Trying to land a job, start your career, transition into a new chapter is never an easy undertaking and it is especially important to be mindful of several mistakes you might be making.  Many of us are guilty of being rote in our job search process, but now is the time to take a step back and assess your own process and determine how well it’s working for you. 

Are you tailoring your resume to every job?  Sending the same resume to every position regardless of the requirements is an ineffective way of letting people know who you are. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience. 

The dreaded cover letter.  Do you need one?  Yes, if it’s asked for and make it a good one. Yes, if it’s not asked for and make it a good one.   The cover letter is always a great opportunity to outline why you’re interested in the job, and if you happen to be a gifted writer, it makes the employer much more interested. 

Are you attending industry events and networking at every opportunity?  Connecting to people in real life (as well as building your LinkedIn presence) is just as important as submitting applications. 

Have you done your research?  Applying to a job without understanding the company’s culture, values, or mission can come across as disinterested or insincere.  You are selling yourself and “knowing your ‘why’” is an excellent start. 

What about the job description? Does the job truly align with your skills and background? Be prepared during an interview to outline how your background and the requirements intersect successfully. 

Do we know the difference between assertive and aggressive?  Do not be overly aggressive during the job search - a little (gentle) and well-timed follow-up is appreciated but too much can be off-putting and sure to get you blocked.  Give the employer time to review your application. 

Have you proofread all your documents?  Typos and errors in your resume or cover letter can create a poor first impression.  Take a minute and ask a trusted friend or colleague to look over everything one more time before you hit the submit button. 

Are you applying for absolutely every single job you come across?  This will not only make you distracted but draw attention away from your true mission.  Only apply to those positions which really align with your skills.   Your happiness depends on that. 

Are you underestimating your soft skills? Most employers value strong communication, problem solving and teamwork skills as much as technical skills.  Be sure to have these reflected on your resume and in your interview responses. 

Are you preparing for interviews or are you so used to the process that you “take it as it comes”.  Never get too comfortable, practice common interviews, the STAR method and know your resume inside out so that you are prepared for whatever may be asked. 

Are you using LinkedIn as effectively as you can?  Is your profile “recruiter ready” and have you double-checked grammar, spelling, dates? 

How organized are you?  Are you keeping track of your applications, reach-outs, and interviews?  You will not be able to follow-up effectively unless you make organization a skill you call upon daily. 

Are you practicing self-care?  The job process is exhausting and oftentimes overwhelming.  Take frequent breaks, eat right, get enough sleep and don’t forget to share your journey with those you trust and find supportive.    Avoiding the common mistakes we all make will help to make your job search a productive one.  Good Luck! 

Even matriculating through school or as you start your career journey we are faced with many setbacks and rejections. Some setbacks look like failing in classes, not understanding a specific subject, not having the support needed to push through, not having money to pay for lunch, a feeling of not caring, or boredom that constantly attacks you while in school. In your career, you might find it hard obtaining interviews for the jobs you have favored, maybe you obtain interviews but can’t go further in the interviewing process, maybe you are not good with interviewing, or don’t know how to dress.  It happens, but guess what? You are not the only one it is happening to. So what do you do to bounce back from these setbacks and rejection? You build resilience, just as you would start building a house, you would start with the foundation first. Take a look at the below strategies to help build resilience in your career and as you matriculate through school.

Strategies for Building Resilience

1. Fortify your mind.  Fortifying your mind is all about supplying it with positive, inspiring, motivating, rock solid strength. You can obtain this by building business acumen through books, podcasts, and videos. Also, reading literature that inspires you and stimulates contemplation.
2. Build a rock solid circle. If you have three friends that’s great, although two might suffice. As long as you have someone that can support you during challenging times, someone who offers guidance when needed. That person can provide invaluable advice, inspire you, motivate you, which is often needed when navigating life.
3. Set realistic goals. It’s great to have big goals but make sure you can obtain those goals. Break down your objectives into smaller, actionable steps. Begin by defining your short-term goals, followed by outlining your long-term aspirations. Follow this up by making an action plan with detailed steps on how you will reach the first milestone and so on. Additionally, consult your circle(network) on some of these steps to help keep you motivated and focused on the goal.
4. Have some compassion for yourself. Self compassion is very important to keep stress levels down, insecurities, and feelings of inadequacy. Applaud yourself when you accomplish small tasks, you deserve it! Also, take time for activities you enjoy such as eating your favorite foods, playing games, getting massages. These can help you relax and destress from the daily grind.

Let’s begin with the resume.  You need to always have one ready, even if you aren’t sure what you are applying to yet.   Maybe that means you must have more than one resume?  That’s exactly what it means.  So, the next step is giving some serious thought to the different areas you are interested in, and then creating a resume with a Positioning Statement (statement that lets the recruiter/employer know what you are interested in without the dreaded words “seeking” and looking for” three soft skills, the functional title you are going for, three hard skills)  that is tailored to each one.

Each resume and positioning statement must speak specifically to that goal.   We must also remember those fun “resume rules” that will probably never change; for instance, we no longer use an “Objective” (the Positioning Statement replaces that) the resume has a two page maximum, no street address on header, no References Upon Request, no personal pronouns, no age/birthdate/picture, and make every attempt for your resume to be ATS ready.   (Applicant Tracking System – a tool that is used to screen you OUT – read up on this and don’t let that happen to you!).   

 https://www.jobscan.co/blog/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-applicant-tracking-systems/

An easy way to be sure the ATS won’t screen you out is to be always intentional – plant buzz words and relevant key “terms” into your resume (can be pulled directly from the posting) so that the system is able to catch the similarities.   No similarities – no phone call from a potential employer.

Avoid the huge temptation of creating a resume using AI or ChatGPT – these are excellent tools for making sure you are “on the right track” but producing a document created solely with these tools is akin to cheating and suggests that you might not have the tools for the job itself.    It is always best to receive a rejection or acceptance based on your own merit than to always live in the shadows of someone else’s work.

Once your resume is ready (but remember it is a living and breathing document – always ready to be updated and tweaked) the only thing to do next is Apply, Apply, Apply.  

Always do your research beforehand and approach each new job application with a fresh spirit and open mind.  Are you visiting company websites in addition to the “job boards”?  Oftentimes, an organization will simply post an opening on their company website and avoid the competition of LinkedIn, Monster and CareerBuilder.  Make sure to set up a profile on the sites that offer the most opportunities and visit them often.

Can you identify a scam position?  Do you know what to look out for?  https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-know-if-a-job-is-a-scam

Check this out and start paying attention to the subtle differences in email addresses, information that is requested – and never, ever provide banking or personal data until all the pieces have been connected.

Finally, interviews are often fear inducing but the best way to protect yourself is to be prepared.  The days of being asked “what is your weakness?” and “where do you see yourself in five years?” are long over, and you must prepare yourself to handle “real questions about real life situations” that you not only handled well but wish you could have handled better.  The best way to prepare for an interview (in addition to being physically ready with outfit and appropriate “interview space”) is to take a good look at the methods of interviewing that you must be prepared for.    Look at the Star Method of interviewing and come up with a few scenarios that you can have at your fingertips.

https://www.hbcucareers.com/blog/the-star-method-of-interviewing-be-a-star-on-your-interview.

Take a deep breath, clear your mind, be in the moment, network with everyone, keep a copy of your resume on your phone, practice your elevator pitch but most of all…be your authentic self – you worked to be anything else.

Good Luck!

1. Career Exploration – As you move through the process of obtaining higher education, take time to explore various career options related to your field of study. Research various industries, job roles and organizations to gain a better understanding of what interests you.

2. Develop Professional Skills – Make sure you acquire the necessary professional skills for your field. This may include communication, teamwork, time management, and technical skills. Continuously seek opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge through workshops, online courses, certifications and on the job training.

3. Build a Network – Start networking with professionals in your industry. Join and actively participate in associations. Attend career fairs, industry, and alumni events. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support in your chosen field.

4. Update Your Resume, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Profile -Your resume and cover letter should be well-crafted and tailored to the positions you are applying for. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and presents you in a professional manner. Highlight relevant skills, experiences and achievements that make you a strong candidate.

5. Job Search – Utilize online job boards, company websites, and professional organizations to search for openings. Do not forget to take advantage of your school’s career services for job leads and resources.

6. Prepare for Interviews – Practice common interview questions, research the company you are interviewing with, be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

7. Adjust to Workplace Culture – Once you land an opportunity, it is important to understand every office environment has its own culture. Take time to observe and adapt to norms, expectations, and communication styles within your new workplace.

8. Set Realistic Expectations – Understanding that transitioning to the workplace can be challenging. Be patient with yourself and remain open to learning and growth.

9. Seek Feedback – Never be afraid to ask for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors. Constructive feedback, when applied, can help you improve and excel in your new role.

Remember, the transition from college to the workplace is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. Stay positive, stay proactive and continue to learn and grow in your new professional environment.

1. Communication Skills

Being able to convey and receive information is essential in a workplace, whether you’re communicating via email, in person with colleagues or presentations. As a recent graduate, being an effective communicator can show recruiters and employers your ability not only being a young professional, but also getting your message across verbally and via writing. Communication skills also allow us to build trust, respect, and have a space to share our ideas creatively and problem solving.

2. Flexibility

A candidate who is able to have flexibility for a new role demonstrates their versatility, resilience, and adaptability to change. Employers are moving away from the typical Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm schedule that many are so used to. Instead, employers seek candidates who are willing to respond to the changes in the workplace. The pandemic was a perfect example of employees having to adapt, making the transition from on-site to remote work, and I believe more Generation-Z candidates are more open to being flexible with scheduling and the workplace. It has become one of the most valued skills for candidates to have, so if you are looking for a great soft skill to have, flexibility should be at the top of your list.

3. Critical Thinking Skills

Can you solve problems? Do you possess the ability to find solutions in the workplace? Having critical thinking skills allows you to be the employee in the room who can gather information, be resourceful, and has decision-making qualities. If you are a student who has worked during college, chances are you had to develop critical thinking skills in finding what’s the best solution for customers. Critical thinking is having the ability to analyze the way in which you think and present your ideas. Employers are looking for problem-solvers, are you one of them? If so, make sure you can speak to that skillset with employers.

4. Technical Skills

Every single employer is using a form of computer/laptop, communication messaging, or the ability to complete complex tasks with software such as Excel or Salesforce. It is critical as a recent graduate that you develop technical skills because to some degree, you will be using technology and/or software in the workplace and you must be technologically savvy. If you’re an accounting or finance recent graduate, you will most likely use excel i.e. pivot tables, v-lookups, and functions. Even if you’re not within those specific academic programs, you’re using technology. Be ready to talk about your technical skills with an employer, they are bound to ask during an interview.

If you haven’t done this yet, work with your Career Advisor to go over your resume and mock interview. One of the things I overlooked as a student was the importance of getting to know my Career Advisor. These school employees are a wealth of knowledge and can provide tips that will greatly assist you in your search for a wonderful job. Schedule time to go over your resume with them and practice interviewing. Career Advisors are paid to stay on top of industry trends regarding resume writing and interview preparation. As a student or recent graduate, they are here to serve you.

Attend Career Fairs. Nearly all schools host a “just in time” career fair that is open to graduating seniors and recent graduates. These events are full of employers looking to scoop up new talent for their organizations. Most of the roles will be geared toward those who are considered early in their career. Again, work with your Career Advisor to prepare for the event. Your advisor will make sure that you’re dressed appropriately and ready to shine. This will be an opportunity to showoff your new resume and engage in conversation with employers. One thing to keep in mind: in the past, employers would collect resumes at the event. More companies are moving away from this and are asking candidates to register for updates via a tablet at the event. This allows recruiters to have easy access to a database of candidates from the event that they can leverage when filling roles.

Reach out to Recruiters on LinkedIn. As part of the prep for career fairs, you’ll want to work with your Career Advisor to create a professional LinkedIn profile. You’ll need this as many companies will allow students and graduates to share their accounts when entering information on tablets at events. LinkedIn is also a great place to connect with Recruiters at the companies you wish to work at. I won’t spend too much time on this, as I wrote about this in an older article, but your goal should be to make connections. Please don’t ask Recruiters for special favors as it takes time to develop relationships. Most recruiters are extremely busy and don’t have time to coach people on their resume and how to interview. Again, make sure that you’re leveraging your Career Advisor for these tasks.

If you completed an internship and enjoyed it, see if your host company can “covert” your role to full-time. Often, students will complete an internship without having firm plans for future work. This could be due to the employer not having budget to convert at the time. Stay in touch with your hiring manager from the internship. As your graduation date approaches, or just after you’ve graduated, reach out to them, and see if things have changed. I’ve met several former interns who were able to secure a full-time job by doing this.

This is an exciting time in your life! Make sure that you are leveraging all the tools and resources at your disposal. Most importantly, have fun too! Enjoy the experience and ensure that you’re getting enough rest. This can be a stressful time: go for a walk, hang out with your friends, call your mom. Being in the right frame of mind can be the difference between success and failure. All of us contributing to this great magazine are cheering for you!

What can you do to stand out from the rest?  Sure, an impactful resume focusing on your skills, experience, extra-curriculars are hugely important, but does your “junior” resume contain some crucial elements that position you ahead of the pack?  Did you have an internship or real-life work experience that can be included in your resume and profile? Do you know how to find one?

To be successful in landing an internship, you must first treat it as a “job search” which, in fact, it is.  Begin with narrowing down industry as it pertains to future career relevance; be mindful that this internship will provide you with a compliment to your studies (and very often school credit and/or payment).

How do you begin?  First, are you a member of professional associations within your industry of choice?  If you aren’t, now is the time to join some!  Very often, internship and ‘contract’ opportunities are listed in professional organization newsletters; they are eager to include new members to train and develop. Look at the membership applications and join as many as you can – very often, fees are waived for the college student which is a bonus.

You can also use internship “finders” which are websites dedicated to internships only – you won’t have to worry that a full-time accountant position is included in the mix.  It is easy to set up a profile, complete with alerts, so you can apply to opportunities as they arise. Additionally, these websites provide important information and can open you to a myriad of choices you never knew existed.

Are you able to tap into the alumni connections at your college?  Very often, alumni are more than willing to hold out a hand for new graduates. Alumni often provide opportunities at their current employers or provide a space for a possible shadowing or mentorship experience.

Along with working with your school career counseling center, be sure to go to career fairs and employment events.  The recruiters who attend these events are recruiting for all levels of openings in their organizations, and sometimes showing up -resume in hand (not on your phone) might provide you with the chance to sell yourself in person and create an internship where one might not have existed.

Are you using social media as a professional networking tool?  Now is the time to beef-up your LinkedIn profile with an intentional background and some “internship-focused” buzz words strategically placed throughout.  You should be posting articles, updates, asking questions and making yourself known.   Be mindful of the rules of proper networking on LinkedIn and send professional notes and messages of interest instead of just hitting “forward profile” to a potential employer.  There are many Internship

Groups on LinkedIn, and you should join as many as possible.  You also need to be active in these groups; join in conversations, like posts, thank people for sharing information.

Don’t forget about company websites.  Do you have a few companies on a “Wish List”?  Look at their websites, craft an interesting “Letter of Interest” and send it to someone in Human Resources (which is either listed on website, or can be easily found with a few clicks in the LinkedIn search bar).  If there is no internship opening listed, perhaps your “pain letter” will create a need and you can fill it – be always creative and intentional in your correspondence.

Finally, do not hesitate to tell everyone you meet that you are seeking an internship.  Exciting opportunities often show up where one least expects it, your neighbor might have an exciting lead that you can uncover quite naturally.  Networking is key to landing an internship – start early and be focused, and before you know it your resume will develop before you even graduate!

Good Luck!

1. Using a Professional or Personal Email

Most people have several personal email addresses used for different purposes such as one assigned for shopping coupons or one used for just job applications. College students are assigned a college email that they can access to communicate with professors and faculty members. I would highly recommend college students use their college email address during their time as college students as it makes it easier to stay connected with professors. Most important school documents such as exams, assignments, financial aid, and any sensitive documentation are typically sent to a college email. If it is easier to get a reach of you at your personal email, you can politely ask the sender to use your personal email in the “cc” line to send not only important documents to your school email but also your personal email as well. Also, if you’re using a personal email, make sure it looks and sounds appropriate. During my college years, I recall working alongside one of my class peers, and I will never forget their email address: hulkneverdies@blank.com. I guess he was a huge Marvel super comic fan? It shows. My advice? Use your first and last name for a clean, minimalistic email address that looks professional.

2. Be Patient for a Response

It’s safe to say that most of us have many things going on in our lives and try to get them done all at once. As a career counselor, I experience many college students having an expectation of receiving an email response a few minutes after they sent me an email. What some are not aware of is that I’m wearing multiple hats within the position from student counseling, business development, employer outreach, and conducting workshops. Professors and faculty members can respond to an email within 24-36hrs of receiving your email as they work on responding not just to your email but to other emails coming from other students and external emails. We live in a fast-paced world where many of us want a response from our friends, family, peers, and even professors immediately, whether via text message or email. Remember that the person receiving the email also has deadlines, projects, and ad hoc projects that they also need to respond to. My other recommendation is if you have not gotten a response to your email within 36 hours, you can send a second email and remind them to get back to you as a reminder from the first email.

3. Did you proofread your email?

Have you ever been in a rush to reply to an email, finished composing your email, hit the send button and didn’t take the time to proofread it? By the time you send it, it’s too late any make corrections and if you misspelled any words or the person’s name, it could turn off the recipient, especially when applying for a job. It’s very important to use precaution and proofread your email before hitting the send button. Talking 2-3 minutes to make sure your email is clear, readable, and has correct content can make a significant impact. Small email etiquette in the body of the email such as introducing yourself, proper font, and size, are subtle details you’ll be judged positively. The mistakes and errors in your email won’t go unnoticed! Did you go for an interview and want to send a. thank you email? Go for it but make sure to review and use the suggestions I included above. Spell-checkers such as Grammarly or the built-in spell-checker within Microsoft Outlook are great tools; however, I would still recommend reading it through. Another tip I find helpful is reading your email aloud to make sure what you wrote makes sense and again clarifies what you wrote and the recipient understands your email. When you write an email with lots of misspellings and grammar, you look unprofessional and give any importance which is a poor image and reflection of you.

4. When to use Auto-Reply

Receiving emails daily is almost inevitable, especially when you’re on vacation, unavailable, or other matters, your email inbox will be flooded. If this happens to be the case, using the auto-reply feature comes in handy and is one I recommend using as long as it has the right and appropriate content. Here’s an example of an auto-reply response I received from someone after sending them an email regarding a job opportunity I thought they’d be a great fit:

"If you emailing ' 'bout the car the payment is in the mail. If this is Weekday I am walking around. If you've got somethin' to sell your wastin' your time, I'm not buyin' If it's anybody else state your purpose, you know what to do And P.S. if this is MIA I still love you, and I miss you."

Inappropriate and should not be an auto-response and more importantly, if a professor sends you an email or a job opportunity might arise. If you’re going to use the auto-reply feature, here are a few tips: make sure you set a time frame for long you will be unavailable for example., “Hi! Thank you for your email; I will be unavailable from August 1^st to August 3^rd”. The recipient will understand you will get back to them as soon as you get back after August 3^rd. Second, craft your body message as I shared rule #3, have time to proofread your message, its professional and has the right ingredients that encompass you’re away and return date. Lastly, remember to turn off auto-reply when you are ready to review your emails. I have encountered instances where I email a student, receive an auto-reply and get a response from the student shortly while I think they are still away out of the country on vacation.

5. Email vs. Text Message

It’s safe to say most people have a smartphone and most of us have an addiction to sending text messages to our friends and family. Some college students tend to blur the lines between text messages and email which should be separated given both have a different purpose. The first suggestion I recommend is to avoid using acronyms in any email. Examples such as TTYL(talk to you later), BRB(be right back), and OMW(on my way) are a big No and quite frankly unprofessional. Remember that sending emails is another form of building communication skills so do your best to keep it professional as this is a skill you will be using well beyond your college experience. Second, if you’re using a smartphone to send an email, make sure not to add your body message in the subject line. I can’t tell you how many times I received from students doing this and it looks like an entire body message in one long sentence. Please take your time to compose your email it is in the right second. The last tip is that even though sending a text is a great and quick way to convey your message, look at sending an email to improve your communication and writing skills. These will be essential skills in the workforce and will illustrate to your colleagues and management that you can not only professionally conduct yourself in person but also using technology.

What can you do to ensure that your mental state is healthy and fresh – that you can approach each day with optimism and clarity?

Let’s separate the areas of mental wellness into three categories:  Mind, Body and Spirit.  If we approach our daily lives with these three “must haves” always in the forefront, we can create a plan for healthy living that can get us through each day.

Starting with the Mind:  what’s on yours?  Are you so immersed in studying and chasing the grades, that you forget about the content, what you’re actually learning? Can you use your ‘big picture thinking’ as a constant reminder of the WHY of your journey?  Try not to get caught up in proving what you’ve learned (acing that test) that you forget to absorb your new knowledge and champion your success.  Reach out to someone outside of your classes, and share your new information with him/her/them – practice what it feels like to own a new skill set, group of facts, express excitement about your new knowledge.

How do you handle any negative thoughts that might enter your mind at any given time?  Do you have a journal or can you record messages on a phone? Is there some method you can use to ‘write out’ your insecurities, concerns, and have them viewed in a more open-minded light?   Who do you trust that you can turn to when you are feeling lost or ‘out of sorts’?  Remember, we have all felt the pull of loneliness and fear – do not allow it to direct you outside of your goals and missions. Talk to someone.

You can also keep your mind fresh by ordering your thoughts. Create a working “to do” list in your mind that you can use to calm down, and regroup.  Start by sorting out what needs to be done, or is a pressing issue, and break it into little, manageable, pieces that you can handle one-by-one.  Then put it out of your mind, using a mental line across the entry.  Handling what goes on in your mind is the first step to healthy living.

How is your Body doing?  Are you eating properly? (this includes as many basic food groups as possible and possibly a vitamin?).   Do you eat when you’re supposed to or do you skip meals?  Do you skip the super-important one, namely, Breakfast?  If you are guilty of this, perhaps now is the time to be creative in your pursuit of a cool and colorful breakfast. Do a brief google search, or talk to almost anyone anywhere, and garner suggestions for a breakfast that is vitamin-full, tasty, and quick. 

Do you eat lunch when it’s lunchtime – and do you have a dinner that is more than fast-food? There are so many incredible choices that are reasonably priced, and healthy, and should become a part of your daily routine.  Take a good look at what you eat every day and ask yourself if those choices are making you feel stronger, clearer, more energetic?  If the answer is no, you are feeding your Body all the wrong things; you need each other and must always be on that proverbial “same page”.

When is the last time you had a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, for the proper number of hours all in a row? *Sometimes what’s on your Mind prevents this important aspect of your life. *Try to clear your mind of disturbing issues before your head hits that pillow.  Make sure you sleep when your body tells you it’s time -we have learned that “all-nighter’s” last way longer than that one night and we should be cognizant of those effects.

Are you moving enough?  So many of us spend hours in front of a screen or slumped over a keyboard or phone; what kind of real exercise are you getting?  Sometimes a small walk around your campus (if onsite) or your neighborhood – apartment – can get your senses moving and rejuvenate you when you feel sluggish.  Some of the most successful speakers and salespeople boast about their “standing up” conversations – can you walk around the next time you’re speaking on the phone?  When is the last time you blasted a song and danced to it? Go ahead.  No one is watching.

The Body also likes happy things like comfortable clothing and shoes, it usually likes to look presentable and clean -and there is nothing wrong with a little splurge on an interesting soap, crazy pair of socks, or a fresh haircut. 

Your Spirit is probably one of the most interesting ways you can help improve your mental wellbeing. When I think of Spirit, I think of creativity, joy, your inner essence that defines the ‘you’ in you. The dictionary actually defines it as “the nonphysical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character, the soul”.  What do you enjoy doing, what makes you happy and fulfilled? Can you do more of those things and on a more consistent and intentional basis?

Some people are able to grab a few moments in their week, month, to create some music, work on a painting, write a story.  The lucky ones are able to do this more than sporadically and can be considered among the few with a true “work-life balance”. 

What about those hobbies? Can you schedule some time each day to engage in them? And, can you add something new to that mix?  If you’re a writer who specializes in plays – have you tried your hand at non-fiction?  What about your art – have you tried a new medium? Who can you Zoom/collaborate sing with that might add an extra dimension to your voice? I have always found that those who can play a musical instrument can usually excel at another one – have you found that as well?

Spirit can also be encouraged through meditation, scented candles, and avoiding toxic relationships. Spirit can be encouraged by a fresh work or study space that is lively and friendly.  Remember that your Spirit is everything you are – take good care of it.

Your mental wellbeing is the first step to your success.  How you approach your day, your world, your future begins with the space you live in.  Treat your Mind, your Body, and your Spirit with the respect it deserves and watch the magic that happens.

Many students will spend the bulk of their time on the following: creating a resume, researching companies, and interviewing. Those are three things that should absolutely be mastered! Having said that, I’d like to focus on what comes after all the hard work: the first few months on the job. When I found my ideal job, I was just happy to be there. I didn’t really have a plan for what came after. To make the most of your new job, it’s important to have a solid 30/60/90 plan. Let’s take a closer look at what that means, how to create one, and how to implement it.

What exactly is a 30/60/90 plan? Essentially, it’s an outline of what you plan to accomplish during your first three months on the job. The plan is a great way to assign goals for professional development, things you hope to learn, and metrics you want to achieve. The simplicity of the plan is that each segment focuses on specific tasks. The first 30 days on the job is a time to learn more about your teammates. It’s also a great time to learn more about your boss and their boss. Schedule time on their calendars and be clear with what you’re asking for. “Hi, this is Sean on your team. I was recently hired and would love to have a quick chat with you to better learn about your goals for the team and how I can contribute.” These conversations can be in person or over the phone (Zoom even). They can take place at work or the local coffee shop, have fun with it! The first 30 days is also when you should be learning how to use the tools for your job (computer programs, reports, etc).

For the next 30 days, the goals will become vaguer. This isn’t a bad thing! The second month is where you can anticipate being more comfortable with your job and the people you work with. This is the time to branch out and learn more about other teams in your larger family. If you’re in HR, maybe it’s a time to connect with someone in Talent Acquisition or Benefits. Like the first 30 days, reach out and try to put time on their calendars. Most people are flattered when another employee seeks them out for knowledge.

The last 30 days of the plan is where you really get ambitious. Personally, I find the last third to be the most fun when I’m building out a plan for myself. At this point, you should be very comfortable in your job and have a solid internal network to tap into. By now you should have developed longer term goals. Do you want to become a people manager? Is there another team you’d eventually like to be part of? Are there new projects that you want to take on? Even if you don’t achieve all these goals, it’s still fun writing them down.

Now that we understand what the plan is, how do we create it? Choose the best tool that works for you. There isn’t a right or wrong way to create your plan. For me, I utilize PowerPoint. The main reason is that I can dedicate a slide to each 30-day slot. It also helps me visualize the plan and make edits as needed. Once the first draft is done, have a friend or trusted colleague look it over. Another great resource is OneNote. This program is perfect for note taking and organization. You can make it as detailed as you wish with tabs and sub-sections.

We’ve researched what a 30/60/90 plan is, and we’ve built it out. Now comes the tricky section, how do we implement it? This is fun part! I recommend showing the plan to your supervisor during your onboarding week. It doesn’t have to be the first day, but it is advisable to do so sooner rather than later. Some people will wait until they have their first official one-on-one with their manager, this is also fine. Make sure that you’re open to feedback as this isn’t a one-way conversation.

The 30/60/90 plan is a great tool to have in your toolbox for your new job. With a little effort, you can clearly outline how you will be successful over the first three months at your new job. The beauty of this strategy is that it can be applied for any job in any industry. Remember too that the plan is a living document. Revisit the plan often and feel free to make changes to it as your grow. Keep track of what is working and what isn’t. It’s also fun to check things off as you achieve them. Don’t be like me, the guy who was just happy to be there, have a plan and follow through on it!

The Lateral Move

In 9th grade algebra I was taught that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. As you navigate your career path, you may also think that this principle applies to you but as you may have already discovered, like many aspects of life, all things are not a straight-line journey. Reviewing the highlight reel for Barry Sanders I notice that he would often shuffle his feet from side to side in a stutter step fashion, throwing off the timing, aggression, and balance of the oncoming linebackers and safety’s from the opposing team, causing them to misjudge his distance and speed. On initial assessment it would appear as if these lateral movements are useless and wasteful and that he should focus on moving straight ahead to gain as many yards as possible. While from a practical and observational perspective this assessment may be true, however, when you have the vision, initiative, and mobility of Barry, you understand that a side step properly positions you for your next step - forward.

The Jump Step

If you love and enjoy football as much as I do then you will understand from a visual perspective and from what coaches may describe as best practices, that it is not ideal for an offensive player, particularly one who is carrying the ball, to run the opposite direction of the first down marker. The purpose of a designed play is for the running back to identify the gap, based on the blocking scheme, and hit the hole as fast as possible, ensuring that the maximum number of yards are gained with the potential of a first down or even a touchdown. For Barry Sanders it is different, I am not sure if he borrowed or invented it, but nonetheless he perfected the jump step where he would defy the basic fundamentals of physics by pausing midstep, shift his hips, readjust his footing, and easily escape a would-be tackler avoiding a negative play. Like Barry, there may be brief moments in your career where you have to employ the jump step, choosing to make a lateral move or accepting a job offer with a lower salary just to acquire the skills and experience you need to move you forward.

Hit the Crease

Watching Barry Sanders move gracefully on the football field making all of the other 11 players look like they have alligator arms, wearing cement shoes, and are stuck in quicksand, attempting to grasp any part of his jersey in a wasted attempt of a tackle, is a thing of kinesthetic beauty. To top it off, after avoiding countless number of initial tacklers, being able to see the gaps in the defense, he can hit the crease at full stride, stepping rhythmically easily down the field to score a touchdown. At some point in your career you will have a similar experience where everything will come together seamlessly, compensation, culture, and collaboration, enabling you to achieve your career goal. Like Barry, you will have the opportunity to display your talents with an organization that values you and fully compensates you for your contributions. So, I encourage you to hit the crease at full speed, go do meaningful and impactful work!

During times of change and uncertainty it is essential to practice self-care and take care of our emotional health. According to the World Health Organization, self-care by definition involves the behaviors you engage in to take care of your health to include, hygiene, nutrition, leisure activities, sports, exercise and seeking professional or healthcare services when you need it.

As you focus on your well-being, consider the following tips to maximize your physical, spiritual, or mental health.

Food & Nutrition – Fueling your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water for hydration, gives us the energy we need to get through our day and increase clarity.

Keep Moving – Committing to a full workout routine can be challenging due to our busy lives. Squeezing in at least 15 minutes of physical activity daily such as walking, yoga, biking, jogging, or taking the stairs can improve your quality of sleep and help reduce stress.

Prioritize Sleep - Maintaining a regular sleep routine is a critical part of your self-care regimen. When tempted to stay up beyond your regularly scheduled sleep time to check social media, watch tv, or play games on your phone – don’t. Getting sufficient rest is an important part of restoring your mind, body and recharging for the next day.

Pause Regularly - It is important to often take time to pause, reflect and collect your thoughts. Taking time to recognize your feelings in any given moment is key. Using relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and taking deep breaths can help center you and release anxiety. Mindfulness meditation apps like Headspace or Calm are worth considering.

Balance your mental intake - There is a lot going on in the world. It is easy to buy-in to the notion to of being constantly connected to what is happening. While staying informed is helpful, be mindful not to overwhelm yourself with information. Take time to unplug from the daily grind and focus on things that uplift, sooth and restore you.

“No” is your friend – Focus on the things you can control by setting healthy boundaries if something no longer serves you. This can be anything from not answering calls at a certain time to not attending every event to which you are invited. It is more than acceptable to prioritize you as needed to prevent burnout and unapologetically protect your emotional space.

Engage Support - Make your mental health your highest priority and never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The stigma surrounding suppressing your feelings and engaging the help of a mental health professional is extremely unhealthy and unwise. Getting support from a mental health practitioner or someone you trust when you are not feeling your best is also self-care. All wounds are not visible. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, spiritual advisor, or health-care provider. Have at least one person you can turn to when you need inspiration, a pick me up, or a vent session when experiencing sadness, depression, or a lack of motivation.

Be hopeful and take care of you. Dedicate time each day for things that focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Thinking and speaking positively can also help you stay motivated and motivate those around you. Pay attention to your feelings and find the one thing that makes you smile, laugh, or feel good each day as this is the simplest form of self-care.

For confidential mental health support, please see the available resources below.

Crisis Text Line

Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

A company’s commitment to inclusivity has an extreme impact on a team’s morale, your workplace culture, and most importantly innovation. HBCU Careers helps recruiters build authentic connections with HBCUs and create a more inclusive talent pool through three strong outlets. 

1. HBCU Career Centers

Developing an authentic connection with the faculty and student body will go a long way in driving results. Finding the best school and engaging their students takes lots of time and commitment. We have done all the work for you. The partnerships HBCUcareers.com has built with the HBCUs will result in your company meeting many qualified and diverse candidates. 

Not every HBCU is the same. Don’t spend your time trying to sift through which school would be a match for your recruiting goals. HBCU Careers can connect you with nearly all the HBCU schools across the nation, including the largest & top-rated. From Spelman College, Howard University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Hampton University, Tuskegee University, and Morehouse College to Florida A&M University, Texas Southern University, North Carolina A&T State University, and more - get these students and alumni on your recruitment radar!. You can view our list of HBCU Participating Schools here. When faculty knows you are passionate about their students, they will help you tap into the right candidates. 

2. Job Feeds

Social media helps build your employer brand, while also connecting you with candidates and their network of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to enhance word of mouth and personal recommendations. When jobs are posted on HBCUcareers.com, the listings are fed to our social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to reach as many people as you possibly can. 

On top of the social media presence, we make sure your job postings are found on Google as well. Our job RSS feed includes job boards, workshops, labor departments, and more to reach almost 100 different sites where your company’s open position will be displayed. Millions of job seekers across the web can easily find any of our job postings from a simple online search!

3. Event Promotion

Let HBCU Careers help you get the best attendance for your hiring event. HBCUcareers.com national platform is a great avenue for driving awareness and traffic because we have a presence in nearly all the HBCU schools. Plus your D&I recruiting efforts go beyond HBCUs to reach millions of qualified candidates across the country. Alert potential candidates of your virtual or in-person hiring event with an easy, low-cost listing in our Career Events Calendar. Employer Registration takes only seconds and is always free.

HBCU Careers’ authentic desire to benefit students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities can result in your company meeting many qualified and diverse candidates who are eager to apply. Maximize your DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) recruitment efforts and get started with free registration today!

 Open Houses, weekly Hiring Days, Career Expos and more are wonderful ways to welcome and introduce your company to potential hires. How far ahead should you start planning such an event? Experience tells us five to six months lead time is the sweet spot, especially to give participants sufficient advance notice. The sooner recruiters and job seekers know your event date (and time), the more likely they can attend. HBCU Careers is a great avenue for driving awareness and traffic in your specific geographical area. because we have a presence in nearly all the HBCU schools across the nation. Let HBCU Careers help you get the best attendance for your hiring event. It’s a very easy process to get started:

1. Register as an Employer on our website
2. Purchase the “Advertise Your Career Event” package
3. We’ll send an email with details for posting your event
4. Your event promotion begins
5. You Host a successful event!

The virtual or in-person event promotion includes not only a high-quality listing on the HBCU Careers Events Calendar, it’s also posted throughout our strong stream of social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Our many followers will be notified about your upcoming event consistently until the event has occurred.

We also send notifications to our large database of registered job seekers in your state and target area. HBCUcareers.com is open and available to any and all job seekers regardless of university status or race. Finally, your career event details are broadcast to local HBCU schools to alert top talent from all ages and backgrounds of your career expo.

Businesses like hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and retailers are known to have an increased employee turnover rate compared to other industries so hosting regular hiring day events can be an efficient way to build awareness and interest. But clear and effective communication will be crucial to the success of such recruitment events. HBCU Careers offers an affordable solution to get your hiring events promotions in front of qualified candidates so they know when and where your online or in-person events will be occurring.

Not all job fairs are successful. While it may be challenging to draw participants to your job fair, there are certain services, like HBCU Careers, you can utilize when planning your event to improve the number of people that take part in it. Take advantage of our free Employer Registration and get started with HBCU Careers today.

Recruitment Sites

For you to be able to effectively discover a diverse talent for your recruitment, you should be recruiting in places where diversity thrives. Universities usually have one or many student groups representing minorities but recruiting sites like HBCUcareers.com help optimize your recruiting process. Here at HBCU Careers, relationships with top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country are strong and long-lasting. Our long 24-year history of working with the 100+ HBCU Career Services offices has helped both employers connect with diversity candidates, as well as students prepare for career planning and the job search process. Get exposure to motivated, top talent and benefit from the digital recruitment relationships we have with nearly all the HBCU Schools across the nation.

Treat your recruiting process similar to sales and make job recruitment a breeze with applicant tracking features included on the HBCU Careers digital recruitment platform. Message applicants, add personal notes, and even forward applicants to other staff. Check out all of the great features in our Employers Info Page. Through our recruitment site, you can target and build strategic partnerships with HBCUs all over the nation to increase your company’s diversity recruiting return on investment. 

Establish A Diversity Brand
Your business’s career page and its social media streams can do wonders in establishing your diversity brand. 

• Post demographic stats, testimonials, or videos interviewing minority employees from all levels
• Highlight major employee resource group activities
• Showcase diversity awards your company won
• Publish a strong diversity statement from your CEO displayed proudly for the public to see

You can also incorporate Diversity Charter images to your brand. And don’t stop at just the digital sources, but add all these items to your company’s print materials as well. 

Using Social Media
Social media does more than building your brand, it also allows you to identify and target very specific candidates. As a business you can join groups on Facebook and LinkedIn that effectively channel you toward diverse candidates. Start by checking out HBCU Careers Facebook or LinkedIn and get connected. Through your own social media, a great way to highlight diversity is to show support for your current employees by posting about their accomplishments. A simple employee of the week or month post can boost morale and look very friendly to possible recruits. Welcoming posts like these are very attractive to younger groups, especially recent college grads that are very well versed in social media. 

With these recruitment strategies in place, you will be able to find and hire top talent suited for your company culture. Diversity awareness and gaining diverse talent won’t be the challenge it was for your company in the past. HBCU Careers is here to help you connect with the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country. Check out hbcucareers.com and get your free Employer Account started today.

Short-Handed at your company? Struggling to find good employees? HBCU Career's digital recruitment network makes it simple to find “THE ONE.” Posting on hbcucareers.com spreads the word to your industry’s top recruits through amazing protocols, reaching a large audience of highly qualified job seekers. More than just a website, HBCU Careers is a valuable digital recruiting resource to find and hire top talent.

Save time and manage open positions for your business quickly & easily with just a few clicks! HBCU Careers can meet the talent sourcing needs of both large and small companies. Recruiters can choose from single job postings to flexible slots that allow you to switch job posts anytime. HBCUcareers.com can even do the posting for you with our automated job scraping. Browse our great rates and variety of job posting options on our Employers Info page.

Find and Hire Top Talent

Once your 30-to-60 day job posting is created, it is instantly shared amongst our vast pool of over 500,000 job seekers, registered on our site from all around the country! The talent pool is also searched so that the best-qualified candidates can apply quickly and easily. Using descriptions and keywords from the job posting you’ve created, matching candidate profiles get a real-time text or email alert about your company’s available position. As the best job site entirely focused on your industry, we attract the best talent looking for new positions. Employers can add screening questions and easily filter top candidates.

At the same time our registered job seekers are notified, your company’s job posting will rotate through all of our social media streams. Within 24 hours of posting, new jobs are shared on HBCU Career’s Facebook and Twitter pages and will appear in the newsfeed not once, but twice. This gives broad exposure to not only job seekers following HBCU Careers, but word is spread through moms, friends, former co-workers, and the like who can encourage qualified applicants to submit their resume.

More Than Just A Website

Your posting is also given exposure to young, educated top talent due to our relationships with over 100 participating HBCU schools. You’ll love the benefit of connecting with diverse campus & careers services offices at HBCU colleges and universities across the country. 

We are proud to offer Google Jobs for every job posting on HBCUcareers.com. Job seekers can easily find any job posting from a simple google search! All our site pages use PMSM (proper modern semantic markup,) including the structured job data required by Google for job results to show.

Finally, on top of our social media presence, HBCU school network, and Google jobs, we share your job posting thru RSS feeds. That includes job boards, workshops, labor departments, and more. Our RSS feeds reach almost 100 different sites where your company’s open position will be displayed. Job seekers can easily find any of our job postings from a simple online search!

Each and every job posting completes these protocols so your open position gets a wide range of exposure beyond the HBCUCareers.com digital recruitment website. Find the qualified candidate with the right fit for your company culture quickly and easily. Go to our website today to register for free and get your employer account started. You’ll see how easy it is to post jobs, filter candidates, and find THE ONE for your business.

Preparation

The best way to prepare for any interview is to do your homework. Research the company (when was it founded, who is the CEO, what are their values, etc.). Mock interview: leverage your career services team, a trusted friend, or a family member. Have them ask you questions and then critique your answers. The important thing is to not take any criticism personally and be open to feedback.

Types of Interviews

There are three main types of interviews employers like to use: phone, video, and in-person. The important thing is to treat all of these interviews the same. It may sound silly but dress up for your interviews. This puts you in the right frame of mind and helps in regard to the approach. Research the company to get a feel for what the dress code is like and try to match it. If you’re not sure, ask the recruiter or person you’ve been speaking with at the organization.

Phone: find a quiet place and make sure that you’re not distracted. Smile when you talk, interviewers can tell! Remember to breath and take your time answering questions. It’s alright to pause while you think of a response. It’s also alright to ask clarifying questions if you’re not sure what they’re asking. Even if you don’t know the answer, try to flip it around. “I’m not super familiar with that, but this is how I would approach it.”

Video: This is relatively new, but more employers are utilizing this approach. Similar to the phone interview, make sure that you’re in a quiet area and not bothered by anything. Many of these systems let candidates use mobile devices or laptops. You’ll want to make sure the lighting is good and that your camera isn’t moving around too much. Make good eye contact but don’t stare at the camera. Depending on the employer you’ll either answer pre-recorded questions or interact with the interviewer via Zoom (or similar).

In-person: Still the standard for most employers. Make sure that you know where the location is and arrive early. If you can, scout out the location the day before so that you know exactly where you’re going. If you get there super early wait outside until 15 minutes before. Employers are not fans of candidates showing up an hour early! Treat everyone you interact with the same, you never know who has the ear of the hiring manager (plus it’s a good habit to not be rude to people).

Behavioral Interviewing: Most companies use this format. I think of behavioral interviewing as storytelling. They’ll ask you things like, “tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person?” “Have you ever missed a deadline, what happened?” “What’s the best project you’ve ever worked on?” Employers ask these questions to get a feel for the kind of employee you’ll be since they don’t have any experience working with you. I recommend having several “stories” that can be used to answer a variety of questions. These are situations from your experience that you’re comfortable talking about and can go into detail.

After Interviewing

Take a deep breath, you’ve finished the interview! What now? Try to get contact information from everyone you interviewed with. This will allow you to send custom thank you notes to your interviewers. If you’re unable to do this, send your notes to the recruiter or person you’ve been working with and ask them to share with the interviewers. Wait at least a week to follow up as they may be interviewing other candidates. Most companies will have you do at least one more interview but it’s not totally uncommon to get an offer after just one interview.

Make sure that you get lots of practice in and interviewing will be a breeze!

What does it mean to be ‘fearless’ in your job search?  Does it mean throwing caution to the wind and picking up the phone and asking to speak to the CFO?  It does not.  Does being ‘fearless’ suggest that you should reach out to every recruiter on LinkedIn, send a direct message and attach your resume? Once again, No. 

“Fearless’ job searching is a process which involves introspection, curiosity, research, goal setting and action. 

Starting with introspection:  What does it mean in the job search?  Are you aware of how you look for jobs; what method do you use when researching new opportunities?  How often do you actually ask yourself if your job search is going in the correct direction?  Are you still as interested in the same job titles/functions as you were when you started the job search?  What have you learned from the ‘search bar’ that has enlightened you?   Maybe you discovered a different aspect of the industry you weren’t aware of and that now sounds more appealing; change and growth is a natural process and it occurs in the job search regardless of whether one looks for it or not.  Ask yourself (often), if you are still looking for the same job, title, function as you were when the job search was initially started.

Be curious.  What types of companies, industries, organizations, associations, people, are involved in the types of things you are? Google often and with reckless abandon.  Look at company websites, study executive profiles, research initiatives that worked for your company of interest – look for initiatives that failed. Find out who the competitors are of the companies you have an interest in, and become an expert on them as well.  Ask questions, make connections, join conversations (that are appropriate and relevant) attend webinars, and be generally present.

 We all know what ‘research’ entails.  We’ve done papers, worked on projects, created narrative in support of, or against something.  How is your research different when it comes to being “Fearless”? First of all, curiosity needs to drive your research. You must approach the ‘search bar’ with a renewed sense of exploration – things must be done differently and with a new set of eyes. What can you look for that is related to the industry you have an interest in – what are some of the complimentary industries or organizations that can add scope to your job search?  Try searching for “competitors of” the organization you have an interest in – connect to some of the influencers associated with it. Oftentimes, it is easier to start with Brand B, gain some accolades, and then move to Brand A. 

The next step is where the real “fearlessness” comes in.  Goal setting.  We have all been victim to the dreaded New Year’s resolutions  or daily, weekly, monthly ‘to do’ list.  That is not the type of goal setting needed here.  Vision, confidence, creativity must determine your goals.  Where do you REALLY want to be – what steps can you take (each and every day) to get you closer to the ‘prize’?  What can you accomplish on a daily basis?  Perhaps there a month to month plan works better for you.  What is the ‘end result’ of these small, individual goals? Whether they include revising your resume, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, connecting to 10 industry professionals, joining three professional organizations, creating a LinkedIn group dedicated to Junior’s in your major, asking for three recommendations, applying to 6 jobs in a new town, they must be created with an ‘end result’ in mind or they are not really goals.   You need to write them down somewhere and then take joy in crossing them off.

Action is the best part of “fearlessness” it means you have taken the next step and all the plans in your head, can become a reality.  Pick up the phone and speak with a recruiter in your industry of choice. Ask the recruiter for suggestions regarding tailoring your resume to the clients they service.  Ask a recruiter (who makes a living at this) for help in obtaining your ‘goal job’.   Speak to your career services department for leads, association events, resources.  Apply to every job that sounds interesting, and then take copious notes for follow-up.  Do the follow-up; send the thank you to those who rejected you because one day they may not.

 It is important to be “fearless” but it must be coupled with optimism. The job search is not easy (actually, the hardest job you’ll every have) and each day must be met with enthusiasm and hope. Part of “fearlessness” is also knowing when to ask for help, so don’t be concerned about doing so.

Each day can be a positive one in the ‘fearless’ job search and it’s up to you to make it happen.

Adaptability

Change can be extremely difficult especially if the current methodology in which we do something produces our desired results. One of the dreadful statements that anyone can make especially in today’s climate is the phrase, “That is how we have always done it”. While I am not sure if this comment was ever relevant it is most definitely not applicable today given the evidence that we now have that work does not have to be accomplished on site, at a desk, or in the office. Many organizations were able to allow their employees to work from home, enabling them to set up virtual offices in the comforts of their home without losing productivity. Recently, “Several studies over the past few months show productivity while working remotely from home is better than working in an office setting. On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.” Given these results, perhaps there is something to be said about being able to work in your pajamas or only being required to dress from the waist up to ensure that you are “professional” during the endless amount of virtual meetings.

Accountability

Employees are capable of being accountable for doing their jobs without the need to be micromanaged by supervisors or to be physically present to their coworkers. As proof that the world did not come to an end and that the economy has continued to move forward, given that not all sectors of the market have been able to fully recovered from social distancing, reduced occupancy, and closings, the majority of business have been able to keep the lights on, providing products and services for its consumer base. In the past supervisors would rely on workplace encounters to track the productivity, dedication, and progress of their employees in addition to assessing moods, proactively addressing mounting frustrations and stress before it had an impact on productivity. Now, however, while there are still additional challenges that managers have to deal with, they have the ability to serve in more of a coaching/mentoring role, helping employees to stay motivated as he/she completes organizational tasks.

