tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63605893530106616042024-02-21T08:25:25.221-08:00Boise State Career CenterThe Career Center is committed to preparing Boise State University students and alumni to make informed decisions about their futures through our career planning and development programs and employment servicesBoise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-90604136916056021732010-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:10:43.960-08:00Reactions to the BSU Winter Portfolio ShowBelow is a post from Ryan Lascano on his website <a href="http://ryanpatricklascano.com/">http://ryanpatricklascano.com/</a> under the notes section. This is being reposted here with Ryan's permission to help future students. <br />
Thanks Ryan!<br />
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<em>Every semester the Boise State students in the Portfolio class hold a show to exhibit the most recent graphic design and illustration graduates. Tonight was the winter 2010 show, so my coworker Thomas Walsh and I headed over to check it out.</em><br />
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<em>Every semester the Boise State students in the Portfolio class hold a show to exhibit the most recent graphic design and illustration graduates. Tonight was the winter 2010 show, so my coworker Thomas Walsh and I headed over to check it out.</em><br />
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<em>The show is something I look forward to as a professional, not only to see what work is being done at our local university, but what students are coming out into the market. Supporting emerging designers is something I personally place a great importance on, and believe it’s our responsibility as professionals to support them and help prepare them for life in the real world.</em><br />
<em>But I have to say, I was somewhat disappointed in this semester’s show, so I’d like to share a few things I experienced and some feedback I have for emerging designers in our community.</em><br />
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<strong><em>Present Your Work, Present Yourself</em></strong><br />
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<em>Portfolio shows like this are tremendously important for students to not only present their work, but to get a taste of the real world and interact with professionals that work in the industry. Showing your book and the projects you’ve done in school is part of it, but a big part is selling yourself. Present your work as if you’re excited about it (and you should be), tell me a little bit about each piece, the concept and the research you did and anything you learned while doing it. This is a demonstration of presentation skills and critical thinking abilities as well as your design skills. If I were in the position to hire a recent grad I want to know they can think about their work, put a concept behind it, and present that idea to me or a client.</em><br />
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<em>Your work should also be relevant. I saw a few books tonight that had some really random work, supposedly self directed pieces that looked more like experiments in Photoshop. That stuff is great, but not when it’s the majority of your book. I want to see that you can do those experiments within the scope of a creative brief and successfully marry it to an ad campaign, an interactive piece or an environment. A good portion of the work you show needs to be relevant to the types of job you want — art for art’s sake won’t get you very far in the client-driven design world.</em><br />
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<strong><em>Engage Your Audience</em></strong><br />
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<em>Shows like this present a rare opportunity for young designers to have a few minutes of one-on-one time with local industry pros. These people are busy, and getting an interview any other way might be more difficult. So when given that opportunity designers need to make the most of it. Introduce yourself to anyone who stops by your booth, talk to them, engage them — don’t talk to your neighbor about unrelated things, don’t stare at the ceiling or just stand against the wall quietly. Be proactive about making connections and relationships.</em><br />
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<em>Out of probably 9 or 10 grads tonight, one of them introduced themselves. I intentionally keep to myself in order to entice the students to make the first move, but this time only one gal bit. I would want to hire designers who are interested in what I do, who make an effort to talk to me and share their work. Likewise, if you aren’t interested in me, I’m not interested in you and won’t make the effort to critique your work or pursue you any further. Engage anyone who stops by, regardless who you think they are, because you never know what connections they have or how much say they have in recruiting new talent. At the very least it’s good practice. If you aren’t making an effort to present yourself, you’re just wasting your own time.</em><br />
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<strong><em>Are You A Designer or an Illustrator?</em></strong><br />
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<em>This is the same problem I see at every show — students who have on their promo materials that they are a “Graphic Designer & Illustrator”. That’s great, but you need to pick one. In my opinion creatives who try to do design and photography, or design and illustration, rarely excel at both. At some point you’re going to have to choose. In terms of finding a job, I would want to hire someone who knows design but might also be able to illustrate rather than an illustrator who sort of laid out a business card once. I’ve seen a lot of “designer-slash-illustrators” who have a book full of illustration and very little design. In a small market a broad range of talent will go far, but if you call yourself a designer then you better know your stuff.</em><br />
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<strong><em>More Than Design</em></strong><br />
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<em>The biggest thing that designers need to grasp is that it’s about more than just designing. It’s more than making something look pretty, or using that cool new font you found. Students need to learn early on how to do research, how to develop a concept and tell a story with their work. That may be a lot to ask for students, but in a small, competitive market designers who can do that will get the better jobs.</em><br />
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<strong><em>Why Should I Hire You?</em></strong><br />
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<em>This is the question every grad should be addressing right from the start. Impress me. How would you be an asset to our company and our clients, or anyone else’s? And are you someone I want to work with every day? I would hire someone with fairly good design skills who was also motivated, passionate about design and excited to learn new things. I wouldn’t hire someone who had great design skills but didn’t show any interest in presenting their work to me. Sell your work, sell your skills, and most importantly sell yourself.</em><br />
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<em>As I mentioned earlier, only one gal introduced herself to me and presented her work. Her name is Jenny Flint, and I told her she’d be the one to get a job somewhere. She had good work, was well spoken and knew her stuff. I don’t remember anyone else, couldn’t put a face to a name, and certainly don’t remember what work belonged to whom. But I certainly remember Jenny Flint.</em><br />
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<em>Overall I think the grads need a bit more coaching in their Portfolio classes — how to interact with people, how to be interesting and outgoing, and how to sell themselves and their work. I wrote an article about Career Tips for Design Students over at Arrows & Icons a while back, hopefully it might still be of help to someone. As professionals I think we need to be doing all we can to influence the local design programs and the students coming out of them.</em>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-22742392492205393792010-09-09T14:32:00.000-07:002010-09-09T14:32:36.839-07:00Beware of Aggressive RecruitersGreetings from Debbie Kaylor, Career Center Director:<br />
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I wanted to draw your attention to "a relatively new way of recruiting" students into business opportunities that is happening on our campus as well as campuses across the nation.<br />
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As you may be aware, there are a lot of companies that recruit students to sell their products door to door. These products range from books to house painting jobs, security systems to pesticides, or cutlery to name a few. The "job opportunity" is NOT a job opportunity at all, but rather a business opportunity where you are not an employee of the company, but rather an independent contractor who is responsible for your own taxes, your own profit (and loss), and often times you have to make an "investment" in order to get started. <br />
