Our Favorite Super Bowl Ads – Happy Job Searching!

Our favorite Ads from Super Bowl Sunday? They’d have to be…

CareerBuilder.com – Casual Friday

Monster.com Fiddling Beaver

Why? Because it doesn’t matter where you search for a job. It’s just that you do.

MySpartanCareer – LinkedIn – TwitterJobSearch – Monster – Career Builder

Happy Job Searching!

Changing the Job Search

The ways in which people find jobs are changing. Many people have success using Twitter and Linked-in among other social media sites.

When the condition of the economy has you down remember, it could always be worse…

Diversity Career Fair 2010 1/22

HOW-TO: Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

View more videos from Brett Kopf

Inside Edge – Going into the World

A Breath of Fresh Air

It gets pretty tiring hearing about the depressed, jobless market that all of us college students are soon to be a part of, eh? Here, here! Fret no more- good news is on the way!

According to a CNN report, the number of unemployment claims made this week were the lowest since last January. Cool, right? Simply put, this means more job opportunities for all of us soon to be graduates. It gets pretty discouraging hearing about all of the downfalls of the current market, but we could have something going for us here. So strap on those career searchin’ boots, get inspired again, and check out the article for more details!

& now, every job that gets posted on myspartancareer also gets posted to their twitter account: follow myspartancareer & be in the loop on all job postings

Advice from Alumni: Jessica, Sales Representative at Altria

Jessica Doroshewitz, an alumnus of MSU and former employee of the Lear Career Services Center, answered some interview questions to help students in their job search and give advice as to what current students should do before applying to a job/internship. She also tells us what it’s like to work for Altria, a Fortune 500 company. She is currently a Sales Representative for Altria and works within Michigan.

1. What are 3 major things at MSU that helped you find a job?
There are a lot of factors that went into my internship/ job search throughout all of my experiences at MSU. I would say the Lear Center was definitely a huge part of my success. They have so much to offer in terms of guidance, workshops, tools, and the variety of companies that come to recruit through all of the Career Services Centers. Getting involved in many different types of clubs on campus also really helped . It gave me many opportunities to have some leadership on campus and learn about different areas of business. Finally, I would say that networking with employers I met on campus was a huge part of my success.

2. What kind of activities did you do on campus while at MSU? Did they prepare you for working at Altria?

I did a lot of activities during my time at MSU! I started freshman year in General Management Association, holding positions from Secretary to President throughout my 4 years. There was also the Day at State program I was involved with for a few years. I was the President of Toastmasters/ MSU Speak Smart, as well as holding a job in the Lear Career Center for 3 years working as a student assistant. During my time I also had 3 internships when I was not on campus.

3. Describe how your job search went before graduation/ how did you get a job with Altria?

I had some internship experience, so I knew what I was looking for in a full time position. I interviewed with 7 companies during the fall of my Senior year. These recruiters were people I had met through the career fairs, information sessions, or just from attending different meetings. After going through all the rounds of interviews, I had 5 job offers. I was looking for something fast paced, with lots of opportunity to advance/ learn, an office/ field balance with everyday work, and great benefits. Altria had the best offer to encompass all of these things that were important to me, so in the end I chose them while it was the best fit.

4. What is the biggest challenge you face adjusting from college life to the workplace?

The biggest challenge is the responsibility! MSU offers so much support in every aspects of a students life, that when I went from high school to college, I had a huge support from the university, friends, and my family with adjusting to college life. When you get tossed into the real world, you have a lot more problem solving to do. I graduated and started a new job the next month, almost all of my friends moved, I relocated to a smaller town where I didn’t know anyone, and for the first time I was living alone. It is a lot more responsibility but it is a lot of fun figuring everything out and learning how to deal with things on my own.

5. What is your typical work day like?

I am a sales representative, so there really is not a “normal” day. I call on 150 accounts in a territory I am in charge of. I sell new programs, contracts, or products Altria is offering, as well as consult with retailers on how to grow their business. On some days, I have meetings and training to attend either in my area or out of town. It is a very fun job and high paced where no two days are ever the same!

6. What would you recommend students do to get a job/ internship?
Get involved! The best thing you can do is network with other students, employers, advisors, professors, or anyone else you come in contact with. You never know where an opportunity will rise and the more people you know the more opportunities you will have!

7. What has been the best part of working for Altria?
The best part of working here is definitely the people. I can not say enough good things about the company culture and how well this company supports its people. From training and development, to support in everyday activities, I can’t imagine a company that treats their employees better and offers more opportunity.

8. Is there anything else you would like to add or suggestions for students looking for jobs/internships?

Don’t get discouraged! Keep networking, practicing mock interviews, and getting involved on campus and eventually it will pay off.

If you want to use the resources Jessica was talking about, visit myspartancareer.com to check out workshops and events on campus that can help you in you career search!

Facebook Dilemma: Recruiters & Future Employers – “Add as Friend”?

Social networking sites are clearly the latest craze, everything from Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn to Twitter. Everyone seems to ‘plugged in’ somehow…maybe even your boss? Which is exactly why you should be extremely content conscious with what you post!

It also poses the question should you friend request your recruiter in the first place? Answer: NO. We all love to post photos from that wacky party the other night or tweet about how much we abhor or obsess over one thing or another, but is the constant censoring worth it?

