Escape March 6, 2014

ESCAPE

smile. EXPLORE. relax. / march 6 / weekend

jump!

Into the internship of your dreams

GET THE JOB ROCK YOUR RESUME

+

more online @ oudaily.com/weekender

the career issue

ESCAPE

start the hunt Finding that perfect job or internship can be incredibly stressful. We hope to alleviate some of that stress by providing a few helpful tips we hope will lead you down the road to career success.

First step: Perfect your resume. See our resume building tips to get started (pg. 5). Plus, OU Career Services Director Bette Scott gave us plenty of tips to get you on the road to pinning down your dream internship, starting with your resume (pg. 7).

Whatever you do, don’t stress. We hope to help get you started, but remember, there are plenty of on-camus resources to get you where you want to be.

march 6

contents 3 grumpy couch potato 4 where do you work?

5 build your resume 6 don’t take advice 7 get the internship

megan deaton, escape editor, @meggiejennie

contributors

Escape is a student-produced publication of OU Student Media, a department in the Division of Student Affairs. Copyright 2014 OU Student Media.

email: escapeou@gmail.com twitter: @OU_Escape

contact us!

Let us know what you think. We really want your feedback.

Seriously.

kate mcpherson

conner golden

assistant editor

Copy Chief

@katemcp92

@hoonthatsc

HEATHER BROWN photographer @HeatherMB8

keaton bell @kildebell

graham dudley @danger_dudley

hannah norton @hmnorton

The Oklahoma Daily Editor

Kyle Margerum Editorial Adviser

Judy Gibbs Robinson Advertising Manager

Kearsten Howland Advertising Adviser

Anne Richard

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3

The Grumpy couch Potato Keaton Bell | film

Most of us do — or will — spend a pretty large portion of our lives at work, and it’s fair to say most of that time is not exactly exciting. Whether you’re wallowing in unemployment or taking advantage of the free snacks at an internship, work is an unavoidable aspect of our lives.

Which is why most of our favorite on-screen characters never seem to be clocking in too many hours. Sure you can watch the workplace antics of “The Office,” but are you really watching because you care about a paper company?

Did you watch “Clerks” because you were curious about what really happens behind-the-scenes at a convenience store? Of course not! It’s because we find them an entertaining replacement for doing the actual work ourselves.

To keep you from having to do your work, here is a guide to some of the best pieces of workplace pop culture:

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003) — Miranda Priestly is a tyrannical fashion editor who inflicts all kinds of havoc on her subordinates, key among them her assistant Andrea Sachs. Priestly throws her coats on desks, expects others to know what she’s thinking and has outrageous demands for everybody. For anyone who has ever had a bad employer, you see yourself in Sachs and her desire to do a good job and make people proud of her.

5

things to do this

weekend 1.

Sneak a peek at a special exhibition and enjoy free food, live music and more.

2.

Office Space (1999) — Sure, the film’s software and look is pretty dated, but it’s depiction of the workers being fed up with their jobs is beyond relatable. The main focus of “Office Space” is a handful of IT workers at a software company who have to put up with a creepy manager, annoying co-workers and the trials of having a desk job. Whether you work in retail, food, IT, human relations or any other group of under- appreciated workers, “Office Space” resonates so well because it brings up all of the frustrations workers face on a daily basis.

what: Handel’s “Alcina” when: 8 p.m. thursday where: reynolds performing arts center

Be classy and go to the opera for the University Theatre performance of “ALCINA,” composed by George Handel. Tickets are $10 for students.

3.

Parks And Recreation (2009 - Present) — “Parks and Recreation” follows the overly optimistic Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, and her subordinates as they pursue projects to try and make their city of Pawnee, Ind. a better place. Equal parts charming, outrageous and laugh-out-loud hilarious, “Parks and Recreation” is the best comedy on television by a long shot. Currently in it’s sixth season, it only continues to get better due in large part to it’s stellar ensemble and spot-on satire of city government. Now if only every workplace were as fun as Pawnee’s Parks and Recreation Department...

what: student opening party when: 7 to 8 p.m. thursday where: fred jones jr. museum of art sandy bell gallery

what: cultural night when: 5:45 to 7 p.m. friday where: founders hall, schusterman learning center

Buy your tickets now in the Student Affairs office for a night of food and performances from all around the world.

4.

what: free movie when: 7 and 11:45 p.m. Friday where: oklahoma memorial union’s meacham auditorium

See the second installment of the Hobbit trilogy for free before it’s available on DVD or Blu-Ray, courtesy of the Union Programming Board.

5.

what: constantinople, music of persia when: 8 p.m. saturday where: catlett music center’s sharp concert hall

The School of Music and Masala World Music Series are bringing the exotic music of Persia to campus. Tickets are $5 for students and $9 for adults.

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5

where do you work?

OU students have all kinds of local jobs. Three of them share their experiences as students in the working world, as well as pass along any advice they have to those still looking:

graham dudley | q&A

rock

» CLAIRE D. HIREME »

TWEET

I love animals. It’s probably the best job I’ve ever had, and I’ve had some really good jobs. It’s just really fun because you get to interact with people, but also animals all day.

