The Center for Entrepreneurship and JMU Net Impact would like to invite you to our upcoming Sustainable Business Profile, where we host a sustainable business professional to engage with students and show them how an organization may be profitable while also being environmentally sustainable.
Kevin Tucker (JMU'93) manages SOLitude Lake Management, a full-service lake and pond management company that serves a number of organizations across Virginia. Join him Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. in 105 Showker Hall to learn more about his sustainable business model.
Carol Hamilton, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship
Steven Tomey, President, Net Impact, JMU Undergraduate Chapter
cfe@jmu.edu
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
03/27/13 Job Search Agent Results from Recruit-A-Duke!
Job Search Results for ENGINEERING
March 27, 2013
Contracts Coordinator (entry level) (14586)
Carahsoft Technology Corp. - Reston, Virginia
Due to our record growth, we have immediate openings in our Contracts Department in our Reston, VA headquarters office.
Join our dynamic Contracts team!
Carahsoft has immediate openings for entry-level Contract Coordinators. This is a rare opportunity for an outstanding fresh college graduate to enter the Federal contracting arena.
... view details
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The 9 things that matter more to employers than grades
By Becky Johns | Posted: March 7, 2013
This story first appeared on PR Daily in May 2011.
A friend who works with the alumni association at my alma mater asked an interesting question on Twitter.
The tweets poured in, and the overwhelming sentiment was that college GPA matters very little in professional success.
Grades are the determining factor for performance in school. But in the professional world, that’s not how it works. Your bosses won’t tell you which questions will be on the test.
Your college GPA is a combination of several factors but isn’t really the best indicator of how you’ll perform in the working world. We all know that person with perfect grades who struggles socially or that person who couldn’t care less about school but seems to have no trouble making great things happen in their life. Book smarts and street smarts are very different things.
Take your classes seriously. Do the work. Show up and learn something. Meet your professors. But I’m here to tell you, the GPA you achieve in college doesn’t matter.
Here’s what does:
1. Knowing how you learn
Spend time during college determining how you best learn and retain information. Some people need to see it, some need to hear it, some need to write it, and some need to practice it before it sticks. As an employee, you’ll need to learn new things as you go, remember them, and prove you’ve absorbed the information.
2. Applying theory to real-life situations
It’s one thing to recite the 4 P’s of marketing or learn how the purchase decision funnel looks on paper, but things won’t always happen in the marketplace the way they do in your textbooks. Learn how to take fundamental information and proven best practices and apply them in new situations or projects. The real world will always throw new variables at you, so knowing how to adapt theory to practice is crucial.
3. Time management
Learn how much time you need to research and write a paper, get to your classes and jobs on time, fit a workout in your day, and still have something of a social life. Time management is a vital skill. In your professional life, you’ll need to know how to manage your time to meet deadlines, tackle to-do lists, and avoid banging your head against the wall in the process.
4. Relevant professional experience
Jobs, internships, student organizations, and volunteer projects in your industry will prepare you best for the working world. Do as much as you can to work in your field during college and learn about what you want to do (or in same cases, what you don’t want to do). Your future employer will take your experience as the absolute best indicator for your potential in a new position.
5. A portfolio proving you can produce work
Keep samples of your best work from classes and internships. Many employers will want to see your work before hiring you. If you’re not building a portfolio through things you’re required to do before you graduate, then produce these things on your own time. Practice writing articles, press releases, pitches, designing publications, compiling clip reports, research summaries, or anything else you might be hired to do. Practice is important.
6. The ability to give and receive feedback
Learning to accept praise and criticism is incredibly important. You’ll participate in employee reviews with your boss someday, so the ability to hear different types of feedback, internalize it, and adjust accordingly will matter to your job performance.
It’s also important to learn to how to give feedback to others. When you collaborate with colleagues, you’ll have to offer positive and negative comments on others’ work.
7. Presentation skills
Offer to be the speaker on behalf of your group in your classes, and learn how to present your projects as an intern. The ability to convey ideas clearly, speak confidently with your bosses, and discuss your experience in interviews will be an important part of your professional life.
8. Writing skills
It’s sad how many students leave college lacking solid writing ability. Focus on developing this skill, because it will matter in everything from reports to pitches to emails. You don’t have to become a blogger, but finding places to practice writing content and have it edited will really help improve your skills.
9. Your network
You’ve heard it many times: “Who you know is more important than what you know.” It’s true. (It’s what you need and who you know.) Start building your network right away. Get in the habit of meeting new people, nourishing your relationships, and helping others by making introductions. You are most likely to find job opportunities through your network. Build it!
What else matters more for students than GPA? Or am I wrong? Is GPA more important than I’ve made it out to be?
A version of this story first appeared on Becky Johns’s blog.
This story first appeared on PR Daily in May 2011.
A friend who works with the alumni association at my alma mater asked an interesting question on Twitter.
The tweets poured in, and the overwhelming sentiment was that college GPA matters very little in professional success.
Grades are the determining factor for performance in school. But in the professional world, that’s not how it works. Your bosses won’t tell you which questions will be on the test.
Your college GPA is a combination of several factors but isn’t really the best indicator of how you’ll perform in the working world. We all know that person with perfect grades who struggles socially or that person who couldn’t care less about school but seems to have no trouble making great things happen in their life. Book smarts and street smarts are very different things.
Take your classes seriously. Do the work. Show up and learn something. Meet your professors. But I’m here to tell you, the GPA you achieve in college doesn’t matter.