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While I certainly see the value in business opportunities, they also come with a lot of risk that you may not be prepared to take. The end result of these business opportunities can be money earned and experience gained; however, the end result can also be students who owe the company money, student who feel the company did not treat them fairly, and students who didn't set money aside for taxes. For these reasons, the Career Center has taken a stance that we do not allow these types of companies to use any of our services or attend any of our events.<br />
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I want to make you aware that these companies are, once again, actively on our campus because while we can set a policy for the Career Center, we cannot keep them off of a public campus. In order to get in front of you, they watch class schedules. Once they figure out class schedules, representatives from these companies go into full classrooms prior to faculty arriving and tell you about their opportunities encouraging you to attend informational sessions or complete a form with your contact information. They also toss out statements like "we are working with your Career Center" or ".... my job is to get you a great summer internship!" insinuating that they are affiliated with the university. Please be aware that they are in no way affiliated or supported by Boise State University.<br />
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I would encourage you to approach these opportunities with caution and make sure you understand exactly what the opportunity is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from the company! I want to reiterate that I do not think these business opportunities are necessarily "bad" experiences. You just need a lot more information than these companies tend to give you before embarking on one. Our experience has been that most of these company representatives make the opportunity sound really great and do not give you all the details that you need. Our job is to lay out the whole story so you can make an informed decision.<br />
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If you have any questions about these recruiters, you have experienced their recruiting efforts, or you have participated in one of these business opportunities, we would love to hear from you. You can call us at 426-1747 or email us at career@boisestate.edu<br />
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Finally, our Fall Career Fair is coming up on October 6th and Graduate and Professional School Day is October 12, both are in the Jordan Ballroom. We look forward to seeing you there!Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-82907285126778435092010-07-26T07:36:00.000-07:002010-07-26T07:36:18.579-07:00The Career Center has MOVED!<div class="MsoNormal">That’s right, the <st1:placename w:st="on">Career</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> is no longer located in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Alumni</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> building! After almost a full week of packing, organizing, and cleaning, we are finally in our new home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are now located in the first floor of the Technical Services building, next to the SUB and across the street from the Rec Center, at the corner of University and Bronco Circle. Advising and Academic Enhancement will also be moving into this same building later this week. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We will be closed today (Monday, July 26) to try to get enough unpacking done so that our offices are at least somewhat functional, and then we will be back open for business starting tomorrow! (Just don’t mind the boxes that will undoubtedly still be scattered around the office if you come in this week!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come see us and check out our new office!</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-4332652695156497852010-07-16T11:43:00.000-07:002010-07-16T11:43:38.838-07:00Likability is Everything<div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully you know by now that it’s next to impossible to get a job these days without help from someone else in the form of a referral or a recommendation. Since the jobs that are out there aren’t really being advertised, you’ll have to find out about openings from people you know or can meet. Even when a job is advertised, there will be so much competition that you’ll need somebody at the company advocating for you in order to really stand a chance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since the job search comes down to relationships, your likability is everything… and this is NOT the time to go with the “I am who I am, and they’ll either like me or not” approach. If you want people to want to help you, they have to like you, and you are largely in control over whether they do or not. Everybody has likable traits. Everybody also has some not-so-appealing traits. You can choose which of your traits you showcase when interacting with others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the biggest factors we see negatively impacting job seekers’ likeability these days is a negative attitude. This can be a challenge for a lot of job seekers to get under control, especially if you have been looking for a job for awhile and are frustrated. Letting others see that negativity, though, is a big mistake. You can vent to your closest friends and family, but when talking with others, it’s time to muster up all the positivity you can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While your frustrations with your job search and the economy might be completely justified, coming across as having a negative attitude is just not likeable. No employer wants to hire someone who seems to have a negative attitude, nor will people want to help you by referring you for an open position or introducing you to one of their contacts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes when you’re really frustrated, it can come across even when you’re trying to hide it. So don’t just hide your negative attitude, change it. Reframe your job search in a positive way… Remember, there are jobs out there for the people willing to do whatever it takes to get them. Decide to be a top candidate, get out there, meet the right people, be likeable, and you’ll find success.</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-25360968103255010072010-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:002010-06-30T09:02:50.501-07:00An argument against being depressed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal">Granted, the news about the job market is pretty depressing. Every month more jobs are lost, and there are more job seekers than there are openings. That’s the reality, and there’s nothing you can do about those facts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Does that mean that you should just get depressed and give up? NO, even though you might be tempted to say, “Well if there are not enough jobs, then what’s the point?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What has REALLY changed in this job market is that with fewer jobs and more highly qualified job seekers, the openings that do exist are going to the top candidates. Don’t think of yourself as the top talent? Well, if that’s the case, what are you going to do about it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You now have two choices. You can choose to be depressed and give up, or, you can choose to BE top talent. That’s right- it’s a choice. And it’s your choice to make. The students and alumni I work with who have decided that they’re going to be the best and do whatever it takes to get the job they want, are getting jobs. They’re doing the right things to prepare for their career- getting experience however they can, developing relationships with the right people, and perfecting their job search strategies, and are perfectly willing to invest as much time and effort into achieving their goals as it takes. These are the “top” people the jobs are going to. The biggest correlation we’ve seen with job search success is the applicant’s level of commitment to being the best and willingness to do whatever it takes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Therefore, if you DECIDE you’re going to be the best and do whatever it takes, jobs are out there for you. Granted, if everybody made this decision, then we’d have a real competition problem. But what you have going for you right now is that the majority of job seekers aren’t as committed as they need to be… making it easy for you to rise to the top if you decide to. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So don’t let the bad news about the job market get you down; just take that information for what it is- your guide to what it’s going to take to get a job. </div></span></span>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-5384279781173268042010-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:002010-06-15T08:55:40.745-07:00Unemployed... and bored?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">People tell me all the time that they wish they could find a job because they’re so bored from being unemployed and having nothing to do. Well, I’m going to throw a seemingly radical idea out there- if you’re a job seeker, you have no excuse to be bored!<br />
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You’ve probably all heard the phrase, “Getting a job is a full-time job.” You’ve probably also said to yourself, “Yeah right, like I’m going to spend as much time looking for a job as I would if I had an actual paying job!” Well, in this job market especially, that phrase is quite literal. There’s a direct correlation between the time and effort you put into your search, and the outcome.<br />
