Week of 5/20/2013

Student Testimonial

“When I first visited the SU Career Services office, I had just received my bachelor's degree in International Studies but was struggling to cope with the dawning realization that I hadn't come up with a concrete post-graduation career plan. My appointments here with Alissa Strong have been extremely beneficial, as she has not only provided me with solid resume and interview preparation advice that has been essential to me securing key internship and job positions over the past 10 months, but has also consistently offered positive reinforcement which boosted my self-motivation and drive to not put off or give up on my career goals.”

Andrew Arpin, Class of 2012

Attention All Seniors!

Career Services is pleased to host the second annual Senior BBQ on Wednesday, May 22. Graduating seniors are invited to join in a casual (and free!) BBQ lunch to celebrate your accomplishments and discover resources to help you make the transition from student to life after SU. There will be a fun photo booth and prizes, including a drawing for a $300 Visa card!

This event is for graduating seniors only. Space is limited and (free) tickets are required to enter. To obtain your free ticket, stop in to Career Services in PAVL 110. Sponsorship provided by CampusPoint and Northwestern Mutual.

Questions? Contact Maggie Heier at heierm@seattleu.edu in Career Services.  

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Q&A

“How do I know if a job posting is a scam, and how can I protect myself?”

Have you ever come across a job listing on job boards that seemed a bit odd, or even too good to be true? Unfortunately, job scams do exist, but there are clues and ways to prevent yourself from getting scammed. Always remember to use sound judgment and discretion when dealing with questionable employment opportunities and if something doesn’t seem right, make sure to do more research before going on further with the job.

As a general rule, you should be wary when:

-You are offered advance payment for service.

-It is difficult or impossible to confirm the legitimacy of the employer.

-You are asked for personal information, such as your social security number or your bank account information

-You receive an offer without an interview or typical application process.

-There is a potential increased risk working with private individuals and start-up companies.

-The interview is in a private home or secluded location and not in a public place of business.

-You are asked for payment or fee (with exceptions for background checks, driver history and occasionally uniform or equipment).

The Career Services office is also here to provide you with support and advice, so don't ever hesitate to stop by if you would like an advisor to look over a job with you!

Week of 5/6/2013

Student Testimonial

"I met with James and he helped review my resume for me. He was very helpful and gave me a bunch of advice of how I could not only format my resume, but also looking at specific areas I could focus on in more detail in order to make it stand out better."

~Anonymous, Senior

Featured Employer: US Navy

The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of engaging conflict, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. Navy officers are highly trained professionals who lead the way in achieving operational and management requirements. They provide technical, managerial and scientific expertise in a wide variety of specialties at sea, in the air and on shore. Graduates will serve in officer communities including surface warfare, aviation, SEAL, supply, aeronautical maintenance duty, or submarines.

Currently, the U.S. Navy Engineering Officer Programs is looking to hire students for full-time positions and wants you to learn more about the opportunities with the Navy. They are particularly interested in students in electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, math, chemistry and physics.

Please join us on Thursday, May 9^th from 12:30-1:15pm in the Pavilion Living room for an informational session! Lunch will be provided, and don’t forget to bring your resume!

To learn more about putting your science and engineering skills to work in the Navy check out their website: http://www.navy.com/careers/nuclear-energy.html

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Q&A

“I’m an SU student but don’t live near campus…is there any way I can meet with an advisor without physically coming to the office?”

Absolutely! We understand that there are many commuter students who cannot spend time on campus outside of their school schedules. As an accommodation, we offer advising appointments through Skype and phone sessions. These appointment requests can be made on our website through the Special Appointment Request Form. Please be sure to specify in the comment box that you would like to do satellite advising! Once the advisor emails you about the appointment time, it would be best to e-mail them any material you would like them to look over, such as a cover letter or resume, so they can look at it before and during your appointment.

Our office will also be hosting and recording Webinars so keep an eye out for those on our website! These webinars will range from training in how to use the Redhawk Network to how to write a resume and cover letter!

Week of 4/29/2013

Student Testimonial

I visited Career Services toward the end of my freshman year. I was a Psychology major and had taken my first Psychology class winter quarter and decided that I really did not like it. I came in really confused and kind of freaked out because I had no clue what I wanted to do. One moment I wanted to do Psychology and the next I did not. Talking to an advisor in the Career center really helped me out. It helps to talk to someone who will listen and advise you on what you can do to decide on a major. Your major, even though it is important, is not everything. It is how you market that major and what you have learned to the person who’s interviewing you. I have also visited the Career Services Center for Resume help and that was also really helpful. The advisor goes through your Resume and let’s you know what can be done to improve it. I have also recently learned that they also provide mock interviews. I kind of wish I had known that sooner as that would have been helpful.

