Never Too Early

Last week, the Career Development Office hosted a Graduate & Professional School Fair. We had over 30 different programs represented; it was a beautiful day and great event. However, as students stood at the entrance of the JRC 101, I heard something that frightened me, “I’m only a third year student, can I still go look around?”In my mind, I thought, only a third year?! You’re on the cusp of graduation. Thus, my response was, “YES!” While there is nothing wrong with the question being asked, in that one question is an assumption that thinking about what you do after Grinnell should only start your senior year. Let me dispel that assumption!

Deciding to attend Grinnell College is your first career decision; then, what you do, learn, and reflect upon while at Grinnell are also steps within your career. You may not think of it like that, but a career is not a job and a job is not a career. A career is a culmination of your passions, strengths, and abilities. For example, maybe you want to make a career out of teaching or the arts or financial consulting. So, ask yourself, while at Grinnell, what are you doing to help yourself build your career? Are you involved in student organizations and making the most out of those experiences? Are you seeking information wherever available (e.g., strolling through the Grad Fair, attending event lectures, participating in class, taking advantage of the CDO and Academic Advising workshops, or simply asking questions to mentors and guests)? Are you taking time to reflect on your patterns, noticing what kinds of positions you gravitate toward and what skills and abilities you do and do not have?

In life, there are two kinds of people: those who survive and those who thrive. Laurie A. Schreiner (2010) discusses characteristics of thriving:

[Those who thrive] can be characterized as proactive and problem-focused, rather than reactive and avoidant. [They] take the initiative—they seek out information, take steps to ensure their success, reframe negative events so they see others’ perspectives or can find something to be learned from the experience, use humor effectively to cope, and are quick to accept the reality of their situation…[thus] they experience more positive emotions and a higher level of satisfaction with their lives—as well as greater levels of success. (p. 6)

In other words, those who thrive don’t necessarily have “it” all figured out. However, those who thrive do have an attitude of learning and initiative that they take with them daily. They see how information from various contexts and disciplines naturally integrate together and hold some purpose for them (sounds a lot like the purpose of a liberal arts education, huh?). You integrate knowledge in the classroom, so I implore you to do the same outside it as well. You will never hear me say that there is only one “right” way to go through life; each person has a unique style as to how they make choices that fit with their values. But, attitude does go a long way. So, whether you’re a first or a third year, when you pass by an opportunity to learn more about your own career development, ask yourself, are you a thriving or merely surviving?

Schreiner, L.A. (2010). The “Thriving Quotient”: A new vision for student success. About Campus, 15(2) 2-10.

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

Are you a “Helicopter Parent?”

Many of you, me included, have sent or will be sending your student off to college. For some, this will be the first time. There are so many questions around what will they major in, what will the job market look like for them when graduation rolls around and will they function without us? I can assure you they will make it on their own. However, if you are in doubt, consider the perspective offered by this parent.

As the above article suggests, we, as parents have the best of intentions and are always well meaning and have the purest motives. As we navigate the waters of being a parent with children in college we can be hard pressed to find the information we need to assist our children. Knowing the resources available to them on campus to make referrals is the first step. I also recommend knowing where to go to find information that can assist our children with making informed decision. So, today I share a few resources related to the labor market to give you an idea of how the job market is fairing and how it may relate to the path your student may take.

Every state has a state data center which issues labor market reports for areas throughout the state. These reports summarize the trends in the marketplace, although as with all government reports they lag by nearly a quarter. In addition, the Federal Reserve issues business forecasts by regional territory. You may also search by region and the report provides a decent picture of the way employment is trending and an indication of what should happen in the near term future.

Before you know it, your student will be home for one of their breaks and you’ll be able to talk with them about websites you’ve investigated, resources and services you’d encourage them to use in their career center and how starting early on resume writing, internship searches and mock interviews are a good thing! Many career centers across the country work with all students, first-years through seniors to prepare them for life after college. So, sit back, fly over once in awhile for a birds-eye view, but don’t hover.