Autonomy

Employees like the autonomy, or freedom, to complete their job in a manner that is conducive to their preferred workspace, mental state, and systematical approach, given that it produces the desired end result aligned with what leadership is requesting from them. In his book Drive, author Dan Pink states that intrinsic motivation is based on three key factors: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose, where autonomy is defined as “The need to direct your own life and work. To be fully motivated, you must be able to control what you do, when you do it, and who you do it with.” In many instances employees are required to work from home so they can control where and when they do their work. For instance, to break up the monotony of being inside the home office, some associates have found comfort in working outside in local parks, the beach or even taking walks while attending a virtual meeting or following up with emails. An “office” now can consist of a laptop or mobile phone and an Internet connection.

These are all examples leading to the fact that the landscape of the 9 to 5 (work) has shifted over the past year. If you are like me, you are looking forward to the day when we get to the other side of COVID-19 but I am sure that some of the disruption encountered in the economy will have a lasting impact moving forward. But, like I mentioned previously, the next change is on the horizon but I am confident that we will be able to implement the needed revisions if we keep these in perspective.

Think about how the Internet has changed everything: The way people interact with others nowadays, using social media to stay in touch with family and friends; The way we all shop online for gifts and order food to eat. Now companies are following that pattern and recruiting their talent online.

Digital recruitment has been around for a while now and has so many proven benefits compared to traditional methods of recruitment. If your company has yet to make this transition, it’s time to start developing a digital recruitment strategy. There are so many great reasons to switch from the traditional way. From saving time and money, to being more accessible and effective, here are the top benefits of using digital recruitment.

1. Faster Recruitment

With digital recruitment, you’re able to post a job any day of the week at any time. You don’t need to fill out paperwork, send in your job posting and wait for it to be printed. You don’t have to put up fliers around campus or throughout the community. Within seconds, you have your posting up for talent to see.

2. Better Talent Pool

If you’re looking for a wider talent pool, digital recruitment can give your business access to talent across the country, even the world. You can target specific groups and share job openings over social media. With digital recruitment, you can have confidence you’re getting the best talent pool for the positions that need filled. Use online filtering tools to ensure your posting is seen by desired candidates.

3. Minimize Hiring Cost

Traditional recruiting typically has higher expenses in terms of advertisement, travel costs, third-party recruiter fees, and so on. The process also takes up a lot more time, and we all know time is money! Minimize the hiring costs by utilizing digital recruitment. This newer technology allows you to not only post job openings, but also share them easily on multiple social platforms with just with a few clicks.

4. Personalization

Online job posting boards enable recruiters to personalize each job description. A good fit is about company culture as much as qualified talent. Tailor your posting to the graphical identity of your business, incorporating branding and touching on your company’s identity. Recruitment sites like HBCUcareers.com even allow you to highlight the values of your company. Their Employer Profile feature is included with every job package and features your company videos, photos and even links to social media pages!

5. Timesaving

Using digital recruitment strategies shortens the hiring process. Digital recruitment streamlines the process of accepting or declining applicants one by one. You’re able to filter your applicants to find the ones with the correct resumes and qualifications for your job posting. Having to insert your applicants’ data manually is no longer necessary.

The traditional practices of recruitment demand too much time, paperwork, and money. Implementing digital recruitment could be the solution your company needs. Having modern tools can make a great difference in the effectiveness of your recruitment process. Stop holding yourself back - start looking into digital recruitment through online job boards, especially those emphasizing diversity like HBCUcareers.com. It takes only minutes to register your company, start posting jobs today, and create a detailed account featuring all your company’s information!

As a recruiter, it’s time to adapt to the way the world has changed. Neglecting to maintain the pace or keep up with candidate’s expectations can leave you behind in the recruitment race. Different types of creative recruitment strategies and tools need to be added to the mix. Today’s reality is that recruiting is no longer a simple, one-size-fits-all, as it existed previously. Every job opening must be approached as an individual project if you’re going to draw in top talent. Here are some changes in the recruitment industry for you to think about.

A Positive Hiring Process

In the past, recruiters focused on what the company wanted when looking for candidates. Candidates were seen simply as the numbers that made up successful employment. Times have changed. You might be surprised, but applicants are conscious of and assessing your every move. If the candidate has a poor experience during the recruitment process, it can have a massive impact on your hiring success. On top of that, the candidates might spread their experience on social media and review sites like LinkedIn. A few bad reviews could lead to your talent pool to be drained overnight. To make sure this doesn’t happen, adjust your process to be candidate-centric. Guide members of your hiring team to make sure they understand the importance of the candidate experience. Take into consideration the type of candidates you would like to attract for a position before you start hiring. Most importantly, try to take a step back and put yourself in their shoes. How would you want to be treated, and what would make you accept an offer from your company?

Consider Your Company’s Culture

It has been observed that workers are switching jobs and industries more regularly. It is becoming rare for employees to stay with one business for more than just a few years. In today’s world, people are willing to welcome more assorted approaches to employment. They are willing to try on different hats within the workforce. Consolidating your recruitment process on only a candidate’s education and job skills is a practice of the past. As a recruiter, it’s time for you to be more open to a candidate’s potential. What we once knew as a career ladder has turned into a career web. You should invest in attaining candidates who are a cultural fit for your business. A great way to do this is to develop cultural fit questions for your business. Reassure your hiring managers that the candidates who suit your company’s culture have a greater chance to stay longer, as long as they receive opportunities to grow.

Many job posting websites allow you, as an employer, to highlight features of your company. An employer profile page is a perfect opportunity to share your company culture and mission. HBCUCareers.com, one of the largest diversity recruitment resource websites for employers and job seekers across the country, allows participating employers like T-Mobile to even feature videos and links to all their social media connections for candidates to learn more about the company.

Embrace A Fully Digital Recruitment

It’s next to impossible for a recruiter to commit to the various types of recruitment we need in modern times, while also sticking to old school methods. No one has the time to dig through countless applications to find the best candidates. Modern technology has come to your rescue with programs that look through applicants for you and shortlist the best. There’s no need for you to read through every resume, cover letter, or CV you receive. An application tracking software (ATS) will help you keep track of your whole recruitment process, as well as the candidate engagement you receive. ATS will also give you access to HR metrics. If you have still yet to move over to fully digital recruitment, it is definitely time to rethink your strategy.  

If your recruitment has fallen flat recently, it might be a time for some changes in your process. Hopefully, you have been given some helpful ideas that you’ll be able to integrate into your recruitment process for significant improvements.

As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, I do have some experience in this field. I’ve had the good fortune of working with students for over 12 years now and have seen my fair share of resumes. Some of you reading this might be questioning why you even need one anymore. This is definitely a topic that comes up frequently and I can see a future where job seekers rely fully on platforms like LinkedIn and the resume goes into the annals of history. That day hasn’t arrived yet, and LinkedIn is a topic all on its own, so we’ll march forward.

What exactly is a resume? This is a place for you to highlight your academic projects and prior work history. Assuming you’re an undergrad, you probably don’t have a ton of work experience. I recommend that you still include it, just don’t leadoff with that. When I was in school, I took classes full-time, had a part-time job, and was involved with the rugby club. I know how difficult it is to balance all of that. As a recruiter it tells me that you’re able to handle whatever we throw at you. With that in mind, the resume should start with your school/degree info, transition into academic projects, followed by volunteer work and things of that nature. Lastly, include work history. If you have prior internships, or work history that is relevant to the jobs you’re applying for, you can list that closer to the top of your resume.

What isn’t a resume? It’s not your Facebook or Instagram profile. While most recruiters are agreeable to a professional photo for recent grads, there are still some who don’t like any photos. I’ll leave it to your discretion, but if you include a photo please make sure that it’s business appropriate. It’s also alright to list hobbies like travel, running, writing poetry, etc. Don’t get too carried away and these should be listed at the bottom of your resume. As a recruiter, I love to see some personality from the candidates I look at but use your best judgment. If you’re not certain, have a friend or family member provide feedback. Make sure that you’re also leveraging your career services team.

If it isn’t clear yet, a resume is important because for the vast majority of employers it’s the first document they see from a candidate. This is your opportunity to put your best foot forward and make a good impression. It’s also a living document that should change over time as you gain new experiences. I’ve been at the same company for seven years, but I still update my resume whenever there is something new and noteworthy to add.

What else should be included to make your resume stand out? Two words: value statements. What are value statements? These are key items that quantify how you’ve brought value to a project, job, or activity. Have you trained people? If so, how many? Did you lead a project? How many people were on it? What was the result of the project? Did you hire employees? How many did you hire? I could keep going but feel that the point has been made. Recruiters don’t want to just read a piece of paper; they want to know how you brought value to whatever you’ve been working on.

Will the resume go away? Quite possibly. As mentioned earlier though, that time isn’t upon us yet. Put some effort into making a really good resume. Once this is done, it’s not hard to modify it over the course of your career. Leverage your resources: use the people who know you best to solicit feedback. Also, if an employer gives you feedback, take it to heart and don’t take it personally. Congrats on finishing school (or almost finishing). You should be proud of your achievement. Good luck moving forward, and perhaps our paths will cross in the future.

While most of us would meet these invitations with excitement and enthusiasm, some of us are less inclined to be thrilled with ‘putting ourselves out there’ and all the moving parts that go along with it.    So what are some of the best ways to get the most out of these resources?  What do we need to keep in mind so we can position ourselves in the best possible light?

Let’s begin with the very basics.  How does your resume look?  Has it been reviewed (several times) but industry professionals?  Does it contain a positioning statement (as opposed to an objective).  Is this positioning statement short, concise, does it speak to your professional skills and/or expertise without using the dreaded word “seeking”?

How many resumes do you have with you? (they’re not heavy, carry no less than 20).  Be prepared to send your resume to those who would like an emailed copy – be mindful of those who don’t want to fiddle with their phones, and provide a clean, crisp copy in-person.   Also, pay special attention to the ‘look’ of your resume.  It is perfectly acceptable to have a resume with attractive fonts, etc. but keep in mind that the same resume will be a mangled mess once put through an organizations  applicant tracking system (which is unable to read special symbols and fancy designs).

Now that your resume is ready for the world – do you know who will be present at the event?   It is usually possible to get a name of the organizations scheduled to attend a fair.  Do some research about the company beforehand, what can you learn about them in real-time that will make your conversation stand out among the other participants?  If there are names attached to the company – do a quick search on LinkedIn and see if you can attach a name to the face when you are in person.   The more you know about the organization, its mission, even its competition – the more informed you will be, the more professional the exchange will be.

Your resume is ready, you’ve done your research.  Are you dressed for the part?   It is imperative that you dress “for the job you want, not the job you have”.  It is preferred that you wear business attire to the career fair, or workshop.  Make sure you are in an outfit appropriate for the industry of interest, but be mindful that even if the job is ‘entry level’ you need to indicate ‘big picture’ thinking and see yourself as part of a bigger initiative – let the organization ‘picture you’ in a professional role.   Make sure you pay attention to the smaller details:  portfolio or professional folder for your resumes (not folded or rolled-up in your backpack), use a briefcase or professional tote and stay away from the ‘luggage look’ that holds everything from your sneakers and lunch, to your work-out clothes and over-sized water bottle.

Are you arriving at least fifteen minutes before the event begins?  Have you made sure that your hands aren’t sweaty, your hair is neat, your shoes have not just been trampled-on in your hurried commute?  Are you carrying around coffee?  Don’t.   Leave your hands free for a business card exchange, the resume presentation, materials you might be offered.   Is your phone turned off?  Are your headphones discreetly tucked away?

Take a look at the facilities before you begin making your rounds.  Where are the companies you are most interested in?  Can you visit them after you have spent some time talking to the ones on your B list?  *It’s always a good idea to shake out the awkwardness before you plunge right into your elevator pitch….which brings me to the elevator pitch – do you have one?    When is the last time you tried it out on someone other than your best friend or significant other?    Prioritize by meeting with those you’re least interested in first – be sure to be flexible, and patient.   If you are interested in these employers, chances are, others are too.  There may be lines and a significant wait – be sure to remain professional and courteous at all times.

Introduce yourself and be prepared to give the ‘elevator pitch’ we mentioned earlier. Extend your hand, give a firm handshake, have your resume ready to go – and be prepared to talk about your career interests, goals, extra-curricular activities.

There is nothing wrong with taking notes, so take some.  No one expects you to remember everything, and chances are you will be provided with a great deal of relevant information – be mindful of everyone’s time and jot down information that you might want to refer to later on.

*Future interviewing dates, on-campus events – these are all items you will want later on when this event is over.

Be sure to ask the representative for his/her card.  Send a thank-you to everyone you met – thank him/her for the time spent discussing their organization, and for allowing you the opportunity to present your professional credentials.

Be respectful of the materials and samples that are provided at the event.  Only take that which is truly relevant, ask before you take anything on the table (might just be a sample document with not enough to go around) and thank the representative for any ‘fun items’ like stress balls, pens, notepads (they may seem like fun giveaways but they are actually costly to the organization in the long run).

Above all else, smile and be friendly.   Recruiters and company representatives will always be more impressed with an enthusiastic beginner who is eager to learn, as opposed to a somber candidate with a slick resume and no enthusiasm!

All in all, the career fair, the workshop, the networking event, are all excellent ways to introduce you to the world of work.  Learning about different industries, who the influencers are, how you fit in –can be accomplished all in one place and what better way is there to see what the future has in store!

Mingle and get busy!

The following points will provide a basic overview of the negotiations process and how to successfully navigate through it.

Do Your Research

The first step to approaching any salary negotiation process is preparation. Prior to a job interview, you will need to consider two key points in the event you are the successful candidate:  The offer that would make you immediately say yes, and your basement offer, the bare minimum of what you will need to meet your basic living expenses. Everything that exists between these two thresholds is negotiable.

Once you have determined your minimum and maximum salary requirements, be sure to have a clear understanding of what the market salary is for the position you are seeking. It is crucial to know the going rate for your position, in your specific industry and your geographic area. Conducting an online search on sites such as Glassdoor, PayScale or asking others in the field can lay the groundwork for structuring the offer negotiation conversation.

Know Your Worth

After you have done your homework and completed your research, you will need to begin assessing your professional value.  Value refers to what you bring to your employer through contributions you’ve made throughout your career, particularly in your current role. Think of strong examples of how your skills and experience will benefit your new organization and write them down. If you possess certifications or specialized technical skills that enhance your ability to do the job, do not fail to mention this. By tying your strengths to the role you’ll be taking on creates the case for why you should be given more than the initial offer. However, do keep in mind, your salary negotiation needs to be rooted. Highlight past or current experience that emphasize results you’ve achieved driving revenue, savings and productivity, with examples relevant to the organization or role. Remember, don’t undersell yourself. You are your own best ambassador, so aim for a competitive salary that you will be happy with.

Be Honest

When negotiating the salary for a new position, it’s not uncommon for an employer or a recruiter during the job search process to ask about your current salary (Illegal in some locations). Be honest about your salary needs. If you’re being underpaid in your current position or looking to make significantly more, it may be tempting to inflate your salary, but it is never a good idea to lie. Instead, provide your total compensation to include benefits and bonuses if you are comfortable.  Then, share the desired base compensation you are seeking. Professionals who know how to negotiate salary successfully understand that complete honesty is vital.  There’s nothing worse than to see your offer withdrawn by having a hiring manager find out you weren’t truthful about a competing job offer or embellished your salaries from past jobs.

Ask for More Than What You Want

You should always ask for more than you want.  However, avoid using salary ranges if possible when negotiating. Statements like, “I’m looking for $60K to $65K” should not be used because you risk the appearance of suggesting that you are open to the lower end of your range. The worst that can happen if you request a high number is that the employer or recruiter will counteroffer. Even worse, if you don’t negotiate, you’ll get nothing. If you would be happy with an annual salary of $65k ask for $70k. Chances are the employer will negotiate down to $65k if they are unable to meet your higher request. It will appear that they have successfully saved the organization money and you will have successfully received what you were originally wanted which creates a win-win.

Total Compensation Package

If an employer is unable or unwilling to meet your salary requirements, consider the other factors that you prioritize, such as extra vacation days, tuition reimbursement, bonuses, overtime pay, or remote work options and other potential opportunities to increase earnings. Remember to compare health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans and other benefits to assist in making an informed decision. Also consider perks that reach beyond compensation, such as career advancement and professional development opportunities with a potential employer.

Be Kind but Firm

Obtaining a salary offer is impressive particularly from an employer you ideally want to work for. Therefore, it is imperative to keep the conversation positive. If you receive a salary offer that is less than your desired range, counteroffering is essential, however, you want to make sure you handle it with tact. Asking, if the number is flexible at all and time to consider it is a graceful way to allow the employer the opportunity to offer more or mention other perks you may gain if a higher salary isn’t an option.     Be sure to provide the employer a reasonable timeframe that allows enough time to make an informed decision as well as provide timely feedback. Dragging out the salary negotiation process can frustrate the hiring manager and start your relationship on a sour note.

In the end, it is important to enter compensation discussions fully informed. Learning how to negotiate is invaluable and successful negotiation should never become adversarial. Establish what is most important to you and what you are willing to trade off. Never engage in a negotiation as an ultimatum but rather as a collaborative process and a unique opportunity to create a compensation package that makes sense for both you and your new employer. If your prospective employer is unable to meet your salary requirement, either accept the position as is or decline it gracefully. Most important, be sure to thank the person for selecting you and extending an employment offer to maintain your professionalism. Not only is it simply the right thing to do, an employer is much more likely to accommodate the wants and needs of somebody that shows them respect.

If you’d like to get a better starting salary offer, you must ask for it. Too often, job seekers accept the first number that's put on the table. For some, the primary reasons for not asking for more is not understanding how negotiations work and fear. You’ll be more successful if you explain why you deserve more by showcasing your strengths. A reasonable employer won’t withdraw an offer just because you tried to negotiate it. If the company can’t meet your requirements after a few discussions, respectfully withdraw your candidacy and focus on opportunities?that better match your compensation expectations. Salary negotiations can indeed be scary. What’s even scarier is not doing it.

Dr. Althea Walker, Department Manager, Hillsborough County Public Schools Office of Teacher Recruitment (813) 840-7167 Teacher.Recruitment@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Learn the top teaching interview tips to help you get hired.

Our school buildings may be empty because of the coronavirus, but learning is still happening in the nation's 7th largest school district. Join our team of more than 14,000 teachers. Hillsborough County Public Schools is hiring great teachers now for the 2020-21 school year.

Preparing for a virtual teaching job interview

There are some valuable tips from a Harvard Business School article about getting ready for an online job interview; many suggestions apply especially for teaching job candidates.

Some highlights:

• Test your technology. Make sure your computer, internet connection, microphone and so on are in good working order.
• Practice, don’t memorize. Get your talking points down pat, then rehearse them until they no longer sound rehearsed. Try a mock interview with a friend, preferably one who will be honest with you about any flaws yet provide positive reinforcement too. Your confidence level will rise and, reverting back to the first tip, at least you’ll know that all of your equipment works.
• Be mindful of body language. Practice your posture, smile and maintain eye contact. You’ll want to project confidence and professionalism, just as you would in a classroom. Plus, for good eye contact, be sure to look into the camera instead of the screen.
• Dress the part. Present yourself like you would for a real teaching interview – because this is a real teaching interview!

Zoom and FaceTime Job Interview Tips for Teachers

You’ve probably talked to more people on video calls recently than ever. The Verge recently shared an article and how-to video with 5 tips on how to look your best.  We’ll share a few of those tips as well as additional advice about virtual interviews that will prepare you to shine.

• Light your face. It’s best to start with lighting because that will dictate where you are sitting.
• Raise your camera. You don’t want people to feel like they are looking up or down at you.
• Test your video before the call. Show up to your meeting already looking good so that you’re not adjusting your surroundings, screen brightness, angle, or hair live for everyone to see.
• Find a quiet place (and good headphones). You’ll sound better if you take a call in a quiet place.
• Get comfortable. Start with a comfortable place to sit or stand for a long period of time.
• And remember, set yourself up in a place without people walking behind you or pet interruptions.

Here's an example of what not to do.

(Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash)

Here's an example of how to be prepared.

Phone Interview Tips for Teachers

If it’s a phone interview, even if you think the interviewer won’t see you, dress well anyway. You never know when the interviewer may want to switch to video. Again, smile and carry a positive attitude. That will come through even during the course of an audio-only conversation.

Teachers, Technology and Job Interviews - Emphasize your technology smarts

As Hillsborough Schools adjust to teaching so many students from home, our teachers are conducting eLearning with the following software. If you have experience with these platforms, great! Point it out on your resume and during your teaching interview. If you don’t, learn as much about these programs as you can by going to their websites and watching instructional videos:  

• Zoom for conferencing
• Edsby
• FlipGrid to host virtual book clubs
• Live NearPod Lessons
• Office Forms
• Wakelet
• E-Learning with MyOn

The online interview process is even more important at a new school like the soon-to-open Sumner High. A principal and a teaching candidate talked about the process on our Facebook page. Sumner principal David Brown conducted more than 40 online job interviews in a short span amid widespread self-isolation measures.

Final Job Interview Tips for Landing a Teaching Job

Be sure to focus mentally for teaching job opportunities.  You might have extra down time at home while self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic. Use that time to focus on your teaching techniques and do all the research you can on Hillsborough Schools and in particular your possible school destination for teaching in Tampa.

Also, take the time to beef up your portfolio. Be sure to mention any awards you have won or extra certificates you have. Even if they are not applicable for your desired position, they show dedication.

Check out our other Teaching Job Search Tips, including: Principal’s Top Interview Questions, Resume Writing Tips, Teaching Job Fit, and more on our website Teaching Job Tips archive.  

Do your research, polish up your tech skills and resume, get interview-ready and apply soon to be one of our next award-winning teachers in Hillsborough Schools in Fall 2020.

Our website has information about our award-winning schools with details about current opportunities, information for career changers, where and how to apply and many more details to help you prepare for a teaching career in Tampa.

As a movie enthusiast, I have examined the life and career of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and have discovered success habits that you can apply to your career from day one, regardless of your profession.

Work Hard

We all have heard the saying that fortune favors those who work hard. Nowhere else is the statement any truer than in the career of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who often states that he is the hardest worker in the room. His hard work has paid off for him throughout the duration of his career, being able to make the difficult transition from sports entertainer to arguably the biggest entertainer of our time. Having success on both the small and big screen with television shows like Ballers and a host of successful movies such as the Fast and Furious franchise, Jumanji, and Central Intelligence

Part of The Rock’s daily habits include waking up every morning at 4am to go to the gym to complete several hours of training. He follows this by spending the time throughout the day reading over scripts and potential projects. To give an example of how hard The Rock works, he has starred in over 14 movies the last five years that have grossed upwards of $2 Billion at the box office. He currently has major projects underway for 2018 –Rampage, Skyscraper, and Fighting with My Family.

· Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – $400 Million
· The Fate of the Furious (2017) – Over $231 Million
· Moana (2016) – $259 Million
· Furious 7 (2015) – $376 Million Work Smart

We are all given the same numbers of hours and minutes in a day and are all prone to give in to the inertias of life. But, by beginning your career with possession of the fundamental procedures that lead to success, you can make the most out of those minute moments.

The Rock understands his brand even though he is constantly expanding the borders of what defines his consumer base by levering his success and network of collaborators. Not only does he serve as the lead actor in a variety of films but he recently launched a production company called Seven Bucks Production. By using his notoriety in Hollywood, he has positioned himself for long-term sustainable success in the industry even if he decides or is not offered as many starring acting roles as he is receiving at the moment. Currently, The Rock is Ranked #2 on Forbes World’s Highest Paid Actors at $65 Million in 2017.

Projects include:

· Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
· Baywatch
· Ballers

Work Together

There is a tendency for people to choose to work with people that they like. The Rock has been able to work with some of the greatest talents in the industry. Dating back to his WWF days when he worked with Vince McMahon, arguably one of the greatest business men of our time. Now, The Rock collaborates with young and innovative directors, writers, and producers to not only stay inspired honing his craft, but also to reenergize his passion from the drudgery that comes along with the day to day grind of striving to be the best.

The Rock, understanding the value of familiarity and ability, starting a production business with his ex-wife Dany Garcia. When you built up the success equity that The Rock has, there will be opportunities to work with other people without sacrificing who you are and not depriving you of the joy that comes from working in a context that allows you to strive while simultaneously challenging you.

There is no one unified definition for success so whether you are looking to increase your money-earning potential, gain recognition in your field, or achieve mastery over your skillset, these practices will help position you favorably to accomplish your end game.

The Anatomy of a Cover Letter
The cover letter structure or the essential items to be included, also, can be missed or misunderstood easily, which is a set up for failure when it comes to the content. What should be included in a cover letter, at minimum and more or less in order of appearance, is:

1. Contact information for where the letter is going (e.g. company/department name, street address, email address, and phone number)
2. The date of submission
3. Greetings to A SPECIFIC point of contact, encountered through research (instead of “To Whom it Concerns” or “Dear Hiring Manager”)
4. A point of connection to the opportunity (How did you find out about the role? Who referred you?)
5. A one line summary of your interest
6. A two sentence summary of background, experience and relevant qualifications
7. TWO TO THREE detailed and poignant examples of how you have demonstrated meeting the expressed needs of the role and what preferred skills/qualities you possess (think STAR/BAR method – Situation/Task/Action/Result or Behavior/Action/Result). No more than two paragraphs, about 4-5 sentences each. Alternatively, in bullet format you can highlight more examples, but this section should not take up more than one half of a page.
8. A short request for an interview
9. Closing greetings and your contact Information

You should be able to tell a hiring manager or gatekeeper how and why you have what they need explicitly, that they should continue on to review your resume, and that you want to be interviewed in no more than three quarters of a page. Breaking up the content with bullets or information chunks and using subtle design elements can serve as tie-breakers if all else is equal.

Things NOT to Have in a Cover Letter
Things that are too general or unsubstantiated:
• “I am a great fit for this position.” Instead of saying you are great fit, give specific examples of why and how you are a great fit.
• “I possess many skills that would be useful for the role.” Concentrating on what those skills are and how they would be useful for particular needs expressed in the job description responsibilities is best.

Things that are obvious:
• “My name is…”
o The reader will know your name because it is on the page already so avoid taking up space with this kind of unnecessary filler content.
• “Please feel free to contact me if you need more information.”
o Rest assured, if the reader does need or want more information, they will contact you, so use this word count to give them a reason to contact you!

Things that are not relevant to the job/job description:
• If team work is a strength you have, but the job description describes the role you are applying for with words like “self-starting, self-motivated, minimal supervision, independent,” then it may not be the right role for you or you will need to focus on other strengths that lend to the type of needs that the job description includes.
• Personal examples are much less powerful than professional/academic ones.
o For the cover letter, use the class project where you helped bring the team together with your negotiation and diplomacy skills versus how you settled an argument as the middle child between your siblings.

Things that are automatic red flags:
• Bad grammar and/or typographical errors
o Proofread the cover letter! Read it to a friend. Get a third review from you’re your Career Services office.
o If you have errors and bad grammar in a cover letter, it is like typing “THROW THIS IN THE TRASH” at the top of the letter in 78 point font.
• Listing a company’s name or contact information incorrectly or sending one company’s name to a different company altogether are costly mistakes to avoid.
• Verbatim cover letter template phrasing
o Readers can tell when phrases are lifted from online or Microsoft Word templates. There are all kinds of negative associations that a reader can make about you as a person from this. Start from somewhere, but use your own words as much as possible.

Put The Ultimate Cover Letter Tool Kit into Practice
So how does one use her own words to put a cover letter with the right information? It certainly varies depending on the job, the expressed needs in the job description, your experience and the particulars of your “great greatness.” In any case, an example of a real job description excerpt and a subsequent cover letter that was developed, actually submitted, and for which an interview was extended follows. The elements that were most germane to the job for the applicant as well as most aligned to the applicant’s experience are in bold. Note the detailed and direct ways that those needs are addressed by the applicant, as well as how the words in the job description are matched in the letter. The letter and job description are stripped of references to a particular organization or role and edited to be used as a template that can be adapted, not copied (see previous “Things that are automatic red flags”)!

Finally, whether a cover letter is optional or required, take the opportunity to become a person and not just a piece of paper to the reader. Let your “great greatness” and personality come through. Have some tasteful, conservative color elements to distinguish your cover letter from other submissions.

You now have the tools to put together the ultimate cover letter. Happy writing!

ADDENDUM

JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in organizational development through the completion of special projects and assignments including: compiling research on topics within the mission of the organization; writing grants, annual reports and newsletters; developing educational materials; planning events and various fundraising activities; performing assignments related to marketing, website and social media management; providing financial administration services; preparing minutes for board and committee meetings.

Must possess strong oral and written communication skills. A working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excel are required. A working knowledge of social media applications as well as email marketing applications is beneficial.

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE
Link to PDF document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BweaXzF3kpnMVHQ1WnFZWldWbDA/view?usp=sharing

Additional Resources
• https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-8-cover-letters-you-need-to-read-now
• http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2014/02/06/the-cover-letters-that-make-hiring-managers-smile-then-call-you/#20ca2e0058f5

The casual connect is where you find a person who you would love to connect with. Either because they post/share interesting content, or they work for an employer that you would also like to work for. You pull up their profile and hit connect and don’t do anything else. This is fine but ask yourself how you would respond on the receiving end. When I get these I usually accept because I like students, but no further action is taken by me. Unfortunately, there is nothing memorable about these connections and I’m guilty of forgetting soon after (as are many other recruiters). Think about that the next time you’re on LinkedIn.

The personal message follows this path but does something different. This person takes the time to tell me why they want to connect, and they provide something notable. Maybe they saw something in common when reading my profile, “hey! I like rugby too!” Perhaps they went to the same school as I did or we both worked at the same place. The point is to make the message something that gets me to remember you and want to help you along your journey. A good personal message is the start of an actual professional relationship. Now keep in mind that this isn’t the end of it. In order to build on that newfound connection and actually network you’ll have to stay in touch with that individual. This can be as simple as checking in once a month with an update. “Just wanted to touch base and let you know that I’ve had several informational interviews and am working on my portfolio. What’s new with you?” This is the first step that hopefully will allow you to build upon it.

This leads to the last type of person on LinkedIn: the ASK. This individual will connect and promptly ask you to do something for them, even though they’ve done nothing to earn this respect. This either takes place with their connection message or right after you accept their connection. The ASK can vary but usually entails wanting help with a job or internship, wanting you to connect them with someone else that you know (the means to an end approach, don’t do this), or asking you to put in a good word for them regarding a job at your company. I’m not saying it’s always inappropriate to ASK for these things, but you have to put in the ground work first. You have to earn it. If you have an actual professional relationship with someone it’s perfectly fine to request these things. If this is first contact, it’s very inappropriate. If you’ve done the ASK before, don’t beat yourself up too much. I’ll admit that when I was much younger I was guilty of this. It’s never too late to change your behavior though.

Your LinkedIn profile is a reflection on you and your brand. What do you want employers to see when they pull up your profile? What kind of impression do you want to make when you connect with individuals? As a student nearing graduation (or a recent graduate), it can be tempting to take short cuts. It’s important to resist this urge and put in the time and effort to build meaningful relationships. Trust me, I’ve been at this for years and can honestly say that the people who make themselves unforgettable are the ones who create their own breaks.

I recommend working with your Career Services team to make sure that your profile is professional. It’s also helpful to review other profiles on the platform. Look at what your peers are doing, how about the staff at your school, what about the people you want to connect with? Take the time to study and then incorporate the things you like into your brand.

Remember, you can’t cut corners when it comes to networking and creating your very own personal brand. Make sure that you’re making yourself noteworthy. If you network the right way, opportunities will present themselves to you. You’re about to set forth on the next big adventure in your life. What kind of impression do you want to make?

How many voices should you listen to?  Who has your best interests at heart?

Let’s start with where you go to school.  Does your college have a dedicated career center whose purpose is to supply you with resources and relevant industry information?  Can you visit this career center and schedule an individual counseling session with a professional versed in either staffing/recruiting or job placement?  Let’s say your college has this wonderful tool – how do you go about working effectively in a partnership?   

First, drop in to make an appointment.  Do not expect to be “seen immediately” but do expect to be asked questions about your overall interest, class placement, availability (how amazing would it be if you were able to drop off a resume equipped with your LinkedIn URL?).  Set up a time to meet with a counselor when you know you won’t be rushed and can speak freely about your past experiences and goals for the future.  The roadmap to your success begins here and quality time needs to be devoted to the process.

Your appointment with your ‘school career counselor’ should consist of a brief overview of your current position/status, your resume should be reviewed for format and content (2 pages maximum, LinkedIn URL, positioning statement and not objective, correct tenses, etc.) your LinkedIn profile should be reviewed with suggestions made (if advised) regarding professionalism and clarity of content.  Depending on how your center operates, you may be asked to check in with your counselor with updates about your activity, job leads, job fairs and on-site recruitment events, for encouragement and support.  You should be (somewhat) prepared to discuss why you chose your particular major, what you hope to do with it, and what you see as a potential ‘career path’.    It is also important that you agree upon a method of communication that works for both of you; how often should you reach out to your ‘career counselor’ and what are the expectations from both of you?   You’ve invested a great deal in your education, allow them to help you take the next important step.

Staffing firms and recruiters can also be helpful in your job search.  Some are better than others and it might take some “hits and misses” before you happen upon one that works best with you.  The best recruiters are honest about how often they will contact you (or if they prefer that you do the reach-outs) and they do follow-up when they say they will.  The most successful recruiters are ‘matchmakers’ who work diligently to connect an employer and candidate based on skills, experience, education, and ‘fit’.   When a ‘match is made’ the client pays the recruiter a fee (usually a percentage of your salary) which must be paid to the recruiting firm usually within 60 or 90 days (sort of like YOUR probationary period at the hiring company).  *You never pay a fee for job placement to a staffing firm–it is the responsibility of the hiring client to pay a fee to the staffing firm.  If you are ever asked to pay a fee in order to get a job – grab your resumes and hit the road!   

You will be asked to complete some documents at most staffing firms so you will need to bring at least 2 forms of identification with you.  This will enable the staffing firm to “get you on their books” should be lucky enough to qualify for an immediate assignment

The recruiter should be checking in with you often and providing new leads and opportunities.   A good recruiter is supportive and available.  A good recruiter continues to work with you even when you ‘didn’t get the job’ he/she referred you to –a good recruiter won’t punish you but rather lift your spirits and encourage you to ‘get back on that horse’.   You will be able to spot a ‘bad recruiter’ quickly: voicemails and emails go unanswered (or days go by and there must be repeated attempts).  A bad recruiter will not ask for feedback on the interview and cares only about the client feedback. *Your feedback is just as important – this is your job, your life, and your thoughts should enable a ‘good recruiter’ to assist you in a more productive manner.        A bad recruiter will spot mistakes on your resume but not bother to discuss with you if he/she feels you are not a good fit for their openings.  

Additionally ,it makes sense to “register” with more than one firm as each staffing firm has different clients and the ‘unpublished openings’ often go directly to a person who understands the culture of that company.   Do not be afraid to try a contract or temporary position.  In this “try before you buy” employment market, a contract position is often the best way to show a client how incredible you are and the chances of being offered permanent employment increases with each successful day on that job.

When you are offered a position, the recruiter/staffing firm will help you go through the process to make your first days and onboarding experience a positive one.  Questions, concerns, overall logistics is generally handled by the recruiter and this aspect of the ‘helping partnership’ makes life smoother for the new employee.  So don’t be afraid to try a staffing firm.  We can never have too many positive hands holding us up.

Finding a reputable staffing firm should be easy.  Begin with personal recommendations, industry professionals whose message you appreciate on social media, firms that post jobs that you have an interest in, as well as visiting sites such as Yelp for opinions from the public.  Reaching out to the ‘bigger staffing firms’ (with national offices and various disciplines) is a good way to start and can offer you opportunities across many industries and locations.

Career Coaches are different as each one has his/her own style and practices the “helping partnership” in a unique way.  Diligent research is necessary for you to engage a career coach that works best with your mission, personality, availability, financial position.   Coaches generally charge an hourly fee and will ‘suggest’ how many hours they see your project/search requiring.  It is important to map out a plan with a coach – do you need help with soft skills?  Interviewing?  Will you be working on elevator pitches? Is this coach working on applications, cover and pain letters –will he/she actually write a resume for you- what happens with revisions when other interested parties suggest a tweak?  What is included in this coaching process and how does this undertaking fit in with your personal mission and job search?

There are many ways you can garner strength and resources during this important period in your life. Embarking on a career is exciting and frightening so let others champion your cause and offer a hand – you’d be surprised how many are available to you.

Properly attending to the accomplishment statement, which is a bulleted phrase that details work experience, is an important part of preparing the résumé. Unfortunately, a common practice in providing this information is merely to list responsibilities, daily duties or tasks. This typically involves dragging a sentence from a job description and plopping it haphazardly onto a résumé. There are flaws with that approach in that job responsibilities fail to do the following:

• Reflect the actual work that is done day-to-day

• Advertise the uniqueness of the person performing the tasks

• Define the degree of impact a person has on the department/company

Having well-crafted statements that capture achievement and clarify the employee’s value takes the savvy individual straight to the head of the class. How, then, are grade “A” statements written that truly reflect accomplishment? There first must be a shift in how work is considered. This shift involves one’s prescribed duties becoming much more than a “to do” list, including:

• Learning, with vigor, the business’ or department’s “pain” (i.e. the biggest or most significant problems or opportunities)

• Looking, with intention, for ways to apply individual strengths to the role, both intra- and interpersonally

• Tracking, with diligence, the applications of strengths and the outcomes

Demonstrating accomplishment is first about looking for ways to make an impact and consistently recording the contributions made. As for the practice of writing, some basic rules or “ABCs” of résumé accomplishment statements follow with examples:

The “C” Accomplishment Statement – This level reflects the most basic statement which only captures responsibilities, akin to a job description.

Example: Responsible for compiling and generating reports.

The previous example is from a Customer Service Representative job posting. While it can serve as a good starting place, it is a bad stopping place.

The “B” Accomplishment Statement – This level applies good phrase structure (starts with a power verb, no period at the end), quantifies the task (addresses how many/much, and how often) and answers basic journalistic questions (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?).

Example: Compile(d) and generate(d) six to ten financial reports monthly in Microsoft Excel for review by department leadership

The reader’s mind can start to rest concerning unanswered thoughts about what this individual really does and why.

The “A” Accomplishment Statement – The last layer uses the STAR/BAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result or Behavior-Action-Result) method to guide composition of the most compelling statements demonstrating scope AND impact.

Example: Innovated the monthly financial reporting production process for six to ten reports, considering a departmental lag in delivery times, by utilizing a free software add-on to auto-generate reports, supplying documents in preferred formatting, directly to leadership saving six labor hours ($300) per month

Drops mic. The reader is provided with information on a problem that existed for a company that this individual’s contributions helped to alleviate and thereby saving money. There is fodder for the reader to want to know more about how this accomplishment could be applied to their department or company.

A prime opportunity to entice potential employers, although many reviewers will not spend much time on a résumé, is through substantive and effective accomplishment statements. With just seconds to make an impression, positioning the reviewer to look at “A” level accomplishments ensure that the time is useful. Make a concerted effort, and perhaps utilize some professional assistance, to turn “C” level accomplishments statements into “A” level ones so that the reviewer’s few seconds turn into a few more. Once you’ve grabbed the reviewer’s attention in a meaningful way, the employer’s decision to extend the interview invitation becomes a no-brainer.

I had a couple of experiences, one as a customer/client and one with a client of mine that were very similar experiences, but with very different outcomes:

SCENARIO ONE: I went to a store to make a quick purchase. I went in, found something that worked for my purposes, and took the item to the register to check out. The sales associate informed me that the item was improperly tagged, and that it was actually three times as much as the tagged price. Imagine my surprise finding out that I was not only NOT getting a deal, but my psychological preparation to pay one price was completely thrown off with the actual price not even being in the same ball park. Being that I am my own best advocate and a customer service aficionado, I began to inquire about whether they would honor the advertised price, since by their own admission it was mismarked. Now, most nationwide establishments with which I am familiar and used to having dealings would not have even put me in the situation to have to ask the question because their policies are clear and rehearsed in a scenario like this. The associate proceeded to inform the store manager of the situation and asked what should be done with respect to my question. The store manager contended they could not honor the price being that it was so much less than the actual cost and went on to say that they did not know who or how it got improperly marked. I ended up leaving the merchandise and the store and going back to my car.

My StrengthsFinder “Learner” theme may have kicked in at that time because I decided to call the company’s corporate office to find out what their actual published policy was in circumstances like this. Sure enough, the customer service agent on the line said it was their policy to honor advertised pricing, and in a case like mine they should have rung me up without question. With that, I semi-marched back to the store and asked if the associate would speak to the customer service agent whom I asked to stay on the phone, and she did. After the discussion, the associate called the store manager and said in an incredulous tone “She called corporate,” referring to me. They rang me up begrudgingly. At that juncture, I fully expected to hear something, even if half-hearted, along the lines of “our fault ma’am, thank you for shopping at [XYZ retail establishment]. Have a nice day.” To my chagrin, instead the associate said to me: “I hope you sleep well at night!”

SCENARIO TWO: A client of mine said they sent me something that I did not receive…or so I thought. The client was able to reproduce the item that they sent proving to me that it was in fact sent, because admittedly I was a little skeptical. I live in my email, I think that was one in 100,000 that I truly was not able to recover at the time in question. For me, there was only one direction to go from there; the way of the contrite. I apologized for the mistake and, further, absolved the client of the remaining financial obligation because I made an error that caused time to be wasted, and almost faulted the client for something that clearly there was no need to faulting them for. Serving the client’s needs first, maintaining professionalism, representing my brand well, as well as creating a situation where the client would still be able to speak positively about their experience were key considerations of my approach.

TAKE AWAYS

 What made the difference in these two scenarios? I posit, as you may guess, personal responsibility. I think now of companies and individuals in hot way (think Volkswagen’s PR nightmare for outright dishonesty to shareholders: Volkswagen will now pay 15 BILLION with a ‘B’ dollars in fees and penalties for their indiscretions).

I understand corporations and their clients can function different relationally than individuals do with one another, but the thing I continue to wonder is what if someone came to the constituents involved and said “We made a mistake, this was our fault AND we’ll fix it,” BEFORE the whistles started blowing? Could the threat of lawsuits, plummeting stock, brand tarnishing, etc. be abated, by the act of someone(s) taking responsibility?? We may never really know, but I am inclined to believe that, generally, people are forgiving when there is true penance. The outrage would still flare, the initial financial costs would likely remain the same, but I’d like to think that genuinely admitting fault would trigger compassion and remind constituents of things most of us would like to identify with, like honesty being the best policy and human decency still existing. The establishment I mentioned in the first scenario is now out of business (surprise, surprise!).

I may be entirely biased because “Responsibility” is another one of my top five StrengthsFinder themes. The buck stops with me, and I always feel like there is something I can do, if not fully resolving the issue, because I will try. I may also just be more inclined to think this way because of what seems to be the lost art of individuals fueling groups that fuel communities who appreciate, foster and demand personal responsibility with and for themselves and others.

You might be saying “how does this relate to career development, again?” Well, the highest mark of quality in representing a brand is providing quality customer service and doing repeat business–this means doing what’s required to honestly and humbly maintain the relationship…even if that means saying, “I was wrong.” If nothing else– like the purely noble reasons of such an approach–swallowing pride and taking a loss creates the potential of having that client return and/or bring others to your fold. The cost is that client being unsatisfied and spreading the word about their dissatisfaction (See these FACTS about customer service. One jaw dropping statistics is that it takes 12 positive experiences to make up for a negative one. If you’re like me, I’m not as interested in getting to that second experience after an insufficiently resolved initial one, let alone 12 more. For too many, they imagine that the aforementioned costs do not exist, but they do! It’s good human practice and good business/personal brand practice to own up fully to mistakes and work to avoid them in the future.

You might ask, “busy doing what?”

That is when you know if you have IT.

How do you know if it’s in you? That’s a simple question. IT is the drive, confidence, and focus sprinkled with a bit of magic and knowhow that’s innate; it lies within you, it’s up to you to make sure it becomes an external IT.

IT pushes you out of bed in the morning because you know you must show up!

IT pulls you when you aren’t sure what direction to go while on your journey.

IT tells you to obtain your GED, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate.

IT tells you you are interesting, a trailblazer, a mover a shaker in your craft or talent.

IT tells you not to take no for an answer when chasing after your dreams.

IT is an army rooting for you when no one else is. IT is effective, affective, and rigid at the same time. IT is oxymoronic. IT can be a great experience and a scary experience at the same time, but IT drives you to success and tells you to try new things. IT cheers for you, chases you and shakes you when you get off track.

IT is appealing, accomplishing, attractive and awesome. Do you understand what this IT is? IT is handsome, gorgeous, and honest, innovative, masterful and miraculous.

Your next is all up to you. Your next IT’S in you!

There are 4 ways to determine if IT is in you.

1. When you hear a NO about something you really want, you turn the NO into a YES! You try to figure out how to get a yes. “Be your own narrator. And go for a happy ending. One foot in front of the other. You will make it.” – Shonda Rhimes
2. When you prepare for what’s to come. “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell
3. Celebrating small successes. “It’s not your circumstances or situation, that determines if you are going to be successful or not. I’ve been telling you it’s your mindset! It’s the way you see it. It’s the way you think it right!” – Eric Thomas
4. Accept failures and learn from them. “Failure is a great teacher and, if you are open to it, every mistake has a lesson to offer.” -Oprah Winfrey

Can you see it? It’s in you. 

But, with simple multiplication, you can surmise that over the course of 30 years, the total time spent at work is more than 70,000 hours, equaling more time than you spend with family, sleeping, and engaged in your hobbies. However, despite these numbers, it pales in comparison to Elon Musk, Tesla and Space X acclaim, who worked over 100 hours a week for more than 15 years.

However, we are living in an age where the traditional model of work has been resigned and reshaped to mean something totally different from what it was 30 years ago when I started my first job at the local grocery store Piggly Wiggly. Especially from what it was when my parents earned their first wages literally by the sweat of their brow as a field hand for their sharecropper parents.

Employees today are looking for more than a paycheck as work is not a grind, but rather, a venue in which individuals can deploy their skills in such a way that contributes to making the world a better place. With this in mind, I would like to share with you four tenants to help guide you throughout your career.

Be True to Yourself

In general, people wish you well and often make the following statement encouraging you to do things in your best interest – “If I was you I would (fill in the blank here”. If you are a talkative person, you may hear that you need to listen more. Conversely, if you are an active listener, you may hear you need to talk more. The lesson here is that whatever you are, be more of that, because that is an indicator that you have natural innate abilities that need to be capitalized on.

You need to know your sweet spots, areas in which you are able to highlight your abilities. Coach Wooten, highly successful basketball coach at UCLA, observed his players during practice, taking note of the areas on the court in which they made the majority of their shots. Based on this data, he created designed plays so players can take these shots during actual games, informing them that these spots were the only locations they could shoot. You see, he knew who his players were and put them in situations where they could be successful.

I am reminded of the now famous Saturday Night Live skit where we find comedian Will Ferrell, playing the role of a musician in a recording studio, where he is giving the producer more cow bell. While this is his only contribution to the other highly talented artists, he is fully committed to adding value where he can, while remaining aligned with who he is. I encourage you to find your “cow bell” moments.

Be Curious

“Curiosity killed the cat”, I am sure you have heard this statement before. While it may have taken one if not all the nine lives of the friendly feline, curiosity has the opposite effect on people, particularly in the work environment.

The older we get, generally speaking, the more and more we lose touch with the basic element that helped to make our childhood so memorable. This attribute is curiosity. Think back to your earlier years when you parents told you not to do something, what was the first thing that you immediately did, yes, that is right, you did the complete opposite. You had to experience that thing for yourself to help you make an informed decision about the action/behavior that your parents warned you about.

In a professional capacity, some examples of curiosity consist of understanding how your peers do their work, what kind of mindset is involved in the decision-making process from a managerial perspective, and how do your peers deal with challenges. Be curious, seek answers to these questions.