-Melissa Wong, Sophomore

Featured Employer: DoubleDown Interactive

Calling all game lovers to connect with this employer! DoubleDown Interactive is currently hiring graduating seniors in fields of: computer science and software engineering; electrical and computer engineering; physics; and math, and graduate students in: software engineering; and computing and software systems. These full-time positions will be in roles of mobile developer; HTML5/JavaScript developer; and Java developer.

With veterans from some of the top game companies, Double Down Interactive’s team is committed to providing consumers with a social games experience that is unrivaled by anything else online. Here, you will find smart, creative people who contribute daily to an environment of collaboration and fun as they develop some of the leading social games online. It is an exciting time to be part of the team that is one of Facebook’s top 25 game developers today and play an active role in developing games that will be played by millions online. Double Down Interactive is always on the lookout for great talent to help fuel their growth and contribute to their continued success!

Information session will be held on Tuesday, April 30^th from 12:30-1:20pm in the Pavilion Living Room. Click here for more information about their company on their website. Come and enter to win an iPad Mini!

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Q&A

“Do potential employers really search you on social media? And if so, how do I protect my image?”

Many employers will definitely search you online before hiring you. Often times, they will simply Google your name to see what images and links come up associated with you. The best way to make sure you are putting out the appropriate image online is to search yourself and see what comes up. If you see anything you don’t want out there, try to find ways to delete them so it is no longer up online. Another great way to ensure you’re putting the appropriate professional image out there is by making sure your LinkedIn is very up to date and professional – if that is perfected, it will be the first link that comes up when employers search you! Remember – once you put something out on the web it becomes public property so always keep your professional image in mind before putting up unprofessional images or content!

Week of 4/22/2013

Student Testimonial

“I just made my first visit to Career Services this week and I think it was an extremely helpful experience. As a senior, I was aware of the services that were provided but I didn't realize how many utilities there are in being able to talk to a person one on one. I thought that I would be able to research and learn the information I needed to know about careers online, but I should have taken advantage of a department that's sole purpose is to support career development. I think I will probably use Career Services more now. It's much more efficient than finding out things on my own.”

-Senior, Seattle University

Featured Employer: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is one of the most respected names in aviation and flies throughout its namesake state and the Lower 48, as well as to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Their roots date to 1932 and are symbolized by the Eskimo painted on the tails of our aircraft. Guided by what we call the "Alaska Spirit", they pride themselves on providing a lifeline to remote communities while delivering renowned service to everyone they fly. This commitment has brought Alaska Airlines national and international recognition: They have ranked "highest in customer satisfaction among traditional network carriers" in J.D. Power and Associates' North America Airline Satisfaction Study for the past three years. They have also been honored with a variety of awards by readers of Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and others. Alaska is the dominant West Coast airline and, together with its sister carrier Horizon Air, flies to more than 90 destinations.

Be sure to join Alaska Airlines for their College Info Night this Thursday, April 25^th!

This event is a great opportunity for those graduating in 2013 with degrees or focuses in: Information Technology, E-Commerce, Web Analytics/Web Marketing, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Math/Statistics, Computer Science, and Software Engineering.

Company executives, department managers, and recruiters will be on-hand to discuss their exciting career opportunities! Join for a presentation, information sessions, and a networking reception. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVP required!

E-mail collegenight@alaskaair.com to receive your registration form. Space is limited!

Please direct all questions to Monica Duke in the Career Services office at dukem@seattleu.edu

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Q&A

“How important is it to follow up after a job interview, and how exactly should I do that?”

Following up after an interview is very crucial – oftentimes even if you don’t make the strongest impression in the interview, the matter afterwards can steer the hirer in your direction. A follow-up note is one of the best ways to keep in touch with the employer after your interview. This follow-up note could either be an e-mail or handwritten, but many would agree that e-mail is much more common and efficient nowadays. Be sure to send it as soon as possible (within 24 hours of the interview), but don’t forget to put a lot of thought into it as well. Make sure to make the note original and tailored to the specific company you just interviewed with, so they know about your potential commitment and dedication to their company. Most importantly, don’t forget to thank them for their time and proof read before sending it off!

Check out Forbes’ article on this issue for more in-depth information, and here are some example letters and formats.

Week of 4/15/2013

Featured Staff

Sean Bellevue

Hi, I’m Sean and I’m not only a freshman Biology major with hopes of going to medical school but I’m also a proud student employee at Career Services. People ask me all the time what I do as on office assistant at Career Services, and they are surprised when I tell them that it’s not just the standard answer phones and emails. As a freshman I’m already learning about searching for a job and learning useful skills that I can apply to my career after graduation. There are only a few places that I would be willing to work at and return as a customer, and this office happens to be one of those great places. I love to fully take advantage of the help and advice the advisors and staff have to offer, from resume and cover letter advice, to interview preparation, to getting in touch with big and small name employers throughout the year; not using this incredible resource would be a mistake on my part. I grew up in the Puget Sound area and apart from a short stay in Italy I’ve lived here my entire life and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I love the Seattle weather, I love being surrounded by green, and I love having the opportunity to be a student of Seattle University.

