Odyssey Bound April Newsletter

CAREER SERVICES AT ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | SANTA FE | APRIL 2012

Inside You’ll Find St. John’s Project for Peace Jobs and Job-Hunting Hints Graduate Programs with Upcoming Deadlines LSAC Test Dates

Career Services Office Contact: Career Services 505-984-6066

Elene Gvilia, Bilsana Bibic, and Noam Freshman recently received a grant from the Davis Projects for Peace initiative for their project. With the help of Terry Manning, these students will travel to the Republic of Georgia to make a difference in education, health, and politics.

Fax 505-984-6167

Planting a Seed of Peace:

Web address: www.stjohnscollege.edu/ admin/SF/career.shtml

St. John’s Students’ Project for Peace in Georgia

AGORA: www.myinterfase.com/sjcsf/student

St. John’s College has once again received a $10,000 grant from the Davis Projects for Peace initiative.

This funding will enable Elene Gvilia, Bilsana Bibic, and Noam Freshman to travel to the city of Zugdidi in the Republic of Georgia to “Plant a Seed of Peace.” Their project entails working mainly with high-school aged youth whose families have been impacted by the political and armed unrest between their country and Russia throughout their lifetimes. The premise of our students’ project is that young Georgians would like to believe that peace is more than just a time between two wars. Ms. Gvilia, Ms. Bibic, and Mr. Freshman believe that “the choice of peace is a conscious one, informed by education and open dialogue.” Their plan is to make this choice visible.

The students’ project is divided into three parts: education, health and politics. They will begin by conducting seminars based on the Oresteia, with the Georgian youth also rehearsing the play with a volunteer theatre director and presenting a performance for the Zugdidi community on World Refugee Day, June 20, 2012. The education phase of the project will also encompass a survey of Georgian history, led by a native history teacher, using materials produced by both sides of the recent conflicts, so students can see how events can be presented as “true” from radically different points of view. Finally, the Georgian youth will receive instruction from the SJC team about conflict resolution. In the health phase, the SJC team, along with local Georgian doctors and the Georgian youth, will spend time at 2 nearby refugee camps.

The doctors will do some basic diagnostics and provide medical supplies. The students will be assisting the doctors, with the aim of allowing them to see firsthand what the refugees are facing on a daily basis and hopefully gaining a better understanding of the real face of war. Finally, the SJC team and the Georgian youth will facilitate a political conference, inviting young Georgians who have been educated outside their country and former members of the Georgian government. In bringing together people representing the past and future of Georgia’s government they are hoping to arrive at a pact and plans for “an ongoing movement for conflict resolution and reconciliation in Georgia.”

The overall aim of this Project for Peace is to bring together young people who have grown up on various sides of the conflicts in the Republic of Georgia, so that they can learn about each other as human beings rather than life-long enemies.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjcsf careerservices Email: careerservices@sjcsf.edu Office located in the basement of Weigle Hall, room 13 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment Career Services Staff: Margaret Odell Director

Barbara Lucero Sand Assistant Director Terrance Manning, II Internship Coordinator Jillian Burgie Publications Editor Melissa Latham-Stevens Art Director

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Jobs continued from page 1

Congratulations to Ms. Gvilia, Ms. Bibic and Mr. Freshman, who will also be joined by Mr. Terrance Manning, II, (MALA-SF’12) and current Internship Coordinator. Watch for details about fund raising activities, including a “Georgian Cultural Night” with native food, planned for April 15th at 5 p.m. in upstairs Peterson. For more information on the project, visit www.peaceforgeorgia.weebly.com.

Events & Opportunities April 15 – Georgian Cultural Night 5 p.m., Junior Common Room and Great Hall In order to cover the gap between the cost of the project and the Davis Projects for Peace grant, we will be holding a fundraiser and cultural night. We welcome you to experience Georgian culture, history and traditions by joining us for a soupra (traditional Georgian feast). This feast will include a performance of a Georgian national dance, polyphonic folk songs, and informative presentations about this ancient and beautiful European country.

April 17 – Graduate School Panel 12:15 p.m.

– 1:30 p.m., Senior Common Room (SCR) Tutors will share their experiences with choosing and applying for various graduate schools and what they actually experienced once they matriculated.

A Great Opportunity for Johnnies!

This job announcement was sent to us

by Adam Braus SF08, calling for more Johnnies to join him at EPIC.

Feature d Job!!!

Trying to decide what to do after graduation? Don’t just get a job. Do something Epic.