Here’s what does:
1. Knowing how you learn
Spend time during college determining how you best learn and retain information. Some people need to see it, some need to hear it, some need to write it, and some need to practice it before it sticks. As an employee, you’ll need to learn new things as you go, remember them, and prove you’ve absorbed the information.
2. Applying theory to real-life situations
It’s one thing to recite the 4 P’s of marketing or learn how the purchase decision funnel looks on paper, but things won’t always happen in the marketplace the way they do in your textbooks. Learn how to take fundamental information and proven best practices and apply them in new situations or projects. The real world will always throw new variables at you, so knowing how to adapt theory to practice is crucial.
3. Time management
Learn how much time you need to research and write a paper, get to your classes and jobs on time, fit a workout in your day, and still have something of a social life. Time management is a vital skill. In your professional life, you’ll need to know how to manage your time to meet deadlines, tackle to-do lists, and avoid banging your head against the wall in the process.
4. Relevant professional experience
Jobs, internships, student organizations, and volunteer projects in your industry will prepare you best for the working world. Do as much as you can to work in your field during college and learn about what you want to do (or in same cases, what you don’t want to do). Your future employer will take your experience as the absolute best indicator for your potential in a new position.
5. A portfolio proving you can produce work
Keep samples of your best work from classes and internships. Many employers will want to see your work before hiring you. If you’re not building a portfolio through things you’re required to do before you graduate, then produce these things on your own time. Practice writing articles, press releases, pitches, designing publications, compiling clip reports, research summaries, or anything else you might be hired to do. Practice is important.
6. The ability to give and receive feedback
Learning to accept praise and criticism is incredibly important. You’ll participate in employee reviews with your boss someday, so the ability to hear different types of feedback, internalize it, and adjust accordingly will matter to your job performance.
It’s also important to learn to how to give feedback to others. When you collaborate with colleagues, you’ll have to offer positive and negative comments on others’ work.
7. Presentation skills
Offer to be the speaker on behalf of your group in your classes, and learn how to present your projects as an intern. The ability to convey ideas clearly, speak confidently with your bosses, and discuss your experience in interviews will be an important part of your professional life.
8. Writing skills
It’s sad how many students leave college lacking solid writing ability. Focus on developing this skill, because it will matter in everything from reports to pitches to emails. You don’t have to become a blogger, but finding places to practice writing content and have it edited will really help improve your skills.
9. Your network
You’ve heard it many times: “Who you know is more important than what you know.” It’s true. (It’s what you need and who you know.) Start building your network right away. Get in the habit of meeting new people, nourishing your relationships, and helping others by making introductions. You are most likely to find job opportunities through your network. Build it!
What else matters more for students than GPA? Or am I wrong? Is GPA more important than I’ve made it out to be?
A version of this story first appeared on Becky Johns’s blog.
Using Social Media in the Job Search
Curious about using Social Media in your Job Search but are not sure where to start? Then come to one of the upcoming presentations explaining how to use Social Media in your job search.
Social Media & the Job Search
Tuesday, March 26th at 2PM in Wilson 306
Thursday, April 4th at 4PM in Sonner 119
Hope to see you there!
Thanks, Laura
Laura Yu Hickerson
Career & Academic Advisor
Liaison to College of Integrated Science & Engineering
JMU|Career & Academic Planning
Wilson Hall, 301, MSC 1016
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540.568.6555
hickerly@jmu.edu
http://www.jmu.edu/cap
Check out the CAP blog: http://realworldadvisor.blogspot.com/
Social Media & the Job Search
Tuesday, March 26th at 2PM in Wilson 306
Thursday, April 4th at 4PM in Sonner 119
Hope to see you there!
Thanks, Laura
Laura Yu Hickerson
Career & Academic Advisor
Liaison to College of Integrated Science & Engineering
JMU|Career & Academic Planning
Wilson Hall, 301, MSC 1016
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540.568.6555
hickerly@jmu.edu
http://www.jmu.edu/cap
Check out the CAP blog: http://realworldadvisor.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 22, 2013
A summer course in Metals and Jewelry
Registration for Summer session at JMU is in full swing, and it's a great time to take a Metals and Jewelry class through the JMU School of Art, Design and Art History.
In contemporary practice, craftsmen and artists use the techniques and materials of jewelry to create sculpture, body adornment, and decorative and functional objects. The summer sessions of ART 240 Metals and Jewelry are a great way to learn more about metal and metalsmithing techniques, creative problem solving, and the composition of beautiful and meaningful objects. The class is also an on-going experiment in applied thermo- and fluid-dymanics, and metallurgy.
This summer, in addition to teaching the basics of small-scale metal fabrication, we will be covering Laser and Micro-TiG welding and induction casting techniques as well.
These are intensive 3-credit summer courses that run in four-week blocks (May 13-June 7, and June 10 - July 5, from 12:30 to 5:20 pm.) with class sizes that are small, so I can be focused on you.
The usual pre-requisites and restrictions on registration for this class are waived for summer enrollment. If you experience any difficulty registering, please contact me.
Please visit my website for more information on me and the Metals and Jewelry classes at JMU at http://www.mrooker.com or email me at rookermd@jmu.edu.
Thank you,
Mark Rooker
In contemporary practice, craftsmen and artists use the techniques and materials of jewelry to create sculpture, body adornment, and decorative and functional objects. The summer sessions of ART 240 Metals and Jewelry are a great way to learn more about metal and metalsmithing techniques, creative problem solving, and the composition of beautiful and meaningful objects. The class is also an on-going experiment in applied thermo- and fluid-dymanics, and metallurgy.
This summer, in addition to teaching the basics of small-scale metal fabrication, we will be covering Laser and Micro-TiG welding and induction casting techniques as well.