Be an Influencer

One of my closest friends has mastered the art as he has able to build lasting connections at every organization he has worked. This stems from his unrelenting desire to produce quality work, getting to know his coworkers on a personal level, and modeling the key behaviors of an effective leader (e.g., listening to others, encouraging peers through challenging times, and mentoring). You can achieve the same and more if you are intentional about developing others in tandem with your own personal growth. Keep this in mind as you focus on increasing your ability to influence others – “Anybody who helps somebody influences a lot of bodies” – John Maxwell

Be a Learner

Learning is fun, even though some of us may have been traumatized over the course of our K-12 educational experience, possibly even extending into higher education, given the pressure to maintain a high GPA to get accepted into your chosen school.

During our academic years, we focused on one type of learning called Just in Case, meaning, you learned a lot of concepts/principles to prepare you for an assignment or your chosen career field. This type of learning was beneficial because it enabled you to demonstrate competency. However, if you are not applying this information frequently on your job, a large percentage of this knowledge is not being utilized or leveraged.

Now that you are employed, you need to switch gears and implement the Just in Time learning approach. The purpose of Just in Time Learning focuses on gaining access to new ideas, principles, and solutions right when you need it to solve problems faster and smarter.

I hope that you find these tenets to be useful and you circle back from time to time to track your status in each of these areas. Whether you have recently integrated into the workforce or you have jumped tracks into a new field, I want to encourage you to build on your higher education experience, taking full advantage of all the amenities that accompany the term “career”

What exactly is corporate culture? This is how a company presents itself to its employees and the world at large. Every little detail from the company logo to branded clothing is part of corporate culture. It also runs deeper than polo shirts and flashy websites. Corporate culture is ultimately how a company treats its employees. When a company gets it right it’s amazing! You’re excited to come to work each day and wear all the gear. When a company gets it wrong it can be paralyzing; you’d rather be anywhere else than at work.

One of the first things to consider when researching a company is what does their executive leadership team look like? Can you see yourself amongst that group? If not, do they have a commitment to diversity hiring? It’s easy to write off a company simply because they are monochromatic. Conduct some research and see if they’re putting in the effort to evolve. Many companies also have employer relations groups; these can be things like: the women’s leadership network, military/veterans’ network, pride network, access for disabilities, etc. When speaking to recruiters, ask them how involved their employees are with these groups. It’s also worth asking how involved these groups are in the community. It’s easy for a company to put an ERG together for publicity and photo shoots. An effective ERG network develops its members and gives back to society.

Another aspect to consider is a company’s values. Does the organization you’re considering have a Corporate Social Responsibility branch? Are they involved in the communities they serve? Do they care about the environment? CSR work might not seem that important, especially if your daily focus is accounting, but it’s a reflection of your organization’s commitment to make the world a better place. A company with strong values instills pride in the people who work there. Something as simple as a human rights statement can ultimately be quite powerful.

During the interview process it’s also important to ask about work/life balance: does the company run its employees into the ground? What kind of benefits do they offer? More and more companies are offering paternity leave in addition to maternity leave. Maternity leave is being expanded and things like pet insurance are being included in compensation packages. How about sick and vacation days? It can be a little overwhelming to consider all these things, but keep in mind that this is a big decision and you want to make sure that this new job is the right fit.

In the past I’ve taken jobs for the money or other conveniences. At first you tolerate the things that annoy you or that you don’t approve of, but over time these things wear you down, especially if they go against your core values. I can still see a colleague being dressed down in front of the team, that was all I needed to know about that organization. Remember that this is where you’ll be spending at least eight hours a day for the foreseeable future! Make sure that you bring these subjects up during the interview process; this is your chance to speak with actual employees (besides recruiters) and find out what they really think. Ask them what they love about the company and what they don’t. You’d be surprised how candid people can be once they open up to you!

Finding the right job is obviously important, but don’t neglect the details when it comes to your job hunt. Remember that this is your chance to really figure out what a company has to offer. Use resources like LinkedIn and Glassdoor to see what people are saying; read the good and bad reviews. One of the most important questions you can ask yourself during this process; can I see myself working here? Can I see myself reflected in the people who work here? Hopefully the answer will be yes.

How does one get through the interview ‘these days’? Is the interview process different than it was years ago, and if so, how has it changed and how can you prepare for it? While the world of recruitment might be making every attempt to be kinder and gentler, the old ‘rules of the road’ will always prevail, and one must be super-prepared in order to beat out the competition.

What do we know for sure? We know that you will probably not be asked the same questions as you might have been years ago. Recruiters are less interested in YOUR five year plan and “where you see yourself” than they are in your ability to handle a crisis. Your vision of yourself in five years is less important to them than how you see yourself fitting into the role that is available. What can you tell them about your past experience that talks to the special skills and talents you have? How can you convince them that you are not new to the scenarios of working life –what examples can you use to illustrate that you can fill their requirements?

Many employers use the STAR method of interviewing to fill their positions and the answers to those critical scenarios can determine a candidate’s success or failure in the process, and on the job. So what is the STAR method exactly? It’s pretty straight-forward actually, and when employed correctly, can actually expedite the interview process and make it fruitful for all parties.

STAR is Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Situation asks you to explore an event or happening that you were involved in. At this point you need to ‘be in the moment’ and do some hard and fast thinking; remember to keep PROFESSIONAL and APPROPRIATE forefront in your mind at all times. Explain the Task you were asked to complete. Try to be specific but not painstakingly granular. Action describes the actions, the method, you used to complete the task. The result wraps this up with the results of this ‘journey’ and hopefully brings the recruiter to a satisfying conclusion regarding your candidacy.

What are some examples of STAR Interviewing? “Please share an example of a time in your career when you had a deadline to meet and you were working with a team – how did you approach this group?” “Share a time when you used Data to make a recommendation” “Share a time when you failed – what was that about and what did you learn from the experience?”

These types of questions ask the candidate to ‘think’ and to connect the dots of their previous experience with the needs of the current role. Additionally, it is a nice way for the candidate to highlight his/her special talents without running off a list of accomplishments which is a huge turn-off in the interview process. A successful STAR interview allows the candidate to walk the recruiter through a particular accomplishment or task that enabled the candidate to learn, grow. Nothing is better than ‘natural conversation’ on an interview. You can do this. Go be a STAR.

While they may not be the most exciting part of starting a new job, New Employee Orientation programs serve an important purpose. In addition to acclimating new hires to the organization’s culture and providing useful information, the best ones are effective retention tools and aid in developing a more productive workforce.

The more comprehensive programs extend beyond one day. Many are designed to get the new employee through a ninety-day probationary period and include one week, thirty day, sixty day, and ninety-day milestones. The way you assimilate into an organization sets the tone for your overall success and satisfaction. Likewise, the first impression you provide of yourself also sets a tone for the type of employee you will be.

To put your best foot forward, here are five things you can do in the first five days.

Be on time.

Every department in every workplace has a person who’s designated themselves as timekeeper. For whatever reason, this person thinks it’s their duty to monitor and report everyone’s comings and goings. I encourage you to stay off of their radar by being on time. Prior to your start date and during what will be your regular travel time; do a dry run of the route you will take to work to determine how much time it takes to get from your door to your seat. For extra assurance, have an alternative route as well.

Dress for success.

Deciding what to wear to work used to be a big time suck for me. There are far too many times that I wound up wearing something that wasn’t on par with the image I was trying to project because I was forced to rush to ensure I was on time. To fix this problem, I adopted and adapted the practice of wearing a “uniform”. I wore a dress every day for 3 months. The practice not only saved time but was empowering and gave me a renewed sense of control. If a “uniform” is adverse to your personal style, you can do what some of my friends do. Some plan their outfits for the entire week while others do so the night before.

Personalize your workspace.

A significant portion of your day will be devoted to preparing for, traveling to and from, and being at work. Incorporating personal items into your workspace improves productivity, can encourage socialization with coworkers who have similar interests and helps you bond with your new environment. I’m not suggesting you go overboard. A framed photo or two, desk accessories in your favorite color, a plant, and/or objects pertaining to your outside interests (fraternity, sorority, favorite sports team, favorite actor/actress, etc) can provide the necessary comfort.

Establish expectations with your supervisor.

Schedule a time to talk to your supervisor or team lead to determine what you are expected to accomplish leading up to your first official performance review. This will help you to prioritize tasks, set goals, and identify opportunities for development. It is also a good idea to determine the way in which you should solicit feedback on your performance outside of the planned review period(s).

Create a Routine.

There will be people you encounter at work who appear to have it all together. They carry themselves as if Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is based on them. One thing these people have in common is that they are strategic, proactive planners. Your routine should start as soon as you turn off your alarm. It can include things like meditation, prayer, eating breakfast, and going to the gym. Decide if you will bring or buy your lunch and what time you will eat. Add reminders to your calendar so that you take breaks throughout the day. Get in the habit of meeting one person a week who is not in your immediate work group as means to expand your network. Lastly, have fun! Before you know it, you’ll be one of the people that new hires view as having it all together. 

I remember a friend talking about her current mindset as an entrepreneur. As she was talking about her business she stated, “I don’t know what to do, I think I just need to get out the gutter mindset.” At first, I was confused, then I slowly realized she was in a rut. A “gutter mindset” is when a person feels trapped in the mind, lost, confused, possibly reckless, or lazy. Just as a writer may get writer’s block; a mind can get a block too as if he/she isn’t good enough. There are some quick learning tools you can use to change your situation. Below you will find a few steps on how to get out of the gutter mindset and find yourself in a strike position.

Step 1. Be innovative– Entrepreneurs are forward thinking people. They operate off-the-cuff sometime, but they also do research to find out how to be competitive in their industry. If people don’t think you are crazy for creating your product, service, or understanding your vision you are on the wrong path. People chatter whether good or bad, that ultimately means you are doing something right!

Step 2. Be the differentiator-Make your product or service unique. Always ask yourself what’s next. Ask yourself what need do you fill in the world?

Step 3. Recognize patterns

a. Communication patterns-Look at the patterns in your life. Think about the communication patterns you could’ve changed. What is your structure of communication when dealing with businesses or at work? What are your team members saying about you? Are you getting the message across to them efficiently? Bad communication can break the function of a network, or in layman terms serve as a distraction or noise in the message.

b. Action patterns-What are your action patterns saying? Can you plan and execute ideas, concepts, projects? Do you stand behind what you say you will produce?

c. Process patterns-Check your process patterns, are the same processes causing you to fail? Make sure your systems and processes are congruent across the board. If not, you need to change that process.

Step 4. Disconnect from toxic relationships– This includes business relationships, and people who subtract and become a leech instead of adding to you. Do you mesh well with your business partner? Are there people or things that constantly make you angry? Do you have someone on your team that spread lies? If so, you need to learn how to create a better environment.

“Your relationships will either make you or break you and there is no such thing as a neutral relationship. People either inspire you to greatness or pull you down in the gutter, it’s that simple. No one fails alone, and no one succeeds alone.” -Eric Thomas

Step 5. Take responsibility- Where you are now in your company is not where you will always be. Sometimes you have to be still to receive your next steps. If your company has stunted growth then reassess your strategy, or do surveys to figure out your true audience. Your company should already have a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, also known as SWOT, revisit it.

Gutter mindset thinking can easily turn into a growth mindset. Learn how to make partnerships, try new processes to see what’s working and what’s not. You don’t have to stay in the gutter mindset. Choose a winning mindset and execute!

Here are a few tips to alleviate the back pain in a short period of time.

1. At the end of the day, lie on the floor place your feet on the bed, or on a chair for a few minutes! (10mins) Be sure the back of your knees are “hugging” the bed and or chair so that your spine is completely straight along the floor. Keep your arms close to your body next to each hip and relax your shoulders. This position helps to decompress the spine and to begin the alleviation of the back pain!
   
   
2. Bring both knees into the chest, that helps to stretch the low back where most people carry their stress from back pain, however, if you happen to carry it in the upper back, come onto all fours after the initial decompression and go into the feline (cat) stretch to flex and extend the spine which is great for relaxation as well. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
   
   
3. Thirdly, lie down on the floor on your back, place the soles of the feet together, relax the upper back and shoulders along the floor, bind the hands around the feet and rotate the head from side to side. This helps to relieve neck pain. Roll from one ear to the other to increase flexibility placing each ear on the floor. See if your chin can touch your shoulder. This is an indicator of your neck flexibility. Repeat 3 to 5 times. Remember your spirit needs quiet time to reflect on your day and to spend time in gratefulness and love. Allow your mind to relax and give it all to GOD.

Nameste ‘ ( I bow to you).

What’s on Your Mind? Facebook us at Facebook/ Double Impact Fitness

Babidiye Robinson C.E. O. DIF, Inc. babidiye@gmail.com. Nakato Blair Co-Creator DIF, Inc. seasonedsoul59@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurs need to have more confidence than most because they are flagged as out-of-the-box thinkers. Most people think their ideas are crazy but only a true entrepreneur knows the struggles, the failed attempts, and the triumphs that come with being an entrepreneur.

Even with white-collar jobs you need to have confidence when working with your coworkers and your boss. You need to be able to speak up for yourself so that you won’t look naïve, or weak. There are activities or help aids you can use to defeat the pain points. Here is an example, if you have an issue speaking in front of people for a presentation, you should enroll in Toastmasters or an organization that assists with public speaking. In return that aid would boost your confidence account.

Confidence is a quality overtime that must be cultivated like any other attribute or skill.

Ready to increase your confidence tank? Check out the points below, if you have incorporated 3 out of the 5 points you are on the right track.

Confidence checklist points

1. Change your attire – Does your clothes speak in a muted way or does it speak strong, vibrant, focused, courageous. If it is the latter, then make a change.
2. Change your attitude – If you are not liking yourself how can someone else like you and think you are a person to engage in conversation with? People can determine your attitude as soon as you walk into a room.
3. Mirror check affirmations – Affirmations assist in encouraging yourself, they also declare who you are to yourself so that YOU can believe the words coming out of your mouth. Think about it, if you don’t believe who you are, how can you confidently portray that to others? What you see in the mirror reflects, so reflect a confident person.
4. Check your aptitude – Know your skills, abilities and know what you are passionate about and enjoy doing. If you know those things, then confidence won’t be a problem.
5. Step outside of normalcy – Explore your fears. Sometimes, if you step outside of your comfortable circle, you experience new opportunities, you succumb to bravery, and in return, you find out skills you never knew you had and a determination to stay confident.

Did you do ok? If not, it is ok.

Do you know who can assist in increasing your confidence account? Trusted friends. Get a friend or two that you trust who can assist you in increasing your confidence account. They can see possible ways you could adjust so that you can produce the confidence that’s needed.

Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful. – Mark Victor Hansen

1.       You’re a recruiter; can you get me a job?

2.       How do I approach a recruiter for assistance?

My response to the first question (if I don’t ignore it all together) usually falls somewhere on the Smart Remark Spectrum between sarcastic mocking and eye rolling annoyance.  Contrary to popular belief, I am not the Keeper of ALL Jobs.    

I do, however, respond very favorably to the second question. The person who asks me the second question as opposed to the first is showing they respect my time and value my input.  Additionally, they are positioning themselves for thoughtful feedback by actually asking me (a recruiter) how I want to be engaged.  I advise this person to prepare and plan, personalize their approach, and pursue with purpose.

 Prepare and Plan

• Over 90% of recruiters are using social media to find quality talent; so be discoverable. Your profile on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Opportunity, and Jobcase should be up-to-date and consistent with your resume.  The content should include relevant coursework and projects, related work experience and internships, and point to your future career plans. It should also be consistent with the professional image you’re trying to project. These days the lines between professional and personal profiles are blurry. As such, I recommend cursory checks on your personal profiles and connections as well. Remember, you are the company that you keep.
• For every five people that approach me for help, four of them start by asking me to review their resume.  Of those, three are REALLY asking me to write their resumes for them. If you’re looking for resume help, please have something for the recruiter to review that, at a minimum, gives them an idea about the direction your career is heading.
• Develop a job search plan and research the organizations and types of positions that interest you.  Some job postings will contain contact information for the recruiter who is filling that role. If the job postings don’t contain the recruiter’s name, you can always do a search for recruiters at your desired organizations.
• Create, practice, and be ready to deliver your value proposition/elevator pitch on-demand.  Make sure it contains who you are, what you do, and how you can benefit an organization.

Personalize Your Approach

• Blinding forwarding your resume, copying and pasting generic messages, using templates, and sending the same auto-generated messages to every recruiter shows a lack of preparation. Entry level positions attract A LOT of applicants so you need a more targeted approach. Recruiters are more likely to respond positively and offer assistance to job seekers who personalize their approach with relationship building in mind.
• Personalization is a two-way street.  Whenever possible, don’t come straight out of the gate asking for help.  If you are emailing or sending a direct message, start with an introduction that establishes familiarity like:

• before asking a question. You should also engage with them on posts, and/or show your interest in and knowledge of their organization. 
• Join and be an active participant in online professional groups. Recruiters often join groups as a way to find subject matter experts that can provide insight on the positions for which they’re sourcing and get a sense for how YOU, the job seeker, wants to be approached.

Pursue with Purpose

• Not all recruiters are created equal so resist the urge to use the, “You’re a recruiter; can you get me a job?” approach just because someone has “Recruiter” in their job title.  To achieve the maximum return on investment for your time, approach recruiters who have expertise and experience in your desired field. If you’re unsure, or their social media activity is sporadic, try following for a while before sending a formal connection request.
• Internal recruiters at the organizations where you interned or are currently working are an excellent resource for job seekers who wish to advance and continue to develop their talent in-house.  The College/University Recruiter that guided you through the hiring process is invested in your professional success.  If your next position is outside of their area of expertise, they will connect you to a recruiter in the organization who can assist.  They have established relationships with the hiring managers who will be evaluating you and can connect you to mentors and co-workers who can support your career progression and talent development efforts.  Best of all, they are often aware of openings prior to the postings going live.
• Look up from your device and get out and mingle where recruiters are expecting to socialize with you.   Attend campus career fairs, meet and greets, and informational sessions, off-campus professional meet up and networking events, and events sponsored by professional, alumni, and Greek Letter organizations. Recruiters are everywhere! We’re at churches, community events, sporting events, the grocery store, and living in your neighborhood and if approached politely, respectfully, and professionally, we are more than willing to talk.
• Lastly, if you have established relationships with one or more recruiters, don’t wait until you’re fully engaged in a job search to reach out to them.  Establish periodic touch-points to keep yourself at the front of their tickler file and use them as a resource to connect you to other recruiters.

The phone screen with the hiring manager went so well that I started to give the opportunity some serious consideration.  Maybe my experience with the B.O.Bs would be different from that of the seemingly disgruntled former employees. So I pressed on to the final step in the pre-offer process…meeting with the “Queen B”. They were “nice” enough to schedule my face to face interview at the butt-crack-of-dawn so that I could still make it to my current job at a reasonable time.   Too bad the interview started 45 minutes late and the Queen didn’t even bother to talk to me.  She did pop her head in the interview room to summon her minion though.

During the year I joined the organization, the Turnover Rate for Talent Acquisition held steady at an alarming 100%.  A select few lasted a year or more but the majority of recruiters only survived a few months to a year before calling it quits.  One of my coworkers had a personal policy to not even speak to a new hire until they had worked at least 3 months. At “Going Away Happy Hours” the recently departed would welcome the newest member into the Escaped to Greener Pastures Club. Those of us who were still current employees who be met with pep talks to hang in there, or get out before you’re sucked in too deep. Stories were shared about how various people left the organization in a blaze of glory in an effort to get the rest of us to leave the dark side as well.

The one who made a phone call, left for “lunch” and never returned.

The one who burned sage in the office to expel the “evil forces” then quit when it didn’t work.

The one who packed their personal belongings and left their badge in their workspace after everyone left the office.

During a skip level meeting, the HR Leader compared us to factory workers and thought it was a compliment.  In his defense, we were churning and burning offers, getting those butts in seats. Nothing against factory workers, but I didn’t sign up to work on an assembly line doing mind-numbing repetitive tasks…except, that’s exactly what I did. There was no respect for the TA function as a whole. We were viewed as paper pushers, weren’t strategically aligned to the business, and the scapegoat for all that was wrong in the organization as a whole.

I was determined not to assimilate into the culture where it was hard to see where an individual or a team added value. Where employees were berated and scorned publicly. Where you were to do what you were commanded and not ask questions or offer suggestions on improvements.  Poor leadership stifled progress and made being at work sometimes unbearable.

Our internal customers were so used to poor service that when I did something I thought was small, like actually call a candidate, partner with hiring managers, or take responsibility for a and execute on items that were part of the TA process it was like I had cured a disease.  I was used to an environment where “Be Remarkable” was the motto, the expectation and the norm. Where employees were acknowledged, rewarded, and sincerely appreciated.  It was because this culture was so engrained to into my psyche that I was able to build trust and relationships with coworkers in and outside of my immediate group.  Some of them grew to be close friends, mentors, mentees, and voices of reason.

The personality, values and behaviors demonstrated by the Talent Acquisition Organization were in direct conflict with everything I sought in an employer.  If hindsight is 20/20 then foresight is 20/10…even better.  Had I focused less on the anxiety and desperation brought on by impending temporary unemployment situation, I could have saved myself a lot of heartache and disappointment.

As you embark on your career, take these lessons learned from my experiences to aid in choosing your future employer.

• Execute a targeted career search. Don’t just apply for jobs.
• Whenever possible, interview onsite during regular work hours so you get an idea of daily work-life.
• Use your alumni network and sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to discover what current and former employees say about working for the organization.
• If you value your time (and you should) pay close attention to a prospective employer who doesn’t appear to offer that basic courtesy.
• Ask direct, pointed, questions regarding employee turnover rates for college hires as well as those who have been with the organization for two years or less.
• Obtain a clear picture of how the work you will perform aligns with the organization’s values and mission statement.
• Relax, and trust your gut feelings.

How can you start a search if you don’t know what you are searching for. We probably spent a good deal of time asking ourselves what we ‘wanted to be when we grew up’. This sentence might have changed over the years and those asking might have also changed depending on our particular stations in life. College students must ask themselves this important question (over and over – they need to be annoying to themselves) so that they can begin their job search based on a foundation that excites them and renews their spirit.

What we also want in our freshman year of college can change dramatically over the course of a few months so it is good to re-visit your “who am I really?” list and see how the things that have changed about you alter what decisions you make.

Since students need to understand who they are (where they are starting from) before they can begin to imagine where they want to end up, the Myers Briggs assessment for students is a nice place to start. It is never too soon to take a good look at what makes you tick (and what makes you tick in your life will probably make you rock on the job).

Using the results of the assessment, students can begin to understand how their personality traits, their individual preferences, their strengths and weaknesses effect their workplace experience and what options they can explore to make the most informed choices. Assessments (whether it’s MBTI or a similar tool like DISC) enable the student to take an objective view of some of the factors that go into workplace satisfaction and how important it is to explore those many moving parts before they find themselves stuck in a career they hate.

So you’ve made a decision and are fully immersed in your major of choice – now it’s time to get your LinkedIn profile up to speed so you can let the rest of the world know who you are and what your career plans are. Following is a step by step LinkedIn “cheat sheet” that will help you announce to the world that you’re on your way.

Your background: If you take good pictures and can use one that is relevant to who you are, be creative and create a backdrop that talks to who you are. Do not use this an opportunity to be too bold or unique: this is LinkedIn and not Facebook. If you are an accounting student, you can have a ‘numbers’ background – a fashion student might want a design or something ‘trendy’ as a backdrop.

Your picture: You need a smiling, non-selfie head shot. Do not take the picture from the most recent wedding you attended and crop out the bridal party. Do not be on a mountain, at a concert, in your new car or with a significant other. Take a look at some of the head shots on LinkedIn and remember that recruiters are seeing this. Smile and project confidence. Be mindful of backgrounds.

Your headline/tag line: Do not say “recent graduate seeking opportunities”. Everyone is. Who are you and what makes you stand out? What do you want someone to know about you in one sentence? Capture your audience and make them want to continue reading – recruiters spend a few seconds on a mediocre profile and several minutes reading through a robust one that has captured their attention.

Your Summary: Keeping in mind that personal pronouns are never used (just like your resume), your summary should say (in no more than a short paragraph) what your major strengths and areas of responsibility are. This short description should be interesting, thought-provoking and one of the most important “attention grabbers” that you want a recruiter to look for.

Your Experience: Using the rules of proper resume writing, your profile should consist of a comprehensive, chronologically and grammatically correct outline of your job experience. Be mindful of tenses, redundancies and information that detracts from your mission. Leave out jobs that do not talk to your current career goals unless they can be used to discuss a particular skill set or is needed to account for time. *Students should feel free to include part-time, freelance and internship positions as they enable recruiters to get a sense of work ethic, determination and flexibility.

Honors/Awards: Yes. Include them all. We care about your hard work almost as much as you do. Not everyone gets them- show us what you got!

Education: Unless you went to a specialized high school involving an entrance exam or you managed to graduate at the top of your class – your high school does not need to be included on your profile. Location, actual name of your degree and any honors of an academic nature should be included in this section. A GPA over 3.5 should be included.

Recommendations: This is an awesome section where people from your educational or professional life can sing your praises for the world to see. It’s fine to ‘request’ a recommendation but be mindful who you are asking; someone who doesn’t really know you enough to put concrete words together “Alice worked on projects with me and handled stress, deadlines and last minute changes like a real pro” as opposed to “Alice was really nice”. Recommendations that are poorly written or grammatically incorrect say just as much about you as it does about the writer. *Read carefully but accepting and don’t be afraid to ask for a revision if the recommendation is meaningful for you.

Connections: You want to grow your network as effectively as possible. In addition to including colleagues, peers, classmates, professors and industry professionals – you should be networking with other college students and professionals from similar industries so that you can broaden your job search and add dimension to your networking opportunities. Do not accept every person who asks to connect to you but rather build your personal network of people who you respect, have done business with (or hope to) as well as any professional committed to assisting you with your job search and “big picture” plans. Do not be discouraged if Human Resource professionals and/or recruiters do not readily accept your connection invite as they are overwhelmed with applicant requests and find a distance is needed in order to remain objective and impartial.

Groups: Not a joiner? Now is the time to change that. Join a minimum of 25 groups and get involved in discussions and sharing of posts. Hitting “like” on everything interesting is not effective networking. Posting a comment “thanks for sharing this fascinating article” will position you as a thinking person with an opinion. Posting a relevant article to share with your group or connections will position you as an Influencer and recruiters take notice of that. Use your voice as effectively as possible. Remember your audience and the wide reach it has.

Following: Follow every company/organization you are interested in. See what happens in a few weeks – who has been hired, what internal changes have been made…how can information about a company you have an interest in help you put together a strong cover letter/letter of interest. Organizations take notice of who follows them – show your interest in every way you can.

Once your profile is robust and each section is filled out completely, you can begin to use the information available to you to start the actual job search/networking. By being an active and relevant voice – your opinions, shares and commentary will show up on the ‘home page’ of all your connections. If an article you share is of particular interest it might get shared with others and before long you will be contacted (or viewed) by people in the small circle you are trying to break into. There are endless webinars available on LinkedIn to walk you through any function you are having difficulty with.

The most important thing to remember is that LinkedIn is not Facebook. Everything you do and say is being viewed by the world’s most professional influencers – this tool can land you the job of your dreams…or get you in hot water for many years to come. Get LinkedIn. Get Networking. Get that Great Job!

I think back to May 2002 when I was finishing college. I hadn’t really given much thought to what my next step would be. Unlike other students I didn’t pursue internships or anything else career related. Let’s just say that I wasn’t as ambitious as my peers and the thought of joining the workforce was a scary prospect. I had my expensive piece of paper and had the assumption that as a college graduate the work would come to me. Where did this attitude come from? I can’t say for sure but it certainly didn’t do me any favors once school was completed. The result of this was me bussing tables at a restaurant, just like I did during the summers between my years in school. I was the victim of my own ego and the feeling that a degree was enough. It would take me years to figure out that finding a career involved real work and that I would have to build my own brand to achieve any semblance of career success. As someone who is graduating soon or will be wrapping up your education I hope that you’ve been working with your career team to figure out the direction you wish to take.

Even after I landed my first successful corporate job I still had that entitlement following me around. I had a “real” job now and all the things I envisioned coming my way were just around the corner. I remember applying for a senior role on my team and not getting it. How did I handle this rejection? By trying to get my peers to protest management; a childish labor walkout that was silly to say the least. Fortunately, I had a manager who saw this as a learning opportunity and shared with me that I was their second choice and just narrowly missed out. They saw me as someone with potential and I rewarded them by flashing my true colors as an immature employee not ready for the big time. I was never able to shake the image of the childish employee and had to seek opportunities outside of the organization. I had sabotaged my own career and there was no one to blame but me. This was one of those “ah-ha” moments where I learned that how I dealt with rejection was just as important as how I dealt with success. Make sure that you always try to take everything in stride and don’t let your mindset sabotage your career and how your peers perceive you.

This learning opportunity paid dividends many years later when I applied for a role with the HR department at my current employer. I was encouraged by a work colleague to apply for the role as it was a great first step to move into the world of recruiting. I went through several rounds of interviews and made it all the way to the finalist round. The feedback I received was that they were very surprised by me and weren’t expecting the decision to be so challenging. Unfortunately for me they had an internal candidate in mind and would be giving them the position. Was I disappointed? Most definitely yes! This time I was very gracious and thanked them so much for the opportunity to interview and meet the leadership of their team. They were very impressed with my level of maturity and told me they hoped to work with me in the future. A month later I received a call out of the blue and was told that the person they hired had decided to take a job outside of the company. They were curious if I was still interested in the role and of course I said that I was! Because of the way I handled the initial rejection I had been given another chance. If I had reacted like I did years earlier there is no way I would’ve been given any thought at all. The woman who hired me is still a close colleague who I’ve had the pleasure of working with in two different capacities now. She’s one of the finest managers I’ve ever worked with and has helped me grow as a professional. This opportunity lead to where I am now, an Associate Campus Recruiter with T-Mobile. You have the power to control your attitude and how others perceive you. Take what you learned in school and have faith in your abilities. You never know where life will take you and the people you’ll meet. By making yourself memorable and building relationships life will present you with opportunities; it’s up to you to make the most of them.

Entitlement is everywhere and it can be a serious trap that stunts your professional growth. I’m sure you’ve seen it on campus amongst your peers; in the classroom, study hall, out in the community. Your degree gives you an advantage over other job-seekers, it doesn’t give you anything else. A successful career is something that must be earned. You’ve taken the first step by going to school and committing yourself to years of hard work. Now you must go forth and prove yourself all over again. Take failure in stride, you’ll run into it many times. Use the defeat as an opportunity to make yourself stronger. Leave your ego at the door and move forward! Show the “real world” that you’re ready for the challenge. Also remember that you must carry this way of thinking with you the rest of your life. As you grow and add impressive titles and credentials to your name you must continue to avoid the entitlement trap. The best leaders are the ones who are eternally grateful for the people who have helped them along the way. Your brand is something that is always evolving; remember to evaluate your growth and don’t be afraid to learn new things and take on new challenges. The world is out there waiting for you; go forth and prosper!

As social media becomes the go-to strategy for branding, networking, job seeking and recruitment, employers are increasingly concerned with employees using these tools for non-work purposes while on the job. Engaging in speech in public venues that might reflect poorly on their organization is also a way for people to get job offers rescinded, reprimanded at work and even fired.

Everyone has their “My-job-sucks,” “I-hate-my-co-workers,” or “I want- more-money” moment. However, they seem to forget that as employers increase their online presence using social networking sites it might be best for their career not to have these moments on the Internet.

If you are currently employed you should be aware of your online activity as it could have a negative impact on how you are perceived in the workplace. If you want to use your profile to get hired or at least not get fired – here are some basic rules to keep in mind:

1. Don’t announce your job search if you’re still employed. If your employer knows you’re on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you’re keeping your search confidential, don’t post anything, anywhere. Even if you aren’t connected to your boss online, somebody can relay the information back to him or her.
2. Don’t badmouth your current or previous employer – Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you’re willing to trash a colleague online they assume you’ll do it to them, too. There is also a strong possibility of getting fired if your negative comments are discovered.
3. Uploading and being tagged in photos on social media sites has become a very popular activity and can be difficult to maintain full control over who can and cannot see your photos. You should be extremely careful when uploading photos onto sites such as Facebook and Twitter, particularly photos which show you having a drink in a nightclub or a night out. In addition, never allow yourself to be photographed around drugs or using weapons. These photos will give potential employers a negative impression of you and you could potentially be reported to the HR department or management for such activity.
4. Providing a status on a social media site gives users the opportunity to provide a brief description of where they are, what they are doing or what is on their mind. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter give users the opportunity to voice their opinions on matters such as a bad day at work or an irritating boss. Doing so, can have serious consequences and have resulted in instances where employees have been terminated as a result of negative online behavior.
5. Being an active social media user can afford you many favors in the workplace, it can also cause much trouble if you are getting involved in negative or controversial discussions. Maintain a positive and neutral profile that avoids discussing sensitive, racist or political views.

While everyone can benefit greatly from social media, there can also be downsides to being the center of attention. When individuals create an online presence via social media they own the content and image that they are presenting. Remember to utilize your social media accounts wisely and capitalize on the opportunity to interact with others responsibly.

You have successfully completed your bachelor’s degree and are anxious to move to the next stage of your life and career. This moment is filled with excitement because you no longer have the burden of earning passing grades, yet, there is also a sense of trepidation resulting from the uncertainty of post-graduation life.

There is no greater pressing issue than finding your first job with diploma in hand. If you follow these tips, you will be that much closer to having a W-2 and enjoying all of the benefits of your years of hard work in college.

Update your Resume

As a job seeker, your resume is the best marketing tool you have to capture the intention of hiring managers. While having a stellar resume will not guarantee a job offer, it is, however a needed tool to get an invitation for a job interview.

In crafting your resume, you need to quantify your experiences to date. Since you have a limited or short work history, you need to highlight those activities that you engaged in during your college years. For instance, involvements in clubs/organizations, volunteering, work study, and internships.

Additionally, discuss the leadership roles that you were in and those problems you resolved. However, while it may be tempting to use buzzwords like “motivated” “team player” and “detail focused”, you should, however, explain how you were able to make a positive impact within the organization, even if you only served as a volunteer. Use statements such as “improved process efficiency by 15%” or “exceeded alumni donations by $10,000”.

Lastly, take advantage of your schools resources. Most schools have an entire department devoted to alumni relations and career services that offer a host of amenities like a job network, on-campus recruiting, interview workshops, and resume writing. Also, do not be afraid to ask your former professors for a letter of recommendation.

Buy a Business Outfit

While the business culture of today is trending toward that of a casual work environment, you still need to make a good impression to get hired. Buy yourself a simple black suit (Males) or skirt (Females). Even though you may be on a budget, there are some cheap alternatives to reduce the costs associated with purchasing these items.

For instance, in most communities, there are several second hand stores that carry a large selection of men and women clothing. Such as the Goodwill or other consignment stores. Generally, depending on your area, you can get pants, coat, skirt, and/or shirt relatively cheap and in many cases, less than $30. Even if you are one that leans toward fashion trendiness, these stores have a decent inventory of designer and name brand items.

Prepare for the Interview

Now, you are almost ready to hear the words “You are hired”, but before this can be a forgone conclusion, you need to WOW the hiring manager who is trying to fill the vacant position with the person who not only has the qualifications but also who is well-suited for the organizational culture. So, you need to be prepared by finding out as much as you can about the company such as their products, services, culture, competitors, history, leadership, and current challenges. While most of this information may be available on the company website, you may need to dig a little deeper.

Also, you need to be able to talk about yourself in regards to your skills, abilities, and achievements. This is something that some may have difficulty conveying because it is not always easy to talk about yourself without coming across as narcissistic or egotistical. But, the decision makers need to know the value you bring to the company if hired.

Prior to the interview, you should make a list of questions you would like to ask. These questions should demonstrate your interest in both the job and the company.

Some example questions include:

• What are the daily responsibilities of this job?

• What is the company’s five-year plan?

• How has technology affected their business model?

To impress the hiring manager, you need to be bold and confident. You need to send a positive message through your body language by maintaining eye contact, have a firm handshake, listen carefully, welcome questions with a smile – even the difficult ones, and be honest. When responding to a question, it would be helpful to pause a moment before sharing your answer. If you do not understand the question, ask for it to be repeated. Once the interview is over, you need to send everyone a Thank You note. These small details will help you stand out over the other applicants.

So, there you have it. If you abide by these simple tips, you will be sure to land your first job quickly and avoid the pitfalls made by many graduates. Congratulations on completing your degree and happy job hunting!

Self Assessment

In general as a student, you need to know what you are good at doing; what you like to do; if you want to work in an urban, rural or suburban area; whether you are willing to relocate; if you want to work for a large or small organization; if you like to work with your hands, people, data, new projects or numbers; if you want a long or short commute to work; how to understand your skills, abilities, values, goals and personal qualities; and if your reward is money, security or creative authority.

Knowing Your Purpose

Do you know your purpose? Do you know what you were created to do uniquely different than anyone else with your own signature? Everyone has a purpose or specific assignment on earth where he or she will make a difference in their career, home, activities or in other people’s lives. My purpose is training, developing, motivating and exposing people to things, ideas and opportunities that they did not know existed. I have many talents and strengths but one purpose umbrella where these areas fall. I can utilize my purpose in career development, as an author, writer, director, minister, choreographer, singer, actress, dancer, owner of a performing arts school, motivational speaker or a workshop facilitator. Many talents – one purpose – same goal. All of these skills can be transferred to a career objective for a specific company such as creativity, event planning, HR, management, placement, training, platform and written and verbal communication skills and flexibility. Please understand that every big or small thing you do is a part of your big purpose picture. There are six ways to recognize your purpose:

1. It is something you are naturally good and find yourself always doing.
2. Other people recognize your gifts and are encouraging you to pursue them.
3. It is something that you would do even if you didn’t get paid.
4. It is your passion.
5. It is something that you can’t stand to see – (Ex. Abused Children-You need to work at an organization that stands up for that topic)
6. An area that you are attacked that might slow down your growth process– athlete (injury), singer (hoarse), typist (carpel tunnel)

Sometimes your purpose or passion might not bring in a lot of money but you are truly satisfied with doing it because you feel that it is important and you are making a difference in someone’s life. So really analyze and research your major and interests so you won’t be unfulfilled because you are doing something other people want you to do but not what you are supposed to do.

Setting Goals

Once you have found your purpose, make reasonable goals. Most employers will ask where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years. If you don’t know, set goals for the next 2 years in every area of your life such as work, school, family, personal, spiritual, household duties, location desired to live, salary, etc. Rank these and work on the most important ones first. Next, make a short term and long term strategic plan for your life. For example, in order to work for the CIA, some positions require that you speak Chinese fluently. Your college might not offer that language. So you set a goal to make that happen. You should create a strategic plan on yourself which will include an objective, initiative/recommendation, performance indicator, completion date and cost/human support.

OBJECTIVE             INITIATIVE/RECOMMENDATION                     PERFORMANCE INDICATORS  COMPLETION DATE  COST/HUMAN SUPPORT

Take Chinese   Look at different classes, scheduling, schools, and on-line courses.     Enrolled in class                    Fall 2008                              $1000.00

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You can use this model in any area of your life to make you more marketable and to prepare you for the next level of your life and career.

Making Your Self More Marketable with Preparation

Make yourself more marketable to potential employers by taking elective courses that are related to or will enhance your major and other skills. Remember, there are a lot of people you will be competing against for an internship or job, so you want to make sure you stand out among all the other candidates. Get involved in extra curricular activities, community service or a professional association; volunteer; shadow an executive; and participate in community service.

Remember your purpose will always make room for your gifts. While you are waiting for your dream job, start a small business on the side to purchase books or interview clothes by selling lemonade; braiding or cutting hair; typing papers, resumes, invitations or graphic design; baking cakes; creating logos; and performing at events.

Visit your career center to work on resume and letter writing, interviewing, networking, computer, dining and business etiquette skills. Also, work on maintaining a good GPA. Most internships and graduate schools require a 3.0 or above. Be sure to participate in career related events such as a Career and Graduate School Fair, Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP), On-Campus Recruitment, Mock Interviews, Leadership Conferences and Preparatory Workshops.

Make sure you go on-line to search for related careers to your purpose, strengths and interests. The Occupational Outlook Handbook and Dictionary of Occupational Titles are good reference books that you can find on-line as well. At the end of your freshman year, secure three letters of recommendations and get professors or career services to assist you with writing your essays and personal statements for graduate schools and internships so you won’t wait until the last minute. You can always have these in your files and change it up to fit each opportunity. Finally, keep up with current trends and trade, news and business magazines; newspapers; salaries on salary.com; and have three professional contacts in your field of interests such as faculty, alumni, church, etc.

Now that you have found your purpose, self assessed what is important to you, set goals, marketed yourself with career development preparation, met contacts and researched information, you are on your way to finding your dream job that is taylor made for you and making a difference in this world!

I begin solicitations for professional dress attire not being used by faculty, staff and alumni. Letters were written to local businesses, fraternities and sororities. The response was great and clothing donations begin to pour in; professional dress attire for men and women in all sizes and basic colors to include black , gray and navy blue began to fill the designated room located in the Office of Career Services now known as the Career Closet. The word was out, and phones would ring all day with calls on how to donate to the Career Closet. A major women’s retailer donated clothes racks and mannequins to display clothes. Within a two month time frame the Career Closet was ready for its grand opening in August 2003. This initiative was an incredible milestone.

To this day, the Career Closet provides male and female suits, dress shirts, ties, dress shoes, pantyhose, brief cases, handbags, and serves more than 100 students each year. Students that wish to borrow clothes from the Career Closet fill out an application and consent form. Borrowed clothing must be return within 3 to 5 business days after the interview date, and be professionally dry cleaned. The Office of Career Services provides students with coupons for 15% off with a local dry cleaner. Further, the Career Closet now provides students with formal attire as well.

As the economy weakens, there will be more demands from college students who seek assistance with job placement. Days are long gone for Career Centers to only provide job opportunities, but will have go an extra mile to help students secure good jobs and internships. Furthermore, during these tough economic times the percentage of students not having money for professional dress attire will increase and perhaps the Career Closet maybe something that Career Centers at other colleges and universities may want to consider.

What does a Recruiter do? A Recruiter’s main goal is to contribute to the bottom line for a company through filling that company’s open positions. If I am recruiting for a Senior Java Developer and someone applies because he/she really wants the position but has mainly an intelligence analyst background then I am probably not going to select this person to further go through the process.

Isn’t that Recruiter supposed to find jobs for me? A Recruiter is not an individual’s “Personal Recruiter”. As much as everyone would love to have one, it is not a Recruiter’s responsibility to find the candidate a job. A Recruiter is responsible for finding candidates for the jobs. The Recruiter works on providing the best candidates within a given period to the Hiring Authority (usually some level of Management…maybe some type of Program Manager or Departmental Manager or possibly Executive Management). Furthermore, a Recruiter does not typically generate the jobs. Jobs are created through some form of immediate need OR forecasted need. An example of an immediate position need is backfilling someone who recently left a company. Forecasted needs may be developed by a Program Manager or someone with corporate workforce planning responsibilities. For instance, a company anticipates that they are going to be selling twice as many products 2 years from now then they might forecast that they need to increase a certain number of positions within their customer service department or within another department by next year to help meet their overall goals.

Can a Recruiter write my resume? Along with the last point, a Recruiter is not an expert or professional resume writer. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me to write or revise their resume. Usually, I never have enough time to do this. Recruiting takes up so much time and I don’t even like working on my own resume. Recruiters are not responsible for writing good resumes. Recruiters are responsible for identifying good resumes.

Writing/preparing/developing a resume is not easy and therefore, it is not quick. I recommend leaving this to your friends, colleagues, possibly your Career Counseling Center OR if you can ever spare the money in the future and once you have more experience, get a professional resume writer to write your resume. Again, there is always an exception to the rule…so as a by-product of recruiting for a long time, recruiters can point out some good tips OR there are recruiters who enjoy this and who do write very well or may have plenty of spare time to write or revise resumes. If a Recruiter is writing your resume, they are doing a favor to you. This is not an expected task for a Recruiter.

Does the Recruiter come up with that job? A Recruiter doesn’t usually create the requirements for a position. It is up to that Program Manager or Dept. Head or Business Owner to define their workforce. We support that hiring authority by providing the people to work within it. I will caveat this and say that a business might not have an official Recruiter to do their recruiting. This often depends upon the size of the company. Smaller companies, startups, and the like, will have employees who wear a lot of different hats and be “unofficial” recruiters until they are at a certain growth level. As an additional note, if a company has become large enough that that company decides to hire a Recruiter then this might be an indicator that they are becoming more successful.

Isn’t a Recruiter my Career Counselor OR Adviser? A Recruiter is not a Career Counselor. I believe this is a position that even requires a specialized degree. A Career Counselor is trained and fully prepared to assist someone as they develop their career or provide support as someone decides to change careers. (Students, I’ve seen so many people ask recruiters for advice that a Career Counselor would be better able to answer. Take advantage of any Career Counseling services offered by your University…especially while it is easily accessible to you at this time). There are also quite a bit of solid Career Coaches out there that you may want to consider speaking with as well. That said, the longer a Recruiter has been involved in recruiting, especially within a specific industry…that Recruiter could certainly offer a solid opinion that might help candidates as they search for jobs. I could probably offer some helpful tips for candidates who are looking for IT jobs because I am a Technical Recruiter but if you ask me for tips for getting a position in Nursing then I am probably not the most helpful person.

How does a Recruiter recruit? While they may exist, there are few jobs where a candidate may be hired based upon really wanting or needing a position or being exceptionally nice…Even if I really like you, I, as a Recruiter, cannot select someone based on these factors alone. Relevant Education and Experience are important too. (But I certainly try not to bring in mean people to the company I am recruiting for!)

Doesn’t the Recruiter Hire me? This can be a little confusing as the words “recruiting” and the word “hiring” are used so interchangeably. The Recruiter recruits and the Hiring Manager hires. The Recruiter does not usually make the final hiring decision. This means that the Hiring Authority or Hiring Manager (the Manager of a program or project or a division) is the one that usually makes the candidate selection. However, it is the Recruiter that oftentimes has the most communication with the candidate and therefore the recruiter often does provide input and can influence that decision making process.

If a Recruiter says I’m good, does that mean I’m in for sure? While a Recruiter is expected to have general knowledge of the company he/she recruits for, a recruiter (on the same recruiting team) is not going to know another Recruiter’s openings as well as the recruiter who “owns” those positions. We can pass the resume on to our recruiting colleagues. We can mention that you applied to a particular opening. We can make sure that your resume gets viewed or say that we feel you are a strong fit but a recruiter cannot force another recruiter to hire a particular candidate. Each Recruiter is responsible for going through their standard recruiting process to make sure that any and all candidates are considered fairly for an opening.

A Recruiter is a Recruiter. Who knows Recruiters better than a Recruiter? To tell you the truth, this is a question where even recruiters might disagree. There are times when a Recruiter is considered to be under the Human Resources umbrella. There are others who don’t think recruiting is a part of Human Resources (HR) and that recruiting is a part of Business Development or Operations or maybe something else. I heard someone once describe recruiting in this way and I think it is fitting…Recruiting is the marketing arm of HR. In past times, a Recruiter may have had other HR duties and these days this still might be true in smaller companies but I have always felt that Recruiting is a big responsibility on its own. Typically, don’t expect a recruiter to handle your payroll or help with exit interviews or be the benefits guru or conduct orientation or other corporate responsibilities.

Most Recruiters enjoy what they do. After all I just described, It IS intrinsically rewarding to fill a position with someone who fits a position but also wants the job and is appreciative for getting it. We want the positions we recruit for to be filled with smart, qualified people with proactive attitudes or who offer a lot of potential. We want to help make those meaningful matches. Recruiting is an art not a science. Therefore, I as a Recruiter, cannot make guarantees for you but I certainly hope I’ve provided some useful information for that job searching universe that you are about to enter.

A mentor can help to alleviate much of the frustration students often feel in their first few months in college. By sharing their insight and knowledge, students can be spared a great deal of stress which is often felt. A good mentor can advise and support students and help avoid an unnecessary delinquency due to feelings of incompetence and isolation. A successful mentor demonstrates and upholds the values and ethics of the field they represent.

Good mentors introduce their new students to older mentees for pair guidance. They will offer support and assistance until they feel comfortable in the college setting. As time goes on, mentoring often becomes a two way street and offers benefits to both parties.

