Student Success Stories

HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
“I utilized Career Development Services for resume, personal statement, graduate school application and assistantship acceptance letter writing assistance.”

WHAT HELPED MOST?
“Not being afraid to ask for help anytime I wanted to improve my resume and assistantship acceptance letter is what made me different from others.”

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
"The services provided by CDS are priceless. Do not hesitate to drop them an email or phone call or visit them whenever necessary. Trust me, you will not regret it!"

HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
“It seems like it would be miserable to go from a three-hour lecture class to a seminar on job searches, but it is the absolute best thing you can do for yourself. I worked for Career Services for almost two years as a public relations intern. I’ve heard all the lectures several times, but I still learned something new each time.”

I WISH I HAD KNOWN...
“Networking is absolutely vital to having a successful career. Not only can it help you find a job, but it can also offer you insight into that career field. After having met people in the PR field I was able to fully realize the importance of writing skills and the need to adopt new social media.”

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
“No matter how daunting the task may seem, never give up on what you want. It may not come easily or quickly but if you’re determined and persistent you can get the career of your dreams.”


HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
“I went numerous times to various Career Counselors to get help with my resume. I also attended multiple Career Expos in search of an internship and a job. I eventually acquired both through one of the career fairs.”

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
“Start early and utilize all of the resources that CDS has to offer. Treat the job search as if it is a job itself. Be persistent and do not get discouraged.”

THE AUBURN EXPERIENCE
“I received a very diverse, educational, and fun life changing experience while attending Auburn.”

HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
“I went to CDS for resume help. After several visits I had a strong resume that highlighted my strengths and most importantly, one that I was proud of.”

WHAT HELPED MOST?
“My senior year I attended several career fairs. I was very nervous, so I first went to ones that had nothing to do with my major so I could familiarize myself with the process and not worry about making an impression. The more you go to and the earlier you start, the easier it gets! Push through the nervousness: It will pay off greatly!”

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
“You have to be proactive about your job search. Your future is in your hands, and your dream job will not be handed to you. More than anything, know yourself and what you want to do to make yourself happy. This is nobody's job but your own.“



HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
“I attended Career Development Services’ workshops and Career Expo as well as using TRL and e-resume review. I met contacts that eventually turned into job offers . Even with a strong resume, the best response came from people I was able to get in front of at Career Expo.”

ADVICE FOR OTHERS
“Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, ask questions, make contacts and maintain them. Even if you start by interviewing with companies that aren't your first choice, there's no better practice than actual interviews with all the pressures that go along with them. You also might surprise yourself and find that you are perfect for something you hadn't ever thought of.”

Summer Jobs...How to Find One

Check all that apply to your summer job search preparation:

  • Showered
  • Brushed hair
  • Put on my favorite (though wrinkled) game day t-shirt, pair of shorts (khaki, not my favorite Nike shorts because those aren't appropriate)
  • Put on cap
  • Grabbed wallet/purse, keys
  • Drove downtown and parked
  • Went door to door to complete applications

Check all that apply to what happened next:

  • Realized I needed a pen
  • Walked into first business and said, "Hi, I know you probably don't have anything at this point, but I'm looking for a part-time job this summer. Do you have anything?"
  • Called mom to find out the address and phone number of my last summer job because I couldn't remember
  • Interrupted by cell phone call while talking to potential employer because forgot to turn it off after calling mom
  • Felt awkward when realized everyone was dressed in slacks at my favorite potential job site
  • Horrified when the employer asked if I would be embarrassed to approve him as a Facebook friend

Perhaps you wish you had done this instead:

  • Cleaned up Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blog, etc. accounts
  • Developed effective resume and printed copies
  • Developed and printed contact list of previous jobs
  • Put together professional portfolio to carry resumes, contact list and pen
  • Groomed and dressed for business casual/professional-ready outing
  • Turned off cell phone and opted to leave it in car
  • Walked into first business and said, "Hi, my name is Ima Tiger, and I'm looking for a summer job. I already love shopping, eating, etc. here, and I would really enjoy being a part of your team. I think I could bring fresh energy, a strong work ethic and a smiling face to work with me every day. Do you have time to talk about my qualifications?"

You will still find some closed doors, but if you approach your summer job search as you would your professional job search you are much more likely to find employment. According to usaweekend.com, the number one thing that a manager is seeking in a summer hire is an upbeat attitude. Your availability comes next (know your summer class schedule) with previous experience ranking third.

Usaweekend.com also suggests that you be proactive in making summer money by doing the following: "Start your own business, work as a freelancer or ask a local business about an internship." Don't forget to think about the skill set you already possess and can utilize and what skills you need to hone. Summer jobs and internships can be a great resume builder.

References: How to have good ones

At some point in your job search, you will be asked for a list of references. These should not be people selected simply because you have worked for or with them in the past. They should be carefully selected and then educated on how to be an advocate for you in your search for employment.

Valerie Matta, Vice President of Business Development with CareerShift, LLC suggests you first make a list of all the possible people you can use as a reference: former employers, former clients, college professors, advisors, deans, family friends who have seen you in a professional setting, association leaders, etc. Then, narrow your list to those individuals who are willing to vouch for you AND communicate your experience, skills, integrity, professionalism, and can-do attitude to any potential employer. Once you have a list of approximately five potential references you need to:
  1. Ask them for permission. Be sure to keep thorough notes of when you contacted them and what their response was.
  2. Ask for their preferred means of contact whether it is by personal or office phone, or if they would rather be contacted via e-mail.
  3. Discuss the following likely questions with your potential references, so that you know what they are going to say and there are no surprises. You can tell them what points you are aiming to reinforce with the employers who might contact them and more than likely they will happy for the input.
    - What was your relationship with the candidate?
    - What responsibilities did she perform in her position with the company?
    - Why did she leave that position?
    - What are her strengths?
    - What are her weaknesses?
    - What was her approximate salary?
    - Would you hire or work with this person again?

