These are uncertain times in our world. This past year has been a test of our collective ability to be flexible, persist through hardship, and attempt to adjust to a “new normal” of pandemic life. As seniors, you may be trying to figure out how to navigate your job search and post-graduation goals in what feels like uncharted territory. The good news is, we are here to support you along the way.
Over the next month, we will share our weekly Senior Series newsletter with you via email. We hope that it will help you explore possibilities, control the parts of the job search that you can, better understand the ones you can’t, and confidently navigate the end of your time at UVM and your first steps into post-graduation life.
To make the most of these resources, we suggest you set aside some time to re-visit this information later in the week as the newsletters are pretty densely packed. In pre-pandemic times, we would have recommended setting aside a few hours each week as the semester winds down to work on a different aspect of your job search – so returning to these newsletters might be a helpful way to structure that time. Go ahead and schedule it now!
Future Newsletter Topics:
- Building your network and optimizing your job search
- Writing effective resumes and cover letters
- Successful virtual interviewing
- Negotiating your salary
The Job Market: What’s out there?
As is true for our personal and academic lives, organizations around the world have adapted to the pandemic and our current economic conditions. This will likely continue to impact your job search. We have found that most employers fall into one of four categories: pausing their hiring processes, re-building their organization after down-sizing last year, implementing a round of layoffs, or continuing to build on a year of rapid growth. We have spoken with employers in each of these positions and have heard a consistent message: with creativity, agility, hard work, and some patience, we can get through this.
While this new reality has shifted our economy, the kinds of positions you might expect to find, and which employers are actively hiring, much of our job search advice remains the same: prepare your materials, network as much as possible, and leverage online tools. You may need to re-consider your short- and long-term goals, stay flexible in considering different industries or geographic locations, and practice putting yourself out there – but this is the reality for many job searchers under normal economic circumstances, too. As you prepare to launch or fine-tune your post-grad job search, remember that we are always here to support you.
Connecting with the Career Center
Alongside these newsletters, our events, and our online resources, Career Counselors are available for one-on-one appointments and can help you connect with employers who are hiring. Our resources and services include:
- One on one appointments. You can self-schedule a phone or video appointment by logging in to Handshake, clicking “Career Center” and then “Appointments.” Fill in the details and choose a date/time that works for you. Your Career Counselor will then set up a call by phone or video.
- Blackboard modules. There are 15+ self-paced modules available in our Blackboard organization. Topics range from informational interviews and choosing a major to internships and resumes. Check these out for an overview of different aspects of the job search process.
- Resume and cover letter reviews. You can submit a draft of your resume or cover letter for an online document review via Blackboard. Expect to hear back from us within 1-3 business days.
- Handshake. In addition to browsing and applying to open positions, check out specific employer profiles to learn more about their organization. Be sure to complete your profile and make yourself visible to employers if you’d like to be contacted by recruiters – update your geographic locations of interest and specify the types of jobs you’re looking for to increase their chance of finding you.
- Micro-internships. While you are searching for a full-time position, consider applying to a micro-internship. These are short-term, flexible, paid opportunities that can usually be completed remotely and allow you to build your portfolio of professional experience. They’re also a fantastic networking opportunity. Read more on our webpage about micro-internships to get started.
- Interest groups. Join a network of peers, staff, faculty, employers, and alums who share your passions by signing up for one or more of our Interest Groups. Networking is critical during these shifting economic times, and Interest Groups can help you find new opportunities to connect with employers and alums. Fill out this form and we’ll get you added in the next few days.
- Events. In addition to our own alumni panels and career readiness workshops, you can find many virtual events hosted by employers from around the country posted in Handshake. We also have an Environment & Sustainability Job Fair coming up on April 21st.
- Online resources. Our website features several additional online resources. This includes Candid Career, GoinGlobal, UVM Connect, and more. You can learn more about each of them on our Career Tool Library page.
One Last Thing…
As luck would have it, our last career fair of this academic year is next week. Looking for work related to the environment and sustainability? Meet employers and grad program representatives at the Environment & Sustainability Job Fair on 4/21. Be sure to register and sign up for sessions with organizations of interest.