Happy New Year!!

Happy 2010!!

Social media is not a fad....check out this video on the social media revolution. I think that 2010 will be another interesting year!!



To view the video on YouTube click HERE

Volunteering is food for your Soul & Resume

It's the Holiday Season and a time of the year when people recall the good and bad times of the past year. Unfortunately, there seems to have been more sad times than glad times with the economy still in a slump and unemployment rate at its highest in years.

Still, I am always amazed at how during our darkest hours we tend to look for a beacon of light and bring that light to spread joy to those less fortunate. Many people do extra volunteering, donate to charities, or find small ways to brighten someone's life.

Volunteering is one of the best things you can add to your resume, but most people forget. A candidate that has volunteer experience sends a message to his/her potential employer that he/she has a strong work ethic, will go above & beyond the 'call of duty,' can time-manage, and has a passion for something outside of his/her required work and life duties.

If you haven't volunteered, check out some local opportunities like at a soup kitchen, church, various non-profits, or the United Way could even be a good place to start. It's always good to spread joy and tidings of thanksgiving, especially this time of year.

Please enjoy this video clip of one of my favorite holiday specials. The characters learn the truth behind the song Here We Come a Wassailing and the importance of spreading JOY!

Looking for a Part-Time Job?

Check out out Student Employment Guide which lists local companies that if hiring, are willing to work around your school schedule!

Student Employment Guide for Web

Tips for Recession Job Hunting

I recently read an article from the Equal Opportunity Employment Journal's September 2009 issue entitled Tips for Recession Job Hunting. It outlines 17 suggestions to help you move along and lessen the discouragement when job hunting.

1. Dedicate Yourself - consider job hunting as a full time job
2. Quit Moping Around
3. Consider the Industry - if you're thinking a new industry would be better, then do your research first and find out if they're having cut-backs too
4. Network Before You Go - even if you're currently employed, it's always good to network. The majority of jobs are never posted publicly, but gotten through networks.
5. Develop an Online Identity - an online presence is key since most employers Google you. Check out Personal Branding with Dan Schawbel for more information
6. Consider Self-Employment - freelance or consult
7. Consider Kind-of Self-Employment - part-time or contract jobs are still an option
8. Hunt in Other Markets - consider relocating
9. What Color is Your Parachute? - good book & workbook to help you "find yourself"
10. Use Resources Wisely - watch your budget
11. Get in People's Face - similar to networking; ask for a meeting like an informational interview
12. Come Unbelievably Prepared - RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
13. Go Where You Think the Jobs Aren't
14. Exhaust Your Biggest Pay-offs First
15. Stand Out From the Crowd
16. Consider Volunteering
17. Don't Assume They're Not Hiring - the company may be looking for better, cheaper, and more effective ways to accomplish their goals; are you the answer?

And their final advise was to stay positive! Any negative behavior and self-confidence will be evident to potential future employers and reduce your success rate. So find a way to keep yourself positively motivated.

For major/industry specific job websites check out IPFW's Career Services website

IPFW Ambassadon Program

Distinguish yourself as a leader!
Learn more about becoming an IPFW Ambassadon by attending an information session:

Monday, November 23, 2009 @ noon, Walb 114
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 @ 5pm, Cole Commons
Thursday, January 14, 2010 @ 9:30am, KT G98
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 @ 9am, Cole Commons
Monday, February 8, 2010 @ noon, 2nd Floor Walb Lounge
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 9am, KT G98
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 5:30pm, KT G98

IPFW Ambassadons:
• Work / volunteer at official
university events
• Speak to university constituencies such
as alumni, associates, and other friends
of the university
• Represent IPFW at various events on
campus and in northeast Indiana
• Serve on faculty and university committees
• Mentor new students
• Participate in leadership development programming

Apply Today!

For more information, go to: www.ipfw.edu/adons

Is it Easy to be Green?

Photo via Looking Glass

Find out how to get started in a 'Green Career' Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from Noon to 1pm. Click here for more information

Grad School Letters of Recommendation

Are you considering applying for grad school? Your applications will be due soon and then comes the task of finding letters of recommendation. MyGraduateSchool.com has some good tips on asking for these highly sought after letters.

This article goes through:

• How to ask for a letter of recommendation
• The right time to ask for a letter
• Help them write effective letters
• Waive the right to see your letters
• Follow-up

CLICK HERE to read the full article.