Letters from the Lone Junior

by Megan Fingert

In the May newsletter, you’ll find some wonderful words from the seniors on the LACD team that are graduating. Some send letters to their freshmen selves, others describe their undergraduate experience, and some provided advice for us, the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. As I, a junior, edited and wrote May’s newsletter, I began to think about what I would have said in reply to these seniors. I’ve decided to use a blog post to communicate some messages to them, ones filled with thank you’s and bravos.

Angie,

            You’re creative abilities still astound me every time a new project is finished. I have learned so much about design and polish when admiring your work and I hope you pat yourself on the back for that talent everyday. I find your goofy humor and sweet smile to be such a positive addition to a work and play environment. You are so sweet and good-natured. You are true to who you are. I’m so sorry that I’ve only had sixteen weeks with you, but I hope this professional relationship has been the beginning of a great friendship. I wish you all the luck in the world in your future and can’t wait to email you for recommendations of spots to stop by in London. Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Adam,

            You were the lone man sailing in the sea of estrogen that was LACD before your arrival. Your dry humor and witty nature helped you navigate it easily. It was so nice to have a guy’s perspective on projects and ideas. You kept the ladies well rounded and balanced. I know we got to know each other a bit more than some of the other interns because we shared mutual office hours. I’ve enjoyed talking to you and getting to know you. Your laid-back attitude and work ethic has been contagious. I know you are headed for great things and I hope our friendship continues as you head out into the real world.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Christina,

            We were supposed to become great friends years ago when I first met you at a club meeting and when you brought me to your sorority for recruitment, but we lost touch. No surprise that fate made sure I’d find you again as my colleague this semester. This ride has been a wild and fun one and I’m glad that we experienced this internship together. You are bubbly, witty, and a whole lot of fun. I thank you again for your help with design and editing. You’ve been a mentor and a friend and I couldn’t be sadder that you are graduating.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Caitlin,

I can still remember the first meeting. You were the first to report what you had been working on for the week. As your incredible organization and can-do attitude came to light in your report, I began to think, “Man, I wish I was that talented!” I was so impressed from then on with your event planning skill and ability to smile through anything. You are so mature, lovely, and you have become someone I really look up to. I know that you will do some amazing things down the road because you’re already doing them now! I’m sure your talents will continue to grow and grow and I’m excited to see where you will be in a few years.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Stephanie,

Our fearless Career Week leader! You have dared me to think bigger, worker harder, and be greater. Working with you this semester has truly helped me grow. I’ve always felt I could come to you for help on LACD work, homework, and anything else. I think you are just fabulous and so talented. I’m hoping it rubbed off on me a little bit over these past 16 weeks! I hope you will continue to be the caring and thoughtful girl I’ve gotten to know over this semester. Thank you for everthing and I know you are headed for incredible things!

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Kate,

            Your determination and your focus have been inspiring to watch over the course of the semester. I hope you are truly proud of the work you have completed and of your new title of doctor. It’s something I know I could never complete. I have enjoyed working with you and helping each other to see the others perspective. You really are a talented, intelligent and incredible woman and I hope you will remind yourself of that everyday. You deserve the best and I know you will go out and get it in whatever you do.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

How #Twitter Got Me #Hired! Find your dream #job too #Purdue

Twitter is not just for talking about your dog or your lunch. Tens of thousands of businesses are using twitter, quite a few of which are using it to help in their search for new employees – and that means there is some great opportunities to find your perfect job through social media. Traci Koller did just that!

Traci Koller (@heykolls) found her dream job working with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@NBCF) in Frisco, TX simply through social media connections. Here is a bit of her story:

 

Read the full article at http://blog.resumebear.com/changing-careers/how-twitter-got-me-hired/

Top 10 Things I Took Away From LACD

By: Stephanie Grebe

Tomorrow is our last LACD team meeting, and I am in awe. I cannot believe the semester is over and our team is going our separate ways. I've been a part of LACD since August 2009, and am so proud of where this team has grown. I want to end my internship by reflecting on some of the most valuable lessons I have learned here at LACD. 