These are intensive 3-credit summer courses that run in four-week blocks (May 13-June 7, and June 10 - July 5, from 12:30 to 5:20 pm.) with class sizes that are small, so I can be focused on you.
The usual pre-requisites and restrictions on registration for this class are waived for summer enrollment. If you experience any difficulty registering, please contact me.
Please visit my website for more information on me and the Metals and Jewelry classes at JMU at http://www.mrooker.com or email me at rookermd@jmu.edu.
Thank you,
Mark Rooker
03/20/13 Job Search Agent Results from Recruit-A-Duke!
Job Search Results for Engineering
March 20, 2013
Analyst - College-Hire (R13-182) (15735)
Metron Aviation, Inc. - Dulles, Virginia
Metron Aviation is looking to expand its ranks to support the growing need of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research, product development and mission analysis. Strengthened by the Airbus acquisition, Metron Aviation’s long-term strategy is to support and accelerate ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Entry Level Mobile Developer (15835)
Gunnison Consulting Group Inc. - Washington, District of Columbia
Gunnison Gonsulting Group Inc. Is currently looking for entry level mobile developers to work on projects in the DC metro area. Gunnison is a lean, agile firm, providing extremely high quality and expert IT consulting services to government and commercial customers.
Qualified candidates will be responsible for the following:
- Developing ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Programmer Opportunity for Recent Graduates (15827)
Systems Logic - nationwide, United States
Exciting Job Opportunities for recent Graduates as Programmer
We are looking for people like who are good at coding, programming, If you wish to opt for better career prospects, share your resume to us at below address.
eMail: thadoju.madhavi@systems-logic.com
Requirement:
Immigration Status: F1/OPT/CPT/EAD/L2 & GC’s
Qualificatio ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Engineering Education Collaboratory at VT
Engineering Education Collaboratory (SEEC) at Virginia Tech: A Full-time Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Program Dates: June 10 - August 2
For complete program information: https://sites.google.com/site/surevt/
Application Review will begin March 15 and will continue until all spots are filled.
Apply at https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=c4D6SW5o24p2CKSlkjAxhg
Stipend and Allowance
This REU-like program will provide a fellowship of $5,500 for an 8-week, full-time research experience (June 10, 2013 to August 2, 2013). This fellowship includes a $1000 housing allowance plus $4500 for other living expenses. In addition, students are eligible for a travel reimbursement up to $500.
Eligibility Requirements
> Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
> Must be rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students in any discipline with an interest in the SEEC projects listed below and on the SEEC website.
> Must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
> Undergraduate students across the country and at Virginia Tech are encouraged to apply!
**Minorities, women, handicapped students, and students from community colleges and “undergraduate” institutions where research opportunities are not available are especially encouraged to apply.
Program Overview
Engineering Education is in the midst of a transformation as new approaches to teaching and learning are taking hold in classrooms across the world.
SEEC provides an opportunity for you to be part of this change by participating in projects that invent new models for how students learn and how teachers teach.
In this interdisciplinary collaborative program, you'll work with leading faculty and graduate student researchers to co-create educational models for the new millennium.
Students will:
> Conduct research in interdisciplinary teams focused on solving a complex research problem associated with or located within SEEC research groups
> Learn to translate research to varying audiences (e.g. other scientists, the general public) through the development of a research projects that are of direct use in engineering education
Program projects
> Creating Video Games for STEM Museum Exhibits
> Developing Engineer of 2020 Traits: How do Non-curricular Activities Impact African American Students?
> Does Motivation Matter for Conceptual Change? Exploring the Implications of “Hot Cognition” on Conceptual Learning
> Engagement in Design Education through Critical Engineering Challenges
> Faculty Use of Research-Based Instructional Strategies
> Integrative Learning Assessment
> Promoting Interdisciplinarity in Design Teams
> Student-Faculty Interactions in Design Education
> Undergraduate Interest in Engineering Graduate School
PLEASE NOTE:
1. All applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of a decision by no later than April 15, 2013.
2. Students accepted into the program must submit an official transcript by April 30, 2013 to confirm official acceptance into the program.
3. Each participant must commit to participate in assessment activities at both
the VT during summer of 2013 and in follow-up assessments after the research
experience.
For more information contact:
Dr. Tomalei Vess at tvess@vt.edu
OR
Dr. Lisa McNair at lmcnair@vt.edu
Program Dates: June 10 - August 2
For complete program information: https://sites.google.com/site/surevt/
Application Review will begin March 15 and will continue until all spots are filled.
Apply at https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=c4D6SW5o24p2CKSlkjAxhg
Stipend and Allowance
This REU-like program will provide a fellowship of $5,500 for an 8-week, full-time research experience (June 10, 2013 to August 2, 2013). This fellowship includes a $1000 housing allowance plus $4500 for other living expenses. In addition, students are eligible for a travel reimbursement up to $500.
Eligibility Requirements
> Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
> Must be rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students in any discipline with an interest in the SEEC projects listed below and on the SEEC website.
> Must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
> Undergraduate students across the country and at Virginia Tech are encouraged to apply!
**Minorities, women, handicapped students, and students from community colleges and “undergraduate” institutions where research opportunities are not available are especially encouraged to apply.
Program Overview
Engineering Education is in the midst of a transformation as new approaches to teaching and learning are taking hold in classrooms across the world.
SEEC provides an opportunity for you to be part of this change by participating in projects that invent new models for how students learn and how teachers teach.
In this interdisciplinary collaborative program, you'll work with leading faculty and graduate student researchers to co-create educational models for the new millennium.
