25 minute read
THE PILLARS
Number of modules available in PhiredUp Digital Training Recruit 10
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Number of phone calls sta and National Leaders made to members in March and April in the wake of COVID-19 Commit 538 Educate 316 Number of AGRs who attended the four Leadership Seminars in 2020
Recognize 5 Number of chapters who reached 100% participation in the Tie that Binds Challenge in 2019
Collegiate members are encouraged to become a Certifi ed PhiredUp Recruiter! This training is preparing members for tackling the hurdles in recruitment and how they can do their part to recruit new members who refl ect and value our Purpose and Principles.
AGR collegiate members attended the four 2020 Leadership Seminars held in St. Louis, Reno, Atlanta and Baltimore.
When Universities began closing their doors and collegians’ lives were changing, Home O ce sta and National Leaders sat down and began connecting with our members and volunteer leaders who were heavily impacted by COVID-19.
Five Chapters had 100% of their membership donate to the Tie That Binds Challenge: Delta, Eta, Rho, Alpha Zeta, Alpha Psi.
EVERYONE HAS DREAMS OF WHAT THEY
want to be when they grow up. For some, that would mean becoming a fi refi ghter or a pilot. For others, it would a journalist or a politician. As we grow older and closer to the time of getting “the job,” dreams change, evolve and grow. Whatever that dream is, now is the best time to start working on it.
For many students, college is a time to refl ect on what that dream is. College is the time to determine what you do and don’t want to do. It’s a time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and to do the “homework” on what work culture and style is right for you.
Finding the right fi t is a matchmaking process, and it happens over time. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t sure what you want to be doing or if you aren’t where you want to be in your career; now is the time to fi gure it out.
While the global pandemic has created some uncertainty in job markets, there are still ways you can develop yourself professionally. As you venture on this journey of discernment, we have a few tips to help you prepare your resume and yourself for the interview so you are ready when the day comes.
Professional Preparedness
TIPS FOR LANDING A JOB OR INTERNSHIP
By Matt Olson
Write A StandOut Resume Your resume is your rst impression, and that rst impression can determine whether you get the opportunity to interview or not.
Keep your resume professional and relevant. This isn’t the time or place to get casual. And your experiences should be relevant and related to the position you’re applying for.
If you don’t have relevant experience, that’s okay. Include experiences with transferrable skills.
Customize your resume to the
opportunity—it isn’t one-size-fi ts
all. You shouldn’t be using the same resume for every application. Tailor your resume with the best experiences to market yourself.
Keep it to one page. While this rule is debatable, your information should generally be concise enough to fi t onto one page. Resumes for academia are typically longer and include research and publications.
Keep the formatting simple. Use readable and professional-looking fonts in size between 10 and 12 point for the body of your resume. Leave white space in the margins. Keep the formatting consistent. Focus your e orts on readability rather than over-the-top creativity.
Make your name and contact information prominent. When a hiring manager is sifting through piles of resumes, make sure your name is easily readable and your contact information is close by. While physical addresses aren’t necessary anymore, be sure to include your phone number and your professional email address—but not necessarily a work email address! You can also include other places you might want a hiring manager to look for you such as LinkedIn.
Use reverse-chronological order.
There are many ways to organize your resume but using reversechronological order is a good choice.
List your most recent experiences fi rst.
Be descriptive but be concise. Hiring managers need to get an idea of what you can do. For each experience, tell them what you did, how you did it, and what result did you have. If possible, include numbers, facts and fi gures to help describe the outcome or scope of your work. This is a great opportunity to showcase how you used your soft skills.
Proofread. And proofread again.
Having one spelling mistake or grammar error can be the di erence between getting an interview and getting rejected. Ask a trusted friend to proofread your resume, too.
Don’t lie or exaggerate. Be yourself and own what you can. Lying or saying you can do things you can’t do usually doesn’t end very well. You might fi nd yourself in deeper than expected if you aren’t able to do what you said you could. As you work on your resume, continue to revisit it as it should be a living document. Update it on regular basis so you don’t need to spend as much time on a major overhaul the next time an opportunity comes along.
Look Your Best Now that your resume has landed you an interview, you’ll need to look the part, too. In-person rst impression will be based on your appearance, so you should take the time to look your best. Your personal hygiene and interview attire go a long way towards making a good rst impression.
Grooming and attire will be context speci c. You might not dress the same way for an interview in a consulting rm or farm credit o ce as you would dress for an interview with a farm or eld-based position. But, you will want to hold yourself in a professional manner. Business professional is usually a safe bet—you’d rather be overdressed than underdressed. You can easily take o a suit jacket or tie, but you can’t up your game last minute. ese tips are also applicable to video interviews! e need to provide a good appearance is still there, despite social distancing or only being seen from the waist up.