I have identified ten advantages of mentoring to students of HBCUs. They are as follows:

1. The structure established by mentors provides accountability
2. Mentors provide important answers
3. Mentees can learn to reflect more before acting
4. Discover the “real” problem and get help to solve it
5. They escape from “short-term thinking”
6. They obtain a “responsible” alternate perspective
7. They get into the “thinking” habit
8. Students embrace new possibilities
9. Mentees learn to be in balance
10. Students get help to distinguish yourself in the marketplace

The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as “… any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.”

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a long history of serving African American communities long before many colleges and universities would admit black students.

Even though today’s African American students can attend college anywhere their grades and talents can take them, many still turn to HBCUs for their education. For some students, it may be the chance to study with mentors who are of the same culture and who are successful in their fields. Many develop mentoring, fraternal and family ties to an HBCU that go back generations. Others attend an HBCU to get a college experience with an African American experience with guidance from successful graduates. In addition to rigorous academics, HBCUs have storied legacies that are intertwined with the history of civil rights in the United States, giving their students, regardless of race or background, a distinctive perspective on the African American experience.

Graduate students benefit from guidance by their mentors in many ways. Among these are academic guidance, career development, personal guidance, and overall aid in the socialization of the graduate student. Students also benefit from an enhanced access to a professional network offered by the mentor. Graduate students benefit from the exposure a mentor can provide. Through this exposure the student gains ability to develop meaningful relationships with future colleagues in their respective profession. Thirdly, graduate students benefit from receiving honest feedback from their mentors. These benefits help students survive graduate school, but they also promote the professional and career development of students as well.

Given, minority graduate students historical exclusion from institutions of higher education, the persistent group stereotypes that relate to their academic abilities and competencies, as well their unique cultural perspectives demand that more attention needs to be paid to the qualities needed to effectively mentor this group. For example, good mentors are knowledgeable and sensitive to the issues their students face. To mentor minority graduate students, mentor knowledge could be expanded to include the day-to-day experiences of being a racial minority on their campus as well as mentors’ multicultural competence. Similarly, minority students’ mentors are be more effective when we have experience within diverse contexts and diverse relationships. Feedback, is another example, of an important benefit of mentoring, yet it may be one outcome that many mentors are hesitant to provide.

Many African American students have found alternative sources of support for finishing their degrees by establishing mentoring relationships with mentors outside of their institutions. Mentors from outside like ourselves helped black students form committees, locate relevant literature, develop their writing skills, and identify opportunities for presenting their work and for funding. In short, these ‘‘outsiders’’ performed all of the tasks that one would expect a graduate faculty member within the students’ home department to perform.

In understanding the importance of mentoring, one must know what it means to be a good mentor. Yet for many minority graduate students, the concerns may simply be more around related to access to mentoring rather than the quality of mentoring.

It is my hope to expose the advantages and barriers to functional mentoring and the need to increase mentoring for minority students.

Coachable

Education is an ever-changing field, so when interviewing a candidate, we do not expect them to have a library of standards memorized or to be able to recite technical answers. Realistically, teachers have access to many resources when they are planning lessons or educational experiences for their students. Once hired, we will communicate the strategies and resources that our district has identified, with the expectation that they will be carried over into the classroom. What we are really looking for is an individual who is willing to listen to recommendations from their supervisor, and who can transfer feedback to their work in the classroom.

A coachable employee is valuable in any profession. Being a flexible, reflective and responsive employee will make you valuable, because you will be able to withstand changes within your industry.

Effective Communicator

Collaboration across classrooms, schools, districts, and states, is becoming more common through the use of tools like Skype, Google Drive, Drop Box, Twitter, Today’s Meet and others. Administrators are looking for teachers who are able to use these tools for their own professional development, as well as to provide opportunities for their students to collaborate. Refined verbal and written communication skills are necessary to be successful in these situations.

While we understand that organizations are effective because of many different personality types, being able to clearly express your ideas is nonnegotiable. Employees need to be able to navigate situations between clients, coworkers, and other stakeholders. A lack of communication or miscommunication can result in strained internal and external relationships, and could potentially affect your employment.

Technologically Literate

Overlapping with being an effective communicator, preparing students to be college and career ready in a 21 century environment is impossible without the use of technology. Most of our classrooms are using technology on a one student-to-one device ratio, and teachers need to be comfortable with adopting different types of technology in order to provide their students with a rich and individualized academic st experience. Even if someone is still a novice, there are endless training resources on the internet to help.

Employers want someone who will take the initiative to learn about new technologies that are relevant to their field of work, and who are proactive in discovering new tools to boost their practice. Technology isn’t the solution to all workplace challenges, however a potential candidate or current employee should be able to speak to how it can affect and enhance their role.

These traits of a successful candidate have a commonality. Employers in all fields are looking for someone who is committed to their own professional development and who is a lifelong learner. Candidates should be reflective practitioners, excellent communicators, technologically savvy and should be continually evaluating themselves, and finding areas of opportunity and growth. Living and working in a global society requires all great employees to continue to grow and learn.

What is an ATS and how does it determine your ability to land an interview? In a nutshell, the ATS is a type of software that not only accepts large volumes of resumes sent to an employer, it assist the HR/recruiting process by assisting in determining which applicants best fit the “requirements” stated in a job posting. It looks for key words and then excitedly, highlights them. When the ATS “searches and finds” a minimum of key words, that resume will be forwarded to a recruiter for further consideration (aka scrutiny).

Although this may seem like a somewhat ‘inhuman’ approach, it saves a great deal of time and helps employers/recruiters stay organized and objective; key words are presented and names, location and (even misspellings) are not picked up by the ATS and cannot be used to disqualify an otherwise worthy candidate.

Additionally, Social Media does play a role in how the ATS can help or hurt your job search efforts. There are some Applicant Tracking Systems that can be programmed to “pick up” social media sites (such as LinkedIn/FB) and can read these in the same way they can review the resumes of potential employees. *Having a professional presence on Social Media is more important than ever before. Putting it simply, ATS will look for the same keywords on social media as they would in their database. Remember the influence your postings, tweets and updates have on the population you are trying to impress.

While this system is looking for keywords, it is really looking for concrete details about your experience that tie you to the posting – the available opportunity. A good example is if you are looking for an Administrative position, the ATS will look for that title, as well as Office Coordination, Office support or an Administrative certification in the Education section of your resume. The ATS will not, however, search out and highlight words like “outgoing” “innovative” or “detail oriented”. Those are interview words and not a relevant function of the position that is available: be mindful of each word on your resume and how it can move your past that ATS.

Some key points in getting past the ATS would be: avoid sending your resume as a PDF or including charts or graphs…all can be seriously misread by the ATS and render your document unreadable, you can make your resume a little longer than one usually word in order to include the skills and experience that are most relevant and lastly, use “work experience” on your resume to draw the ATS to your actual history as opposed to something more colorful like “background” or “professional overview”….work with the ATS so it can identify and not disqualify you.

The ATS has been blamed for the “black hole” of the recruiting process and while this may seem like the case at times, it has enabled the recruiter to determine which candidate is the closest fit for their opening saving time for all involved. In order to have the best chance of landing your first job or ‘next job’ create an ATS friendly resume and then continue the process by connecting effectively with your Career Center at school, recruiters and staffing firms and being an engaged and professional influencer on LinkedIn.

An objective look at the best paying jobs for college graduates must begin with the understanding that STEM jobs offer the highest salaries, on average, for college graduates in the near term and career wise. STEM, of course, refers to science, technology, engineering and math. With that being said, here is a list of jobs for 2016 that have the strongest projected growth in those fields and provide healthy starting salaries for recent graduates. Keep in mind, starting salaries can vary by city, state and level of experience.

1. Registered Nurse

Average Salary: $56,900 – $73,600

Predicted Growth: 2012-2022: 19 percent

Minimum Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an approved nursing program along with a nursing license is required. The health care industry will continue to dominate for years to come. Most health care professionals are benefiting from the aging population and increasing number of insured individuals. Although the minimum requirements to become a nurse are often an associate degree, the field is becoming increasingly competitive, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing is becoming a requirement for many employers.

2. Software Engineer/ Applications Developer

Average Salary: $80,725 – $100,700

Predicted Growth in 2016-2024: 18.4 percent

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and experience with a variety of software and technical systems are a must. However, information technology engineers are expected to continue to educate themselves in the latest technology. The technology field will continue to grow as the demand for computer networking skills increases. The need for new internet applications, system safety, and upgrades are a few of the specific duties for this role.

3. Physician Assistants

Average Salary: $84,980 Predicted Growth in 2016: 27 percent

Minimum Requirements: Completion of a two-year physician assistant program is required before candidates are eligible to take the national license exam. The job outlook for physician assistants will continue to expand as healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and inner city areas, increasingly use physician assistants to handle physician shortages and save money.

4. Web Developer

Average Salary:$63,490

Predicted Growth 2012-2022: 20 percent

Minimum Requirements: Associate degree. Despite the craze over Instagram and Twitter, websites are still a must have for everyone from Goldman Sachs to the person down the street selling lamps. Web developers that are experts in not only website design and construction, but also skilled in creating and managing e-commerce sites have a much better advantage, as well as an opportunity at higher pay. For the most part, Web Developers can work in an office setting or from the comfort of their home while earning an attractive starting salary. When considering this field, understand that demonstrated skills and a portfolio showcasing your work are more important than any degree.

5. Information Security Analyst

Average Salary: $53,400 to $85,800

Predicted Growth 2012-2022: 37 percent

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree. Network security specialists monitor computer networks for security threats or unauthorized users. Sony Pictures, Target, JPMorgan Chase, Home Depot and even the U.S. government have all been a victim of recent cyber-attacks. The FBI ranks cybercrime as one of its top law enforcement activities. If you possess the skills to design and carry out security measures that protect an organization’s data and computer networks, you’ve got a lucrative future ahead of you. Staying up-todate in computer languages, technologies and cybersecurity issues are also critical to your success. Organizations seek individuals who can stay ahead of the attackers and not react to them.

6. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Average Salary: $37,980

Predicted Growth: 29.9 percent

Minimum Requirements: A Master’s degree is viewed as the standard for most counselors. Having a state certified license in addition to your education is a huge plus as well. The field of Mental Health Counseling is experiencing high demand and has become a huge topic in recent years. New health laws require that under a medical policy which offers mental health aspects, an insurer must provide the same amount of visits to a Mental Health Counselor as they provide for medical visits according to the Affordable Care Act. The criminal justice system is increasingly offering treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration, fueling the demand for qualified counselors.

7. Financial Analyst

Average Salary: $66,000

Predicted Growth 2008-2018: 20 percent

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, business, accounting, statistics, or economics. Analysts provide advice on how to best grow a company’s or individual’s worth. Getting a job in this field is heavily dependent on contacts. Growing your network through internships and university activities would be vital for success in this career field.

8. Network Systems Administrator

Average Salary: $77,910

Predicted Growth 2008-2018: 28 percent

Minimum Requirement: Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in computer science and related work experience. However, an associate’s degree combined with work experience may also be acceptable for some employers. Professional certifications, such as those offered by Microsoft and Cisco, may be required for employment or career advancement. Certain employers may also require security clearances from the Department of Defense depending upon the level or nature of the job function. In general, Network Systems Administrators ensure network availability to all users of a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Demand is expected to increase as companies continue to invest in mobile networks, and create new and faster technologies.

9. Engineer

Average Salary: $75,780

Predicted Growth 2008-2018: 11 percent

Minimum Requirement: Bachelor of Science in engineering as well as passing state licensure exams. Employment for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industries work to meet the challenges of a growing population. The engineering field is very diverse and the average income for engineers will vary by specialty, qualifications, experience, and location. However, much of employment growth has evolved around research and development, biomed and civil engineering.

10. Accountant

Average Salary: $51,400 to $85,300

Predicted Growth: 14 percent

Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in accounting. The accounting job outlook has been favorable for aspiring accountants. Due to the increased number of audits and corporate scandals amongst national employers, companies are hiring more employees to perform accounting and financial auditing services that meet industry standards. Obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is heavily preferred by auditing and accounting employers. By passing the Certified Public Accountant examination, CPA’s are assumed experts in the accounting field and their salary and benefits package reflects this. Individuals with industry-wide certifications will be highly preferred over non-certified accountants. Employers are seeking strong performers to shield them from any mistakes that may appear to weaken their brand and appearance of stability.

Change comes from within and often requires us to take a fresh look at how we do things. In the talent management space for the public sector many believe that is high time we re-think how Recruitment, Engagement Diversity & Inclusion should work. The Obama Administration has been quite vocal and sought to enact real legislation and mandates to encourage agencies to change how we attract and retain talent. As the public workforce seeks to build “Americas Workforce” as evidenced by the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s actions in line with the Presidential Management Agenda relating to a cross-agency cutting objective known under the catch phase People & Culture.

http://www.opm.gov/about-us/our-director/americasworkforce/

At no other time over that past three decades have we seen a better time for efforts that can address the lack of representation by key segments of our society in the leadership ranks of the public sector.

As more students face moving home in with their parents due to a lack of jobs for our young people, as you represent a small and notable percentage of students that have struggled to be accepted and attend the university the rise and the road ahead for “the best and brightest” so often can be informed by those that sought a path leading from a proud legacy and tradition of grassroots organizing to a digital engagement approach; whereupon I would urge you to consider the benefits of seeking out information about the prospects of launching your career with a government job.

A decade or two ago there may have been some credence in misperceptions that existed about career paths being laid out too narrowly for diverse candidates. Some would even chastise that most jobs promoted on niche job boards were relegated to call center, telemarketing or began with a government postal service roles or a military career was needed from which initial employment started at the enlisted ranks of the military, not the civilian sector. Nobody wants to start in an administrative role that was nothing more than a glorified office clerical type of position. As a diversity minded recruiter, I would have told you “do not settle” and do not go quiet into that good night; but today I would encourage you to consider the series of positions and learning opportunities that can await you when you dedicate yourself not to just a role per se, but to a mission that a career in public service can provide to you. Why?

Career Development & Fast Track Programs

The point of developing a STEAM lab is to increase the depth and complexity of student work, while reaching students who traditionally do not engage in math or science such as women and minorities. Consider your HBCU a STEAM lab and how can your school tap into regional innovation clusters which combine government, non-profit, and academic stakeholders to come together to engage students to study complex concepts by challenging them to address problems that have meaning to their daily lives. Art is used to increase the “fun factor” but ultimately these aim seeks to bring creativity and innovation to a process albeit Sig Sixma, or other methodology where dedicated people can but teach to making traditionally dry subjects more appealing to a wider range of students.

A Mission Worthy of Our Best Efforts

As the Administration is working[1] with key agencies like those of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management much effort has been put into the body of knowledge and approach that may be needed to improve the effectiveness of the Pathways Program by further developing the necessary resources to educate hiring managers, human resource professionals, academic partners, and potential applicants. Federal programs to attract you to answer the call of public service include: a new initiative by OPM around a re-invigorated approach to attract entry level and recent college grads into what has been called the Pathways Program. In fact OPM has coined this program REDI Recruitment, engagement, diversity and inclusion and has released a toolkit for hiring managers and HR professionals. In the last five years much has been invested to help agencies articulate the occupational categories, competencies and skills sets they will need to address and put performance measures in place. What has emerged are some mission critical occupations and fields where the U.S. is just not putting out the quantity or caliber or candidates needed.

Top STEM Occupational Groups in the Federal Government (as of August 2014):

Sciences Occupations …………………………… 67,442

Technology Occupations……………………….. 81,533

Engineering Occupations…………………….. 101,933

Mathematics Occupations …………………….. 17,418

Here are the cities with the most STEM jobs today according to job aggregator Indeed. It will become more important however for the Federal sector employers to establish Pathways program officers to engage with you and to share via social and mobile media the opportunities available to you and to discover what they can do to be more attractive prospective employers. Just as the Federal workforce has been working to bring innovations forward with an aging workforce, more and more HBCU’s and Minority Serving Institutions need to be working on fresh initiatives together that will begin to integrate instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into our school’s curriculum.

Just as the Department of Education is working to promote a focus on critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and collaborative approaches to better prepare our students for college and the increasingly complex work environment of the future. The Human Resources agency for the Federal government has just released Easyto- digest Pathways videos for hiring managers, academia, and prospective applicants on select Pathways topics. I would urge the readers of this article to seek out information, internships, and career development building programs that can position you to launch your career on the right path to meet the current mission critical skills and fill the gaps and jobs that have remained unfilled to the detriment of a workforce that has been empowered to eliminate barriers to entry, seeks to design new models of digital engagement and inclusion. Mentoring is begun to catch pace with the rhetoric and providing a responsive approach is top of mind in the IT shop to enable HR to deliver training and education, feedback loops, and timely information that is not only of assistance to the American taxpayer, but provides to you the job candidate both in theory transparency and accountability for both the candidate and Federal hiring manager.

HR Tech shortcomings potentially can both help and hinder a challenging process.

The days of a resume based applications being mailed in with a cover letter are soon to go the way of the horse and buggy. Social media and the application of social networking platforms that can help sift filter and sort jobs, while serving to provide more access to and awareness of those types of roles and career paths that ultimately should be informed not only by assessments, but by skills matching as is being done on LinkedIn.com. Never mind the fact that agencies are spending here to determine your skills and competencies, but potentially cultural fit as well. I recall being a recent college graduate and outside of a post card deck attached to a cork board or a flyer in the Career Center on Campus there was not much in the way of even an understanding on how to apply for and secure a position in the public service outside of the national non-profits and military options that existed for me.

Figure 1 Retirement Conundrum – An Opportunity To Address Mission Critical Occupation Vacancies

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?sid=3338792&nid=1140 

Given the adoption of programmatic ad buying platforms or DMP (Database Marketing Platforms) government marketers can secure more highly targeted ways to leverage search engines to attract or get diverse candidates to opt-in to recruitment communications. However in so far that the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Memorandums from the Office of Management & Budget restricts the use of cookies, more DMP’s are looking to provide targeting that does not compromise PII data or aggregates that data across social media, even measuring sentiment across social networks and commercial ecommerce platforms. This may present a problem in that many new contractors and their agency clients may not even be aware that these technologies are in use or being used for reporting results in practice but as the spirit of the rule aligns to the Open Government Directive Memorandum M-10-22 states

“The central goal is to respect and safeguard the privacy of the American public while also increasing the Federal Government’s ability to serve the public by improving and modernizing its activities online. Any use of such technologies must be respectful of privacy, open, and transparent, and solely for the purposes of improving the Federal Government’s services and activities online.”

So as we look at privacy, ease of use and cutting wasteful ad spending for more replicable and sustainable approaches for recruiting the next cadre of STEM talent we must also ask, do the means as justifying the ends? At what point will adoption and diffusion of more robust ad serving and tracking techniques and technologies begin to encroach into the HR tech space. Will it become SOP for the public sector, or the commercial sector HR professional to know my price based on my financial digital exhaust before the interview even begins. As for the Federal public affairs, IT and human resources professionals who’s mission it is to create more citizen-centric and digital engagement strategies to attract talent albeit are they apprised of what is allowable and getting the guidance and IT governance they need to embrace social media for recruitment purposes. These are in my opinion some of the bigger questions agencies will ask.

New entrants to the Federal workforce in Cyber, HR, Acquisition, Public Healthcare are all needed to address shortfalls in Mission Critical Occupations (MCO’s)

According to a recent RAND study Hackers Wanted one could argue that the cyber-security threats and lack of supply in the workforce could in time fix itself, but with 21M undergraduates out there and given the fact the Pentagon and FBI alone have to recruit 6000 candidates, hearing former Sec. of DHS Chertoff making statements like “DHS can’t keep anyone in cyber. They just can’t do it,’’ said a former DHS official. “You can make $150,000 protecting the nation or you can make $650,000. Which one are you going to do?’ According to the FedScope database of federal employees administered by the Office of Personnel Management, between 2010 and 2013, departures of permanent DHS employees increased by 31 percent, compared to a 17 percent increase for the entire federal workforce. As GAO pointed out recently in a report entitled “Strategies to Help Agencies Meet Their Missions in an Era of Highly Constrained Resources ” focused on creating a more agile talent management system(s) to address inflexibilities in the current system. The analysis found talent management tools lacked two key ingredients for developing an agile workforce, namely the ability to:

(1) Identify the skills available in their existing workforces, and

(2) move people with specific skills to address emerging, temporary, or permanent needs within and across agencies.

As DHS and Army Cyber Command as well as NIST, NSF-OPM SFS Program efforts are driving awareness I would share this recent item from Wanted Analytics Four Ways You Can Recruit Cyber Talent http://goo.gl/zg5BRl A recent BusinessWeek article discusses the US government’s strategy for hiring these jobs, looking at their Cyber Corps college scholarship and stipend program. This may be the key for any organization to fill cyber security jobs.

“While the existing talent pool can be a limiter for Recruiters, our college and university graduate data estimates that 53,000 people graduated with an IT degree and some coursework in cyber security during 2013. We also estimate that a similar number of people will graduate with the same education in 2014. One problem employers might have in recruiting from colleges is that the majority (53%) of students are graduating with an Associate’s degree. However, 93% of cyber security jobs require a Bachelor’s degree or higher. To overcome this challenge, employers may want to either work with colleges to encourage students to pursue at least a Bachelor’s degree, or consider hiring potential candidates with an Associate’s Degree and develop an on-the-job development program.”

Given all the Federal grant money we pour into endowments, it would be good to see more University Programs come forward and help drive enrollment into CAE Schools. Models like these for a path and career advancement opportunities within talent communities can only serve to promote awareness, digital engagement and outreach efforts that can stem the tide by a cadre of pre-screened applicants while building awareness and candidate supply for the field with our young people from minority serving institutions.

To quote Col. Rivers Johnson retired Army OPA Cyber Command http://youtu.be/s7lOIbfyB5s

“We need to ensure that we’ve got standardized training and that we also educate the workforce early on with regard to STEM and that we hit them straight in middle school and high school and we can continue that in college, but active recruiting is very important. We can continue to establish the Cyber Centers of Excellence so that the individuals recruited will, in fact, have a job available for them when they — they graduate.” http://youtu.be/s7lOIbfyB5s

As he mentions in the video interview from last springs CyberForce2014 Summit “It’s a team sport” If you would like more specifics or access to research to help your organization build a coalition reach out to DHS and ask about how can your organization help build and receive value through common cause strategic partnership effort to leverage more or share resources across publicprivate –academic efforts for starters feel free to visit this content library or lesson plan on versal here https://versal.com/c/o6qfcr/cybersecurity-workforce-issues

Author of the Book entitled, Cybersecurity Leadership: Powering the Modern Organization By Mansur Hasib, DSc, CISSP, PMP, CPHIMS Cybersecurity and Healthcare Leader at the University System of Maryland wrote in an article on page 70 of this magazine some very interesting thoughts. http://www.uscybersecurity.net/Pages/winter2015/

Notably and essentially he feels that cybersecurity is so broad and so interdisciplinary that people with any background should be able to find a role in this field. Students should attempt to develop a T personality that he discusses in this article: http://www.informationweek.com/strategic-cio/team-building-andstaffing/ can-healthcare-execs-be-security-experts-too/a/did/ 1297742?

For most students he recommends taking a variety of courses to find their passion. He also recommends sitting in a class before taking it in order to feel the professor’s passion for the subject. But like him he advises to be prepared to pivot as he had to since the field has evolved so quickly and how you will find success may not have even been invented yet. This happened to him, and is happening to many in HRIT, Ad-serving or digital web development technology as well albeit in a different field of study mind you but in the book he talks about the need for more interdisciplinary education.

Many feel that all the existing business and MBA programs or the IT and cyber security programs do not provide a student what they will need to be successful in today’s organizations. This is why he and others at the National Initiative for Cyber Security Careers and Studies have developed both curriculum and platforms to deliver the benefits of this type of a unique Master’s and Doctoral program with a blend of business and IT/cyber security that will prepare the next generation of C-suite leaders much better. So if you have connections in universities who wish to implement this program, I think he and others across several Federal and Military agencies can rally with your help and the help of the university to implement these very needed programs.

How agencies develop a well-defined school-selection criteria may be central to this discussion but one can simply click here http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=all&sp=4 to source HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, or HSI’s by STEM Fields for the local Regional Innovation Cluster. http://goo.gl/CDJCYA but how many of these programs would be considered centers of academic excellence with programs that can be translated into cyber security degrees or fields for the jobs that are required in the 50 industries that constitute the Advanced Industries Sector according to Brookings latest study?

Figure 3 Data Analytics Dashboards for USAJobs.gov The new and improved dashboards associated with USAJobs.gov now have an improved user interface that leverages a more data-centric approach. The changes promise benefits for finding candidates as well as funding and appear to be well suited to help government recruiters locate pockets of talent within requisite markets, or in seeking concentrations of needed skill sets and competencies.

But where are the best feeder programs?

In and above Presidential Management Fellows Programs, Pathways Programs now DHS has a new program called the Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative that takes in close to 1500 applicants for some 300 internships that provide real world experience in Homeland Security agencies. Army is moving to a program called Soldier for Life to address reintegration of returning Veterans into key fields where talent is needed. Even the Scholarship for Service Program with the support of the National Science Foundation and OPM as well as other intelligence have all provided access to candidates via virtual invitation only career fairs periodically that will help you fulfill an obligation that addresses student loan repayment incentives for a 24-36 month commitment to support the Federal government in your career. The new Tech Hire initiative coming out of the Department of Labor is a great one to watch too.

Given the posture taken has been to fill-one-for-every-three vacancy announcements that are open treating this reality as more than budget mechanism by agencies at a time when resources are constrained and talent is leaving at a high rate, these talent problems will be compounded when the applicant experience is a poor one. The job seeker must persevere and be steadfast to get a Federal career started, but just as there are only a few fields where a pension is even being offered or can be secured today, the journey can be worth it.

Forward leaning examples of what may become of the traditional job boards or USAJobs.gov for that matter may not be too far down the road in terms of the will to build a better mouse trap; maybe one that uses Artificial Intelligence to augment the matching of skills, culturalfit, and career trajectories. In fact something close to that can be found on sites like Good.co, BeanSprock.com, or even mobile voice-based job boards such as Jobaline.com for bilingual or part-time jobs for those whom may only have a cell phone as a lifeline to the online job marketplace.

Just as HR tech evolves for the candidate so too are there even newer platforms for corporate recruiters that are emerging. From video interviews, to those that can help build talent communities or ecosystems such as portals, websites or SaaS based solutions to address the changing job market. Many that have popped up that include the likes of SeedJobs.com, Findly.com, or Recruitics.com just to name a few, are focused on the data analytics and metrics in mind. These disruptors as well as the traditional vendors in the applicant tracking system space are all scrambling to optimize for mobile, search engines, while providing a branded digital experience across the full candidate lifecycle solution. If we are to leverage innovative sourcing and data analytics tools like wantedanalytics.com, we must also be mindful of the changing landscape in terms of America’s Advanced Industries and what talent we foster to support efforts not only in key technical areas but in support of programs around regional innovation clusters or (RICs).

Figure 4 Brookings America’s Advanced Industries

To propel meaningful change leverage the promise of Diversity & Inclusion.

Why diversity? If we draw a parallel to the rise and fall of the Roman and Greek empires, consider the differences between the two and similarities to what we face as a nation. After nearly a 500-year run as the world’s greatest superpower, historians have blamed the collapse of Rome on hundreds of different factors ranging from military failures and crippling taxation to natural disasters and even climate change. Some might suggest it was the culmination of factors such as:

• Economic troubles and overreliance on slave labor
• Overexpansion and military overspending
• Government corruption and political instability
• Christianity and the loss of traditional values
• Weakening of the Roman legions

Contrast that with what we can learn from the Ancient Greeks – given the question of the day running around inside the beltway with pollsters, pundits as well as the Chief Human Capital Officers Council “How Can We Work To Improve The Perception of Public Service?

Considering history lessons from the Greeks, the fact that one of the smallest geographic regions, produced such an innovative culture of learning in STEM but in the application of that learning facing geopolitical conflicts and war, as you recall the city-states had to come together. Military historians may say it was the notion of the phalanx, but more important the notion of Diversity is the true take-away for me. If history teaches us nothing it speaks to us today, for example thinking in the context of Talent Management I recently read a piece on the Greek Army not unlike the recent movie 300 that depicted the battle of Thermopylae. “A well formed Ancient Greek army, however, didn’t just have a phalanx. What made the Ancient Greeks so effective was the sheer diversity in their troops.

They also had a cavalry, archers, and light infantry. The cavalry worked to protect the phalanx and to break up the ranks of the enemy. Archers would shoot from a distance to help confuse the enemy. The infantry also helped protect the phalanx while also inflicting damage to the enemy. Athens, one of the most powerful city- states, also had a formidable navy. The soldiers of Ancient Greece had a sophisticated fighting style. When they allied with each other over a common enemy, such as the Persians, they were highly effective. By the time Alexander the Great became the king, the Ancient Greeks had honed their fighting style and used that to conquer a good portion of the ancient world. ”

It was the culture that survived and even today as the youth of Greece face a 50% unemployment rate, the country is seeking to reinvent itself. Today our common enemy is apathy, ignorance, intolerance, and unless we embrace diversity and band together to improve the work being done in our Minority Serving Institutions to approach and address the issues of the day, such as support for and funding of our Schools, as well as partnerships with Regional Innovation Clusters around our country we miss a huge opportunity in the next few years. The needs of our public sector workforce that is seeking to be representative of our democracy, protect our civil rights, and ensure the freedoms we at times may take for granted should be a paramount concern. We will be subject to the chaos and uncertainly that entropy holds for us, but in a growing and more complex society that is on the brink in terms of evolving or collapse; ultimately some might say we are the protectors of western civilization and democracy in the free world so it is from our People & Culture that we must lead and from that will emerge a new world. One that can bring new philosophies, theories, and technologies the application of which should work to can propel our society, economy and culture forward.

We live in a global community but it is in our hands and to the Class of 2015 I wish you all the best and hope that you will see value in the system that has sought to create and apply knowledge and learning to the big issues of the day. It is important to dedicate ourselves to making a difference, and in addition to a pension some may find that public service can be the best way to achieve career aspirations while also inspiring others to bring their expertise around a common cause and mission that matters as it did to many back in Selma, or Ancient Greece. Let history judge us for our deeds, but let diversity and inclusion be a guiding principle. I for one am ready to see the posture of our Federal HR workforce change to one that is ready to lean in and address REDI, we just need to give them the technology, support, and pay-parity they rightly deserve to accomplish the missions before us.

[1] Human Capital: Strategies to Help Agencies Meet Their Missions in an Era of Highly Constrained Resources. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-168 

This happens so many times in life and in history. If we are not careful, there will continue to be stories that are not told and shared with students. McGraw-Hill, a well-known textbook publisher, recently came under scrutiny when one Texas mother questioned why slaves were referred to as immigrants in her son’s textbook. Admitting they could do better in a social media posting, the textbook publisher said they would fix the error immediately in the digital copy and the next print copy.

Some people surely may think this is not even worth acknowledgment, but it is. The differences in the word slave and immigrant are stark. An immigrant implies someone who is not originally from a place but came seeking opportunity. Slaves were driven out of their own homes to another place, against their will. This is why I say every story matters.

Recently becoming employed in K-12 education, I spoke with a group of curriculum personnel about stories. I passed around the room a lesson I had found online. This lesson is one that is no doubt used in elementary schools. It had four blank spaces at the top and at the bottom were four picture stories. The task of the student was to cut the pictures out and place them at the top in sequential order. This seems well enough. However, the story was about Rosa Parks and the first picture said, “She went to jail,” the next said, “She did not give up her seat,” then “the law was changed. Lastly “people did not use the bus.” I asked the curriculum personnel what was wrong with this lesson. Right away two of them spoke up and said pieces of what I was trying to demonstrate. This lesson, while good for motor skills and teaching students to think in sequential order, is not appropriate for teaching about Rosa Parks. I know there are so many excellent teachers in the world that will simply use this worksheet as a supplement, and not as an entire lesson, but I caution educators to make sure they are telling the story in its entirety because every story matters.

The reason this lesson scares me is because it oversimplifies the civil rights movement and Rosa Parks’ story. Her story did not begin at the Montgomery Bus Boycott and certainly did not end there, but if someone were to ask students and adults today about Rosa Parks, most of them can only tell you she did not give up her seat; it is almost like magic happened in that very moment and there was peace and equality. This is not true. This lesson does not tell why people did not use the bus.

If the instructor is not careful of lessons such as these, many students will look at the civil rights movement as a fairy tale. Rosa sat down, Martin Luther King was the hailed hero that had a dream and marched, and President Obama is the savior of Black people and now we can sing, “We have overcome.” This is not an accurate portrayal. Every story matters. No one can deny the impact that these individuals made but there were countless other stories that remain untold. Please educate students on the history of important events, including but not limited to Black History. If we continue to revise, reduce, and rewrite history, it will have devastating impact on the lives of the youth and the country. Every story does not have a Disney ending. Some are painful. Some are joyful. Some are victorious and triumphant. Some are heart wrenching and soul shaking. However, it is not our duty to only tell the happy and funny ones, because every story matters.

1. Select the appropriate business attire: (11/7) It only takes eleven seconds for a person to form seven perceptions about you based upon your initial introduction. Therefore, you must make sure that your total look is on point. Do not stray away from traditional business attire. Traditional business attire colors are blacks, dark grays and navy. Make sure that when you purchase or select your attire that the slacks/skirt and blazer are sold together. For example, when buying black, do not get a black blazer from Men’s Warehouse and dress slacks from Wal-Mart. Although items are sold with the description of being black, there are various shades of the color. Make sure to wear minimal accessories. Ladies no hoop or large earrings, studs are appropriate and maybe a pearl necklace. Your socks should coordinate with your outfit and your shoes and belt should match. You don’t want the focus of your interview to be distracted by your appearance. Force them to focus on your knowledge, skills and abilities.
2. Google a list of interview questions: This is a part of the practice piece. In any interview the first question asked is, “tell me about yourself”. Many individuals get this wrong. They go into stories of their personal lives when in fact, the employer simply wants to know about your skillset and how they can fit into their organization. Other basic interview questions are: (1) Where do you see yourself in five years? (2) Why should we hire you? (3) Name three strengths. and (4) Name one weakness. Now the fourth question is kind of tricky and most people could scare the interview when answering. Throughout my career, when asked this question my answer has always remained, “I am a perfectionist. The root word of perfectionist is “perfect”. So in the case of expressing my weakness, I am still explaining it in a positive way and subliminally letting the interviewer know about my work ethic, performance and efficiency in doing so.
3. Practice interview: Practice definitely makes perfect. Call a friend, a relative or simply sit in front of a mirror and practice interviewing. Your career center may have software that can assist you in preparing for your interview. Make contact with your career center staff to either utilize the software and/or schedule a mock interview. Most people don’t realize how much they talk with their hands or how much they say the words “like” or “uhm” and practice and feedback are both effective ways of improving your interview skills. This proper preparation will definitely assist in elevating your confidence level during the interview process.
4. Do your research: If you truly desire for your interview to be a success, I can’t stress enough the importance of researching the organization. Do not go into an interview without knowing important facts about a company. We live in a day and age where the words “I don’t know” should not exist. The internet is a beautiful thing and companies expect you to doing your research. Knowing the organization’s goals and objectives provides you with the opportunity to metaphorically place yourself within the company and strategically get the interviewer to visualize you within their organization.
5. Identify the company’s location the night before: There’s nothing worse than having an interview and calling the receptionist the morning of trying to get the company’s location. This causes stress to you because your focus now is getting there on time. We all have heard the old saying, “If you are 15 minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time you’re late and if you’re late do not show up.” If your interview is out of town, stay in a hotel or with a friend/family member the night before. I do not suggest risking missing your interview because of unpredictable traffic or possible mechanical problems. Trust me, as soon the receptionist receives your call, they will alert the interviewer. Remember he/she is the gatekeeper and their opinion of you counts.
6. Get a good night’s sleep: Get at least six – eight hours of sleep prior to your interview. A proper night’s rest is essential. Do not stay up the entire night practicing or researching. Be proactive in that piece so that you can go to sleep at an appropriate time. Turn that cellphone off or put it on silent! Please do not fall asleep and/or yawn in your interview. Trust me, it’s not a good look.
7. Notify your contact: If someone referred you for the position or if you know someone that works within the organization, let them know about your interview. Your networking at this point is about to pay off. If you are an asset to your contact’s professional brand, they are going to either request to be included in the selection process or give a great reference on your behalf to the hiring manager. There’s nothing wrong with having a cheerleader on the inside.

Fear of the unknown is human nature however proper preparation will give you insight and provide you with the confidence of knowing what to expect. These seven steps will give you just that. My prayer is that everyone who reads this article understand the importance of interview preparation. I would also like to encourage all students and alumni to utilize their career services center. We are a valuable resource to your success. If you need advice within your career as Director of Career Services for Alabama State University, I am making myself available via email. I can be reached at Jhodge@alasu.edu. Good luck in your career and remember to you make each day count by striving to be better than you were the day before. 

Gaining part-time, temporary or volunteer work experience during your college years is crucial to jump starting your career. It gives an employer an indication of how well you would work on a team, and if you can make decisions and solve problems. Another important skill that must be developed is communication. This includes verbal and written communication, and listening skills. Here’s a tip: Make sure your resume is professionally written to highlight this asset. Poorly written resumes with grammatical errors gives employers insight to your ability to communicate with people inside and outside an organization. As a result, a poorly written resume will negatively impact your chances of getting hired.

Today’s employers are looking for attributes that represent the total package of skills, qualities and business awareness needed to win them over. Employers want universal skills that can be utilized across academic disciplines in any job where you are working with others.

Furthermore, most employers also look for leadership or entrepreneurial experience in their potential hires. Launching a side business online, taking on a leadership role, organizing an event or overseeing a project, and active membership within a group or organization, are viewed favorably and increases your value to potential employers. There is a lot of emphasis placed on transferable skills and you will need to demonstrate a high level of competency in these areas if you want to succeed in the job market.

During the interview process, you will be expected to clearly articulate your accomplishments as part of your personal brand. Highlighting areas that show initiative is impressive. The key is to communicate clearly that you have these skills. Employers are looking for a reason to hire you. Use this opportunity to demonstrate self-confidence, maturity, professionalism and the ability to adapt to a professional or business environment. Experience gained through an internship or work placement will provide you the opportunity to acquire and showcase these skills at the application and interview stage.

Make the most of university life and extra-curricular activities to develop your general skills. Plan ahead to get relevant work and volunteer experience which will give you transferable skills that will make you work ready. Whatever sector or career path you decide to follow, whether graduate school or a full-time position, employers will look for evidence of core skills and competencies.

I had a successful job and career in Seattle. I was making good money and I enjoyed the work. However, I was spending over three hours a day commuting. I wanted to work closer to home, but the opportunities where I lived were limited. I’d always had a passion for coffee and decided that I would step away from everything that I knew to pursue my dream of running my own coffee shop. My goal was to work my way up from barista to manager. Unfortunately this didn’t work out and I found myself laid off a few weeks before Christmas. This is something you will more than likely have to experience at some point in your career. My advice, don’t let it define who you are as the next opportunity could be right around the corner.

This was new ground for me. I have years of experience assisting others find employment. Now I had to put those skills to work for myself. My goal was to be unemployed for as short a period of time as possible. I quickly registered for unemployment benefits and went to work finding my next job. I began by tapping my extensive LinkedIn network, joining the local job club, and scouring the web for opportunities. Even though my contacts didn’t have anything local for me, they did provide great advice regarding my tactics and resume which were very helpful. Ultimately it was the job club that brought me to my current employer. In one of our meetings I heard that T-Mobile was hiring and I immediately applied with them.

T-Mobile was also a risk. I knew that I would have to swallow my pride and start at the bottom. Starting out on your career journey will be challenging; having to reboot your career can be even more difficult. I decided to take a chance and restarted my career at the bottom as a call center rep with T-Mobile. I quickly learned the other departments in the location I was at and mapped out my long-term career goals. I knew I wanted to work with the government/corporate accounts team. To get there I had to put in at least six months with regular customer care. I came to work each day and did what I needed to do to get that promotion. It took nine months, but I did it!

The first week of training I was pulled off of that team to assist with the social media group. This is another important life lesson; things don’t always go as planned. How you handle adversity will define your career. Could I have made a fuss? Sure, that was definitely an option. Instead I accepted this new challenge and made the best of it. The work I did with the social media team was rewarding and allowed me to make great contacts across the company. Never stop networking! Once you get your foot in the door, make every effort to meet new people within the organization. Being part of my new group allowed me to volunteer with a diversity committee which has been a wonderful thing. If you have the chance to volunteer for a project or special group; do it!

My work with the diversity committee and my relationship with the local recruiter ultimately lead to my current role with T-Mobile. After two years of hard work I finally have a job that I truly love! I’m supporting our field sales recruiters in California and it’s awesome! Starting over my career was one of the hardest things that I ever did, but it was worth it. I have a much better commute and the work I do is very gratifying.

Hopefully you’ll gain some value from my story. Good luck as you begin your career and don’t be afraid to take risks!

Who are you talking to and what are you saying?

Tweeting your weekend plans or recent break-up is fine if your handle is not also connected to a LinkedIn page. Do you want the same company who tweeted an opening for an internship to read about your miserable recent break-up (“hmmmm…maybe this is not the right time to schedule an interview with this candidate??”) What language are you using in these tweets – are your frequent posts professional or are they equivalent to a FB page rant about a party you were not invited to? Remember your audience is wider than you can imagine and the virtual world is as far-reaching as it is permanent.

What do your posts and conversations say about you? Employers are everywhere.

It was not long ago when a young, bright PR Professional made an offcolor comment on an airplane and by the time she landed so did her career. Are you careful with your opinions and views of the world – should every thought in your head be public or can you edit some of your emotional responses to insure you are not offending people you don’t even know?

Do you sound engaged? Can the world see your passions – do you have a mission tied up in your posts that suggest to the world where you might want to be employed? What can you do to make each sentence you express be relevant and assist you in your overall mission?

Read yourself the way others would – would you want to hire you?

Take a good look at your social media presence in all platforms. Can your grandmother view your FB page? Would she be embarrassed? Would you be? What pictures are visible? What do your pictures say about the person you are? What are they suggesting? Should your FB page be private and is this the time to ask your friends to remove some of the pictures of you that would be viewed as less than favorable??

*Organizations hire Social Media experts to troll social media in order to “find” as well as “eliminate” potential candidates for their positions.

What is your twitter handle? Would you be able to share it with a group of people who you are interested in impressing?

What does your LinkedIn page say about you? Are you smiling in your picture – professionally posed? Is the profile robust and interesting – does it make an impact more than a resume would? It should!

If an employer navigated the virtual world and landed on your FB page would they turn away in horror or message you an interesting query – would they friend you or run?

Social Media is a tool; using this tool correctly is vital to your future success and professional presence. It is a large and wonderful arena you are about to enter – arm yourself with the skills and persona necessary to impress. Google yourself and see where you stand – then straighten yourself up – adjust your social media presence – and stand that much taller!

On a Monday morning in March of 2014, I walked in a room filled with twenty-five students who were strangers just three weeks before. I was both shocked and overwhelmed when I entered to hear the words, “Congratulations Dr. Ammons.” As I began processing this statement, my mind reflected back to when I was an undergraduate student at the young age of 32. I had just finished a class assignment in which I was required to give a 5 – 10 presentation on my leadership style in which I called, “Superman Leadership.” Growing up I have never been too afraid of many things but one of my greatest fears in life was to stand in front of a group of people to speak. Feeling relaxed that I have finished my speech without dying or passing out, I took my place back at my seat. After class, my management professor called me to the back of the room where he was finishing our grades. He asked, “Mike, I really enjoyed hearing your Superman Leadership presentation.” He continued, “You are a great student and have you considered going to graduate school?” Relieved to discover that I did not fail the class I responded, “Well no. To be honest, I will be happy just to complete my bachelor’s degree.” “Congratulations Dr. Ammons!” I thought for a minute, “Are my ears playing tricks on me?” Then, I heard the phrase again, “Congratulations Dr. Ammons!” For the last ten years I have been trying to answer the “So what” question that I was asked in that small room years before. I did not discover the answer to the “So what” question until I came across the Difference Maker, my college professor, David Rendall. I wanted to become a college professor too so that I could have the same impact in the lives of students that he had in my life. For the last ten years I have been preparing myself for this role by completing a masters degree, and just recently, a doctorate degree. Despite my intentions of making a difference in the lives of these students, by them recognizing and honoring me for my recent achievements, they were the difference makers in my life. Thanks to all you Difference Makers!

Here’s how you can do it:

Broaden Your Horizons

Don’t limit your job search too narrowly; consider expanding the range of career fields of interest to you. For example, if you’re interested in the field of Human Resources, explore all the jobs related or even vaguely related to that field. Having a brainstorming session in addition to using the Internet to search all of the positions within this field can create more ideas. This activity will triple your job prospects, internship possibilities and may even change the way you think about your future career. Keep in mind that if your first job isn’t your dream job, that’s okay. You can use the experience and knowledge you gain from your current role towards a greater opportunity.

Act Globally

If you are unsuccessful in finding the job you want where you currently live, consider relocating to other geographic areas or working abroad. As globalized activities, continue to increase, being aware of cultural differences and being able to operate efficiently within them increases employment opportunities. Having language and managerial skills that can be utilized internationally is an asset to businesses looking to network with markets in other countries, as many businesses are doing today.

Do Your Research

Your best chance at standing out among a pile of resumes is to show that you “get it,” Most employers are concerned with recent grads understanding how their area of study fits into the overall picture of business. Do you comprehend the importance of the work the organization does as it relates to the mission and objectives of the company? Are you eager, not for pay, but to contribute, and to learn? Would you fit in with the company’s current team? Do you understand that school was the first step in a career-long education? Understanding employer concerns and being able to address them effectively is critical. Researching your company of interest is a start. Then, figure out how your skills will benefit the organization and include this in your cover letter.

Be Productive

If you are unable to obtain a paid position, consider volunteering or taking an unpaid internship. It is extremely important particularly for a young person, to use time productively at the beginning of your career. Employers are not typically fond of the image of a college grad hanging out at home or doing odd jobs represents; it can be perceived as a lack of engagement.

Get Help

The Career Placement office at your college is a great place to start for leads, but don’t overlook off-campus resources like the local chamber of commerce. You can also tap into your school’s alums for employment resources. For starters, they have something in common with you. They once attended your school. These former students have likely been in your shoes themselves, and are generally among the most willing to help your career development if you ask. They also have a natural connection with you and your institution’s current students and graduates. Because of this connection, alums can often give specific career advice you probably wouldn’t get from anyone else. Failure to reach out to former graduates is one common mistake to avoid when embarking on your job search.

Look out for Post-graduation Opportunities

Employers are often eager participants in job fairs that cater to recent grads. Events like this are a great opportunity to make contact with potential employers. Contact state and local employment agencies to find out about upcoming career fairs and employment events in your area.

Tell Everyone You’re Looking

It is important to let everyone know you are job searching. This includes networking with family, friends, former bosses and colleagues — everyone. Communication is critical; you never know who has a job lead to share. Likewise, you never know which of these activities will turn your unemployment into the first Monday of your professional career. So try them all for best results.

Stay Positive

No one will ever care about your career as much as you do. Being flexible and persistent is the key to any job search. More importantly, don’t forget to remain positive. Always stay focused and maintain a positive outlook with your employment search. Therefore, continue to build your skills and your resume instead of passively waiting for the phone to ring and the opportunities will come.

If you want to break through the glass ceiling, climb the ladder. How I apply it today: Sounds pretty straight forward, right? Well, I discovered that the ladder isn’t always a straight shot. Circumstances may require you to make some side steps to an adjacent ladder or take a step or two down to ultimately complete your journey to the top. Today, organizations are hiring college graduates for positions that typically don’t require a degree. Don’t get discouraged, this perceived “underemployment” doesn’t have to be a negative. It can be an opportunity for you develop new and expand on existing skills. Many companies have leadership development and management training programs. While the starting pay may not be as generous as you envisioned and the job title may not be as glamorous as you hoped, remember that the added incentives offered like assistance toward creating an advanced degree or obtaining a professional certification (or two) hold significant value. This could mean exploring options outside of your preferred field to get your foot in the door of your dream company and in the long run could lead to a more fulfilling career.