Students will:
> Conduct research in interdisciplinary teams focused on solving a complex research problem associated with or located within SEEC research groups
> Learn to translate research to varying audiences (e.g. other scientists, the general public) through the development of a research projects that are of direct use in engineering education
Program projects
> Creating Video Games for STEM Museum Exhibits
> Developing Engineer of 2020 Traits: How do Non-curricular Activities Impact African American Students?
> Does Motivation Matter for Conceptual Change? Exploring the Implications of “Hot Cognition” on Conceptual Learning
> Engagement in Design Education through Critical Engineering Challenges
> Faculty Use of Research-Based Instructional Strategies
> Integrative Learning Assessment
> Promoting Interdisciplinarity in Design Teams
> Student-Faculty Interactions in Design Education
> Undergraduate Interest in Engineering Graduate School
PLEASE NOTE:
1. All applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of a decision by no later than April 15, 2013.
2. Students accepted into the program must submit an official transcript by April 30, 2013 to confirm official acceptance into the program.
3. Each participant must commit to participate in assessment activities at both
the VT during summer of 2013 and in follow-up assessments after the research
experience.
For more information contact:
Dr. Tomalei Vess at tvess@vt.edu
OR
Dr. Lisa McNair at lmcnair@vt.edu
Monday, March 18, 2013
Ashworth Brothers, Inc. Job Postings
Interested
in working for a leading manufacturer of conveyor belts to the food processing
and other industries? ASHWORTH BROS., INC. strives to be the
premier employer within our industry, and a leading employer within our
community. We want to attract and retain
the best associates for our organization, recognizing our success depends on a
partnership based on respect, involvement, development and growth for all our
employees. Here’s your opportunity to join
us for a long-term rewarding career.
QUALITY ENGINEER
Winchester, VA
This
position is our Quality Champion and will develop, implement and improve our
quality systems to ensure continuous production within our standards, customer
specs, and production goals. In this
hands-on position you will provide technical expertise, leadership, and be
involved in company-wide quality improvements.
The
qualified candidate will have a B.S. degree in Engineering or related field, a
minimum of 7 years quality experience in a manufacturing setting and a strong
background in statistical and Lean Manufacturing techniques. Six Sigma knowledge and Green Belt status is
beneficial. Must have experience with
developing/documenting quality procedures & use of quality methods with
in-process and finished goods inspection.
ASQ Certification & ISO9000 familiarity a plus.
Interested
candidates should email their resume and salary requirements to: career21305@ashworth.com
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER
Winchester, VA
This
position requires an individual versed in many facets of manufacturing
engineering with a focus on process improvement. You will be responsible for continuous
improvement of all production related processes & equipment. Your goal is the manufacture of high quality
products in a repeatable and cost effective manner. The position will also engineer, design, draw
and commission new equipment and improve existing equipment.
We require a
B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with minimum of 4 years’
experience in a manufacturing setting.
Experience with automation and robotics is required and Controls
experience is highly desired. Must have
direct involvement with machine and tooling design with Solid Model software
knowledge; AutoCAD Inventor preferred. A strong background in Lean
Manufacturing and Six Sigma techniques is necessary.
To apply for
this opportunity please forward your resume and salary requirements to: career21307@ashworth.com
Visit us at www.ashworth.com
EOE/M/F/D/V
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
REU in Environmental Sustainability at Univ. of Colorado
The University of Colorado Boulder will host a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Environmental Sustainability from June 3 – August 9, 2013. Undergraduates will be mentored by faculty and graduate students as they conduct research emphasizing multimedia approaches to environmental challenges. Applicant review will begin March 15 and continue until the cohort of 9 students is filled.
For more information and the application, see our website:
http://spot.colorado.edu/~bielefel/REU.html
or email the project PI: Lupita.Montoya@colorado.edu
For more information and the application, see our website:
http://spot.colorado.edu/~bielefel/REU.html
or email the project PI: Lupita.Montoya@colorado.edu
03/13/13 Job Search Agent Results from Recruit-A-Duke!
Search Agent Results for ENGINEERING
March 13, 2013
Analyst - College-Hire (R13-182) (15735)
Metron Aviation, Inc. - Dulles, Virginia
Metron Aviation is looking to expand its ranks to support the growing need of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research, product development and mission analysis. Strengthened by the Airbus acquisition, Metron Aviation’s long-term strategy is to support and accelerate ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Software Engineer - College-Hire (R13-181) (15703)
Metron Aviation, Inc. - Dulles, Virginia
Metron Aviation is looking to expand its ranks to support the growing need of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research, product development and mission analysis. Strengthened by the Airbus acquisition, Metron Aviation’s long-term strategy is to support and accelerate ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Systems Engineer - College-Hire (R13-179) (15704)
Metron Aviation, Inc. - Dulles, Virginia
Metron Aviation is looking to expand its ranks to support the growing need of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research, product development and mission analysis. Strengthened by the Airbus acquisition, Metron Aviation’s long-term strategy is to support and accelerate ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Monday, March 11, 2013
College Seniors The Time to Find a Job is Now
By: Bruce Kasanoff
First, let's be clear. Your goal isn't to get a job this month, but rather to lay the groundwork so that you'll have a great job when you graduate.
Start conversations, not interviews: Before you get interviews or offers, you need to start interacting with people who are already in the workforce. Reach out and have intelligent conversations with them.
Contact alumni from your school who are working in industries or jobs that might appeal to you. Reach out to friends of your parents, neighbors or professors. Read articles like crazy, and send notes to those who wrote or were featured in articles you found interesting.