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One of the problems is that many job seekers spend an hour or so each morning scouring job boards… and then quit for the day because they don’t know what else they should be doing. In reality, there are way more job search activities than you could ever even fit into a single day. If you’re a trying to conduct a successful job search, you need to be researching companies of interest, locating individuals to make contact with at those companies, making calls to contacts, setting up “coffee meetings,” conducting informational interviews, building your online brand, getting out there and attending events to meet new people, volunteering in order to enhance your resume and build your network, and ideally, even doing some pro bono consulting work to keep your skills fresh. Whew! That’s exhausting just looking at that to-do list!<br />
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So, if you’re bored, great! Use that free time and energy to your advantage to get out there and secure a real, paying job that much quicker!</span>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-54100117054017621752010-06-02T08:58:00.000-07:002010-06-02T08:58:26.862-07:00Miss the Bootcamp? You missed out!<div class="MsoNormal">As exhausted as the Career Center staff was at the end of our 2<sup>nd</sup> annual Job Search Bootcamp, we definitely agreed with the students, alumni, and employers who unanimously proclaimed the event a success. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The message across the keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and employer panels was the same throughout the day… and we didn’t even plan it that way! The themes that emerged were Be Bold, Be Creative, Find a Problem and Be the Solution.<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span>All of the speakers stressed professional networking as the key to a successful job search, a skill which attendees got the chance to use with twenty-five employers from all different industries at the employer panel and networking reception. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite it being a long day of learning, skill-building, and networking, attendees left the event feeling energized, excited, and optimistic about the job search ahead of them. We heard comments from participants throughout the day like “This was the best $10 I’ve ever spent,” “This was so much more than I was expecting it to be,” and “Every graduate needs to come to this.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you missed this year’s Bootcamp, there’s good and bad news. The good news is we’ll be having another one next year… but the bad news is that it’s a year away! The other good news, though, is that the Career Center is available year-round to Boise State students and alumni, and can provide you with one-on-one advising on all of the topics covered at the Bootcamp. If you missed out on this event, don’t fall behind in your job search. Come see us right away!</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-61756833582970268692010-06-01T09:48:00.000-07:002010-06-01T09:48:03.028-07:00We're back for summer!<div class="MsoNormal">Let me get a quick introduction out of the way… I’m Jennifer Iuvone, one of the Career Counselors at the Boise State Career Center (also known as “one of the Jennifers” if you’ve been in our office!), and I’ll be writing the Career Center blog over the summer. During the school year, our Career Peers manage our blog, but since they have the summer off, you’re stuck with me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that the dust has settled a bit from our 2<sup>nd</sup> annual Job Search Bootcamp that took place on May 21, I’ll be starting to share some thoughts with you throughout the summer on all the various topics that interest me (and hopefully you as well), related to job searching in this economy and the career development process. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned!</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-28833770067194108272010-04-22T11:00:00.000-07:002010-04-22T11:03:14.745-07:00I have a confession. I am completely, 100% addicted to “Deadliest Catch” on Discovery. Ever since it came out I have been fascinated with the crabbing industry and every spring I have this little voice in my head that keeps telling me to try and get on a boat, become a greenhorn. In my mind I can see myself being that elusive greenhorn that does everything right and always has energy and who is over qualified and we pull in a record catch. I, however, am terrified at the same time. It’s literally the world’s most dangerous profession! I’m a 22 year old from Boise, what the hell are crabs anyways?! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bcQO32k5H0EMS6fw_UGxryei81V6QdMcWKWosdd_0d0eeSeL5fp-n7fyuoOVcoe3n0dNTGJQSoFr6LbnXVUqrXmAblLY4GhUr-UCC4DK7_-6Zj8P4WH8IqvYJkl7z8Zl9yjveCEU43JE/s1600/deadliest_catch_450_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bcQO32k5H0EMS6fw_UGxryei81V6QdMcWKWosdd_0d0eeSeL5fp-n7fyuoOVcoe3n0dNTGJQSoFr6LbnXVUqrXmAblLY4GhUr-UCC4DK7_-6Zj8P4WH8IqvYJkl7z8Zl9yjveCEU43JE/s320/deadliest_catch_450_2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Honestly it draws a great parallel with academia. Being in school gives you an amazing amount of confidence. I remember when I was in nursing school I just knew that I was going to be this amazing nurse who would bring sweeping reform to Capitol Hill. My illusions of grandeur did not however make up for the fact that I was scared beyond belief of stepping away from a manikin and having someone’s life in my hands. Even now that I’m an education major I’m still scared about venturing out beyond college. I’ve been in school for around 21 years and doing something new is petrifying, however I need to leave eventually. So what I’m saying is that I need to take control of my future. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The career assessments that I took at the career center helped me to make the decision to switch to an education major and they can help you too. Take control of your future, come into the Career Center.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-26372963931382792712010-04-08T10:46:00.000-07:002010-04-08T13:22:00.872-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S7vlBiA4tHtzRaYq9N1He5Pg8u-kQbayuJE4RYOvEjteZphz3ejUgf31VzM6OULTysZenhJvv9PXtQA9KgjE3R8oLPpVuPLw0nXEkksO8OuS4tK5mwrrxPaQcymjOTGRdzJB-_lNfQQG/s1600/ResumeLying2_1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457824857751591602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S7vlBiA4tHtzRaYq9N1He5Pg8u-kQbayuJE4RYOvEjteZphz3ejUgf31VzM6OULTysZenhJvv9PXtQA9KgjE3R8oLPpVuPLw0nXEkksO8OuS4tK5mwrrxPaQcymjOTGRdzJB-_lNfQQG/s320/ResumeLying2_1.png" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 287px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>You have to literally be living under a rock not to have heard about the Tiger Woods scandal. His lying has not only cost him a stable family life but many big name sponsors have completely dropped sponsoring him, costing Tiger millions of dollars. Now I know his situation is far from what you and I get into every day, but if we look at it from a different perspective its really not. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Tiger misrepresented himself to his employers (his sponsors) and when the “cookie crumbled” he was sent packing. Padding your resume, AKA lying on it, can cost you a future job or even your current one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millions of people do it every day, a slightly higher GPA here, a better job title there and bravo; you are qualified for that job! You get called in for an interview and you notice the sun is shining brighter and the birds are singing a little sweeter. You go in and you are rocking the interview, everything is coming up roses… until you are asked to demonstrate your fluency in shorthand or provide a hard copy of your college transcript. Then you retreat home, jobless; it’s raining and you don’t have an umbrella. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Not only have you lost this job but you don’t know what contacts this employer has with other ones. The boss at the next job you apply for might just be his best friend and even if you are completely honest with this resume your reputation is not. So a good rule of thumb to live by is DON’T LIE ON YOUR RESUME! It will only come back to bite you someday, just like it did in these fine cases:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">1. Candidate claimed to be a member of the Kennedy family</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">2. Applicant invented a school that did not exist</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">3. Job seeker submitted a résumé with someone else's photo inserted into the document</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">4. Candidate claimed to be a member of Mensa</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">5. Applicant claimed to have worked for the hiring manager before, but never had</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">6. Job seeker claimed to be the CEO of a company when he was an hourly employee</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">7. Candidate listed military experience dating back to before he was born</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">8. Job seeker included samples of work, which were actually those of the interviewer</div><div class="MsoNormal">9. Candidate claimed to have been a professional baseball player (CareerBuilder)</div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-35746043328295034962010-03-25T12:33:00.001-07:002010-03-25T12:34:29.969-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYj2-xJHqmVrhbz52Ekias4p7j6R3WULoyQ6dKIF4p4zDKz7W6cN2k5ZRfXQRxuX2BBRvWYM1d1ChApNUCXg7yGmDipMtWFwtrNsemdketd3mbaLDFxbC2VzPkH2V2CpBQJP32ta6HxUI/s1600/internships.