain profession, identify and develop skills, and build networks with professionals who can serve as mentors for career preparation. Internships may open new doors of interest for you and lead you down a different career path from the one you planned.

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www.bsu.edu/careers

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GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Finding internships

inding an internship might be required for your major or maybe you want to gain more work experience within your field. In either case, finding internships won’t be the easiest thing you have ever done. But don’t get discouraged. Compare it to finding a summer job when you were in high school—you had to apply like everyone else, contact the employer, conduct an interview, and wait in anticipation for the employers call. Finding an internship is similar, but now you might have to apply online. Also, you need to have a résumé and cover letter ready for an employer once you have found an internship to for which you are applying. irst, you need to conduct research. Doing research on companies will

help tremendously as you start your search for an internship and begin the process of contacting employers. Ask your academic department’s internship coordinator about where students with similar academic backgrounds have worked in the past. Also, ask if the internship coordinator can add you to an e-mail list about employers offering internships. An advisor at the Career Center in Lucina Hall 220 can help you plan your internship search, give you advice on what areas to pursue, and give you feedback about your résumé. The Career and Experiential Learning Lab, Lucina Hall 235, is a great place to conduct internship research through multiple resources. Finally, attend job fairs that are sponsored by the Career Center; it is a great way to meet with

STEPS TO GETTING AN INTERNSHIP

ONE SEMESTER BEFORE YOUR INTERNSHIP

ONE OR TWO SEMESTERS BEFORE YOUR INTERNSHIP www.bsu.edu/careers

employers and get a feel for their company. he lab has many resources for finding internships. These resources are searchable by interest, location, and other categories. Current resources include Vault Guide to Top Internships, The Internship Bible, Peterson’s Internships, National Internships Guide, and The Internship Advantage. elpful websites include Cardinal Career Link; IndianaIntern.net; InternshipsUSA.com; Internships.com; and Vault Career Insider. On the Career Center’s homepage, click Career and Experiential Learning Lab, then Great Links to Explore, then Internships for links to all these sites. BY will O’HAVER

• Interview for internships. • Send thank-you letters to interviewers. • Follow up with the interviewers if you haven’t heard from them in a reasonable amount of time. • Evaluate offers and examine the entire position, not just compensation. • Accept the position and write a letter of acceptance.

• Visit the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235. • Meet with the internship coordinator in your department. • Send résumés and cover letters to potential internship employers. • Practice interview skills. • Gather application materials (transcripts, references). [ 39 ]

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

STUDENT REFLECTIONS on internships Lily Barker

Fall is a thing of the past. The end-of-year holidays are gone and the Career Center is buzzing with students eager to gain on-campus employment. Ball State University is back in full-swing. It is easy to get caught up in classes, homework and tests, but it is important to step back and take a look at the big picture. What are you going to do with your degree? What opportunities are available to help you achieve your dream job? I learned the answer can be found within yourself. Last summer, I hit a plateau in my career exploration. I knew my public relations major matched my interests and personality, but I wondered how to have a productive summer without an internship or undergraduate diploma. As a sophomore, how do I prepare for a career? I began my search for answers by meeting with Willow King Locke,

assistant director at the Career Center and career advisor for the College of Communication, Information, and Media. She suggested seeking opportunities to job-shadow people in my field of study. At first, I was leery about calling professionals, but eventually I found enough courage to pick up the phone. That was all it took. A few simple phone calls opened a world of opportunity. Two days later, I met with the development associate for the Make-AWish Foundation. She offered detailed information about her day-to-day work experiences and the process of planning an event and gaining sponsorship. I also attended a meeting about Evening with the Stars, the foundation’s fundraising gala held with the Indianapolis Colts as partners. I toured the venue, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, and participated in the discussion and planning of the event. The professionals I met also strongly encouraged me to apply for an internship next summer.

By making that one phone call, I was able to pave a smoother path toward my future career success. My Make-A-Wish experience inspired me to seek out another job shadow—this time with the human resources generalist at Simon Property Group. The Simon job shadow focused on résumé building and skills employers are looking for in recent graduates as opposed to concentrating on a specific career. The HR professional discussed interviewing techniques, critiqued my résumé, and offered an in-depth analysis on the best career fit for my personality and interests. Overall, the visit mimicked a drop-in advising appointment at the Career Center. The feedback from a professional in the field was invaluable, but it was even better to see that the Career Center provides students with information that will apply in their actual job search. My success in those two job shadows gave me the confidence to really pursue my dream job. Regardless of your age, there are always opportunities to seek success. The Career Center services are priceless, but the most important thing to remember is that sparking success starts within yourself.

Carleton Butler I spent the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010 seeking an internship that I would be able to use for class credit. I understood that it would be generally beneficial to do this for my own personal development, yet I didn’t understand how much doing this internship would really help landing a full-time position. My internship was with Cintas Corporation at a location in Columbus, Ohio. Although it was the most difficult job that I have ever had, I loved it. Cintas is a Fortune 500 company that is headquartered in Cincinnati. It operates nearly four hundred facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, including four manufacturing plants and eight major distribution centers. Cintas has eleven divisions: Corporate Group, Rental Division, Clean Room Division, Global Accounts, First Aid and Safety, Fire Protection, Logistics and Manufacturing, Facility Services, Promotional Services, Distribution and Production Planning, and Document Management. I did my internship with the Rental Division.