You have two goals in these outreach efforts. The first is to learn about what people do and where you might best fit in. The second is to create a line of evidence (for use months later, when firms are hiring), that you really do have strong interest in a particular area. One of the best things that can happen in, say, early April is for an executive to observe, "I remember you. We talked back in February."
Interact with class: Not everyone follows through in a professional manner, and the people who do stand out. Value the time of every person to whom you speak. Do your research before you speak and know as much as you can about his or her company, division and job.(Example: is their stock up or down? Why?)
Send thank you notes immediately after speaking to someone. When you connect with another person to whom they introduced you, send a brief note to let them know, and to thank them again.
Be incredibly curious: You're about to take one of the pivotal steps of your entire life, and the job hunting process doesn't have to be stressful. You can think of it like being a kid in a candy store. Learn as much as you possibly can. Read everything you can get your hands on about intriguing companies, industries and opportunities. When you get a chance to talk with someone, be genuinely interested. The depth and intelligence of your questions are one of the best ways you have to demonstrate that you are a person with true potential.
Get real: Coming out of business school, I interviewed with one of the top consumer goods companies and was telling the interviewer all about what I could do for his firm. He finally stopped me and asked, "Do you have any idea what an assistant product manager does?" I didn't, and was pitching like a budding CEO, instead of someone who is going to add numbers and follow-up on details.
You're going to have to pay your dues, and prove your value. Understand the realities of the jobs they give recent college grads. When you describe your skills, explain them in this context.
Set your expectations right: Your first job isn't going to make your dreams come true. It's a transition between school and a career. Don't expect self-actualization, incredible wealth, and six weeks of vacation.
But you should expect to work for a company you respect, and with people from whom you can learn. If an offer doesn't provide you with a positive step in the right direction, don't take it.
Will you be successful?
The job market remains challenging. Not every college graduate will get a great job. But if you start taking these steps right now, you will vastly increase your odds of success.
First, let's be clear. Your goal isn't to get a job this month, but rather to lay the groundwork so that you'll have a great job when you graduate.
Start conversations, not interviews: Before you get interviews or offers, you need to start interacting with people who are already in the workforce. Reach out and have intelligent conversations with them.
Contact alumni from your school who are working in industries or jobs that might appeal to you. Reach out to friends of your parents, neighbors or professors. Read articles like crazy, and send notes to those who wrote or were featured in articles you found interesting.
You have two goals in these outreach efforts. The first is to learn about what people do and where you might best fit in. The second is to create a line of evidence (for use months later, when firms are hiring), that you really do have strong interest in a particular area. One of the best things that can happen in, say, early April is for an executive to observe, "I remember you. We talked back in February."
Interact with class: Not everyone follows through in a professional manner, and the people who do stand out. Value the time of every person to whom you speak. Do your research before you speak and know as much as you can about his or her company, division and job.(Example: is their stock up or down? Why?)
Send thank you notes immediately after speaking to someone. When you connect with another person to whom they introduced you, send a brief note to let them know, and to thank them again.
Be incredibly curious: You're about to take one of the pivotal steps of your entire life, and the job hunting process doesn't have to be stressful. You can think of it like being a kid in a candy store. Learn as much as you possibly can. Read everything you can get your hands on about intriguing companies, industries and opportunities. When you get a chance to talk with someone, be genuinely interested. The depth and intelligence of your questions are one of the best ways you have to demonstrate that you are a person with true potential.
Get real: Coming out of business school, I interviewed with one of the top consumer goods companies and was telling the interviewer all about what I could do for his firm. He finally stopped me and asked, "Do you have any idea what an assistant product manager does?" I didn't, and was pitching like a budding CEO, instead of someone who is going to add numbers and follow-up on details.
You're going to have to pay your dues, and prove your value. Understand the realities of the jobs they give recent college grads. When you describe your skills, explain them in this context.
Set your expectations right: Your first job isn't going to make your dreams come true. It's a transition between school and a career. Don't expect self-actualization, incredible wealth, and six weeks of vacation.
But you should expect to work for a company you respect, and with people from whom you can learn. If an offer doesn't provide you with a positive step in the right direction, don't take it.
Will you be successful?
The job market remains challenging. Not every college graduate will get a great job. But if you start taking these steps right now, you will vastly increase your odds of success.
Top 10 Things to Mention in an Interview
By: Adam Grabek
The job interview might be the only thing left between you and the position of your dreams. Even when you’re the most qualified candidate with references galore, a poor interview performance can leave a lousy impression on a potential employer.
Yet, you can avoid nearly all interview mishaps if you prepare the right way for your interview. This means always knowing which talking points to bring up — and why these points are important in determining if the position is a good fit for you.