Epic is one of the world’s premiere healthcare technology firms, located in Madison, WI. Epic works with many of the largest and most prestigious healthcare organizations in the country and around the world to improve patient care. Epic has an innovative culture that is ideal for new grads who want to work hard and push the limits. At Epic, you’ll get to collaborate with the brightest minds in the healthcare industry and make a difference from day one. You’ll have the opportunity to work on a diverse set of problems, whether you’re working as a Project Manager/Implementer, a Problem Solver/Technical Consultant, or a Software Developer.

Epic also offers a unique work atmosphere. Our 800-acre campus has 10 themed office buildings, a tree house conference room, a waterfall, a stream, an orchard, a gourmet cafeteria, and a working farm- all designed to stimulate creativity and collaboration. Epic offers competitive compensation packages and employs a fun and diverse group of people from all over the world. Epic hires from all majors, all degrees, and all experience levels. If you want to take on some of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system, check out some of our available positions and apply at www.careers.epic.com. If you are interested in a role at Epic, you can submit your resume through our website, www.epic.com/forms/application.php. We hope to hear from you soon.

Still not convinced? For more detailed information about Epic, contact SJC alum, Adam Braus, SF’08, at abraus@epic.com.

April 18 – Citizen Schools Recruiting 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Peterson Student Center, Great Hall Citizen Schools is an organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children across the country. For graduating seniors interested in teaching, Citizen School offers the two-year full time National Teaching Fellowship.

April 21 – Health Sciences Career Day 8 a.m.3:30 p.m., UNM Health Sciences Center (Albuquerque) For undergraduate students interested in health careers, Career Day offers breakout sessions, student panels, campus tours, and lots of information about medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, biomedicine, public health, and more!

Sign up in Career Services.

Enterprise Holdings is the largest rental car company in America, and is looking for business-minded individuals to join their world-class team.

Every year, Enterprise hires over 8000 college graduates and helps them get started on successful, rewarding careers. Enterprise offers employment positions, internships, and a management training program at over 7000 locations in the US, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. Enterprise also offers a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. No matter where you start in Enterprise, you’re joining a company that

Business Week called “one of the best places to launch your career.”

For more information visit www.go.enterprise.com

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Top Jobs for Itchy Feet If you’ve got a wanderlust, and are worried about finding work, or if you’re just not sure where you want to go yet, there are thousands of ways to earn your keep without getting stuck. Here are some ideas: • Find a seasonal gig on a farm – When harvest time rolls around, farms all over the world will hire temporary hands to help, often in exchange for room and board. Try WWOOF: www.wwoofusa.org • Become an au pair – Lots of families, especially in Europe, will hire foreigners to work as live-in nannies. Try www.aupair-world.net,www.greataupair.com,www.iapa.org,www.aupairjobs.com • Join the seasonal workforce at a special event or in the tourism industry – Annual events like music or cultural festivals, sporting events, trade fairs, hotels, campsites, and resorts hire temporary short-term workers with little or no qualifications or experience. Try contacting event organizers, hotels, campsites, etc.

• Teach English abroad – Many countries have a demand for English teachers. Teaching abroad requires few qualifications, though enrolling in a TEFL/TESL certificate program is highly recommended, and is a great opportunity for traveling the world without having to save a fortune beforehand.

Try www.eslbase.com, www.tefl.com, www.teachoverseas.com for starters.

• Become a travel writer – The pay won’t always be great, but it’s a great way to see the world and share your experiences with an audience of envious readers. Start submitting travel writing to magazines and travel sites to get started.

Information from Verge Magazine www.vergemagazine.com

Internships Urban Employ - A national network of career-enhancing internships and job listings.

Check it out: www.urbanemploy.com

The St. John’s program allows for more personal relationships between students and faculty. If you need letters of recommendation, tutors are especially equipped to discuss your strengths – but ask for letters early, and give your tutor plenty of information about the program to which you’re applying.

Letters of Recommendation If you need letters of recommendation for jobs, internships, graduate school, or other program applications, now is the time to ask – especially if you are graduating. Ask now, while tutors remember you well and can write a good letter. Here are some tips for asking for letters of recommendation: • Make sure your tutors and other recommenders have plenty of information about you and the program to which you’re applying. The more they know, the more relevant they can make the letter.

• Give them PLENTY OF TIME to write you a letter. A month should be the minimum notice - more, however, is always better.

• Make Sure Recommenders Have Required Forms. Be sure to fill out a waiver regarding your right to see or not see the letter, and make sure the tutor knows you’ve done so. Also, make sure each recommender has the address to which he/she should mail the letter, and an envelope with postage – don’t make them pay to send your letter.