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www.bsu.edu/careers

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GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

STUDENT REFLECTIONS on internships Ryan Sagar

This past summer, I had the exciting opportunity to intern with the Northwestern Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) in Portage, Indiana. NIRPC is the recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Northwest Indiana; it covers three counties, forty-one cities and towns, and an estimated 750,000 people. While I was hired to work only from May 15 to June 30, I was fortunately able to extend my internship up until August 15 through a combination of extended funds, additional projects, and hard work! During my internship, I was able to experience my first glimpse into the professional world by working with several other interns. This was rewarding because it was one of the first opportunities to collaborate with planning students outside of Ball State’s College of Architecture and Planning. We were able to share and build off of each other’s past experiences, beliefs and values, and academic knowledge in a way that none of us had ever had opportunities to do before. It was both encouraging and exciting to make friendships that I hope will continue throughout my career. To better understand some of the things I worked on while I was

there, it’s best to first know what the Northwestern Regional Planning Commission does. NIRPC, which is the formal body for the council of governments, holds regionwide meetings, conferences, and educational events. Since it is the council of governments, I was able to meet mayors, town council representatives, economic developers, MPO directors, involved community members, and news reporters from around the region. Besides meeting policy makers and individuals who help to influence decisions that affect all of Northwest Indiana, I was privileged to work side-by-side with professional planners with backgrounds and specializations like transportation planning, geographical information systems, environmental planning, community development, and public

outreach. In three months of my internship, I had attended over forty meetings, worked over 400 hours, wrote a 97-page transit study report and created an alternate version for visually impaired individuals, met numerous professionals in my field, increased my understanding of the public-planning world, and got paid for all of it! My point is that every student should do at least one internship during college— you’ll finally get to see what you’re learning at college being practiced in real world situations. You get a great opportunity to network, build references, beef up your résumé, and sometimes even have fun while you’re doing it. As I move forward in my career, I will always remember the friends I made and the lessons I learned during my summer internship with NIRPC.

Carleton Butler Cont. As part of my job, I learned the functions of the plant area and delivery. I was taught to use an intricate computer system that kept track of the facility’s 500,000+ garments that were either in storage or in circulation. Every day items would need to be repaired or replaced. They would be cleaned and in some situations, pressed. During the time I was there, the facility was being converted to a new model that would be able to do more specialization and take on greater volume. The problem with making this transformation in the summer was that employees were in and out of the facility for vacation. I was able to become an asset to this location early on because of my ability to learn quickly and be effective in my tasks. I

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showed great flexibility, which was impressive enough for the company to offer me a full-time position after graduation as a management trainee. I was able to be successful because of my willingness to learn and openness to trying new things. I couldn’t have imagined that many people aspire to work for a company mostly known for industrial laundry, but this is what doing an internship is for—learning what jobs actually involve. I enjoyed my time with Cintas Corporation, and I recommend interning as a great way to find if a company is the right fit for you.

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Making a difference in the lives of others…Everyday!

Property Management Opportunities for Professional Mentoring and Personal Growth Sun Communities, Inc. is the nation’s premier provider of high-quality manufactured home communities. Established in 1975, Sun became a publicly traded company in 1993. The Company is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock exchange under the symbol: SUI. We pride ourselves with having a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to the 90,000+ residents we serve. It’s where you’ll receive the foundation you need to move forward in a challenging new path, where you can expand your professional skills, and work side by side co-workers who share your enthusiasm. If you are looking for a fast paced, results-orientated career, Sun may just be right where you belong. We are dedicated to mentoring our professionals and providing rewarding professional and personal growth opportunities! Apply Today for an Internship or an Entry Level Property Management Position! Visit our website at www.suncommunities.com

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

ondering where or how to find a job after graduation? This section can provide you with tips and advice on different ways to find a job. From the first step of researching jobs to the last step of sending thank you notes, this section covers it. Finding jobs can seem daunting, but use this guide to help you on your search, and you will be jobward bound in no time!

? job [ 43 ]

FIND EMPLOYMENT OR GO TO GRAD SCHOOL

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

finding jobs

hodwo i find a job?

Job Fair Tips

There is so much to learn and so little time.

ob fairs can be a great way to find jobs. Many people have the misperception that job fairs have jobs for only certain majors. Actually, job fairs present opportunities for networking and selling yourself to employers who can connect you to other jobs within their company. Additionally, job fairs serve as an opportunity for employers to match a face with a résumé.

ere are some helpful hints to keep in mind

when attending a job fair: • Dress appropriately and bring copies of your résumé. • Offer the employer a firm handshake and smile when introducing yourself. • Prepare an “elevator speech” so you can tell the employer what you have to offer. • Ask questions about career opportunities, specific job openings, and the organization. • Speak with as many representatives as possible. • Ask for business cards of the individuals you talk with (after the job fair,

write brief notes on the back of the business cards as reference). • Send thank-you letters to the representatives you meet in addition to any materials you promised to send them (e.g., reference letters).

and work, how much you’ll make, and the cost of living are major factors that affect your job search and finding a job that fits your needs best.

inding jobs is not only about the job itself but also about all the little things that go along with getting a job. The next page contains some cool websites that you can use to start finding your ideal job. Knowing where to live

BY nicole WALCOTT

International Students / U.S. Jobs It’s not as hard as one might think.

nternational students can approach the job-search the same way that Americans do. However, there are some unique obstacles in the job-search process that make it a little different. International students must make sure that they have the appropriate authorization status and that their potential employer is willing to sponsor them. For additional information, visit the Rinker Center for International Programs; they have experts in this area. Also, do your own background research about visa options before beginning your job search.

ther obstacles you might encounter during the job-search process include employers perceptions that visa sponsorship is too costly and time consuming; interna-

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tionals’ differing cultures will bring problems to the workplace; there is a lack of commitment to the company as visas expire; and there is a lack of interpersonal skills necessary to fit into the U.S. business culture.

o be prepared for those assumptions and biases, you must be ready to counter them with reasons that an employer should hire you over a U.S. citizen. Some advantages include fluency in other languages; knowledge of other cultures, business practices, and markets outside of the U.S.; adaptability to newer environments; and the ability to bring new perspectives and diversity.

t is also a general rule to not bring up your visa status until you have had an opportunity to sell yourself.

During your interview, find an appropriate time to bring up your visa status. Showing knowledge of the visa application process and the benefit of hiring an international candidate will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and your value to the employer.

he Career Center has great resources for the international job search, both in print and online. For more information about networking your way to U.S. jobs, researching employers, finding a sponsor, and other career-related topics (like résumés, cover letters, and reference lists), stop by the Career and Experiential Learning Lab in Lucina 235 and talk to a staff member who can help you out!

