Friday, January 15, 2010

Spring Career Tips

With 2010 in full swing, it is time to examine your career search goals and strategies. Take advantage of the energizing nature of the new year to move your career forward. Following are a few suggestions for 2010.

  • Build your Resume: Whether you are gearing up for a job search or fully engaged in the application process, this may be the ideal time to update or evaluate your resume. Reflect on your accomplishments during the past year and use this information to develop your experience descriptions. Employers want to see your achievements, not just your assigned duties. Identify specific areas of success for 2009 now and use your resume as a written record. If you are a first, second, or third year student, this can prove invaluable when it comes time to submit your resume in your final year.
  • Evaluate your Grad School Goals: Grad school planning requires a commitment of time and energy. Do not delay the process until your final academic year. Establish a timetable and research requirements thoroughly. Established testing dates or registration deadlines may influence your application schedule. If planning to take time off prior to graduate school, the spring semester of your senior year may be the ideal time to identify potential programs, complete entrance exams, establish credential files, and polish your personal statement.
  • Establish Connections: Perhaps the idea of networking invokes a vague social event or images of a 1980's corporate climate. However, the importance of utilizing your personal and professional connections for career planning is clear. If the concept of networking seems unclear, it will probably produce indistinct results as well. Build clear connections that will help develop your career goals. Create or update your LinkedIn connections, discuss career/grad school plans with faculty, and utilize alumni networks. Good networking practices may blend your personal, professional, and academic connections. Also, rely on multiple avenues: attend events and workshops and make in-person/one-on-one connections, (while using technology and social media to make the process efficient and productive).

These suggestions only represent a small sampling of ideas for addressing career planning goals for 2010. Look for additional posts providing additional suggestions and resources. Also, check out additional views for starting your 2010 career planning:
3 Ways to Make 2010 Your Best Career Year
New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers
New Year's Career Resolutions
Academic/Ph.D. Job Search Tips