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYj2-xJHqmVrhbz52Ekias4p7j6R3WULoyQ6dKIF4p4zDKz7W6cN2k5ZRfXQRxuX2BBRvWYM1d1ChApNUCXg7yGmDipMtWFwtrNsemdketd3mbaLDFxbC2VzPkH2V2CpBQJP32ta6HxUI/s320/internships.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452657060445008370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In this tough economic climate layoffs and unemployment are inevitable. Jobless rates are hitting an all time high, for college graduates, reaching 4.6% last year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now it might not seem that bad compared to the national unemployment rate of around 9.3%, but it is the highest unemployment rate for college graduates since unemployment by education status was first tracked in 1970 (Shin, 2009).<br />So what does this mean for you, students of Boise State? Well it means that you need to prove to your employer you are worth hiring, and that’s where the Career Center comes into play. The Career Center has tons of resources to help you in your job-hunt. Things like resume advice, mock-interviews where you practice interview skills, cover letter help, and career assessments are all at your disposal. However, if you were to only use one thing, that the Career Center offers, make it internships.<br />“The National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2009 Student Survey found that only 19.7 percent of graduates from the class of 2009 who applied for jobs had one by the end of April. Of those, about 23 percent of graduates with internship experience had a job, while only 14 percent of students without internship experience managed to find work” (Carpenter, 2009).<br />Having an internship is also a great way to see if you really want to work in the field you are studying. Wouldn’t you want to know if you are getting a degree in something you don’t like doing before you get your diploma? Wouldn’t it feel awesome to find out that you absolutely love what field you are going into? But most of all, wouldn’t you love to have a job?Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-40893475135517472982010-03-11T11:17:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:27:07.193-08:00Alternative Summer Employment Pt. 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5BOkDkdfqA6rSSnTH0dqo9a2zt_uuF73qlV72HkmNq-EReO1SVQgOx67ITg1oj9PLTppSNeDn_ke137HwzpfNz4UM5oe6G0OW1N3jhWDucZboj5v8kfQJJYGXICmdLgdHch3V-Y2gva2/s1600-h/15516-8.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5BOkDkdfqA6rSSnTH0dqo9a2zt_uuF73qlV72HkmNq-EReO1SVQgOx67ITg1oj9PLTppSNeDn_ke137HwzpfNz4UM5oe6G0OW1N3jhWDucZboj5v8kfQJJYGXICmdLgdHch3V-Y2gva2/s320/15516-8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447457750850583538" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s say that this summer you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Corporate America and just travel around the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately for nearly all of us that is unrealistic. However if you are looking to get away for a while and work a little too then you should check out work exchange programs with hostels. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It basically works like this, you find a hostel that has a work exchange program, you apply, and then you go and work for the hostel. Usually you get either a small stipend or, more commonly, you get free lodging for as long as you are working. It’s a pretty sweet option, and you can go virtually anywhere. Take, for example, the Pahoa Hostel in Hawaii. If you work on their organic farm for just 2 hours a day your accommodations are provided, and that’s just one example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can literally go from coast to coast, not having to pay for your room and board. The great thing about this program is that you can even go overseas! Ever thought of taking a quick hop over the pond to England? Well Ill tell you, you wont find a cheaper room then a free one. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is, albeit not the most financially sound, a great option if you want to get away for the summer and don’t mind working for it!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-2511855647236141802010-03-04T10:58:00.000-08:002010-03-04T12:14:56.315-08:00Alternative Summer Employment pt. 1<p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">Hello March!! You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to say that. March is the start of so many things, March Madness, the sun not setting at 5pm, spring break and more importantly, for some of you early birds out there, it’s the start of lining up a summer job. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">Securing a good summer job can make or break your three-month reprieve from school. If you start your search early enough you can basically have your pick of employment but if you wait you can get stuck with the leftovers, which frankly stinks. I’ve definitely had my share of ‘leftovers’ before but there have been those summers, where I prepared early, and had the time of my life… at camp! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"></span>If you are looking for an alternative to your mundane summer job, working at a summer camp might be for you. You get to work with kids, be outside in a cool environment, learn quirky camp songs, make smores, live in a cabin all summer, and your meals are covered! Where can you go wrong? At the summer camp I worked at we got to do high ropes courses and archery with the kids, take them rock climbing and hiking, tubing and swimming, oh we even had a blob! (Heavyweights reference)!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444855587060014450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWfad-VRhzjUpoQmMEaPxQsWF3kleQ7oJ0nmySG15O4J0u2TY3Sr0s91hasl8uo1mlvKQwofNouAnPZPu4o4YJFHD9VInEYP664-QNZcWkQjBDmvUqtOcBqOULEdkHbuqyCRRcvDU9nvQ/s320/1.jpg" border="0" /> <p class="MsoNormal">Working at camp was a life-changing experience for me and at the end of the summer I didn’t want to leave (a first for my summer jobs). There are thousands of summer camps across America, from as close as McCall and as far away as Maine, and most of them have a hard time getting a full staff. </p><p class="MsoNormal">So if you are looking for an alternative to summer employment, take a look at a summer camp. You’ll change the life of the kids and they might just change yours too. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="WHITE-SPACE: pre;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsb1VAw-fkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsb1VAw-fkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><!--EndFragment-->Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-26932209165549833862010-02-25T12:01:00.000-08:002010-02-25T12:03:14.850-08:00Carrots and Koozies<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I’m sure you’ve all seen that image of a rabbit with a carrot, on a string, in front of its nose, its always working towards a goal but can never catch it. Sometimes college feels like that, especially if you realize that your degree is in a field you don’t want to work in, then you end up like me, going to school for seven years. I’ve always been working my way towards that metaphorical carrot knowing, in the back of my mind, that it is still, and always will be, just out of reach. But that all changed when I went to the Career Fair yesterday. I got excited. Companies actually showed interest in me, not just their standard smile and a handshake, but genuine interest. Now, not only can see my “carrot” but I can catch it. I know I’m going to have a job right out of college and that’s awesome considering the fact I get to start repaying my freshman year student loans next month. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For everyone that didn’t go to the Career Fair because you’re, “a freshman” or you’re not an “engineering or business major” or for whatever reason, you really missed out. Not only did the Career Fair give me a huge boost to my confidence but my drinks will always be cold thanks to the Sherwin-Williams can koozie that I scored. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-54049131898076223282010-02-18T14:31:00.000-08:002010-02-18T14:33:26.505-08:00Career Fair Time!!Don't forget to attend the 2010 Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, February 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in the SUB Jordan Ballroom.<br /><br />Find a list of employers that have registered for the fair at <a href="http://career.boisestate.edu/">http://career.boisestate.edu</a><br /><br />Come early and come prepared!<br /><br />See you at the fair.Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-32476382759364946002010-02-05T08:18:00.000-08:002010-02-05T09:07:09.350-08:00Why am I an Intern?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.deakin.edu.au/buslaw/images/confident-business.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://www.deakin.edu.au/buslaw/images/confident-business.