BY nicole WALCOTT

www.bsu.edu/careers

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

FIND EMPLOYMENT OR GO TO GRAD SCHOOL

finding jobs

hodwo i find a job?

Salary Calculator T

o find information about salaries for various careers, you should visit the Bureau Labor of Statistics’ website. This agency provides accurate and up-to-date information about earnings, nature of work, and other useful information for specific careers. To get started, visit http://www.bls.gov./bls/wages.htm. f you want to figure out how much you should make in a certain area, which will help you in the negotiation process of finding jobs, visit htt p://www.flcdatacenter.com. Knowing salary information should be a high priority in finding jobs that match your interests. BY nicole WALCOTT

Find Your Spot

ake a fun quiz and F indYourSpot.com will instantly provide you with a tailored list of cities and small towns that fit your interests! This site gives you a chance to compare towns and undiscovered havens. You can use this information to dig deeper and find job listings, demographic information, and other important resources that will help you in finding jobs. Go to http://www .findyourspot.com. BY nicole WALCOTT

Cost of Living

hether you are looking for a job, deciding between two jobs based on salary and cost of living, or just curious about it, the PayScale Cost of Living Calculator is a great tool to begin your research. All you have to do is enter the job title and current location and then the city where you are considering moving to. Not only will this website show you the difference between costs of living but it will also let you know how much you will need to make in the new location to maintain your current standard of living. The site is http://www.payscale.com/cost-ofliving-calculator. BY nicole WALCOTT

on’t be like everyone else. Try to stand out from the crowd when job searching. In a tight market, every little bit helps, so figure out what makes you unique. That way, potential employers will remember you, and you’ll have that job in no time.

www.bsu.edu/careers

BY david CLEVELAND

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

How to Get a Job Step 1: Apply • Go to www.bsu.edu/careers/viewjobs. • After reading the text, click on Application. • Enter your Ball State username and password. • Follow the instructions and click Submit. • Complete state and federal tax forms by clicking on the tax form link or come to the Career Center and fill them out. Be sure to use your permanent home address on all tax forms. Step 2: Choose All job vacancies are posted on Cardinal ViewJobs on the Career Center’s website. Be sure to check this portal frequently because jobs are continually being added and removed. Once you see a job you are interested in, come to the Career Center. You can also search Cardinal ViewJobs in the Career Center. Step 3: Get a job Once you’ve chosen a job, you must stop by the Career Center for a referral. At your first visit, you must show documents to verify your eligibility to work in the United States (most students use an original social security card, an official birth certificate, or a passport).* Please bring your Ball State University student ID card with you. Once you receive your referral you must contact the employer to apply.

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If you do not get the job, keep trying. Continue to look for other employment opportunities on Cardinal ViewJobs and stop by the Career Center to get more referrals. For more details about working on campus and the necessary documents for proof of employment eligibility, consult the Student Employee Handbook at www.bsu.edu/careers, click Student Employment and then Student Employee Handbook. *Graduate assistants, doctoral assistants, undergraduate honors fellows, resident assistants, and international students should call the Career Center at 285-5634 to find out what additional forms may be needed. BY nicole WALCOTT

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT Do you work in an on-campus student job? If so, you’re one of more than 4,500 students who do so each year—the largest category of Ball State employees. During the last academic year, student workers earned more than $8 million dollars in annual payroll.

he types of work student employees do are often critical to the university’s functioning. Students hold positions from web designers to tutors, customer service providers to frontline office assistants, and media technicians to instructors and teaching assistants. Campus supervisors continue to report that student workers provide essential services, allowing full-time staff to focus on other critical projects important to the university. Several of the benefits of oncampus student employment that are often taken for granted are the experiences and employability skills that you develop by working at a student job. Whether your immediate career goal includes looking for an internship or full-time employment, your campus job can provide you with the qualifications sought by employers. For example, most employers today want students who have work experience—actual handson experiences working with people, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating that you can be depended upon to complete a project or task. Employers want examples of your functional or transferable skills and behaviors. These include problem solving, customer service, flexibility, dependability, and practicing a good work ethic. Your campus job can help you develop and use these skills in full-time professional jobs.

www.bsu.edu/careers

In this tough job market, employers also seek candidates with employability skills. These are the skill sets that show you can hit the road running and start making contributions to the organization immediately. While these can be related to your field of study (content skills), most often they represent the experiences that can only be gained through practice. Employability skills include communications (such as writing, speaking, negotiating, persuading, and listening) and interpersonal skills (including leading or managing, working as a member of a team, appreciating diversity, being sensitive to others, and resolving conflicts). How can you be sure to experience and practice some of these skills in your campus job? Talk with your supervisor about your career goals and determine if there are projects or tasks you can take on that will help you acquire and demonstrate new skill sets. For example, perhaps you can devise a daily “to-do” list for yourself and other student workers in your area. Include estimated timeframes for completion of each task. How can you improve the work flow in your area? Or how can you help the full-time staff review current department procedures and policies? Make recommendations from your viewpoint as a student and customer. You could also help identify

potential or real barriers in your work area that hinder service to specific groups of students (e.g., adult students, commuters, students with disabilities, international students). Develop alternatives and share them with your supervisor. Or, evaluate places of business where you are a customer. What do they do right? Wrong? What lessons can be applied to your work area? To get started, you can even organize a focus group of student employees in your area to talk about how part-time job experiences in your department can help with the search for an internship or full-time job. As you evaluate your campus job and the skill sets you’re gaining, be sure to document the times and circumstances when you’ve used these skills. Employers will expect to hear real-life stories about when you’ve used specific skills and what the results were. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to take stock of your part-time work experiences and translate them into valuable credentials for the job search. Successful job-seekers are the ones who can demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, work experiences, and behaviors that make them the best qualified candidate for the job. If you’ve been successful with specific job skills in the past (and can describe them in a interview), you’ll be well on your way to a successful career. BY larry BECK

