IPFW Career Services Blog

You're Fired!

2012-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

Job applications, interviewsand resumes are all meant to emphasize your strengths and your best qualities. But,what if you were fired from your last job?

Let’s check out our CareerGuide and see if it has any tips:

“If you were fired, you needto approach it in a factual format, with no emotion. Be honest; do not lie.Tell what you learned from it and how you are better because of it.” (IPFW CareerGuide, page 56)

Take Responsibility- The truth is, you might be furious at yourprevious employer, what they did to you, may be completely unfair, or you mayfeel frustrated by your own poor performance. Your new employer, doesn’t wantyou to cast blame. See where you canfind fault in your own actions, even if it was only that you stayed too long ata job that you knew wasn’t right for you. Remember, there’s a fine line betweenbeing honest and giving way too much information.

Share What You’ve Learned-What would you do differently now? Learn how tobetter manage your time? Be more accurate in your work? Resolve conflict morequickly? Let your prospective new employer know.

Share What You’veDone- If you’veanything that might show the employer that you’ve improved from the past,like receive additional training in an area where you were lacking let him orher know.

Finally, keep in mind that you want to emphasizethe positive, which in this case is how enthusiastic you are about starting anew job and a phase in your life!

*You can pick up a free copy of the Career Guidein the Career Services office in Kettler 109 or find it online at: http://new.ipfw.edu/dotAsset/213057.pdf”

IPFW Externship Program!

2012-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Spend your Spring Break doing an Externship!!
[March 5-9, 2012]

The externship program is designed to give IPFW students the opportunity to explore a specific career field while networking with professionals and alumni within the community...so, it is kind of like a mini-internship. We run it during Spring Break!

Click HERE for more information about the externship program!

Participating Employers:

Allen County Circuit Court

Allen County Superior Court

Allen County Government Purchasing

Allen County Department of Health

Allen County Government HR

Aunt Millie’s Bakeries

Boys & Girls Clubs of FW

Caring About People

Cindy Friend Lifestyle Studio

Downtown Improvement District

Easter Seals Arc

Fastenal

Fort Wayne Youtheatre

IPFW Career Services

IPFW Human Resources
IPFW URC (Marketing)

Ivy Tech

Journal Gazette

Junior Achievement

MSKTD

Northrop Grumman

OmniSource

South Side High School

UPS

The Woodhouse Day Spa

and many more...

The deadline for students to apply is February 13th!

Students must apply for externships on JobZone!
[All externships will be posted on JobZone on January 26th]

MBA Panel- November 29th!

2011-11-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

You're Invited!
IPFW Career Services and the MBA Council are hosting a panel for MBA students on November 29, 2011 from 5:30- 7:00pm in the Neff Lecture Hall.

Moderator:
Dr. Karen Moustafa, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management, Doermer School of Business

Panelists:
Debra Williams, Senior VP - Human Resources, Parkview Health Systems
Mike Altendorf, MBA, VP of Information Technology, Do it Best Corp.
Rise Taylor, CFA, CPA, CTP, FLMI, Vice President, Lincoln National Life
Emily McCabe, MBA, Merchandise Analyst, Vera Bradley
Nick Harter, MBA, Financial Representative, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Kevin Noll, MBA, First Vice President, Tower Investment Services

Schedule:
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Networking and Appetizers
6:00 - 7:00 pm: Panel

Questions? Contact Career Services at 260-481-0689

Informational Interviews

2011-11-18T05:27:00.001-08:00

An informational interview is an appointment which you schedule with someone who works in a career you’d like to learn more about. Unlike job interviews, informational interviews do not require you to sell yourself to an employer. While an employer may not grant a job interview because vacancies do not exist, informational interviews can often be arranged regardless of an existing vacancy. Informational interviews are arranged with those likely to provide the information directly or with those who can refer you to persons with relevant information. If you are in the process of choosing an academic major, making career choices, changing careers, or beginning a job hunt, then information interviews may help you explore your possibilities.

Identifying who to talk to is often the barrier that people don't get beyond. ("I don't know anyone in this field..."). Look for those who: Share a common academic major or interest, enthusiasm or involvement in some activity or lifestyle that appeals to you, or work in a setting that appeals to you (e.g. hospitals, textile company, colleges, airlines). You can also call community service agencies, trade and professional organizations (e.g., women's organizations, Chamber of Commerce, Information Management Association) and attend meetings (local, state, regional) for professional associations in your career interest field(s). Remember, people are generally interested in talking about what they do and how they do it. But, don't waste their time or your time-be prepared!

Read about the career area and organization in which the person you'll be interviewing is engaged. Know exactly what kinds of information you want by having a list of questions in mind. Generally, don't ask something routine that is readily available elsewhere. Check the Internet for any web sites associated with the organization or career field in which you're interested.

Learn more by visiting Career Services in Kettler 109 or calling (260) 481-0689 for an individual appointment with a career counselor.

*Adapted from the FSU Career Center.

Tips for the Holidays...

2011-11-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time with semester exams, shopping, travel, or holiday parties. But it’s also a good time to kick a job or internship search into high gear for college students. Believe it or not, the holiday season can be a promising time to secure a new position, make new contacts or put the finishing touches on that resume or LinkedIn profile.

“Many believe that the average job search process takes about 6-8 months prior to graduation, so starting these things over the holidays is a perfect time,” said Ashley McArdle, assistant director of Career Services at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. “This can give you a jump on the competition that may be waiting until after the holidays to initiate a search.”

Most college career centers recommend the following tips for students to start working on over the holidays:

Finalize your resume, cover letter and reference page
Join a professional association in your career field and the sign up for their listserv to receive valuable career information
Develop a prospect list of employers that you would ideally like to target in your job search
Research potential employers in your area or field of interest
Network! Use a holiday party as a great time to make new contacts or attend a professional networking event and get business cards (Networking is one of the best ways to get a job!)
Schedule some informational interviews
Identify and be able to communicate effectively the skills and abilities you have developed throughout college.
Ask people to be your references and provide them with a copy of your resume
Schedule a mock interview with a career counselor at your university
Learn more about campus interviews and make sure that you are aware of when employers or job fairs will be on campus
Obtain firsthand occupational and industry-related information from personal and professional contacts
Update your Linked In account or create one if you don’t have one!
See if your university offers an externship program. Externship programs often take place over the week of spring break and give students a chance to intern with top employers in their field. Often times these externships lead to summer jobs, invaluable contacts, and future career opportunities.

Career Events on IPFW Campus

2011-10-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

National Career Development Month is celebrated in November! What a great month to take time and evaluate your career direction, interests, and past employment. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s a natural time to look at blessings and develop yourself, so why not do the same for your career?

IPFW Career Services has been celebrating National Career Development Month for 4 years now and every year we try something different in effort to reach many majors, career interests, and student demographics. This year we have a host of workshops and panels to aid students with families, seniors, business majors, and all you go-getters! We even have a fun event for anyone just wanting more information about our office and of course, FREE FOOD!

Here’s the lineup for this November 2011, National Career Development Month at IPFW:

Career Services Open House, Wednesday, November 2nd 10 am – 2 pm, KT 109
Turning Your Major into a Career (CWRA Students with Families night), Friday, November 11th 7-8 pm, Walb Union Ballroom
How to Manage Your Finances: Student loans to 401k’s, Thursday, November 17th 12-1:15pm, Webinar - http://ipfw.edu/offices/career/students/mastodon-career-calls.html
Getting Involved to Get Ahead, Thursday, November 17th 12-1:15pm, LA 159
MBA Panel, Tuesday, November 29th 5:30-7 pm, KT 227

Join us for the kick-off event of the Open House on Wednesday, November 2nd. Not only will we be offering donuts, apple cider, cookies, and delicious apples, but you will also have fun with a scavenger hunt and celebrity careers quiz game! Win fabulous prizes!!! Career Services is proud to introduce every major to their very own Career Liaison, who focuses their knowledge on specific majors so to better serve each student. Come meet your Career Liaison, learn more about career options for your major, and strategies on being successful!!

Check out other National Career Development Month activities and competitions which you could enter to win national recognition and prizes. http://www.ncda.org

Make your Resume and Cover Letter POP - Workshop!!

2011-10-13T05:04:00.001-07:00

October 20, 2011

5:30 - 6:30pm

Presenter: Ashley McArdle, IPFW Career Services, Assistant Director of Career Services

Location: IPFW Student Housing Clubhouse

Make your Resume and Cover Letter POP!

This presentation aids students in writing a professional cover letter and shares tips on how to get your resume noticed by employers. You will learn what to include in a resume and how to highlight your education and work experience!

Food and POP provided!!

Positive News for the Class of 2011

2011-10-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

According to NACE’s 2011 Student Survey, 18 percent of the Class of 2011 had at least one job offer at the time of the survey, compared to 10 percent of those graduating in 2009 and 2010.

Source: Spotlight for Career Service Professionals, September 28, 2011
http://www.naceweb.org/s09282011/paid_interships_student_survey/

There was some positive news for the Class of 2011, according to NACE’s 2011 Student Survey. In addition to seeing more job offers before graduation, students saw higher average salary offers: 8% higher than 2010 grads. Paid internships were a significant contributing factor for job offers: 61% of paid interns in the for-profit sector received a job offer, compared to 38% of unpaid interns. Speculation about this difference centers on the more professional nature of projects typically involved in paid internships versus unpaid internships.

Seniors reported being more involved in the job search than the Classes of 2009 and 2010. More than one-third of seniors reported attending multiple advising sessions at their college career center. Resume reviews were the most common service used, and mock interviews were one of the most helpful resources reported.

The survey was conducted from February through April 2011. It included nearly 20,000 seniors and 50,000 total students.

IPFW Fall Job Fair

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! It's our biggest job fair to date, with 80 employers registered to hire IPFW students and alumni!!

THE DETAILS:
When: Thursday, September 22nd, 10am-2pm
Where: IPFW Walb Union Ballroom
Who's Invited: IPFW students & alumni, IU & Purdue related campuses students & alumni, other area college students

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

Come to one of the prep sessions, offered through IPFW Career Services. Get your resume critiqued and learn of strategies to be successful at a job fair.

Tuesday, September 20th, 10am-4pm, Kettler Hall 109
Wednesday, September 21st, 10am-4pm, Kettler Hall 109

Login to JobZone and view the list of employers attending ahead of time. Don't have a JobZone account? If you're an IPFW student/alumnus or an IU/Purdue affiliated student/alumnus you may already have an account. Call IPFW Career Services for more information at (260)481-0689.
Research the companies attending. Employers have told us time and time again that the worst thing to do at a job fair is to ask them, "So, what does X company do?" You should already know what they do before you approach them at the fair. If you don't have a JobZone account, then you won't know what companies are attending the job fair prior to the day. We recommend coming early to receive a booklet with the list of companies and then taking time to do any research necessary before approaching their tables.
Check out this video for some quick tips on job fair success:

SEE YOU AT THE PREP SESSIONS & THE JOB FAIR!!!

The Education Job Search

2011-09-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

101 Things to do before you graduate!

2011-08-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

My colleague, Krissy Mieszcanski, put together this list and I wanted to share it with you!