Top 10 Things I Took Away From LACD

1. Working at LACD helped me develop my motto, “Don’t think outside the box, think like there is no box.” So much of what we accomplished over the years was because we dared to push limits and try new things. We dreamed big and accomplished big.
2. Always think ethically when parking :)
3. Having a “yes” attitude will get you far! Even when it is a task you aren’t crazy about (read: News Letter, Bulletin Boards), you will gain experiences and develop transferable skills.
4. There is no such thing as being too prepared for an event, have plans b and c ready just in case!
5. Networking is by far the most valuable professional tool. College is a fantastic opportunity to meet distinguished alum, local businesses leaders, and develop contacts with companies all around the world. Take advantage of every networking opportunity, even if it isn’t what you want to go into professionally. You never know who knows who.
6. When working on a project, you have to look at the big picture. Think of generational differences, gender perspectives, corporate attitudes, and how different audiences perceive your message.
7. Working at LACD, I learned how to ask for help. The great part of being in a team, especially one with such incredible resources, is that there is always someone there to help. I learned that being a leader is about using the strengths of others and finding the best person for a job.
8. Cookies ALWAYS put the office in a better mood
9. Expect the unexpected.
10. I have developed such a gratitude for the people I have met and worked with at LACD. The list of Purdue administrators, Liberal Arts Deans, community business leaders, nationally known guest speakers, the generous Career Week sponsors, the incredibly talented 10 interns I’ve had the privilege of working alongside, the supportive role of Sidonna, and the irreplaceable mentorship I have received from Kate and Lisa…I am in awe of the relationships I have formed and have enjoyed working with every single one of you. I look forward to seeing your future endeavors and am grateful to have developed lasting relationships.

Featured #Job of the Week: #Homeland Security Staff Assistant in #Washington D.C.

Are you interested in a job where your primary purpose will be to serve as a point of contact for the manager's staff and assist in managing and operating the office?  Then consider joining the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).   Come work with the best to prevent and deter terrorist attacks, protect against and respond to potential threats, ensure safe and secure borders, welcome immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.  This mission of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is carried out every day by the dedicated men and women who answer the noble calling of public service with courage and enthusiasm.  With a diverse and critical mission, we lead the unified national effort to secure America.  In today's interconnected world, our country's security challenges are constantly evolving.  To meet these challenges, DHS fosters a culture that values and promotes diversity, teamwork, flexibility, and innovation.   In Headquarters, we coordinate, plan, and guide the Department's work across all DHS components.  You could enjoy a career that includes research, administration and management, legal work, budget and finance, cyber security, infrastructure protection and intelligence analysis.  Our services touch every U.S. citizen, and our goal is to secure our country across land and sea.  Come join the team who is "Proud to Protect".     APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM: All U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates.   More than one selection may be made from this announcement should the need arise.   For new Federal employees the starting salary will be at Step 1 of the Grade selected (GS-5 $34,075; GS-7 $42,209).

KEY REQUIREMENTS: U. S. Citizenship is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Relocation Expenses WILL NOT be paid. Overnight travel of 1-5 nights per month may be required.

 Duties

Additional Duty Location Info:

1 vacancy - Arlington, VA

• Provide administrative support to a supervisor, manager or official by assisting in the day to day management of the office's activities.  

• Monitor and track administrative projects (i.e. contractor security clearances, contractor deliverables, mandatory training requirements and related items.)  
• Schedule appointments, meetings, conference calls, conference rooms and make any arrangements for travel as needed. 
• Prepare correspondence, status reports, team calendars, and/or other various administrative documents.  

For more information on how to apply and more: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=2247804&caller=ftva.asp

 

 

 

 

Have a plan to build your brand!

Creating a unique professional brand is no easy task. Find out how to systematically plan your branding so that it is a success.

Click here to read the full article

My Semester at LACD

By: Adam Beasley

When my roommate first forwarded me the newsletter that advertised the LACD internship I was interested in the position but with everything going on in my life at the time, it fell to the wayside in my mind and I forgot about it. Then, on the night that the application was due, he asked me if I had ever applied to "that internship" and naturally I said no and checked when it was due. When I saw that it was due that night by midnight, I kind of just gave up hope on getting it and decided not to apply. My resume and cover letter weren't close to being ready and so I just went about my night. An hour or so later, I was still thinking about whether or not I should apply and luckily I sat down at the computer, and for the next couple of hours I worked out my resume and wrote my cover letter before submitting it around 11pm that night. It was one of the best decisions I have made at Purdue.