• It’s your responsibility to make sure your recommenders know the deadlines and what they need to do to submit their letter. Don’t assume this has been done; keep checking.

• Remember, tutors don’t have to agree to write you a letter, so be sure to ask in such a way that they don’t feel pressured. If they decline, respect that and ask someone else.

• Be sure to thank all your recommenders for their letters, and let them know the outcome of your applications.

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Jobs Interview Advice

You are qualified for a wide variety of jobs coming out of St. John’s – you just have to learn how to market yourself, and show potential employers how much you can bring to their company.

Job Hints: Skills employers are seeking (and which we tend to cultivate at St. Johns!)

• Communication skills – verbal and writing • Strong work ethic – being dependable, hard-working and committed • Teamwork skills – working well with others • Initiative – not waiting to be told what to do • Analytical skills – interpreting data • Computer skills – using technological tools • Flexibility/Adaptability – not being afraid to embrace change • Interpersonal skills – relating well to others • Problem-solving skills – taking problems on rather than avoiding them From Paperclip Communications

It’s all about putting your best foot forward in the job search. Some things to consider when applying for jobs and attending interviews include: • How you’d describe your work ethic • Having realistic expectations, not a sense of entitlement • Tailoring your resume to fit each particular job • Presenting yourself professionally and genuinely • Researching organizations so you can ask informed questions.

What to Expect: Phone Interviews are often used as a screening interview. It’s a good idea to have your materials readily available (resume, portfolio, cover letter, etc) and consider standing to add more energy to your approach. Try not to talk over anyone.

Job Fair or On Campus Interviews are often quick interviews to give you and the employer information about one another. Have your “Me in 3” marketing pitch and a resume ready to share – you don’t have much time to talk here.

On-Site Interviews are when you meet face-to-face with potential employers. You may need to give a presentation and/or take assessment tests. Have a portfolio ready, and pace yourself.

Sample Interview Questions: What is a difficult situation you’ve encountered and how did you overcome it?

What interests you about this job?

What will you contribute to our organization/company?

Check out other questions at: www.quintcareers.com/interview_question_database http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers http://msn.careerbuilder.com info from Paperclip Communications

Marketing Yourself You’re in an elevator and you meet a possible career contact. What three things would you like to tell him/her about yourself? You only have 30 seconds to 2 minutes…go!

Sometimes it’s hard to explain what we do here at St. Johns. But taking some time now to think about how to market yourself quickly, succinctly, and memorably will pay off in the long run – you never know who you might meet suddenly!

Here are some things to think about when developing your “Me in 3” or “Elevator” marketing pitch: • How do you add value to the things you’re involved with?

• What are some characteristics you’re proud of?

• What are your interests and passions?

• How do you make yourself visible to others?

• What makes you stand out?

Let potential employers know who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you stand out!

From Paperclip Communications

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Graduate Programs ARTS Studio Art Centers International (SACI) – SACI is a non-profit university program in Florence, Italy for undergraduate and graduate students seeking fully accredited studio art, design, and liberal arts instruction. With its 35 years of experience, SACI offers five different study programs: Academic Year Abroad, Academic Semester Abroad, MFA Program, Post-Baccalaureate Program, and Summer Studies in a variety of disciplines such as Studio Art, Art History, Art and Archaelogical Conservation, and more. Classes include drawing sessions, presentations, lectures, field trips, and volunteering. Summer 2012 Term runs from June 28 to July 28, 2012. Fall Term runs from September 3 to December 20. Tuition for summer programs is $4500, with optional housing fees of $1550. Tuition for fall semester study is approximately $12,000. Application deadline for Summer programs is May 15, 2012.

Application deadline for study-abroad and post-bac programs is June 15, 2012.

For more information visit www.saci-florence.edu

Interested in studying Law? Most law programs require taking the LSAT for admission.

Think about taking this test over the summer, or early in the fall.

2012-2013 Test Dates: June 11, 2012 October 6, 2012 December 1, 2012 February 9, 2013

Spalding University of Louisville, MFA in Writing (Five Summers, Five Countries) – Spalding University of Louisville, KY is offering a way to earn an MFA while traveling for 10 days every summer. The program works well for full-time teachers and other professionals who are looking to spread tuition costs over a longer period of time. At the beginning of each semester students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency, and then return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchange of 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester.

Application deadline for fall program is July 1, 2012.

For more information visit http://www.spalding.edu/mfa.