101 Things to do before you Graduate!

1. Log on to the IPFW Campus Events Calendar and see what is happening at IPFW.
2. Apply for an on-campus leadership position such as an Ambassadon or SOAR orientation assistant/leader.
3. Get a hamburger at Powers Burger Downtown, prepare to be greasy afterwards.
4. Run barefoot through the Alumni fountain.
5. Watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the rooftop of the parking garage.
6. Attend a Career Services network event, such as Network Now: Speed Networking Event or attend the Career Fair.
7. Play a game of chess on the giant chessboard outside the Walb Student Union.
8. Toss a Frisbee with friends on the Science Mall.
9. Join a student organization…or two…or more.
10. Write a letter to the editor of The Communicator.
11. Attend a Chancellor’s Chat to voice your opinion.
12. Attend an Omnibus Lecture in the Auer Performance Hall.
13. Run for an office in Student Government, Senate, and Judicial Court or for a seat on the Student Activities Board.
14. Spend time at IHOP on Coldwater and Coliseum with friends and order coffee and maybe some breakfast no matter the time of day.
15. Participate in the Diversity Showcase and learn about all the diverse programming offered on campus.
16. Eat lunch at one of the picnic tables outside Walb Student Union.
17. Read a book (class-related or not!) on a bench down by the river or under a tree on campus.
18. Purchase coffee, a smoothie, etc. from Higher Grounds in the Engineering & Technology bldg.
19. Play pool in the Stomping Grounds.
20. Study abroad for a semester.
21. Thank a professor for sharing their knowledge and/or for being a mentor.
22. Attend a Tin Caps or Mad Ants game and support your local sport teams.
23. Play an intramural sport.
24. Attend an IPFW Men’s volleyball game.
25. Attend a festival at Headwaters Park, German Fest, Greek Fest, 3 Rivers Fest, Rib Fest, Pride Fest, Hispanic Heritage, etc.
26. Go ice skating at Headwaters Park.
27. See a show at the Civic Theatre.
28. Go to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
29. Become a student worker on campus.
30. Sit outside of the library when classes change and watch all the people.
31. Gather up all your friends once a month to watch a TV show, rotating houses each week and cooking dinner and dessert for each other.
32. Chalk a message for your student organization on the sidewalk.
33. Build a snowman.
34. Try out your golf swing at some of the local courses.
35. Appreciate the low cost of ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese.
36. Gather up all of your friends and have a massive snowball fight on a snowy day.
37. Collect as many free t-shirts as you can.
38. Take a ride on the Campus Link bus.
39. Take a non-credit art or music course just for fun.
40. Take a nap on a comfy chair in the Walb TV Lounge area.
41. Plan and sponsor a holiday gathering.
42. Go around to all the offices to see who has the best candy.
43. Lay out on a blanket on the lawn and study.
44. Check in the Financial Aid office for scholarship opportunities.
45. Run in the Annual Nearly Naked Mile.
46. Rollerblade to class.
47. Expand your pallet—try a new kind of food!
48. Buy an IPFW sweatshirt.
49. Take a Spring Break trip with your friends.
50. Take a class just because you hear the professor is great.
51. Lend a helping paw by walking dogs and petting cats at the Humane Society.
52. Take an online class.
53. Play pick-up soccer in the rain for the sole purpose of getting really dirty.
54. Pump iron or workout at the IPFW Fitness Center.
55. Expand your mind with a lecture by a faculty member or visiting a professor.
56. Go check out the stores at Jefferson Pointe.
57. Learn the IPFW fight song.
58. See your academic advisor.
59. Vote for homecoming king and queen.
60. Sign up for Leadership 101, 102, and 103.
61. Get to know an international student by finding out more about their culture and traditions.
62. Donate food to a local food bank.
63. Attend a Women’s athletic event.
64. Attend the Student Life Student Organization Fair.
65. Meet one of your professors for coffee/ lunch.
66. Go to a campus art exhibit.
67. Read the dedication plaques located by trees, benches, and rocks throughout campus.
68. Take a leadership course/series.
69. Eat a piece of the hog during the Homecoming Hog Roast
70. Attend Camp Mack Student Leadership Retreat and gain valuable leadership experience.
71. Attend a summer “Rock The Plaza” concert at the Allen County Downtown Library.
72. See each of your professors during their office hours at least once every semester.
73. Attend at least one of the events on MLK Day.
74. Attend the Student Achievement Celebration.
75. Take a road trip to an IPFW basketball game.
76. Eat a free meal from Welcome Back Week.
77. Make a couple of friends at one of the four of the nearby colleges and/or universities.
78. Attend Student Government candidate debates and vote in the Student Government elections.
79. Attend a Visual and Performing Arts event or Musicale.
80. Get a co-op or internship-Career Services can help!
81. Lead a family member or friend on a tour of campus.
82. Attend the Homecoming Pep Rally and other events throughout Homecoming week.
83. Spend time in the 24-hour lounge located outside the Helmke Library to study for a final or midterm.
84. Watch an IPFW Dance and/or Theater Department performance.
85. Buy food (cookies, pizza, etc) from a student organization fundraiser.
86. Maintain a friendship throughout your entire college career with at least one person you meet your freshmen year.
87. Eat a hot dog at Coney Island.
88. Walk/ ride/run the IPFW nature trail & the River Greenway.
89. Take 1 step towards being green.
90. Kiss someone in front of the Mastodon statue.
91. Play basketball on the Student Housing basketball court.
92. Get a picture with Don the Mastodon.
93. Buy something out of a vending machine in Walb.
94. Partner with a faculty member in an Undergraduate Research project and present your work at a conference.
95. Enjoy live music and entertainment at Riverfest!
96. Attend a concert at the Memorial Coliseum.
97. Get a plate of chicken at the Last Bash BBQ.
98. Write a thank-you note to a faculty or staff member who made an impact on you.
99. Purchase a brick when you graduate to leave your legacy on campus.
100. Go to the Follett's bookstore and purchase a cap, gown and graduation announcements because you finally will receive your diploma.
101. Shake the Chancellor’s hand at graduation.

Welcome Back Students!

2011-08-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

Don't forget about the great resources available to you through IPFW Career Services. You can get help with choosing a major, resume/cover letter writing, job searching, interviewing and more! If you are looking for a part time, full time, internship, work-study or volunteer opportunity check out our JobZone job posting websites at www.ipfw.edu/jobzone to search and apply for open positions. Also, if you have a brief question, stop by our office in Kettler Hall Room 109 during our Drop-in Career Counseling hours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday-Thursday! We are excited to have students back on campus and look forward to serving all of your career needs!

Looking for a Job On Campus?

2011-08-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

IPFW Departments hiring right now...

Writing Center, Mastodon Academic Performance Center, The Communicator, University Relations & Communications, IT Services, Upward Bound, Continuing Studies/ Warsaw Center, Box Office, Philosophy Department and Athletics!!

Go to JobZone and apply today!

MBTI Series: INTJ & work-life balance

2011-08-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

My apologies for such a long break in writing about MBTI Types. Maybe you can deduce what type I might be due to my extremely long silence period. ;-) In continuation of the MBTI posts I'm going to focus on one aspect about each personality, which I think is a way to define that type. Remember that the MBTI is not about pointing fingers, but about acknowledging your own personal strengths and weaknesses and how those fit with the other 15 types.

INTJ
One thing that INTJs may struggle with is work-life balance. This is actually a very common problem for many counselors and others in a helping profession because we all want to change the world and "save" everyone. It can be even more difficult when you add in a perfectionistic personality, too.

One quality of INTJs is the focus on idealism. This mainly stems from the NT combination in the personality. You might hear yourself saying or thinking things like, "But it SHOULD be this way!" INTJs tend to get so rapped up in what things should be that they forget about the positives of what things are. Now, don't get me wrong I still see value in idealism, but I also think if we can harness it into action, instead of just complaining, that so many good things could result from their idealism.

MBTI Disclaimer
Remember that MBTI celebrates diversity and even if you don't think you're an INTJ, you may still identify with this quality of idealism.

Work-Life Balance

Here is a sample wheel of life with categories which all play a part in work-life balance. Note that they're divided equally, but in actuality everyone's wheel will look differently. The sections included on this wheel are merely suggestions and I want you to note that every section proposed may not relate to you. I do like how they've sectioned it out into multiple categories, unlike other graphs you may only see broad categories, like leisure which could encompass multiple sections. Check out this work-life balance calculator from the CNN website which you can tally what your average week looks like.

Put it into Action

Now, here is my concern for INTJs and work-life balance... Due to the idealism factor and also many INTJs thrive to be experts in what they do, they will over commit themselves to different tasks at work, volunteer activities, and other responsibilities. This over commitment can lead to an imbalance because of their desire to be perfect and be the expert in everything they do, thus creating an even bigger imbalance in their life.

My suggestion for INTJs is to reduce the number of activities in your life and be experts in those, while allowing others to be experts in other fields. I know it's tempting to overhear someone talking about what they've done and not want to break into "anything you can do I can do better," but please for your health and happiness and challenge you to refrain.

Career Fair Registration on JobZone

2011-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Attention Employers:
You may now register for IPFW’s Fall Career Fair via JobZone!

How to register:

Step 1: Login to your JobZone account
(Note: if you do not have a JobZone account, you must create one in order to register for the fair.)
Step 2: Once logged in, you will see a link on your home page entitle “Attend Events”
Step 3: Complete the registration form. Please indicate your method of payment
Step 4: Get prepared to meet IPFW students and alumni on September 22^nd, 2011!

We look forward to seeing you at the fair and thank you for choosing to work with our office to fill your employment needs.

IPFW Peer Educator Program

2011-07-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

IPFW Peer Educator Student Position - Apply today!

The IPFW Peer Educator Program is designed to offer IPFW students health and wellness education, awareness, and support that promotes academic success, student retention, positive health attitudes, and health-enhancing behaviors.

Interested in applying? Contact Judy Tillapaugh, tillapau@ipfw.edu

A Poem

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

You need not see what someone is doing
to know if it is his vocation,

you have only to watch his eyes:
a cook mixing a sauce, a surgeon

making a primary incision,
a clerk completing a bill of lading,

wear the same rapt expression, forgetting
themselves in a function.

How beautiful it is,
that eye-on-the-object look.

—W. H. Auden

The Unconventional Job Search

2011-06-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

On my way to work this morning I heard on the radio a story about a man who had recently landed a job by buying billboard space and posting a picture of himself with the phrase “Save me from Emigration.”26-year-old Irishman Feilim Mac An lomaire, had been using traditional job search methods for nearly 10 months with no results. The billboard features a picture of the back Mac An lomaire holding a suitcase and looking across the ocean at pictures of the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, British Houses of Parliament, and the Toronto CN Tower. Below the picture it simply says “For more information and my C.V. contact: joblesspaddy@gmail.com.”(Associated Press, NPR.org).

The motivation behind this campaign, aside from not having a job, is the unemployment rate in Ireland is near 15% and many young people are leaving the country to pursue job opportunities. Mac An lomaire decided to take a different approach and not leave Ireland but take an unconventional job search approach. Mac An lomaire has a degree in marketing and put his skills to the test by bargaining for ad space and persuaded artist and photographers to give him a deal on their price. The stunt paid off, only two days after the ad was posted Mac An lomaire started receiving job offers and is expected to start his new position at the end of the month (Associated Press, NPR.org).

The story of Mac An lomaire is one of many stories that I’ve heard recently of unique job search strategies. Some similar success stories from Resumark.com include:

· Alec Brownstein, who bought ads on Google for names of top advertising executives. When those people did their customary search of their own names for press hits, they saw Brownstein’s ad along with a link back to his own website with his resume and portfolio of previous projects.

· Robin Stearns launched a website called Hire My Husband to help her spouse find a job.

· Jeff Donaldson, an engineer, used a chain letter method by mailing a well-written letter and a resume to all his contacts, asking them to forward it to anyone they knew who maybe in the position to help. He soon discovered that there were many people willing to forward his letter and he eventually got a contract.

Read more: http://www.resumark.com/blog/andrew/most-unusual-job-search-tactics-that-have-worked/#ixzz1PvCe6MzF

These types of job search strategies are not for everyone and may not always prove to be successful. However, we can learn from these success stories and try to think outside-the-box when job searching. I would not recommend relying solely on these unconventional methods but pairing it with a traditional approach may be beneficial. This type of mentality is important for job seekers to remember in this difficult climate.

Externship Program

2011-06-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

IPFW Externship Program: A Students Perspective! By Kristan Mensch

I had frequently been told that the biggest problem for aspiring journalists hopeful to enter the field after graduation is a lack of experience in a newsroom.

As a junior at IPFW, I had the opportunity to gain a little of that experience through an externship. The look and feel, functionality, pace, workload and anything else I could possibly soak up - I wanted to experience it all.

So, unlike many students, I spent my spring break externing at The Journal Gazette.

It was only a seven day thing, so I didn’t take writing assignments, perform interviews, etc. Rather, I shadowed a range of professionals, from an illustrator, section editor and beat journalist to an opinion writer, enterprise team and court reporter. The people in these positions were all familiar to me - I’ve been reading their articles and viewing their work everyday for years. It was really interesting to see how the job was done, following people to meetings and going out with them while they report.

I was supervised by the managing editor, Sherry Skufca, and she tailored the whole externship to fit my interests. The “deal” was that if I took an interest in one section or aspect of the job, or would rather be working alongside someone else, I was allowed to switch so I could get as much as possible out of the whole experience.

Every day was different, as is news, and I was completely captivated by everything that goes into the process of creating a daily publication - networking with people, reporting, finding the angle no one has thought of, writing and editing.

My desire to work in journalism was upheld by the externing experience, and I am more than grateful for having the opportunity to do so through IPFW Career Services.

To learn more about the externship program, contact Ashley McArdle in Career Services, 481-0689.

Skype Interviews

2011-05-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Preparing for a Skype Interview

Skype interviews seem to be rising in popularity with many recruiters these days. This article by Jenny Foss provides some helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for one! Enjoy!

