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Took classes? Studied Abroad? Internship? Part-time summer job? Nothing?
Whatever you did, MSU wants to know about it!
Seriously. Take the super quick survey here: http://bit.ly/8wDYYW
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Check out these quick tips Videos! Remember, CASH is the spot for Career Advice!
Video 1: Thank you letters
Video 2: Where to put your name tag
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Being proactive and starting your career search early is a great way to land a job or internship before the end of the school year. But it’s the end of the school year, have you found that perfect opportunity yet? If not we’re here to tell you it’s time to get going on that search. This means more than just applying for jobs online. Read on to get motivated, get organized, and learn to take a proactive approach to your job search. After picking up some tips, we’d love to hear your stories and ideas too. Post them in the comments section below. Student Profiles:
Philip Black
Name: Philip Black Year: May 2009 grad Major: General Management Company: Target Position: Executive Team Leader Location: Metro Detroit, MI Home Town:Grosse Pointe, MI 1. What did you do to be proactive in your job search? Since starting my college career at MSU, I have stayed very involved on campus. In my Freshmen year, I joined 5 different student organizations, and from there, I choose 1 one them that I best fit my personality and my career goals. In my Sophomore year, I organized a brand new organization on campus, and later grew that organization in my Junior and Senior year. Companies love to see self-initiative and drive in potential candidates, and is an excellent source of leadership examples to speak of during an interview.
2. What have you done to create your own personal “brand”? During your 30-second “info-mercial” or elevator speech, it is important to include 3 things: 1) your educational background (school, major, graduation year), 2) relevant work experiences, and 3) something unique about yourself, and probably in that order. I communicated my past work experiences in a fashion where I was able to stand above my competition. Having “just a part time job” over a summer is great! But it is more important how you communicate this to a recruiter. For example, rather than saying “I worked in a pizza place as an hourly worker just to make some money and to put on my resume”, I said “Over this past summer, I worked at a local pizza company, where I learned what it took to work with 15 other diverse employees. I also trained 2 new employees, and I learned what it took to be promoted to my current position of Manager, where I am working now during this semester.”
3. How did you find your position? During a meeting at a student organization, Target came in to present about Leadership Dimensions. At the end of the presentation, I introduced myself. The Target Executives and I chatted about the presentation, what I learned, and what could have gone better. At this time, I also handed Target my resume. At the career fair the following week, Target instantly recognized me, and signed me up for an interview. If I hadn’t spoken to the Target executives that one day during their presentation, I would not have my current position that I hold now.
4. Who or what was most helpful in your search? It is important to stay connected to a diverse group of people. Before I officially started looking for an internship or a full time position, I asked everyone I knew about companies they may have worked for, or what they have heard about certain companies. From there, I uploaded my resume to MySpartanCareer, and applied to jobs that I felt I would have passion for. After networking with a few companies, it is critical to get their name and business card. I landed an internship after my Sophomore year by simply e-mailing an employee my resume that I had met at a Company Visit.
5. What advice do you have for students who maybe haven’t been as proactive as you and are still looking for a job? It is never too early to start looking for an internship or a full time job! MySpartanCareer is available 24 hours, so even if you have 15 minutes to spare, go online and apply for a couple of jobs. If you are a freshman, start going to Career Fairs, just to get the butterflies out of your system and so you know what to expect. If you are a Sophomore, seek out other students that currently work for certain companies and ask them about the culture of that company. If you are a Junior, look for an internship that will better your resume, and even better, look to be an intern at a company you would love to work at after graduation. And if you are a senior, don’t get discouraged – one “No” doesn’t mean all “No’s”! Stay active, use the many resources a large campus has to offer, don’t lose touch with your contacts, and keep applying for jobs!
David Vejcik
Name: David Vejcik Year: May 2009 Grad Major: Supply Chain Management Company: The Hershey Company Position: Supply Chain Associate (Rotational Development Program) Location: Hershey, PA Home Town:Dearborn Heights, MI 1. What did you do to be proactive in your job search? I used all of the resources I had available to me. This includes the Lear Center, MySpartanCareer, Career Fairs, my network and also the network of my friends. With opportunities that arose through these channels I was able to maintain contact with employers after first interviews or conversations. This includes sending follow up “thank you” emails, and also emails to show continued interest in the company. I feel it is always important to show employers that you are grateful for their time, and have an active interest in pursuing a possible future opportunity with their company.
2. What have you done to create your own personal “brand”? It is very important to market yourself to employers starting with your first interaction. To set yourself apart and be distinguished to employers it is important to join student organizations and have work experience. Through my time here at State I have been members of the Accounting Association, Supply Chain Management Association and the Future Business Leaders of America to name a few. Activities such as these with work experience and strong communication skills can really show an employer how you can make make a meaningful contribution and be a great fit for their team.
3. How long did it take to find your position? I accepted my position in November of 2008, so it took me about 2 months from my first application on MySpartanCareer to the acceptance of my offer. Within these two months I was very proactive in keeping in touch with all of the contacts at Hershey I have made. Thank you letters is one part (a very big one at that), but it is also important to keep in contact after the thank you letter. Showing continued interest in the company through an email can really help set you apart from other candidates.
4. Who or what was most helpful in your search? Information I have gathered from the staff at the Lear Center through my time here was probably the most helpful. Through the Lear Center I learned about great tools such as MySpartanCareer and Career Fairs. Both of these are great resources to expand your opportunities and make valuable contacts. The more people you make contact with, the more you learn about professionalism and how to handle yourself while communicating with employers. The Lear Center has almost an endless staff of people that are looking to support you in your job search.