I have learned a lot at Purdue from classes and professors but the LACD internship gave me something that none of that other stuff could, the experience of actually doing work and seeing it put out into the world. With classes, you do all of this work but you never really know how it would be received in the work world; it just gets a grade and then it gets thrown in with all the other papers from school. With the LACD internship, I was pushed to do work and do it well. It forced me into a situation where others were relying on me to get the work done. If I didn't do it or do it well, the rest of the team would have suffered and I would have eight, extremely driven women glaring me down. Haha...And that's not what I want.

I have learned so much from the LACD team: Lisa Snodgrass, Kate Agathon, Sidonna Masterson and the five other interns. Lisa is the true driving force behind LACD. Without her, events like Career Week would not be possible. She is the one who is always there putting in the time and pushing us all to do our best work. She had confidence in me and because of that I was able to develop more confident work for myself. Kate is the one who has helped develop us all into young professionals. I feel like I could always go to her if I had a question and she would know what to do or at least how to approach the issue. The LACD team is really going to miss her influence next semester. Sidonna helps with just about everything. She sets everything up and she's also the one you go to if you are stressing out. Her presence is what keeps the office calm and collected. Thanks to all three of you.  

Now, a shout-out to the other interns!
-Stephanie: Career Week would not have ran anywhere close to as smoothly as it did without you. I feel like you made it so easy to get everything done. We dominated that focus group. Those three students didn't know what hit them...haha.
-Angie: Your eye for design is only something I could dream about having. Thanks for all the help with the website and handbook. It's almost finished!
-Meg: You are a rock star! Seriously, don't forget it. I feel like we would have had only half the amount of sponsorships during Career Week without you.
-Caitlin: Out of anyone at LACD, you always have the best attitude when it comes to work. You have a great knack for marketing and not a single person makes a better plan than you!
-Christina: Oh, Christina... You definitely liven up the office. You always surprise me with the amount of work you put in. I expect one or two pages of work and you give me four or five. You can always count on a professional writer...

Thanks you all again for a great semester. Now let's finish up this this website!

How hobbies can help land you a job!

Getting a job isn't solely about creating a great resume or cover letter. People skills are also vitally important. Learn how to develop people skills through hobbies and outside activities, and use them to your benefit!

Click here to read the full post

Graduation and Growing Up Isn't Easy

By Christina Ripley

Am I the only one that feels like the end of the semester can be very anticlimactic? The last day of class comes and goes, followed by an intense week of stress. Then in a flash everyone is gone. Campus is empty. Maybe I’m just feeling extra nostalgic this year because when I pack up my room and drive home, I won’t be moving back. I’ll graduating and joining the ranks of annoying alumni who crowd Harry’s during football weekends and have terrible breakfast club costumes.

Senior year is definitely a weird time: weirder than senior year of high school in my opinion. No one knows where they will be in a year or what they will be doing. It’s pretty intimidating! Here are my tips for surviving the awkward time known as senior year:

1)      Stay busy. I know a number of seniors who take easy classes and just party all semester. It sounds fun, but these are also the same people who seem to be in a state of arrested development after graduation. So get involved with an on campus internship, an organization or a job. Staying busy helps keep your priorities in line and can help you deal with moving on from Purdue.

2)      Spend time with your friends. My last tip might have sounded like I’m anti-fun, but that is completely off the mark. Go to the bars and hang out with friends. Enjoy the time you have left on campus and develop lasting relationships. You never know when you might see someone again!

3)      Look for a job. Don’t put it off until the end of the semester! I know it’s scary to think about moving on, but avoiding looking for permanent employment ensures that the only place you will be moving is back to your parent’s house. The economy is still making job searches tough, so give yourself extra time to find opportunities. They will come along. Have faith!

4)      Order Insomnia cookies whenever possible.

Most importantly, just try and keep a positive attitude. You aren’t the only person who has to transition. Things will work out! And remember, the staff at LACD is here to help.

You completed the job interview…now what?

Read this article to learn about the steps you should take after completing an interview. Don't be unprepared because what happens AFTER the interview is vital to landing the job.

Click here to read the article

Are You Career Conscious? Coming Soon from LACD

By Angela Cooley

As the spring semester draws to a close, students are becoming more and more focused on finding a summer job or internship to gain some extra income and build their resumes, while graduating seniors are scrambling with interviews and applications in hopes of launching their careers and jumping head-first into life after college. Luckily, you can take LACD's great advice with you even after your time at Purdue has come to an end... in the form of our new ebook, Are You Career Conscious? From Collegiate to Professional.