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Taking care of a brand new rock wall takes a certain amount of pride and care. I take pride in where I work because I want everyone who comes in to visit that rock wall to have the best time possible and also for the rock wall to be around for a very long time. This experience will help prepare me for my future by showing me that hard work is rewarded and also that I can handle a good amount of responsibility. Jennifer Brassie, Rock Climbing Wall

Value of Student Employment Student employment should not be viewed as a means to an end for financial woes, but rather as a small investment for your future. While looking at the benefits of student employment may be at the bottom of your priority list, the Career Center would like to tell you about the added value that part-time jobs on Ball State’s campus afford you. Students who work on campus have the opportunity to earn extra money while meeting new people and networking, developing transferable job skills necessary for future careers, and acquiring new skills like time management that employers look for in candidates. Additionally, student employees gain hands on experiences that serve as great résumé builders.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships allow students entering graduate programs to gain meaningful experience in post-graduate studies while gaining the benefits of waived tuition and a potential stipend. Assistantship duties vary. These highly competitive positions give students an opportunity to learn skills by working with faculty and professionals and gaining hands on experience in a variety of fields. The best way to look for assistantships is to go to www.bsu.edu/careers/viewjobs and click on Graduate Assistantships. This site is available anywhere with Internet access. It is updated frequently, so you should check for assistantships often. Some departments do not post assistantships on Cardinal ViewJobs, so you should also network with faculty and staff. Building connections and rapport with them may open many opportunities for assistantships. BY nicole WALCOTT

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Staying Connected on Campus

Cardinal Career Link Job Listings

Mentor Network

Campus Interviews

Employer Database

Job Fairs

Resume Builder

Cardinal Career Link (CCL) enables you to stay connected to campus since it is accessible on the World Wide Web from anywhere with Internet access. We recommend using CCL while you’re away from campus, during extended breaks. These breaks provide time for career-related activities like preparing a résumé and researching employers. CCL includes a résumé builder to help you create this important document. Once you upload your résumé into CCL, a member of the Career Center staff will review it and give you feedback— whether you’re in Muncie or hundreds of miles away. Stay in touch!

BY nicole WALCOTT

www.bsu.edu careers click on cardinal career link [ 50 ]

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

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CARDINAL CAREER LINK: Ball State’s Online Career Community Cardinal Career Link is the Career Center’s online, state-of-the-art jobsearch and recruiting system for students and alumni. According to Mollie Fout, director of the Career Center, “Cardinal Career Link incorporates the latest electronic job-search tools sought by both employers and job seekers. These include an online résumé builder, the storage of résumés and job-search documents, online résumé books open to employers, the ability to apply for positions online, and access to a wider variety of employment opportunities.” As a partnership with the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Cardinal Career Link is a member of a national network of more than 800 premiere colleges and universities. This national affiliation vastly increases the number of job postings for internship candidates, graduating college seniors, and experienced alumni. The jobs database provides easy access to thousands of internship and full-time positions. Cardinal Career Link lets students and alumni search for all types of jobs, including part-time, full-

www.bsu.edu/careers

time, internships and fellowships, and seasonal employment. Candidates can apply for jobs online and track job-search activities, including application history and personal notes made about employers and jobs. Registered users can also create “job agents” that track jobs posted to the system and then notify candidates by e-mail of openings that fit their job-search profiles. Candidates can also upload a variety of job-search documents including different résumés, cover letters, and other job-search documents such as writing samples, pictures and graphics, portfolios, and PowerPoint presentations. Cardinal Career Link is used by employer organizations visiting the campus to conduct on-campus interviews. Interview interest sign-ups and interview scheduling are all coordinated through Cardinal Career Link. Candidates registering with Cardinal Career Link also receive regular enewsletters from the Career Center highlighting programs, services, and current employment trends Beginning with spring semester 2011, the Career Center will offer the

Cardinal Career Link Mentor Network. The Mentor Network is an online career community where students will connect with mentors offering advice and information about choosing careers, selecting majors, finding relevant career-related experiences (including internships) and making the transition from college to career. More information will be sent to Cardinal Career Link registrants when the network is launched. To create a profile and register in Cardinal Career Link, go to the Cardinal http://cms.bsu.edu/About/ AdministrativeOffices/ CareerCenter/ CardinalCareerLink.aspx. Click the For Students and Alumni link and enter your Ball State Outlook username. Because of the sophisticated features of Cardinal Career Link, the system is password-protected to ensure that employment opportunities for Ball State candidates are accessed only by Ball State students and alumni. Cardinal Career Link is truly all jobs 24/7/365 and can be a valuable tool in a student’s search for parttime jobs, internships, and full-time employment. BY larry BECK

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

CAMPUS

T O CAREER

gORh WHAT DO I

DO NOW? 2

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Thanks, Ball State ...for preparing me for life. R

eady or not here it is. The day that seemed so far away and at times seemed as if it would never get here has arrived. Ironically, graduation day came faster than I could have imagined. Looking back, it is clear to me that there are steps students can take to prepare for the transition from student to professional. was fortunate enough to graduate with a degree in landscape architecture and land a position with a design firm. Becoming a professional has been a huge blessing but it has not come without challenges. Skipping morning class to sleep in, wearing pajamas to class, not shaving for weeks, and blowing off the test are no longer op-

tions. Punctuality is a must, personal appearance is critical, and experience is a game changer. In my position as well as many others, being able to communicate well with clients and colleagues is a major part of every day. Although it can be a challenge from day to day, I am also getting to do what I worked hard for throughout my college career. hat is the best ingredient to prepare for the real world? The real world. In my experience the single most important factor in getting my professional position and being prepared for it was having had internships and work experience. I was able to get internships my last two sum-

mers, and I was also able to work on campus during the school year. Of course, there are a few things that are key to getting real world experience. Choosing the best classes to further your skills and attending them is the first step. Taking every opportunity to network and set up relationships with professionals in your area of interest can open doors. The phrase “it’s all in who you know” is true. ne of the biggest differences for me between college and my career was the need to be flexible. There is no syllabus in the professional world. Being able to switch gears and change course quickly is critical when a client or boss