Here are 10 things to always bring up in an interview:
1. The Work
The most fundamental goal of the interview is to determine whether you have the skills to do the job. Still, your interviewer may not even know how to figure out if you have what it takes. You must be ready to do it for them. Be prepared with a list of your top selling points so the interviewer is completely aware of your advantages over others.2. The Company
In a 2011 survey by AccountTemps, 38 percent of managers said the number one interview mistake they encountered was little or no knowledge about the hiring organization. Don’t let that happen to you. Do your homework ahead of time so you are ready to say why you want to work at that job and for that company.3. The Culture
The work environment can determine whether you love your job or hate it. Address the work culture with your interviewer to make sure your values align. There’s nothing worse than landing a job only to realize the organization is not a place where you would feel comfortable working.4. Industry Knowledge
Want to “wow” the interviewer? Show off your knowledge of the industry. Talk about recent newsworthy events or the company’s newest products. Thoroughly understanding your industry proves your passion for the field. In addition, having this knowledge suggests you have a deeper level of expertise than the average candidate.Related: How Following Industry News Can Boost Your Career
5. Past Experiences
Your past experiences demonstrate how you would perform if you landed the job. So, you want to be prepared to describe past experiences where you had a big impact. If you have numbers to back up your claims, that’s even more persuasive.6. Portfolio
A portfolio is a visual representation of your past work. It not only shows off your accomplishments, it also gives you added value. While a portfolio may not be essential for many positions, having physical representations off your work that you can share upon request will make you look good because you went that extra mile.Related: 5 Reasons Why All Job Seekers Need to Have a Work Portfolio
7. Your Plan For the Position
Your interview needs to show the company what you can do for them. Lay out what you’d do, should you get the job. This plan doesn’t need to be detailed–it just needs to illustrate how you would positively contribute to the position. For instance, presenting how you would reduce customer turnover is an easy, yet beneficial way to show an employer why you would do well.8. Your Referral (if you have one)
There’s nothing wrong with name-dropping if the person helped you land the interview. If you were referred to the position, be sure to remind the interviewer. This connection may put some legitimacy behind your candidacy, as well as spark a positive conversation between you and the interviewer.9. Thought-out Questions
Always make sure you have questions at the end of the interview. From queries about the interviewer’s role to thoughts on the history of the position, questions show your desire for the job. They can also give you more insight into the role, which may not have been addressed during the more formal portion of the interview.Related: 9 Killer Questions Candidates Ought to Ask the Interviewer
10. Next Steps
Understanding the next steps in the interview process is essential. Always ensure you’re aware of what these are. It may be a second interview. It may be giving the company a list of references. It may mean you won’t know the outcome for a few weeks. By asking about these next steps, you’ll know what to expect and gain some peace of mind. You’ll also show your enthusiasm for this position.As you can see, job interviews can be a much smoother process if you use this checklist. Do your research, emphasize why you are the best candidate for the job, and always leave on a good note. You’ll find the outcome of the interview will be much more positive if you do.
What do you think? What are some other things to always bring up in an interview? Let us know in the comments below.
Related: How to Answer the Top 10 Interview Questions
Alan Carniol is the Founder of InterviewSuccessFormula, a program that helps job seekers to deliver powerful answers that prove why they are the right person for the job. Follow Alan and Interview Success Formula on Twitter.
03/06/13 Job Search Agent Results from Recruit-A-Duke!
Search Agent Results for ENGINEERING
March 6, 2013
Account Executive- Sales & Marketing Internship (15662)
Campus Special - Harrisonburg, Virginia
The Campus Special is the industry’s leader in college marketing. We are based out of Atlanta and Chicago and work with over 350 universities nationwide. For the last 3 years, The Campus Special was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the US. Our internship program was nominated in 2009, 2010 ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Internship - Paid
Business Analyst (9998)
Vensoft Inc. - nationwide, United States
BA will assimilate & analyze underlying business processes. Elicits, identifies & documents clear, accurate business requirements. Builds successful relationships with stakeholders & developers. Bridges gap between stakeholders & technical teams. Project management, training and support to client. Maintains requirements ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Experienced Hire, Full Time - Entry Level
Business Intelligence Analyst (10001)
Vensoft Inc. - nationwide, United States
The Business Intelligence Analyst utilizes the latest business intelligence solutions including COGNOS and SQL Server (SSRS, SSAS), to analyze, create analytical reporting from relational databases. Works with business users and customers throughout project life cycle for projects related to multidimensional cubes in order to create Analysis rep ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Experienced Hire, Full Time - Entry Level
Business Intelligence Developer (10000)
Vensoft Inc. - nationwide, United States
The Business Intelligence Developer utilizes the latest business intelligence solutions including COGNOS and SQL Server to develop relational databases. Works with business users and customers throughout project life cycle for projects related to multidimensional data analysis and reporting solutions. Supports existing multidimensional cubes in ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Experienced Hire, Full Time - Entry Level
Contracts Coordinator (entry level) (14586)
Carahsoft Technology Corp. - Reston, Virginia
Due to our record growth, we have immediate openings in our Contracts Department in our Reston, VA headquarters office.
Join our dynamic Contracts team!
Carahsoft has immediate openings for entry-level Contract Coordinators. This is a rare opportunity for an outstanding fresh college graduate to enter the Federal contracting arena.... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
IT Consultant /Intern (14513)
CGI - Fairfax, Virginia
Are you passionate about solving business problems using technology? Are you an out-of-the box thinker with excellent communication skills and a strong interest in supporting federal clients? If so, CGI Federal is interested in speaking with you! We are currently seeking rising seniors with strong academic backgrounds and leadership experience. ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level, Internship - Paid
Microsoft .Net Developer (9994)
Vensoft Inc. - nationwide, United States
Microsoft .Net Developer will develop or customize software for client use. The .Net Developer’s role is to develop, implement, analyst, and troubleshoot software programs and applications.
