UVM Career Center Blog

January 17, 2013

Making a Career Transition

When thinking about making a career change many people might question whether or not it is worth their time, energy and resources to follow through with it due to the overwhelming feeling of the process. However, when people start reflecting on why they’re ready for a change possibly due to burn out, financial instability or new interests, taking the necessary steps toward a happier career can be worth the struggle. Below are a few tips to help you work towards your new goals and obtain the career that’s right for you:

1. Realize it’s never an easy process. Changing careers can create anxiety and fear, which are normal emotions when facing change, but it’s important you use these emotions to your advantage. These emotions can help you assess why you’re thinking about this change and if they are pointing out factors you should be considering when deciding to follow through with the transition. It may be helpful to talk about your ideas with a career counselor or life coach to identify what it is you’re looking for in a job, how your transferable skills can be marketed to a new industry and how to create a plan that will be manageable for you.
2. Use your network. Consider connecting with friends, family, former colleagues, or finding people through LinkedIn to help you network. By identifying people who work within the field of interest, you will receive first-hand information about the reality of the chosen career and how you can get started with the transition. However, it’s probably a good idea to speak with more than one person within the field to give you a broader perspective.
3. Build a support team. By surrounding yourself with people who are positive and supportive of your new pursuits, you will have the additional resources you need to pull you through the skepticism you may encounter.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every artist was first an amateur.”

~Danielle

January 9, 2013

Savvy Seniors: New Year! Let the ride begin!

By career

Here’s a little inspiration from Story People

“off on another adventure of a lifetime & hoping he won’t forget halfway through this time”

Set your compass, raise the sails, and keep on breathing! Here are a few things to pack for the upcoming adventure called Life! After college!

Curiosity: Be curious each day about the next step, the next conversation, the next connection to make.

Compassion: Getting a job and life you want takes time! Be gentle with yourself in times of change, while you keep leaning into the wind.

Commitment: There are no firm deadlines & assignments to meet in life, no one checking in over your shoulder. You are steering the ship, so keep an eye focused forward and set your own search schedule.

Humor: Laugh often. Abandon all Eeyore tendencies when thinking “I gotta get a job….” Keeping positive is key, so take time each day to see the humor in things – watch a comedy re-run, take a laughter yoga class, or make a belly-laugh chain with friends.

~Holly

December 13, 2012

What Employers Look for on a Resume

By career

Helpful Tips Post-It

How long do employers look at your resume? 1 minute? 30 seconds? The answer is an average of 6 seconds. In order to maximize your potential in the allotted time, it is recommended that you personalize it to the reader. Employers read numerous resumes and if the information is not clearly connected to the job, they will skip your resume. The proper format and material is just the beginning of the process. Consider the following pointers:

Error Free and Grammatically Correct Documents – A mistake in any application document risks the reader rejecting your candidacy for lack of attention to detail. Proofread your documents!
Concise Writing Style – Employers prefer a writing style that utilizes action verbs and an active voice; passive writing is not recommended. Address the important points directly to keep the audience’s attention.
Experience vs. Academics –Many employers look at Relevant Experience, which could permit excluding your GPA only if it is not required. However, if academics are emphasized then consider including honors, awards, GPA, etc. Technical skills are always desired for both experience and academics.
Formatting – Organizational techniques such as Reverse Chronological Order, ordering by most recent to least recent, and consistency, maintaining the same format for all sections will give you an advantage. This will assist the reader to find key information and allow them to navigate your resume effortlessly. Formatting is key. An effective resume will draw the reader’s attention/interest in approximately 6 seconds.
Include Hometown Address When Applying Locally– Applying near your hometown could provide an advantage due to locality.
Honesty – Truthfully listing your experiences allows for easier conversation with an interviewer.

~ Randall, Career Peer Advisor

December 11, 2012

World of Work: Alli Morse ’12, State Street Bank

By career

Alli Morse ‘12
Project Manager/Business Analyst
State Street
Major: Mathematics

What are employers looking for?

During senior year of college family, friends, professors, and fellow students are all asking the golden question: “What are your plans after you graduate?” For some students, it’s a question they love to be asked because they have an answer. Maybe it’s graduate school, a full-time job, or traveling throughout Europe for a summer. But I would argue that for most students, it’s a question they dread. Come December of my senior year, I fell into the latter category.

After ruling out graduate school and the trip to Europe, due to the damages it would cause on my bank account, I began looking into ways of incorporating my math skills into the business world. I knew I wanted a large, global and reputable company that would allow me to develop as a financial professional and grow within the company.

After a lot of research and submission of online applications to multiple companies, my friend recommended looking into State Street. With hopes of networking with State Street colleagues, I attended the annual UVM Boston Career Networking Night. After giving my well-planned spiel to a Senior Vice President from State Street, she gave me her business card and told me to follow up with her offline. The next day, I emailed all alumni with whom I connected, including the SVP from State Street. The next thing I knew I was headed into Boston for “Informational Interviews.” After four hours of draining interviews, including an unsolvable math problem, I left One Lincoln Street thinking I would never get a job there. But I was determined to continue on my search.

The next month I dedicated to my job search, which consisted of networking with people at both State Street and other financial institutions. For the most part, many people never responded but I was persistent which, in the end, was key. Over a month after my visit to State Street in Boston, I received an offer from State Street within SSGM ERM Department. It turned out I had key competencies they value. I graduated Cum Laude in May 2012 and in June I moved to the North End in Boston and started at State Street.

I am currently a Project Manager/Business Analyst for the Risk Management department within SSGM. So, landing a job after graduation is possible! It takes time and effort. While beginning your search, here are some tips from a lead recruiter at State Street to assist your efforts.

November 29, 2012

Wanted: Socially Responsible Employer

By career

It is common knowledge in today’s society that corporations worldwide face a fundamental struggle: the struggle to find a balance between profit and ethics. The question has always been- can a company be successful and ethical? This is an incredibly important question for the general public, but it is absolutely crucial for the college student and/or recent graduate who is searching for employment. Where do corporations’ ethics and socially responsible practices fit into the job search process? How much do ethics matter to today’s young workforce?

A tool has been created to gauge the social responsibility of a corporation called the Corporate Social Responsibility Index. This index takes into account three broad domains of social responsibility when ranking corporations:

1.) Citizenship- How does the corporation contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community which it is a part of? What about to the Global community?

2.) Governance- How is the business run? Is the company transparent with its stakeholders?

3.) Workplace- How are the employees treated? Are the wages fair? Does the corporation invest in their employees’ career development?

The idea that young adults today are becoming critical, socially responsible future employees is becoming a growing area of interest for researchers. In fact, the manager of the Careers and Employer Relations Office at the University of Sydney, Rosemary Sainty, has dedicated the majority of her work to helping college students choose ethical employers. She has created a resource to get college students thinking about ethics and their future. So start thinking! What will make the difference when you choose your future employer?

~Sam, Career Peer Advisor

UVM Career Center Blog

Posts