Grooming to Look Good We know grooming is personal. And while we don’t want to sound like a parent nagging you to wash behind your ears, hygiene has a big impact on rst impression. Here are some tips for your personal hygiene:
HAIR: Your hair should be welltrimmed and washed. Make sure your hair is neatly combed and styled in a professional looking manner.
Consider getting a haircut a few days before your interview.
SHOWER: Wash your face and avoid a greasy appearance. You’ll also want to make sure you smell good but avoid using overpowering or colognes as many people can be allergic to them.
HANDS: Avoid sweaty palms by wiping them down before your interview.
Trim your nails before your interview, and make sure your nails are clean.
BREATH: Keep up on your dental hygiene to avoid bad breath. Brush your teeth regularly and, in particular, before your interview. Also be sure to fl oss and use mouth wash to keep your mouth and breath clean.
Suiting Up While a suit might not be needed for every interview, you still want to look dapper. Freshly laundered clothes that are well- tting also contribute to providing the best rst impression possible. While it might be necessary to purchase some new clothing, it shouldn’t have to cost a fortune. Consider these tips as you get ready to put your best foot forward:
SUIT: If you’re going to wear one, spend the time to fi nd the right one.
You can buy a good (a ordably priced) suit at a department store.
Suit jackets come in many di erent sizes and styles. Look for something that is fi t but not too tight. If you need help taking your chest and arm measurements, fi nd a store associate who can help. A suit should be easily buttoned and not bursting through the chest or stomach. A suit should hug your shoulders—not too big and not too small. When you let your arms hang down, sleeves should come
down just past the wrist. Once you’ve purchased your suit, make sure to remove the labels and threads. You’ll typically find them on the shoulders, vents on the back and the cuffs.
h Color: There are three main colors for suits, although you’ll find many colors out there.
Gray: Usable for most events, a gray suit is very versatile. Gray pairs well with many neutral colors, and it gives you a sense of maturity.
Navy Blue: While gray is modern, a navy-blue suit is also stylish and is another good choice. Blue is a slightly more relaxed color compared to gray.
Black: A black suit is very dressy. That’s not to say you can’t wear it, but a black suit is often saved for special occasions.
h Shirt: Your shirt should complement your jacket color.
Typical colors are light blue and white. While some people look for patterns, consider a solid color to avoid distractions in an interview.
h Tie: Choose a tie that works with both the suit jacket and shirt.
Patterned ties and multicolored ties are good for an interview as long as they aren’t too flashy and too bright.
h Pants: If you don’t have a suit jacket to go along with your pants, that’s okay. Your pants should fit you right—not too baggy and not too tight. Pants should be long enough to just cover your laces but not have too much extra material.
h Belt and Shoes: Try to coordinate the color and finish of your belt and shoes. If your suit is gray, you can choose whether you want to go with black or brown shoes—but make sure that they match your belt.
A blue suit pairs well with brown shoes and a matching belt. If your suit is black, wear black shoes and a black belt. Make sure your shoes are polished and well maintained. h SOCKS: While you won’t typically go around showing off your socks, they can usually be seen when you sit down. Long, solid-colored dress socks should match the color of your pants.
Patterned socks are acceptable, but they should match the color scheme of the rest of our attire.
Looking your best not only improves your first impression, it also boosts your confidence for the interview. Don’t wait until the last minute to start building your interview wardrobe.
Nail The Interview Congrats! You’ve landed the interview! It’s the make-it-or-break-it moment, so you’ve got to be prepared. Don’t stress though—keeping calm through the interview will help you succeed. Consider some of these tips to help you prepare and rock the interview:
BE YOURSELF. It’s what you do best, right? Don’t try to be someone else or you’ll come off as inauthentic.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t be professional. Being polite and courteous has as much to do with being professional as being smart and having the right credentials.
RESEARCH THE INDUSTRY AND
THE COMPANY. You should know something about the industry and company that you’re interviewing with.
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should at least be able to hold a conversation.
READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION.
Knowing the job or position you’re interviewing for is important. It’ll help you anticipate what the interviewer is looking for. Use this information to think about examples from your past and current experiences that would be relevant to the position.
B RING YOUR RESUME, NOTEBOOK
AND PEN. Take at least five copies of your resume printed on clean paper in case you have multiple interviewers.
Bringing a notebook and pen allows you to take notes which shows initiative and attention to detail.
BE PREPARED TO ANSWER
THE QUESTION: “TELL ME ABOUT
YOURSELF.” This is typically one of the first questions an interviewer will ask. What you share can shape and inform the whole interview. Think about what the interviewer needs to know about you and how you can contribute in the role you’re applying for. Consider sharing your background including past experiences that are relevant to the position. Be prepared to expand if the interviewer asks you to.