Establish your career at a good company and don’t job hop. How I apply it today: Fear of the unknown, believing that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know had me living by this advice. I learned to challenge the notion that longevity equates to stability and accepted that in some cases longevity is actually a sign of complacency and boredom. Simply put, know when your time is up. How do you know? You’re motivated to work only toward the red circles (the pay day), you are no longer learning and growing, and creativity and collaboration are diminished. Organizations thrive when there is a good mix of legacy knowledge and the fresh ideas of “newbies”. As an HR Practitioner, I can attest that a disproportionate amount of employees voluntarily separate from companies within the first two years of joining than those with longer tenure. Gone are the days of my parents when employees stayed with the same company for 20, 30, or more years. This is not to say that every time you get uncomfortable, disagree with a decision, or reach a roadblock you should resign. I’m also not suggesting that you should have a different job every few months or every year because that pattern is not looked upon favorably. Use discretion, be deliberate, and thoughtful if you take the grass is greener on the other side approach.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. How I apply it today: This is another one that I took literally and I have the power suits (do people even use that term anymore?) and two hour heels that I no longer wear as evidence. I came to the realization that how you present yourself encompasses more than what you wear. My advice, develop and promote your personal brand. I was taught to have an “elevator speech” locked and loaded at all times. I now refer to it as my “value proposition” because it conveys who I am, what I do, and how what I have to offer can benefit the person with whom I’m speaking. In addition to the in-person promotion, you have access to social media tools that can be an asset or liability depending on how you manage them. Always be aware of what you are putting out there. Positing something questionable, that paints you in a bad light, can be extremely harmful to your career. My advice, besides not posting something you will later want to remove, is to keep your personal and professional social networking accounts completely separate. Remember, before you submit a resume, complete an online application, attend a job fair or networking event, or interview for that dream job; you are being interviewed. Once you secure employment you are interviewing for your next job. Be mindful and actively manage your personal brand find ways to improve upon it and/or make revisions to advance in your career.

You go to work to do a job, not make friends. How I apply it today: I always picture the mother in the Parents Just Don’t Understand video saying , “You go to school to learn not for a fashion show!”, when I replay this advice. The message within this message is that you want to be liked, admired, and respected for the work you do, not seen as the office clown. Keeping a level of professionalism, foremost in your mind, it is also imperative that you network, network, network. Networking inside of your organization can, in some instances, yield a higher rate of return than networking outside of the organization because you have already established a base upon which you can build. Being a good employee isn’t enough though. Stay connected by attending internal networking events, volunteer, join employee sports teams, join employee resource groups, or try to meet one new person a month. I encourage you to find several mentors, at least one of which allows you to mentor up. The byproduct of having the right balance of exemplary work and being known will be making friends out of colleagues, so it’s a win-win.

One piece of advice that I don’t need to adjust is Be the best “You”. My parents always impress upon me, even today, to be accountable for my successes and set-backs, not forfeit opportunities, and strive to be the best me possible. It is my hope that at some point in your career, you will be able to remix my considerations and pass them down, just as I did my parents’…well, except that last one because it’s pretty awesome just the way it is.

During the 16+ years I have worked in higher education, one of my former experiences working at a small career college allowed me to experience the “true” reality of non-best practices of diversity.

The term diversity used in higher education refers to multiple types of communities based on cultural, racial, ethnic, or sexual identities. (Ackoff & Pourdehnad, 2001; Schnebel, 2000).

Diversity in higher education is sometimes like the family member or relative that is hid from view or the presence of others in an effort to avoid embarrassment or unkind comments. Unfortunately, much like the family member or relative, diversity will not go away or disappear, especially in an emergent global environment. (Aguirre & Martinez 2002).

These are the factual accounts from my experience:

Administrators, Faculty and Staff

There were one seventy eight (178) full-time diverse faculty, staff, administrators and faculty. These were the diverse collective racial employees – one African-American female [Administrator], two African-American female faculty, one African-American Registrar, an African-American female Admission’s Officer and one African-American male bus driver.

Everyone else was Caucasian females, with a total count of approximately 4 or 5 males [all Caucasian]. The diversity with the population of full-time personnel never changed.

However, the evening Administrator hired a diverse population of faculties, being African-American males and females, Hispanic and Caucasian males and females. Their “scopes of practice” were detrimental for the success of the students. Hence, they [students] were the customers and the process was to be student-centric and student-focused.

In reference to the hierarchy Administrators, they claimed diversity was not a problem. Yet, there was a racist remark said to the night Administrator, “You’re only a token here.” In addition, during the swearing in of President Obama in 2008, a Jewish female Instructor said to two African-American Instructors’ that they were “N’s” and he [the President] was too. These two African-American Instructors went to the hierarchy Administrator’s and they neither did nor said nothing about it. The hierarchy Administrators turned a deaf ear as if it was true and moved on. There was almost a literal race riot.

These comments noted the lack of diversity in the college setting for faculty and administrators.

Students

The diverse population of students was 45% African-American [females’ 40% and 5% males]; 40% Caucasian [females’ 30% and 10% males]; finally, the population of Hispanic 10%, and 5% Asian and Muslim.

The largest populations were females, (approximately 85% and 15% males). The students were mostly from socioeconomic backgrounds less fortunate, and lacking positive role model behavior and social skills. Some of the students were not keen in knowing the difference between street authorities versus classroom authority. Hence, their behavior lacked subtlety.

Several Instructors were less tolerant and over usurped their authority by either ensuring the student failed or dropped from the class (mostly African-American). This, situation created monumental setbacks for the student who was trying to make a better life for his or herself. It was evident faculty were encouraged to drop/fail students.

Instead of consistent ridicule and negative connotations regarding their behavioral dysfunctions, hierarchy Administrators should have been conducting consistent professional development sessions to show “positive reinforcement” in order to maintain the diverse population. There were 1,300 students in the beginning while I was there. After I decided to move forward with my career, the retention rate dropped to less than half, along with faculty and staff.

Finally, here are two different views [in their own words] from students in classes that I taught [taken from the pages of my new eBook – “Diversity’s Voice: Now and Then”].

Titus D.

I really do not know my stand on diversity. We have and share different views about many things. Then again, I sometimes ask myself, what makes us different. When I think about it, we all want the same things out of life: peace, a home, finances, and family. When I talk to people I only find out regardless of race, religion or anything else we are never that much different. We all want to be successful in some way. We want what is best for the people we love. From my experiences in college, I am only one of four black men and I know many of my friends would be uncomfortable in this situation but the people around me make it easy for me to adapt. We all share a common goal and help each other out whenever we can. Diversity to me only exists when we let it exist.

Dustin D.

My experience in college with diversity is that I have to have strong communication skills in order to get along with people with different cultural backgrounds. We all look, act, behave, and have opinions of others. You really do not want to be discriminatory towards one another in college because we are all here for a reason. We need to be kind to one another and respect each other’s opinions. This will help all of us to get through college easier and not hate one another.

Conclusion

This paper was based on life experience in a “small” college where there were not a lot of diverse populations and hierarchy administration was not affluent enough to promote the concept. In addition, when the night administrator asked to have a small presentation for “Black History” month, she felt it would be better if it would be titled “Multicultural” month as not to leave the diverse populations out that were at the school. When she asked her supervisor, the response was, “don’t let it be over 10 minutes.” It was a short PowerPoint display of factual information and the presenter had to speak about the information. The presentation was 20 minutes. Afterwards, the supervisor said, “It was nice, but too long.” It was evident; this college setting was not open to any diverse 21st century concepts. The night administrator never asked again. However, students and [some] faculty stated they learned a great deal of new information they had never known from the presentation. “Diversity is here to stay, whether this society likes it or not”.

Just Do It!

By challenging yourself to think and move out of your comfort zone, you’ll redefine your priorities and begin imagining your possibilities, ultimately achieving your goals thus reshaping your future. Become limitless by discovering something different that in essences makes all the difference in your world.

As a result of my scholarly research in the area of “Survival Strategies for African American Students”, these four major categories: The Need to Understand Inner Resources, The Need To Identify College Resources, The Need To Develop Life And Study Skills and The Need To Manage Social Environments was responsible for birthing the twenty five retention strategies which I identified, researched, surveyed and disseminated as a Major Workshop Presenter at the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education for over a decade. This body of knowledge has been shared with university administrators embarking on careers in higher education, and with underrepresented students struggling to survive on college campuses throughout the California State University System and currently at Virginia Union University, where I am privileged to serve.

Therefore, I declare without reservations, that if African American Students are to move from mediocrity to excellence, successfully matriculate and graduate and become consummate professionals, they must embrace and employ the following retention strategies which will catapult them into becoming professionally developed careerist.

THE NEED TO UNDERSTAND YOUR INNER RESOURCES

1. The Need to be Spiritually Grounded
2. The Need to Possess a Healthy Self and Cultural Identity
3. The Need to be Self Motivated
4. The Need to Possess a Positive Mental Attitude

African American Students must understand the power and strength that they possess within, if they are to be successful in moving from mediocrity to excellence. They must embrace spirituality as they have come to know and accept their Creator; they must love and esteem themselves for having been fearfully and wonderfully made by their Creator; they must know who they are spiritually, ethnically, culturally and physically and know WHO it is they belong to. Students who are self-motivated and possess a positive attitude and demeanor when interacting with university administrators, faculty, staff, employers and the community will without question experience success in all of their endeavors.

As Career Development Professionals, we must teach these same strategies and principles when providing professional development training to our students. It will be critically important for students to know who they are and whom they belong to when transitioning into the workplace as well as into graduate school. Without self-knowledge, self-motivation and a positive mental attitude, it is impossible to be successful in the workplace. Students and Employees must understand their inner resources.

THE NEED TO IDENTIFY COLLEGE RESOURCES

1. The Need to Understand the Formal and Informal Rules of Your Campus

2. The Need to Seek Out and Utilize On-Campus Support Services

3. The Need to Access Tutors, Counselors, Academic Advisors, Mentors, Administrators & Staff

4. The Need to Familiarize Yourself with Campus Facilities that will enhance your Success

5. The Need to Become Involved in Co-Curricular Activities 6. The Need to Access Community Resources

In order for African American Students to survive on college campuses, they must use their analytical and survival skills to understand what they can and cannot do on university campuses. They must use their innate networking skills to seek out and take advantage of the on-campus support services offered to them throughout the campus. Students cannot be afraid when they are in need of help and support to access tutors, counselors, advisors, mentors, administrators and staff. They must know where these individuals are located throughout the campus and familiarize themselves with key on-campus facilities and offices such as but not limited to: schools/colleges where their major advisors are located; tutoring and computer labs; counseling and psychological services, educational opportunity programs, university library, financial aid, student health services, residence life, registrar’s office, undergraduate studies and of course they must know where the Career Development Center is located on their campuses. Accessing and using these campus resources will certainly enhance their successfulness and move them from mediocrity to excellence.

The same is true when new employees transition into the workplace, they must be politically savvy enough to find out the formal and informal rules of their new office environment. They must devote time to understanding the organization’s politics, maintaining open lines of communication with senior administrators and understanding fully their role within the organization. Understanding the organization’s culture must be paramount as they transition successfully.

Additionally, new employees should immediately seek to build alliances by identifying a Mentor. A Mentor is someone who will believe in them and will commit to teaching them the language of the system. Mentors are absolutely necessary for successful transition into any workplace environment. They will help you to become a part of the organization and share its philosophy and values. Another related strategy or principle for successful transition will be to reach out to support groups as well as joining when appropriate an association that will aid in their continued professional development.

THE NEED TO DEVELOP LIFE AND STUDY SKILLS

1. The Need to Think Critically, Analytically and Logically
2. The Need to Understand Classroom Savvy
3. The Need to Utilize Professors /Advisors
4. The Need to Develop Effective Time Management Skills
5. The Need to Manage Your Finances
6. The Need to Understand Basic Budget Techniques
7. The Need to Avoid Credit Card Debt
8. The Need to Become Computer Literate
9. The Need to Develop Interpersonal Communication Skills

Of equal importance and relevance to the success of African American Students is the need for them to develop life and study skills that will enable them to be effective in their academic pursuits. Students must learn how to think critically, analytically and logically if they are to effectively communicate verbally, non-verbally and in written form. They must seek to develop authentic relationships with their professors and advisors and utilize their office hours to gain access to their expertise and experiences. Success nowadays is impossible without students being computer literate and savvy. Technology is the future.

If students are to be successful academically, they must develop effective time management skills and learn how to effectively manage their finances. Some students are fortunate to have their tuitions paid fully by their parents, grants and or scholarships. However, most African American students must seek Financial Aid assistance through loans and work-study and most, if not all have relied on part-time, seasonal or full-time positions to help them financially while in college. As a consequence of poor financial management, many of our students are in classes without textbooks, supplies for class assignments and proper business and professional attire for career fairs and interviewing.

In order to become more effective in this area, students must understand basic budget techniques and avoid credit card debts. A major stumbling block for college students in general and underrepresented students in particular is their allegiance to credit card companies that persuade them to open up accounts for which they are usually not able to pay. If students are going to be retained on our college and university campuses, they must reject this temptation.

In contrast, the same is true when students become employees in the workplace; they must employ these same strategies and principles in their career positions. Employers expect employees to think critically, analytically and logically in their specific roles in order to achieve the mission of the organization. Possessing political savvy ness is an expectation of all employees who desire to move up the ladder of success. Also expected of new employees is their ability to effectively manage their time in order to accomplish their work and meet assignment deadlines. The ability to manage their finances and to understand basic budgetary concepts may appear on the surface not to be relevant; however, this knowledge will in the long run will potentially assist new employees on understanding company budgets and how are administered. It will also alleviate additional stress from the employee’s life if finances are managed effectively.

THE NEED TO MANAGE YOUR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

1. The Need to Manage Stress
2. The Need to Control Alcohol and Other Drugs
3. The Need to Develop Awareness about Dating Violence, Sex, AIDS, etc.
4. The Need to Effectively Evaluate Friendships and Associations
5. The Need to Develop Healthy Eating Habits
6. The Need to Exercise Regularly

My final category focuses on the need for African American Students to manage their social environments. The ability to do this effectively will definitely assist in the student’s success at their respective institutions. Stress Management is one of the most difficult areas to conquer both as a student and a career professional. For students, it requires learning how to control alcohol and other drugs so that their ability to function will not be impaired. Resisting peer pressure from sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, fellow athletes and other club and organizations members as well as from fellow students will be the key to managing this area effectively.

Another area that must be managed and brought under subjection must be African American students’ awareness about date rape, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and the gamut of other illnesses and sicknesses that can increase their stress levels and lead them into clinical depression and sometimes even suicide. Students must be able to critically and analytically evaluate friendships and associations that may be detrimental to their success personally, academically and spiritually. Stress can be managed by making a commitment to focus on one’s diet and exercise. Developing healthy eating habits and scheduling time to exercise regularly will create homeostasis: balance and harmony the life of a student.

These stress management strategies, techniques and principles are also necessary in the workplace and as we pursue graduate education. Crisis Management, Diet and Exercise, Meditation and Homeostasis are recipes for success, good health and happiness. I submit that as a career professional, only when our minds, bodies and spirits are in balance and harmony; will our thinking, feeling and acting line up. When these areas are integrated properly, Stress is reduced and Success is increased.

In conclusion, I challenge my colleagues in career development to sound this alarm: “when the above mentioned retention strategies and principles are applied successfully by African American Students and merged into professional development training by Career Development Professionals they will lead to successful transition into the workplace. 

The Department of Labor, (DOL) administers and enforces regulations that oversee many workplace activities. There are a number of key federal laws and guidelines, employers must follow that protect employees’ rights in all 50 states. Federal employment laws include but are not limited to the following:

Title VII – Prohibits employers from discriminating during the hiring process based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) – Provides that an individual with a disability, who can perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, cannot be discriminated against based on their disability. Disability is defined as, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Prohibits employers from giving preferential treatment to younger workers that is unfavorable to older workers. This law applies to employees 40 years of age and older. However, this does not prevent an employer from favoring older employees over younger employees.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Fair Labor Standards Act is the law that governs wages. It sets the federal minimum wage (some states have higher minimums) and requires time-and-a-half overtime pay for hourly employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Provides regulation as to the length of a workday and employee breaks an employer must provide.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Allows employees to take up to 12-weeks of job protected leave of absence for qualified medical purposes. This includes pregnancy, adoption, foster care placement of a child, personal or family illness, or family military leave. To qualify for FMLA, an employee must have worked for their employer for a period of 12 full months prior to the start of the requested leave.

Workplace Safety (OSHA)- The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a safe working environment for employees free of known hazards.

Ability to File Claims or Complaints without Fear of Retribution- Employees have the right to file claims or complaints also called whistleblower rights against their employer without fear of retribution or retaliation. This retaliation can be a disciplinary action, demotion, salary decrease, involuntary termination, or job reassignment. Fortunately, federal and state laws exist to protect employees from retaliation whenever they file claims or complaints.

Gender-Pay (EPA) – The Equal Pay Act states employers cannot pay female employees less than male employees for equal work on jobs that require equal skill, effort and responsibility.

Pregnancy Discrimination (PDA) – The Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits job discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth and associated medical conditions. An employer is also prohibited, from denying, terminating employment, coercing or forcing an employee to go on leave because an employee is pregnant or had an abortion.

In most states, employees have a right to certain levels of privacy in the workplace. This right applies to personal possessions, including handbags or briefcases, storage lockers accessible only by the employee, and private mail addressed only to employee. Employees have a right to privacy in their personal telephone conversations or voicemail messages. However, employers may monitor calls with their clients or customers for reasons of quality control only. An employee has limited rights to privacy with regard to e-mail messages and internet use while using the employer’s computer system.

Job applicants also has certain rights when seeking employment. For example, a potential employer may never ask a job applicant certain family-related questions during the hiring process that have no direct impact on a candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of a job. An employer may not conduct a credit or background check of an employee or prospective employee unless the employer notifies the individual in writing and receives permission to do so.

Whether you are a potential job seeker or employee, you have specific rights under the law. It is important to know and understand basic employment laws as every individual has the right to be free from discrimination and harassment of any kind regardless of religion, gender or race.

For an in depth look at the employment law guide from the United States Department of Labor, click on the following link https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/elg/. 

Ladies with long hair, a conventional French-braid, up do or a smooth, side bun with a sweeping bang works great with a summer dress, comfortable sandals and fresh clean makeup that complements your skin tone, making sure to highlight the face with your favorite bronzer and lip gloss! Ladies with medium hair length the classic, chic, modern bobs are back in style with edgier, jaw-dropping angles and eye-popping hair colors. This easy and functional hairstyle always turn heads and command respect when paired with a crisp, white, collared shirt and a navy or black, business suit either pant or skirt.

Again neutral eye makeup and your favorite coral or red lipstick is the perfect makeup for this powerful personality. Last but not least, short cropped or highly textured hairstyles are fun, funky and express your bold, playful and diva-like attitudes while you’re out on the town with your beau. This crown of glory looks amazing with those cute, pair of abstract earrings complemented with a sultry, smoky eye and nude lip paired with those comfortably, form –fitting jeans and sexy high –heeled pumps as you strut down the catwalk on Peachtree Street or 5 Avenue! Well guys, even with your limited wardrobe and accessories, your appearance is definitely important for success as well.

Whether the boardroom, gym or that favorite sports bar, the number one thing on the confidence meter is haircut…haircut…haircut! As a professional barber/stylist, I cannot stress enough to you men that a well-groomed man which includes shaved faced, manicured nails, polished shoes and again….a haircut is the ultimate stamp of approval for success. Keeping in mind that both ladies and gents can kick up the success meter by adding that touch of perfume or splash cologne to seal the deal! It’s th a proven fact that when you look good…you feel good so the next time you prepare for success, don’t forget to make the necessary adjustments starting with yourself.

What are some important things to consider when transitioning from being a student to being a professional?

“It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not necessarily a linear transition. But learning and self-improvement will help you continue to evolve and make meaningful contributions.”—Christine

How did your experience at an HBCU helped prepare you for your career?

“The HBCU experience has been an important one for me since the colleges I attended were nurturing, yet served to stretch me in my thinking and technical expression. I feel it helped me to start with a familiar group and then to expand my thinking. Such cross-pollination of thought is an important ingredient in innovation of processes and products.”—Christine

“Going to an HBCU was vitally important to my personal development. When I step to the table, I proudly wear the banner of an HBCU grad— a storied institution. Treading through the halls of history during those formative years of my life proved to be a steady reminder about my obligation to carry the torch and is a source of motivation when the challenges of my career and life come knocking.”—Devon

What made you choose to enter a career in a STEM field?

“I chose STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) because I naturally had an affinity for computers. I remember being as excited about Internet service as I was about my track scholarship when I was accepted into college.”—Devon

“My early involvement in STEM programs gave me insight and interest in pursuing a technical career.”—Christine

What do you like most about your job?

“I enjoy the challenges that go into developing innovative solutions for our government customers. It helps to know that my work has a real impact on the security of the Internet.”—Devon

Why did you choose to work for a not-for-profit organization?

“I simply wanted to make a difference, to be a part of something bigger than myself, and MITRE seemed like a perfect fit for my ambitions and skill set.”—Devon

What is the coolest project that you’ve worked on so far?

“There was one instance where I found out that 24 hours later I would be travelling with a team to the West Coast to aid in doing computer intrusion analysis work. Walking through the airport with a pelican case full of hard drives and write blockers is about as close to the movies as you can get. Once there, we plugged in and worked multiple 15-hour days, making significant progress toward attribution. It was exciting to be a part of something like that.”—Devon

What has been the most surprising thing that has proved valuable?

“Friendships are important in business. Your Greek affiliations, academic associations and societal engagements can prove to be a strong part of your social entrepreneurship. Learn to manage and nurture those relationships to support your ability to become wellknown and respected in your field.”—Christine

Christine and Devon both work for The MITRE Corporation, a not-forprofit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government.

Consider the following tips……

Job Boards: Finding a job may seem like a job in and of itself, but the internet provides advantages for the job seeker to find employment. The traditional job search of circling newspaper ads have all but disappeared. On the other hand, the internet allows you to have access to an abundance of jobs at once. Conducting your job search online gives you the opportunity to send your resume to multiple employers. There are many employment websites like Careerbuilder, Monster, or Indeed that allow you to view and respond to job postings. When you set up an account with job search websites, you can post your resume, allowing it to be viewed by thousands of employers. You also have access to receive email alerts as soon as jobs are posted. This feature allows you to respond to jobs quicker than relying on traditional newspaper advertisements. In addition, most job boards provide valuable information about interview skills and resume advice. With job boards, you can search for a position by skills, salary, tasks, location and target your search according to your personalized needs.

Applicant Tracking Systems: An Applicant Tracking System is a software application designed to help an organization recruit employees more efficiently. The days of walking into an organization without invitation and dropping off your resume is obsolete. For the last several years, applicant tracking systems have become the new “filing system” for the unsolicited resume. When applying for positions online, what most job seekers fail to realize is that applicant tracking systems are geared towards key word searches. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly read job descriptions and structure your application to gain the highest advantage when your resume is viewed electronically. As applicant tracking systems are becoming more of a first line of defense for organizations, this is a critical opportunity to disclose all of your relevant skills when presenting your qualifications online. Do not expect someone to read between the lines of your application and give you credit for skills that are not specifically mentioned.

Networking and Social Media: Social media and online networking are a great resource for anyone to access information about an individual or organization. Utilizing a Google search provides in-depth information about an organization’s culture, as well as its employees. Sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter are popular networking platforms that allow you to create an online profile to connect with more professionals directly. Blogs are also a common way to gain information and keep up-to-date about your career or industry of interest. Personal networking can still be an effective way to gain employment, but online networking provides an opportunity to place your personal brand on display.

Alternatively, online networking can be a double-edged sword. Employers are increasing the use of social networking sites to attract and recruit candidates and to accept applications for employment. While access may open doors, it is not uncommon for a prospective employer to seek out information on a potential employee. More organizations are turning to web searches to evaluate job candidates prior to an interview. Therefore, jobseekers must remember that what they do and say online are always reflected in a positive way.

The responsibility rests with the candidate to clean up their profile and use online networking responsibly. It is up to you to create and maintain social media profiles that corroborate the skills and experience stated on your resume. A professional online identity can result in career success. However, photos in bad taste, poor language, and grammatical errors can leave your chances of being contacted for an interview highly unlikely. In the end, job seekers should think strategically about presenting their skills and expertise online and building a strong network. When you learn to market yourself online, you are more likely to succeed in this new economy.

1. Update your resume: How long has it been since you updated your resume? Chances are it could benefit from at least a few tweaks. Whether you’re actively looking for a job or not, it’s a good idea to keep you resume current as you never know when an opportunity may come along. Here are some resources that can help: How To Spruce Up A Boring Resume (via Mashable), Tips for Writing a Resume in Online World(via WSJ)
2. Update your LinkedIn profile: Most recruiters are actively using LinkedIn to find candidates. Will they find you? If so, what will they find? Do you have a (somewhat professional) photo? Do you have a compelling headline that will catch their attention? Is your profile 100% complete? LinkedIn is one of the top sourcing platforms for Recruiters, so how you present yourself here is important. You can find some great tips on how to create a compelling profile from LinkedIn expert Craig Fisher here.
3. Create a LinkedIn job search agent: While you’re at it, use the advanced job search feature in LinkedIn to search for compelling jobs. When you’re on the results page, save those results and create an agent. You can configure the agent to send you daily or weekly listings of job opportunities directly to your inbox.
4. Create an Indeed.com search agent: Indeed.com is another great resource many job seekers may not be aware of. They are the #1 job site worldwide, with over 80 million unique visitors and 1.5 billion job searches per month. Indeed aggregates job listings from job boards, career sites, and other area of the web and presents them in a clean searchable format. You can also create job search agents like the above LinkedIn example. Here are some additional job search tips from Indeed.
5. Build a personal website: For many roles a digital and online presence can be an important part of your job search (more on that in the next bullet). Whether you build and actively maintain a blog, or use free tools like About.me (you can see my page as an example here) or Flavors.me to create online portfolios – it gives you an opportunity to make yourself ‘findable’ online and showcase your work and expertise.
6. Expand your digital footprint: What’s a digital footprint? Google yourself, what do you find? If the answer is nothing, you have little to no digital footprint. Being active in social media or other online channels can help you build and expand your digital footprint, and help position you as knowledgeable in your given field. Blogging is a great tool for this, but it’s not a necessity. Twitter, LinkedIn, Quora, Google+, Facebook, topical online forums, user groups, etc are all great places to share your knowledge and contribute to your community – and will help to build your digital footprint.
7. Expand your network: Networking is one of the single most important things you can do for a successful job search. Building and nurturing your network takes time, but pays dividends in the long run.
8. Get strategic: If you want to conduct an active job search, be strategic. Build a list of companies you might want to work for and do the following: bookmark the career sites in a centralized spreadsheet so you can check them on a regular basis, check your network on LinkedIn to see who you know at each company, work to expand your network in these organizations.
9. Get a personal board of directors: The saying ‘it takes a village’ definitely applies to your career. Having mentor/s is great, but not everyone has that opportunity. Creating a personal board of directors involves building a group of advisors you can reach out to for career advice throughout your career. Friends, former bosses or colleagues, people in your field you look up to and respect – all are potential advisors that can help your career. The key is finding people who will be honest with you, and help you see your career ‘blind spots’ and growth areas.

Some would like to believe that they can still separate their personal and professional online personas. This is more difficult than it sounds. Why? It’s because we do spend many of our waking hours, and therefore, our social hours, at work. We are social beings after all. Work is now (and has always been) social. The Saturday barbecue or golf game that really has always included a work-friend, now is shared online. Today’s definition of social is also much more visible than it was before the advent of social media. That means we friend our coworkers on Facebook, maybe even our boss; follow the tweets of influential leaders within our organization; and check-in at the office through FourSquare to become the next mayor. At a company gathering, we might Instagram a photo of ourselves having a good time with our work friends. It’s all in good fun. And it’s all okay.

So what are employers up in arms about with social sharing? The reality is that many share a bit too much for professional comfort. Again, it’s a fine line. A potential employer researching your background knows that you might go out and have fun at the pub on Friday night, but they’d rather that the pictures were not the primary impression they see when learning more about your professional background. And remember, once you post it online, no matter how many controls you have set, there are ways that others in your network can share it. You have chosen to essentially make the information public.

So like the advice of most diet coaches, I encourage you to enjoy your life and share through social media… but in moderation. When posting online, remember that the information is there for essentially an infinite amount of time. Ask yourself, “Would this photo be something that I would be embarrassed about if my grandmother saw it? Would I want this information leaked in a TV news story?” If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then STOP and think before your post.

Today, we all are leaving a digital footprint in the sands of time. I personally prefer that mine is a true reflection of the professional and social person that I am.

DID YOU KNOW:

That only 2% of the entire population in America is considered to be part of the “very, wealthy” as defined by FORBES/FORTUNE Magazines?! EVERYONE deserves to succeed…Why not YOU?! Do you have to be wealthy to be “defined” as successful? Absolutely not. But, you will have to know which direction you are headed plus what steps to take to start you on your way! That’s why these articles plus similar info and networking can be helpful for YOU!

Here are a few “initial” QUESTIONS to ask YOURSELF:

• What do I really ENJOY doing?
• What am I REALLY good at?
• What direction AM I headed? and
• What CAN I DO to be MY SUCCESSFUL best — starting TODAY?

First of all, now is not the time to go it alone or panic…Take your time, through this wonderful process. ENJOY IT as your adventure begins or continues, and just breathe! [Remember: Breathing is NOT an option! smile] Try these tips as you move forward toward the ultimate pursuit of your dreams and goals:

Ask yourself THESE 4 questions:

• What should I be doing?
• What should I NOT be doing?
• What should I LEGALLY be doing for the betterment of myself, my family, my community and FOR my country?
• What are the STEPS that I need to take to reach my DREAMS and GOALS?
• Next, remove distractions from your thoughts and environment. [That may include putting down “pods, pads, pc’s, cells”, “berrys”, and all technology for a little while.]
• Second, SEEK HELP! Look up all of the resources you can –as often as you can! Only include trusted individuals or technological sources and resources that are safe! Ask trustworthy adults to assist you along this JOURNEY that includes, but is NOT limited to: family, friend[s] (only bff’s if they are there to take you seriously and really help), school counselor[s] & counselor[s], library personnel and clergy/men & women! If you do not have source[s] of your own; then ask around and/or adopt someone trustworthy! There are Senior Citizens in your community that would love to provide you with a wealth of information; regarding, their life experiences and support!
• Third, put your plans in writing and use the resources from above to process all of your options for goal/career building.
• My suggestion today is that you seriously consider continuing your education through an Institute of Higher Learning.
• Yes, there are 2-year Degree Programs or schools that offer Certificates; Specialty Schools for fields of study, such as, Culinary, the Arts, Music, etc., Technical Institutes and Community colleges… but there is nothing “quite” like the 4-year college experience!

So…Why College?

• The 4-year college experience allows you to work on your emotional/intellectual maturity before being thrust out into the full time workforce PLUS:
• There is nothing like Campus Life and living in a dormitory at a 4- year college or university.
• The experience is awesome, awe-inspiring, and just indescribable!
• You have to actually see it, feel it, and experience it to BELIEVE it!
• The plethora of academic and specialty degree programs provide students with professional and academic skills for Post-Secondary and career success.
• The extracurricular activities and organizations at a 4-year college will all add memories and networking that will last a lifetime.
• Institutions of higher education will allow you to experience diverse cultures, explore new places, and meet new people.

COLLEGE [an institute of higher learning] can be YOUR TICKET to a FINANCIALLY secure future!

The TN Student Assistance Co. states in a Dec. 2011 publication that:

• On average, college graduates earn $900,000 dollars more than high school graduates OVER a lifetime!

PLUS,

• College opens career doors, and it introduces YOU to new ideas, roles, lifestyles and people; which can be so necessary in the development of your skills and talents – YOUR DREAMS and GOALS!

Will everyone that attends a 4-year College or University end up on a successful path? Well, it is true that not everyone will do thusly. However, statistics show that by expanding your field of education, you broaden your options on this quest to follow your dreams!

As I recruit around the country, I was recently presented with a very, interesting question, by an 8th grader: He asked me quite directly: “Why, do I have to go to college, I’m planning on being a graphic artist?!” and “Why do “I” even need to “think” about ANY of that now, I’m just in the 8th grade?” Plus…“What could an HBCU even offer me?”

Truthfully, I answered the question; by prefacing it with:

• “You are NEVER too young to LEARN and you are NEVER too young to EARN! Everyone needs to contribute to the paths of their own success PLUS help those around them – this includes your families, your community and your country!

Asking “why” do you need to think about “it” [YOUR FUTURE], “NOW… is like asking others to do all of your work for you and refusing to do any chores on your own…It must be done! BE CLEAR: HARD WORK IS THE FOUNDATION OF ANY HOUSE, HOME, COMMUNITY, CULTURE, OR COUNTRY.

Here are just a few additional facts:

• Having a GOAL/PLAN or DREAM–even at a young age is GREAT!
• Unless you are “above average” in talent while utilizing: a paintbrush; a cooking utensil; or fashioning items of cloth, art, or other materials … that will earn you top dollar you will have to work/get a job!
• Unless you are a superior athlete on land, sea, snow and/or ice, in the air, on a course, court, or field … or
• Unless you have superior talents with any type of ball by: dribbling, kicking, batting, hitting, putting, driving, smashing, shooting, and/or butting a ball or
• Unless you have superior talent on a microphone or with pen & paper in rhythm, rap, rhyme, or writing poetry, verse or lyrics or you make hit recording after hit “with your 4 brothers” on stage…or
• Unless you are born a “child prodigy, or a gifted and talented genius” and that talent/gift is earning you or your family an income…and
• Unless you inherit a fortune from your family or will be joining the family’s successful business and
• Unless you find a job, i.e., on an oil rig or an auto assembly line, or in a field, that requires only a high school diploma or a G.E.D., making $50 – $150 or more per hour or unless
• You have just won the lottery or have had another windfall of lucky win of legal, large sums of money…
• The fact of the matter is here in America if one of these is not the case:

You will have to work quite hard at honing your talents and your skills into a polished profession that is in demand–that will bring you personal and financial success!

• How will you be able to pursue your financial independence, starting TODAY or by WORKING on it, right NOW?
• Most students in America, graduate high school [with a diploma or a G.E.D.] at around 16 or 17, some a little older and others may be younger…So WHERE does that LEAVE YOU…?

Here are a few more facts:

• If you are graduating from high school under the legal age of 18; there are very few things you are legally allowed to do. [That includes standing on a corner selling products/goods that are not licensed or legal.]
• You cannot vote until you are 18! [Voting is a glorious and very necessary American act which enables each of us, here in America, to be counted and have a voice in your community!]
• You cannot legally obtain an unrestricted Driver’s License; in any state, before the age of 18!
• You cannot rent a car with most Agencies; in most states until the age of 25 years of age. [NOTE: A few agencies will allow drivers who are 18 or older to rent a vehicle–with many restrictions.]
• Also, you cannot independently enter into a legal contract [this includes co-signing for a car, motorcycle, ATV or truck. This includes apartments with or without a roommate, a home, etc.]
• You cannot enter into the Armed Services/Branches of our country’s wonderful Military Forces until you are 17 and only with the consent of parent[s] or guardians [there may be few exceptions to this rule…but the legal limit is 18 or older.]

Again…I am suggesting TODAY that you continue your education—upon graduation. My choice is for graduates to attend a 4-year college, preferably at an HBCU.

WHY AN HBCU?

First, and perhaps foremost; there’s the HERITAGE, the HISTORY, and of course, the LEGACY! Need we say more!? Of course, we do! And so we shall! Many of America’s finest institutions of higher learning are: HBCUs…HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges & Universities and many of these magnificent campuses/institutions are over 100 years old.

HBCUs were created during the time when people of color; particularly Blacks/African Americans, were denied access to predominantly white institutions [PWIs]; due to “JIM CROW” Laws and other reasons…

Though the face of education has changed…have things “really” changed, that much? Yes and no. The truth of the matter is that, here in America, even in the 21st Century, color does still seem to matter when entering school!

In attending an HBCU, it does not seem as though you are as worried about fighting for opportunities in regards to advancement; especially as it pertains to the color of your skin or the “box” that you may or may not check on the student application; which means…NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, is necessary for those of us of color at an HBCU! You are not wondering if you got in due to a governmental/university African American “headcount!” YOU will know at an HBCU that you got in on your own merits!

Thousands of students every year seek and attend HBCUs for their diversity in academics, the social activities/organizations, athletics and the WELL-rounded degreed programs offered. This gives students of ALL races, creeds, colors, nationalities & cultures an excellent college education; in addition to, diverse environments that empower students, bolsters identities and self-esteem.

• HBCUs have been GREAT models for success for many institutions in America and NOT just for the African American community; our families and communities have benefited greatly over the past centuries from their existence.
• HBCU campuses and social organizations are rich in historical histories and traditions — studied and copied by many here in America! For example, HBCUs have been the subject or topic of no fewer than 5 Hollywood movies! [School Daze; Drumline; Stomp the Yard, etc., and we all know where they really get the moves for their Steppin’ movies!] The same is true for the often imitated; but, never truly emulated–drumlines, originating from our very, own HBCU campuses!
• The history of “stepping” started with historically Black Greek fraternities at HBCUs–some over a hundred years ago & has its roots embedded deep in the rhythms of the “Mother Country/The Continent of Africa” while smoothly blending modern cadences and creations of African Americans, here in the United States!
• These activities of rhythm, rhyme and synchronized cadences, through expressions of chanting and dancing–stepping and step shows have been passed down from generation to generation dating back to before the 20th Century, in some instances!
• Being at an HBCU also gives one the feeling of being in an “extended” family or in a new and intimate family setting. Making friends and joining organizations that you will likely network with, for the rest of your life!
• Many of my students say, they feel that, “You are getting to ‘grow’ your own wings; become an adult with the freedom of being ‘away’ at a college campus; while still having the intimate and protective ‘feel’ of an extended family; included among this trusted list are many of the professors, administration/staff, to dorm mates and fellow students!”
• HBCUs are known to be some of the safest campuses of Higher Education in this Country! There have been little known national reports or record[s] of incidences of mass shootings; such as, at Virginia Tech or the unfortunate incident at Columbine High School and others!
• Student-Teacher ratios in HBCUs are often times a smaller ratio. You may find that your chances of getting personal instruction/attention and possibly mentoring is greater at the oft’ times smaller HBCU campuses! Thusly, you may be better positioned to focus and excel in your concentrated area[s] of study.
• Also, contrary to popular belief: Many of the TOP Fortune 500 companies here in America actively and aggressively recruit at HBCUs. Top coaches/scouts, and agents actively recruit at many of our top HBCUs, as well!

So COME ON & CLIMB ABOARD or RE-BOARD this TRAIN called “YOUR LIFE!”

YOU CAN do IT! We are OUT HERE–waiting for Y-O-U! WE NEED YOU on THIS TEAM! PLUS we are here waiting to LEND YOU a HAND on this ALL important JOURNEY of meeting YOUR goals and YOUR DREAMS!

1. You can start by asking questions about the article[s] you have just read or are now reading in this publication! Or by logging onto HBCUCareers.com. Your local or school library can assist in the search, also!
   
   2. There are 100+ HBCUs to choose from. Visit an HBCU website to find out more history and information on each of them or Call to set-up a campus visit at one of their beautiful campuses. Email us! Twitter and/or Facebook us!
   
   Also, just for the record …Here is a small list of prominent and successful African Americans who have graduated from HBCUs:
   
   The Honorable REV. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Morehouse College]
   
   W.E.B. Dubois [FISK Univ.]
   
   Dr. Hazel O’Leary [FISK Univ]
   
   Ossie Davis [Howard Univ.]
   
   Lionel Richie [Tuskegee Univ.]
   
   Oprah Winfrey [Tennessee State Univ.]
   
   Tom Joyner [Tuskegee Univ.]
   
   Leslie E. “L.A.” Banks [Temple U.]
   
   Dr. T.O. Moore [HOWARD Univ.]

On Monday, May 2, 2011, my heart briefly stopped beating. My youngest brother, Bernard, was shot and killed by the town’s policeman. He was shot twice in the chest and once in the arm. He had worked the late shift at Wal-Mart and stopped by the town hall which housed the police office to pay for a broken tail light ticket for his daughter, Briana. I wasn’t there to know all the details but he was getting into his truck and it was in reverse mode when his life suddenly was taken.

I soon found a community service that I could remember my brother by on a daily basis. I am presently a hospice volunteer to assist families with terminally ill family members with a smooth transition from life to death. My family and I were not given that opportunity with Bernard. A guy who would give you the shirt off his back and who unconditionally loved his fellow brothers and sisters. He was also God fearing. It was evidenced by the thousands of mourners who attended his home going services.

It is important that one find a cause and make the connection. There are so many things that we can volunteer our time but it must be meaningful and worthwhile. I admonish you to find your passion. When you are providing service to benefit others; you are making payment for life on earth. It is one of the greatest rewards when you are helping others in various ways. The local food bank, youth center, church, hospital, nursing homes, political parties and causes, special Olympics, half-way house, house for battered women, meals on wheels, boys and girls club, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, etc., are always seeking volunteers for service.

We are born with a number of talents, skills, and special gifts and we can use them to make someone else life much better. Some of us are born with the gift to dance, sing, speak, draw, and act. I suggest that you begin to work with individuals who are not able to pay for dance or music lessons to fulfill their goals in life. There is just not any excuse for volunteering service to those in need.

College students want to graduate from college and become gainfully employed for career success. Community service can assist you with your career. Application for a dream job begins with knowledge, ability and education but community service can spell the difference between first and second place in an employment contest. When an employer looks at a resume that includes community service, it is an indication to the employer that the applicant wants to make an impact in society and that is what employers are seeking in new hires. Community service usually originate from the urge to help other people, a smart employee can accomplish two missions simultaneously. Community service can be the key to upward mobility, no matter where you are standing on the career ladder.

In closing, community service is a giving of yourself and what you have without expectation, reward, or recognition. Service, giving of yourself, is the best way to build an account in the universal bank. What you give comes back to you tenfold. As you give of yourself; you open your mind and heart to the joy of unconditional love. You find work in what may appear to be an unworthy situation. Therefore, I urge you to take an inventory of your skills and experience and find a way to use those skills in community projects or organizations to which you belong. 

Meeting the expectations that these titles imply set up a belief that achieving balance is an equation—a formula to follow just like 1 + 2 = 3. But everyday life exposes flaws in such theories. The sooner you can accept that no formulas, no “quick fixes,” exist, the sooner you can do away with the bondage of guilt and shame that comes from living an imperfect life.

Yet, there’s still a need to come up with new insights . . . to generate hope for living a happier existence . . . to strive for that elusive “balance.” Why? Because people are in pain! They’re trying to do more with less. They’re feeling guilty because they can’t accomplish the impossible. They agonize, asking themselves, “Am I destined to go from experience to experience with no sense of ever being settled or at peace? Am I doing this all wrong?” I believe it’s impossible to achieve a 50/50 balance (except perhaps in the realm of science). Circumstances, opportunities, and challenges are seldom ever equally balanced. Working too much or taking care of too many, for example, can cause a 70/30 or 60/40 split—which better represents what really goes on. Instead of seeking this mysterious state called balance, I advocate striving for harmony.

What is Harmony?

Harmony is a pleasing effect produced by an arrangement of things, parts, or colors. Achieving harmony stems from putting parts of your life in proper perspective with each another. Feeling “in harmony” helps you deal with what’s somewhat predictable. And it gives you energy to deal with life’s multitude of unpredictable events. Is harmony something tangible? No. It’s a feeling of things lining up “just right.” But without a measure of it at least, your life can be a battle between quantity versus quality—with “quantity” taking the dominant role.

I believe quality, not quantity, should be the standard by which harmony is measured.

Think of your monthly calendar that’s jammed full of commitments—a blatant demonstration of “quantity.” Are you living to check things off that never-ending “to do” list? You won’t see harmony emerge from a mind-set like this! Are you living a life jammed with activities? What happens to the quality of those activities—and the quality of your existence overall? For most of your days to be “in harmony,” you will need to make compromises. But how do you make that happen?

Practicing “Present Time”

To make choices that can result in harmony, I suggest practicing “present time”— a tool that helps you align various aspects of your life. Indeed, not being present in the moment lends itself to feeling “out of whack” or “off the wall,” thinking more about what happened or what’s next on your list rather than what you’re doing now. Pay attention and you’ll discover that living “in the moment” forces you to be aware of your surroundings. In this frame of mind, you can fully focus on the tasks or relationships at hand. You can confront whatever truth you’re facing—or don’t want to face. This state offers you opportunities to make choices that affect the moments that follow. When you take on those opportunities, you gain strength and awareness—both in the act of making choices and in understanding their consequences.

Give yourself permission to spend time figuring out who you are, what you value, where your boundaries are, and how to live harmoniously? You can start by understanding key elements of your being. As you spend time “in the moment,” seek to discover your own clear relationship to your identity, your truth, and your integrity. Let’s look at these elements more closely.

Defining Your Identity

Identity is defined as the set of characteristics people recognize as belonging uniquely to themselves, constituting their individual personalities. Identity answers the question “Who am I?” When you don’t know the answer to that, you can be pulled in any direction; you’re a nobody, a shell. Being in harmony requires defining who you are at your core—not your job, your name, your family, your religion. You’re able to answer the question “Who am I at the base of my soul?”

Defining Your Truth

Truth is defined as honesty, sincerity, or integrity. What you stand for is your truth. When everything seems to fall apart, it’s what you tell yourself that keeps you on course. Ask, “When I’m backed into a corner, what keeps me swinging?” That is your truth. “What are core values that I cannot be swayed from?” That is your truth. You may go to bed believing you have all the answers, only to wake up having to confront the unthinkable (whatever that is for you). You will be tested, guaranteed. What will you do? Find a way to hold on to what’s real for you. And keep moving toward your truth.

Defining Your Integrity

Integrity is defined as the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards. Yes, you can do well and live with integrity, knowing exactly where your boundaries are. Others learn what line not to cross with you as well as the consequences of doing so. And you learn what line not to cross with others. The rules are laid out; everybody’s life becomes easier. Why? Because you no longer have to wonder which rules are in place. They’re clear and upfront, allowing you to be clear and upfront, too. Figure out your deepest definitions of identity, truth, and integrity, and you’ll better understand what harmony means to you. You will also begin to understand how your choices and consequences contribute or take away from it. Your answers will keep you going when unknown circumstances seem dark and scary, when you can’t seem to move forward.

Once you feel clear about your answers, take time to come up with your own version of a balance equation. Perhaps it’s 33% of your time working, 26% with family and friends, 17% pursuing hobbies, and 24% taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Be patient, knowing it will take several sessions of “present-time” thinking, acting, and evaluating to begin to determine the percentages that work best for you. Putting harmony first brings intangible rewards that make life worth living— enjoying peace of mind and a fullness of living beyond your greatest expectations.

I think by now we all get it. Without data, systems fail because there is no way to showcase success, failure or maintenance of programs. Where universities are concerned, data is critical. It affects funding, student retention and overall organizational culture and climate, but I think that we have lost sight of the fundamentals for gathering this precious “Nectar of the God’s.” Gathering data begins and ends with relationships. Was that an “Ah Ha” moment? Building these relationships are challenging, but not impossible, they just take a few key ingredients.

Before I started working for Texas Southern University (TSU), our Career Center was being manned by one fulltime person, who had worked for the university for 15 years, and a work-study student. The Career Center had garnered a lot of success in the Science and Technology industry, where student placement rates were concerned, because the fulltime person had retired from NASA prior to working for TSU. He had worked for NASA for 26 years. Although we had tremendous success in the areas of Science and Technology, other areas such as Education, Communication, Public Affairs, and Health Sciences were not experiencing the same level of success. The fulltime employee retired shortly before I entered my position, but, luckily, I was able to find a contact number, and converse with him about office operations. My first question to him was, “how were you able to get so much buy-in from recruiters in the Science and Technology fields?” He simply said, “relationships.” He went on to further say, “I can call up 50 companies right now, and have 100 students placed in internships by tomorrow, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took time, persistence and patience.” I was floored! In Chinese culture this is called “Guanxi”which is a network of contacts an individual can call upon when something needs to be done, and through which he or she can exert influence on behalf of another (Buderi and Huang, 2006). The mantra, “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” never rang more true than in this instance, so I set out to start developing my cache of relationships. Five years later my “Guanxi” consists of 50 companies in the areas of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Law, Public Affairs, Communication, Education, Science and Technology, Business and Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences as well as campus stakeholders (i.e. alumni relations, etc.). All 50 recruiters regularly hire TSU students and alumni for internships and fulltime employment, and forward placement data as an ongoing practice. In the grand scheme of things, this number may not seem significant, but any HBCU college or university career professional surely can attest to how difficult it is to cultivate relationships with companies that will, by just making a phone call, recruit their students. That is exactly what I have achieved with my “Guanxi.”