10 Tips to Shred the Competition in your Skype interview (by Jenny Foss)
You may already know this, but allow me to reiterate: corporate HR has discovered Skype. And they’re using it with increasing frequency to interview candidates. It’s cheaper than flying you in, and it’s more personal than a phone call.
Welcome to your huge advantage in the job search. Do use it accordingly. Even if you’re not job searching, these tips are helpful for any Skype calls you do, including informal interviews and networking.
If you’re competing with older candidates for your dream job, they may very well have the “years’ experience” edge. But if you’re already comfortable using Skype? You really, truly could outshine that senior level candidate if he or she is “green” with this technology.
Of course, you must then make this your mission. Outshine, friend. Outshine.
To ensure this mission is successful, here are 10 tips to help you shred the competition on your next Skype interview:

When confirming the interview, provide your Skype account name. Show the interviewer that you’re comfortable with the technology right from the start. Also, ask if you are to dial them, or if they will call you. No sense starting off on this weird note.
If your Skype name is cutesy or unprofessional, set up another account. And not MadSkillz or HireMaddie. Just your name, please. Or something close to it if yours is already taken.
Practice first. I recognize that this might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed by how many people don’t do it. Dial up a friend, relative or professional mentor and run through a few mock questions. Check the audio levels, make sure the room lighting looks normal
Get the eye contact thing down. This can feel a little strange on Skype, but eye contact is VERY important in an interview. Be sure and look into the webcam a large portion of the time. You’ll be tempted to stare at the screen, because that’s where the interviewer’s image appears. But if you look there the whole time? It will come across that you’re looking down the entire time. Eye contact. A must
Don’t even think about doing it in a coffee shop. Quiet, clean room. Absolutely no environmental hustle and bustle, none. Oh, and when I say “quiet, clean room?” Assume I mean “quiet, clean room with no weird crap in the background.
Silence any other phone or potentially interrupting technologies before the interview. That’d be your cell phone, your land line and any other audible alerts that could pop up on your computer during the call.
Go professional, but remember you’re probably sitting at home. Some professionals will argue me on this, but I think that, for most positions, it’s unnecessary to get all spiffed out in an “interview suit” for a Skype interview. “Hi, I’m sitting in my apartment in pinstripes. Just a regular old day here.” It just seems odd to me. Absolutely look polished, ironed and professional (and wear pants, for heaven’s sake,) but I say suit is not required (unless, of course, you’re in the running for some big Wall Street or CPA gig, then yes, probably.)
Prepare in the exact same way that you would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company, the industry and the players with whom you’ll be interviewing. Come to the interview with thoughtful questions related to these. Listen. Listen. Listen. And then answer questions calmly and succinctly. Smile. Just like you’d do in person.
Don’t panic if you have a dropped connection. More than likely, the interviewer already knows that this happens sometimes with a Skype call. In the event it happens on your interview? Take a couple of deep breaths and wait for him or her to re-connect. If five minutes passes and he or she doesn’t? Redial.
Say thank you. And do so while you’re looking at that webcam.

Finally: pat yourself on the back when it’s over. Your comfort level with newer technologies like Skype may well help you land the dream job!

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: Some insights

2011-05-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)! The more I learn about it the more excited I am to share the information with students and professionals. It can be a real benefit for you to know your "type" when working with people because it provides an insight that helps you to also understand others. I plan to give our readers some insights into the MBTI for the next few blogs I post, but I would recommend reading more about the MBTI or talking to a career counselor to take the assessment. Public libraries have many books on MBTI and can give you some more in-depth background information which I don't have space for in a blog. You can also check out the MBTI website at www.myersbriggs.org.

SIXTEEN DIFFERENT TYPES
As you learn about the 16 different types you'll typically identify with one specific type more than others, this is called your true-type. You can also determine your assessed-type by taking an MBTI assessment. Even when someone has taken the MBTI I still discuss what they think their true-type is before disclosing their assessed-type. The reason for this is that sometimes the true- and assessed-types are different due to stress in the person's life or if they were thinking of a specific environment for the different scenarios. All scenarios should be considered as preferences, meaning environment and other people aside what would you prefer to do or what is most comfortable for you.

Below is a table with the 16 different types, which I found at the Myers-Briggs website. You'll notice they only use 8 different letters, but rearrange them into the 16 different types. Each type has it's own unique characteristics and each person that identifies as a certain type is different from the next.

Here is some technical information, so hold onto your seats... the MBTI was developed with Carl Jung's theory and his 4 different "dichotomies" or basic preferences. These 4 basic preferences are split into two opposite preferences. Each type has one opposite preference from each of the 4 basic preferences. Here's how it breaks down:

Introversion (I) vs. Extroversion (E) - These opposite preferences coordinate with the basic preference of "Favorite World." I also explain this basic preference as where you prefer to get your energy. Do you re-energize by being alone or do you get your energy from those around you? This preference seems to be the most well known, and the most misunderstood. Remember that Introverts are not always wall-flowers and Extroverts are not always the party-animals. Actually each preference can act like the other when the situation arises, just ask yourself... After a long day and you need to re-energize would you rather call friends and arrange a dinner/game night (E), or go home and do your own thing (I)?

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) - These opposite preferences coordinate with the basic preference of "Information." I like to think of how you prefer to gather information, or your preferred learning style. When learning something new (gathering information) do you need to experience it will all your 5 senses, or prefer minimal information and then draw inferences related to that information and your personal knowledge? This preference can be the hardest to understand because of how abstract the concept is. One give-away for Intuitives is that they always seem to have a story for everything. This is because they're relating to the topic at hand to what they already know and sharing stories helps them to understand the topic better. To help you understand which preference might be yours, ask yourself... When your boss or instructor is giving you a new task or assignment would you rather they provide you with all the details up-front (and then you typically will still have questions) (S), or be given just the basics and you'll figure it out on your own (N)?

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) - These opposite preferences coordinate with the basic preference of "Decisions." This preference is also often misunderstood as some people think that Thinkers don't feel and Feelers don't think. It's not about how kind you are, but about how you make decisions when a situation presents itself. Thinkers tend to focus on the data of the situation first and then considers how others will be affected by the decision. Feelers tend to focus on everyone's feelings and values first to make the decision and then considers the facts. To help you understand which preference might be yours, consider this scenario... You're the boss and have been monitoring a certain employee's progress for weeks. You know you have to fire the person because they haven't improved even after all the meetings & work you've done with them. How do you feel about this? ...Comfortable and ready to handle confrontation (T) or less comfortable and wanting to get more information about the employee's situation; maybe there's something going on with his/her life that's causing the poor performance (F).

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) - These opposite preferences coordinate with the basic preference of "Structure." I like to think of how you organize your environments either at home or at work. When you're organizing your life do you prefer things to be "in their place" and organized, or does that not matter to you? Do you value making decisions and sticking to those, or can making decisions too early stress you out because you want to remain open for new opportunities. Remember when choosing one preference over the other, choose the one that you are most of the time and will feel most comfortable with the majority of people. To help you understand which preference might be yours, consider this scenario... When you're getting ready to go on a trip do you prefer to have everything planned out so you know what's going to be happening when and you feel a sense of control (J)? Or, do you prefer to "fly by the seat of your pants" and enjoy any last minute adventures that may come your way (P)?

STAY TUNED...
Now that you have a brief notion of what the different types are all about stay tuned for more insights into the specific types. I'll be posting more about each of the 16 types throughout the year. You'll read about funny stories, facts, and things to consider to help improve yourself and the way you interact with others.

Passive Job Search VS Assertive Job Search

2011-05-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Passive Job Search VS Assertive Job Search

I have met many people who tell me that they have send out 20, 50, even over 100 resumes and they have not landed an interview yet. I understand their frustration. It takes a lot of time and energy, not to mention some money, to market yourself when you are looking for the next, or the first, opportunity.

I will not give you something easier to do. In fact, I am going to give you something more time consuming and more difficult to do. With that said, with strategic effort and commitment, hard work pays off. The key words, strategic and commitment. Hard work is worth it if there are results.

I want you to think of your job search in a different way. When I used to manage sales teams and I had people who were struggling month after month to meet their goals this is what I would challenge them to do:

“Forget about your sales goals and quotas. What I want to know four weeks from now is not how many sales you closed, but how many you opened. I don’t even want to know how many sales calls you made. All I want to know is how many new friends you made. Intentional friends, but friends non-the-less.”

From intentional friends come opportunities. Your job search is the same way. When sales people get stressed about the lack of sales, they panic and try so hard that they overcompensate and lose potential sales. When job seekers get frustrated they sometimes try too hard and seem too desperate. They lose interviews and job offers.

So, what are you to do if you are sending out resume after resume and not getting an interview? Well, keep doing what you have always done and you will always get what you always got. Change it up.

The passive job search is when a job seeker waits for some action to happen and then they react to that action. This is usually what people do when they are job searching. They wait until a job is posted and then apply for it. I encourage you to do this as a tool in your job search tool belt. But I would encourage you to have a few different tools. Right tool for the right job as my Grandfather used to say.

The assertive job search is making a prospect list, identifying the decision-makers, and creating a plan to make some intentional friends. Remember, the decision-makers know what they are planning two, three, and six months ahead. Many jobs today are not published. They are filled before they get published. This is called the “hidden job market”. As a job seeker, you need to tap into this market.

When I was a hiring manager I would meet people who I thought would be a good addition to my team if I had an opening. I would keep their information and when I had an opening I would go to my file drawer where I kept this information and start calling.

My challenge to you, get in as many files drawers as you possibly can, don’t quit, and realize rejection is part of the process. Seriously, every no does lead to a yes. And one good yes is all you need.

Good luck in your job hunt.

Congratulations Graduates!

2011-05-11T07:07:00.003-07:00

The Office of Career Services would like to congratulate all of the students who graduated this year! We hope that you enjoy IPFW's Commencement Ceremony tonight!

Career Spots Videos

2011-05-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

Check out our Career Spots Videos!

We have 20 career videos for you to view and learn more about the following topics:

The Cover Letter, Making Your Resume POP, Finding a Co-op / Internship, The Elevator Pitch, Career Fair Success, Top 10 Interview Mistakes, The Interview, Interview Dress for Women, Interview Dress for Men, Informational Interviews, Importance of Networking , Researching Companies, Perils of Social Networking, Ask the Experts, Career Center Benefits, The Salary Question, Follow Up with Employer, Art of Saying THANK YOU, Advice from Graduates and How Do You Get THAT Job.

To view the videos, just CLICK HERE!

After watching the videos, test your knowledge by taking our Career Spot Videos quiz: http://ipfw.edu/offices/career/resources/index.html

Or, make an appointment with a Career Counselor to talk about what you learned in the video! Call Career Services at 260-481-0689

Job Fair and Small Business Summit

2011-05-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Job Fair and Small Business Summit

Sponsored by: Indiana Third District Congressman Marlin Stutzman and IPFW

Thursday, May 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.

in the IPFW Walb Student Union Ballroom

For tips on how to work a job fair please view IPFW Career Services Career Spots Videos:
http://ipfw.edu/career/

Confirmed Employers for the 2011 Job Fair:

Parkview Health

Pro Resources Staffing

Briljent LLC

Comcast

Coca-Cola Refreshments

Freedom Academy

Small Business Administration

Stella and Dot

Daves Diesel Angola LLC

BF Goodrich

Indiana State Police

Lutheran Social Services

Symmetry Medical

Investment Advisors International

Oak View Tool Company

Knight Mechanical Testing

Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Graduate Retention program

United States Army

United States Marine Corps

Women's Enterprise

Shuttleworth Insurance

Huntington University

Fort Wayne Metals

Steel Dynamics Incorporated

Indiana Wesleyan University

Allen County Government

Homewood Suites by Hilton

UPS

Indiana Tech

University of Saint Francis

VA of Northern Indiana

Heritage Food Service Equipment

Harrison College

Bright star Healthcare

Millers Health Systems

WestPoint Financial Group

Wayne Fasteners

Cellular Connection

For additional information regarding this event, please follow this link: The Fort Wayne Chamber's Daily Dose Blog

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union- Young & Free Indiana

2011-04-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union- Be the Young & Free Indiana Spokester!

3Rivers credit union was on the IPFW campus today looking for a young, creative, social-media savvy person for a once in a lifetime opportunity. The job comes with some sweet tech gear including a MacBook Pro, HD video camera and 30k a year. If you missed this opportunity to talk to them, go to YoungFreeIndiana.com for more information!

National Student Employment Week - Student Workers Rock!!