BUT there are ways you can use Social Media to further your career search. Find that company you’re interested on Facebook and become a fan of their page. Find them and follow them on Twitter.

Even if you don’t add recruiters as a friends, doesn’t mean they can’t find you. Make sure you adjust your privacy settings so your profile is closed to those who aren’t your friends. (Settings > Privacy Settings > Profile) & that includes hiding even your profile picture if it’s going to be unprofessional!

The risk of losing or not getting a job based on your Facebook profile is a major bummer. Who wants the stress!?

For more, check out our CASHtip clip from Nestle recruiter on Networking.

Lights…Cameras…Action! Jobs in the Film Industry

Let’s go to the place where filmmakers instinctively flock like the salmon of Capastra, I’m talking about a little place called Michigan!  Ever since last April the film industry has infiltrated the great state we call Michigan.  It’s a wonder why Hollywood never tapped into the beautiful coastlines of our mitten, but all it took for it finally to happen was the generous film tax incentive that passed last April.  Since the bill’s passing roughly 2000 film related jobs have been created throughout the state along with over $100 Million spent on production related costs.  In 2007 there were only 2 movies filmed in Michigan, in 2008 the number jumped to 35 and so far in 2009 there are 85 movies that have either been made or have pending production applications!   So how come all the sudden Michigan has become the place to be for film?  It all roots back to the tax incentive.  This incentive gives the companies up to a 42% tax credit on production costs.  This tax credit is so attractive because it is in competition with Montana’s 12%, New Jersey’s 20% and New York’s 35%.

There couldn’t be a better time for the movie business to make a presence in Michigan.  Ever since the auto industry took the groinal blow not too long ago, we have had plenty of restless working hands that are perfect for manning movie sets.  Not only that, but the city of Detroit alone is perfect for the movie business because it has the big city feel with a small town population.  Because we have so many abandoned homes in the city filmmakers will be able to close of city blocks for their movies without disturbing anyone.  A few movies such as “The Irishman” starring Val Kilmer and Christopher Walkin and “Whip It” starring Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore have already filmed in Detroit along with many other locations throughout Michigan.

So what can you do?  Instead of just sitting around and reading about big changes that are happening in a town near you, do something about it and get involved.  For information regarding jobs check out websites such as http://michiganfilm.com , http://www.productionhub.com, and http://www.michiganfilmproduction.com/jobs.  These are only a few that can be easily found through the web.

And remember, there’s no business like show business.

Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For 2009″

Fortune Magazine released the “Best Companies to Work For 2009″ article.  Several factors go into the compilation ranging from salary, benefits, perks, special treatments, etc.  As a Spartan, you will certainly possess the skills required to work for and enjoy these luxuries provided by these companies.  Next to each of the companies is the link to apply for/learn more about the opportunities.

#1  NetApp (computer storage and data management)
Internships New College Graduate

#2  Edward Jones Investments (brokerage and investment advisory)
Internships Full-Time

#3  Boston Consulting Group (management consulting)
How to Apply (Full-Time and Internships available)

#4  Google (internet search engine)
Internships (USA)    Full-Time/Global

#5  Wegmans (Supermarket)
Careers

#6  Cisco Systems (multinational corporation)
Global Internships (USA)    Graduate Careers

#7  Genentech (biotechnology)
University Recruiting (Internships, Co-Ops, Clinical Fellowships, Postdoc Positions)

#8  Methodist Hospital (hospital system)
Internship & Fellowship Programs

#9  Goldman Sachs (bank holding and investment banking)
Internships (non-summer)    Internships (general)     New Analyst New Associate

#10  Nugget Markets (supermarket)
Jobs

Remember the online application process may feel unfruitful, but if you’re vigilant by calling, emailing company HR, and pushing yourself into the door, you will get an opportunity to interview.  Furthermore, don’t feel like you NEED to work for one of these companies to be happy/successful, you need to research plenty of companies ethos, culture, and industry to find the right company for you.

Career Advice from the Stars

There are many ways you can get career advice: your parents, your friends, and the career services centers on campus.  But what if you want a different kind of advice?  You could always try what the stars tell you…

According to Jeff Jawer of Tarot.com you should be focusing on meaning, not money when it comes to your career.  Apparently, the same people who can give you a horoscope based on your astrology sign, also give career advice and predictions.  Jawer has practiced Astrology nationally since 1973, interpreting the planets as they relate to life, love, work, and play.

His 2009 career astrology forecast stats the, “inspiration and skill are the key factors for professional success in 2009.” adding, “Honing your skills can be pure drudgery if you don’t really care about the work you’re doing.  This is where the inspiration of Jupiter and Aquarius comes into play.  The outgoing lpanet’s presence in this idealistic sign says that rewards come when your interests are more than simply financial.”

While it may seem trivial to rely on the stars for career advice, Jawer does make some excellent points and his advice can definately be considered constructive.

To see the full 2009 astrolog forecast, visit:
http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/2009-career-horoscope

And for more information on Jeff Jawer, see:
http://www.tarot.com/astrology/jeff-jawer-bio-page

Be Proactive

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

• Proactive Job Searching
• Job Hunt Motivation
• Finding Unadvertised Jobs
• Jibberjobber.com – to keep your career search organized

Feel free to share your own story about being proactive (or getting proactive) in the comments section!