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Last semester, I was overwhelmed by the amount of school work I had. I took five upper division classes and each came with a lovely stack of homework. By the end of the semester I was burnt out and had a difficult decision to make. I was contemplating taking a semester off to recharge. I didn't want to lengthen the time until I receive my degree so I came up with another plan that allowed me to stay in school and recharge at the same time. I decided to do a part time internship. I am taking just three classes besides my internship, and my homework load has become quite manageable. I would be lying if I said this semester has been easy. I wake up every morning at six to get ready for the day. Every day I'm doing something whether it is work, class or my internship from 8 to 5 and some nights until 9. Most nights I have homework to work on or I go to bed early, but already I've enjoyed this semester more than any other semester because of my internship.<div><br /></div><div>Why do I enjoy my internship so much? I work for two senators at the Idaho State Legislature. I spend hours every day in committee meetings or researching laws in other states or reading tax reports. I don't get paid for any of it but it is still the highlight of my day. The work I do every day makes me feel like a part of the process that up until now I have only studied. I have been given the opportunity to see part of what my future career might look like and so far I like the picture. Every day I meet new people who are full of stories about the field I chose to study. Maybe I lucked out. Not everyone who does an internship in their field is bound to like it, but I am glad I took an opportunity to see what my field is like before I dive head first into a career. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are plenty of other reasons for doing an internship. All the people I meet will be good references later on and this is a very good resume builder. But from one student to another, why should you do an internship? Do it to see if you enjoy it.<br /><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-27394847469652336752010-01-29T08:15:00.000-08:002010-01-29T09:37:41.601-08:00The Problem with Burning Bridges<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etonline.com/media/photo/2010/01/131375/400_jleno_cobrien_100107_kwinter_2466767.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.etonline.com/media/photo/2010/01/131375/400_jleno_cobrien_100107_kwinter_2466767.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Imagine this: your boss has once again given someone who you feel is less qualified a promotion over you; or your leading a team to do a company report and one coworker gives you his piece of the report late leaving you scrambling to meet the deadline. Chances are you've experienced a situation similar to one of these. Misunderstandings and differences of opinions are not only a part of our personal lives but a part of our professional working lives as well. How we handle tough situations at work may have a lasting impact on our careers. When faced with these situations some choose to bury their feelings which can lead to a continuation of the problem or a lack of devotion towards work. Others become angry and burn bridges they may need later on in their career. <img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/DianaCox/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Consider the recent feud between Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and NBC. Jay Leno says that he was approached by executives back in 2004 about stepping down at the Tonight Show to let rising star Conan O'Brien host the show. Despite the desire to stay on the Tonight Show, Leno announced his retirement from it and stepped down after 17 years last year. He was instead given a half hour prime time show on NBC. After four months of The Jay Leno Show, ratings continued to be poor. NBC decided to move Jay Leno's show to the time slot held by the Tonight Show and push Conan's show back. Conan refused to cooperate with the plan. Leno and O'Brien started making cracks at NBC for the mess in their monologues and eventually turned on each other as well. Conan eventually negotiated a $40 million dollar deal to leave the Tonight Show after just seven months of hosting it. Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, <a href="http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/conans-final-thoughts-012210/1196248/">Conan's final thoughts</a> towards NBC in his last show were very gracious. He understood that no station hires comedians solely on fame. His future career depended on his ability to show a forgive and move on mentality. It is too soon to tell how the feud will effect the careers of both comedians, but with the negative press surrounding the events, it almost certainly will. Not every one's situation is that dramatic or public but like these comedians how we handle tense work situations will effect our careers and our value in the eyes of the company.<br /><br />As in most situations, proper communication is the key to whether the situation is handled well or poorly. The authors of <span style="font-style: italic;">Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High </span>understand that people have a tendency to communicate poorly when under pressure or when confront. This New York Times Bestseller seeks to teach people how to communicate effectively and calmly when opinions vary, stakes are high or emotions run strong. What is a crucial conversation? According to the book, "they are day-to-day conversations that affect your life" (1). The tools in this book require a lot of practice but may keep you from burning bridges or running away from issues that a truly important to you. Reading this book is a good investment for your current or future career.<br /><br /><i>Crucial conversations tools for talking when stakes are high</i>. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002.<br /><br /></div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-16825184628280207532010-01-22T08:33:00.000-08:002010-01-22T09:03:04.912-08:00Some Things to ConsiderEveryone knows that economic conditions are tight. The news is filled with stories of new layoffs and dismal unemployment numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the newest edition of the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> which provides a ray of hope. They provide information on the fields expected to grow fastest between now and 2018 and those with the largest projected growth job growth for the same time period. Check out the numbers.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; "></span></b></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; ">Occupations with the largest projected job growth, 2008-18:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "></p><ol><li>Registered Nurses: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Increase of 581,500 jobs.</span></li><li>Home Health Aides: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Increase of 460,900 jobs.</span></li><li>Customer Service Representatives: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "> Increase of 399,500 jobs.</span></li><li>Combined Food Preparation and Servers: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Increase of 394,300 jobs.</span></li><li>Personal and Home Care Aides: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Increase of 375,800 jobs.</span></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><a href="http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_104.htm">Full List</a></span><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; ">Fastest-growing occupations, 2008-2018:</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "></p><ol><li>Biomedical Engineer: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Projected increase of 72 percent.</span></li><li>Network Systems and Data Connection Analysts: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Projected increase of 53 percent.</span></li><li>Home Health Aides: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Projected increase of 50 percent.</span></li><li>Personal and Home Care Aides: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Projected increase of 46 percent.</span></li><li>Financial Examiner: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Projected increase of 41 percent.</span></li></ol><a href="http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_103.htm">Full List</a><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; ">Before you go change your major to snag these jobs consider another story by the AP that came our a few weeks ago. They report on a Conference Board study that shows that Americans who are satisfied with their jobs is down to a record low of 45% which is the lowest it has been since the study began in the 80s. Why are there so many unsatisfied people? The number one reported reason is that people don't find their jobs interesting. The Career Center can help you find a career that will interest you. Call us so that some day you can be part of the 45%. </p></b></span><b></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "></p></div>Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-46981027717968652592010-01-12T08:46:00.000-08:002010-01-12T09:06:15.047-08:00Coldwater Creek coming to the Career FairIt is important to come to the Career Fair prepared! We asked Amber <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bertolucci</span>, Corporate Recruiter for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Coldwater</span> Creek, to share some advice on how students can prepare to attend the Career Fair. Below, are the suggestions she shared with us.