Responsibilities include:
Configuring
Coding
Developing
Documentation
Common System Platform and System Knowledge:
Visual Studio.net ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Experienced Hire, Full Time - Entry Level
Quality Analyst (9999)
Vensoft Inc. - nationwide, United States
QA will evaluate and test new or modified software programs and software development procedures used to verify that programs function according to user requirements and conform to establishment guidelines: Writes, revises, and verifies quality standards and test procedures for program design and product evaluation to attain quality of software e ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Experienced Hire, Full Time - Entry Level
Sales Representative (15674)
W.B. Mason Co., Inc. - Beltsville, Maryland
Job Description:
W.B. Mason continues to explore new territories and we are looking for talented Sales Representatives to help grow our business. The Sales Representative will sell office products to business and industrial establishments or individuals at the customer's place of business or in the showroom. If you have enthusiasm, a willingne ... view details
POSITION TYPE:
Full Time - Entry Level
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
SHENTEL Internships and Summer Help Positions
We have 15 Internship and 13 Seasonal Help positions available at Shentel this year that we would like to make students aware of. Internships are available to rising juniors and seniors or graduate students and pay $12 an hour. Seasonal Help positions are available to freshmen and sophomores and pay $8 an hour. We have the following internships available:
2 Accounting & Finance Internships
1 Human Resources Internship
7 Engineering Internships
3 Information Technology Internships
2 Sales & Marketing Internships
More details on specific details can be found at www.shentel.jobs on each individual internship and students can visit the site to apply.
2 Accounting & Finance Internships
1 Human Resources Internship
7 Engineering Internships
3 Information Technology Internships
2 Sales & Marketing Internships
More details on specific details can be found at www.shentel.jobs on each individual internship and students can visit the site to apply.
How to speak body language during an interview
By Brian Johnson | Posted: February 19, 2013
Controlling the message isn’t just about knowledge and words. It can also be about controlling your body—and imparting the right body language.
When it comes to the in-person, one-on-one interview there are some important things to put into practice to keep yourself in control. They are the finishing touches to a successful interview.
The eyes tell a thousand lies: For the duration of the interview look at the person you’re talking to. No one else. Try watching an interview where the subject is looking all over the place. You will probably miss his or her message, let alone believe it.
The hands have it: Your hands will want to do distracting things during an interview. So let them. But little things—not big things. Keep them low, no higher than your chest, and move them naturally to express yourself. It can be a useful release of nervous energy. Otherwise they’ll want to plant themselves in your pockets, run themselves through your hair, touch your face, command your arms to fold, or force other parts of your body to start moving around uncomfortably. Give your hands a little air, but keep them low.
Fashionista blister: Ever been distracted by someone wearing really bad clothes? Seriously out of style? Colours and patterns that have an epileptic flaring effect on the TV screen? When dressing for an interview keep the flares, big shoulder pads, and prized mustard safari suit on hold for your next big social occasion.
I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date: You can be the greatest expert around, but if you’re running late your interview could be a calamity. Don’t risk becoming a bundle of nerves. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview—getting out of the office, through the traffic, and settled in well before it starts. You don’t want to start your interview with high blood pressure and a racing pulse.
Artificial intelligence: This is the opposite of being late. It’s about feeling good. For you, that might be going to the gym ahead of the interview, getting a haircut, or having your favorite breakfast. It may simply be doing your normal routine, but ensuring you arrive for the interview at least 10 minutes early, having done your practice. But it certainly shouldn’t involve having a drink or three ahead of the interview.
Mirror image: The three best ways to get better at interviews are to practice, practice, and, yep, practice. The best way to practice is in front of a mirror. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a TV, radio, newspaper, or website interview. Whatever. Close the door, leave your ego outside, and talk about your key points and anecdotes while looking yourself in the eye. You will automatically critique and improve your performance as you go along. When the interview is on for real, you’ll be glad you looked yourself in the eye so many times. You’ll know how you’re coming across.
This blog is an excerpt from “The Little Red Book of PR Wisdom,” a new resource for 2013, by Brian Johnson, an award-winning journalist and leading PR practitioner.
When it comes to the in-person, one-on-one interview there are some important things to put into practice to keep yourself in control. They are the finishing touches to a successful interview.
The eyes tell a thousand lies: For the duration of the interview look at the person you’re talking to. No one else. Try watching an interview where the subject is looking all over the place. You will probably miss his or her message, let alone believe it.
The hands have it: Your hands will want to do distracting things during an interview. So let them. But little things—not big things. Keep them low, no higher than your chest, and move them naturally to express yourself. It can be a useful release of nervous energy. Otherwise they’ll want to plant themselves in your pockets, run themselves through your hair, touch your face, command your arms to fold, or force other parts of your body to start moving around uncomfortably. Give your hands a little air, but keep them low.
Fashionista blister: Ever been distracted by someone wearing really bad clothes? Seriously out of style? Colours and patterns that have an epileptic flaring effect on the TV screen? When dressing for an interview keep the flares, big shoulder pads, and prized mustard safari suit on hold for your next big social occasion.
I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date: You can be the greatest expert around, but if you’re running late your interview could be a calamity. Don’t risk becoming a bundle of nerves. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview—getting out of the office, through the traffic, and settled in well before it starts. You don’t want to start your interview with high blood pressure and a racing pulse.
Artificial intelligence: This is the opposite of being late. It’s about feeling good. For you, that might be going to the gym ahead of the interview, getting a haircut, or having your favorite breakfast. It may simply be doing your normal routine, but ensuring you arrive for the interview at least 10 minutes early, having done your practice. But it certainly shouldn’t involve having a drink or three ahead of the interview.
Mirror image: The three best ways to get better at interviews are to practice, practice, and, yep, practice. The best way to practice is in front of a mirror. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a TV, radio, newspaper, or website interview. Whatever. Close the door, leave your ego outside, and talk about your key points and anecdotes while looking yourself in the eye. You will automatically critique and improve your performance as you go along. When the interview is on for real, you’ll be glad you looked yourself in the eye so many times. You’ll know how you’re coming across.
This blog is an excerpt from “The Little Red Book of PR Wisdom,” a new resource for 2013, by Brian Johnson, an award-winning journalist and leading PR practitioner.