2011-04-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

During the week of April 11-15th, we would like to encourage all IPFW departments to show their appreciation for student workers. Here are just a few ideas:

· Take them out to lunch or breakfast
· Send a card or e-card thanking them for a job well done
· Wear a “Student Workers Rock” button (contact Career Services, 481-0689 for buttons)
· Have a departmental ice cream social, party or luncheon
· Buy them IPFW gear from the bookstore
· Give a flower, balloon, candy, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant
· Make a banner and hang it in your office that could read, “Thank You Student Employees” or “Our Student Employees Rock!”

This is a great time to show recognition and appreciation for the 500-plus students who devote many hours each week and make significant contributions to our campus community!

STUDENT WORKERS ROCK!!

It's Job Fair Season.... IPFW students gain interviews!

2011-04-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Our office, IPFW Career Services, recently hosted a job fair with over 50 companies and employers in attendance!

We assisted students and alumni during the days leading up to the job fair with resume preparations, what to wear, and how to introduce themselves at the fair. They must have listened because many students left with interviews later that day or throughout the next week! One employer scheduled 15 interviews with students for the following week, while 3 other employers stayed at IPFW after the fair to conduct interviews with students.

For the students/alumni who did not get interviews yet, there are a few possible reasons...

You were instructed to complete an on-line application with the company. This may have been frustrating, but your attendance at the job fair was not worthless. These companies expect you to follow through with their instructions and also follow-up with the recruiter by email, letter, or phone. On-line applications are a common practice for many employers, and remember they came to campus for a reason and it was to meet you and hopefully get some leads for potential interviews.
You did not dress professionally. Yes, I saw some students with skateboards, large backpacks, jeans/ sweatpants, t-shirts, and the like at the job fair. Not the best first impression when meeting someone who could potentially hire you. But, not all is lost. Don't forget to follow up!
You didn't come prepared to network. Part of a job fair is networking and presenting yourself in a professional manner through proper communication. The number one response we heard from employers was, "it's now time to teach the students how to talk to employers." Did you start the conversation with something like, "What do you do?" Probably not the best way to draw the employer into talking with you. Next time try starting with introducing yourself (name, major, year in school, etc.) and then why you're interested in talking to that company. This means you need to research the companies before the day of the fair. But, not all is lost... follow up with the employers you met at the fair to further communicate your interest.

Are you noticing a theme to follow-up with the employers? Well, you did grab business cards, or at least wrote down the recruiters' names, right? If you didn't there is a back-up resource. Come by Career Services, Kettler Hall 109 on IPFW's campus, and inquire about the names of recruiters who attended. We can help get you back on-track. Following up is key to making a good impression, especially if the first one wasn't your best. Write a professional letter or email, or prepare for a professional phone conversation. Career Services can help with this too!

THERE IS ANOTHER JOB FAIR! Try again on Thursday, April 14th from 1-5pm at Indiana Tech's Andorfer Commons. All local college students and alumni are welcome to attend this job fair, NICE Expo. This fair is focused more towards professional full-time degreed positions and internships. CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF ATTENDING COMPANIES! Don't forget to do your research and come prepared to network!

TWO Career Fairs...

2011-03-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

Please see the information below about two upcoming career fairs. These are outstanding opportunities for IPFW students and alumni to connect with employers.

Summer Job & Internship Fair:

WHEN: Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 10 AM-2 PM

WHERE: IPFW's Walb Student Union Ballroom

INFORMATION: http://new.ipfw.edu/offices/career/students/summer-job--internship-fair.html

Northeast Indiana Career Employment (NICE) Expo:

WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 1-5 PM

WHERE: Indiana Tech, Andorfer Commons.

INFORMATION: http://www.grace.edu/resources/career-services/nice-expo

The Early Brand Get the Worm

2011-03-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

I’m teaching a Career Planning class this semester and also helping other students with finding or creating internships in their chosen career field. What’s interesting about both groups of students is the tendency of not knowing their career goals. What’s great about the Career Planning class, though, is by this time of the semester most students are realizing their passion and interests. Now we’re getting into the discussion of how to brand themselves by choosing electives strategically, networking with professionals through informational interviewing and attending job fairs, and picking internships that match goals. This process takes a full semester, and it can be difficult to squeeze it in a shorter time with students looking for an internship. So here’s how I work with students and what I recommend to increase their personal brand early on so to get the “worm” (internship or job).

First, ask yourself these questions:

If I could do one thing, anything, regardless of perceived boundaries, what would I do?
If I won the lottery and didn’t have to work, how would I spend my days?
What do I like to do in my spare time? Could this be a career interest?

Many students have the perspective that you first take classes, then graduate, then look for a job. But, the problem that’s generated from this path is a lack of career direction which translates to employers as no goals. This path will not lead to an early brand and you’ll miss the “worm.”

What to do?

Talk to your advisor and a career counselor during Freshman and Sophomore years to discuss things in which you’re interested. Even seemingly unrelated interests, like favorite books, movies, magazines, and what you do in your spare time are worth investigating. Also consider the role you play with your friends. Are you the:

Social Coordinator – What types of activities do you coordinate?
Counselor – What are the reported problems with which you help your friends?
Coach/Cheerleader – How do you encourage your friends?
Leader – Do friends listen to you and wait for you to make decisions and then follow?
Clown/Entertainer – What’s your skill? (humor, theatrics, music, etc.)
Expert – What type of help do your friends request? (computers, cars, writing, creative projects, etc.)
Moral Guider – Do you find yourself talking to friends about faith, morals, ethics, and other philosophical topics?
Advocator /Challenger – Do you have ideals that you share with friends and challenge their views on various topics? What topics?

How to start an early brand

These initial introspective searches are keys to determining your brand and career direction. Once a career direction is chosen you should then determine the best way to brand yourself.

Talk to people in your networks and career counselors about opportunities to get involved.
Try on the career first through volunteering, job shadows, informational interviews, an externship, or an internship.
Research for any blogs with that topic on which to comment and keep up with trends.
Check out any related groups or professionals on LinkedIn and Twitter to follow.

Remember that even though you’ve chosen a career path now, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your other interests and passions. Maybe they can be incorporated together or you can keep it as a hobby. A decision doesn’t mean blocking yourself off from everything else; it just means you’ve chosen to focus your efforts in that direction for now.

Job Fair Success

2011-03-04T05:26:00.001-08:00

Our job fairs are the largest events we organize at the office of Career Services. We average between 30 and 60 employers and between 300 and 500 students in attendance per fair. From our experience running these massive events, we've come up with a few suggestions for improving job fair success for both employers and students.

Employers:

Stay the Entire Length of the Job Fair: Some of the best candidates are the ones with complex and busy schedules. They may be arriving at the last minute, not because they didn't prepare carefully, but because they are coming from an internship or class. It sends a negative message to students when employers leave too early. One of the most common complaints we hear from students is that too many employers leave early.

Send staff who are committed to interacting with students: Knowledgeable and outgoing staff who proactively reach out to students are sure to draw the best candidates to your table.
Stand in front of your table: Remember, for many students, this may be their first time interacting with professional employers, being physically approachable will make you more accessible to candidates.
Avoid leaving your table empty if possible: If you came alone, perhaps leave a note on the table indicating when you expect to return. Bottom of Form
Students:
Dress Appropriately: One of the most common complaints we get from recruiters is that students don't dress appropriately for our events. Don't let an overly casual appearance detract from your qualifications!

Do Your Research: We post the list of attending employers weeks in advance of our career fairs. Doing prior research on employers of interest will provide you with two benefits. First, you'll come off as more prepared and professional when you speak with employers and second, you'll be less overwhelmed by the number of recruiters available to talk to if you know ahead of time who your target contacts are.
Prepare a Resume, But Don't Be Disappointed if a Recruiter Asks You to Apply Online: There are some anti-discrimination related federal guidelines that prevent larger companies from taking paper resumes from students. If a recruiter asks you to apply online do so and be sure to remind them that you met at the job fair.
Follow-Up: Ask employers 'What's the best way to follow-up with you?' THEN DO IT. Send thank-you notes to employers with whom you met.
Attend the Job Fair Prep Sessions: Take advantage of the drop-in assistance Career Services offers the Monday and Tuesday before the job fairs. You can bring in a copy of your resume and get advice on what to wear and how to introduce yourself to employers.
The Summer Job & Internship Fair is March 31^st.

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

2011-03-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Job Searching in a Tight Economy Workshop for IPFW Seniors and Alumni

If you are an IPFW Senior or Alumni and have faced, or are facing termination, a layoff, downsizing or just want a career change or advice on your job search, this FREE workshop is for you!

IPFW Neff 101 - Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Presentation 11:30am -1:15pm

Computer Lab 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Computer Lab NF B41
*Career Counselors available during the computer lab to assist with resumes and cover letters.

RSVP: Call IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689

DESPERATE TIMES CALLS FOR DESPERATION?

2011-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

As a career counselor I talk to a number of job seekers, students, alumni, and community members alike, that can and have come to a desperation point during their job search of: "I just want a job, any job!" I understand the need to pay the bills but the appearance of desperation to potential employers is not going to get you the job. Employers don't hire the candidate that needs the job the most, but can sell their skills the best.

Two Reasons for Desperation

Must fulfill basic needs first: Most everyone has learned about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in psychology class and I'm here to say there is abundant truth in his theory. Maslow states that for someone to move up the needs pyramid he/she must first fulfill the basic bottom elements, with the most basic being physiological and security. Physiological are needs basic to survival like water, food, shelter, etc. Safety needs are usually the needs that inhibit job seekers, and the most common of those needs would be job security. It's difficult to focus on career goals (Self-actualizing need) when you don't know how you're going to pay the electricity bill.
No professional goals established: All too often people take their career development "one step at a time" with the idea that they'll figure out what they want to do later. The only problem is that when 'later' arrives they still don't know what career they want to pursue and time's running short before money runs out, which leads to desperation for a job-any job.

So how can you prevent the desperation from occurring? Consider personal investigation to determine what types of careers will match you best. Then brand yourself by choosing internships, volunteer opportunities, student organizations, networking groups, and professional associations that match your chosen career focus.

Values – How do your values rank? Out of the following values, which one(s) are most important to you? Which ones are you willing to compromise? Do your values conflict with your career goals?

• Advancement • Benefits • Challenge • Choice of Environment
• Competition • Creativity • Diversity • Compatible Co-workers

• Easy Commute • Excitement • Family Life • Contribution to Society

• Flexible Hours • High Earnings • Independence • Leadership
• Leisure Time • Prestige/Status • Rewards • Moral Fulfillment

• On the Job Training • Security • Travel • Power/Influence

• Variety

Interests – The easiest way to explain interests is through John Holland’s theory which categorizes work interests into 6 categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Which categories do you identify with most?

Realistic: People who like to work with their hands, be outdoors, and/or have tangible accomplishments at the end of the day. Examples include farmers, naturalists, auto mechanics, engineer technologists, athletes, etc.
Investigative: People who like to ask questions, usually in a science- or math-related profession. Examples include doctors, engineers, statisticians, psychiatrists, etc.
Artistic: People who appreciate creativity in their work. Examples include writers, artists, interior designers, actors, etc.
Social: People who want to work with other people, especially in a helping-role. Examples include social workers, counselors, customer service, advocates, etc.
Enterprising: People who enjoy persuading and leading others. Examples include lawyers, sales-people, lobbyists, entrepreneurs, etc.
Conventional: People who like order and systems. Examples include librarians, personal assistants, secretaries, etc.

Skills – What are your strengths? What skills have you mastered and what do you need to develop? It is best to capitalize on your current strengths because it is likely to lead to success, which leads to higher confidence and clarification of your career goals. For a list of skills to evaluate, click HERE.

Last Pieces of Advice

Be patient! In-depth self investigation takes time. Take your time and really consider how you’ve succeeded in the past, what ignites your passion, and what values you hold.

Do research! Check out websites like O*Net, Career One Stop, and ACT’s World of Work Map to research jobs and determine if they match your values, interests, and skills.

Get involved now! Start volunteering, join a student organization, and/or get an internship to aid in marketing yourself to employers. If employers can see a pattern of involvement documented on your résumé, it translates you as being a focused individual.

IPFW Externship Program

2011-02-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Spend your Spring Break doing an Externship!! [March 7-11, 2011]

The externship program is designed to give IPFW undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a specific career field while networking with professionals and alumni within the community...so, it is kind of like a mini-internship. We run it during Spring Break!

Here is the website for more information: http://new.ipfw.edu/offices/career/students/externships.html

Participating Employers: 14 WFIE-TV, All-Phase Electric Supply, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, BAE Systems, Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne, Boy Scouts of America (Anthony Wayne Area Council), Business People Magazine, Caring About People, Courtyard by Marriott, DelPalma Orthopedics, Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Urban League, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, IPFW, The Journal Gazette, MSKTD & Assoc., Northrop Grumman, OmniSource Corporation, PHD, Pizza Hut, Sam’s Club, SCAN, Inc., Shindigz, Ultra Electronics USSI, and Visionary Web.

