Week of 6/10/2013

Featured Staff of the Week: Katie Pinney

Hi there! I’m Katie Pinney and I’m a graduate student pursuing my M.Ed. in Student Development Administration here at Seattle University. I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and studied Psychology and Criminology at the University of Minnesota. After I graduated from college, I spontaneously moved to Denver, Colorado where I first worked in Human Resources for a TV Production Company and then as an advisor for high school students at an online high school. I lived there for about 5 years before I decided to return to school to get my masters in education. I absolutely love Seattle, especially when it’s sunny!

Currently, I am interning at Career Services as an advisor. I love working one-on-one with students helping them make career decisions and talking about their future goals. When I was an undergrad, I took a Career Planning course and that is how I became fascinated with this field of work. Without that class and the support of my career counselor, I would have felt so lost after graduation. I hope to be that mentor for students that come in to our office. When I am not interning with Career Services, I spend time at my job in University Recreation as the Student Development and Leadership coordinator. In my spare time (which is very little) I love to get outside to hike, camp, and play with my dog, Frankie. I enjoy painting, running, yoga, and cooking.  I am also a huge Green Bay Packer fan and can’t wait for football season!

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Hey Graduating Seniors: Keep in Touch!

First of all, congratulations from our office to you! Your ties with our office does not end here, however, because we offer services to our alumni as well! As an alum, you have unlimited appointments and drop-in opportunities for the first three years . We also offer alumni workshop series in diverse fields and are always taking into consideration new ideas! Always remember that our office is here for you no matter how long it has been since you have graduated!

As a new alum, make sure to also check out the Job Search Boot Camp event held Tuesday, June 25^th from 1-4:30pm. This one day workshop will focus on four topics including: 1) Resume and Cover Letters, 2) Strategies for Your Search, 3) Leveraging Social Media & LinkedIn, and 4) Using Your Strengths in Interviews. If you are interested, please RSVP by email at careerservices@seattleu.edu

Summer Job Tip of the Week

It’s important to develop leadership skills within any job or internship we hold, but have you ever thought about the importance of listening to others? There is a lot that can be learned from being a better listener that will enhance your summer experience to something that is more memorable and possibly life-changing. Check out these tips and practice skills  for more on how to be a better listener!

Week of 6/3/2013

Meet the newest addition to our team, Patty Colosi!

Hi there! My name is Patty. I’m a transfer student walking the long road to completion of a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology (I’m looking to add a minor too :D ). I’m also your friendly, neighborhood OA over at Career Services. I’ve only been with the office for a few weeks, but I already love the close-knit team and the opportunities I’ve had to learn about the post-grad job search. Work environment is really important to me and this office has the best I’ve ever experienced. I think students coming to utilize the office will appreciate it too. When I’m not frantically studying, I’m reading fanfiction or watching old episodes of Star Trek. I like to write and play table-top RPGs as well! I was born in Olympia, but spent my first 7 or so years in upstate New York. Now that I’m back, I don’t plan on leaving. I love Seattle!

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Q&A

“I just started a new job/internship and now I’m not sure if this was the right fit for me…what do I do now?”

We all hear stories about people hating their jobs - it’s no secret! One aspect about many college internships and jobs is that they are not permanent, and that every opportunity can help you grow and realize what you truly like to do and not do. The best way to avoid a negative internship experience is to make sure to ask the right questions during the interview process. Ask questions that will really help you understand and encompass the entirety of the duties and tasks you will be performing if you receive the job. There should be no surprises if you know exactly what it entails before beginning to work.

However, there are other factors that may make you question your new job such as; the work environment, the dynamics of the staff members, etc. that you wouldn’t know as much about until you actually begin working. In this case, make sure to reflect on why you were interested in this opportunity in the first place.

Things you might consider are:

Is this position going to help you network or receive professional connections and references that will help you in the future?

Is it helping you acquire new and needed skills for your career path?

Consider your industry of interest, and perhaps you will see that you sometimes have to start working at a position that may not be completely ideal, but may help you move onward for the future.

If you are still unsatisfied with the work that is given to you, make sure to communicate with your supervisor so they understand your vision and where you saw this position taking you. If you come from an open-minded place, oftentimes they will be able to work with you to make sure you are receiving the learning outcomes you were hoping for in the first place, or help you understand where they are coming from as well.

Nonetheless, it is still possible for the position to be a bad match for you. If this is the case, be sure to discuss with your supervisor to see if there is anything you can do to step down from the position or find an alternative job so you still can support the organization and fulfill your obligation to the internship.

Always keep in mind that communication is key, and most supervisors will be delighted to work with you to make sure everyone is happy and excited about their work! 

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.