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6 Steps to Finding the Grad School for You

Graduation caps in the sky

If your graduate school search involves typing some buzzwords into Google with hopes of generating a condensed list of programs of interest, you will be pleased to know there are more efficient ways to research your options.

Although a basic Internet search can be a great way to begin, most people find the pure volume of information to be overwhelming. Here are 6 ways to tailor your search:

1. Ask professors, staff and graduate students in your field of interest. You’ll not only be able to learn about their own search process but they’re likely to give you recommendations of programs that fit your personal and professional goals.

2. Connect to professionals doing work that excites you. These folks have “been there, done that” and offer lessons from their own careers.

3. Research professional associations. Many provide graduate school advice and search resources.

4. Search online graduate school databases. Use these sites to conduct advanced searches that allow you to filter on criteria such as location and type of degree.

5. Visit your local library. Libraries often have books and catalogs about specific programs and preparing for graduate school.

6. Speak directly to admissions coordinators at schools of interest. Websites are helpful but they never tell the full story. Ask questions and make an impression.

One bonus option: Attend this year’s Grad School Fair on Monday, September 29 from 3-5 pm. You’ll be able to accomplish many of the steps listed above and increase your confidence!

~Ashley Michelle

Join Us at the Career + Experience Hub

Career + Experience Hub logo

As our one-year anniversary approaches in October, we reflect on the past year and smile because it was a successful year with visits from various students. Yet as the academic year commences, there are still some students who hesitantly come into the space and ask, “What exactly is the Hub?” To help those who are asking themselves this question, below is a snapshot of what the Hub is and the services we provide.

What is the C+E Hub?

The C+E Hub is a centralized space in the Davis Center where eight experiential learning offices at UVM including; Leadership & Civic Engagement, Office of International Education, Food Systems Internship, Career Center, Student Employment Office, Office of Fellowship Advising, Office of Undergraduate Research, and Office of Community-University Partnership Service Learning, have created a partnership to help students “get started” with experiential opportunities that excite them. Our goal is to promote the 4 Year Plan to all students and send the message that it’s never too early for you to find experiences outside of the classroom. In the end, these experiences will assist with the development of various transferable skills and interests that will be marketable to employers once you leave UVM.

What are the services?

Our partner offices and the Career Center’s Career Peer Mentors are trained to assist students with general questions pertaining to the eight offices. We have career counselors and partner staff available during our Drop-In hours throughout the week to answer students questions such as how to find a job or internship, research, service learning, study abroad, fellowships, or how you can get involved on campus. Last but not least, we hold numerous workshops and events throughout the year that tie into each of those topics.

We hope you will stop by and get started on your next steps and 4 Year Plan for Career Success!

~Danielle

Savvy Seniors: How will YOU define your final year at UVM?

Bowl of cherries

“Is life a bowl of cherries?”

There’s a lot of metaphors for what life is and how one chooses to live it. You’ve probably heard everything from the food comparisons (“life is like a box of chocolates” or a bowl of cherries) to the journey descriptions (life is a highway or a marathon).  These descriptions are more than cute sayings, they are worldviews that shape how a person approaches their days and makes decisions.  For example, if life is a marathon, then steady effort day in and day out is required and making it through means to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

It’s important that you think about your own worldview and the metaphors, values and beliefs that guide you if you want to be the captain of your own ship (another great metaphor!)  While that may seem overly lofty, you can break it down to this year: your final year at UVM. How do you envision this year for yourself? You are the only one who can decide how you want to shape this year, what you want from it, and what it means to you.  Your conception of this year will be reflected every day in the choices you make: to study or not, to go out or not, to get good rest or not, to start thinking about your life after college or not.

If you are looking for a roadmap to help guide you through this final year and get you to your next destination, may we recommend the 4 Year Plan for Career Success. Look at the Senior Year of the Plan and start to articulate your vision for this final year. The Plan gives you ideas, suggestions, and benchmarks to help you see the possibilities and identify your own goals.

~Kala

We’d like to help you plan for your final year and life after college.  Join us for:

Careers + Coffee: A Senior Open House Wednesday September 10, 3-5pm at the Career Center L/L E-140.

Becoming the Author of Your Story

Hand Typing on LaptopThe UVM Career Center is pleased to welcome students back to campus, including those joining us for the first time, and want you to know that we are here to empower you towards personal successes and growth in the year ahead Continue reading “Becoming the Author of Your Story”

There’s More to College Life Than Classes. Get Involved!

Rainbow-colored arms raised with text that reads 'Get Involved'

As fall semester sets off, consider a few ways you can get involved both on-campus and in the Burlington community. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor this year by taking advantage of the wonderful experiences that UVM and Burlington have to offer.

Whether you decide to join a campus club, apply for on-campus employment, volunteer at a local homeless shelter or hit up the Burlington Farmer’s Market on a crisp Saturday afternoon, you’ll be glad you did it. Although academics are of utmost importance at UVM, there is so much more to do while you’re here! Much of college learning occurs outside the classroom so be sure to take advantage of all the unique opportunities out there. The benefits of getting involved while in college are endless…

  • FUN! Getting involved in groups that share common interests, or attending activities put on by UVM can be fun. Simple as that.
  • NEW FRIENDS! Meet people and diversify your contacts and connections beyond the residence halls and classrooms.
  • DISCOVERY! Uncover hidden talents, strengths or passions.
  • DIRECTION! You may find a new career interest that will lead you in a fresh direction.
  • COMMUNITY! Feel more connected with both our campus community and the wider Burlington community.

Now, log-off your computer and go find something to do that excites you. A great place to start is at ActivitiesFest, Wednesday, September 3, from 10-3 pm. Hope to see you there!

~Samantha

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