<br />
<br /><em>A few things that I appreciate in a candidate can be found below:
<br />
<br />- Do research on the company, the product we sell, and our location.
<br />- Always have a fresh clean copy of your resume available to hand out.
<br />- If you are a Creative major I like to see samples of portfolios (pictures that can be attached to the resume for reference later).
<br />- Professional appearance
<br />- Have an idea of what internship you are interested when you reach the booth.</em>
<br /><p><em></em></p><p></p>We are excited to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Coldwater</span> Creek on campus for our 2010 Career Fair to be held on Wednesday, February 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. They are an excellent Idaho based retailer. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">headquarters</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Coldwater</span> Creek are located in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sandpoint</span>. At the fair they will be recruiting for a number of internships that will be located in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sandpoint</span> for the summer. Go to <a href="http://career.boisestate.edu/careerfair.htm">http://career.boisestate.edu/careerfair.htm</a> and click on the link to 'research companies attending the fair' to read more about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Coldwater</span> Creek as well as other companies registered to attend the fair.
<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">jr</span>
<br /></em>
<br />Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-75697725049423662082010-01-08T13:54:00.000-08:002010-01-08T14:02:31.247-08:00I almost forgot I had a jobFrom Thanksgiving to New Years, I don’t think much “work” actually takes place. Instead the days are filled with holiday planning, eating and playing. In our office we always look forward to our white elephant gift exchange as it always ends up being a lot of laughs…for most of us. For the unfortunate one who gets the rubber gloves and old hat, we wish you better luck next year.<br />We are also humbled and grateful during the season of giving by working together to help those students struggling to make ends meet while attending classes and raising a family. Our admiration goes out to you as you work to make a better life for you and your family in this demanding economy.<br /><br />As we have returned to the office throughout the week we have spent time updating each other on our holiday events and gifts.<br /><br />If you have made an appointment to meet with Alex, I suggest grabbing your snuggie and warm drink. You wil<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrSLTXLyM8RT8VWnGkdHaU0nhy_wKc5ifVTnfP6cpKytKvyU-HZ0R1kzJHWYAOF42n8TUwEZvBQ6S0LXN1tilHY1U9eg0mJE-nM7EeOxeNTPlHwV4KxsLIqWv57H4GuYp5RHnezFukNo-/s1600-h/alex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424491408393097490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrSLTXLyM8RT8VWnGkdHaU0nhy_wKc5ifVTnfP6cpKytKvyU-HZ0R1kzJHWYAOF42n8TUwEZvBQ6S0LXN1tilHY1U9eg0mJE-nM7EeOxeNTPlHwV4KxsLIqWv57H4GuYp5RHnezFukNo-/s320/alex.jpg" border="0" /></a>l find yourself nestled next to the new fireplace/heater in his office. A fireside chat might be just what you need to get your career plan in order.<br /><br />Debbie is the only one who was fortunate enough to attend the Fiesta Bowl. She has chronicled the trip on her Facebook page. Friend her and live the Fiesta Bowl magic all over again! She is now lobbying to have the Broncos invited to the White House. After all, who wouldn’t want to meet the 14-0 Broncos…including the President of the United States?<br /><br />We are all looking forward to beginning another new year here at the Career Center. We work to remain optimistic about the job market. At this point the reviews are mixed as to whether we are going to see much improvement in the job market or not. In any case, we will continue to help students to become the best possible candidates for those jobs that are out there. While they may be few and far between, they are out there. We already have 26 employers registered for the Career Fair coming up and February 24th and are adding to that list everyday.<br /><br />Keep working hard and moving ahead. If you need a break contact Alex for some fire time.Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-50177480527426598082009-11-17T12:09:00.000-08:002009-11-17T12:19:09.121-08:00Boise State University At- Graduation SurveyBoise State University <br />Academic Year 2008-09 At-Graduation Survey<br /><br /> During the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2009, the Career Center administered an At-Graduation Placement Survey to the Fall 2008 and Spring/Summer 2009 graduates. We collected surveys via Capstone Courses and on-line. A total of 1614 responses were received. There were a total of 2846 graduates in the Fall of 08 and Spring/Summer of 09 which were included in the survey. For purposes of this survey, we did not include COAT graduates as they participate in their own survey. The response rate for this survey was 57%. <br /><br />In addition to this general university report, reports were created by college and by department. Additional data including names of organizations employing students in career employment and internship positions and position titles is included in these specific reports. <br /><br />Highlights from the survey include:<br /><br />-Five out of six colleges had a 50% or higher response rate with the College of Engineering coming in at a 77% response rate. <br /><br />-Given the job market that the 08/09 graduates faced, the percent of students who had jobs declined over past years. However, 34% of respondents say their degree helped them obtain new employment or advance within the organization where they are currently working. The national average for 08/09 grads who have landed jobs, according to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) is 20%. <br /><br />-The college of Health Sciences and College of Engineering led the way with students whose degree helped them obtain new employment or advance within the organization where they are currently working with both coming in at over 50%. <br /><br />-As expected, a larger percentage of respondents are opting to continue in school following their graduation. 26% of respondents will be going on to graduate or professional school or continuing on with undergraduate studies within a year of graduating from Boise State. 23% of respondents from both the College of Arts and Sciences and Social Sciences and Public Affairs state that they are continuing on to graduate or professional school within the next year. <br /><br />-70% of respondents will stay and work in the Treasure Valley with an additional 9% working in other areas of Idaho. The western US came in as the favorite destination for grads outside of the state of Idaho with 12% of respondents stating that their job will be located in the Western US. <br /><br />-40% of respondents participated in an Internship while at Boise State. 47% of SSPA and 43% of COEN respondents participated in internships. <br /><br />-31% of respondents who participated in an Internship were offered career employment as a result of their internship. Over 40% of respondents from the College of Business and Economics, College of Health Sciences, and College of Engineering reported receiving their career employment offers as a result of their internship. <br /><br />-An additional 35% of respondents participated in a field experience (not considered an Internship) while at Boise State. 