SHOW EXCITEMENT FOR THE
INTERVIEW. If you don’t, you’ll come across as flat and uninterested in the position or company. But don’t be overly squirrelly and bouncy which might convey anxiety and stress.
BE POSITIVE. AND STAY POSITIVE.
If you’ve left another job or were let go, don’t let that impact this opportunity.
Likewise, don’t speak poorly of a previous boss or employer. How you speak about your past tells a lot about who you are as a person.
PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR
THE INTERVIEWER. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, so be prepared with yours. Types of questions to consider asking include clarifying the role and responsibilities of the position, company culture and values, and uncovering the challenges for the position. Make sure you feel like the position is a good fit for you.
SEND A FOLLOW-UP THANK YOU
NOTE. Right after the interview, be sure to send a note thanking the interviewer for their time. Whether it is an email or a hand-written note, customize it with details from the interview and reinforce your excitement about the opportunity. If the interview didn’t go as well as you had hoped or if you don’t think you’re a fit for the position, that’s okay! Don’t give up! After 2-3 weeks, it’s okay to follow up with the interviewer. Thank them for the opportunity, acknowledge their decision to go with a different candidate and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities. You can also ask for feedback in a way that lets them know that you’re open-minded and willing to learn.
You should also recognize that your first job likely won’t be your dream job or your last job. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average worker holds ten different jobs before the age of 40, and this number is projected to grow. However, try to avoid job-hopping too often as that can make you look less appealing to an interviewer.
Find Your Mentor Even though we strive for independence as we grow older, having a mentor is a valuable resource to help you develop and grow professionally. A mentor is your personal advocate who encourages and cheers you on, providing support and advice for long-term growth. Mentors are different than coaches; mentors span across jobs and help you look at your life goals and how you can achieve them.
As you seek out a mentor, consider AGR alumni from your chapter or alumni who are in your industry. The extensive AGR network lends itself to finding good mentor-mentee relation
ships. Use AGR networking opportunities and platforms such as LinkedIn to meet new alumni until you find someone you think could be a good mentor for you. Then set up a casual meeting, such as virtual coffee, to start exploring what mentorship might look like and if that person would be open to supporting you in that type of a role.
In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it can be intimidating to reach out and ask someone to be a mentor. Having a mutual connection through AGR can help ease some pressure because we, as brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho, work together to Make Better Men.
A mentor can have a profound impact on your life and career. Your mentor’s guidance and wisdom can help you work through difficult-to-answer questions by opening your mind to different perspectives.
If you’re an alumnus who would be interested in being a mentor, reach out to your chapter or a nearby chapter to let them know that you are interested.
So You Want to Get a Graduate Degree?
Tips to consider when you’re exploring the option of graduate school
For many people, going to graduate school is a great move and has become an increasingly popular path for many students. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, fi rst-time graduate school enrollment increased by 1.8% in 2012. Although obtaining a master’s degree, doctoral degree or post-graduate certifi cate program isn’t necessary for many entrylevel positions, it could still be a crucial factor in reaching a desirable position.
Understanding how to choose, apply and prepare for a graduate program is imperative, but the most critical point is making sure you are enrolled in the degree program best suited for you and your future.
Preparing for Graduate School Application Process
When taking the first step towards considering a graduate program there are some questions you should ask yourself:
What do I hope to achieve by attending graduate school? Can I afford the time and money it will cost? How will it affect my family obligations? Is full-time or part-time best for me?
Will I continue to work or start a career while attending? Is online a good option for me?
Start first with: should I go to graduate school? Consider what your ultimate career goals are and your motives for attending grad school. Many experts don’t encourage students to attend graduate school if they are using it to fill time while they figure out their future, because graduate school is a time and financial commitment that requires hard work towards achieving a thesis or dissertation with only a chance you’ll like where you end up. While some of the answers to these questions are important for you to answer internally, a consistent theme of the graduate school process is to turn to those in your life who may have gone through the process before, like a parent, an advisor, a professoror an alumnus you’re close to help ease the process and provide further guidance.
Finding the Right School and Program
When considering where you want to obtain your graduate degree from, it’s similar to when preparing for your undergraduate degree, but with more factors to be considered. Each student may have different factors that are the most important to them when considering schools and programs. Some of the top factors to consider are program characteristics, cost and financial aid availability and online versus on-campus.
After identifying the specific type of work you’re interested in furthering your education in, you should identify graduate programs that will provide you with the skills and education to boost your area of work. Consider what the philosophy of the program is, whether it’s emphasis is on theory or research, and how it applies to your career goals.
Graduate school can be expensive, but tuition and other costs can vary from program to program. You should remain realistic for what will fit best into your situation, but this isn’t considered to be a reason to back away from grad school to many, because a well-chosen program is an investment in your future. Many schools provide financial aid, merit scholarships and assistantships. Assistantships can ease the financial burden, essentially by providing a student with an education in exchange for their work in research or as a teaching assistant.