5. How has your proactive approach to finding a job been successful? I have accepted a full-time position with The Hershey Company after my May graduation. Being proactive early in the year (I accepted the position in November) takes a lot of pressure off of the job search and school work during the year. I was able to focus on my studies knowing I had a secure job waiting for me after graduation. There is never a bad time to make contact with the Lear Center or employers. Employers will be impressed with your initiative, and at the very least you have expanded your network of contacts that will be there for you in the future. Related Resources
Feel free to share your own story about being proactive (or getting proactive) in the comments section!
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Have you had to overcome obstacles or difficulties in your job search? Who hasn’t in
this economy? Companies have cut back on hiring, decreased starting salaries and
even pulled back offers. Learn how others have had to persevere in their search to land an internship or full-time position.
After picking up some tips from these guys, we’d love to hear your stories and ideas too. Post them in the comments section below.
Student Profiles:
Marcelo Rolim
Name: Marcelo Rolim
Year: Recent Grad
Major: Supply Chain Management
Company: The Hershey Company
Job: Supply Chain Development Program
Location: Hershey, PA
Home town: Midland, MI
1. What have you done to seek employment in today’s job market?
I have gone to every career fair, and handed out my resume to every company that seemed interesting. I practiced my interviewing skills by signing up for Mock Interviews through myspartancareer.com. In addition, I maintained contact with every single one of the employers that I have met throughout my college years, in order to show initiative and perseverance from my part.
2. What have been your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenges that I encountered were the limited number of entry-level positions for various companies, and the uncertainty of businesses needs due to the economic situation. Another big challenge has been getting my offer rescinded over Christmas break. At that point, I had already made a decision on that company and started researching for housing in the area. Nonetheless, this experience has taught me that you never know what the future holds. Therefore, you need to be ready for whatever life throws at you. In this case, it provided me the opportunity to start searching again for an even better job.
3. How have you kept from getting discouraged?
I have stayed positive throughout the entire process. I applied and interviewed for various positions. As long as I had another opportunity in sight, I remained focused and optimistic.
4. What’s been the outcome of your search?
I have accepted a full-time position within The Hershey Company. I will be joining Hershey’s Supply Chain Development Program (SCDP) in June, and moving out to the east coast.
5. What is one piece of advice you would give someone looking for a job?
I would advise them to start networking young, utilize all the resources available in your college, and get a jump-start on your career by attending career fairs and extending your knowledge with an internship experience.
Sonia Mediratta
Name: Sonia Mediratta
Year: Senior
Major: Human Resource Management
Home Town: Portage, MI
1. What have you done to seek employment in today’s job market?
Network with family and friends, attend career fairs, and look for
jobs on-line.
2. What have been your biggest challenges?
Facing rejection after having an amazing interview. I was very close in getting an offer from
a company but at the last minute, the company decided to hire a master’s student for the undergrad level position.
3. How have you kept from getting discouraged?
Going after my dreams and never giving up.
4. What’s been the outcome of your search?
Still interviewing for positions and have an interview coming up for a 2 year HR rotational
position with a company out in Boston.
Matt Dunatchik
Name: Matt Dunatchik
Year: Senior
Major: Supply Chain Management
Home Town: Livonia, MI
1. What have you done to seek employment?
I started to seek employment last fall by attending the Career Gallery in October. At the time I was quite successful and received interviews. I would constantly check myspartancareer.com for job postings that sounded interesting to me and that I qualified for. I also used my network to get my name and resume out there. I obtained two second round interviews from the fall, but to no avail.
In the spring I was a bit more proactive and began applying to company websites while continuing to use myspartancareer and my network. I got a few interviews through myspartancareer and have still been applying and looking for a job that way.
2. How have you kept from getting discouraged?
It’s very hard not to take the rejection personally, but it’s something that you must get over if you are going to stay strong and positive in your career search. When I first got rejected I took it very personally because I thought I did a good job on the interview. In order to better myself I wanted to reach out to the company and ask why they went with other candidates. I asked them to give me some feedback if they could so I could better develop myself and work on any area that wasn’t my strong suit. Luckily the company gave me some feedback that I used to become a better interviewer.
Staying positive in this economic time can be tough, but maintaining a good attitude and knowing that it WILL get better is what helps me get through. I know that I have a great degree from a well respected University and even though it might be harder than in the past, I will find a job if I remain positive and proactive. It’s something you have to constantly remind yourself of, or you will get discouraged and not stay on the right track in your job search.
3. What is the outcome?
As of now I am still currently looking for a job, but I am not letting the worry get to me. I won’t be fully graduated until the summer and I know if I don’t find anything by then, it won’t be the end of the world. I have a second round interview with Coyote Logistics and I’m very positive about it. I have been studying the company and really asking myself if this is a job that I will be able to handle, and a company I will fit with. I want to be fully prepared for the interview and fully confident in myself.
If worst comes to worst and I don’t find a job by the end of the summer, I know that the Career Gallery in the beginning of October will be a great opportunity for me to pursue companies that are hiring, companies that I am interested in. There are hundreds of resources out there and staying positive will only better yourself in this poor economic situation.
Resources and Related Links:
Feel free to share your own story about persevering in your job search in the comments section!
