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Senior Series: Interviewing

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Advice from an Employer to Help You Land the Job

When a candidate is invited for an interview, I’m looking at how the candidate’s background coincides with the position’s responsibilities, whether it’s through experience or skills they’ve gained in school. I’m also looking at the candidate’s level of passion –  tone of voice communicates what they do or don’t know about the company and the role, as well as their confidence.

It is completely natural to feel nervous prior to an interview, but when you prepare yourself, you will be more self-assured. Look at the position’s job description and be able to convey to the interviewer how you meet each responsibility.  Continue reading “Senior Series: Interviewing”

The Importance of Reflection

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Lily on water with reflection

You are halfway through the semester and have earned a break from classes through a gift known as Spring Break. Maybe you’re spending the week on vacation with friends and family, or catching up on research for your thesis. Perhaps you’re spending the week in service, or you’re eating your way through as many home-cooked meals as possible. There are many ways that you might use this time and one additional thing you can do is reflect.

In our fast-paced world with the demands of life, it can be challenging to find times to pause, breathe, and reflect. However, some of our best learning occurs when we carve out time to consider the experiences we’ve had, how they shape us, and what we desire moving forward.

Reflection can happen in a variety of ways and you can explore which best meets your needs. For some, journaling with prompts can bring good insights. Others may choose to meditate on a quote or intention to find clarity. Having contemplative conversations with confidantes can shine light on things you never realized about yourself.

As you approach the second half of the semester and thinking about future career goals, spend some time considering:

  • Who and what matters to me in the world around?
  • How do I know when I’m doing my best work?
  • When I am living as my most authentic self?
  • What skills have I gained thus far? What new skills might I like to acquire?

Having regular checkpoints for yourself throughout your career will ensure that you are always moving in directions that allow you to grow and develop. Treat yourself to some reflection this break.

~Ashley Michelle

Networking: A Student Perspective

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Wondering how other students are approaching networking? Lily Fedorko shares her journey. She’s a senior Religion major and like many in the Class of 2016 – she’s looking for her first full time job.

1.You, like many UVM seniors, are currently looking for a full time job, how are you approaching networking as part of that search?

I am talking to as many people as possible. I was terrified of networking until my first informational interview. I then realized that everyone is eager to help someone who is just getting started. I am as terrified of the “real world” as the next senior, but I keep myself sane by knowing that I am taking action through meeting people. I also place myself in circumstances where I may run into someone I have already met in the field. For example, I am interested in arts administration. I met with the director of an arts program in Burlington and then promptly attended one of her events. I wanted to get in touch with her again and to show my interest in her programming. Continue reading “Networking: A Student Perspective”

Summer Planning

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Aerial shot of Burlington waterfrontEven though you may be thinking more about bundling up right now, this is the time to set the stage for your summer plans. Here are the steps you can take to be sure that you’re ready for a productive, experience-boosting summer:

Keep your eyes open for opportunities.

Postings for internships, research opportunities, and part-time jobs are all coming up on listservs, Catamount Job Link, and sites like LinkedIn and Indeed.com. Start keeping a list of positions and opportunities that interest you so that you know what you need to do to apply. Continue reading “Summer Planning”

Researching Employers

By career

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When we need a job, it can be tempting to accept an offer without knowing what we might really be getting into. Alluring job posts (sometimes arriving through social media and random emails) often look really attractive, promise a big financial return, or sound too good to be true. Sometimes, there are reasons to be wary.

As college students, this is where your research skills come in handy.  Here are some tips for vetting positions: Continue reading “Researching Employers”

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