Now mind you this number does not include the relationships that were already in place when I first came on board, this number represents the companies that I have personally invested in over my five year tenure with the university. Additionally, I am not negating the importance of consultants, computer software and databases. Where data collection is concerned, these components are vital. What I am asserting is the magnitude of nurturing and growing relational connections is also extremely essential.

Vital Statistics:

? 2006 – Undergraduate and graduate employment (primarily Science and Technology) – 12.8%

? 2012 – Undergraduate employment – 47.2%; Graduate employment – 71.4%

? 2012 – Employer satisfaction – 89% Here are 6 key strategies that will assist you with data collection:

? Start developing your “Guanxi” of companies. Remember it won’t come together over night, but it will come together.

? Build solid relationships with internal stakeholders such as the Office of Alumni Relations, Financial Aid, the Graduate School, student associations and affiliations, internship coordinators, the Dean of Student Services Office. In other words, any area that works directly with students.

? Interface with consultants who can help you streamline your career services process, and focus on data that matters.

? Purchase computer software that can organize your career related information, and run monthly reports to analyze program efficiency.

? Send out regular career services notifications, to students and employers, through your career services database requesting career placement information.

Benchmark universities that have successful Career Centers. I have interfaced with many Career Centers, over the last few years, and the professionals therein are always eager to share their promising practices.

Ivy League alumni had better watch out for Morehouse College business majors, says Douglas Cooper, Director of Career Services at Morehouse College. Undergrads at Morehouse College realize the competitive nature of the labor markets and the need to work that much harder because of it. Coming from an HBCU and competing with students and graduates from the likes of Harvard University, Columbia or the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Cooper says students have to focus on and find a balance between their interpersonal and quantitative skill sets. Morehouse students’ intellectual skills, leadership focus and networking abilities — emphasized in the college and in the career center — help to give them an edge.

Mr. Cooper has held his current position since September 2007. Before that, he was the Director of Career Services at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He earned undergraduate degrees in economics and psychology from the City University of New York and studied for his MBA at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business in New York City. Mr. Cooper recently returned from a Career Tour during the first week of January 2012 to New York’s Wall Street and the Advertising Industry where he escorted a group of sophomore and junior Morehouse College Business Students. The Tour is a component of a program Mr. Cooper directs at Morehouse College called CLI (The Career Leadership Institute). The Tour included visits to firms such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, Barclays, American Express, Moody’s, CITI, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Macys, Ogilvy Advertising, Alliance Bernstein and CB Richard Ellis Real Estate.

Mr. Cooper has shared his thoughts on a number of career related issues as follows:

In which fields is internship experience most vital?

Finance and accounting. It’s also important to get an internship in consulting or marketing, but it’s not so important that the internship be in those areas.

In consulting, recruiters look for people who can solve problems and think analytically. You can develop those skill sets from a myriad of different experiences. In finance, you need to have very defined and hard skills.

What’s your opinion of interning for a small vs. a large company?

For the most part, I don’t know that, as an intern, the level of responsibility will be dramatically different from a large to a small company. If you can get an internship with a firm that has name recognition, then that’s going to help you on your resume. That being said, you can still be competitive even without working at a company with a well-known name. But it becomes as — if not more — important to define a specific task you did that would add value when you’re competing.

How helpful are the mock interviews the career center offers?

Interviewing is an art. You have to get familiar with it. You have to get past some of the nervousness that you might have, and you also have to start to anticipate the types of questions that may be posed. Some firms focus more on the behavioral types of questions, and others focus on the case-interview process, particularly in the consulting world. We conduct simulated cases, which tests the students’ ability to think logically and solve problems. There’s typically no single right answer. The issue that we’re trying to help the students understand is how to logically step through and frame a problem and then be able to present their solution in such a way that’s clear and coherent to the recruiter.

With which companies does Morehouse have the best relationships?

We have a professional forum within the Division of Business Administration and Economics at Morehouse College called the Corporate Partners Program. The member firms have made a financial and time commitment to our division focused on student development programs and activities. These programs include Case Study Symposiums, International exposure, Academic Awards Banquet and social events to name a few. It’s safe to say the firms in the program are those with whom we have the best relationships and the firms are as follows:

American Express

Cummins

Accenture

Deloitte

ADP

EMC

Bank of America

Geico

Barclays

J.P. Morgan

Baxter Healthcare

Liberty Mutual

BMO

Macy’s

BP

MetLife

Boeing

PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Cigna

Raymond James

Conoco Phillips

Suntrust

Deutsche Bank

Google

Fine tuning your self-presentation should include preparation, confidence, and dressing to impress. When preparing for a job interview, preparation is one of the first keys to success. Time spent preparing for the interview is invaluable to your success. Research shows that people who prepare for interviews are more effective when answering and asking questions, more relaxed throughout the interview, and can sell themselves according to the company’s needs. Preparation comprises researching the company, planning for an early arrival, and listing potential questions and answers.

Confidence is another important component of self-presentation. No doubt you’ll have heard the phrase, “there is a thin line between love and hate”. There is also a thin line between being confident and being cocky. Being confident in your abilities lets your potential employer know that you can do the job and do it well. A cocky attitude portrays the opposite image of an employee who “knows it all”. Finding the right balance will convey to your potential employer that while you are confident in your abilities you are still willing to learn and take on new challenges.

Dressing to impress is a crucial element of self-presentation. Your appearance is the first contact that you will have with your potential employer. They will see you before they actually meet and you must make a good first impression. A bad first impression can eliminate your chances for success even if you are the best candidate for the job. Dressing to impress includes not just the clothes that you wear but also hairstyles, jewelry, and even cologne.

Now that you have the keys to fine tuning your self-presentation, you will be prepared, confident, and well-dressed for your interview. Your fine-tuned presentation will let your potential employers know that you are the best candidate for the job. Let your self-presentation do the work for you! 

The Bible, in Proverbs 29:18, says," Where there is no vision, the people perish : but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Why is it so important to start with a vision? The answer is simple. Without a clear and precise vision of exactly what it is you want, you’ll never reach it or have it. The more clearly focused we are on exactly what we want, the easier and faster we’ll manifest everything we need to make it a physical reality. Since all material things move from the non-physical to the physical reality, our vision and goals are paramount in the process of achievement. Our vision and focus acts like a magnet that attracts and connects the pieces together. When we focus our brain on what we want, we actually increase the amplitude of the cellular vibration of our mind, body and soul.

A vision is the capability to see beyond your current reality, creating and inventing what does not now exist and becoming what you are not right now. A vision is important in all aspects of life; physically, emotionally, corporately. When you have a vision, you can overcome obstacles in the way and hold on when times are tough. A vision that is well defined helps you to focus and create a purpose that becomes your measurement for your success. If you do not have a vision of who you want to be, how you want to succeed or what you want out of life, you begin to lack drive and your life becomes just an order of events. A strong and current vision connects with your passions and greatest potentials. Regardless of what is going on in the world or challenges that present themselves, a vision helps you know what and why you are doing the things you are doing.

A vision can be used in two different ways: inspiration and prediction. It is first used to inspire you in reaching something that you are wanting. It is also used in prediction for changes in the future and interests you have. A vision might be the most powerful way to keep you focused on what you want in life while keeping you motivated in achieving it. A vision will open up your mind to many possibilities and a brighter and bigger future. When you can envision a future that is better, happier and more productive, you are more likely to make the changes that are necessary for you to reach that type of life. The destination of your vision should be emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual. Having a vision established is a really important key to success during your path through life. This establishes your win or defeat on how, when, where and what you receive and possess. By achieving visions and goals, humans feel valuable, showing the potential person living in each other’s interior. Having a vision is very spiritual. The process of connecting with your vision is intricate. You will see with your mind and soul and not with your physical eyes. There are moments in which things you see with your physical eyes contradicts the entire vision. Make a mental picture in your mind, add feelings and emotions to that mental picture, picture what is that you desire, see you giving every step to its completion, give thanks like you’ve received it already and keep the emotions parallel to the vision and that vision will come to fruition and manifest something beyond your wildest dreams. Having a vision demands persistence and discipline.

In order to become a leader, you must first have vision. Leaders have the ability to see today as it is and calculate a future that grows and improves. A successful leader can see the future and still stay focused in the present. For a successful leader, a vision is not seen as a dream, but a reality that has not come into existence. A vision is easily perceived for leaders because their levels of dedication and confidence stand strong. Leaders are able to spend hours upon hours to bring their visions into reality. Their vision acts as a force within them, driving them to action.

In order to establish that type of drive and vision, YOU need to know exactly what you want. Ask yourself where you want to see yourself in so many years. Do you want to be healthy? Wealthy? Tell yourself specifically how you picture your life. Anything is possible within a vision. When you build your vision, vision big. When you create a successful vision, you begin to feel passionate about it. The only way to be successful in your vision is to visualize it and set goals and a plan of action to reach your vision. Over time, you will begin to see more parts of your vision coming true until one day you see yourself living it. Building your vision does not have to be difficult as long as you know exactly what it is you see for yourself in the future. Your vision should include who you want to be. It is important to know clearly who you are right now in order to know who you want to become. This includes your habits, attitudes, and points of view. If you are unclear about yourself, you will be unclear about your future. Choose your vision wisely and precisely. When you find that LEADER profile with a defined vision, riches beyond your imagination in every area of your life shall be yours.

So, with all has been said and defined as the importance of having a vision as an essential part of your life…YOU need to water YOUR VISION seed daily. So, I highly recommend that you separate at least an hour in your day to picture in your mind your vision, walk like it has been achieved, talk like you have achieved it, acted like you have achieved it and bring it to life … water that seed daily and you will see it’s manifestation. You provide the seed, the universe provides the resources. Therefore, you must now make your “new vision” inside your brain more real than the current results in your outside world. Then, and only then, will the universe begin to present its riches to you and your vision will become a reality.

After many years of pondering how does all of this work? How can I share what I love with others and help them maintain healthy habits of exercise, eating nutritional foods, & connecting their spirit. I took the plunge and became a Yoga Instructor, and a Health Coach. Remember it is all about having balance in your life, here are some things that you can ponder if you are looking for a change.

1. Enjoy water first thing in the morning. If you haven’t got time for anything else in the morning, make time to drink a big glass of water. We lose a lot of oxygen through the night and to rejuvenate our cells, we need to supply them with water and oxygen. Drink a glass of water and within a week you’ll begin to feel less tired. I like the taste of water, but I know some people do not so if you’re one of them, squeeze some fresh lime into your water to give it taste and drink up.
2. Grab a few fresh fruits on your way out. Wherever you’re going – whether it’s a walk, school, or work, pick up one or two fruits and eat them. If you leave for work in the morning and don’t return ’til evening, take a few fruits and eat them throughout the day. Fruits are great for their nutrients, vitamins and sugars that are required in our body.
3. Avoid going to junk food shops with your colleagues. If your coworkers are going and you want to go along, go ahead but don’t order the burger or french fries. Go for a nice salad instead. Or any other healthy meal that takes your fancy. Junk food is full of “empty calories” that do nothing for your body but put on extra unneeded and unhealthy fat.
4. Do some Yoga. Get your blood flowing and your muscles moving with simple easy postures. Yoga is practiced by people of all religions, and has been known to decrease stress. It will greatly enhance your spiritual life by creating an awareness of your inner self, your feelings, & the world around you,
5. Deep breathing. When you’ve got time – at your desk, driving the car, cooking food – do some deep breathing. Inhale and count up to 5 seconds, hold it for a few seconds, and release slowly. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is one of the best things we can do for our blood and cells. It is also important to know that there are several ways you can boost your brain IQ:

1 – Build Your Brain: Healthy Fats The majority of the cell structure in the brain consists of healthy fats, including the most important healthy fats, called Omega-3 fatty acids. As the brain continues to fix itself and grow additional neurons, it needs a good amount of Omega-3s to be consumed. Great food sources to get your Omega-3 from, in order of importance, are: ? Salmon ? Flaxseed oil ? Canola oil ? Walnuts

2 – Protect Your Brain: Antioxidants As people get older, substances called free radicals, which are floating through the bloodstream, will break down the brain cells. If you don’t put up a fight, you’ll experience loss of memory as you age. However, there are some wonderful antioxidant food sources to choose from. Antioxidants will merge with these free radicals, turning them harmless. Make sure you eat foods that have this healthy food source. Several good sources of antioxidants include: ? Blueberries (other berries too) ? Broccoli ? Carrots ? Garlic ? Red grapes ? Spinach ? Tea ? Tomatoes ? Whole grains

3 – Hydrate Your Brain: Water You already know that your body is made mostly of water. And you also know how easy it is to not consume much water and become dehydrated. Even a mild case of dehydration can reduce your mental energy and capacity, causing your memory to become impaired. You should drink at least four liters of water each day, or six to eight 8- ounce glasses.

4 – Brain Building Blocks: Vitamins & Minerals There are certain kinds of vitamins and minerals that are necessary building blocks for your brain. Of course, you don’t want to become vitamin deficient. So the vitamins and minerals very important to brain functions include: ? Vit. B6 ? Vit. B12 ? Vit. C ? Iron ? Calcium Deficiencies of the above have been shown to cause learning impairment.

5 – Regulate Your Fuel Supply: Fiber Most people don’t realize that fiber is important to the brain, but it’s extremely important. It can help with your brain functions because it can slow down sugar absorption. Your brain works on 100 percent sugar; however, it needs to be delivered steadily and in the proper amounts so as not to overload your brain. True, fiber in itself might not be considered ‘food,’ but you often get it through foods. Consuming a fiber-rich diet will slow down digestion and gradually release the sugar into your bloodstream. Foods that contain a good dose of fiber include:

• Dried fruits – apricots, dates, prunes, raisins
• Vegetables – broccoli, green peas, spinach
• Peas and beans – black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lima beans
• Nuts and seeds – almonds and flaxseed
• Whole fruit – avocadoes, kiwi, oranges, pears and skin-on apples
• Whole wheat grains – barley, brown rice, etc. Now you are ready to face the world; armed with a carrot in one hand and a glass of water in the other! I hope you find the information interesting and helpful on your journey.

Our future leaders need to master the keys of leadership greatness. Developing the leader within requires you to look deep inside and work from the inside out. Often times, we can not see our faults or deficiencies; therefore you should seek assistance from your Career Center or another counseling entity on campus. Let us examine some key competencies in this self development;

Know your stuff – When you are in class, it is one thing to read and “remember” what you read for a test, but you to need learn what is taught and be able to digest and use it.

Declare your vision – Ask yourself “Where do I want to be in 5 years”? What do I want to achieve in my life, short term and long term? Listen to your inner voice to discover your passion.

Work hard – Work hard at achieving your academic, professional, and social goals carefully utilizing strong time management skills to achieve them.

Choose your friends & associates wisely – Choose friends that are positive and have similar goals as you.

Expect Positive Results – Always think positively and optimistically. Work to turn disadvantages into advantages. Be careful not to let naysayers and obstacles negate your drive to succeed.

Networking – We can’t say it enough. Networking is one the most powerful keys to achieving power and access to greatness and the corporate elite. Take every opportunity to network both on campus and at community events. Carving your way into lucrative niches may open doors of opportunity.

Communication Skills – You must be articulate, and be able to communicate with a universal language that reaches across all cultures, management levels and socio-economic backgrounds.

Image – Every student and graduate should start looking at their reputation as a business professional even before they reach that mark. They need to build a persona and an identity in a totally new environment. More & more employers are going to Facebook and MySpace to ascertain the information that is normally not divulged either on your resume or in the interview. A survey by CareerBuilder found 63% of hiring managers have admitted to not hiring someone based on the information they found online. The answer……Clean up your page and present the kind of image you would like to project.

Team Player – You have to learn to be a good team player before you become a great team leader. A successful leader knows how to effectively manage people and utilizes his or her management style to effectively get the job done maximizing productivity and maintaining a positive workforce.

Appearance Matters…………you must look good. Once you have mastered the keys to leadership greatness, you have to carefully market the outside. Recognizing and acknowledging the corporate culture and what is expected is the first step in marketing yourself. Professionally package yourself to blend in with the office culture to increase your comfort level and chances for success.

You should heighten your individualism by accentuating who you are. Expose yourself to events in your community that are often free such as rt exhibits & cultural events. Learn and experience other cultures. Read not only the local newspapers, but the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other national periodicals. By understanding the issues of access, diversity & equality, it will help you to better communicate effectively, to reason deductively, and to be able to synthesize & exercise judgment in conversing about global issues. By mastering these attributes, you will be able to clearly articulate who you are and what you have to offer.

The bottom line is producing what employers want. Employers want people who are hard working, task oriented and team players. They want people who show initiative, motivation and have a strong work ethic. You should come in self-confident with leadership skills. They want people who think outside of the box.

I challenge you to draft the blueprint for your success. Don’t be complacent and docile when receiving your education or embarking upon your career. Remember, failure is not an option. You have to be better than good, you have to be great.

As the Director of Career Services, I find I use the word ‘opportunity’ more frequently than any other word. I talk to students about employment opportunities, learning opportunities, co-op and internship opportunities, opportunities for travel or the opportunity to enhance their lives in any number of other ways.

What about your opportunities? Why did you come to college? I would guess you came to further your education, increase the possibility for future happiness and make plans for a career. Part of that planning was the decision to attend your college or university, and now you must take advantage of the opportunities this institution provides to assist you in planning your future.

No doubt you came to get a college education, but what does that mean for you? Attending classes, taking exams and writing papers are all part of the educational experience, but don’t sell yourself short by only attending classes and going straight home. You can get a fantastic education within the classroom and so much more outside the traditional academic arena. This is where you complete your education. Look around you; the opportunities abound!

One opportunity for students on many campuses is the offering of career fairs throughout the year. Oftentimes, hundreds of employers will come to campus to meet face to face with students. Consider this a chance to educate yourself about the job market, internships, professional employment related to your major and what you must do to prepare for careers with their organizations.

Another opportunity Career Services departments provide is oncampus interviews with employers seeking students from nearly every major. According to the Job Outlook 2008 Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers expect to hire 16 percent more college graduates in 2008 than in 2007. Currently, the job market is quite strong and college graduates are in high demand. Students at many institutions are fortunate to have employers come directly to campus to recruit. Interviews usually last 30 minutes and present the opportunity to sell yourself to prospective employers.

Also, recruiters usually schedule information sessions when they come to campus to meet with students and educate them about their organizations and the opportunities they have to offer. Recruiters discuss co-op and internship availabilities and jobs for college graduates. All this great information, plus pizza and cokes – what a deal!

Oftentimes, my greatest frustration on the job is witnessing missed opportunities. All of the activities I have mentioned are opportunities laid before you; don’t miss out. Not seizing these opportunities will be your loss and will set you up for future regrets. Don’t let that happen to you.

You have the chance to graduate as a polished professional, ready to take on the world. What you learn in the classroom will prepare you in your academic field, but you must look for the opportunities outside of the classroom that will provide the tools you will need for success in life and in your career. All of this takes personal initiative and a willingness to make the sacrifices today for the happiness you want tomorrow. When you graduate, I hope you will be able to say that you did all you could to acquire a rich, full educational experience. It’s really up to you, so remember the message of John Keating — carpe diem.

Be aware of your cyberspace persona. Use Facebook and other sites as if your religious leader and grandparents were monitoring your information. Be aware of what friends and associates post about you as this information may find its way to a potential employer.

E-mail addresses should reflect your professionalism; therefore, “sexyvanilla,” “juicy”, and “bigpimp” should not be the e-mails addresses that are listed on resumes. References to religious affiliations, sororities, fraternities, or sexual orientation should not be a part of any professional e-mail. Create a separate e-mail for employment related matters so that private e-mail does not get confused with business e-mail.

Be sure that your voice mail message is short and leaves the caller with a positive impression. Voice messaging that includes profanity will not increase your employability. Remember that potential employers may not share your taste in music and could find your voice mail message offensive. A simple “You have reached 123-321-1234. Please leave a message after the tone” is sufficient.

Turn down the bass on the radio before you drive into the potential work site. Your sound system’s reputation should not reach the interview before you do.

Do not smoke before an interview. Employers sometimes make negative assumptions regarding smokers’ health.

Perfume and cologne should be worn sparingly, if at all, to an interview. Many workplaces employ persons with illnesses and chemical sensitivities that may be aggravated by scented products.

The ability to communicate effectively is an important skill. Subjectverb disagreements and the use of slang during an interview reduce the chance of employment. The use of words like “skrimp” rather than shrimp, “skrawberry” rather than strawberry, “axe” rather than ask demonstrates ineffective communication skills. “I like” enjoy math classes and “I am “like” a hard worker indicate “I like” may not be employable. It is better to have a period of silence as you gather your thoughts rather than peppering the silence with “duh, “ “um,” or “and.” Enroll in speech, communications, and other courses that require that you to write and to think. Take advantage of opportunities to speak in front of groups because practicing a skill will increase the skill.

Wear comfortable, professional attire to the interview. Too short, too tight, too loose, or too exposed attire will make you feel uncomfortable, and your discomfort will be evident. For men, professional attire is a dark suit, tie, shirt, socks, belt, and shoes. Women should wear a conservative suit or dress, shoes, and hose. Clothes should be cleaned and pressed. Body piercings and tattoos should be covered. Men should remove earrings and cover the hole with concealer; multiple earrings for women are discouraged.

Applicants should carry a portfolio or briefcase; they should have space to discreetly place a travel toothbrush or breath mints if lunch is part of the interview. Women should carry an extra pair of hose in the briefcase. Offensive breath and torn hose can sabotage an interview.

One common interview question is “Tell me something about yourself.” This question allows the interview to begin in a somewhat relaxed manner; however, this is a high stakes question. An interviewer can form an opinion about the candidate’s verbal skills and ability to give a brief focused response to a question. Personal information should always be employment related. Conversation about wedding plans, pregnancy, or number of children can wait until you are part of the organization.

Remember—Research the company as part of the interview preparation.

Arrive early for the interview.

Be courteous to each person that you meet.

Be confident. Each interview is a learning experience

Use these tips to create and maintain a favorable impression with potential employers.

Jacqueline W. Currie is the Director of the Student Development Center, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Marcelyn Morrow is the former Personnel Manager of the Tuscaloosa, AL Symphony Orchestra.

DOE Institute of Education Statistics reports from 2007-2009 indicated that African Americans were awarded approximately 10% of bachelor’s degrees conferred in the United States each year. The low percentage of African Americans receiving degrees is a leading cause for them to be under-represented in United States leadership roles and occupations, more of them to live in low-income status, and increase a negative gap in the equity of American talent and wealth distribution (Akom, 2008; Wilson, 2007). Numerous studies have attempted to provide rationales for the underrepresentation and underachievement of ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, in mainstream occupations that generate sizable incomes or at least salaries above poverty levels (Moore, Madison, Colemore, & Smith, 2003).

Perry (2008) posited that minorities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math occupations that generate sizable incomes. Most incomes generating wealth and six-figure earning potential for African Americans were in sports and entertainment (BLS, 2010). United Stated Census data continually shows an overpopulation of racial/ethnic minorities in occupations or firms associated with the service sector and manual labor (DeNavas-Walt, proctor, & Smith, 2008). As a consequence, minorities generally have a lower economic status, fewer occupational choices, and less social mobility relative to White populations. Low social, occupation, and wage potential of minorities is purported to lead to marginalized status in United States society and underrepresentation in leadership roles (Perry, 2008).

A recent study on the entropy in the perception of African American college students revealed that the majority of participants for the study selected their college field of study and positions after college based on their lived experiences with crime, violence, or injustice they encountered in their households or neighborhoods. Elements of the participants’ lived experiences with poverty, family dysfunction, or crime was corralling the participants’ perception about his or her educational and career selections, global career prospects, and possible global leadership and wage potentials. Historically, African American students have represented the largest untapped reservoir of potential among all minorities in the United States (Plank & Jordan, 2000). Literature supports that occupational costs associated with untapped talent in underrepresented racial-ethnic minority groups and the affects of current education and communications on minority students have significant impact on minority students’ career goals and their contribution to the progress of society as a whole (Fouad & Smith, 1996). While the demonstrated personal, educational, economic, and societal benefits connected with earning a bachelor’s degree are valuable to all who achieve that outcome, the remunerative value has significant implications for African American students who live in poverty, make their way to college, and become valuable contributors in the world of work (Roberts, 2011).

For purposes of this discussion let’s define “Image” as the way other people see our students and their influences on whether they will agree to their requests, hire them, and pay them the salary they want.

In helping our students to understand the importance of image, many times our focus is on our Juniors and Seniors as they prepare for the Career Fairs, career oriented workshops, seminars, and other programs. While emphasis is usually on that group of students, we inadvertently neglect those who could best benefit from the services – our Freshmen and Sophomores.

We believe that Career Services professionals should get in the path of the students at the early stage and begin to influence their total image in respect to dress, speech, relations and career preparation. We should provide an ‘extreme’ makeover for our students from head to toe.

While it’s not all about the clothing and physical appearance, which plays a greater part, there are other aspects of the students’ life that influence image.

A recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll on workplace fashion issues revealed that a majority of the general workforce (68%) and HR professionals (82%) believe that how employees dress at work affects their chances for hiring or a promotion. How you dress definitely shapes how you are perceived by others. Wardrobe selection is very important and should be taken very seriously.

Our goal is to help the students achieve what they want early in their career development – whether it is to get a job or internship, to make a good impression, or simply to feel good about themselves. Providing programs to address verbal communications (voice, grammar, and vocabulary); non-verbal communications (handshakes, posture, and eye contact), dressing for success (business attire vs. business casual, formal, etc.), Business Etiquette (social graces, dining and relations), Career Prep (resume’, interviewing, salary negotiations, etc.)

All of these services can be provided, in most instances for free, through a network of strategic corporate partners and career peers who are skilled in the areas you wish to address.

When developing the total image of the students there are three areas that have little to do with clothing but nonetheless enhance their chances of getting what they want. These areas of interests include: being confident (not arrogant), groomed nicely, and avoid perfumes or colognes or oversized jewelry.

I’m certain there are various programs available that could be tailored by Career Services around the country to address the career imagery we should strive for in the students. Several years ago, a “Back to Basics” program was implemented at Prairie View A&M University geared primarily to our Freshman students. The program is designed to assist the students in their overall development – academic, personal, social, economic, physical and career. Dressing for Success is a major component of the program.

The students are exposed to various types of wardrobes through fashion shows, special events requiring special attire, networking socials and other career enhancement events. Additionally, the students are encouraged to dress business like every Tuesday throughout the school year. The teachers and staff have an opportunity to take note of the students and then nominate them for the Best Dress Awards which is presented during a special Student Life Awards program.

The program has been very successful to date. One measure of success is that we now have students challenging each other on wearing appropriate clothing for the event. Incidentally, we are still working to achieve a serious decline in the sagging fashion market. That’s a task within itself. However, we believe that if we continue to target the freshmen and work with them from day one, we can change the culture and our campuses will be better for it.

Contributions for this article were provided by: Frederick V. Roberts Assistant Director for Career Services at Prairie View A&M University

Prepare a good resume – It should include an objective statement that is clear and concise. Often, students will be tempted to write long statements where the type of company culture wanted is described, what type of boss is desired, etc. Adequately researching a company in advance of sending a resume will take care of many of these concerns. Also, for the job duty statements, try to show results along with the job activity. For example, the statement “Prepared a database for XYZ department” would be much more effective if it read “Prepared a database for XYZ department which reduced manual record search time by two hours per day ”. This gives the employer an idea of what you contributed to the overall operation of the business. In this case, you saved the company both time and money. Next, never put the street address, zip code, phone number and supervisors name on the resume. These pieces of information are for the application form if asked to complete one. Finally, try to keep your resume to one page. Good formatting should help you achieve this. Ask a career center counselor to review your resume prior to the fair.

Prepare for the company booths that you want to visit – Get a list of the companies attending the fair in advance and research these companies. The internet, trade journals, annual reports, and networking are good sources of information. If you know someone, perhaps a recent graduate of your school, who works for one of the companies you are interested in, ask them. Find out what they think about the company as an employee. The purpose of research is to get information. Where is the company’s headquarters and branches, do they have the type of corporate culture in which you want to work, do they value diversity, or promote from within? Without proper research, you will be ill prepared to speak with the recruiters. You do not want to tell the company representative that you are interested in working in Chicago, if they only have locations in Baltimore, D.C., and New York.

Prepare your sales pitch – Be prepared with a 20 to 30 second personal sales pitch. Briefly describe yourself, what your major/minor is, outline your experiences and what it is you want to do. Keep it quick and interesting.

Prepare to come to the fair early – Catch the recruiters when they are fresh. After speaking to hundreds of students for three to four hours, some representatives may get tired or run out of materials. By coming at the beginning of the fair rather than at the end, you are more likely to be able to get more attention from the recruiter, get a business card before they run out and find out more information about the positions offered. Send a follow up email to the recruiters that you spoke with immediately after the fair.

Prepare your wardrobe – In other words, Dress for Success. Do not wake up the morning of the fair and attempt to get your wardrobe ready for the day. Something will go wrong. The white shirt you were planning to wear may have a stain on it, someone borrowed the tie you were going to wear, your may only be able to find one of the pair of your conservative shoes. To avoid this, decide what you are going to wear at least two weeks in advance. Your suit may need to be dry cleaned, your shirt laundered, or you may need to buy a new pair of shoes. Remember, men should wear a dark colored suit, conservative tie, and polished shoes. Women a dark colored business suit, conservative shoes with a sensible heel. And if wearing a skirt, it should be knee length. Remember, no flashy jewelry and loud cologne or perfume. If not sure, it is better to err on the side of conservatism.

The objective for many students is to get an interview as a result of making contact with an employer at the career fair. If this is the case, make sure you are prepared for the interview by attending mock interview sessions on campus. Also, get a list of frequently asked interview questions. In addition to your campus career center, the internet is a great source for this.

Many companies use a behavioral based interviewing technique. With these questions, you are asked to describe a time when you had to deal with a certain situation or perform a certain task.

Companies ask these types of questions because they are trying to get a sense of how you would most likely behave in similar situations in the future. To answer these questions, use the STAR technique. Describe the situation or task, what action you took, and what the result of that action was. Prepare eight to ten examples or stories in this format so you will be ready for these questions.

Most career centers offer pre-career fair workshops. So take advantage of these. If not, speak with your campus career professional. He or she will be able to advise you on what to do and what not to do at a career fair. Good luck!

Interested employers may send an email to careerservices@hssu.edu to receive registration materials. Harris-Stowe offers degree programs in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Accounting, Information Sciences & Computer Technology, Health Care Management, Criminal Justice and Interdisciplinary Studies. Degrees are also offered in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Secondary Education.

Unfortunately, job candidates often fall into the trap of not preparing for a phone interview in the same way that they do for an in-person interview. It’s important to research the company, study the job description, and practice your responses to anticipated questions, just as you would for any other interview. Below are some tips and strategies to assist you in preparing for phone interviews.

Phone interview usually happen in one of three ways:

1. You’re networking, your contact’s interest is aroused and s/he goes immediately into a screening process.

2. An organization calls to follow up on a resume you previously submitted, and catches you off guard.

3. You scheduled a specific time for a telephone interview.

Unexpected Phone Interviews

While you are actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk. The phone interview can happen at any time of the day or night. In fact, some interviewers find evenings the best time to catch people at home, where they will be able to talk more candidly. Therefore, you should be on-call and prepared to receive a telephone interview at any time.

Tips for Handling Unexpected Interviews

1. Try to reschedule surprise interviews.

Say that you have a conflict and suggest a time you can call back. Remember to ask for a telephone number and get the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name. This will give you the information you need to a good impression during your first five minutes when you return the call.

2. If you must proceed, take time to calm down and focus.

Gain time by telling the caller that you must go to another extension or need to close the door to your office, and then put down the receiver. Take some deep breaths and mentally clear your head of all thoughts and get focused on your job search. Then put a smile on your face and energy in your voice when you pick up the phone.

Preparing for a Scheduled Phone Interviews ? Turn off your stereo, TV, and any other potential distractions. ? Warm up your voice while waiting for the call; sing an uplifting song to yourself. ? Have a glass of water handy to wet your mouth. ? Turn off call waiting on your phone.

1. Make a cheat sheet. Jot down a few notes about the most critical points you want to make with your interviewer(s). Are there certain skills and experiences you want to emphasize? Do you have certain interests or passions you want your interviewer(s) to know about and understand? Be sure these pieces of information appear on your sheet. Then touch on them during the interview, even if your only chance to do so is at the end of the session when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions or anything to add.
2. Speak directly into the phone. The mouthpiece is most effective when approximately one inch from your mouth. Don’t eat or drink while being interviewed. One of the mystical properties of the telephone is that it picks up and amplifies background music & voices. That includes food or gum being chewed.
3. Stand up, or at least sit up straight at a table or desk. Again, there’s a psychological frame of mind aspect to consider here. But on a more tangible level, research has shown that you project yourself better when you’re standing up, and you’ll feel more knowledgeable and confident.
4. Keep up your end of the conversation. Ask a few questions of your own that will reveal you as an intelligent person and provide you the opportunity to promote your candidacy. Ask if the interviewer might like another example of something.
5. Take notes. This can help you organize your thoughts and keep on track. In addition, they can be valuable when preparing for a later face-to-face meeting. If the interviewer gets interrupted for any reason, jot down the topic under discussion. Upon his/her return, offer to recap, “We were just discussing. . .”, this will be appreciated and will likely set you apart.

Uniqueness of the Job Fair

• Competitive for employers—companies need to compete with each other to attract the quality and quantity of applicants
• Competitive for the applicant—long lines of applicants can be waiting at the door or at the tables of the most attractive employers
• The ‘mini-interview’ is the tool being used by employers to get a brief evaluation of each applicant that approaches the employer table
• Noise and lack of privacy—applicants will be answering questions while standing, sometimes next to other applicants in an environment that is noisy

Planning for the Job Fair

• Company research—learn in advance what companies are attending and do research on those that are of most interest. Strive to impress to know more about the company than the other applicants.
• Bring your ‘tool box’ to the event: 25-40 resumes, 2 pens and a nice looking portfolio with paper
• Develop a list of five questions to ask employers
• Appearance: wear your best business suit, shine your shoes, comb your hair and wear conservative jewelry
• Arrive 15-30 minutes before the beginning of the event
• Pick up job fair program which gives names and location of employers and then plan your travel in the room

Have Answers for these Mini-Interview Questions

• Why are you interested in our company?
• Why are you interested in a position in Sales (substitute your field)?
• Why should we hire you?
• Give me one weakness.

Potential Questions for the Employer

• Why did you choose to join this company?
• Why do you feel this company is the best employer at the job fair?
• What is your company’s biggest challenge?
• What is the fastest growing segment of your company’s business?
• What are the key success factors in the position of Sales in your company?

Approaching the Employer at the Job Fair

• Introduction should include confidence, smile, and firm handshake
• Then give you 30 second introduction (who you are and what you are looking for)
• Pause for employer question, but be ready to ask 1-2 of your well prepared questions
• Pick up/request business card from each representative that you meet
• Departure should include confidence, smile and firm handshake
• Pick up company literature (and take employer give-aways only if invited). Your purpose for attending this event is not getting a few free trinkets, but to get consideration for a job interview.
• Sample 30-Second Introduction

Good morning. My name is Danielle Robinson. I am a senior at Chicago State University, majoring in Accounting. I will be graduating in May of 2008. My Grade Point Average is 3.32, and I am currently involved in the leadership of our student National Association of Black Accountants chapter. I am seeking a position in Auditing with a top international accounting firm. (Pause for employer question— otherwise, ask your first question): I am very interested in the variety of client assignments that a first year auditor can expect in your organization. (Now write your introduction that you will be using at the next job fair).

Strategy during the Job Fair

• Visit company according to plan—the most attractive companies will have the longest lines.
• While waiting in lines, use the time to your benefit by either reading company literature that you picked up or talking to other job applicants. Ask other applicants what companies have impressed the most thus far—you may get ideas to approach companies that you had not planned for.
• Get comfortable with the process by going to the tables of some second tier companies first. Once confident, then go to your target companies.
• This is a tiring event. Take a break to catch your breath.
• Be one of the first to come to the job fair and one of the last to leave. Some of the best and longest conversations can result.

After the Job Fair

• Make detailed notes of all conversations.
• Send thank-you notes immediately to each person that you met at a company you wish to further pursue.

• What is your Personal Brand? Ask yourself the following questions:
• Are you punctual or sometimes late?
• Do you pay attention to detail or make frequent mistakes?
• Are you proactive or. Reactive when dealing with potential problems?
• Are you a good communicator or have poor writing and speaking skills?
• Do you work hard or slack off?

Think about the following words. Which words best describe you?

Creative Energetic     Excuse-driven     Talkative     Confident     Organized     Late     Trouble-maker     Dedicated     Dependable     Dishonest     Arrogant     Friendly     Punctual     Lazy     Stubborn     Team member     Trustworthy     Controlling     Insubordinate

Of course there are many other words that you can use to describe your character. Looking at the above list, how many words in columns three and four describe you? What can you do to change others perception?

Example 1: You are always late and others expect you to be late.

Possible Solutions: Start earlier for your appointments. Do not agree to appointments or meeting times that you know you cannot keep. Do not over schedule yourself

Example 2: You are known by your professors for having excuses for not turning in assignments on time.

Possible Solutions: Use a planner or other tool to schedule time for your assignments. Get help from your academic support center for work you may not understand. Get used to completing assignments a day early so that you have a buffer between the time you complete the assignment and the time it is due.

Your personal brand is what comes to mind when people think about you or mention your name. Wouldn’t it be great if the Career Center staff asked for a recommendation from your professors and you are the first person that comes to mind because of what your brand communicates to others? Ask your Career Center or counselor for additional assistance with managing your personal brand.

Why is this a difficult question to answer? Simply put, the interviewer is seeking negative information about you. We all have some less-than positive aspects about us—DO NOT VOLUNTEER THEM. All throughout the interview, you are telling the interviewer how you can help the company or why you are better than other applicants. Now, all of sudden, applicants forget this and throw out a damaging personal quality that undoes all the good that the previous answers have built up.

In answering this question, you need to be thinking about not so much what you intend to communicate, but what I hear and react to. Let me offer my reaction to these common responses to this ‘Weakness’ question:

• “I expect the same effort from my co-workers as I put forth myself.” (recruiter concern is ability to work in a team)
• “I would rather do the work myself than delegate to ensure quality performance.” (recruiter concern is ability to work in a team or develop subordinates)
• “I am a perfectionist.” (recruiter concern is ability to prioritize or to meet deadlines)
• “I have the habit of taking my work home at night with me.” (Nice try. Recruiter does not believe this is a weakness. Give me another one)
• “I like to have total control over my projects.” (Recruiter concern is that you may be difficult to manage in additional to teamwork issues)
• “I do not have any weaknesses.” –the worst answer possible (recruiter impression is that you do not know yourself or that you are very arrogant)

Now that you know what answers will not work, you are thinking ‘how do you answer this question’. First, here is the rule to keep in mind: Minimize the damage so you can move on to more positive questions. Below are three ways that I recommend approaching this question:

1. Tell the interviewer something that they already know.

A. Example: “I am not bilingual.” (you would have this listed on resume if you were)

B. Example: “I do not have experience in the food industry.” (as long as it is not required)

2. The ‘relative’ weakness

A. “I am not as creative as I would like to be” (as long as this is not a key trait to the job; note that you are not saying that you are totally lacking of this quality)

B. “I am not as knowledgeable of financial statements as I would like to be.” (of course, not for a finance or accounting job)

3. The ‘former’ weakness that you have identified and are trying to fix

A. “Several years ago, I noted that I was afraid to speak in front of a group. Since then I joined Toastmasters to get public speaking experience and currently am taking a Public Speaking course at Chicago State University. I am now to the point where I am getting some confidence.”

You can expect this question worded in some similar way in more than 80% of interviews that you will have. I always suggest to job seekers to have 2-3 weaknesses prepared for an interview, just in case a tough interviewer will not accept one of them. By being prepared for this difficult question, you will enhance your chances for success in the interview (or at least make it more difficult to find out about your limitations).

Now it’s time to take your Career Services department to another level. Sometimes when students apply for internships or employment, some companies feel that they do not have enough experience, do not know how to market themselves or to transfer their past skills to fit the position. Each company is different and has different requirements. One company might stress professional dress even on Business Casual Friday, another might require a certain GPA or one might want a couple of years experience. Other areas that companies would like for students to be prepared or to have obtained include dining etiquette, the various interview styles (panel, group, telephone, behavioral, etc.), global culture, negotiation skills, leadership, extra curricular activities, awards, recognitions, certifications, special projects and volunteerism. Students who have acquired internships or study abroad experience grab the attention of most companies and will most likely be hired before a student who does not have similar experience. The majority of students across the country have similar experiences, GPAs, scholarships and extra curricular experience. HBCU’s are sent the same national and international scholarships and internships. So a student has to have something unique on their resume that makes them stand out especially if it is a student who does not have the 3.0 GPA or internship experience. Companies still might feel that student is not the right fit.

Companies prefer to hire and train college students fresh out of college because the baby boomers are about to retire in the next couple of years and they need people to fill those positions and work there for many years until retirement. This means that the training of students has to go beyond the classroom experience. Companies, community leaders and organizations visit campuses and assist in training students in various areas. This is a plus for students because they are getting first hand experience and advice from executives they may not have met. This is also an advantage for the companies because they can prepare and train the students to fit their organizational needs. Listed are some areas where the community and companies can assist your Career Services department in training students for their requirements and real world:

Classroom Lectures – Representatives can visit classes related to their background or title and either teach the class topic or speak on related topics.

Classroom Exchange – Some companies have this program where a company representative will come and teach in a related class that semester and a faculty member will go work or participate in an internship at that company to keep up with their industry.

Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) – This program is sponsored by the National Urban League where black executives across the country visit campuses across the country to mentor students in career related activities.

Mentoring Programs – Representatives choose a group of students to mentor in various areas such as tutoring, sponsorships, donating clothes, attending the field trips as chaperones, taking students to community events, invite the students to visit them at work and learn about their career, etc.

Shadowing – When a student can select a representative or company to volunteer and shadow that employee closely once or twice a week. This is an excellent way to earn real world experience and see how an office is run. A doctor or lawyer would be great choices to shadow.

Mock Interviews – Representatives interview students as a practice and feedback tool. It is good if the student is videotaped. This usually works well during BEEP or a Freshman Seminar Experience where the students get class credit.

Forums/Panels – Representatives participate in campus activities and discuss topics either in a classroom or auditorium program setting. Usually the business, entrepreneurship or health departments invite experts to discuss the topics in an open discussion.

Workshop Series – When a college plans a series of workshops across campus in various topics, companies can participate and share their expertise. The companies can rotate in the classrooms or go to different reserved rooms across campus.

Advisory Boards/Committees – Companies who represent various industries and majors can meet monthly or quarterly with the Career Services Director to give advice in related areas, suggest ideas, participate in recruitment activities, sponsor students to conferences, hire students, etc.

On-Campus Recruitment – Invite companies to interview students on campus or conduct informational sessions about their company and position requirements.

Judges – When a college is about to choose some students for a conference, case study competition or pageant, representatives can judge the event either by conference call, e-mail or in person.

Mayor/Public Figures – When a college has an important event, it is good exposure for them to invite the Mayor or a community leader to do the welcome or speak. It shows the students and the visiting companies that they have support from the community.

Community Service Projects – It is good to incorporate community service and team building projects with executives and students. They can rent out a team building facility, speak about career related topics at high schools or invite high school students to participate, spend time at hospitals or orphanages, etc. Or the community organizations can be invited to some of the campus events for exposure to meeting executives.

Sponsorships – Ask companies or organizations to sponsor career fairs, luncheons, student expenses to conferences, etc.

Clothes Closet – Have representatives and companies donate clothes to the students for interviewing purposes. Partner with companies such as Dress for Success so students can receive free clothing.

Training – Have representatives prepare students for case study competitions, interviews or any activity the students need training.

Male/Female Bonding Events – You can have male executives bond with male students in the student center watching the NFL game and discuss career related topics. The female executives can bond with the female students by having a pampering party with free manicures, makeovers, hair advice, aerobics, and chair massages. These events can be done simultaneously with sponsored food and services.

Include Alumni – Make sure that alumni are invited to all of your events. Most Career Services allow their alumni to participate in their activities and can apply for any of the positions. There will still be some recent graduates looking for employment. This will increase your general placement rate and the alums might work for some corporations that can assist the college in sponsorships, job placement, fundraising, etc.

These are just a few ideas on how to take your Career Services department to another level and create comfortable, educational and fun environments where companies and students can get to know each other better and network. The companies will have a chance to train the students the way they want and the students can get hands on experience and advice. Also, the college’s name will be recognized among top companies, the fundraising and sponsorship level will increase, the recruitment efforts will be more visible among the high school students and the retention rate will ascend because the students and alumni will feel that the institution really cares about their future.

Behavioral interview questions ask job-related questions that assist the employers in making predictions about potential employees’ future success based on their past behavior, instead of their responses to hypothetical questions. In addition, behavioral interview questions often minimize personal impressions that can affect hiring decisions.

Advantages of Behavioral Interviewing

One of the advantages of the behavioral format is that it assists employers in evaluating candidates who have little or no traditional work experience. Candidates are not limited by their work history when answering behavioral interview questions.

Think of the varied experiences you’ve had as a student. Do any of the following situations sound familiar?

• Handling challenging relationships with housemates, in school organizations, or within class teams.
• Deciding what college to attend and which major to pursue.
• Managing multiple tasks like writing a term paper, studying for a major exam, and meeting family/work obligations simultaneously.
• Organizing a study group for a particularly challenging course.
• Choosing between an unpaid internship, volunteer work, and a job.

These examples provide a wealth of material to use in a behavioral interview. Think about the processes that went into resolving each situation and consider how you might have demonstrated some of the following qualities:

• Initiative
• Individual leadership
• Working well in teams
• Cultural awareness
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Decision-making skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective time management
• Working under pressure

Traditional Interviews vs. Behavioral Interviews

If you have experience with traditional interviewing, you may find the behavioral interview quite different in several ways:

Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask you to describe how you did behave in a past situation.

• Expect the interviewer to question and probe (think of “peeling the layers from an onion”).
• The interviewer will ask you to provide details about a specific experience, and will not allow you to theorize or generalize about several events.
• The interview will be a more structured process that will concentrate on areas that are important to the interviewer, rather than allowing you to concentrate on areas that you may feel are important.
• You may not get a chance to deliver any prepared stories.
• Most interviewers will be taking copious notes throughout the interview.

How to Approach Behavioral Questions

Determine what competency the interviewer is evaluating.

For example, think about how you would describe a time when you were a member of a team or group that had to achieve a goal or solve a problem. What type of team or group was it? What was the team or group trying to do? What was your role? How did you contribute to the team or group? Was the team or group successful?

This question is focusing on teamwork/collaboration. The interviewer wants to know how you work effectively with others outside the formal lines of authority to accomplish a goal or resolve a problem.

Try to use recent examples; this will assist you in providing accurate details.

Determine what situation best demonstrates your skill or ability in that competency.

Decide upon an experience that will allow you to elaborate in detail on the skill or competency that the interviewer has requested. Focus on one detailed account.

Identify the actions you took.

Once you’ve pinpointed a variety of relevant situations, you must learn how to use them effectively in a behavioral interview. One strategy is to use the STAR technique, as outlined below.

Situation

Describe in detail what the situation was and include any related circumstances. Focus on a specific event or situation. Highlight the actions you took and the skills you used in describing your experience. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand.