Work / Life Balance H

changes his or her mind. I found that having someone who acts as a mentor—both while I was a student and after graduation—has helped me learn skills, like the need to be flexible. all State University has prepared me well to transition into a professional. Enjoy your time in college; it will pass quickly. Whether you are just beginning as a freshman or signing up for graduation, stay focused on your long-term goals and look for every opportunity to gain real world experience, even if it is as a volunteer. That will help you find the transition from student to professional as challenging and exciting as I have. BY andrew CUNNINGHAM

aving a work-life balance is a necessity as you transition from campus to career. Going from a university to business environment and lifestyle presents many challenges. As a new employee, you may want to be an over-achiever to make a name for yourself in the company and to prove that you are all that you said you were

when you were interviewing. However, to truly stay sane and relieve stress from work, you must make time for yourself. Work is important, but taking time to do things for yourself is equally important. To achieve a great work-life balance, consider not taking work assignments home unless there is a pressing deadline; joining a local gym

or recreation center; participating in hobbies, clubs, or groups that interest you; blocking out certain days on your calendar for personal activities; meeting new friends and socializing; and using your personal days or vacation days as necessary—that is what they are for!

sumed there would be places lining up to hire me once I had graduated. I mean, I would have a college degree— that’s what everyone wants, right? I had a high GPA and already had work experience from working my way through college. I’d be a shoo in to any job. How wrong I was. graduated in 2006 ready to take on the world, only I had no idea where to begin. I had quit both my jobs to focus on my job search and had money set aside to help me with my endeav-

ors. “No problem,” I thought. “I’ll have a job in no time flat and will be able to start generating income.” Ha! Not so fast. That money dwindled oh so fast, and I had no idea even where to begin. f I could do it over again, I would definitely use my college career center. There is so much information there, and everyone is so genuinely interested in your success. I suggest to everyone to take advantage of what I never did. It’s never too late to get a head start. BY david CLEVELAND

BY nicole WALCOTT

Welcome to the Cold, Cruel World ife is hard. I always knew this, but it didn’t really kick in until I graduated from college. That’s when I learned just how tough it could get. In school, I did all the right things—I studied hard, I went to class when I should, and I received great grades. I was a model student, for the most part. I just had one major flaw. nfortunately, this came to light far too late. I did everything I was supposed to in college except for prepare myself for my future. I just as-

www.bsu.edu/careers

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EV LVE FIND EMPLOYMENT OR GO TO GRAD SCHOOL

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

Gotta catch ‘em – job opportunities, that is

From Student to Professional

Studentsio

Seekeristo

Professionalario

Backpack Type

Résumé Type

Briefcase Type

Moves: •Late for class •Forgets #2 pencil •Overwhelmed •Doesn’t know where to start •Gets lost on campus •Unkempt •What’s a resume?

Moves: •Goes to the Career Center for résumé review •Has practice interview at the Career Center •Talks to career advisor •Visits the Career Lab

Moves: •Peppy and ready for work •Loves 9 a.m. coffee •Dresses professionally •Is always ready to network •Uses LinkedIn •Has a paycheck

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GRADUATE SCHOOL FIND EMPLOYMENT OR GO TO GRAD SCHOOL

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

hether you are an undergraduate student beginning to consider the benefits of further education or are already in the working world pondering advancement or a move into a new career, Ball State University has resources to assist you. It takes time to apply for admission to graduate or professional school. Beyond selecting a program, you often must take a qualifying examination, complete the application process, arrange for letters of recommendation, and apply for financial assistance.

IS IT FOR ME?

he decision to attend graduate school should not be made lightly. While staying in school during a recession and poor job market may seem like the easy thing to do, you should make sure you are considering the option for the right reasons. our career choice will often drive your decision to attend graduate school. Some professions require you to have a graduate degree. Fields such as counseling, law, and speech pathology and audiology require a graduate degree to enter the field. There are also different levels of graduate education, with master’s and doctorate being the primary two. You should research the field you are interested in to see what degree you need and when in your career you should pursue it. dmissions requirements vary greatly depending on the program, so it is important for you to clearly understand the requirements for each program you apply to. Some programs require qualifying exams such as the GRE or a minimum GPA. Other programs require work

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or research experience. You should know the admissions requirements before you start applying to schools. t is important to have a passion for the subject you want to study. Graduate programs are intense and it is important for you to be committed to the subject you will be studying. You are much more likely to enjoy your program and be successful if you enjoy what you are doing. inally, not all programs are the same. Spend some time researching graduate programs you are interested in. It is important to find a program that you feel will meet your personal needs and help you grow. Faculty members are a great resource to find out information about graduate programs in your field. Pay attention to national rankings and the reputation of the school and program. Contacting or even visiting programs you are interested in is completely acceptable too. egardless of the path you take make sure to ask yourself, “Is it for me?” BY shawn PATRICK

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HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT GRAD SCHOOL

inding the right graduate school presents many challenges. Many students believe that the process of looking for the right graduate school is too stressful in itself; however, the Career Center has tips to help you narrow your search. When looking at graduate schools consider the following: • School’s Reputation. (How is the school’s program ranked? What is the school known for— academic success vs. social life?) • Program’s Reputation. (How does the program compare to other schools? What do graduates have to say about the program?) • Faculty. (What are their teaching backgrounds? Areas of expertise? Years of experience?) • Location. (Region? Weather? Rural area or big city? Proximity to things that matter like shopping malls, artistic attractions?) • Price Tag. (Cost? Financial assistance?)