Why You Need a Social Resume (and How to Build One)
by The Daily Muse Editor — January 26, 2013
Using social media in your job hunt doesn’t just mean having a LinkedIn
profile and tweeting industry news anymore. Many employers are looking
for candidates with an impressive online presence, also known as a
social resume.
Read more: http://www.thedailymuse.com/job-search/why-you-need-a-social-resume-and-how-to-build-one/#ixzz2Mg9RIeKL
Follow us: @dailymuse on Twitter | thedailymuse on Facebook
Want To Be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer
The number of poorly written emails, resumes and blog posts I come across each month is both staggering and saddening. Their grammar is awful. There are dozens of misspellings. Language is much wordier or more complex than necessary. Some things I read literally make no sense at all to me.
Writing is a lost art, and many professionals don’t realize how essential a job skill it is. Even if you’re not a writer by trade, every time you click "Publish" on a blog, "Post" on a LinkedIn update, or "Send" on an email, you are putting your writing out into the world.
Your writing is a reflection of your thinking. Clear, succinct, convincing writing will differentiate you as a great thinker and a valuable asset to your team.
If you want to be thought of as a smart thinker, you must become a better writer. If you want to be taken seriously by your manager, colleagues, potential employers, clients and prospects, you must become a better writer.
It's not just you who must become a better writer- it’s all of us. I'll be the first to admit, I too have had to learn to become a better writer. So here are five ways that I've become a better writer over the last several years:
1) Practice, practice, practice. The old joke comes to mind: A tourist in New York asked a woman on the street, “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” and she replied, “Practice, practice, practice.” The truth is, the best way to get better at anything is to do it repeatedly. Write a personal blog or begin that novel you’ve always wanted to write. Offer to write some content for your company’s marketing team. Write a short, interesting LinkedIn update each day. The more you write, the better you’ll become at writing. That's why I write here on LinkedIn every Monday and Thursday, no matter what.
2) Say it out loud. I read all of my articles and books out loud before I publish them, and many of my emails out loud as well. It’s great to hear my writing the way others will “hear” it as they read. Especially since tone in emails is difficult to convey, it’s valuable to say what you’re writing aloud, and then consider a quick edit, before you put it out there.
3) Make it more concise. Less is often more, so during my editing process, I’ll often ask, “How can I say the same thing in fewer words?” People don’t have time to read a long email, or memo, or article, so out of respect for your intended audience, practice making your writing short and sweet. I’d even argue that tweeting has helped me a lot with this, as it obviously limits you to 140 characters. If you’re not on Twitter yet, this is another reason to get tweeting.
4) Work on your headlines. A mentor once told me that 50% of your writing is the headline. So, spend equal time and energy working on your headline as you do the piece itself. Whether it’s the headline of a blog post or an inter-office memo, or a subject line for an email to a sales prospect, your headlines will either grab your reader’s attention, and get them interested in what you have to say, or not. Lists and questions work very well as headlines and subject lines. Practice them.
5) Read. Besides practicing writing, the number one way to improve your writing skills is to read great work. I read at least one book per month, at least 20 articles per week, and countless tweets, Facebook posts and emails per day. I know we all have limited time, but truly the best way to become a better writer is to become a better reader.
These are my methods for becoming a better writer. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you agree or disagree with me that all business professionals can work to become better writers? How important is good writing to you? And how have you become a better writer over your career? Let me know in the comments below!
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Dave Kerpen loves writing. You can read more of his writing here on LinkedIn by clicking the Follow button above. Check out his bestselling books, Likeable Business and Likeable Social Media, or read more on his personal blog and Likeable blog.
Friday, March 1, 2013
MASAUM Network Internships For High Quality Publications
Welcome to MASAUM Network Internships
What is an internship? The Random House Dictionary defines the word as: “Any official or formal program to provide practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession.”The main difference between an apprenticeship and an internship is that internships are more exploratory. You're not bound to work for your employer after the internship is over (although many interns do receive job offers).
Internships can be paid or unpaid - though, if they are unpaid, they’re usually subject to stringent labor guidelines.
Most MASAUM internships are work experience internships - essentially on-the-job training in a field that the student or young worker wants to learn more about. But there are also research internships, more common in scientific fields, in which a higher-level student examines a particular topic on behalf of a business before producing a written study or presentation.
Though employment isn’t guaranteed at the end of an internship, MASAUM use internships as a way to train and evaluate future employees.
Benefits of Doing an Internship
Finding work can be a real challenge, especially if you don’t have any experience. Yet to get experience you must first find a job. It’s a nasty catch that can be difficult to get around but an internship is a good way to do it.Internships provide work experience opportunities to university students, recent graduates and people considering career changes. Like other employers, MASAUM is willing to hire interns with little or no experience, especially if the intern is willing to accept little or no monetary compensation. However, the benefits of doing an internship go far beyond your pay cheque.
- Gain Valuable Work Experience
- Have an Edge in the Job Market
- Transition into a Job
- Decide if this is the Right Career for You
- Networking Opportunities (Internships are a great way to meet people in your field.)
- Apply Classroom Knowledge
- Gain Confidence
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:- be a citizen or permanent resident of any country of the world
- be either currently enrolled at a recognized university in any course/program at any level (undergraduate/master's or doctoral level) or have completed a /undergraduate's, master's or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
How Can You Apply For The Internships
Fill the form Internship Application Form and send to masaum.internships@gmail.com and to coordinator2@masaumnet.comFor More Information
For any information, please contact us at masaum.internships@gmail.com
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