This helpful guide will contain tips on everything you'll need to make your transition a successful one, whether you plan to pursue an advanced degree or enter the job market. From resumes to interviews, from job fairs to portfolio building, topics included will offer guidance from a career development office with its finger on the pulse of today's best practices. What's more, Are You Career Conscious? isn't just for seniors: the four-year plan informs students of what steps to take to prepare for the future while still in college, and our exclusive "Is Graduate School Right for Me?" flowchart will help make sense of the difficult decision many students face.  Coming soon to the LACD website, this guide will be available as a free download to anyone!

Keep an eye on our twitter and website for the upcoming release!

Senior Year Limbo: what to do between graduation and getting a job

Senior Year of college can be a nerve wrecking time, full of tough decisions. Senior year is approaching fast for a new crop of students. What should you do to prepare?

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Is the internet destroying your productivity?

A topic we've discussed at the LACD office. Does the Internet and multi-tasking slow productivity in the workplace?

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It's All in the Perspective

By: Caitlin Charles

Each Friday during this past semester, the LACD team has gotten together for a weekly meeting to discuss our progress as an office.  We often begin these meetings with a short professional lesson from our Director Lisa Snodgrass, and recently we have been discussing the topic of differences in perspectives.  For example, how differing generations in a work place can have opposing perspectives on a certain protocol. While neither one of these may be right or wrong, we have to be able to acknowledge the alternant points of view from our own.
This lesson came into play for me recently as the LACD team hosted a spring version of the Networking Happy Hour event from this past fall with myself as the project manager.  Knowing the high numbers in attendance from the fall event, I had created high expectations for myself and for the outcome of the spring Networking Happy Hour.  After what seemed like a rough beginning to my plans, I was very happy to have some wonderful local professionals participating in our event, and was ready for the evening.  Unfortunately, when the night came, and the time began to pass, I noticed that not very many students were arriving to network with the professionals.  There are many reasons I have come up with in my head as to why this might have been the case, but no matter the excuse, I became very disappointed that there were very few student attendees.
What I came to realize in the days after the event, was a product of the lesson we had learned a couple of weeks earlier.  While my battle of perspective was not and issue of generation gaps like our example, but rather one of my own personal expectations versus reality, the moral of our lesson still applied.  While I was disappointed in the turnout because of the low numbers, I had not yet analyzed the success of the event from any other perspective.  What I came to notice was that while there were a small number of people mingling in the Beering Lobby, this detail allowed the event to feel very intimate and friendly.  The business professionals, LACD team members, and few students were able to really engage with one another and take on wonderful conversations throughout the night.  So, while there weren't hundreds of students rushing to meet with all of our networking professionals, we were able to really appreciate each and every one of our conversations during the evening and enjoy our time together.  I now understand that taking on a new perspective, or simply appreciating one that is not typically your own, can truly enlighten your view on a subject.

10 words that ruin a resume

Keep your resume strong by avoiding these cliches and overused phrases.

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Kindness and Your Professional Brand

By Megan Fingert

I can’t even believe what I just saw. As I was walking down University Street back to Beering and the LACD office after lunch, I saw the most horrid event I’ve seen in quite a while. A nice young lady prepped for the weather in rain boots and a hoodie was waiting patiently on the sidewalk for someone. Without noticing, she planted herself next to a puddle in the street about 4 inches deep.

While an accidental City Bus drive-by-drenching would be tragic, what I saw was much more infuriating and disgusting.

A man in an SUV who was driving at a slow speed noticed the girl and the puddle. HE SPED UP TO 40 MILES AND HOUR, LAUGHING ALL THE WAY, AND DRENCHED THE POOR GIRL! I saw him raise a triumphant fist as he drove away.

Forgive my slang and conversational tone, but…

Like…what?

WHAT?!

I am absolutely sickened that any peer of mine on this campus could be so malicious and so amused—satisfied even--by another person’s distress. This boy better hope he never sees me ever again because I will be sure to give him a swift kick to the bottom and a piece of my mind! What a childish and selfish thing to do to another human being.

This poor girl probably had to miss class, walk home in soaking jeans, taking a full shower, put on her makeup again, blow dry her hair again, blow dry all her books in her backpack, and probably be late for another class all because this idiot decided it’d be funny to splash someone.