• Length of Program. (Average time it takes to complete degree?)

dditionally, the Career Center recommends networking with current degree candidates within the program so that you can gain access to information that you may not get from a faculty member or a representative from a department. Networking allows you to build connections to the campus and provides an opportunity to learn some things about campus and the degree program that may be useful when making a final decision. Accordingly, The Princeton Review suggests making a trip to the university and having a conversation with the faculty members you are most interested in studying with. That will give you insight into the program and the dynamics of the department. Also, since you will be spending much of your time doing research, you should check to make sure that the institution has adequate facilities and resources for your particular needs, including labs, libraries, grants, and summer fellowships.

• Class Representation and Size. (Diversity within the program? Teaching ratio—e.g. 1:20?) • Available School Hours. (Typical class hours?)

BY nicole WALCOTT

LIST OF RESOURCES • 4scholarships.com: http://www.4scholarships.com/ • Access Group Education Financing and Services: http://www.accessgroup.org/ • All About Grad School: http://www.allaboutgradschool.com/ • Chronicle Careers Job Search: http://chronicle.com/jobs • Collegiate Websource Scholarships: http://www.gocollege.com/ • Council of Graduate Schools: http://www.cgsnet.org/ • Federal Student Aid Application: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ • Federal Student Financial Assistance: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/ • GradSchools.com: http://www.gradschools.com/ • Grad Indiana: http://www.gradind.com/ • GradSource.com: http://www.gradsource.com/ • Indiana State Student Assistance Commission: http://www.in.gov/ssaci/estudent • International Grad Schools: http://www.gradschools.com/international-programs.html • RateMyProfessors.com: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ • Scholarships & College Search (FastWeb): http://www.fastweb.com/ • The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/graduate-school.aspx

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GRADUATE SCHOOL 1 2 3 4 5

Top 5 things to do while in grad school Make some new friends from different parts of the world. See how many hours you can spend in the library over an entire year. Join a young professionals group in your city. Create a new recipe from leftovers in your fridge and cupboards. Explore the local community by completing volunteer projects, joining community groups or participating in events.

Graduate School, eh?! Going International with Nicole Walcott I am currently a graduate student in the master of public relations program here at Ball State and a graduate assistant at the Career Center. I am from Toronto, Ontario, and I am proud to say that I am an international student. My story is a little different, because I completed my undergraduate degree at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston on an athletic scholarship, but the fact that I left home for a totally different culture allows me to brag to my friends and family in Canada about my international experience. Studying abroad is a beneficial experience, and if your financial situation and support allows for it, I highly recommend looking at graduate programs outside of the U.S. Although, I am pursuing my master’s in the U.S., the experiences I have had thus far have afforded me the opportunity

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to network, learn some interesting things within my field of study that I can take back to my country when I become a PR practitioner, and make some great friends. The primary reasons I chose to look for graduate schools only in the U.S was because of the financial support available to students and the benefits of participating in school programs like immersive learning projects. Being far away from home has helped me to gain independence and develop the skills necessary to be successful for life after graduation. If I had not followed my desire to study abroad for graduate school, I would have missed a life-changing opportunity and I wouldn’t have learned many of life’s little lessons that I know now. BY nicole WALCOTT

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From Undergraduate to Grad School During my first two years as an undergrad I struggled a lot with what to do with my life. It was not until my junior year that I began to find my fit in my major. While I enjoyed writing, I was uninterested in finding a job immediately after graduation as I did not feel like I was totally suited for a career in journalism and English. I knew I needed to continue searching for something that I would love doing for the rest of my life. Most of my research at this point was limited to asking anyand everyone what their major was, what they wanted to do with that major, and if there were any further educational requirements for their chosen career. Luckily, I found an older friend who had applied to the Student Affairs Administration Program at my undergraduate institution. After talking to her more I realized that was an area that interested me.

After being exposed to the field, I spent months researching the types of jobs, pay scales, and necessary education I would need to accomplish my goals. I took a job on campus in a career center office to get a feel for the environment I wanted to work in. After deciding that student affairs was something I wanted to seriously pursue, graduate school was the logical next step. During the summer before my senior year I spent a lot of time asking questions of those already in the field as well as researching various graduate programs I would be interested in. I chose to apply to seven programs to ensure my chances of being admitted. With the failing job market I was aware that a larger number of applicants were applying for a limited number of positions in graduate programs. It was the first major decision I had ever made on my own and a very empowering

experience. After I interviewed at a few different schools, I determined that the program here at Ball State fit my needs perfectly. I was given the opportunity to work at an assistantship I enjoy very much and for once I enjoy going to class. For me, the best aspect of graduate school is enjoying the material I am learning. In the past I went to class and learned the information but never truly soaked in the knowledge. In my graduate program, instructors are experts in their field and teach us in small classes where there is greater one-on-one time. While the work load is greater than in my undergraduate program, I find myself interested in the research and projects we are asked to complete. This decision has been the best of my life and I look forward to starting my first job after graduation. BY caitlyn MILLER

From Work to Grad School I am currently a graduate student in the Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education (SAAHE) Program here at Ball State and I am in totally unfamiliar territory—for a few reasons. First, I’m a native southerner (born in Mississippi, grew up in South Carolina, and attended undergrad there) who still has a taste for boiled peanuts, collard greens, and fried okra even though I relocated to Portland, Oregon, about a week after I graduated from Winthrop University and was there until coming to Ball State. Second, when I graduated in 2002 with a degree in English Literature, I assumed I would follow the natural path for English majors: take a few years off, work as a server at some cozy restaurant somewhere, and then head back to graduate school for my Ph.D. and eventually