Task or Action

Describe the specific actions that you took to affect the situation. Be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did, the tasks accomplished – not the efforts of the team.

Result

Describe the outcome. Focus on how your actions impacted the final result. Try to make sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you, even if the result was not favorable.

Be prepared to provide examples of when results didn’t turn out as you planned. Interviewers are also interested in how you overcame obstacles. Remember to focus on what you learned from your experiences and practice your stories as much as possible.

Tips for Answering Behavioral Questions

Give a complete story of an event, including key points and results.

• Be specific about what YOU: Did/Said/Felt/Thought.
• Separate your actions from the actions of others.
• Be sure each story has a beginning, a middle, and an end (i.e., be ready to describe the situation, your action, and the outcome or result).
• Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you, even if the result itself was not favorable.
• Be honest. Don’t embellish or omit any part of the story.
• Be specific. Don’t generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event.
• Ask for clarification if you’re unsure of the question. ? Watch and listen for interviewer cues.
• Whenever you can, quantify your results. Numbers illustrate your level or authority and responsibility. For example: “I was a shift supervisor” could be “As Shift Supervisor, I trained and evaluated 4 employees.”

They are so busy trying to impress their peers and getting adjusted to the rigors of college life that academic is on the back burner during the first year of college. Campus organizations and activities play a vital part in the life of students but they should not let their involvement become their first priority. Academic should always be the student first priority.

It is very important to learn how to be a team player and how to get along with your peers because this will help you in the world of work to deal and to complete tasks with co-workers.

Gaining valuable career-related experience during your sophomore or junior year is very important for career success. There are an abundance of opportunities available to qualified students during the sophomore or junior year and a limited amount of students take advantage of these opportunities. The requirements for an applicant are normally completion of an application, copy of transcript, three letters of recommendation and an essay of 250 to 500 words with a deadline date. Many students complete everything with the exception of the essay. I have noticed that students who gained career-related experiences are normally hired with the agency or company or with a new company upon graduation. In many instances, students are encouraged to consider volunteering with a company to get careerrelated experience. You never know who may be observing your work and it could lead to a full-time position.

There are a number of executives that participates in our Annual Career Fest that are members of the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program who can assist our students with job search skills. They can also serve as job referrals assistants and mentors. A number of the executives have assisted students with summer internships and graduate and professional schools opportunities.

Students must develop confidence in themselves and their abilities so that others can observe it through interaction. There will be opposition from people who do not have your best interest in acquiring your dreams but it is up to the student to push hard and never give up on your goals. A number of roadblocks will be in the way but it is up to you to walk over the roadblocks in order to reach your career destination.

Finally, I would advise students to take advantage of an education because it opens many doors to your life and your future. College is an investment in a student future. Funds must be paid on a bi-annual basis for an education and at the end of four years the dollars add up to a lump sum. If you are not fortunate to have cash, scholarships, or grants to pay for your education; you must secure loans. Loans must be repaid to the lender. Therefore, you will need employment to repay the lender unless your loan will go into default. “Students: Take Charge of Self”.

The National Bureau of Economic Research declared that the US economy has been in a recession since December 2007. Every week, new corporate layoffs and employment “consolidations” are being announced with a trickle-down effect reaching across every sector of our society. What does all this mean for a new college graduate? What will the job market hold for the graduates of 2009?

Even though the economic outlook may seem grim, there are still jobs available. Companies are continuing to recruit and hire, but they can be more selective about who gets which jobs. Therefore, a student will have to work harder and be very well prepared for the job search. No longer can seniors put off finding a job until they are about ready to graduate. Students should start as early as possible because the job market is extremely competitive. New graduates will also need to be able to clearly articulate the value that they bring to an employer.

Here are some tips to help you find a job after graduation:

1) START EARLY

Do your career exploration early. Know what kind of job you want and the skills that you bring to the work place. Your job search needs to be well focused and targeted to companies with whom you want to work. Visit your career center early. The staff can help you design a strong resume and cover letter as well as practice interviewing. These items are always needful, but your marketing tools and communication skills will be of even greater importance this year. According to CollegeGrad.com, the resume may seem like only a first step in the job search process, but in reality it’s a reflection of the candidate’s professionalism. “The entry-level resume is critical to a successful job search, especially with the state of the United States economy,” says Adeola Ogunwole, Director of Marketing and PR for CollegeGrad.com. “College students and recent grads should make developing a world class resume their top priority for attaining career success.” Ogunwole advises putting in the time to develop the best reflection possible since the resume is often the first thing the recruiter or interviewer sees.

2) CONDUCT INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Informational interviews are an excellent way to research jobs, make connections with employers and become more comfortable with interviews. Find someone who does what you want to do, set up an appointment with him or her and conduct an informational interview. Even though you are interviewing someone else, you can sharpen your communication skills while you learn more about the job and the company. Even though you don’t want to ask for a job during the informational interview, the individual can serve as a contact for when you begin your search in earnest.

3) NETWORK CONSTANTLY

More jobs are gotten through someone you know than any other way. Make a list of family, friends, faculty, college and high school alumni networks. Let them know what you are trying to accomplish and ask their advice. When talking with your contacts, it’s important NOT to ask them for a job. Rather, ask their advice on what companies are hiring and who you might talk to in those companies. A word of caution about social networking websites: Be careful of the information posted on facebook.com, myspace.com and other social networking sites. Employers can use this avenue in screening applicants, so how your profile is presented could make a difference.

4) RESEARCH COMPANIES

Recruiters have consistently commented that student candidates “fell short” of the employers’ expectations for knowledge of the company or organization with which they were interviewing. Students didn’t conduct enough research on the companies prior to the interview. You can set yourself apart as a top candidate by your knowledge of the company. To get started, try to locate the following items (if applicable) of basic information about the company: age, services or products, competitors within the industry, growth pattern, reputation, divisions and subsidiaries, location/length of time established there, size, number of employees, sales, assets and earnings, new products or projects, number of locations and foreign operations. To begin your search, visit your career center and locate recruiting literature provided by companies. Be sure also to check company profiles appropriate for your career choices in one of the NACE (National Association of Colleges & Employers) Job Choices magazines. Then look for other reference books such as Standard and Poor’s Register, which has several volumes that include information on industry classifications, geographic locations, names, and profiles of company executives and company addresses. When you have considered all available materials, turn your attention to the business reference section of your campus or local library and continue your search. According to employers responding to surveys conducted by the NACE, candidates who have done their homework are better able to discuss how their experiences and qualifications match up with the company’s needs. Prepared candidates who know the company can also talk about how they can make an immediate contribution to the organization. The candidate who can do this is typically the candidate who gets the job offer.

5) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE INTERVIEWING

After you research the position you are interviewing for, then practice your interviewing skills. Again, utilize your career center and take advantage of mock interviews. Employers expect a student to be able to discuss the needs of the company and how the student’s background can fit those needs. Employers want excellent communication skills—the #1 quality that employers look for in new hires. Follow up after the interview with a thank you note. Employers prefer a written note or email instead of a voice mail. Follow-ups can sometimes make or break a candidate. The employment picture will be very challenging over the next year, but hiring is still taking place. If you start early, do informational interviews, utilize your network, research companies and practice interviewing, you will definitely have an advantage in proving that you are the BEST candidate for the job!

Here at Delaware State University my colleagues and I, in the Office of Career Services have already begun to implement this theory. The theory is to touch our collegians as early as their freshman year and consistently and strategically engage them. This often means interacting with faculty and staff and sharing with them this theory of encouraging credential building. As a result we are seeing an increase in the number of students that are diligently seeking meaningful opportunities to enhance and build upon their credentials. These opportunities include internships, co-ops, certifications, and licenses.

Credential Scripting a.k.a. Resume Writing is an art. Collegians and adults alike often view a resume as a document that just lists past employment and maybe some activities they have participated in. The reality is that a resume is a reflection of how a person has groomed their talent. You are your resume! When a potential employer is looking at a resume they are really examining the credentials that have been acquired. Credentials also referred to as skills are essential. Employers specifically seek current, relevant, and those skills that may be an asset to the company in the future. The resume is a strong indicator of the type of employee you will be.

Remember this, a resume never gets you the job, it gets you the opportunity for an interview.

As an individual begins to develop a resume, particularly freshman and sophomores, they should write down all of their credentials, i.e. skills, employment responsibilities, activities, volunteer work, interests and any other items that may be of interest to a prospective employer. Everything may not be included in the resume, but the activity develops a working inventory (credential list) of skills that are the script of the resume.

It is extremely difficult to write an effective resume when a person has limited credentials to substantiate why they are applying for a position. This often becomes an overwhelming burden, so people avoid the process.

A resume is great to have but it should have a purpose. People should ask themselves, “what is the purpose of my resume?” Is it to get an internship, co-op, or employment? Often time’s resumes are written, used, and forgotten about until once again needed. I encourage our collegians, to actively work on their documents by taking every opportunity while they are at Delaware State University to add valuable credentials to their resume on an ongoing basis. Every time they submit a resume it should be developed for the position applying for, this means a bit of research on the students part. Everything from the format to the wording needs to be considered. In essence the document needs to be flawless. Your credentials should be current and usable. Remember, the resume gets the interview and the credentials listed on the resumes is what the potential employer is viewing in order to make informed and knowledgeable decisions regarding who gets an opportunity to interview and who does not.

A resume has to be perfect. Nothings perfect you say, well individuals that are offered interviews and positions began with a “perfect resume”.

The key to an excellent resume is the strategic use of “KEYWORDS”. These key words are adjectives, nouns, and verbs. They are used to describe specific skill areas that employers are looking for in potential employees. Also, some larger companies scan resumes through computer programs designed to target these types of words. Resumes that do not have a substantial amount of the desired skills are eliminated from the pool of applicants considered for hire. (A clever and effective means to eliminate resumes, particularly when there are hundreds or thousands to review).

A resume should be thoroughly checked using spelling and grammar checks on the computer as an initial step. A computer can not compete with a trained professional when it comes to reviewing a resume. The writer really needs to get an objective opinion from a Career Services Office, an individual trained to look for detail. There they can be probed, questioned, and provided with professional suggestions and assistance to ensure a quality document is submitted. In a Career Services office there can be found endless resources not only to assist in resume writing but with regards to specific companies and institutions of higher learning.

A resume is representative of the individual submitting it therefore one must be able to effectively communicate any part of it upon question. It is so embarrassing to be asked about something on a resume and unable to answer. What will an employer think? All aspects of the document need to be effectively addressed through clear and concise oral communication without hesitation.

Formatting is also a very important aspect of resume writing. Does the resume look like a term paper? Employers are reviewing many resumes; employers need to be able extract the pertinent information as easily as possible. Slang should not be used at all and acronyms should be kept to a bare minimal. A resume should have plenty of white space in the document, allowing the reviewer to get the important information from the document. Margins should be as close to an inch as possible all around the document, font size should be no smaller then (10) and no bigger than (12). There are several resume building programs that allow users to create resumes in effective formats. There are many resume programs that offer versatility and the ability to customize and enable documents to be put in Word or PDF formats.

As I stated before it is essential for individuals to utilize their Career Services Offices particularly when developing a resume. Career Services personnel are trained professionals who are in direct contact with employers throughout the year and know what employers are looking for in terms of credentials and resumes. Using the information in this article will help direct the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential in credential building to be in concert with occupational trends that leverage students to being highly marketable and mobilizing their talent towards preferred employment. 

I wish it were that simple, but the reality is not as promising as it sounds. While you sit with your degree in hand, there are a few important caveats that you have missed –you are not the only person receiving a degree; and, your university is not the only school conferring degrees to students in your field. In the article, No One needs you, Class of 2010 (Queenan, 2010), it was reported that last year over two million college graduates were unemployed. Add to that shocking number the fact that new graduates will enter an economy where 17% of people aged 20 through 24 do not have a job, and you have a very bleak picture of what’s to come. Not to mention, as a college graduate of color, you may find it more difficult to find a job than your white counterparts. In 2010 the Economic Policy Institute, issued Graduate Employment Gap: Students of Color Losing Ground. In the brief Algernon Austin presented data regarding high school and college graduate data. While he found that all races are experiencing high rates of unemployment, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans experienced the largest increases. Two years before the recession even began, blacks unemployment rates were much higher than that of the other races. Congratulations on receiving your bachelor’s degree, but with such discouraging data you may have to consider some enhancement strategies. Lucky for you even though the future may look dim, there is still hope. You still have a chance to make yourself marketable in a job market where jobs are scarce and bachelor degrees are plenty. Here are a few tips that you can use to land the career that you want.

Tip 1. Graduate School – This is great opportunity to boost your knowledge, while enhancing your resume. Employers often look at multiple degrees as a commitment to life long learning and a willingness to grow. By going to graduate school you can stay current on the innovations within your career field. In addition, it is easy to enroll in graduate school at the school where you earned your bachelors degree. You have the opportunity to work closely with your professors, and may even be eligible for fellowships. Your work as a graduate student may easily turn into an excellent job opportunity,

Tip 2. Certification Programs – If you cannot commit to a graduate program, obtaining certification in a related field can be the next best thing. Many job fields such as security, technology, education, and finance offer certifications that can increase your chances of gaining employment. For example, an accounting graduate can teach Math by acquiring a teaching certificate.

Tip 3. Volunteer – Working for free is probably not your idea of success, but it can help you get a foot in the door. By volunteering you give the employer a chance to see you in action. It shows your dedication to your field and your willingness to commit to the vision of the employer. It also gives you a chance to network with colleagues in your field that can keep you abreast of jobs within the company where you are volunteering.

Tip 4. Networking – As an HBCU graduate you have a plethora of networking opportunities. First, you should join your school’s alumni association. They often have events where you have the opportunity to network with other alumnus and there guests. This is a great way to find out about job offers. Also, if you are apart of a fraternity or sorority these organizations often have connections to different companies and maybe able to assist you in finding career opportunities.

With the tips I have given, it is my hope that you can enjoy your graduation knowing that you have a plan. You don’t want to enter into the workforce unprepared and end up in a situation reminiscent of “Fun with Dick and Jane” where you know of five other candidates vying for the same position so you have to fight your way into a building hoping that arriving first will secure you a job, only to find your hopes dashed because you may have beat the other five, but you are still in the back of a line of 100 candidates waiting for the same job opportunity. By opening yourself to the tips I have given, you can easily win the employment race.

This reminds me of the movie, “What A Girl Wants”. It is about a teenage girl who had been raised by her single lower income mom. She was out on a quest to find her father who was a very rich and high profile politician in another country. She tried so hard to change her ways and adapt to the new affluent lifestyle. She wanted to please her father and fit in with her new acquaintances. She met a local boy who asked her a very profound question. He said, “Why do you want to be like everyone else when you were born to stand out, to be different and to win?” That statement changed my outlook on life. In order to be my true self, I have to be different. Now I live my life on how I can be more memorable and make a dynamic impact at school, my job, activities and my personal life. My focus is on the bigger picture and not the smaller one.

Your focus should not be on getting a job, but on developing your career. You should take everything you have learned and experienced with you to the next open door of opportunity. In developing a career, it is a process which is not a quick fix. The process does not happen overnight. It starts before you go to college with researching the best colleges that offer the best programs in your area of interest. This includes scholarships and grants. Some schools are looking to give money to study at their institution in a certain field of study. Since this is a technological society, take advantage of all the valuable information on the Internet.

Once you are enrolled in the college program that best fits your objectives and goals of your career, start gaining experience and knowledge in every aspect of your career search during your matriculation in college. Count everything so you can stand out! Here are some ways to gain skills and exposure that you can transfer to your major or any industry:

Take Related Course Electives – No matter what you major in, take electives that will help enhance your education and future. Take other foreign languages that might not even be outlined in your paradigm. If it is not offered at your school, take an on-line course or a class at a local community college simultaneously. Also, take a speech, global culture or dining etiquette course. You can even buy books at your local bookstore in these areas as a reference. Most companies hire people who are bilingual and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Increase Computer Skills – Technology is changing everyday. So keep up with it and learn the latest software and hardware packages. There are free computer classes at your local Urban League, other local career centers and staffing agencies.

Acquire Internships/Work Experience – Start applying for internships for college credit and for pay during your second semester as a freshman. Each semester or summer work at different companies and various cities to gain more versatile skills. You can apply through Inroads, which is an organization that helps students land internships in various majors. Also, work at part-time jobs that line up with your major, purpose or internship. Even if you work as a cashier at a store, you can transfer those skills to any accounting or regular job by focusing on being detailed oriented, multi-tasked and trustworthy; able to handle large amounts of money; provide excellent customer service; work under pressure; and learn quickly.

Study Abroad – One way to get employers to notice you quickly on your resume is if you study abroad for a semester or summer. There are so many programs, scholarships and internships that support various study abroad programs.

Join Organizations – Companies look at the organizations and extra curricular activities you are involved in as well as work experience when considering you for a job. You might apply for a Manager Trainee position but feel that you do not have management experience. If you were over the girl or boy scouts in middle school or the president of SGA in college, you have leadership skills and can transfer those skills to the stated above position. They also do not care which organizations you belonged to but what impact you made while you were a part of them.

Become a Board Member/Association Member – You can be a student member to any professional association such as the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Every major has related associations that you can get involved and attend meetings. You will be surprised of the networking and job contacts you will make by meeting with them once a month. There are so many unpublished job descriptions that you will only find out about when making these contacts. This also applies to being a board member for an organization that makes a difference in the community.

Attend Leadership Conferences – Every summer many organizations give outstanding leadership conferences and institutes where students can learn even more about leadership, branding, career development skills, etc. The National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) has an excellent student leadership institute every summer in various cities. It is their 40 anniversary this year. Monster.com also has a dynamic Diversity Leadership Summer Conference in various cities as well.

Certifications/Licenses – Add certifications and licenses in other areas to enhance your skills such as CPR training, real estate, teacher certification, baby sitting, professional development, human resources, massage therapy, cosmetology, home repairs, forklift, CPL, etc. These areas can come in handy for extra disposable income or if a lay off occurs. You can easily work in these fields part-time or full time. Always have something to fall back.

Volunteer/Community Service – Volunteer as much as you can. Most colleges offer service learning courses where students can get class credit for volunteering with local organizations. When companies are hiring candidates, they do not care if their experience is paid or th nonpaid. They just want someone who they can train easily and who has a heart to give back.

Hang Around People With Similar Goals – Make sure that some of your friends or acquaintances line up with what you are achieving. They can introduce you to people in your industry that might land you that job, internship, graduate school, etc. They can also encourage you when you get discouraged while you are pursuing your goal and hold you accountable and get you back on track if you go astray.

Update Your Resume Constantly – Add or delete anything on your resume as soon as it happens so you will not forget. Opportunities come quickly and you might miss it if you are not ready and the most recent documentation. Most company representatives are visual and like to be able to see your accomplishments.

Be Careful What You Put on the Internet – This last one is so important! Some students have Facebook or MySpace accounts that show a totally different side of them. Most of it will appear negative to an employer. Most employers look up their candidates on-line now to see how they represent themselves outside of the interview. Be careful what you put on the Internet about yourself. If it appears wild, sexy or unorthodox, you will not get hired by anyone. Employers want someone who will represent them in or out of the office. Your reputation is your most important asset!

These examples were a couple of ways you can stand out and brag on your resume or during your interview. You can take some of these and incorporate it in your 60 second elevator speech about your accomplishments. A great interviewer knows about the first 60 seconds if you are to be invited to the second interview.

I met a young lady who was a make-up artist. She was going to school pursuing a degree in Business/Marketing. Since all of her jobs were in cosmetics or retail, she had a hard time answering questions about herself. She did not know how to transfer the skills she had to marketing or any job outside of her industry. I quickly assessed her situation and reminded her of her awesome skills that any employer would love to have. Her skills were creative; 15 years in retail; 12 years in cosmetics and make-up artistry for celebrities and local women; display and inventory management; sales, marketing of new products; detailed oriented; work well under pressure; training employees; teaching; interpersonal and verbal communication skills; adaptive; motivating; dependable; innovative ideas and promotions for new and seasonal products; and a passion to serve and help others. I saw all of that in 60 seconds even though she had a hard time articulating her experience.

I will use one last example to show how employers look at your transferable skills when making hiring decisions. When I was hired in Career Services years ago, my boss looked at everything I had done or been through. He even watched me from a far for years in the community before he pursued me for a job at the college. You never know who is watching you. He pursued me for a whole year for my current position. He said “because you have a degree in Journalism/Advertising, I need someone who can write real well, edit resumes and letters, advertise students to companies and companies to students, design brochures and flyers”. “Because you have been over the dance ministry for 17 years, I need someone who can work well with young people and who they love”. “Because you are a professional entertainer, I need someone who can speak to the students at assemblies at the last minute with platform and presentation skills”. “Because you have traveled all over the world and you and your mom know so many people, I need someone who can bring new contacts to the college”. “Because you have gone through an extensive lay off for several years and have stood in an unemployment line, I need someone who will have the compassion for our students and not think that they are much better. You learned every skill, attended different workshops, took computer classes, worked in various industries through a staffing company during this time. You can work with any major”. He said that he needed someone who can make a difference in these young people’s lives. At that moment, I knew that it was not about me but about me giving back to these young people for this season in my life. My boss looked at my purpose and the bigger picture of what I would give the college.

When you are pursuing a career, you should look at the bigger picture of how you will make a difference at the company and not just getting a job. You want something where you can grow and learn even more skills that you can take to your next open door. The key is to use everything you have done positively and transfer it to each new experience when it is appropriate. You do not have to use everything at once, but only when it is needed to market yourself exclusively.

Finding a job, in this economy, is not always an easy task. You must start your search before your senior year of college. The practice of submitting applications to employers, immediately obtaining interviews and subsequently receiving a job offer has changed. Human Resource professionals get thousands of applications for very few vacancies. A degree alone will not land you a job in your field, getting a job requires work and a strategic approach to your efforts. On average it may take from 6 to 9 months to obtain employment. Outlined below are some strategies which will assist students in their job search.

1. Locate the Career Center on campus. Visit the center and become familiar with their services then develop a career plan. Think about what type work you would like to pursue. Where would you like to work; nonprofit, federal, state, local government, or the profit sector? If you are not sure of your career path, speak with a Career Advisor. There are numerous tools in the Career Center that can help you develop your career path therefore, consider doing a co-op or an internship (paid or unpaid) in your major field of study. Employers indicate that candidates with relevant work experience are assets to the organizations and often hire candidates who have made good impressions while working as interns and/coops.
2. Attend school sponsored Career Fairs. Most Career Fairs are in the fall and spring and the fair is an excellent opportunity to talk to recruiters face to face and learn about their organizations and work environments. Attend the fairs every year. If you locate a position of interest, get to know the recruiter express your interest in the organization and each time the company is on campus visit the booth. Additionally, go on line and conduct further research about the company.
3. Develop a list of contacts. Use networking contacts to determine openings and potential openings. The best place to start networking is with family and friends, let your contacts know that you are in the market for employment. Networking opens the doors to many openings that are never advertised publically.
4. Create a resume. A resume is a snapshot of your educational background, experience, accomplishments, abilities as well as your goals. The purpose of the resume is to obtain an interview. (Start practicing resume writing in your first year of college.) Visit the Career Center to obtain examples of a resumes. Resumes in the private sector are short however; federal resumes are not limited to one or two pages. Most resumes today are reviewed electronically and applicants never get an opportunity to speak with a person until the interview. Customize your resume, one resume cannot be all purpose, be specific and target each position by highlighting and matching your qualifications to the employer’s needs. Before submitting your resume, get it critiqued by the Career Center.
5. Prepare for the interview. The interview is the time to convince an employer why you are the best candidate for the position. Preparation is the key to a successful interview. First research information about your prospective employer. Employer information may be found on the Internet, in the library and in the Career Center. Second conduct a self analysis to easily identify your strengths and weakness, be prepared to clearly articulate your strengths and weakness to an interviewer, practice interviewing. The Career Center can help you to develop your interviewing skills. Don’t forget to dress professionally for the interview, conservative suits for females and males. Finally, get a good night’s sleep, before the interview, read the paper or scan the headlines on the internet. You should be able to engage in small talk during the interview.
6. Follow-up with your interviewer. Within one week of the interview send a thank you letter. Express your appreciation for the interview and reemphasize your qualities and interest in the position.

The journey for women that desire financial independence is a bit different than it is for men. In addition to the changing roles that women have in the area of money and financial matters, they face challenges that are different from their male counterparts. Women face three specific challenges that men do not. 1. According to the 2008 Census Bureau data women working fulltime earned 69% of what men earned, based on median earnings. 2. Women live longer than men. According to the same research there are twice as many women age 85 and older as men. 3. On average women spend fewer years in the work force. Women spend 13 years less in the work force than men due to family responsibilities.

So what does a sister do? The economy stinks. I am living longer, making less money and have a short window of time to accumulate than the average man. Additionally I don’t need research to tell me that I can’t bank on a brother helping.

Well, just like the trip to Jamaica, the first date with a new prospect or the dream wedding, the journey to financial independence begins with a plan. Just as you plan your outfits, your diet and your excursion while in Montego Bay you must take the time in making a plan.

The Steps that are needed for this journey are:

Organizing your finances

Identifying and prioritize your dreams and goals

Know the current state of your flock (Calculate Net Worth)

Establish monthly spending plan

Learn the Basics of Investing

Talk with a Tour Guide (Financial Professional)

Organizing Your Finances

There is a plethora of things that could come under getting your finances in order that would exhaust the area of this article. However, some key components to organizing are:

Keep all important documents in one place such as a fireproof personal safe or an electronic file that is password protected.

Videotape personal belongings and maintain offsite for insurance purposes

Review insurance coverage

Order and review credit report

Created and review will

Review and update beneficiaries

Identify and Prioritize Goals

In most cases the act of identifying goals is not the major challenge for women. The challenge is prioritizing those goals. Quite frequently in talking with mothers that matriculated from university they struggle with the choice of funding their retirement or their child’s education. I often remind them that in the US we offer student loan programs for education; however, I have not been made aware of a government funding program for retirees (don’t bet your future on Social Insecurity). Some common goals are:

Buying a house

Retirement

Starting a Business

Education for children

Paying off Debt

Establish emergency fund

Leaving a legacy

Know the state of your flock (Calculate Net Worth)

You need to start thinking of your household a business. One of the most important documents in any business is the balance sheet. The balance tells you where you are on a specific date in time. If it is important for public companies to calculate their value at least quarterly should not Jane Smith Enterprises know the state of her business? The Bible tells us that we should know the state of our flocks. That being said the net worth is determined by identifying all that you own and its value on a particular date as well identifying all that you owe on that same date. The difference is your net worth; it is advisable to calculate this figure at least annually. The net worth acts as a scorecard and the idea is to have this number increase year over year. (See sample worksheet)

Establish Spending Plan

The spending plan is fuel that will propel you in this journey. It is the spending plan aka budget that will provide the traction needed to grow the net worth. When looking at your cash flow you need to determine where you will spend your money, invest your money and to whom you will give money. There is and always will be competitors for your money, but you must be focused and disciplined. Remember it is YOUR future. If you can consistently spend less than you earn financial independence is in your view. The spending plan is another area that requires prioritization. Don’t forget…where your treasure is there will your heart be also.

Learn the basics of investing

You want to get a fundamental understanding of the impact inflation and taxes can have on you reaching your goal(s). Additionally, acquire the knowledge on the benefits of diversification in a portfolio and the value of ownership of stocks of both domestic and non domestic companies. Depending on your risk profile and your asset base you may want to gain an understanding of alternative investment vehicles.

Talk with a Tour Guide

What’s the difference between a tour guide and a travel agent? The tour guide is on the journey with you where as the travel agent is just booking the trip. I encourage you to talk with a financial professional. There is wisdom in counsel. This should be someone that has knowledge, resources and experience in investment planning, retirement planning, legacy planning and any number of financial planning topics. He or she should be able to help you navigate through all the emotions that come with money and the data pumped through the media. Also, important is your tour guide should be someone that you trust and has exhibited that they have the clients’ best interest at heart.

The Journey to financial independence begins with a plan. Apply these six steps and you are well on your way to reaching your desired destiny.

Troy A. Young, CFP®

Destiny Financial Group

3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 400

Atlanta, GA 30339

770.941.5757

www.destinyfg.com

Securities and investment advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC and an SEC-registered investment adviser. Destiny Financial Group is neither affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation nor registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser.”

The views expressed are not necessarily the opinion of FSC Securities Corporation, and should not be construed directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information presented here should only be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Investing involves risk including the potential for loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Good communication and strong interpersonal skills are important to making a good impression. Relax and view this meal as just another opportunity to learn about the company, your intended career field, the company’s corporate culture and job duties you will be expected to perform.

Chances are this meal won’t be taking place in your campus dining hall and therefore dining hall etiquette will not apply. The following quick tips can help you get through these meals successfully.

Before your Meal

• Drink a glass of juice or water to keep you from “starving”. An empty stomach can be a major distraction.

• Place your napkin on your lap after everyone has taken their seat.

• Review the menu and decide what you want to order in a timely manner and order food that will make it easier to have a conversation. 

• Let the host take the lead when ordering. You might consider asking “What do you recommend?” During your Meal

• If your place is set with more than one fork – begin from the outside and work your way in.

• Use both your knife and fork, keeping the index finger extended on the handles and rest them in the 5 and 7 o’clock positions respectively – not on the table.

• Point your fork prongs down when cutting meat or food and cut only one piece at a time. Avoid cutting up all the pieces at the same time.

• Break off and butter one small piece of bread at a time; do not make sandwiches unless that is what you ordered.

• Don’t dip your food into community sauces that are supposed to be available for everyone’s use.

• Stay relaxed, friendly and interested in the conversation. If there are other students there, feel free to engage them in conversation also. Stay up beat and positive and avoid too much “college talk” with new employees who are already with the company.

• Avoid too much personal information sharing and stay away from topics such as religion and politics. Maintain eye contact throughout the meal and avoid dominating the conversation

• If you need to leave the table, excuse yourself and place your napkin on the seat.

After your Meal

• If your host insists that the waiter bring the dessert menu, he/she wants you to have one. Go ahead and order something as well.

• When you are done with the meal, place your napkin to the left of your plate and place the knife and fork prongs down side by side on the plate with the handles at 4 o’clock; waiters understand this as the “I am finished” position

• Be sure to thank the host for inviting you.

Chances are great that your future employer is very aware of how nervous you are and he/she is trying to make you comfortable. Go with the flow and keep in mind that this is just another opportunity to embrace new skills.

Relax & Breathe!

The fact that the company is discussing a salary with you is a great thing! It means that you have successfully navigated your job search to get to this point. You have already created an effective resume, expressed yourself well in the interview and have now captured the attention of the employer. This is good news and creates the foundation for your negotiations! Be proud of your accomplishments to this point and know that you have at least already convinced the employer that you are a viable candidate who is potentially a strong fit for the company.

Stay positive and work towards a win-win situation!

Continue to be as courteous, enthusiastic and confident as you have been to get to this point. You do not want your salary negotiations to become adversarial. Instead, you want to keep negotiations as an open, friendly dialogue allowing you to show your genuine interest in arriving at a mutually satisfactory solution.

Research – Know what you are worth!

Remember that the employer is not offering you a salary based on your personal financial needs. Often candidates, especially new grads, will use their personal financial responsibilities, such as high credit card debt as the basis for the negotiations. It is important to remember that the employer’s offer is going to be based on what the labor market can bear. Most companies already have established salary benchmarks based on past practices and regional or national surveys. In most cases, candidates have access to the same information through a variety of on-line resources.

It’s not just about salary!

Many new professionals make the mistake of thinking that negotiations are only about salaries. Think about benefits that might meet your needs in the areas of work/life balance, equipment support and professional advancement opportunities. For example, does the company allow employees to telecommute, will you have access to a lap top, PDA or will the company pick up your phone bill. In terms of professional development – what kind of training programs are available and will there be opportunities to build a network that will support your career growth.

Learn from this experience!

As much as you hate this process, it is one you might repeat several times throughout your career. As the workplace and workforce continue to evolve, employers and employees have become more comfortable with shifting paradigms. Negotiations about responsibilities and duties will continue and so will negotiations about compensation. This is definitely not the last time that you might find yourself on a different side of an issue from an employer. How you handle this first negotiation, will probably be a good indicator of your future career with the company.

1. Start Early. A student should get to know their campus career services well. He should ask questions about the process of getting a job his first year in college. He should use the career counseling services to find out about internships, co-ops, part-time employment and what college recruiters look for when interviewing, how to interview, and appropriate follow-up once the interview is done. If the student is unsure as to a career choice, the campus career services may be able to offer specific tests to help him determine which career path is best for him.

2. Gain Experience. Many employers are looking for students who have work experience or show they have the fortitude to achieve their goals even if the path is not a smooth one. Students should always look for opportunities to have an internship each semester they are in college. In addition, students should also remember that not all internships will be paid ones. The best opportunities are the ones that are unpaid yet offer the student complex assignments, networking opportunities, and significant experience in their field of study. Students can gain experience by volunteering at a non-profit, coaching a children’s sports team or tutoring children or adults in specific areas such as reading or math. Many non-profits do have the monies to pay for services that college students may be able to do; however, these same non-profits have members of the business communities on their board of directors who can serve as a reference or a mentor is invaluable. Moreover, companies look for those who have a sense of community spirit because it helps their standing and goodwill in the community. Students can also find jobs on campus in their IT Department as programmers, research assistants, library services, administrative services, and the old tried and true, waiter/waitressing jobs.

3. Networking. The old adage of “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is absolutely true, particularly in today’s market. People who have often landed a job did so based on a referral from a friend, colleague, or mentor. Also, please be mindful of social networking on the internet. Employers are using the internet to conduct background checks on the applicants’ worthiness of employment. Resume. Employers often receive hundreds of resumes every day and have to sort out which one meets the minimal requirements of the job they are hoping to fill. They do not have much time to sort through a resume that resembles a short story. A resume should be neat, concise and straight to the point.

4. Learning a foreign language. The world is flat is indeed true! It pays dividends to learn a foreign language. Many companies are looking for perspective employees who are fluent not only in Spanish but also in Chinese, Portuguese, and French.

5. Communication. Effective communication is essential in understanding the exchange of information between individuals. With the advent of emails, texting, and twittering, it is necessary to develop a speaking and writing style that reflects the training you received in college. Remember to stay away from the use of slang, and useless conversation. Keep up with current events in the community, nation and world. Employers are looking for applicants who can speak effectively both orally and in writing.

6. Appearance. Always be neat, cleaned, well groomed with the right attitude when interacting with employers. First impressions are lasting impressions. Your appearance says a lot about your desire to achieve greatness. The right attitude will determine your altitude.

7. Respect. The old adage is “manners can take you where money can’t”. Students must be respectful of themselves as well as others. There are many different cultures in the world. What may be taboo to you may be accepted by others. Learn to be open to different styles, ways and traditions.

It’s a tough economy, however if you are patient, follow the tips with the right attitude, you can have a successful start to your career upon graduation.

Dr. Hansen begins the article by discussing the present job-hunting environment and incorporates the value of marketing. He gives a better understanding of how to use and apply key marketing techniques and concepts to obtain a position within the job market. Sales are one of the first misconceptions for marketing. Sales is merely one of the mere aspects of marketing. Marketing has a broader meaning to understand and has four keys. The four keys for marketing are product, promotion, place and price. These keys help students to fully understand themselves to be marketable and to get the job that they desire and deserve.

Through job search and strategic planning, the first aspect of planning is to answer questions in relation to their job history and career. The author addressed five questions:

Where have I been, where am I now, and where will my career be if I do nothing Where do I want to go with my career?

How do I get to where I want to go?

How do I convert my plan into action steps?

How do I make changes to my plan if I am not observing success?

These questions are part of uncovering career goals and fields as well as detailed information about themselves to market themselves. It is essential to know to answer these questions to become successful in your job search.

The author focuses on the four P’s of the marketing mix. He goes into much detail regarding ways to market work experience, skills, and features that makes them unique. No matter how attractive a product looks, the employer may not be interested for several reasons. First, the product has to clearly be recognized as value by employers and there are some questions that you need to ask yourself. For instance, what is the one thing that makes you different from any other jobseeker applying for the same job? What are your accomplishments (not just job titles)? These questions are an essential part of the job search process because presenting you to be a better product to promote.

In some ways, the next step of the marketing mix may be the most vital piece of career marketing and this next step is promotion. Promotion is basically includes cover letters, resumes, cold calling, and interviewing. These tools can assist towards getting a job interview and ultimately the job offer. Revising your resume and mock interviews are one of the first places that you should start to strengthen this step during your job search.

The third step to the marketing mix is place which is also known as networking. Having a place where individuals to network will be crucial in a successful job search. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and connecting with people that can assist you in your job search. For instance, current or former coworkers, colleagues, professional meetings, alumni, social or business functions. These people and places can be the ultimate link that will make your search much stronger and have better results.

The final step of this marketing mix is price. Price is often linked to salary since all aspects of the benefits/compensation plans. Dr. Hansen concludes this article by focusing on salary. Fringe benefits should be carefully looked at and include benefits such as medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, 401k plans, stock options, parking or expense reimbursement, bonuses, life insurance, vacation, paid holidays, and personal/sick days. If you take advantage of these tools, you will be more marketable and prepared for this competitive job market.

Too often people find themselves in a job they thought was perfect, only to discover it is not the dream job they expected. Why does this happen? Is it a misrepresentation of the position by the company? Does the job seeker see the opportunity through rose colored glasses and ignore the red flags? Are the obvious negative aspects ignored in hopes that this job will be ideal? In some situations, I believe the answer to these questions is “yes.” However, in many situations, it is a matter of a misunderstood fit because the job seeker has not considered how their personality will affect the appropriateness of the position.

Your personality significantly impact on how well your position fits you, your happiness with the position, and even your success in that position. Over the years, I have come to understand the various personalities and how they affect career satisfaction by studying the Myers/Briggs Type Indicator and reading many of the books by Florence Littauer. I would like to share with you four areas to consider and several questions to ask yourself as you search for your ideal position.

To deal with people or to not deal with people…what is your preference?

Start with your attitude towards people. When you are around people, do you feel energized? Do you find you make friends with anyone, anywhere? Do you like to talk? Answering these questions can help you determine if you are suited for a career that requires a high level of interaction with people. It probably means that you either enjoy people in general or that you like to work with people to accomplish goals. Some individuals enjoy being with others because they like to entertain or be entertained. They are usually good storytellers and look forward to social interaction. Others might like being around people when they are working on a project or completing a task together. These individuals are usually concerned with accomplishment and would much rather work on a cause than attend a party. If you consider yourself a people person, careers that offer you significant interaction with others will be an ideal fit and will add to your job satisfaction. Examples of good choices for careers might be sales, corporate training, teaching, or occupational therapy.

Some people, on the other hand, feel exhausted when they have to work with people. They dread spending a great deal of time with others and prefer a quiet, uninterrupted environment that allows them to think. Although interaction with a few co-workers can be enjoyable, a steady stream of conversation, meetings, and office noise is very distracting. Does this sound like you? If the answer is yes, you are going to want to focus your job search in a field that doesn’t require you to constantly be around people. Good examples might be a career in accounting, writing, or some field of research. You will need a career that allows you the “quiet time” you require to do your best work.

Many career fields require working in teams. In some fields, it is the way the whole organization functions. In others, teams are not as widely used. Asking yourself some questions up front can save you headaches and frustration later on. Are you the type of person that thinks creatively when you are able to bounce ideas off others? Do you enjoy the camaraderie that results from a small group of people striving toward a goal? Or, does working with a group make you feel like you have an anchor around your neck because everything moves so slowly? Does the exchanging of ideas and possible conflict involved in team meetings make you uncomfortable? Working in teams is such an important part of many careers, that it is an aspect for consideration in any job search.

Were you at the front or the back of the line?

Many of us played the simple game of follow the leader when we were younger. Think back to when you played that game; where were you in line? Were you the child that had to be in the front of the line leading the rest of the group around the room? Now that you have grown up, do you still like to be in charge? Are accomplishments important to you? Do you enjoy providing direction to a group of people? Answering “yes” to these questions indicates that a position with leadership should be a successful match, so look for a position that includes leadership. This will allow you to use your skills to the benefit of your team, your company and yourself. Pursuing a leadership position will help you avoid the frustration of being at the middle or the back of the “follow-the-leader line”. There are many examples of careers that utilize leadership skills – business, marketing, management, and law to name a few.

On the other hand, you might have been one of those kids that liked to be at the back of the line. You would prefer to play a supporting role and find it hard to get motivated to be the one in charge. If this description resonates with you, then you will want to concentrate your job search for a position without specific leadership responsibility. As you search for a position, consider what the company expects from you as an employee. If your success rests on how well “your team” does than that position is probably is not ideal for you. You will most likely find it hard to motivate your team to achieve the goals and stay on task because you have a hard time finding the motivation. Finding that ideal position in which you will be successful, will require some inquiry during the interview process. Working within a larger department in a field that interests you might be a good fit; you will find motivation in the work but not be required to lead.

Organized…or not?

Each person has his or her own method of caring for their belongings, managing projects, and keeping track of details. And some are better at it than others. This is certainly an area of concern when looking for a job. Some of us have a spot for everything and make sure that items are returned to that spot. Others will just let them fall where they may. When you are searching for a job, ask yourself if you have trouble staying organized. Does your work area typically look like a tornado hit it? Do you struggle to keep papers and projects in order? If your answer is yes, you are going to be more successful in a position that allows you some freedom; a position that does not require you to have everything necessary to do your job in a precise location. Also, if you struggle with disorganization, positions that do not have a lot of deadlines are going to be a better fit for you. You also do not want to be in a position that requires you to share a workspace with others. More than likely you will know where to find that paper, but that probably won’t be the case for your teammates.

On the other side of the coin, is your motto “a place for everything and everything in its place”? If a co-worker came in to look for a folder, would they be able to find it without much trouble? An answer of “yes” means your ideal position is one that will give you the opportunity to showcase that organizational ability. Positions that require planning and have a schedule will be best for you. You will want to find a position that requires follow-through because you will find creative solutions to finish a project that is started. A position with deadlines will not be a problem for you; in fact, you most likely will have the task completed long before it is due. You will also want to find a position where you will have your own workspace. Sharing a workspace with a messy co-worker will have you updating up your resume in short order.

Big picture or paint by number?

Some people are “big picture” thinkers and can see the end product but are unable to tell you how they got there. Do you constantly have new ideas for programs and projects? Can you envision what that project will look like when in a completed state but feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out how to achieve your vision? If so, then you will find your success in a position that allows you to develop strategic plans but you not have to be in charge of planning how the project will be completed. Your success will not be found in a position that has a lot of tedious details. However, you will be a great motivator for those that are assisting you in the development of the project or program as you achieve the goals together.

Other people are very talented at carrying out the plans of an overall vision. They prefer a “paint-by-number” approach. When a co-worker presents an idea to you, are you able to see all the steps that need to be accomplished to make that idea come to life? Do you like charts, graphs, and lists? Do you like a structured approach on projects? If these questions can be positively answered, then positions in which you will find satisfaction are positions that allow you to work with details. Positions that work with schedules, coordination of people and events, and working on the ‘little things’ to achieve the goal will serve you well. You will be the person that gives a realistic view of what is needed to achieve the goal and will keep your co-workers grounded and focused.

What should Cecelia have done?

Can you see where Cecelia, the unhappy Marketing Manager, went wrong? She assumed that because she was good at managing projects, she would be good at managing people. But for many people, it doesn’t work that way. As you begin the search for your ideal position, considering your personality will help you find a position at which you can be successful and satisfied. Working outside your personality is like pushing a rock up a hill all day long, resulting in fatigue and frustration. However, finding a career that suits your personality can be very rewarding, even energizing. Although every job has some aspects that aren’t exciting, wouldn’t you like to feel happy and content at the end of the day? I encourage you to discover more about your personality and to use that knowledge to find a career that you enjoy!

Why do referrals work for businesses?

Referrals tend to be a great resource for employers for a variety of reasons. The two primary reasons that it works is:

• The employee probably already has some basic idea about the job (from their friend or family member)
• And they already have built a personal relationship with a future coworker.

How Can You Get Referred?

Armed with the knowledge that a majority of employers tend to look favorably upon candidates that are referred into them, how can you benefit from this knowledge? Through networking. Some think of networking as going to a business after hours and shaking hands or to a professional meeting. This is a part of it, but there is so much more. And those that learn to effectively use their network, will score more interviews and ultimately a stronger position.

Networking in its simplest form is just talking to other people and learning ways that you might be able to benefit them (either today or in the future) and that they might be able to benefit you. Every one of us already has a network, though some are larger than others. Your first level network consists of all the people that you know. This can include friends, family members, teachers, community members that you might come into contact with, and more. Your second level network is all of the people that they know and so on. Social media has expanded this even further to include anyone within several degrees of your ‘friends’ or ‘connections.’

What’s the best way to utilize your network?

The most common mistake with those that are networking for their next job is to just reach out and let everyone know that you may be looking for a job. While you certainly want to market that to your friends and family, this does not help your network help you. It is in our nature as humans to want to help our fellow man. So make it easy for your network members to help you. Here’s some simple steps to getting referred into your next employer.

• Know Yourself — Be very clear to yourself what type of work you are seeking. While it may sound enthusiastic to say, “I’ll do anything.” Interviewers know this is not really the case, nor are you qualified for just anything. Be ready to define the types of skills you have, the types of jobs you are willing to do, and how you could have a positive impact on a potential employer.

• Be Specific — Related to the first, be specific about not only the types of jobs you are interested in, but also the employers. If you find a job through another source, like a job board, reach out to your network. Do you know someone or someone that knows someone that works for that employer? Then ask to be referred into the employer. This also goes back to human nature. Once we are happily employed, we may not even realize what opportunities are available within our own employer. Make it easy for your network to refer you by letting them know that you say a position listed that you have an interest in. Send them your resume and ask for an introduction either to the hiring manager or the recruiter in charge of that area.

• Do The Paperwork — Online applications are time consuming. However, they are there for a reason. Employers need the information at some point to be able to hire you. Even though you have been referred, also go through the process of completing the organization’s online application or other information requested. This makes it easier for the recruiter as they will at some point in time have to have you in their system. Again, you want to make it easy for them. When you do this, be sure to include your network contact’s information.

• Follow Up — Whether or not you receive the job or even just a simple call back, be sure to follow up with your network contact. Let them know where you are in the process. And thank them for their time.

Remember, your network can help you get noticed. The rest is up to you.

The issue that I am constantly faced with, working as a higher education career counselor, is not getting career internship information to students; it’s them applying the information given. It is understandable, based on stereotypes associated with internships, for students to be skeptical, but if students only knew how critical internships were to their overall career success, they would be beating down the doors of companies. Right now is a very historical time in our society with the “baby boomers” retiring and thereby relaxing positions in virtually every area of industry. We may never see this type of shift again. Now is the time to take advantage of this “career eclipse.”

Students who truly want to succeed in this global economy might want to set their sights on industries such as health care, business (financial management), science & technology (engineering), law, and education, and being that the top 25 fastest growing careers in the US are all pulled from these industries, career success is highly inevitable. The federal government is currently accepting internship applications. The highlight of working with the federal government is that not only are you developing a sustainable skill set, but you are paid upwards of $30,000 to do so, as an intern, working about 640 hours! I wish these types of opportunities were available when I was an undergrad. Students should visit usajobs.gov and research agencies of interest.

The moral of this article is for students young and old to give themselves every advantage that they can. The days of going to college with the assurance of having a job once you graduate is over. You have to develop not only a “plan of action” for yourself, but a “career plan of action” for yourself. This can be achieved by:

1. Meeting with your academic advisor to develop an academic plan and with your campuses career counselor to develop a career plan.
   
   
2. Your freshman year should be dedicated to acclimating yourself to college life and getting your GPA to, at least, a 2.8 (required of most internships). Of course, if you really want to set yourself apart strive for a 3.0 or better.
   
   
3. Internships are critical to career success. Start researching your freshman year what areas of industry are a good fit for you. That research will assist you in choosing your major.
   
   
4. Interfacing with as many professional people as you can (i.e. career services personnel, professors, department heads, recruiters, faculty, staff, employers who visit your campus even if they are not related to your field of study, etc.). The idea is to enhance your networking skills, broaden your career scope and develop a list of contacts. You never know who may place you in that dream job or internship.
   