The deadline for students to apply is February 21st!

Apply today!

Volunteering, You & Your Job

2011-01-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has always been a time for giving and sharing good will to all those in need. It’s no surprise, with all this charitable giving, that holiday seasons are associated with words like happy, merry, and joy! Volunteering doesn't just benefit those in need, it benefits you, the helper, and even your workplace.

BACKING IT UP...
There have been numerous studies about the positive effects of volunteering, and these effects can spill over into your work life. Allen Luks researched the cause and effect relationship between helping and good health and found that after doing an act of kindness there is a physical reaction called a “helper high” and that is followed by a “longer period of calm and improved emotional wellbeing.” This period of positive mental health affects all areas of a person’s life. Luks continues, stating the period of wellbeing can stay for hours or days and reduce negative feelings which cause “stress, overeating, ulcers,” and more. Good news, too, because an academic study reported that a manager can waste $75 per week due to being “psychologically distressed.”

Diane Stafford’s article from the St. Petersburg Times states that a person’s “psychological well-being is a significant indicator of job performance.” Her article goes on to point to stress on the job as being an indicator of low psychological wellbeing, but if we refer back to Luks’s research there is a clear option for improvement. Help others.

THE CHALLENGE!!

I challenge you and myself to volunteer not just during the holiday seasons, but the rest of the year as well. There's this classic Christmas song entitled Christmas All Year Long where the artist sings about the things he likes about the season and wishing it would carry throughout the year. The bridge is my favorite part of the song with the lyrics stating, "I wish that every spirit in the world could feel the power, and know love not once a year but every minute and every hour." This is exactly what I mean by the helper high and volunteering having an impact on your mental wellbeing. You could personally have your own holiday spirit all year long if you so choose.

HOW TO KEEP POSITIVE MENTAL WELLBEING

Perform acts of kindness like donating to a worthy cause, spending time with people who are lonely, or specifically do something special for people at your workplace. Now here’s the kicker, these acts of kindness must be completely altruistic. After all, if you expect something in return then you’ll prevent your heart from receiving the true gifts of love and joy—along with other life-enhancing benefits. As you consider this, let me leave you with one last piece of evidence, “studies suggest that people with greater personal well-being may volunteer more often, and people who are involved in community service may have greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of purpose in life, physical health, and mental health.” Read more about this study here.

Spend your Spring Break doing an Externship!!

2011-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
The externship program is designed to give IPFW undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a specific career field while networking with professionals and alumni within the community.
ELIGIBILITY
Any IPFW current undergraduate student is eligible to participate in the March 7–11, 2011 [week of Spring break] externship program; however, only one will be selected for each opportunity.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To participate in the externship program, you will need to complete the brief Externship Application Form (you can access the form on our website), and submit your resume and the additional paperwork- it's that simple!
LIST OF AVAILABLE EXTERNSHIPS
We have over 20 externships available...Click here to see details.
Questions? Contact Career Services, 260-481-0689

LIFE AFTER SCHOOL EXPLAINED

2010-12-16T13:00:00.001-08:00

I completed my undergraduate program a little more than a year and half ago. And boy was there a lot I didn’t know. Luckily, I landed a full time professional job right before graduation. But a full time job wasn’t the only major change I would encounter during my first year in the “real world.” A few months after graduation I got married, bought my first car, and purchased my first home. The transition from being a full time college student living in a dorm room to employee, wife, and homeowner happened fast and without much time for adjustment.

Now, after a lot of trial and error, I was introduced to a book called “Life After School. Explained.” This book covers many important topics for recent college graduates; including information on benefits, investments, apartment hunting, dinner etiquette, taxes, and even buying paint. When I started my first job I didn’t understand many of the terms and acronyms that my Human Resources Director was telling me. What did all these terms mean and what would be the best decision for my future? We didn’t learn about matched 401K’s, HSA (Health Savings Account) PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), PCP (Primary Care Physician), mutual funds, and IRA’s in my undergraduate program. *Note: However I did gain a clear understanding of Machiavelli and Facebook during my undergrad.

I wish that I would have known about this book earlier. You can easily read through the entire book in an afternoon or simply keep it on hand to look up topics as needed. I would recommend this book to anyone preparing to graduate or starting their first job. Stop by the Career Services office located in Kettler 109 to pick up your free copy!

Check out Cap & Compass's website at http://www.capandcompass.com/

Unemployment Impacts More than Your Wallet

2010-12-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

National unemployment rates were averaged at 9.5% in July 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They also stated that the median time a person has spent in unemployment is 25.5 weeks, about 6 months.

Six months is the time we recommend any job seeker to devote to the job search process. This provides a little relief to know that this average hasn’t changed much considering this recession is about twice as bad as in the 1980s. Even though the job seeking timeline and median unemployment rate matches, the psychological affects have climbed.

The Snowball Effect

It doesn’t help that the media continues to report on how bad the unemployment trends are

within our economy. Just yesterday I received a phone call from a media representative who wanted to do a story on the fact that the unemployment rates haven’t changed and how that impacts my job as a career counselor and the job seekers.

Honestly, what impacts the job seekers outlook most is this developed sense of hopelessness.

Even though we’re able to still hold job fairs with local employers looking to fill 50-100+ jobs, the number of seekers attending the fairs has decreased since the start of the recession in 2007.

This sense of hopelessness with the job market snowballs and as it increases it also impacts additional areas of a person’s life. The Pew Research Center published recent findings that unemployment not only affects finances, but also relations with family and friends and a loss of self-respect.

It’s interesting that the time we need our family and friends the most is also the time we tend to cause strain on the relationships, or just ignore them completely. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

This is a time to strengthen relationships and really use them to their full potential. All those years of being there for your friends and family should have some residual effect when it’s your turn to need help. Like I’ve said in some previous posts, no person is an island and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

Self-respect is probably the most critical area that’s impacted by unemployment. If you lose self-respect then you’re decreasing your networking effectiveness, chances to be hired, and overall productiveness of the job search. In essence a loss of self-respect

could spiral people into depression.

Employers want to hire candidates with confidence and competence to do the job well, and if your self-respect has lowered then it’s likely your confidence and ability to market yourself in a job interview has also decreased. If you’re not sure about your level of self-respect then ask yourself how often you use negative language, like “I can’t…,” “This will never…,” or “No one will help me.”

A Positive Effect

There has been one potential positive effect from the recent unemployment, a reassessment of career goals. The forced change of losing a job can lead to a reevaluation of career goals, interests, and overall job and life satisfaction. More and more people are seeking out professional development opportunities and training options to increase their marketability.

An even bigger trend, which I’ve seen through counseling appointments, is an interest in returning to school and changing career directions completely. I’ve heard more people state things like “for the past 20 years I’ve worked to support myself (and my family) but it was never what I really wanted to do. Now I have the option to change my career, but I’m not sure how to go about it.” I applaud this risk taking behavior because it could mean an overall increase in life satisfaction. However, be careful when taking risks because if it impacts basic needs of food, shelter, and safety then it could increase the chances of losing self-respect and even depression.

Dealing with the Aftermath

There are many ways to productively and positively handle the loss of a job.

I’ve actually posted a number of blogs through my career services office that discusses coping with job loss. These contain some good tips about how to mentally prepare for the road ahead, not allow your current situation to have a negative impact on finding a new job, and even some additional job seeking strategies.

It’s time to be more conscious of yourself which means taking time out to daily reflect on the positives in your life, recreate with friends, keep a journal, or whatever method works for you. Times of turmoil call for a deeper intuition of self and a recognition of needs.

Even as counselors we are reminded that the number one person to care for is you, because if you’re not healthy in mind, body, and spirit then it reduces our effectiveness to help others. So take time to renew and balance your life because that is the core to an effective personal and work life!

New Career Spots Videos

2010-12-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that we have 20 NEW Career Spots Videos located on our website for IPFW Faculty, Students, Alumni and Staff to use. The videos cover the following topics:

Career Fair Success

Top 10 Interview Mistakes

Finding a Co-op / Internship

Make your resume POP

Advice from Graduates

How do you get THAT job?

Ask the Experts

Career Center Benefits

The Salary Question

Follow up with Employer

Art of saying THANK YOU

Perils of Social Networking

Interview Dress for Women

Interview Dress for Men

Informational Interviews

Importance of Networking

Researching Companies

The Interview

The Cover Letter

The Elevator Pitch

To view the videos, go to: http://new.ipfw.edu/career/

Higher Learning Commission

2010-11-11T05:24:00.001-08:00

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.ncahlc.org/), the regional accrediting authority for higher education institutions in our area, will be visiting IPFW next week as part of its reaccreditation review of our university. The HLC invites any interested students to an open meeting at 10am in WU 114-116 on November 16th to discuss IPFW.

Marketing Mock Interview Day!

2010-11-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in working the area of Marketing and making great connections with local employers? Then hurry and save your spot by registering for a 45 minute mock interview!

Participating employers: Asher Agency, Catalyst Marketing Design, KPC Media Group, and Aflac.

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to hone your interviewing skills and make some great connections. You will receive direct feedback and tips from the experts themselves!

Marketing Mock Interview Day
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 [1-5pm] KT 109

Is it Really Just the Economy?

2010-11-05T07:38:00.001-07:00

I don't think there is a job seeker around that hasn't felt the sting of the current economic crisis. Even though the economy is improving, employers are still reluctant to hire until they're sure these new increases are here to stay. Every day, I see students, alumni and community members that express frustration at how hard it is to find work right now and I agree. However, sometimes the big issue of the economy can blind job seekers to other problems in their job search.

Know what kind of work you want to do
I understand the temptation to just say 'anything' or 'anything full-time' or 'anything better than what I'm doing now'. But, look at it from the hiring employer's perspective. I've never had anyone say that they were willing to hire just anyone. Any employer I've spoken with in my work as a career counselor has always had a very clear idea of what kind of candidate they wanted to fill their open position. They've listed specific kinds of educational qualifications, skills and experience that they've been looking for. You too should have a clear idea of what kind of organization you'd like to work for and what kind of job duties you'd like to have.

Get Your Paperwork Straight In this competitive market a generic Microsoft office template resume and impersonal 'To Whom it May Concern' cover letter may not be enough to help you stand out from everyone else that is applying for a certain position. Make sure you're customizing your resume and cover letter to each position you're applying for and that you highlight your transferrable skills and relevant experience.

Do More Than Just Apply Online
The internet is a great place to start your job search, but don't stop there. The fact is every other job seeker out there is using the internet as their primary means of job searching, one of the ways you can set yourself apart is to also get face-to-face. Join a networking group, attend a job fair, serve on the board of your favorite nonprofit or conduct some informational interviews. Anything that will help you expand your network and give your future employer the chance to know you as a person instead of just some facts on a resume.

Engineering Careers Panel

2010-11-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Do u haz engineering skillz?

Engineering Careers Panel

Wednesday, November 17 ET 146

Noon to 1:00

Interested in a career in engineering, but not positive it’s for you?

Not sure what sort of engineer you want to be?

Want to learn what kind of jobs you can get with different engineering degrees?

Free Pizza!!!

Study Abroad

2010-10-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Office of International Education is pleased to announce its fall 2010 study abroad information sessions schedule. The dates, times, and locations are listed below and on the attached flyer. Each event will provide an opportunity for students to explore the world beyond IPFW and free food. Please pass this information to interested students, faculty, and staff. The information sessions are as follow:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 12:00 p.m., Kettler 119
Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 6:00 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Walb 121
Thursday, November 11, 2010, 12:00 p.m., Cole Commons, Fireside Lounge
Monday, November 15, 2010, 10:00 a.m., Fireside Lounge, Walb 121
Monday, November 29, 2010, 6:00 p.m., Cole Commons, Fireside Lounge
Friday, December 3, 2010, 12:00 p.m., Walb 116

Questions? Contact Ashley Simmons in the Office of International Education, 260-481-6494

2010-10-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Are you a Business or O.L.S. Major interested in making a great connection with local employers? Register for a 45 minute mock interview!

Register to participate in our first annual IPFW Management Mock Interview Day! Practice your interviewing skills with local employers, and receive direct feedback and tips from the experts themselves! Make a great and lasting impression within the 45 minute one-to-one practice interview appointment!