Featured Employer: Career Expo Highlights

On Wednesday, April 10^th, Career Services, in partnership with the Albers Placement Center, hosted our annual Career Expo in the Campion Ballroom! Over 200 students attended the event where they got a chance to meet and discuss full-time and part-time job opportunities with 60 different employers.

Special recognition was given to our two employers of the year, the Peace Corps and Amazon, for their dedication to hiring SU students for full-time and internship opportunities, for the deep relationships they have built with the various schools and college across campus, and for the many ways in which their employees engage in meaningful ways with our students and staff.  Don’t fret if you missed the fair – it’s not too late to connect with the employers! Check out our Q&A section below for details.  

A special shout out goes out to Albers Placement Center, Alpha Kappa Psi, PRSSA, and other student groups on campus who helped put on this successful event! Thank you all!

 

 

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Q&A:

“I missed the Career Expo…Is it now too late to check out which employers were there and to connect with them?”

No, it’s not too late at all! All of the employers who attended Expo are still active in the Redhawk Network, and many of the job opportunities are listed there as well. Be sure to search for Event ID# 813 on RHN or take a look at our webpage here for the full listings. Don’t forget to stop by our office for Express Advising or make an appointment with an advisor if you still would like advice or help on your resumes and cover letters!

Week of 3/18/2013

Featured Staff Alissa Strong

Hello! I’m Alissa Strong, one of the career advisors at Career Services. I enjoy my work most because I get to learn what sparks interest in each student that comes through our office. We are all very privileged in that we can choose to have conversations about which career paths we’d like to take and have so many opportunities at SU and in this area to explore those pathways.

I also work with students a lot on building their confidence and understanding their unique skills and strengths. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about yourself in an interview or on a resume! That’s why reflecting on and acknowledging your accomplishments is key to marketing yourself. 

Since many of us spend 40+ hours a week at work, I hope to help students and alumni seek out opportunities that offer an enjoyable/comfortable work environment and a role that utilizes their best qualities. Not sure exactly what it is you want to do yet? It’s ok! Many of us still don’t know… or change our minds a lot.

Alissa Strong is an Assistant Director of Outreach and works primarily with students and alumni from Science & Engineering, Nursing, and Theology and Ministry programs.

Featured Employer

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing their members the best quality brand-name merchandise.The company has hundreds of locations worldwide, and it one of the top retialers in the world known for a culture that promotes from within. Costco's operating philosophy has been simple: Keep costs down and pass the savings on to their members, Their large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with their never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best posbbiel prices for their members. Since resuming the Costco name in 1997, the company has grown worldwide with otal sales in recent fidcal years exceeding $64 billion.
This summer,  Costco is looking to hire 20+ summer interns into a variety of their teams.  Positions are 40 hours/week, paid, and located in Issaquah.  These positions are open to all majors, and the focus of the work is in supporting and implementing projects within technical teams. .  Internships are not widely available across the company – but this IT Internship program is unique and a great way into an amazing company. This internship will have both business and technology training, including but not limited to monitoring, reporting, testing, production control, business process, etc.

Applications close on March 22^nd.  You’ll need to submit a resume, cover letter, and 2 reference letters and fill out their online application. You will receive training and have access to a variety of professional development activities, including meeting with top Costco executives. This is an amazing opportunity – apply today at: https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=COSTCO&cws=1&rid=829

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Q&A

“Can I still access Career Services and your resources even after I graduate from Seattle University?”

Absolutely, we offer many opportunities, events, and workshops for our SU alumni through our office! Just like the current students, alumni can come in during advising hours or make an appointment to meet with one. Three years upon graduation, alumni are considered “experienced alum” and can meet no more than three times a year with our advisors. However, alumni also have access to the Redhawk Network whenever you please! If you graduated prior to 2007 and have never accessed the Redhawk Network, please create an account for yourself here.

 

Alumni are also welcome to attend our annual events such as the Part-Time Job Fair in the fall, Internship Fair in the winter, and the upcoming Career Expo in the spring. Employer Information Sessions, which generally happen on a weekly basis, are also open for you to attend. These are great opportunities for students and alumni alike to connect with employers.

In addition, we offer many alumni workshops to help better your professional life.

This spring we are offering:

March 19^th & 26^th

“Out of The Middle Marketing For Therapists and Coaches”

April 23^rd ~ May 14^th (4 part series)

“Tools for Career Transition-Looking for a Job, a Career Change or Re-start”

June 6^th ~ June 27^th (4 part series)

“Living Into the Questions”

To find out more information or to sign up for any of these workshops, please look at our events calendar or log into the Redhawk Network and search for the event names.

If you have any questions regarding your opportunities as an alum, please contact our office by calling 206-296-6080 or email us at careerservices@seattleu.edu