The Economy and Career Services

These days, it's nearly impossible to turn on the TV, or even be online, and not hear something about the economy. And it's definitely not good news (except for the price of gas). As the Director of Career Services here at IPFW, I want to let you know that this has all of the Career Services staff concerned for all of *you*. We're hoping that you're out there, gaining relevant experience through co-ops, internships, volunteer work, etc., to help make you more competitive and marketable in this difficult economy. But it still is going to be a very tough job market.

If you're graduating in May 2009, here are some tips we have for you to help in your job-search efforts:
1. Start your job search NOW. Don't wait. We usually recommend that you begin the job search at least 6 months in advance, but we suggest that you start now.
2. Come see us for a resume and cover letter critique--make sure that what you're sending out to employers has been proofread, is professional, and markets you and what you have to offer well.
3. Schedule a practice (mock) interview with one of our career counselors. Practice and fine-tune your interviewing techniques before you actually have to interview for real!
4. Begin networking. Start small, with family, friends, significant others, doctors, church members, etc. Then, start branching out--attend Meet Me at 5 events through the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce (www.fwchamber.org), join the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) (www.ylni.org), etc.
5. Attend job fairs and other networking events. The Indiana Multicultural Career Fair (open to job seekers from ALL backgrounds and cultures) is coming up on Weds., Nov. 19th from 10 AM-3 PM in Indianapolis at IUPUI's new Campus Center (for more info, go to
http://careerfairs.iupui.edu), and there's another career fair here in Fort Wayne at Indiana Tech's Andorfer Commons on Friday, Nov. 21st from 9 AM-2 PM (for more info on the attending companies for this fair, go to http://www.indianatech.edu/PDF/cpdc/EmployerParticipants.xls).

In the meantime, if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of the career counselors in Career Services, please call (260) 481-0689. Remember.... start now!