32% of those participating were offered career employment as a result of this experience. The College of Education (79%) and College of Health Sciences (57%) lead the way in non-internship field experiences. <br /><br />-47% of respondents used the services at the Career Center with BroncoJobs, events, and job search assistance topping the list of services used. <br /><br />To read and see more detailed results please go to http://career.boisestate.edu.Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-32545592725168487072009-10-29T14:51:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:57:46.412-07:00“A career on a college campus…say what!?”I am not talking about a student wage or work study job, I’m talking about a full-time paying gig. In celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month, I thought I’d share my thoughts and experiences.<br /><br />Yesterday I participated on a “Careers in Student Affairs” panel geared to students thinking about careers in Student Affairs. While there were a few students attending and a lot of great questions asked, I think students initially don’t consider this career for a couple of reasons. <br /><br />1. What the heck is Student Affairs? Student Affairs is the functional area of the university that assists student growth and success through programming and services. Some of us also teach and work in the classroom. This area includes departments like Student Activities, Housing, Financial Aid, the Student Recreation Center, Health and Wellness, the Student Union, Women’s and Cultural Centers, Admissions and of course the Career Center. This is not the entire list, but you get the idea. Our goal is to promote student success and development.<br /><br />2. Didn’t even know this was a career option? (this fit me) I didn’t grow up thinking, “I could be a student affairs professional”. No, I wanted to be an engineer or a billionaire or something. Student affairs was the farthest thing from what I thought I could and should do. <br /> <br />3. I want to get the heck out of here (this also was me). Though I had a great time in college, when I was done, I was done! No more all nighters, no more books, no more papers and especially no more midterms and finals. I wanted to have a “career” job to go to and make MONEY! I wanted to have bills (I know, stupid) and be a grown up. I finally made it from the minor leagues to the big show. I wanted to prove myself and conquer the world. <br /><br />Listening to the other panelist yesterday, showed how there is not just one path or major to get into this field. One panelist was a hotel/conference manager and business owner; one was considering law school and corporate life; other prior careers included fitness and heath policy. My career started out in the safety field working in a hospital. <br /><br />When that first August rolled around the after I graduated, I realized how much I missed college. I was working at a university medical center and saw all those students with their backpacks heading to classes and labs. I remember thinking to myself, ”dang, just last year that was me”, not a care in the world, no bills, no rent, no “real” boss, it was going to class, going to the gym, grabbing a bite to eat on campus, in one word - nirvana. Yeah, yeah, I know, I said I wanted those bills and other grown up things, but you know, I really truly love the college environment and that time in life. <br /><br />After a couple of years of this I decided to go back to school. I applied to graduate school, was accepted and obtained a graduate assistantship as a hall director on campus. I loved my job as a hall director and making a connection with students. My supervisor at the time asked me to consider “student affairs” as a career. The university I was at had a program geared toward counseling and college students, so I applied, was accepted and let’s just say the rest is history.<br /><br />I’ve worked in housing, a cultural center, and career services/centers. I even did a stint at a large high tech company in their training and education area. All my experiences have lead to other and greater opportunities. In fact, I am only limited by where and what I want to do.<br /><br />I’ve learned how to manage budgets, direct and implement projects and programs, develop websites and marketing campaigns, coordinate and put on events. Most importantly, I have been able to work with a lot of great students who have become employees, employers, colleagues, mentees and of course friends. I also hope, I’ve made an impact in their lives, because they have in mine. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, I absolutely love my job!<br /> <br />So, if you are thinking of this as a possible career field, here are some things to think about:<br /><br />1. You won’t get rich doing this. It’s true, but you know what, we are all driven by different things and money is not my driver, making a difference is.<br />2. Do you like working with people? Do you like helping students succeed? Are you someone who people feel is easy to talk to and develop trust? If you are, this might not be a bad fit.<br />3. Do you like variety in your work life? Our days our never the same. Is every day sun shiny and great…no, but at the end of the day, week or month, do I think…wow, I get paid to do this. My day is filled with counseling appointments, brainstorming sessions, classroom presentations, employer visits and networking events. Have I said it before, “I love my job."<br />4. Are you someone who works well in a team? Not only do we collaborate within our own teams, but with other units throughout campus. We also assist and work with student teams.<br />5. Find a mentor. Is there someone who works in one of these areas that you look up to? How did they get there? What do they like about what they are doing? Will they be willing to get you involved in activities to test drive this career?<br />6. Get involved and engage on campus. My interest in this career started way before I became a hall director. I was a campus ambassador, giving tours, speaking at high schools, etc. I was also a resident assistant and a residence hall officer. It began when I was still a student and I didn’t even know it. All my experiences have lead in some way to the next stop on my journey.<br />7. Visit the Career Center. If you are not sure what career path you should follow, let us help you. Remember, this is what we do and we love helping you succeed. <br />-AGBoise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-10681583473778091842009-10-22T11:54:00.000-07:002009-10-22T12:07:43.288-07:00"If I look at another resume I am going to freak!"It is no secret that unemployment is up and job openings are down. But, there are still job openings out there. Yes, there are still companies hiring! Although, for any one job opening a company has, I would guess that they get at least 100 applicants for the position. <br /><br />Even if your resume is submitted online there is still some one who has to sort through the resumes to find the most suitable candidates. After a while the person reviewing resumes must be seeing double and wondering why everyone loves those resume templates on Word. <br /><br />Although blood, sweat, and tears went into the multiple revisions of your resume, your resume might be viewed by someone who has already read 80 resumes that day. By then one resume is just blending into the next. <br /><br />How does anyone get a job by just submitting a resume? <br />Especially when you have no control over the mood or energy level of the person reviewing resumes. <br /><br />What can you do to get your resume to standout in the crowd?