ENVIRONMENT School for Field Studies – The School for Field Studies (SFS) creates transformative study-abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. With semester and summer programs in Australia, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Kenya, Tanzania, and more, SFS teaches highly motivated students about critical environmental problems and trains them for research to help address these problems. SFS “classrooms” include coral reefs, rainforests, African savannas, tropical islands, clouds forests, and volcanoes. At SFS, students will develop leadership skills, build personal relationships with members of the local community, be challenged and inspired by important, rewarding work, and make a positive contribution toward the sustainable use of the world’s resources.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait!

For more information visit www.fieldstdies.org

LAW Cooley Law School – With an emphasis on academic knowledge, professionalism, and rigorous hands-on study, Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI provides graduates with the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world.

Their rigorous curriculum includes extensive skills-based courses and clinical experience, and gives students the option of taking part in lawyering competitions, including the mock trial program which has grown into one of the largest and most respected organizations on campus. Cooley offers part-time, full-time or weekend classes.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait!

For more information visit www.cooley.edu continued on page 6 5

For preparation materials, law school searches, application help, recruitment information, testing sites, and to register for the LSAT, visit www.lsac.org

Graduate Programs continued from page 5

University of San Diego School of Law, LLM, MS in Legal Studies – The University of San Diego boasts a highly-regarded faculty, high-quality advocacy and clinical programs, expansive legal research facilities, and a high caliber of students. The faculty consists of nationally recognized experts in every major field of law; Pardee Legal Research Center is regarded as one of the best law libraries. Graduates have 90% employment within nine months of graduation over the past few years.

Application deadline is June 1, 2012.

For more information visit www.law.SanDiego.edu/

HEALTH AND MEDICINE Lots of Johnnies go on to medical study and careers after St. John’s. With a little extra work and these Post-Bac Pre-med programs, you can be well on your way to a medical career.

Notice!

MCAT Changes This month, AAMC’s Board of Directors approved changes for the 2015 MCAT exam. The changes are designed to help students prepare for a rapidly-changing health care system and an evolving body of medical knowledge while addressing the needs of a growing, aging, and increasingly-diverse population. Among the changes are added emphasis on the social and behavioral sciences, scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, and introductory biochemistry. The critical analysis and reasoning skills section will ask students to analyze information in passages from a wide range of social sciences and humanities disciplines, including ethics and philosophy, cross-cultural studies, and population health.

University of Vermont, Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program – Located in Burlington, VT, UVM’s Post-Bac Premed program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, but lack the core science courses needed for admission to medical school. The Premed Program helps students gain the foundation to pursue careers in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and many other health professions. The Post-Bac Premed Program is rigorous, but offers flexibility with the option of one- or two-year tracks. The program also has a variety of linkage programs open to their students, and guarantees interviews at schools such as UVM College of Medicine, UVM Nursing, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England Physician Assistant program, and Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (Vermont campus).

Application deadline is June 1, 2012. After that rolling admissions.

For more information visit www.learn.uvm.edu/premed The Columbia University, Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program - As the oldest and largest program of its kind, the Columbia University Postbac Premed Program is highly regarded for its extremely rigorous approach to medical school preparation.

Whether students are seeking a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or the allied health fields, this resource-rich New York City campus, dedicated academic advisors, network of clinical and research opportunities, and internationally recognized faculty will help them realize their future in medicine.

Application for fall term is June 15, 2012.

For more information visit http://www.gs.columbia.edu/postbac/ Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions, Accelerated BS in Nursing – This 14-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with a second entry point in January provides students with the knowledge and skills that employers increasingly prefer for nurses who provide direct patient care.

Designed for applicants who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, no prior nursing education or experience is required.

The application deadline for the program starting Spring 2013 is July 1, 2012.

For more information visit www.mghihp.edu

To learn more about the new exam, go to https://www.aamc.org/ newsroom/newsreleases/ 273712/120216.html

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Saint Louis University, MPH and Certificate in Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership Programs – Saint Louis University School of Public Health, located in St. Louis, MO, offers a 51-credit hour Master’s in Public Health and an 18-credit hour certificate program in Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership.

Using a hybrid of on-campus and technology-mediated formats, these programs are designed to improve knowledge, skills, and competence in emergency leadership.

Application deadline for MPH program is July 1, 2012.

For more information visit http://publichealth.slu.edu Drexel University College of Medicine, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-medical and Masters’ programs – Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA provides opportunities for students interested in gaining acceptance into a health professions school. The University offers Medical Science Preparatory and Post-Bac Pre-Medical degrees, as well as Masters in Biological Science, Interdepartmental Medical Science, Medical Science, Veterinary Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Health, Clinical Research, and Forensics. With so many options, Drexel seeks to match students with the program that best suits their abilities and goals.