Management Mock Interview Day
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 [1-5pm] KT 109
Register at: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3avjvBsdBOL6nFW

Participating Employers:
Vera Bradley, Westpoint Financial, Enterprise, The Buckle

Available Interview Time Slots:
(Indicate the time slots you would be available on the registration form)
Interview 1: 1:00-1:45pm
Interview 2: 1:45-2:30pm
Interview 3: 2:30-3:15pm
Interview 4: 3:15-4:00pm
Interview 5: 4:00-4:45pm

Requirements:
Professional dress, an updated resume, and you must be a current undergraduate IPFW.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis, so register now before all of the 20 interview slots are filled!

Questions? Contact Hannah Stork in Career Services, 260-481-6640 / mckihe01@ipfw.edu.

Hispanic Professionals Panel

2010-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

HISPANIC PROFESSIONALS PANEL

Wednesday, November 3rd

IPFW Campus, Science Building 185

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Panelists Include:

Benito Almanza - State Farm Insurance

Julie Dominguez - IPFW Office of Institutional Equity

Gisela Feil - Licensed Social Worker

Palermo Galindo - City of Fort Wayne

Emily Guerrero - United Way of Allen County

Teresa Vazquez-Hall - IVY Tech Northeast

Come meet local professionals and learn what you can do now to make yourself competitive in the new millennia.

Social Service Mock Interview Day

2010-10-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in working the area of Social Services and in making a great connection with local employers? Register for a 45 minute mock interview!

Register to participate in our first annual IPFW Social Service Mock Interview Day! Practice your interviewing skills with local employers, and receive direct feedback and tips from the experts themselves! Make a great and lasting impression within the 45 minute one-to-one practice interview appointment!

Social Service Mock Interview Day:
Thursday, November 4, 2010 [1-5pm] KT 109
Register at: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_a9I7KjBHLkTCFh2

Participating Employers:

Erin’s House, YWCA, Easter Seals ARC, and Bethesda Lutheran Communities

Available Interview Time Slots: (Indicate the time slots you would be available on the registration form)

Interview 1: 1:00-1:45pm

Interview 2: 1:45-2:30pm

Interview 3: 2:30-3:15pm

Interview 4: 3:15-4:00pm

Interview 5: 4:00-4:45pm

Requirements:Professional dress, an updated resume, and you must be a current undergraduate IPFW.

Registration is on a first come first serve basis, so register now before all of the 20 interview slots are filled!

Questions? Contact Hannah Stork in Career Services, 260-481-6640 / mckihe01@ipfw.edu

Career Guide to Industries

2010-10-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released a new resource for researching careers, Career Guide to Industries.

This resource provides information on:

Different types of industries (educational service, healthcare, natural resources, etc.)
Occupations in the industry
Training and advancement
Earnings
Expected job prospects
Working conditions

It also provides links to research the job market within each state!

Nursing Mock Interview Day

2010-10-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

Are you a Nursing Major interested in making a great connection with local employers? Register for a 45 minute mock interview!

Register to participate in our first annual IPFW Nursing Mock Interview Day! Practice your interviewing skills with local employers, and receive direct feedback and tips from the experts themselves! Make a great and lasting impression within the 45 minute one-to-one practice interview appointment!

Nursing Mock Interview Day
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 [1-5pm] KT 109
Register at: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_d4sMgq70Zcrvd4w

Participating Employers:

Parkview Health, Lutheran Hospital and Seasons Home Care

Available Interview Time Slots:

(Indicate the time slots you would be available on the registration form)

Interview 1: 1:00-1:45pm

Interview 2: 1:45-2:30pm

Interview 3: 2:30-3:15pm

Interview 4: 3:15-4:00pm

Interview 5: 4:00-4:45pm

Requirements:
Professional dress, an updated resume, and you must be a current undergraduate IPFW Nursing major.

Registration is on a first come first serve basis, so register now before all of the 20 interview slots are filled!

Questions? Contact Ashley McArdle in Career Services, 260-481-6591 / mcardlea@ipfw.edu

Veteran Career Transition Fair

2010-09-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

The office of Richard Lugar (R), Indiana’s senior U.S. Senator -- in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), and Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) -- invites veterans to participate in a Veteran Career Transition Fair.

November 15-17, 2010
Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast
Coliseum Campus
3800 N. Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Monday, November 15
* Seminars offering assistance on job searching techniques, résumé writing, and interviewing skills
* Career workshops assisting the transfer of military experiences to civilian job markets
10 a.m.-Noon Resume Workshop*
2-4 p.m. Resume Workshop*
5-7:30 p.m. Interviewing Do's and Do not's Workshop
Registration Form

Tuesday, November 16
* Seminars offering assistance on job searching techniques, résumé writing, and interviewing skills
* Career workshops assisting the transfer of military experiences to civilian job markets
10 a.m.-Noon Interviewing Do's and Do not's Workshop
2-4 p.m. Resume Workshop*
5-7:30 p.m. Resume Workshop*
Registration Form

Wednesday, November 17 -- 3-6 p.m.
* More than 100 employers, educational institutions, and service organizations will be available to provide employment information as well as training and educational opportunities to veterans
* Ivy Tech and IPFW Student Veteran Organizations will be available to assist with concerns veterans may have with their GI Bill benefits
* Seminars conducted by Ivy Tech and IPFW Career Services offices
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED for November 17th event.

For more information or to register by phone, call 260-481-2282.

IPFW Job Fair

2010-09-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

The fall IPFW Career & Internship Fair is fast approaching. Don't forget to polish your resume, dress to impress, and come early. Over 140 jobs & internship opportunities available!

Thursday, September 23rd

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Walb Union Ballroom

If you need help preparing come to Career Services, Kettler Hall 109. We have extended drop-in hours Today, Sept. 21st from 10am-4pm. You can also drop-in on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd from 10am-2pm. For any last minute questions, we will have an "Ask a Career Counselor" table at the job fair. There's more information to help you prepare, including a list of attending companies, on our website.

The IPFW job fair is open to all IPFW students & alumni, IU & Purdue alumni, and other local college students.

Think of a Job Fair as a chance to Interview

2010-09-14T06:59:00.001-07:00

According to the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) and the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, the number one reason incoming students decided to go to college was “to be able to get a better job.” Of incoming students nationwide in 2009, 84.3% listed this as a “very important” reason in their decision to attend college.

A job fair can have anywhere from 50-150 companies ready to talk to job seekers. This isn't like walking into a fast food restaurant and asking for an application... the employers you'll meet at a job fair are ready to interview you!

So what does this mean to you? Prepare for a job fair like you would for a professional interview.

Do research on the companies you want to meet. This way you already know what they do and you can ask other questions like, "What's a typical day like for an intern?" An easy way for you to not be considered for a job is to ask what the company does. All of that information is on their website which you should have reviewed.
If you kept notes on the companies, consider writing them on separate index cards. This way you can easily refresh your memory about each company in between visiting each booth. And, you can also write any additional notes on the back of the card, like the name of the employer you spoke with and anything interesting you want to refer to in a thank you card.
Update your resume. Utilize your college career center and request a resume critique. It's important to have another set of eyes review your resume for typos and content. IPFW's Career Services center is located in Kettler Hall 109 and has drop-in hours Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm.
Dress to Impress! Wear a suit & tie, or pant/skirt suit for the job fair. If you dress up then you send a clear message to the employer that you're serious about working for them and can look and behave professionally.
Shake their hands firmly. Make a good impression with your handshake and eye contact. Avoid these types of handshakes: (images from theoatmeal.com)

Last bit of advice: FOLLOW UP WITH A THANK YOU NOTE! Make sure you get the employers' names and send them a thank you note within 24 hours. Write the note with a personal touch by mentioning something you discussed at the job fair. This helps to impress upon them your interest in the position and sets you apart from the many who won't send thank you notes.

Do Career Fair Employers Just Blow Students Off?

2010-09-07T12:19:00.001-07:00

SO, You dressed up, brought a fabulous resume and shook hands with a lot of employers who said "Go apply online." Is that it? Is this employer blowing you off? Couldn't you have applied online at home? Sure. So could everybody else. But by coming to the Career & Internship Fair you showed initiative. You showed up. Applying online is now the next step in the process.

The important thing after the job fair is to keep the ball rolling. Keep in mind that the minute you enter the job fair, you are in an interview and must act professionally at all times. Employers will either make notes on your resume, watch for your application to show-up in their online database, or will just be really impressed with the line 'when I met your representative at the IPFW Career Fair' in your cover letter. The most important thing for you to do is not wait for employers to follow-up with you but for you to FOLLOW-UP WITH EMPLOYERS, WITHIN 24 to 48 hours.

Ask 'What's the best way to follow-up with you?' THEN DO IT.
Send thank-you notes to employers with whom you met.
File away the literature you have collected. It can be helpful later in writing application letters or preparing for interviews. Employers want to hire people who know the company.
Improve your resume if you learned something which better reflects your qualifications or focus.
Network: Every person you talk with has the potential to be a job lead. Other candidates can be very helpful. They may have interviewed with a company you had not considered. Share leads, resources and ideas with others
And yes– GO APPLY ONLINE!

The IPFW Career & Internship Fair is Thursday, September 23rd from 10am-2pm in Walb Union Ballroom.

Job Fair Prep Sessions

2010-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

IPFW Job Fair Prep Sessions
September 20 & 21, 2010
Drop-in hours 10 am - 4 pm / KT 109

Over 150 jobs and internships are available for students and alumni to apply for at the Career & Internship Fair!

Come to the Job Fair Prep Sessions for help with:
* Resume updates
* 30 second commercial
* Professional dress
* Managing and working the job fair

You can also check out this video on how to work a job fair:

The Career & Internship Fair is on Thursday, September 23rd from 10-2pm in the Walb ballroom.

2010-2011 Corporate Sponsors

2010-08-25T10:24:00.001-07:00

IPFW Career Services would like to thank our 2010-2011 corporate sponsors. Their contributions will be used for our career library resources, equipment and career programming throughout the year.

For additional information about our corporate sponsors, please visit their websites.

BKD

WestPoint Financial Group

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

To learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor, go to the IPFW Career Services website.

Drop-in Career Counseling - Extended Hours!

2010-08-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Drop-in Career Counseling

Drop-in Career Counseling is available without appointment during the hours listed below. Drop-in appointments take 15 - 20 minutes. Career Counselors answer general questions about majors or careers; critique resumes and cover letters; explain what resources are available on campus; and get students started on internship, job, and graduate school searches. If additional time is required, the Career Counselor will refer the student to an hour-long appointment.

Hours for Drop-in Career Counseling:

* Fall and Spring academic terms: Monday through Friday, 10:00 to 2 p.m.

Hour-long Career Counseling Appointments

For career-related needs and questions that extend beyond the drop-in appointment, including mock interviews and interpretations for career assessments, Career Counselors are available for hour-long appointments.

Questions? Contact Career Services at 260-481-0689.

New Graduate Intern

2010-08-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Hannah Stork and I’m the new Graduate Intern in the Office of Career Services. I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. I received a Bachelors of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Indiana Tech in May 2009.

During my undergraduate studies I was a member of the Women’s Basketball team as well as a Resident Assistant in the underclassman dormitory. These two experiences helped me develop leadership skills and better understanding of student affairs and university operations. Since graduation, I have had the opportunity to work in higher education as an Admission Counselor. As an Admissions Counselor I had the opportunity to work with prospective students from the beginning of their college search all the way to enrollment.

My passion for higher education has led me to Career Services where I hope to learn more about job searching, networking, resume writing, various job markets, employment trends, and career counseling. I enjoy working one on one with students to help them succeed in and out of the classroom. This internship will provide me with a great opportunity to learn about another area of student affairs. I hope to gain more knowledge about the higher education system, while developing a broad understanding of various student affairs departments. I am excited to join the staff here at IPFW and hope to be of assistances to employers, staff members, faculty, and students.

Are you fed up with your job?

2010-08-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you've been watching the news lately, then you know who Steven Slater is. The Jet Blue flight attendant who quit his job in a very unorthodox manner and is now facing felony charges. Below is a video of CNN reporters interviewing one of the passengers on the plane who witnessed the occurrence.

Apparently Slater had an altercation with a passenger on the plane which lead to verbal and physical actions on the passenger's part. Slater then proceeded to seal his "resignation letter" by getting on the plane's intercom, telling off the said passenger, grabbing beers out of the hospitality cart, and releasing the emergency chute to exit the plane. He has since been released from his job and is being held on 2 felonious charges.

So we all know this is the WRONG way to quit a job. But, how do you quit a job without burning bridges? And, what's so wrong with burning a few bridges if the company and/or supervisor was bad to you?