While many students have become increasingly comfortable with taking classes online, there are still some who do better in the classroom. Schools are more in-tune to a virtual world, just as students are, which allows for more flexibility for students in receiving their education. Consider what works best for you and your lifestyle. Perhaps if you’re going to work full-time, an online program is best for you. Or if the school you are interested in attending is
How much time do I need to apply?
While an exact timeline for applying to a graduate program can vary, applications for fall admission are typically due in December or January for PHD programs or January and February for master’s programs. No matter which direction you choose, you’ll likely need more than a few months to get your a airs in order.
Some of the application pieces that will be expected include:
A standardized test score.
The most common tests are the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management
Admission Test (GMAT), or for specifi c programs like
Law School or Medical
School you may need to take the Law School Admission
Test (LSAT) or the Medical
College Admission Test (MCAT). Be sure to check with the program you’re applying to, to identify which test score they expect to receive from you.
Recommendation letters from professors.
Statement of Purpose.
When writing your statement of purpose focus on your specifi c plans and how the graduate program you’re applying to and their faculty will help you meet those goals. While you may be able to get these pieces and the other specifi cs your program requires quickly, you’ll feel more comfortable if you begin the process sooner rather than later! physically out of reach, the online program o ering may be more benefi cial than moving.
You might have an interview for your Graduate School program. Here’s how to prepare.
Research the Institution and the Program
The more you know about the institution and the program you’re interviewing with and how its work coincides with your goals will help demonstrate your passion. Become familiar with the faculty members and what they're experts in to help show your awareness of the work being done in the program, work you want to be a part of.
Collect Information About the Interview Structure
Each school and program may be di erent, like with the application process, so review any of the information they provide. This information may include who you will be meeting with in your interview and whether these interviewers will have access to your application. If your fi le is not available to the interviewers be sure to be specifi c and address the imperative things you mentioned in your application.
Be Confi dent in Your Reasons for Pursuing an Advanced Degree
Emphasizing the activities you’ve taken part in to confi rm your desire to be a part of a specifi c fi eld will help the interviewer be confi dent in your potential place in the program. Take time to refl ect on why you’re entering a specifi c fi eld and how it appeals to you compared to others. Find inspiration, whether it’s in a hobby, life experience or a role model.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Similar to a job interview’s preparations, be sure you’re physically prepared just as much as mentally. It’s important to keep eye contact and a pleasant expression. Dress professionally and keep strong posture. Refer to our Professional Preparedness article in this issue for more information on how to prepare.
Utilize Your Resources, Whether it’s Your Campus Resources or Personal Resources
Take advantage of the resources available to you in your life. These may be your undergraduate campus’s career center or a specifi c mentor, but make sure you utilize those in your circle. Utilize your brotherhood and seek out help whenever you can.
You’ve been admitted! Congratulations! Now what?
Thank Those Who Helped You
Though you spent the hours studying for your entrance exam and writing your statement of
purpose, others were there to help guide you and write recommendation letters. Reach out to those who provided you with encouragement and supported you along the way. A thank you card can go a long way.
Thoroughly Read Through Any Information You’ve Been Sent:
You’ll receive information about enrollment, fi nancial aid, housing, campus visit programs, academic advising, course scheduling, orientation and student life, plus so much more. Read it all! Identify deadlines given to you to submit paperwork for your courses, fi nancial aid, etc. Missing a deadline makes a di erence and can become a setback. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Schedule a Campus Visit
If you’re attending class on campus, getting a campus tour prior to the start of the semester can help you become acquainted with what your daily life may look like. It will also provide you with the opportunity to connect with current students and witness student life fi rsthand. Reach out to the program you’re starting and connect with your future classmates. There may also be opportunities to connect virtually through di erent social platforms.
Prepare for Change
Whether the biggest change is going to setting up time daily to login to your computer and work through your course load or moving across the country to start at the university of your dreams, be prepared for some change in your life. Take advantage of any help institutions can provide while you begin the relocation or reallocation of time process.
Identify a Financial Plan
Read the fi ne print of every scholarship, fellowship, assistantship and stipend you are o ered and be aware of the loan assistance you take advantage of. Graduate school is a time and money commitment, even with scholarships, assistantships, etc. available. The time frame of each of these o erings is important to pay attention to, but it will help keep fi nancial surprises to a minimum.
What if I’m not currently an undergraduate?
Go for it! Many graduate programs appreciate candidates who have taken time to put their career into perspective and have gained experience. If you’re nervous about the transition back to the classroom, don’t overthink it. There’s a good chance you have become a better learner since you graduated with your undergraduate degree. You’ve been able to identify your skillset and will be able to further refi ne what you’re looking to gain from a graduate education. Take advantage of your experience and apply!