Application deadline for most programs is July 13, 2012.

For specific program deadlines and more information, visit www.drexelmed.edu/ims

Interested in Health Careers?

Visit Explore Health Careers for an objective, reliable resource on over 120 health careers, with overviews by accrediting bodies and national associations. More than 500 nationwide summer and academic year pre-health enrichment programs are listed.

Find hundreds of scholarships, loans and fellowship opportunities for students considering pursuing careers in the health professions, along with resources and links on important health policy topics, and much, much more.

Visit http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/home

Volunteering VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) – VISTA is the AmeriCorps program, started in 1965, specifically designed to fight poverty. Since its inception, VISTA has helped launch hundreds of programs including Head Start, Habitat for Humanity, and Neighborhood Watch, and impacted the lives of countless Americans. VISTA offers more than 6,500 opportunities to fight poverty across the country. Volunteers can design city-wide literacy awareness campaigns, help expand access to affordable health care, recruit and train mentors for children, develop rural community technology centers, build programs to assist the unemployed, and organize housing for hurricane and natural disaster victims. VISTA benefits all who join, with stipends, living allowances, health care, child care, and postservice federal employment opportunities.

For more information visit http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp

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Scholarships

(c) Pete Mauney

Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Scholarships for MS in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy – Bard has two new $20,000 scholarships for graduate study leading to the Masters Degree in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy – one for domestic students and one for international students. Scholarship is open to rising seniors or recent alumni. Bard believes that to achieve a sustainable future, today’s graduates must, over the coming decades, rewire the world with clean energy, redesign cities across the earth, and reimagine the global food system. Bard’s graduate Masters programs marry mastery of science, economics, law, and policy with a focus on leadership training.

Application deadline is May 15, 2012.

For more information visit www.bard.edu/cep/ news/release.php?id=2259 MassMutual Scholarship – MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that sponsors a national scholarship program for high-achieving African American, Asian/ Pacific Islander and Hispanic scholars interested in careers in the insurance and financial services industry. The scholarship is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors of African American, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent. Students of all majors will be considered, but preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the insurance and financial services industry and leadership and participation in extracurricular activities. This year, the program offers thirty $5000 scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year.

Students in the Bard Center for Environmental Policy's graduate program.

Application deadline is May 4, 2012.

ENDNOTES We’re on Facebook!!

Look us up – www.facebook.com/sjcsfcareerservices – and stay updated on important dates and opportunities!

Odyssey Bound Editor Needed for 2012-2013!

Career Services is looking for a work-study eligible student editor for Odyssey Bound. Editorial duties include research, scheduling, writing articles, compiling information, working closely with college offices, editing, and magazine distribution, in addition to office duties. Individuals with high motivation, organization, and innovation skills are encouraged to apply! If you have an interest and experience in publications and editing, please stop by Career Services! Downstairs in Weigle, Room 13, or ext. 6066.

What do you want to see?

International opportunities? Graduate schools? Jobs?

Tell us what you want to know, and we’ll put it in Odyssey Bound. Stop by Career Services or send us an email: careerservices@sjcsf.edu Check us out online!

Previous and current issues of Odyssey Bound (including the new high-tech online magazine format!) can be found online at www.stjohnscollege.edu/admin/SF/career_newsletter.shtml or in the Agora Resource Library.

Disclaimer: The St. John’s College Career Services Office produces Odyssey Bound as a service to St. John’s College students and community members for their career development and educational and life planning. Any jobs or other opportunities listed herein do not indicate an endorsement or recommendation from St. John’s College or the Career Services Office.

Students and individuals from the St. John’s College community are responsible for all necessary precautions when interviewing for or accepting these positions or awards. They are also responsible for checking the credentials and integrity of all employers or organizations. St. John’s College and the Career Services Office assume no liability for acts or omissions by third parties or for material supplied by them. The St. John’s College Career Services Office is not responsible for anything that happens at a given job site. The presence of an employment listing in Odyssey Bound does not guarantee any given employer’s compliance with legal behavior. If a student or individual experiences discrimination or sexual harassment on the job or in a job interview, he or she is encouraged to call the Department of Fair Employment in the state in which the violation occurred.

Additional information and/or printed materials on all opportunities and programs listed in Odyssey Bound are kept in the Career Services Office. The office is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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