She also suggests that you build a folder of references and "kudos" for a job well done throughout your career. "Get into the habit of asking for a letter of reference from someone who you have worked with who might be moving on and ask that person if they would be willing to serve as a verbal reference as well. This is certainly something to keep in mind if you are or have worked as an intern where the big payoff is more likely to be in experience gained and contacts made than in money earned."

- Reference: Val Matta, CareerShift

More career blogs

If you enjoy reading this blog, check out what other career counselors are blogging about across the country: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/career-services/

Enjoy and be informed!

Top 10 Success Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores

“You control your career destiny!”

So, don’t wait until the last minute to have a great destiny…use all four years!

  1. Keep your grades up: While this isn’t earth shattering new information, you have to remember that employers and graduate schools want candidates with good grades, and that will probably never change. Doing well academically not only proves that you have a good knowledge base, but indicates a strong work ethic, a value that employers value. It’s best to get help early. Check out Academic Support Services’ many resources!
  2. Identify interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics: Meet with a career counselor to learn what assessments are the best for you, take an assessment and meet with a career counselor to review the results.
  3. Actively explore career options: If you spent more time last night adding applications to your Facebook page than you have trying to decide on a major or career…you are typical, but you need to get started…yeah, today! Here are some ideas for career exploration: Informational Interviews: Talk with professionals in occupations of interest; Job Shadowing: Observe professionals on the job; Network: Talk with alumni, attend career fairs and attend information sessions; Research: Read about careers of interest on-line (www.auburn.edu/career and experience.com) and in the career resource library (303 Martin Hall)
  4. Get involved with extracurricular activities and clubs: Active (That’s active, not just signing up for the free t-shirt.) involvement in college activities and clubs is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. So, don’t just join, become a leader, hold an office, or coordinate an event to develop leadership and teamwork skills, skills that are on the top of every recruiter's list! Go to www.auburn.edu/organizations or www.auburn.edu/deanofstudents to find opportunities that match your interests.
  5. Get involved in community service: You live in a larger community than your college or hometown. Show recruiters you know that by giving back to your community through service. IMPACT is one of the easiest ways to give back to the Auburn/Opelika community. From there, find something you are passionate about and commit!
  6. Develop computer skills: Not only should you be able to write a business letter and resume, you need to know how to use spreadsheets, design data bases, and produce automated presentations. Take COMP 1000 or just experiment on your own. Create a database of contact information of family and friends or use your Auburn web space to develop a website. Contact the Office of Informational Technology with questions.
  7. Develop writing skills: We hear recruiters complain again and again that college graduates have weak writing skills. To make sure you aren’t one of those, don't avoid classes that are writing intensive, practice writing and utilize the English Center for feedback on your papers. A career counselor will happily review your cover letter or personal statement, which is often your first impression with a company or graduate school.
  8. Complete at least one internship in chosen career field: With a troubled economy, internships are more often the springboard to employment. Many recruiters say that when they need to fill entry-level jobs, they only hire previous interns. In addition to making yourself more marketable, internships are a great way to explore careers and determine whether or not a certain career is for you. When you work for a company as an intern for three to four months, you get a really good feel for whether the field (and company) is one in which you want to work day in and day out! So, go out and find an internship. Read this tip sheet for more assistance.
  9. Gain an appreciation of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, and courses: That’s right, not everyone is a clone of you. The American work force is becoming more diverse. So, to be successful at work and in your life, stretch yourself and learn about people and cultures different than yours. This is your time to travel…you don’t have a career or family to worry about! Learn more about Auburn’s Study Abroad opportunities.
  10. Use Career Development Services (CDS) all four years: More shameless promotion...but it’s true. CDS can help you all four years, not just the last semester of your senior year. Here is just a sampling of how CDS can help you:
  • identify your skills, interests, and values
  • choose and explore major and career options
  • obtain an internship or part-time job
  • write a resume and cover letter
  • develop interviewing skills
  • develop a job search or graduate school plan
  • connect you with prospective employers (career fairs, on-campus recruiting, etc.)

Don't wait until your senior year to start realizing your goals. The career train is on the move.

Resource: http://www.jobweb.com/parents.aspx?id=50

Networking To Do List

With graduation just days away, you might actually be considering this networking business as a legitimate option since scrolling through on-line postings on job boards hasn't found you that dream job yet. So...here is a list of networking resources to help get you started:

Identify new/old businesses seeking personnel
  • Chamber of Commerce listings
  • Tourism offices
  • Business journals (search by city) and publication reviews
  • Small Business Development Centers (Auburn's SBDC) connections
  • Regional community development organizations / authorities
  • Book of Lists – available in 303 Martin Hall

Talk to people

  • Family members, friends, friends' family members, faculty, staff, advisors, former supervisors, etc.
  • Seek referral from employers/recruiters
  • Campus employers - Part-time and full-time recruiters who have sought to hire Auburn students in the past

Go places

  • Networking opportunities - join city-wide, service driven or leadership programs and organizations
  • Attend and/or get involved with professional HR organizations such as SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)

Utilize on-line network