Whehter it’s a crude joke in a hushed tone in the hallway or ruining a person’s clothes, belongings and day by way of rain water, remember that your awareness and common courtesy to others says a lot about who you are as a person and as a professional. If this guy would do that to a perfect stranger, what would he do to someone in the office? Delete files to an important presentation just to laugh about it? Leak private information to the press to get back at someone? Make a sexually charged comment to a female in the office with no second thought?

When a potential employer sees you in or out of a professional setting – and, believe me, potential employers are surrounding you at all times whether you know it or not – be conscious of how you act. Be mature, be a kind person, and if you were the guy who splashed that poor girl, pray you don’t meet anyone who reads this blog.

Be good to one another and have a wonderful weekend!

How LinkedIn is taking care of business

Some excellent information about the power of LinkedIn. Learn statistics about the number of people who use it and the website's clout with employers. Great graphical elements as well!

Click here to read the article

Finishing Strong

By: Stephanie Grebe

Today, I was walking to class and I was shocked by a conversation going on behind me. Two girls were discussing how they were fine with getting a "D" in stats, because it isn't worth trying to do well on the final. One of them said, "When I interview for jobs, it isn't like the recruiter is going to care about me having a low GPA this one semester, I can explain that! I'd rather go to the cactus tonight!"

This really made me think. We spend all semester working hard, but for some reason when the sun comes out and the weeks wind down, students stop coming to class and putting in the extra effort. Are they burnt out? bored? or just lazy?

Many employers are now listing a minimum GPA requirement on applications, generally around 3.25. However, many may not even look at resumes that don't meet their bottom line. According to Yvonne Harvey Williams' presentation during Career Week, many employers aren't even considering candidates under 3.7 or 3.8. Why? Because with this economy they don't have to! Now, more than ever, entry level resumes need to be standing out amongst the hundreds of other applicants. A low GPA is not the way to win over a future employer.

My response to those girls is that, you may not get the opportunity to explain a low GPA to a recruiter if you get cut before the first interview. GPA reflects your work ethic, your academic strengths, and your ability to follow through. There are always classes and areas where a student will struggle academically, but that doesn't mean they should give up. There is one more week left in the semester before finals, and my advice to students is to finish strong. Don't let senioritis (or sophomoreitis or even freshmanitis) prevent you from potentially getting the job you've worked so hard for.

Who to Trust When it Comes to Your Career

by: Adam Beasley

Right now, we are all trying to figure out where we need to be in life, where we want to go and where the best fit is for us. We may have job offers or we may still be looking but one thing is for sure, we have people chiming in to help us. Sometimes it is hard to figure out which advice you are getting is good advice and which advice should be taken with a grain of salt.

I know that I personally have friends telling me to go one way and parents another and I'm not even sure what I really want. The best thing to do is sit down and reevaluate what your feelings are about the whole issue. Once you've done that, then you will be able to know which advice is good advice. Figure out what you need in your life and then find people who have it together in their lives. Go to an adviser or a successful person in the field you want to be in and ask them their opinion. If you know they have your best interests at heart then trust in them to help you find success.

Check out this article from USNEWS for other tips on what advice to take.

LACD Networking Happy Hour is TODAY from 6:30-8 in Beering. Don't miss out!

Come mix and mingle with local business professionals at LACD's Networking Happy Hour: this Wednesday from 6:30-8 in BRNG lobby! Visit the LACD website for a complete list of participating individuals.

Click here to visit the LACD website.

Tips for phone and video interviews

Many offices are now using phone or video interviews when hiring new employees. How can you prepare for these new types of interviews?

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What is Networking?

By Christina Ripley

Let me just say this: my mom is absolutely amazing. She has managed to find me two different internships, one which may lead to permanent employment. How does she find all of these internships? Simple; she is an amazing networker.

Networking is basically getting to know new people. It's a fancy term, but that is basically what it boils down to. In the same way that knowing a wide range of people can get you into fun parties during Grand Prix as a student, knowing a wide range of professionals can help you land an amazing job. Developing strong professional relationships can result in many new opportunities and exciting career paths.

But remember, networking is a two way street. If you want help, you must be willing to help others in return.