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become a professor. However, life took its twists and turns and landed me on a totally different, albeit rewarding, career path—I became a recruiter. It was a perfect fit for me in a lot of ways; it fed my desire to help and connect with people, and there was rarely a dull moment. Yet during this time I had longings to reconnect with a college campus. My father was an English professor all of his life, and I essentially grew up in a classroom. There is a part of college culture that will always be a part of me. At the age of twenty-nine, I began seriously thinking about heading back to school to use my skills that I gained as a recruiter to help students in college find their way. I began researching programs and applied to Ball State. In fact, it was the only school I applied to. It fit all of my criteria: it has a great reputation, it provides a lot

of financial assistance for graduate students, and it is a one year program—something important to me since I was returning to school at age thirty. So here I am in Muncie, Indiana, working as a graduate assistant in the Career Center. I packed up my car and my dog and spent five days driving out from Portland at the beginning of August for a college campus in the Midwest, a place I’d never even visited before. To say I’m feeling a roller coaster of emotions would be a gross understatement. Changing careers at thirty isn’t something to take lightly, but I am thrilled to be here. Nervous? Nah. The only thing I’m nervous about is braving my first Midwest winter. Other than that, I’m taking each day of graduate school as a great new adventure and loving every minute of it. BY claire SULLIVAN

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EXTRAS

0 5 p Indiana by 2018 To

Emerging Jobs in

1.Computer Software Engineer 2.Management Analyst 3.Physician or Surgeon 4.Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst 5.Registered Nurse 6.Construction Laborer 7.Construction Supervisor 8.Industrial Engineer 9.Counselor 10.Accountant 11.Construction Superintendent 12.Operating Engineer 13.Postsecondary Teacher 14.Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic 15.Human Resources and Training 16.Computer Systems Analyst 17.Customer Service Manager 18.Carpenter 19.Truck Driver 20.Cost Estimator 21.Sales Representative, Services 22.Plumber 23.Graphic Designer 24.Licensed Practical Nurse 25.Social Worker 26.Lawyer 27.General Maintenance and Repair Worker 28.Sales Manager 29.Electrician 30.Medical Service Manager 31.Mechanical Engineer 32.Accounting Clerk, Bookkeeper 33.Firefighter 34.Dental Assistant 35.K-12 Teacher 36.Building and Grounds Supervisor 37.Physical Therapist 38.Computer Support Specialist 39.Painter 40.Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing 41.Administrative Assistant 42.Police Officer 43.Service Manager 44.Dental Hygienist 45.School Administrator 46.Pharmacist 47.Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator 48.Purchasing Administrator 49.Boilermaker 50.Librarian

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

TOP EMERGING INDIANA INDUSTRY: MANUFACTURING I

ndiana is the most manufacturing intensive state in the nation, ranking number one in per capita employment in the industry. Advanced manufacturing has been named as the top emerging industry for the state of Indiana as large numbers of Hoosiers currently in this sector of the manufacturing industry are expected to retire soon, causing a shortage of qualified workers in highgrowth areas like medical manufacturing, aerospace, supply-chain management, electric vehicles, and other clean technologies. obs within the advanced manufacturing industry are beginning to require more advanced levels of skills and education as these jobs become more about using computers, robotics, and global tracking systems as opposed to working on assembly lines and operating forklifts. Salary and benefits are also increasing as a result.

Largest Advanced Manufacturing Employers in the Indianapolis Region 1. Eli Lilly & Company 2. Rolls Royce 3. Allison Transmission 4. Roche Diagnostics 5. Hewlett Packard 6. Cook Medical Device Manufacturing 7. Automotive Components Holdings 8. Raytheon Technical Services 9. United Technologies Carrier Corporation 10. Dow AgroSciences

BY nicole WALCOTT

Source: Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs

www.bsu.edu/careers

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXTRAS

TOP COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN THE U.S.

W.L. Gore & Associates Newark, DE Wegmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Markets, Rochester, NY Boston Consulting Group Boston, MA Bingham McCutchen Boston, MA

Recreational Equipment Kent, WA

Robert W. Baird & Co. Milwaukee, WI

Zappos.com Henderson, NV Edward Jones St. Louis, MO

SAS Cary, NC

Cisco San Jose, CA Dreamworks Animation SKG Glendale, CA Qualcomm San Diego, CA Google Mountain View, CA Genentech South San Francisco, CA Nuggut Market Woodland, CA Netapp Sunnyvale, CA

Sources: Payscale.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN.com

www.bsu.edu/careers

Devon Energy Oklahoma City, OK Camben Property Trust Houston, TX Methodist Hospital System Houston, TX Whole Foods Market Austin, TX

Best Jobs in the U.S. 1. Software Architect 2. Physician Assistant 3. Management Consultant 4. Physical Therapist 5. Environmental Engineer 6. Civil Engineer 7. Database Administrator 8. Sales Director 9. Certified Public Accountant 10. Biomedical Engineer 11. Actuary 12. Dentist 13. Nurse Anesthetist 14. Risk Management Manager 15. Product Management Director

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Start your

CAREER at Somerset CPAs.

Somerset CPAs is a full-service certified public accounting and professional services firm made up of CPAs, business advisors and financial analysts to help meet our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business and individual challenges. With over 120 professionals, we are one of the largest CPA firms in the Indianapolis area. We currently offer the following specialized service and industry teams: Small Business Services Assurance Business Consulting Employee Benefits

Information Solutions Litigation, Valuation & Forensic Tax Wealth Management

Construction & A/E Dealerships Dental Entrepreneurial

Health Care Manufacturing & Distribution Not-for-Profit Real Estate

SOMERSET CAREER BENEFITS -Highly Competitive Salaries -Medical, Dental & 401(k) & More -Paid Vacation, Holiday & Personal Days -Business Casual Environment -Complimentary CPE -Practical MBA Program -Marketing Incentive Program -Regular Staff Meetings with Firm Leadership -Production Incentive Programs

-Discretionary Bonuses -Community/Charitable Activities -Meals During Tax Season -Flexible Work Hours -Company Social Activities -Paperless Technology -Wellness Benefits -Healthy Work/Life Balance

IndianaCPACareers.com

For additional information and a listing of available positions, contact Donna Butler at:

317.472.2727 dbutler@SomersetCPAs.com

Celebrating

t Year s of Commitmen to Your Success ÂŠ 2010 Somerset CPAs

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

EXTRAS

A Closer Look at Job Statistics

9.8% November 2010, U.S. Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate of Americans ages 20 to 24 has climbed from 8.5% in 2007 to 15% this year at a time when the overall unemployment rate hovers just below 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adding to the pressure to get a job, graduates on average are starting out with $24,000 in student loan debt, according to a 2009 report from The Project on Student Debt.