I think this semester I’m keeping a pretty good balance of work and school.

I put too much focus on work because it pays the bills, but this semester I made sure I did Tuesday/Thursday classes and made my schedule around those. There’s a lot of jobs around Norman, especially for college kids, and they’re pretty flexible about schedules. Try to find something you enjoy and that’s not too much of a job to distract you from school. Just make sure you’re not working too much that you can’t study

I am a private piano teacher and I teach a Stepping Tones preschool class. Like a pre-beginning piano class. I just started this semester, so I haven’t been there long. One of my friends that also plays the piano and teaches there told me they were looking for more piano instructors and she contacted me. I contacted them and set up an interview.

It’s more difficult having a job; there’s less time to do things that I want to do, and I’ve been sleeping a little bit less. I’m not working too many hours so it’s still manageable. Be smart about your job search. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Look for something that you’re going to enjoy doing, because if not, it might just cause too much stress or make your life miserable. Do something that’s worth you’re time, and if you can do some homework while you’re working, that’s good too.

french senior language learning center

I hung out [at the learning center] a lot because I liked studying for French and listening to movies using all the great resources there, but I got to know the guys working there and thought it would be really cool to work there. They told me to check online and I applied online. They knew me and much later they interviewed me, and they liked me. I applied through HireSooner. I’ve been working there since last semester. My advice is just to take initiative. Go up to people and show them that you’re ready to learn.

Objective While OU’s Career Services recommends having an objective statement, this has become more optional over the years, as many people find the field vague and pointless. Indeed, many of Career Services’ sample online resumes don’t have an objective, which allows more information to fit on the page. It’s up to you!

music education junior infinity music arts academy

kendra havens

2730 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072 + 405.867.5309 + clairedhireme@gmail.com

YOUR BEST AND WORST JOB STORIES TO @OUESCAPE

danielle dipboye

It’s time to leave high school behind. Only include college and other relevant education experiences, like study abroad, in this section.

you’ve heard from students. now start the job hunt with an awesome resume

resume

kate mcpherson | guide

bo teichman sociology/criminology senior Petco

THE

When you’re searching for that perfect job or internship, it’s important to put your best foot forward with a clean, polished resume. Having a resume on file will allow you to apply for jobs and attend career fairs on a moment’s notice, so design one now if you haven’t already. This template can help you get started, but be sure to tailor your finished product so that it emphasizes what’s great about you.

This section is fairly self-explanatory: list your honors and activities. While you may want to list scholarships as you’re searching for internships and getting your first job, you should shift toward more career-oriented honors as you advance.

To get a job/internship that will allow me to explore my full potential in the field of my choice.

Education

Experience

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

ESCAPE

+ BA in An Important Major + minor in underwater basket weaving + Graduated May 2014

WRITER, January 2014 to present

Honors and Activities

References

+ Super Awesome scholarship + Chair of Important Thing + Volunteer at Selfless Activity

DR. NICE PROFESSOR

+ contribute stories on a weekly deadline + conduct interviews

+ nprofessor@ou.edu + 405.451.2319

Most people agree resumes should be about a page long, except in extraordinary circumstances.

Your main goal should be maximum readability: Your potential employer won’t spend very much time on yours, so make what’s important stand out.

Remember to tailor your resume to the job you want. If you’re looking for a job in a field like architecture or design, impress your employer with an alternative — but readable — design. If you’re looking for a job in accounting, you may want to stick to a more traditional format.

Be sure to visit OU Career Services for resume tips. They’ll look over your resume with you and make sure you’re on the right track.

Your contact information is the first thing your potential employer will look for, so be sure it’s visible: at the top of the page or emphasized on the side. Pro tip: invest in a professional-sounding email.

TransformersLuver124@hotmail. com is not going to do you any favors.

List your relevant experience in this section, along with the dates of your employment and a brief description of what you did. You should list the jobs in the order in which you had them (i.e., most recent job first), and you should tailor this section for the job you’re seeking.

While some people list their references on their resume, many people leave the section off and prepare a separate reference sheet to produce on request. Either way, be sure you ask if you can use someone as a reference before your employer springs a phone call on them.

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don’t take advice

hannah norton | column

I

am an anthropology senior about helpful — like my mom’s advice never to graduate and head into the to do something that makes you consistently unhappy. Some of it is … well real world. I am in no way an expert … less than ideal. on job hunting or internship finding, My least favorite bits of advice are but I have had excellent luck finding often those that tell you step-by-step jobs and experiences I love and am instructions on how you can succeed so glad to have found. Although I have received a ton of advice through at whatever field you want to pursue.

Take this advice with a my experiences, what grain of salt. Take all ultimately led me to my advice with a grain of salt, internship and clinical even mine. Over the years, experiences was my willI have learned that no one ingness to ignore what the ... you should not knows everything about “experts” said and pave let anyone dis- getting your dream job or my own path.

