Through multiple class presentations, I share with students how important it is for them to be ready to meet with employers. The job market is extremely competitive and indicators show this trend will continue. Take an active role in your job search. Develop the skills employers are seeking (HINT: employers are seeking skills above and beyond the technical skills you learn in the classroom.) You need to be able to articulate what skills you have developed and how you have learned them.
“But Sarah, how does someone start?” you ask. Be proactive! As I mentioned in last week’s Career Corner, take advantage of opportunities when employers are on campus. Begin to develop a professional network. This is something that you can start early, especially at Montana Tech. Develop strong relationships with faculty, classmates and reach out to Montana Tech alumni.
Last week’s webinar, Linked In or Left Out, is available on our website. This webinar covered building a professional brand image online. The presenter gave great suggestions how to create a professional profile using LinkedIn and build contacts online. The same professional communication should be used always, but especially online. Treat online contacts as you would do in person when talking to professionals in a field of interest to you.
What are you doing over spring break? Conduct an “Informational Interview” and start to build a “Professional Network.” Informational interviewing can give you insight on what the real world experience of a specific job may be like. No one else can give you a better sense of the reality of the job than someone who is doing it. This is going to help you achieve your career goals -- whether or not you have even indentified any goals yet! An informational interview may be able to help get you started!
After the informational interview, make a careful record of the results. Ask yourself: Does it use your skills? Satisfy your interests? Also, determine the needs and problems you might face if you were to choose this line of work and what you have learned and how it might affect your career decisions and job search process.
“Be a polite college student with a clear question,” is advice from career-guru, Donald Asher. When setting up an informational interview, don’t start the conversation asking for a job, but rather that you are seeking information about a certain career field to help make an informed career decision. During the interview itself, remember your purpose is to get information from someone who has real-world experience in the field. You are looking for information that will help you understand the day-to-day realities of the subject's line of work. Watch the webinar Donald Asher presented, “7 Secrets to the Hidden Job Market” available online at http://www.mtech.edu/career/students/careervideos.htm for some great tips and suggestions to start a proactive job search.
Any time is a great time to do some exploration in your major and start talking to people. For additional suggestions about starting a job search, building contact online or conducting an informational interview, use the resources available online, stop by Career Services, Engineering Hall 103 to pick up a handout, or schedule an appointment to get more information.
UPCOMING EVENT
ETIQUETTE DINNER - March 29, 2011
The Appetizer - Freshly Prepared Bruschetta
The Soup -French Onion Soup
The Salad - Mixed Green Garden Salad
The Main Course -Roasted Sirloin of Beef W/Demi-Glace
With Fettuccine Alfredo
The Grand Finale - Cream Cheese Iced Carrot Cake
You must RSVP - Register to attend this event through your DIGGERecruiting accounts!
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