Quitting the Job Properly

Give at least 2 weeks notice, a month would be preferred. This demonstrates professionalism and courtesy to the company and your boss. They will eventually have to replace you and by giving them a heads up, they can initiate a search for your replacement with hopes for a small gap between you and the new recruit.
Type a resignation letter. Use professional language and business letter format. Approach your boss with this letter and explain to him/her as to why you're choosing to resign.
Choose your words wisely. When you approach your boss about quiting the job, be sure to give solid reasons for your departure. If it's a touchy subject, then make sure to discuss it with a trusted friend/family member, or a career counselor to adequately prepare. This will help you choose your words properly and leave on a good note.

Don't Burn Bridges

It's a small world after all. It's amazing who knows who and how much people network and talk within professional industries. If you quit your job unprofessionally, then it's likely your previous boss will talk about it and it may end up affecting your job search.
Get the good reference. Even if you didn't like the job, you can still leave with a good reference from your supervisor or a colleague.
Make it easy on yourself. If you leave in a professional manner, then it's a lot easier to interview with a new employer. A common question used in interviews is, "Why did you leave your previous job?" It will reflect better on you if you can answer positively than figure out how to spin it, or risk lying. The company you're interviewing with can call your previous employer and inquire whether or not they would consider hiring you back.

McGregor: The traveling career gnome

2010-07-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

You may have met McGregor in our Spring 2010 Newsletter, but if you haven't allow me to introduce to you the IPFW Career Services Traveling Gnome. June and July were busy months for McGregor as he traveled across the state and country. Check out his latest travel stories...

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McGregor here... What are the chances that I run into Christina Mosteller Hall and Karen Obringer during my trip to Franklin, IN? They were at Franklin College for the Career Development Professionals of Indiana Leadership Institute. I hear they're "Social Media Rock Stars!"

I just loved the gardens and the local history at Franklin College. Here's a little video of my fun trip in Franklin, IN on June 16, 2010.

That was so much fun, but it was time to spread my wings... literally! I flew to San Francisco to check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Warf, and Alcatraz. There aren't as many gardens in San Francisco, but there was plenty of water and nice people!

Did you know that it's one of the most expensive cities in which to live? If I were to move there, from my home in Fort Wayne, IN, I would need to make three times my average salary! That's a lot of green, even for an experienced gardener like myself!

Here are some fun pictures of my trip to San Francisco. I wonder where I'll travel to next...

I visited Fisherman's Warf and saw Alcatraz Island. I thought it would be bigger!

I also walked the Golden Gate Bridge and stopped traffic. Not many people have seen a traveling gnome.

Networking Benefits: Finding a job

2010-07-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard that networking can lead you to a job. Well, here's a good video that explains just how to do it. Check it out!

If I was to share the best advise in this video it would be to utilize your network even if you're not job hunting. This helps to develop rapport with your networks, and you have the opportunity to help them so that when you actually need assistance they are more likely to assist you with the job search (or whatever else you might need).

Remember networking is a give-and-take relationship. You can't go into it desperate to find a job because then networking is going to fail you. Think about someone you might know that only takes from you, and every time you're around him/her you feel exhausted.... Don't be that person!

IPFW Accounting Mock Interview Day!

2010-06-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

Are you an Accounting Major interested in making a great connection with local employers? Register for a 45 minute mock interview!

Register to participate in our first annual IPFW Accounting Mock Interview Day! Practice your interviewing skills with local employers, and receive direct feedback and tips from the experts themselves! Make a great and lasting impression within the 45 minute one-to-one practice interview appointment!

Accounting Mock Interview Day
Thursday, August 12, 2010 [1-5pm] KT 109
Register at: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_0lihy1w9b5GFzCc

Participating Employers:
BKD, Lincoln Financial Group and Crowe Horwath LLP!

Available Interview Time Slots:
(Indicate the time slots you would be available on the registration form)
Interview 1: 1:00-1:45pm
Interview 2: 1:45-2:30pm
Interview 3: 2:30-3:15pm
Interview 4: 3:15-4:00pm
Interview 5: 4:00-4:45pm

Requirements:
Professional dress, an updated resume, and you must be a current undergraduate IPFW Accounting major.

Registration is on a first come first serve basis, so register now before all of the 20 interview slots are filled!

Questions? Contact Ashley McArdle in Career Services, 260-481-6591

MTV's Hired documentary series

2010-06-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

I just heard about this series the other day, and did a google news search for it today, wondering how it was being reviewed. For the most part, it has earned good reviews, and, as an added bonus, is avoiding the typical kinds of drama for which MTV's reality shows are renowned. First, you learn a little about the company, meet the applicants and hear what the recruiter has to say about their initial meeting/interview (e.g., cover letter advice, resume paper recommendations, etc.), and then watch the applicants interview with the company leader. It not only gives information on what to do and what to avoid in an interview, but it also shows how important "fit" is in the interview and hiring process.

If you're interested, check out the videos of the show on the MTV web site. To read more about it, check out these two articles by CareerBuilder and blogcritics.

Bad Internship? Good Learning Experience!

2010-06-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I hear a horror story about a bad internship. My first response is always, I wish I would have known earlier so I could have helped. But, regardless if the internship was positive or not there are always lessons to take away from that experience.

Supervisor preferences

Think about how you were managed at the internship. What did you like? What didn’t you like? If you could describe your ideal supervisor, how would he/she work and manage? Supervisors can make or break an internship experience. Remember when you interview for any job, even an internship, that you take time to ask them questions also.

Where your interests really lie

Maybe you just didn’t like the work. Consider what parts of the job duties you enjoyed the most and what you enjoyed the least. For the duties you enjoyed the least, ask youself, “Why?” What about those duties made them less appealing to you as a worker? The more you know about your interests at work, the more focused your job search will be, and more likely you’ll find a job that you enjoy.

Co-workers and environment preferences

What was the company culture like at the internship site? How were the co-workers and their relationships with you? These are good qualities to assess for internships and potential new jobs. You can tell a lot about the company by observing interactions, nonverbals, and verbal remarks during an internship. Ask yourself if it’s the type of place where you would like to become involved in the future or not.

Negotiation tactics

All good intern supervisors have the understanding that interns are there to learn and should have frequent meetings with his/her intern(s) to discuss progress, goals, and needs. By having successful discussions with your supervisor you can practice how to positively negotiate. Some suggestions for positive interactions would be to come prepared, do your research and be aware of the supervisor's style and preference. Take feedback seriously and do something with it so you can show how important learning is to you.

Even if you didn’t have a great internship experience, you’ve still walked away with a learning experience. That’s what internships are all about, learning. Don’t forget to reflect, write logs and journals, and talk to counselors or advisors about your experience. By reporting a poor experience to a university representative you’ll have a better chance of improving it, and also be able to gain an objective perspective on the internship experience.

Your Online Job Search

2010-06-04T07:53:00.001-07:00

Most job seekers immediately turn to the big internet job boards to begin their job search. Although big job boards are one component to a successful job search, check out these other ways that the internet can help you find the work you're looking for.

Find: There are several places where open positions are listed online. Big job boards list a wide variety of jobs. Job search engines crawl job search and company websites to bring together position listings from all over the internet. Finally, niche job boards list positions for applicants that have special qualifications such as technology professionals or bilingual job seekers.

Key Sites:, IPFW JobZone, Yahoo Hot Jobs, Simply Hired, Indeed, DICE, LatPro

Learn: Career blogs and information sites abound online. Human resource professionals, recruiters and career counselors post fresh tips and tricks on getting ahead in your job search.

Key Sites:
Quintessential Careers, The Riley Guide, Job Hunter's Bible, IPFW Career Blog

Research: Unsure what would be a fair salary for a job you're applying for? Want to know what the top companies are in Chicago? You can do research on employers, salaries, occupations and locations online to better prepare you for your job search.

Key Sites:
Glassdoor, Best Places, City-Data, O*NET

Connect: Job searching is more than just locating open positions, it's also important to network with people to provide you information or referrals

Key Sites:
LinkedIn, Xing, Spoke, Ryze

Control: When a hiring manager performs a background check, many will "google" a candidate's name and search social web sites such as Facebook, and MySpace, paying attention to how appropriate your e-mail address, instant message screen names, and blog or forum postings are. Be proactive, search yourself and use appropriate security settings.

Key Sites:
Mashable, Google Alerts

Get Off Facebook and Get an Internship!

2010-05-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

A lot of articles are now stating that employers are going to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets to search for viable talent. So, does that mean that all you have to do is set a status message that you're looking for a job and then add your resume to your profile? NO! Believe it or not employers are not going to be banging down your door if you're a passive job hunter like that.

Internships are still the way to go if you want to get noticed. Internships not only help you to gain relevant experience, but also allow you to network in an industry that may be otherwise impenetrable. Check out this article on MSNBC that talks about a student success who gained employment right out of college but it had nothing to do with social media. Actually, she never had social media accounts until after college!

The article does go on to mention how social media sites are still viable ways to job search because many people use that as a networking tool to find good candidates. This is one way to get inside the "hidden job market" and learn about jobs that aren't otherwise posted. We usually recommend using LinkedIn and subscribing to some industry-specific groups. A lot of times the members of these groups will also post job openings!

Career Guide Cover Contest!

2010-04-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Abbey Waltke! Her photograph was selected as the winning design for the 2010 career guide. Abby has won a $50 gift card and the opportunity to work with one of the Graphic Artists in URC to finalize the design.

We would also like to recognize the following students who submitted their artwork for the contest:

Jill Schroeter
Denisson Carrillo
Andrew Meredith
Gene Delany
Michael Vosmeier
Sabra Combs
April Berryann

Thank you!

Student Employee of the Year Award

2010-04-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Emily Wright, student worker in the Department of Anthropology / Division of Continuing Studies, for winning the 2010 Student Employee of the Year Award! Emily was nominated by her Supervisor, Richard Sutter and will receive a plaque and $250 award for her hard work.

We would also like to recognize all of the student nominees and express our appreciation for all of the great work that they do for our campus! Each nominee will receive a certificate signed by the Chancellor.

Rachel Cruse
Shatese "Lashay" Powers
Mark Savio
Nicholas Fenton
Brad McCleary
Angela Bauer
Sequetta Seville Dennis
Vaughn Novy
Sara Scritchfield
MJ Loukes
Faith Simpson
Sharon Smith

"Student Workers Rock!"

FREE 2-day training for local university students to become Certified Peer Educators

2010-04-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

This 2-day training takes place on Friday, April 16th from 5-9 PM (Classroom Medical building, Room 35A) and Saturday, April 17th from 9 AM-5 PM in Walb Union, Room G08. You need to print off the picture attached to this posting and complete the form, or send your name, campus affiliation (which university you go to), year in school, address, phone number, and email to tillapau@ipfw.edu.

Networking: step-by-step tips

2010-04-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of hearing Lorraine Ball speak at a local conference at the end of March. She was so engaging and had a very practical approach to networking. Here are some tips from the expert...

Face-to-Face Groundwork

Everyone that attends a networking function has the same goal: to meet someone. If you're hesitant about approaching someone think of it in this light: by approaching others you're helping them achieve their goal of meeting someone!

Nuts & Bolts of the Introduction

Firm handshake and eye contact goes a long way. Try to remember names; this will impress the others you meet when it comes to ending the conversation.
Give what you want to get (e.g. "Hi I'm Karen from IPFW" will in turn give you his/her first name and where they work)
You have 15 seconds to introduce yourself before the other person gets bored, starts looking for someone else to talk to, or begins to make a visual to-do list in their mind.
Treat it like a tennis match and volley. Remember to ask "What do you do?" or "Tell me more about yourself."
Listen to the other person. Identify people with whom you want to have longer conversations and who you should meet.
Conversation starters for each gender: Females - comment on clothing/jewelry; Males - comment on recent sports event... DON'T FORGET TO BRIDGE THE TOPIC!

Bridging the Conversation

If you can't make the bridge from an unrelated topic, like clothes or sports, then DON'T GO THERE!
Be careful not to get stuck in a conversation that won't benefit you or the person you're speaking with.
Try a simple bridge phrase like: "... and what do you do?"

Ending the Conversation

Sometimes it's hard to end a conversation, but it's necessary for you to continue networking and meeting the people that would most benefit you, and by meeting you.
Try some of these enders:

"I enjoyed talking to you..." then step backwards. Most people will catch onto this nonverbal cue and follow your lead.

"I would love to talk with you further, can I have your contact information?" But, only ask for contact info if you plan on following up.

"I've taken up enough of your time, there's a lot of other people I'm sure you'll want to meet."

Try the Hand-Off method of ending a conversation. If you know someone in the room that should meet this person, then pass them on to make a good connection.
Receiving Business Cards: Treat this card with respect and take a little time to view it in front of the owner. It's your last chance to make the other person feel special by commenting on the card. Comment on things like the logo, style, their job title, etc.