Top 10 Paying Jobs

Top 10 Paying Non-Medical Jobs

1. Surgeon 2. Anesthesiologists 3. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 4. Orthodontists 5. Obstetricians & Gynecologists 6. Internists, General 7. Physicians & Surgeons, All Other 8. Family & General Practitioners 9.Chief Executive Officers 10. Psychiatrists

1. Chief Executive Officers 2. Lawyers 3. Natural Sciences Managers 4. Engineering Managers 5. Computer & Information Systems Managers 6. Marketing Managers 7. Airline Pilots, Copilots, & Flight Engineers 8. Financial Managers 9.General & Operations Managers 10. Computer & Information Scientists The Bureau of Labor Statistics

EARNINGS BY DEGREE Degree

Professional Degree Doctoral Degree Masters Degree Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree AssociatesDegree Some College/No Degree High School Diploma/GED High School Dropout

Median Annual Earnings $79,600 $81,200 $64,100 $52,600 $39,400 $36,300 $32,100 $23,600

Fastest Growing Careers Home Health Aides and Personal and Home Care Aides

48% growth through 2018

Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators

30% growth through 2018

Registered Nurses

34% growth through 2018

www.bsu.edu/careers

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EXTRAS

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

b a l l s t a t e u n i v e r s i t y c a r e e r your personal job-search checklist for you to

c e n t e r complete

Step 1.________________________________________________________________________ Step 2.________________________________________________________________________ Step 3.________________________________________________________________________ Step 4.________________________________________________________________________ Step 5.________________________________________________________________________

Job Search Checklist?

Step 6.________________________________________________________________________ Step 7.________________________________________________________________________ Step 8.________________________________________________________________________ Step 9.________________________________________________________________________ Step 10._______________________________________________________________________ Step 11._______________________________________________________________________ Step 12._______________________________________________________________________ Step 13._______________________________________________________________________ Step 14._______________________________________________________________________ Step 15._______________________________________________________________________

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www.bsu.edu/careers

CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

www.bsu.edu/careers

EXTRAS

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EXTRAS

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CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE

www.bsu.edu/careers

Kendallville Hometown Sears Chris and Theresa Marshall 550 N. Fairview Blvd. Kendallville, IN 46755 Tel. (260) 349-0828

Nicholas Salmon 1-765-716-7005

Holiday Decorations Park Displays Banners Powder Coating Flags, Flagpoles, and Accessories MADE IN THE USA Ph. 800-888-3833 Ext.224 765-651-4545 Fax 765-651-4546 PO Box 747 318 E. 12 st. Marion, IN 46952 WWW.gpdesign.biz Email:davidloer@gpdesigns.biz

Located in the Village on Ball State’s Campus 511 N. Martin, Muncie, IN Tel. (765) 254-1500 Hours of Operation: Monday- Thursday: 8am-Center 11pm Magazine Crossword Career David Cleveland

Immersing yourself into this experiential crossword game Friday: 8am10pm will enhance your professional etiquette by various degrees. The brand of the Career Center is seen from the beginning cover letter through the topic of internships and to the end. Though you may growl like a Panda because it feels like you're filing an application, you will rise quickly, like an elevator, as you barker a job fairly and linked in. Don't settle for a tie, but xing through this time, having fun as you peruse, shinning like the best jewelry. Then, who knows, this might even be part of your portfolio. Have fun.

Saturday: 9am- 9pm Sunday: 11am- 9pm Congratulations Alli we are so excited to see what the future holds for you! Love, Dad and Mom

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LUCINA 209

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Across What editor drawn ‘fun bear’ might be hiding in this magazine? (Hint… it’s in his letter.) One interned with Make-A-Wish, the other hosted Price Is Right; both share Lily and Bob had this in common. To grow from Studentsio to Seekeristo and finally to Professionalario you must do this. (Hint: The editor’s sketching again.) During the interview process both male and female may wear this critical dress. The customary code of polite behavior, especially observed within the interview meal. The formal request to the employer. Waived tuition, potential stipend, and a meaningful experience are part of this during post-graduate studies. The glimmering noise of this may distract the seeker of your knowledge and experience.

Down 1 The created work you’ve collected showcasing your skills. 2 Both the graduate and the cowboy’s charge are on the market, and know by this, a design. 3 Just because you put this on something, doesn’t make it professional. 4 Fahrenheit and Celsius, these are found at BSU. 5 Though you may have “_________” experiences, unique to BSU, they’ll help you surface not drown. 6 Not your dialect, as much as your speech, this 15-second impromptu could land you the job. 7 The Career and ____________ Learning Lab is the only central source of career information on campus. 8 Disconnected, out like a light, is what you’ll be by not using this the opposite. 9 Your Strength, the Employer’s Needs, and finally the contents of this document identify your selling points. 10 Networking and selling yourself to the employers at their booths may connect you for a job at this Spring Event. 12 These experiences enable you to explore a work environment, allowing you to evaluate your likes and dislikes about a certain profession. 15 Of the social, more social, international and entrepreneurial, this networking site is best for Europe and Asia.

WWW.BSU.EDU/CAREERS

(765)285-1522

d linked in. Don't settle for a tie, but xing throug EXTRAS CAREER CENTER MAGAZINE , having fun as you peruse, shinning like the elry. Then, who knows, this might even be part Career ortfolio. Have fun.Crossword Puzzle 1

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Answer key on page 70

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The Career Center

Hop on over to our website to learn about job hunting.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get bugged by a lack of good jobs. Let us help.

Learn how to show off your job-hunting stripes.

bsu.edu/careers

rĂŠsumĂŠ center. interview center. job center. etiquette center. development center. exploration center. skills center. professional center. success center. everything center.

career center. Lucina Hall 220 765-285-1522