“Why would you want courage your from landing a perfect internto be an Anthropology applying from your ship. When someone offers major?” “That job won’t dream internship you some “informed” ask questions, do help you with graduate or tell you the opinions, your own research and do school.” “You should realonly way to reach not be afraid to go your ly build your resume up a goal is by doing own way. It has worked more.” The minute you ‘this, this, and wonders for me. decide to attend college, Take a look at your people suddenly decide this.” resume, specifically extrato come out of the woodcurriculars and volunteer experience. work in an effort to give you some We are often bombarded from mul“well-meaning” advice. Some of it is

“

SAM’S Best Buys

Skiing for Spring Break?

tiple sides to volunteer as much as possible in an effort to look good for potential employers. I took a different route as a freshman, even though I was frequently told that I was not doing enough. I chose volunteer and extracurricular activities that I was and am passionate about. These are the activities I want to talk about with potential employers.

Do not get sucked in to putting every little activity on your resume. Do you really want to be asked about that one weekend you volunteered for Habitat for Humanity or that day you spent at the elementary school? Or would you rather be asked about your clinic experience where you were able to build relationships or your multi-year volunteering with Meals on Wheels or some other organization? Think carefully before trying to do everything. In my experience, often less is more.

You should not let anyone discourage you from applying for your dream internship or tell you the only way to reach a goal is by doing “this, this, and this.” That’s just not accurate. Often, employers and schools like candidates that may not fit the exact mold.

Differences stand out, and may lead to new and exciting opportunities. So, take my advice and do not always follow advice. The less added stress may open up a world of opportunities for you.

worst advice 1.) You’ll never get a job with that major 2.)Put everything you’ve ever done on your resume 3.) That internship is really competitive.

You might not want to take the time to apply 4.) There’s a step-bystep process to be successful in everything 5.) You have to fit a certain mold to get hired

megan deaton/ESCAPE

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7

What’s in your

MADE SIMPLE keaton bell | guide

library?

When students set out to start the application process for internships, they are often taken aback by the level of difficulty. Our favorite movies and television shows make it seem like you can just fill out an application, charm your way through an interview and voila — welcome to your dream internship.

In reality, the process is time-consuming, difficult and thorough. You will face rejection letters, make mistakes in your interview and maybe have a few panic attacks along the way.

Part of the reason for this is there is no singular guide for the application process. Sure there are plenty of tips you can look up online, career fairs you can attend and ways to try and get your name out there. We have heard the same advice over and over again, but the process really can be simplified with just a few simple steps.

To make sure you stand out, Bette Scott, OU Career Services Director, detailed five different ways to score that dream internship:

“ 2. “ 1.

Have a resume that shows you’re a perfect match for the position.

The key to getting an employer’s attention is to get something down on paper, to get someone to look at, and to make sure your resume reflects how awesome you are, how incredible you are or how perfect you are for that particular position.

Everybody writes a general one so it’s hard to tell if the person is really interested in the position or if they really know what the employer is looking for. But if you can paint a picture through your resume that you’re the perfect match for this position, you’ll get an interview guaranteed.”

find out what else we have to offer: http://libraries.ou.edu/promo

Don’t be lazy. The application process takes effort.

Things are really easy nowadays. It’s easy to do everything with cell phones, the Internet, etc. And so I think students expect the job search to be easy. Like I punch a few buttons, I’m done and somebody will automatically want me. In fact, searching for an an internship or job is harder than the job itself.

Not every organization is going to want to hire you so you really have to work hard and put some effort into it. It takes a lot of time and effort, and I don’t think students realize that when they get into the process so they get frustrated early.”

@oulibraries

OULibraryOverview

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INTERNSHIPS (CONTINUED)

3.

“

Have a resume that shows you’re a perfect match for the position.

Every business is different so every one has a different timeline. Generally, it used to be if you wanted a summer internship you started in January, but that just isn’t true anymore. Some students have internships by December for the following summer, so if they don’t apply for that internship during the fall semester, they’ve lost that window of opportunity. For a summer internship, start looking in the August before that summer.

It differs industry by industry, so for some students it may be alright to start by December.

Students just have to be on top of it. There isn’t one specific guide, you just have to start as early as possible and keep after it.”

4.

“

tweet your intern stories to @ouescape

Get your name out there.

Eighty percent of the job market is never posted publicly. You hear the old adage, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ I think the best thing you can do is get the word out that you are looking for an internship to everyone you know, everybody your family knows, your faculty, everybody.

Networking, going in and talking to people and finding people who are doing what you want to do. Through this process you have talked to people in the field you are interested in who know everybody else in that field.”

5.

World’s best intern

“

Don’t let rejection stop you.

I remember one year, it was a very bad job market and the top students I was working with could literally wallpaper an entire wall with rejection letters. But it also just showed how many places they had applied for.

We’re in a good job market now. Students just need to be aware that not every company is going to want to hire you, just like how you won’t want to work for every company you apply with.”

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