Working the Room

If you're not sure how to work the networking event, try these two strategies.

Position yourself just to the right of the entrance. Most people will gravitate to the right and work the room in a counter-clockwise fashion. Not convinced? Picture your local grocery store and how it moves customers to the right when you first enter.
Try another route. If you don't want to remain stationary, then try walking to the left and continue in a clockwise fashion. You'll meet everyone on your way around because they're walking towards you!

If someone you want to meet is conversing with someone else, keep in mind these options.

Position yourself in the person's line of sight. Pay attention to that person's body language. If he/she acknowledges you with eye contact, a head nod, or even a verbal hello then it's your opportunity to enter the conversation.
If you're being ignored even after trying the previous option, then move on to another person. That nonverbal is telling you that he/she cannot or does not want to be interrupted at the moment. Maybe he/she will open up later and you can speak to him/her without causing negative emotions.

After the Networking

You have about 48 hours to follow up and remind your connections that you're interested in remaining in-touch. Think about it, can you remember what you had for lunch 3 days ago? Most people start forgetting what's happened within the 48 hour window.

Send an email or a thank you card to follow up. Maybe make plans to meet for lunch if this is someone you really want to talk with further.

These tips work just as well for JOB FAIRS since it's a structured networking event.

50 jobs and internships available at NICE Expo Job Fair

2010-04-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Searching for a job or internship? Come to the Northeastern Indiana Career Employment (NICE) Expo Job Fair on Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 1-5 PM at Ivy Tech's North Campus located at 4900 St. Joe Rd. in Fort Wayne. 50 employers are offering part-time, full-time, and internship opportunities! The attending companies include: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Sprint, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Cintas, Parkview Health, FedEx Freight, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Erin's House for Grieving Children, and many more!

Click here for a complete list of the available jobs by company, location and directions, and information on how to prepare for a job fair (bring copies of your resume, dress professionally, and prepare your introduction speech/commercial to employers).

Need inexpensive options for professional dress (i.e., a suit)? Check out Career Closet through the Huntertown United Methodist Church (email careercloset@huntertownumc.org), Clothes Mentor on Coldwater Rd., and Goodwill Industries.

Student Workers Rock!

2010-04-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

National Student Employment Week!

During the week of April 12-16th, we would like to encourage all IPFW departments to show their appreciation for student workers. Here are just a few ideas:

* Take them out to lunch or breakfast
* Send a card or e-card thanking them for a job well done
* Wear a “Student Workers Rock” button(contact Career Services,481-0689 for buttons)
* Have a departmental ice cream social, party or luncheon
* Buy them IPFW gear from the bookstore
* Give a flower, balloon, candy, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant
* Make a banner and hang it in your office that could read, “Thank You Student Employees” or “Our Student Employees Rock!”

This is a great time to show recognition and appreciation for the 500-plus students who devote many hours each week and make significant contributions to our campus community!

The Jobs Of Yesteryear: Obsolete Occupations

2010-03-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Jobs Of Yesteryear: Obsolete Occupations

As computers and automated systems increasingly take the jobs humans once held, entire professions are now extinct. Click through the gallery to see examples of endangered professions, from milkman to telegrapher, and hear from people who once filled those oft-forgotten jobs.

Externship Program: From the students perspective!

2010-03-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Aunt Millie’s Bakeries-Externship 2010

Upon my selection for the Externship at Aunt Millie’s Bakery I took the needed time to research and familiarized myself with the company and their core values. During this opportunity I experienced, first hand, applied marketing and management policies and practices. Attending product development meetings where corporate personnel strategized product presentation in retail formats, I saw the applications of collegiate classroom concepts in a real world setting.

In my time with Aunt Millie’s, I gained immeasurably, qualitative marketing and business practices as applied in various marketing procedures. From creative and graphing design thru web site development, the process for traffic and project management was a rewarding experience.

Melissa Dunning, my mentor and handler, welcomed me as a participant of their team, but also empowered me to embrace many diverse responsibilities of the marketing role. From this opportunity I was able to better determine which areas of business I would like to pursue. From this experience, I have a broadened my scope of interest leading to a pursuit of a corporate marketing management career. Without the chance brought forth by this externship I might not have otherwise learned what possibilities exist.

- Jillian Penny - Participant in the Spring 2010 Externship program.

To learn more about the Externship program, contact Career Services at 481-0689.

Unlock Your Potential

2010-03-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to a new webpage today: Experience.com

This is an excellent site with resources for students, alumni, employers, and schools.

Features for students:

Discover opportunities - what's out there and where you fit in
Be introduced to alumni, career experts and industry insiders
Learn more about industries, mentors and career resources
Present your Experience and stand out to employers

Features for alumni:

Search exclusive jobs posted by fellow alumni
Get timely industry content and career-focused guidance
Be introduced to alumni, career experts and industry insiders
Package and present your personal brand to employers

Features for employers:

Largest Network of College Students and Recent Grads - Over 4 million high-quality candidates from our exclusive partnerships with university career centers, alumni associations, and honor societies.
Focused. Cost-effective. Easy. - Target your job to precisely the candidates that you want. Proactively outreach to pre-qualified students and grads.

Features for schools:

A Single University-Wide System - Leverage our scalable solution for career management, career fairs, alumni mentoring and engagement with your corporate partners
100,000+ Employers - Give your students and alumni access to exclusive opportunities from top employers throughout the Experience Network
The Industry Leader - Join the largest network of universities, alumni associations, honor societies and organizations providing lifelong career services

There are even more features for these groups, like a career dashboard, blog, tweets, latest news, recruiting solutions, and conferences/webinars.

Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy

2010-03-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Office of Career Services at IPFW held a workshop for alumni and community members. We discussed the importance of a strong resume and cover letter and how this is like your sales-pitch to a potential employer with hopes they'll buy the product, you.

Other topics covered in the workshop included:

Networking - the majority of jobs are never publicly advertised; it's about who you know and who knows you; different ways to network in groups, individually, and online.
Job Searching - utilize job board websites that are specific to your career focus, and follow up; view it as your full-time job and set up your "office" for productivity.
Interviewing - this means you're qualified for the job, but the employer wants to hire someone that fits the companies mission; RESEARCH the company & send thank you letters.
Coping with Job Loss - process any negative feelings you're having about past employers or your current situation so it doesn't affect your interview; set small achievable goals to help reach your large goal of gaining employment.

Here's the presentation given during the workshop. There are more resources on our website at www.ipfw.edu/career.

Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy

View more presentations from Karen Obringer.

IPFW Summer Job & Internship Fair

2010-03-04T12:43:00.001-08:00

The IPFW Summer Job & Internship Fair is coming up on Thursday, April 1st from 10am-2pm in the Walb Union on campus. All IPFW students and alumni are welcome to attend.
EMPLOYERS:
Have you registered? All confirmed attendees are listed here: http://www.ipfw.edu/career/assets/_files/2010%20Summer%20Job%20and%20Internship%20Fair%20Participants.pdf

If not, register here: http://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bauDWWdRuyEbJ8E&SVID=Prod

STUDENTS:

Check out more information about the IPFW Summer Job & Internship Fair here: http://www.ipfw.edu/career/students/job/SJIF2010.shtml.

If you would like to talk to someone about how to prepare for the Career & Internship Fair, drop into our office (Kettler Hall 109) on March 30-31, 10am-4pm. If you bring your resume, we'll even give you some quick tips on how to update and improve it!

Credit Checks as Part of the Hiring Process?

2010-03-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

A recent study by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) reveals that more employers are using credit checks as part of their hiring process. I personally have heard that some employers in the financial services industry do a background check to see if you are fiscally responsible, but it's apparently no longer limited to that industry: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35512038/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/.

Eat the frog!

2010-02-25T11:05:00.001-08:00

I just saw this short video on a blog about procrastination and I wanted to share it with you. I admit it - I am a procrastinator...and now I am going to try to "eat the frog" on my to do list!

"Procrastination is attitude's natural assassin. There is nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task." - William James

10 Things to Leave Off Your Résumé

2010-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

10 Things to Leave Off Your Resume

By: Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Job seekers do themselves a disservice when they send out résumés with too much information. Employers don't have the time or the patience to sift through irrelevant information like your hobbies, interests or how many grandchildren you have. Just stick to the basics and you're good to go.

Here are 10 things to leave off your résumé and why:

1. Your picture
Why to leave it off: Unless a job posting specifically asks for your picture (and very few jobs will), don't include it just for fun. Not only are your looks irrelevant to your potential as an employee, but you're putting employers in a bad spot. If they have a picture of you and choose not to hire you, it's possible that you could come back with a discrimination lawsuit. In most cases, they'll throw your résumé away without looking at it, to avoid the issue altogether.

2. Interest and hobbies
Why to leave them off: Unless your interests and hobbies have something to do with the job you're applying for, there's no reason to include them. If you want to show how your passion for art would be an asset to a graphic design position, that's one thing. But telling employers that you love to skydive on an actuary application is another. In general, make any applicable connections between your hobbies and the job in your cover letter. Better yet, save them for the interview when you're asked what you like to do outside of work.

3. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
Why to leave them off: Most employers assume that if you're OK with sending out a résumé littered with typos and mistakes, you'll have the same lack of concern for the work you do as an employee at their company. While spell check picks up most errors, it can miss something major -- did you work the late night shift? Or did you forget to include the "f" between "i" and "t"? -- so have several eyes look over your résumé before sending it out to employers.

4. Personal attributes
Why to leave them off: Similar to sending a picture with your résumé, your height, weight, age, race or religion are all unimportant to an employer. Though it's illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants because of any of these factors, some will do so, regardless. Keep everything on your résumé pertinent to the job, and you'll be fine.

5. References
Why to leave them off: Many job seekers still include references on their résumé or they include a line that says, "References available upon request." This tactic is not as effective as it used to be. Jack Harsh, adjunct professor at the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, says that when he receives a résumé with references attached, he gives them virtually no weight. "They seldom are specific to the role my company seeks and are not meaningful in considering qualifications or traits of successful candidates," he says. Wait to broach the topic of references until you're asked for them.

6. Minute details
Why to leave them off: Hiring managers don't need to know the details of every task you've ever done in every job you've ever had. It's just too much information, and usually half of that information isn't relevant. Employers want to be able to see at first glance that you're a great candidate, so pick out those details that are most relevant to the job for which you're applying and omit the rest.

7. False information
Why to leave it off: Plain and simple, no one wants to hire a liar. Don't say that you have a master's degree if you've only earned your bachelor's; don't say you're presently employed at a company if you've recently been fired; don't list your salary history as 20 percent higher than it was. Everything you tell an employer can be verified, so play it safe and be honest.

8. Flair
Why to leave it off: No one wants to look at a résumé on fluorescent paper, covered in crazy fonts and symbols. Similarly, links to personal Web sites, your photo-sharing site, or strange e-mail addresses can also be left off. Employers are less likely to respond to likes2party@email.com than just DMiller@email.com.

9. Negativity
Why to leave it off: Never put anything negative on your résumé. Don't include your reasons for leaving. If you left the position due to a layoff or you were fired, for example, bring it up only if asked. Never write anything bad about a previous employer. Don't explain gaps on your résumé by stating that you were in prison for 10 years for killing your husband. Keep your résumé all positive, all the time.

10. A selfish objective
Why to leave it off: Employers are trying to determine whether you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé should point to your experience. Employers would rather see a summary of qualifications that displays your accomplishments and background than a generic objective statement like "To gain experience in..."

Majors Fair

2010-02-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

The Academic Success Center and Career Services would like to invite you to the

Majors Fair '09-'10

Destination: Graduation

Thursday, March 4th
11:00 am – 1:30 pm

IPFW Walb Ballroom

Faculty / Staff representatives from IPFW departments / majors to answer questions about your "major" interests.
Study skills advice
"Ask a Career Counselor" table
Information about campus services
FREE FOOD!

Questions? Contact the Mastodon Advising Center, 260-481-6595.

Downsized? Laid off? Terminated? Just Needing a Career Change?

2010-02-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

IPFW Career Services is once again presenting our successful event, Job Search Strategies in a Tight Economy, on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 11:30 AM-1 PM in IPFW's Walb Ballroom.

This is a FREE workshop that will cover resume writing tips, ways to get your foot in the door, and interviewing strategies to help you make sure you're covering all the bases in your job search.

This year, it's open to everyone (students, alumni, and members of the Fort Wayne and surrounding communities), but don't delay: Seating is limited to 50!

Interested in attending? Click here to reserve your seat. Remember, seating is limited to 50, so sign up ASAP! Questions? Contact IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689.