   
5. Visit departments that represent the industry for which you are interested and pick their brains. You don’t want to leave anything to chance. After all you want this process to be as painless and effective as possible.
   
   
6. It’s a good strategy to participate in an internship starting your sophomore year. This will give you three years of practical experience or training in your chosen field. By utilizing this strategy you put yourself in a “win-win” situation. You’ve gained extensive operational knowledge that you might not have otherwise been able to obtain all the while becoming and extremely valuable trained asset for the company. Who do you think the company is going to invite to come on board, the student with the business degree and no skills set or you? It’s a no brainer. Internships rock!

Many moons ago I was a young bright eyed student at this prestigious historic black university. Upon entering Tuskegee University (formally know as Tuskegee Institute), I knew that I would be following the path of many people I deem as greats, such as my Mother, Father, Great- Great-Uncle (class of 1906), and not to mention the scientist/inventor George Washington Carver.

Little did I know that attending Tuskegee was my initial introduction to my daily practice of “being still”, a.k.a meditation. During my college years I faced a few challenges that at the time seemed like major obstacles. My experiences were simply teaching tools that helped me apply the peace and serenity that are present in my life. The HCBU world, in my opinion, provides young students with the opportunity to get to know who you truly are. It taught me to focus not only on academics, but real life scenarios which established my dedication to Yoga.

Reflecting back to my time at Tuskegee as well as my HBCU years I am filled with an overwhelming since of gratitude. I am thankful for the camaraderie I had, with my TU and HBCU families; the solidarity reminds me each time I practice Yoga. As I grow older I attribute my success, balance, and harmony to my time at Tuskegee. The invaluable lessons and knowledge gained prepared me to become a successful professional, and individual. College can be a challenge and a time to explore the young adult that you have become. My exploration gave me an enthusiasm and focus that I feel would have been missing had I gone to any other school. It also helped me to develop and nurture the spiritual part of me that I had neglected. I will always remember sitting and meditating outside of my dorm room, and remain grateful to Tuskegee. Dawn Morgan

According to a presentation on “Economic Trends and the Implications for College Recruiting” presented by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) government agencies are projecting an increase in employment while most sectors project a decrease. With this information, we should encourage our students to broaden their job search and consider employment with government.

In his column, Joe Davidson of the Washington Post cited a report by The Partnership for Public Service, which focuses on talent in the federal sector, stated that by 2012, “federal agencies will lose nearly 530,000 employees. Many jobs, of course, need to be filled much sooner than that”. Most of the loss will be to retirement of the babyboomers and attrition.

There are several advantages (tangible and intangible) why students should apply for government jobs:

• Long term employment
• Rapid promotions
• Competitive salaries
• Benefits
• Educational Assistance
• Service to the community

If there are advantages, then there must be some disadvantages:

• Entry level Salary
• Slow hiring process

When you look at the facts, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages to students should give serious consideration for employment with the government. Considering the current economic and security environment, the most prime opportunities available within the government are financial, homeland security, intelligence and defense, etc.

Here are some tips on how we should encourage our students to apply for government jobs:

• Assign someone in your career center to educate students about opportunities in the federal government. This could be done through seminars, government career fairs or classroom visits.

Work with federal agencies to ensure students receive current information about the jobs that are relevant to their majors.

Sponsor campus events and make information about federal careers available. Make use of the various seminars, and career fairs, or invite students to an information sessions or arrange to make presentations to the student organizations.

Invite alumni who are making important contributions as federal or government employees to speak with the students and instructors.

Speak about the importance of governmental service at appropriate occasions. For example, prior to a career fair or encourage instructors to invite speakers to their classes.

Educate the students on where to find employment within the federal government (websites, network, career fairs, etc.)

For many years, the PVAMU Career Center sponsored Government Career Day and continues to support our Education Job Fair too. With the current demand and impending need, the university will sponsor its 2009 Government Career Fair to the campus on April 14. It is anticipated that some 20-30 agencies and offices will participate.

We believe that as Career Professionals it our responsibility to assist the students in securing the best career options available. What can be more fulfilling than to share the wide variety of options with a career in the government, the untapped market?

NOTE: This workshop was first presented at the 2006

SWACE Conference (Southwest Association of Colleges and Employees) and the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Conference in 2006.

Contributions for this article were provided by Mr. Frederick V. Roberts, Assistant Director for Career & Outreach Services at Prairie View A&M University.

We have so many tools that are placed before us to use, to help us make not just the right decisions but the best decisions for our careers. Even with these tools, we always find a way to make excuses as to why we won’t use these tools to our advantage or why we will not take that major step forward. It is very evident that many of us have gotten comfortable with our everyday surroundings, so comfortable that we have gotten complacent and are afraid to venture away from our comfort zone.

In order to step out of the box, you may have to relocate to different areas, possibly in your state, another state, another part of the country or overseas. The opportunities are limitless, so there are no excuses that we could possibly use when so many opportunities are there for us.

Even with the economy in its’ current state, opportunities of employment are available. In reference to stepping out of the box, you may need to seek employment out of your field, merely to gain some work experience to prepare you down the road for employment in your direct field. Staying home is not an option, staying in the midst of the status quo is not an option, but finding a way to better yourself and to make yourself more employable is the best option.

There are so many resources that are available to use but the fear of taking positive chances stifles our growth not just in seeking employment but also in life. We can’t allow ourselves or our circumstances to suppress us because we the fear the process we must undertake to better ourselves; you have to be ready to take those extra steps to place yourself in the position to accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself.

Why not seek more education, why not seek more technical knowledge, why not search for jobs to fit your needs and not your wants, why not defeat your fears of being successful, why not make yourself more employable, why not just step out of the box? Your reluctance to be motivated, self-reliant and engaging with your career as well as life options merely stifles you from being the best person and employee that you can be. Always be willing to step out of the box, it will surely take you places that you have never been before, and it will definitely open doors for you that have been closed to many people before you, all because you took that positive step towards your future, towards your career goals.

Your success in life and in finding the right employment rests in your willingness to take the right steps in that direction. This will require you to step out of the box and be creative in your search for employment. You don’t have to just settle for anything, but you do have to be willing to take the steps towards a positive future for you. Do you want the best for yourself? Do you seek to be the best that you can possibly be? Do you want to shake your fears? Well, it is your time to step out of that claustrophobic box, your time to reach for those goals that others think are not attainable but that you feel and know that you can reach. It is your time to make that positive move towards a promising career. So the question to all of us stands tall, WHY NOT STEP OUT OF THE BOX?

1st Stay Active

Remember, you aren’t walking back and forth to class and around campus; your lifestyle is about to change. Generally, once you leave college you will be living a more sedentary lifestyle, meaning you will be sitting behind a desk most of the day. This is why it is important to stay active, join the fitness center at your new job, find a community sports program, or enroll in a nearby Boot Camp. Generally, being involved in a group fitness program will help you to be consistent and committed to a program.

2nd Proper Nutrition

As you get older your metabolism slows down, which means your body is not able to process food as fast as it has in the past. Therefore, proper nutrition becomes very important. Try not to fall into the following trend: stopping for fast food on your way to work, followed st nd by lunch out with your co-workers, ended with happy hour after work. Believe me, this is a recipe for disaster. We are all human and eating out is fine as long as you do it in moderation. For instance, try to limit your eating out to once or twice a week, that way when you eat out you can enjoy yourself.

Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint. In order to become physically fit you must make gradual lifestyle changes. It will not happen overnight. As long as you remain consistent, overtime you will be happy with long lasting results.

Networking

The key is networking which leads to possible job interviews. Getting students to understand the importance of building an “inside contact” list is essential. Helping them to identify individuals to include on their list is an “inside out” process. They should start with people that are close to them such as family and friends. This strategy is beneficial because it helps in establishing a list of individuals who have a sense of both their personal and professional skills. So when they begin to contact them, a relationship has been pre-established.

Students are to then move outward to include alumni, advisors and professors as they extend their contact list. This list will serve as a viable resource to assist them in their job search. The idea of building an “outside contact” list which at first is one dimensional and needs to be expounded by contacting the individuals and building relationships. Students should be able to recognize this “outside” step in the networking process as a job with the potential for long-term benefits leading to the ultimate goal- employment.

Examining

Examine your relationships from the “inside out” and you will discover that you probably have a strong network in place. Making yourself seen in terms of the career that you seek is important. It is also important that you take the time to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and dispositions in order to build relationships with individuals who make themselves available to help you with your job search by providing information and sharing their insight and expertise on their career field and industry.

The “Inside Out” Idea

The idea of “networking from the inside out” involves three elements: a belief that every person has a circle of people who know their worth and are able to provide direction for career searching; everyone must strive to create an environment that encourages and stimulates them to find personal direction and every person must establish a belief that there is a job for them with their name on it.

So, you’re about to graduate, or recently have. Now what? Even in robust job markets, the process of identifying the job or company that best matches your professional skills and goals can be confusing and a little daunting. But now, in these challenging economic times, it’s even more critical that job-seekers clearly focus on courting not only the right potential employers, but also on approaching them the right way.

Many students begin their search by considering the most highlyregarded and prominent organizations in their fields – desiring to work for and with the best of the best. For nurses, allied health professionals, and other seeking employment in today’s still burgeoning healthcare industry – that road often leads to Duke Medicine.

With six incredible facilities (with three hospitals achieving Magnet designation), 30 comprehensive specialties and the world-class education and research resources of Duke University, Duke Medicine is among America’s truly elite healthcare networks. Duke’s variety and quality of challenge and reward draw the nation’s top talent, offering more than just jobs – providing true opportunities for a lifetime.

So, for those aspiring to help lead the next generation of health care advancement, how do you break through the clutter of candidates, and truly position yourself as the perfect candidate for that open position with your ideal employer?

Duke Medicine Recruiter, LanToya Hobbs shares some valuable insight and tips on how to approach, and what to expect from, the application and hiring process at Duke.

Q: Why should I choose Duke, over other career destinations?

Nowhere else will you find such complete opportunities for a lifetime. No matter how high or wide your ambitions are, you can achieve excellence here, without ever leaving the Duke system. Great flexibility, benefits, development – it’s all right here.

Q: How do I know what positions are available at Duke Medicine?

The first thing I would invite all potential candidates to do is visit our great careers web site at www.dukenursing.org. Here, you’ll find plenty of information about our system, and can search for available positions by location, area of specialty or keywords. Plus, you can apply directly online for positions that meet your skills and interest.

Q: What types of positions are in the greatest demand right now?

Needs are constantly changing in regards to openings within specific specialty areas. We encourage professionals in all specialties to visit our web site to view current openings.

Q: What exactly happens after I submit my resume to Duke?

Qualified candidates will be contacted by a recruiter, via phone or email to gather any additional information, and to ask about interview availability. A Human Resources Specialist will then coordinate an interview date for the applicant, based on the Nurse Manager’s availability. If the unit requires a shadow experience (approximately four hours per shadow session) then it is also coordinated into this visit and completed prior to interviewing with the nurse manager. After the interview (and unit-specific shadow), the candidate meets with a Nurse Recruiter to discuss benefit information. If references have been provided and confirmed, an offer could be extended, however the manager will typically interview several applicants before making a hiring decision. If an offer is extended, we typically allow a candidate 1-2 weeks to accept the offer.

Q: How long does the application process take?

Ideally, we can move a candidate from submission to acceptance in 2- 3 weeks. Depending on individual circumstances and schedules, this may take longer in some cases.

Q: What are the most important things you look for in a resume? We really look for resumes that reference previous and/or current clinical internships. We also look for anticipated graduation date, so that we can prioritize candidates.

Q: How can I best prepare for an interview with Duke Medicine?

Visit our web site to learn about our health system. We begin interviewing and offering positions to senior nursing students as early as six months prior to their graduation date, so apply early. During the interview process, you should ask questions – for example: what a typical day on the unit is like, opportunities for growth and development, when does the manager anticipate making a hiring decision, etc.

Q: What other qualities do you look for in a candidate? Most importantly, you have to have a positive attitude and a passion for providing excellent care. You must be open to feedback and willing to be flexible.

Q: Does Duke have any resources specifically for current students or recent grads?

Yes. For recent graduates that are hired, there is a unit-specific orientation that ranges from 8-16 weeks. After completion of unit orientation, nurses participate in our Nurse Residency Program. This program is designed to support the transition from student to professional nurse in the form of bimonthly sessions involving clinical topics as well as avenues for professional development.

Q: Does Duke offer internships or part-time opportunities?

Yes. Through our Professional Nursing Assistant Program, Duke offers a 10-week summer internship to rising junior and senior RN students. During this paid internship, students have the opportunity to develop positive mentoring relationships while working a 36-40 hr/wk rotating schedule. Specific details about the program and how to apply are located on our website.

Q: Do Duke recruiters make campus visits to my school or others near me?

Yes. Locally, we attend campus career days to speak to schools about our application process. For experienced RNs, we attend various national conferences throughout the year. A calendar of events is located on our web site.

You’ve invested a lot of time, energy and resources getting to this point in your life. Now, as you embark on the challenge of identifying and securing great career opportunities, it’s important to maintain the level of focus, determination and professionalism that have positioned you for success so far.

If you are truly dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care, and to becoming part of an organization that will help lead the future of healthcare, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities for a lifetime available with us at Duke Medicine. For more details, visit www.dukenursing.org today. Good luck!

At the age of twenty-eight, I read a book that describes the importance of having a purpose in life. It was called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I had had only been out of my doctoral program for about two years and was practicing at that time. I had been employed by someone else since I had completed my education.

From day to day, my goal was, as it still is today, to serve my patients to the best of my ability to get them better in every way possible. I grew tired and weary at times because those that I worked for and with seemed to have no expression like that or even any point of purpose other than making money. This made me really unhappy in my work environment. Now, I never strayed away from my daily goal but I began to take into account what I had read in the book about having a purpose in life. There were questions set up in such a way that I really had to take a look at my life and discover in the depths of my being what type of mark did I really want to make in this world. So, I took an inventory of myself and asked myself one of the main questions that Rick Warren asked in his book. This question was the one that stood out the most to me and spoke to my spirit…“What on Earth am I here for?” After replaying that question in my mind over and over again, all I could do was sit there in the deepest moment of thought I had ever experienced in my life. This proposed the best sense of well-being for me because it opened my eyes to who I am and who I am destined to be. That was how my journey to becoming the BEST began and how I discovered my purpose.

The first step in discovering your purpose is having a goal for what you want to accomplish in your life. Now, of course, money is not everything, but it has been proven that people who have goals and a purpose in life are more likely to be more successful than people who do not. Also, one must never think that there isn’t anything such as an impossible goal. Goals put you in a causal position rather than a victim position. That is good for your psychological well-being. It will make you feel as though you can achieve anything your heart desires. Goals set with a purposeful intention have an almost magical quality. It can imbue us with extraordinary ability and restore hope. It can make us almost superhuman and bring an extraordinary sense of bliss. Goals help to set the pace for the whole journey. Goals are beyond important. They are vital. In order to figure out your goals, you must get yourself a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Look for something that fires you up, that you think is needed, that you feel is important, and that you can do something about. If someone has no purpose at all, a small goal is a big improvement. But you must be aware that there comes a time when a full-on mission is called for as a context for your life. Make it a regular practice to ask yourself what you want right now. What is your goal here in this situation? What are you after? What are you aiming for? Be clear always and consciously be aware of what your purpose is this very moment. It promotes an effective, fulfilling and healthy life. And most of all, it will make you more productive. When your attention becomes fixed on what you don’t want, turn your attention to your goals and what you do want. Then just watch your sense of purpose begin to grow even stronger.

The next step towards discovering in your purpose is having motivation. Naturally, a person may think to themselves, “I need motivation to achieve my goals, but where can I get it?” Motivation to succeed in anything is not always something easy to achieve. It is something in life that does not come without sacrifice or struggle. When we overcome these difficulties, it shows our true desire, dedication and will to ultimately be the best at whatever we are faced with in this world. Work motivation and even the motivation to succeed in life are two of the most important feelings people must feel at some point in their lives in order to be successful and prosperous. Everyone will come to a point where they can begin to lose focus but it is at that point when the motivation of the individual plays a major role. Motivation can be defined as “the psychological function that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal.” Several times in life, one may decide to embark on a business endeavor or face a difficult task such as completing a dissertation for graduation or even set a fitness goal such as losing thirty pounds. The key element for success in all of these tasks is having endless motivation. One must always look inside and find the deepest sense of drive to maintain that motivation and then move forward with his or her eyes set on the victory.

The third way to discover your purpose is to have a vision and a plan. Deciding to start a new life is something that many people cannot fathom or even imagine. Being permanently placed at one position in life will never bring complete bliss or joy unless you are happy with being second fiddle to the next person. If that is not your position of choice, you must have a plan. Intelligence is not enough. One can possess all the knowledge in the world but knowledge without wisdom creates nothing but an educated fool. You should change your thinking and things around you daily to be sure that you can maintain your focus. Going to the gym, practicing meditation, or even eating a healthy meal should ultimately be like waking up in the morning. These sorts of outlets afford you an opportunity to keep your mind clear and your vision sharp. There will always be obstacles placed in your path but when you have a plan and a vision, your laser like focus provides a dynamic sense of discernment and answers as to how you can stay on track. It takes perseverance and hard work to follow a plan and attain what it is that you desire in your vision. At the beginning and end of the day, you must realize that it all rest in your hands. The choice you make daily must have faith and desire behind it, because without that, there is nothing more than an empty promise. Start today by creating a dream board with a time line of when you plan to attain your goals and dreams. Do not wait any longer. Be the best you can be and know what you have in your heart, mind, and hands are your tools for your success. Never let your plan or vision become stale or outdated. Your vision and plan should be just as important and as valuable as you being blessed to see the sun rise and set every day. As long as you remember that your best and brightest days are still ahead of you, you will always be driven to attain your vision, master your plan and move in your purpose.

In conclusion, the value of knowing your purpose in life will enable you to become more efficient, to achieve your dreams, and to move forward in this world with a plan and a vision that will change your life and other lives forever. You must be prepared to use quick, resolute and effective thinking because there will always be a challenge present to create difficulties. We are prone to let our mental senses become invaded by outside influences but you must keep your eyes on your vision, plan and goals thus not allowing your purpose in this world to be disrupted. It is physically and psychologically healthy for a human being to have a strong sense of purpose. Please, never find yourself wondering whether or not you are fulfilling your purpose. Every day in life is a pledge to yourself and God. So, with that thought in mind, you must know that you have to be strong in the moment and always finish what has begun. There isn’t one “right” purpose which you must find and follow. Remove that kind of mystical thinking from your thoughts now and forever! But you must remember that any constructive purpose is better than no purpose at all. The important thing is that you love the purpose and have a good level of accomplishment along the way. Start right now with the assumption that there is a purpose which strongly compels you or strongly interests you, and commit yourself to finding it and carrying it out to the best of your ability. A high quality purpose is concrete, challenging, and achievable. As long as you keep your purposes strong and clear, simple and heartfelt, you will find the most powerful source of self-generated happiness that exists in this world. 

How do you get to this situation of multiple offers?

Valuable internships—sometimes, internships in some industries are more competitive to get than full-time positions since there may be fewer available. Ideally, you should pursue at the end of sophomore year, and most importantly, at the end of junior year. The more impressive the company, the more marketable for full-time jobs you become. Also, by completing an internship during the summer after junior year, you should aspire to impress your managers in order to receive a full-time offer at the end of the summer from this exintern employer. Offers are frequently given to the best interns, so you are competing with your intern peers. Having an offer ‘in the pocket’ gives the student a ton of confidence going into the full-time job search. during the senior year.

How do you land high quality internships? 

Be a confident, knowledgeable job seeker. Interview practice enhances a student’s confidence level significantly. The University’s Career Services staff often has programs for ‘mock interviews’. Even if they don’t, initiate a request to the Director that you want, or I should say need, a practice interview. We at Chicago State University will actually play the role of the company that the student will be interviewing with (Northern Trust, Frito-Lay, or any other) to make it as realistic as possible. Also, companies will be glad to come to campus to give practice interviews to groups of students.

Do advanced research on specific careers and employers by networking, attending employer presentations and career fairs. Dig into the company website and other resources such as Vault.com which publishes research on industries, job functions and companies. Your purpose in researching the company is this: to be more knowledgeable about the company and industry than other applicants. Be prepared to give 3 specific responses to these two questions: 1) ‘Why do you want to work for this company?’ and 2) ‘Why are you interested in this field/job?’ Additionally, you should have 5-7 well-thought out questions which shows off your research and also distinguishes you from other applicants. Some interviewers actually place more value on the questions you ask, than the answers you give!!

In addition to self confidence and industry knowledge, what else will help me in the interview to get the internship?

Company recruiters love student leaders. Leaders are not just those that have the title of club president, it is those students who have an impact on an organization, club, university committee or class. My personal favorite question to ask in a practice interview is this: ‘How have you made an impact on Chicago State University?’ I have discovered sometimes that someone who has had the title of President really did not have a major impact on his/her organization. Multiple involvements are not better. Recruiters would rather see you have a major impact on one group than to be just a member of 4 groups.

It is much easier to demonstrate your passion for your major if you have a solid GPA. You will do better in your major if you have a sincere interest (passion) for the courses. Selecting your major is very important decision. Here again you have multiple resources to use to help you: the University Career Services staff, faculty, students in the major and alumni in the work world. You, of course, want to select a major that will be marketable to employers (a discussion of the value of a Liberal Arts education will not be discussed here). Your commitment to courses in your major must be a high priority. Also, the course selection is important—do not avoid the most difficult courses and toughest faculty. To best prepare yourself for your intern employer, select courses where group projects and presentations are required—both of these are important to excel at while in school.

In summary, the Formula to multiple job offers is this: Personal Interest (Passion) + Tough Courses + Solid GPA in Major + Impact at University + Advanced Industry Research + Advanced Interview Training = Success in Landing 1-2 Internships = Multiple Full-time Job Offers 

Self-Assessment

Yes     No

I can clearly articulate the value of my major to a potential employer.

I can name the work activities I do well and most enjoy.

I can describe the type of work environment in which I feel most productive and fulfilled.

I can list 3 marketable skills and abilities I possess.

I can describe my greatest strengths and also my greatest weaknesses.

I am aware of my values when choosing organizations where I might like to intern.

I know my geographical preferences and my geographical limitations are clearly defined.

I am certain of my career field(s) or industry(ies) of interest.

I know what it is about this (these) field(s) or industry(ies) that attracts me.

I have identified the work sectors I will consider (e.g., business, government, and health care).

I have know how interning in this field(s) fits into my career plans.

I am able to clearly and confidently state my immediate career goals.

I can list the skills, education and credentials required for the internships I am considering.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Ask a CSC counselor about taking a career interest inventory to assist you in identifying your skills, interests, and abilities.
• Utilize the CSC Career Lab (i.e., career exploration resources and career planning books) to do more in-depth career exploration.
• Mark your calendar with dates of upcoming CSC career fairs, employer presentations, and career development workshops.
• Identify at least 3 employers that might have internships for a person with your qualifications.
• List at least 3 internships that might be appropriate for your interest and abilities.
• Name at least 3 sources of information that could help you discover potential employers in a particular geographical area.
• Talk to at least 3 people who are employed in your field(s) or industry(ies) of interest with the purpose of learning more about what they do.

Putting it on Paper: Writing Effective Internship Search Correspondence

Yes     No

I can summarize my relevant personal experience in terms of work, education, and extracurricular activities for the employers I have targeted.

I have selected a resume format that suits my background and target audience.

I have had my resume critiqued and I am confident about its content and format.

I know the key points to be included in a cover letter and thank you letter.

I know how to personalize my internship search correspondence.

I have 3-5 references from individuals who can comment on my proficiency in specific areas.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Make an appointment or drop by the CSC to have your resume, cover letter, or other internship search correspondence critiqued.
• Visit the CSC Career Lab to look at sample resumes and cover letters published in print resources and magazines.
• Attend a CSC workshop on resume or cover letter writing.
• For each of your most important career-related experiences list:

3 things you did

3 things you learned

3 contributions or accomplishments you made

Getting from Here to There: Internship Search Strategies & Resources

Yes     No

I know how to utilize relevant CSC internship search tools, including postings, career fairs and professional development conferences.

I can list at least 5 employers whom I plan to contact regarding internship opportunities.

I have researched the organization, services and programs of my employers of interest

I am able to clearly and concisely state why I am interested in these employers.

I have studied organizational structures, services, products, and programs of the employers I am planning to contact.

I am aware of how to develop internship leads outside of advertised postings.

I can conduct employment research utilizing directories and other reference materials.

I have identified 3 or more web sites for my internship search.

I have used informational interviewing and networking to develop internship leads.

I have identified a variety of resources for posted positions in my field(s) or industry(ies) of interest.

I know how to conduct an internship search that targets a particular geographical area.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Use these Internship Boot camp workshops as a means of getting organized for your search.
• Schedule an appointment with a CSC counselor to clarify your internship search goals and begin developing your own individual search plan.
• Brainstorm a list of organizations agencies where you might find internships. This list will form the basis of the organizations you will target in your upcoming search.
• Make a list of all the people you know who may be able to assist you in your internship search including former colleagues, internship employers, classmates, friends at colleges and universities, neighbors, alumni, and faculty. Map out a plan to contact them about what you are looking for in your upcoming search. Talking About It: Preparing for the Interview Yes No I know how to prepare for an interview. I have already chosen or purchased appropriate clothing to wear to my interviews. I have researched and studied important information about potential employers. I know the organizational structure of my organization(s) of interest. I can clearly articulate my background and skills as they relate to a specific position. I am familiar with my non-verbal behavior and how I may be perceived in an interview. I know how to appropriately follow up with employers after interviews. If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:
• Practice your interviewing skills by attending a CSC interviewing workshop.
• Schedule an appointment for mock interview at the Career Services Center (662.254.3441)
• Locate print and web resources to assist you in researching employers.
• Visit the CSC Career Lab to review resources on interviewing. Connect with individuals who can highlight your skills, abilities, and character to potential employers and ask them if they would be willing to serve as a reference for your upcoming interview.

Whereas all of the above have some merit, it’s often difficult for most college students to put these intangibles into context so that they make sense, and can be turned into action items which can be measured with predictable results. Sound complicated? One thing is for certain – career planning is a developmental process that occurs over time.

Well let me draw you a picture that will be as simple as A B C. Begin with a simple triangle. The angles represent three interconnected parts of what I’m calling “A Career Success Model.”

Angle A represents formal Education. For you as a college student this is a listing of courses that your college or university determines is required to earn your degree. In addition, it’s all of the activities associated with successfully passing each course: written homework, research assignments, readings, individual and group class projects, term papers, book reports, surveys of literature, oral presentations, etc. If you are an education major, for instance, it’s successfully passing Praxis I & II. Your institution may also require you to passing a senior level comprehensive examination.

A Education

Angle B is Personal and Professional Development (P & P D). Your activities in this sector will vary according to your career plan. Career plans should be written down, not just something you have tucked away in your head. In my opinion, if the career plan is not written down, then it’s merely an idea. The career plan should begin with a clearly defined career goal. It’s usually broad in scope, but may also be narrowly defined. For instance:

A career in broadcasting that involves appearance on air on television or on radio

A career in bio-medical engineering with emphasis on genetics

A career in higher education administration with an emphasis on student life

A career in human services with a focus on children and families

A career in public accounting

Here is a list of possible activities that you can engage in to facilitate your personal and professional development:

• Research the profession or occupation, thoroughly. Begin with the Occupational Information Network, O*net (http://online.onetcenter.org/) for descriptions of hundreds of occupations. Develop a working knowledge of the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for entry level.
• Determine if further study is required. If so, make a list of graduate and professional schools that offer the desired education, and their admission requirements. This will be useful as you develop Angle A above, by making sure that you create the educational profile you’ll need to get admitted to the institutions of your choice. Pay special attention to requisite courses, GPA, admission exams, and the availability of scholarships and fellowships.
• Join the “majors club” on your own campus. If it is not as active as it should be, or if there is not one, get involved and recruit others to help you get it on track.
• Subscribe to professional journals and read the articles. Usually research based, journal articles are written by top professionals in their field, and provide a wealth of information about the occupation and the industry. The authors could eventually become a source of networking contacts.
• Join professional organizations or societies as a student or associate member. Attend local meetings and get involved in the organizations’ activities.
• Attend local, regional and national association meetings wherever feasible. Some may offer reduced registration and participation fees or even scholarships for students. Seek these out.
• Develop a list of skills and competencies along with personal characteristics that are required or desired. O*net is an excellent source for this information.
• If you want a career that is physical skill or performance based (broadcasting, coaching, dance, photography or art,) practice, practice, practice!
• Develop a working portfolio that represents your ability. Electronic portfolios are becoming increasingly popular however print media are still acceptable. Ask your faculty, mentors or working professionals to review and critique your exhibits.
• Work diligently to improve oral communication skills, with focus on enunciation, pronunciation and diction. Make recordings of your speaking voice, and ask others to listen and critique them. If you are shy or very nervous about making presentations in front of an audience, consider joining an organization like Toastmasters International http://www.toastmasters.org/ , “offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.”
• Make a list of employers who hire people who are doing the type of work you want to do. This list could be used to assist you in identifying internship and other opportunities to gain knowledge and experience.
• Attend career days and job fairs to gain access to people and information that may be useful to you as you continue your development.

This list clearly is not all inclusive, but I believe you get the idea. If you have difficulty creating your own list, enlist the assistance of your faculty/academic advisor and by all means consult with the career center staff on your own campus. These individuals are “information brokers” who have a wealth of information AND ideas.

B Personal & Professional Development

Angle C represents career related work experience. Internships, co-op programs, summer and part-time employment, volunteerism are included here.

C Practical Work Experience

Whereas career related experience does not guarantee employment, research shows that students who had internships during college were more likely to have employment upon graduation, than those who did not. A 2009 study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers http://naceweb.org/home.aspx, revealed that a significantly higher percentage of graduating students who participated in at least one internship had received employment offers by April that those who did not. (NACE’s 2009 Student Survey.) Many students who have at least two successful career related work experiences during their undergraduate career returned to complete their senior year with job offers in hand.

For college students who are eligible to work for the federal government, Student Educational Employment (STEP) Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) provides a variety of viable opportunities for students interested in nearly every career field to gain experience while still attending school. The USAJobs website (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/students.asp) has a full explanation of both programs. Although STEP jobs do not necessarily relate to the student’s career or education goals, they still provide an opportunity to acquire valuable work skills that are transferrable to nearly any occupation.

If you are a student pursuing a career in education, social work, communications and media, medical technology, nursing, and architecture, among others, you may have practical work (student teaching, studio, field practice, clinical rotations, etc.) built into your educational curriculum.

Paid work experience is obviously ideal because you can gain work skills/experience while earning money to help off-set your living expenses. In the absence of a paid opportunity, non-paid and volunteer opportunities may very well serve the same purpose.

In summary, there are many factors that determine the ease of one to enter a particular career, including those of which you have little or no control. Among these are economic conditions, supply and demand for certain workers in particular geographic areas, etc. This article addresses only those factors that the career-hopeful can control. You as a college student should begin as early as possible to develop the kind of profile that will attract employers when you are ready to enter the world of work and your chosen career field.

What is stress, other than an ambiguous term that we may overuse? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, stress is ” a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.” One advantage you have is that you are reading this article now…not 10 or 20 years from now. You are getting the jump on how to manage stress. What’s the best way to manage stress? The best way is to minimize or prevent it in the first place. First, you need to be able to identify potential stressors. Start paying attention to situations or conditions that make you feel on edge, pressured, nervous, or sad.

When evaluating potential careers, pay attention to the lifestyles that are associated with different positions. Are you someone that works well alone or do you perform better in groups? How much supervision do you strive under? What classes do you enjoy? What activities or jobs have you had that didn’t feel like work? What time or times of the day do you get the most work done? For example, if you need more structure or are distracted easily, working from home may not be a good strategy for you. How do you deal with new places or new people? If this is not your strongsuit, consulting may not be for you. I suspect you’re getting the gist of this now. All of these questions boil down to looking for the best fit for a career or job. The better the fit, the less potential for stress the position provides.

After you have identified potential stressors and thoroughly researched what types of careers fit you, it is time for action. The key to stress management is actively taking steps to minimize stress in your life. What are some simple things you can do? You can avoid unnecessary stress. Make sure that you plan enough time to complete tasks. Put an end to procrastination. Procrastination is one of the singlehanded most controllable causes of stress and worry. Just do; don’t think about doing. Also, don’t get so tied up in social networking and video games that you are distracted from your tasks. Twitter and Facebook aren’t going anywhere. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Overextending yourself is draining and distracting from necessary tasks. Strive to consistently manage your To-Do list. Break up the larger tasks/goals into to smaller ones. Prioritize your tasks. Work needs to be confined to work. Do your best to avoid taking work home, avoid working late consistently, avoid not taking lunch breaks or health breaks, and avoid skipping vacations. You need some time to recharge to maximize productivity. Also, you need some down time to stay physically healthy.

Here are some healthy life tips to decrease stress.

• Make sure you get plenty of sleep.
• Don’t forget to exercise and eat healthy meals regularly. Coffee, Mountain Dew, and caffeinated drinks do not count as meals.
• Avoid getting so caught up in class and work that you forget activities that relax you and bring you enjoyment. Maintaining balance in your life will do wonders to prevent stress.
• Minimize time around people that increase stress in your life, bring negativity, or discourage you.
• Seek out people that are a positive influence in your personal and professional life.

If you cannot totally avoid a stressful situation, take charge of relieving the stress. Make an effort to modify the situation. You are not powerless. Assertiveness is key, especially when in professional environments. Make a plan to minimize the stressful condition. Reevaluate strategies and time management. Look to mentors and close friends for advice. Don’t concentrate on the negative. Look for the positive side, and focus on the big picture. Is this stressor temporary or ongoing? Is it manageable or overwhelming? What can be done to change the situation? If you find you need to talk more about your situation and people around you are not enough, speak to a therapist. Therapists get paid to listen to you in a nonjudgemental manner and assist you in problem solving. None of us know it all, so learning new coping skills is never a bad thing. Getting additional help is effective problem solving. This is not a sign of weakness. This is truly a sign of strength.

Minimizing and managing stress are skills that are integral to being personally and professionally successful. Developing these skills early puts you ahead of the game. These tools assist you in seeking out careers and work environments that fit your personality and maximize your job satisfaction. At the end of the day, work should not be torture. If you realize that the job or career that you have chosen is not the best fit, you can explore other options. Career development is a fluid process. Recognizing this can also decrease chronic stress from being in a field or job that you do not enjoy. Taking active steps to minimize stress will enhance your health and happiness. Identifying stressful situations and taking active steps to prevent or reverse the stress are keys. Remember, the critical word is ACTIVE. Integrating these tools into your life will assist you in living longer, happier life. Isn’t that the universal goal?

Your Freshman year experience should include spending time exploring possible career options and doing a personal self assessment. Did you choose your major because your parents told you to or an older sibling had the same major in college? Did you choose your major because your new roommate has the same major? If you have not made that decision on your own or if you made the decision with little thought, you may want to ask yourself these questions:

What do I have a special interest in?

What abilities do I have that would help me have a career in my area of interest?

What special skills and attributes do I have?

What are my personal and work values?

Do I possess the necessary leadership skills, and if not what should I do to get them?

Along with asking yourself those questions; begin to put those things into action.

• Begin to identify interest, abilities, skills and personal/work values
• Seek career advising to discuss choosing a major and /or identifying possible career options
• Explore a wide variety of majors
• Talk to academic and career advisors about the majors you are seriously considering
• Develop and practice good study habits, organizational and functional skills
• Investigate and join campus organizations that might interest you. This is a good way to develop leadership, organizational and planning skills.
• Participate in campus activities – get involved in what’s happening on campus.
• Seek summer, part-time and volunteer jobs to explore careers and gain valuable experience

Answer the following four key questions:

1. What do I want to do when I graduate?
2. What can I do with the degree that I am seeking?
3. What do I need to do to develop myself further?
4. How can I ensure that I start the career I am seeking after graduation?

• Read the newspaper and watch the news daily. Keep up with current events.
• Register with the Office of Career Services
• Attend ALL activities sponsored by the Office of Career Services
• Create your personal four year career development plan

All things are created twice. We create them first in our minds, and then we work to bring them into existence. Own the creations in your mind so that you can then own the process of executing them and making them real. You cannot pursue anything and be successful at it without first believing that you can and second putting the time, energy and dedication into making it become a reality.

If your freshman year is over and you really did not have the quality experience that you thought you should have, there is time to start over next semester with renewed vigor and excitement about your educational journey. Don’t worry about the fact that you may not be attending an Ivy League or Flagship institution. Focus on ensuring that you use all of the resources available to you at your university.

Join a circle of friends who have great aspirations as you do. Spend time with your professors and academic advisors. Get involved in the full collegiate experience and enjoy the journey to the end of your story!

Helene A. Cameron, MBA

Director of Career Services and Business Manager for the Division of Student Affairs

Fayetteville State University

Nomadic students have become a real concern for small colleges. Their transfers, withdrawals, and terminations can impact the stability and certainly the enrollment. Large colleges and universities are competing for these students. Assuming that current trends will continue, it is incumbent upon small colleges and universities to develop a recruitment and retention strategy. These schools may need to look again at the quality and management of their products.

Schools look toward the Career Counseling and placement Center, and rightly so, to develop a convivial environment comfortable to the basic needs and demands of the students during their college sojourn. Students need a fundamental framework for their academic career. They need a Career Counseling and Placement Center to seek information about lucrative jobs that will merit them the best career for the educational dollars invested and advice that will aid in the career planning.

There are no easy answer for recruitment and retention of these consumer oriented students, but there are some steps that can be taken to increase the probability of success at small colleges and universities.

Provide high schools with the college bulletin via internet

Establish a yearly parent day for all students

List all available support services (counselors-academic, emotional, career)

Make sure that all support services are solid and in place.

Have checks and balances in place for each student toward graduation

Provide a list of achieving alumni with whom students can network

For years, the small colleges and universities were the safety nets schools for the college bound student, but now the student pool is open to all academia. It is deemed that small colleges and universities are faced with a lack of enrollment management skill and capital to protect their share of the student market. Nevertheless, if these universities are to survive this consumer education era, they must be prepared to respond to challenges of the new consumer oriented students at all levels of the institution. Students must be able to discern that they have made the best choice. Leaving for another school might be less viable option when the student believes that the small college or university is a place to invest for a sound foundation in education that will lead to that lucrative career choice.

“Overall, I honestly think that the career fair and workshop sessions were definitely worth it. I gained a lot of knowledge pertaining to the workforce and what life is like outside of college. The most important concept to me was, understanding the difference between a job and a career.”

The American Small Business Alliance, Inc. wishes to thank everyone for another successful year. If you are interested in attending next year please call us at 301-596-6031, The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Career Development Marketplace will be (tentatively) held on October 28, 2010 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C. 

Current-generation, traditional college students are much more casual than previous generations. On just about any campus nationwide you will find that young people are pretty casual when it comes to attire. This, in fact, is characteristic of the millennial generation. On our campus, scores of students were dressing inappropriately for career fairs and job interviews, so we thought this would be an excellent way to teach and get the message across to the masses. The purpose of this initiative was to share with our students a guide for appropriate business professional and business casual attire.

WSSU’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs assisted by funding the project while the WSSU Office of Marketing and Communications assisted with the card design and branding. The cards were placed in attractive displays around campus in various high-traffic offices. We attached the Office of Career Services logo and contact information to the display stand as a marketing tool.

After the professional development cards were printed (Professional and Business Casual Dress), there was a request for this office to develop the Campus Attire Do’s and Don’ts dress cards. Along with assistance and input from the WSSU Student Government Association, these cards were created and added to the display stand as well.

Initially, the cards were handed out during career fairs and major functions. In our office, we also had setup mannequins in the front of the office displaying professional business attire. The students immediately embraced the cards, even faculty and staff reported using the cards as a guide for their personal use. We have also shared them at Open House Events and University Prep Week. They serve as an excellent resource for students who may not know or understand the standards of appropriate attire for class, job interviews, career fairs, social events, internships, etc.

Today, students are increasingly dressing properly for interviews, career fairs, and other special events. We have also noticed improvement in the student’s dress on campus. In addition, we provide students with recommendations and suggestions on how to acquire affordable presentable attire. This has been a great success for the WSSU Office of Career Services and for our students.

As you participate in your day-to-day Career Planning, ask yourself a few simple questions:

Are you handling your Finances or are they handling YOU? Simply put, how’s your cash flow? Your savings? Investments? How are you living?

One of the MAIN reasons we attend college, get our education, and/or concern ourselves with Career Planning is for FINANCIAL Security. Now is the time, no matter what your age or present financial status to learn to manage your Finances. Times have changed, in our nation, the FINANCIAL rules have changed, but FINANCIAL Security should still be YOUR lifelong goal/everybody’s goal.

It may sound “frightening” or intimidating to be asked to take your finances into your own hands; but you can, and you can make Financial Planning a daily habit; a habit that can soon become as simple and as easy as remembering to drink water every day.

***

Here are a few questions you may also have:

• How can I start saving and/or investing today, when I am on my own & I don’t have ANY extra cash flow?
• I am on financial aid and/or I have already taken out student loans; how can I get my credit on point and start saving & investing, at this time in my life?
• America as a whole is going through tough economic times; how can I do better at saving or investing, when I am in college, just getting started & already struggling?

***

Here are just a few suggestions on how to get started with your individual Financial Security, TODAY:

NOW is NOT the TIME to GO IT ALONE:

Our Career Services Department provides brochures, articles and other pertinent information to help students with their choices for Career Information, as well as early Financial Planning. Visit your Career Services Department often; they are there for YOU! ? Ask for HELP! Seek professional advice and use caution when using the internet or any unknown sources to you.

• Inquire with your family about your current auto insurance provider; many auto insurance companies will offer additional services, such as: Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, and Savings & Investment information.
• If your parents or guardians are helping you through, ask if you can begin to handle the direction of your own cash flow.
• NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK and only seek information or membership with trusted individuals or groups.

PROTECT your ASSETS:

• Do not let “everyone” know what you are holding.
• Keep a record of ALL transactions.
• Never leave important documents lying around. This includes checks, checking & savings info, credit & investment account information and/or anything with your Social Security information on it.
• Shred ALL documents that do not have to be retained for tax or accounting purposes.

BE FRUGAL:

• A penny saved is a penny earned – still applies in this day and time!
• SAVE! SAVE! SAVE then INVEST! INVEST! INVEST!
• Put ALL of your change in a “piggy” bank or in one BIG jug – it will begin to add up & that growing balance can IMMEDIATELY be turned into an investment!
• Give up your favorites! For example, spending on a morning “latte” or a 3-piece snack adds up; give it up for a few months. [If you spend $3 to $5. for every snack or beverage x 7 days a week; it adds up to $21 – $35. or more every week. Deposit those savings every month — to keep from spending it — then INVEST smartly.]

DO THE MATH:

• Start saving TODAY! You’re NEVER too young to start SAVING & INVESTING!
• You can start with money earned from part-time jobs or errands; such as, babysitting, mowing lawns…

*SAVINGS EXAMPLE:

A nickel saved every day for a normal calendar year = $18.25; but as an investment, cash + compound interest will begin to build a brighter future for you, IMMEDIATELY!

• A dime a day/for a yr. = $36.50 25 cents a day for 365 days = $91.25
• 50 cents a day/for a year = $182.50 $1.00 a day/for a year = $365.00
• $2.00 a day for a year = $730.00 $5.00 every day for 365 days = $1,825.00
• $20.00 a month for 12 months = $240. $50. per month for 12 months = $600.
• $100 a month = $1,200.00 at the end of the year **

**A Sample investment couple = Kenya [age: 25] saves a little over $100.00 per month and invests it over the next 10 years. Stephen, also 25 yrs. old, delays his savings until he turns 35, saving the same amount per month as Kenya did when they were 25, but saving and investing for 20 years.

**At retirement, Kenya has over $500,000; yet, Stephen’s retirement = a little over $300,000. The difference being that Kenya started at a younger age — that factor + compound interest on “aggressive” investments, gave Kenya the advantage.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

Familiarize yourself with terms, such as:

a) Unrealized “gains” = the money$ you’ve made on paper.

b) Cash = your realized gains

c) Credit/Debit Cards & Prepaid Cards

d) Investment/Investor terms

e) Credit Scores/Credit Reports

***

Here are a few examples of Financial websites to refer to:

• mymoney.gov
• investopedia.com
• sharebuilder.com
• CNNMoney.com
• consumerreports.org

**To check your Financial Credit Reports go to: www.annualcreditreport.com

DO YOUR RESEARCH:

Recent words of advice from Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffett:

[Taken from www.oprah.com or www.warrenbuffetonline.com ]

PAY YOURSELF FIRST! With any income, pay yourself a percentage FIRST!

1. Understand what you own.
2. Understand what you want/what you want to be & where you would like to head.
3. Own a piece of the company where you spend the most $money. [i.e., Nike, Starbucks, Gucci]
4. START SAVING & INVESTING TODAY! START EARLY! START YOUNG!
5. Small amounts of money DO matter. DON’T throw any money or money resources away. [i.e., stocks, bonds, trust funds, etc.]
6. Don’t ever miss a CHANCE to put a penny, nickel, dime, etc. away for your “rainy days”!
7. YOU CAN START INVESTING with less than $100.00.
8. Try Prepaid cards. A Prepaid card gives you the use of “plastic” by letting you deposit a certain amount in a Visa or Mastercard account; so there’s no chance of overspending. No repayment or interest problems are on these cards; thusly, it keeps you from compiling debt from high APR rates on regular credit cards.
9. A huge American myth: DON’T start your Retirement Planning until you are “out of your 20’s”… nothing could be further from the truth! Just like Trust Funds & College Funds – you can prepare for your retirement years, STARTING TODAY!

***

And finally:

PUMP IT UP!

Start taking care of YOURSELF - as well as your ASSESTS - TODAY! CARPE DIEM!

1. EVERYONE has the potential to be WEALTHY & FINANCIALLY SECURE – GO FOR IT!
2. Most of all, HAVE FUN! Today is the 1 day of the REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

My challenge to you is to begin your job search early and to gain hands-on experience in your field of study at your college through participation in cooperative education and internship programs. You can also gain relevant experience through part-time or volunteer work connected to your career interest. The cooperative education internship program allows students to alternate school and work terms in order to apply their academic training and prepare for life beyond graduation. The program adds credibility to one’s ability to interact in an actual work environment, plus it helps pay the bills. Perhaps one of the greatest long-term benefits of the co-op experience is that it often opens the door to future employment opportunities. Over ninety percent of the co-op students at Morris College were converted to fulltime employees with their co-op employers upon completion of requirements for graduation.

In conclusion, students should do the following things to ready themselves for the world of work.

• Get some hands-on experience in your field of study.
• Become actively involved in campus organizations and extracurricular activities to build your teamwork skills.
• Join a professional organization in your major.
• Participate in service learning.
• Maintain a good grade point average.
• Develop strong communication skills.
• Acquire and develop computer skills.
• Keep track of the job market in your field.
• Finally, visit the Career Services Center at your school and enlist the assistance of the competent and experience staff and use the resources available to you for successful career planning.

1) Comes to class on time:

• Coming to class on time can be an indicator to determine if the new hire will come to work on time. It shows responsibility and good time management skills.

2) Participates in class discussion:

• Participation in class discussion indicates readiness and a desire to contribute.

3) Offers their time to campus or community initiatives:

• Offering freely of one’s time shows an attitude of help and social responsibility. It shows a willingness to go above and beyond what is required.

4) Uses critical thinking skills to solve problems:

• The student who thinks critically is the future employee that will make sound decisions by weighing options, taking calculated risks, and accepting suggestions from others.

5) Readily accepts the task of being group leader or team captain:

• The student that accepts the role of leader will likely display the same skills as a new employee. The student who takes the initiative to hone his or her leadership skills will be best prepared to move your companies forward.

I hope this bit of information helps you in making your decision. To the students who are reading this… does this describe you?

Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a fouryear institution that offers 12 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Education. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America’s Best Colleges in the Midwest, the University, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor’s degree in the metropolitan area.

Reference NACE Job Outlook Report, 2010. Retrieved March 19, 2010 from http://www.naceweb.org/Research/Job_Outlook/Job_Outlook.aspx? referal=research&menuID=69&nodetype=4