<br /><br />Here are some true life examples from what I have seen. (These are just examples not ideas. I am in no way suggesting that these are things you should do.)<br /><br />-Neon colored pink, green, or red paper<br /><br />-Perfume sprayed paper (I loved the smell of the resume but the resume itself I didn’t care for)<br /><br />-A before and after picture of yourself on your resume (submitted for a health related position)<br /><br />-Resume made to look like a scrapbook<br /><br />-Burned resume around the edges to give a treasure map or old scroll type of look<br /><br />-Using landscape format<br /><br />-Using an odd size of paper<br /><br /><br />If you are going into a creative field then maybe a resume with pictures drawn on it or the edges burned might go over well with the creative minds reviewing your resume. But, for the rest of us burned edges just look like a horrible accident your resume got into. <br /><br /><br />Again, how does anyone get a job by just submitting a resume? <br />In this job market the truth is a lot of people don’t. <br /><br />What to do…<br /><br /><strong>NETWORK!</strong><br /><br /><br />In this job market I cannot say this word enough to job seekers.<br /><br /><strong>NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK </strong><br />(Along with submitting your resume)<br /><br /><br />If a bleary eyed hiring manager is sorting through a stack of 98 resumes and comes across a name they recognize they may think, “Oh yes, I remember this person from the Boise State Career Fair. I will set it aside and review it tomorrow when I am not as tired.” <br /><br />You have just been saved from going to the round file sitting on the floor. Getting through the next review is up to the quality of your resume and the impression you left on the person when you met them. <br /><br />Although not always given the opportunity to hand your resume to a person when applying for a job, just meeting someone from the company involved in the hiring process helps. Any face to face meeting and/or personal interaction is going to help regardless of whether or not you were able to hand them your resume. Name recognition is very powerful! <br /><br />Never pass up an opportunity to attend a networking event either in the community or on-campus. Check with your department and the Career Center for any upcoming networking types of events.Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-71805386001495396492009-10-01T10:15:00.000-07:002009-10-01T10:21:02.212-07:00“The Sun ‘ll Come Out Tomorrow…”What are you doing in this down economy to prepare yourself for the up economy? <br /><br />Although the winter season is quickly approaching, now is not the time to hibernate and hide out from a bad economic climate. <br />During these times of hardship many people are forced to use their ingenuity and creativity to make ends meet. <br />Yesterday, I had a little boy (probably between 7-10 years old) come to my door selling homemade bread to earn money for his piano lessons. He stated that he wanted to continue to take lessons but needed to earn some money to pay his teacher. While I am not sure about neither the legality of this, or the sanity of his parents who let him go to door to door by himself, I admired his entrepreneurial spirit. I may consider peddling some homemade muffins in order to continue paying my cable bill. <br />Not really, but you get the idea that people are coming up with new ways to make ends meet. <br /><br />Sometimes what you do on the side ends up being the more prosperous endeavor. Take for example the following historical events:<br /><br />David McConnell was selling books door to door in 1886, when the business wasn't so good he started giving perfume out as bonuses to women to get them to buy his books. Finally the perfume was more popular than his books and so he started a company that is known today as Avon.<br /><br />William Wrigley Jr. started a Chicago based company in 1892 selling soap and baking powder. To encourage people to buy his products he began offering chewing gum as a bonus. As with David McConnell - soon Wrigley's bonus became more popular than the product he was trying to sell. Wrigley changed his company to sell chewing gum and, as they say, the rest is history.<br /><br />Soichiro Honda was turned down by Toyota Motor Corporation during a job interview as “engineer” after World War Two. He continued to be jobless until his neighbors starting buying his “home-made scooters”. Subsequently, he set out on his own to start his own company. Honda. Today, the Company has grown to become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most profitable automakers - beating giant automaker such as GM and Chrysler. With a global network of 437 subsidiaries, Honda develops, manufactures, and markets a wide variety of products ranging from small general-purpose engines and scooters to specialty sports cars.<br /><br />Don’t let this economy bring you down. Study hard, work hard, play hard and develop skills you need to get you where you want to go. The sun will come out and you need to be ready to run when it does.<br /><br />Develop persistence.<br />Believe in yourself.<br />Build social and verbal skills. <br />Learn to not take rejection personally. <br />Continue to invest in yourself.<br /> <br /><em>"If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." -- Benjamin Franklin </em><br /><br />“So you gotta hang on ‘til tomorrow...”Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360589353010661604.post-6595463857904582642009-09-11T14:04:00.000-07:002009-09-11T14:37:02.064-07:00Can your name keep you from getting hired?Since Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their new baby boy Sparrow, it got me wondering how a hiring manager might view his resume. One of his middle names is James so maybe he will go by that and hide the fact that his first name is Sparrow. <br /><br />But I wonder can your name keep you from getting jobs? I grew up with a kid named Johnny Carson. Maybe the employer assumes he will be funny and is disappointed when he isn't. What if you had the unfortunate luck of being named Charles Manson. Would an employer even call you in for an interview after seeing that name on a resume? <br />Or you could be named:<br />Ben Dover<br />Fifi Trixibell<br />Moon Unit<br />Apple<br />Diva Muffin<br /><br />I have heard job seekers also mention that their ethnic sounding name or hard to pronounce names work against them. <br /><br />Of course considering someone's name as part of the hiring process is not only wrong but illegal. While hiring managers may not intend to discriminate against a candidate based on a name or ethnicity, the name could still signal something about the applicant's skills or background that is relevant to the job. For example, an employer may try to assume that an applicant with the last name of Ortega speaks fluent Spanish. <br /><br />If job seekers feel that their first name conveys an image they are uncomfortable with, then they could just use their first initial on a job application or résumé. But deemphasizing a last name is obviously not realistic. <br /><br />Instead, job seekers should focus more on the aspects of their image that they can control, like their online presence or the email address they use for correspondence. For example, beerandchicks@hotmail.com probably won't convey a professional image to a hiring manager.Boise State Career Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264765606019938030noreply@blogger.com0