Tonight from 6:30-8 join LACD in the Beering lobby and network with some outstanding local business representatives. Who knows what opportunities may present themselves? It's all about talking to the right person at the right time. So don't miss out! Attend LACD's Networking Happy Hour tonight. Learn more about the companies/reps attending by visiting the LACD website http://www.cla.purdue.edu/careers/.

LACD Networking Happy Hour: Join us Tomorrow from 6:30-8

Come mix and mingle with local business professionals at LACD's Networking Happy Hour: this Wednesday from 6:30-8 in BRNG lobby! Visit the LACD website for a complete list of participating individuals.

Click here to visit the LACD website.

How volunteering can boost your career

If you attended the LACD volunteer fair, then you already know how community engagement can boost your career. If not check out this article and get inspired to make a difference in your community and for your own life.

Read the article here

It's All In the Handshake

By Angela Cooley

"A firm handshake" is one of those interview tips that often gets ignored because of its simplicity.  "My handshake is just fine," a jobseeker may grumble, but the truth is that something as basic as a handshake can really set the tone for the whole interview, even going so far as to factor into the hiring decision!  Whether you think you need to or not, go out and practice shaking hands with someone and ask for some honest feedback to find out which category your handshake falls into...

Download full size here.

Man takes out billboard ad to search for a job. Did it work?

1024x768 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE During the hard economic times, some people have done drastic things in the name of getting hired. Check out what this man did and find out if he was successful!

Click here to read the full article

Strategies that will help you pay off student debt after graduation

Do you have student loans? Read these tips to learn about techniques and strategies to help oay off your debt!

Click here to read the article

How to Set up a Tweet Up

By Caitlin Charles
 Social media shows its strengths once again, whether you are looking for connections in the new city you are going to be living in for the summer, or wanting to find a new way to network in your field of interest.  This particular outlet of social media was introduced to me during one of the presentations on COM day this past January.  A company representative discussed the idea of "Tweet-Ups", a concept that, as a new member to Twitter, I had not yet heard of.  I had not thought much about this facet of social media until recently as I continue to look for jobs after school.
As I struggle with my attempts to find that perfect position after graduation, I keep coming back to the importance of networking.  Since that same company representative at COM day also explained that about 80% of job openings are not listed publicly, networking is more important today than ever.  So when you feel you have exhausted your networking resources with outlets such as LinkedIn, scheduling a Tweet-Up can be a great way to meet with other professionals in your area.
A Tweet-Up essentially describes a gathering of people at an event with a common goal or cause, that is set-up through social media connections such as Twitter.  Getting some local professionals in your area to meet in a park for an evening after work this summer would be a great way to network through a Tweet-Up in a comfortable setting.  So when you are trying to network with other professionals through this channel, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Create a theme, or goal for the event that you hope to acheive
2. Develop a list of potential guests that would contribute to that goal, and begin following them on your social media and making initial contact.
3. Be strategic with your planning and do some research on the audience you hope to host.
4. Set a time and place with your theme in mind and begin tweeting to your potential guests on Twitter. Include hashtags such as #roofup for a roof top tweet-up, to allow your guests to follow the conversation.
After you have taken these few steps to create a successful Tweet-Up, take the opportunity to freshen up your 30 second elevator pitch, make sure you have plenty of business cards ready, and start networking!

Sample resumes for job seekers

Looking for ways to change the design or style of your resume? Check out a few of these sample resumes and get some ideas!

Click here to read the article

Branding and the Now Old, Once New Purdue Pete

By Megan Fingert

We’ve all been on a rollercoaster ride called “New Pete” this past week. The Purdue Athletic Department made a decision that left many embarrassed and outraged. They finally unveiled their new design for our Purdue Pete mascot. Out he came at the spring game, looking to me like…well, a defective Cabbage Patch Kid. People had plenty of complaints about the coloring of New Pete’s helmet and shirt, about his less-than-life-like appearance, and about his lack of wearability for the team of Purdue Pete’s under the mask.

We all watched as the Athletic Department backtracked and suddenly wanted our opinions on Pete after the fact and after the explosion of criticism. While this was certainly a PR flub, there is something you can learn about branding yourself as a young professional from this event.

Research is a process that must occur BEFORE and all during a rebranding or redesign whether you are branding a company or yourself. It is beyond costly to waste money on something that you have no research on. Our Athletic department could have saved thousands of dollars if it had simply asked for students and alumni’s opinions before hand. Maybe they did get some opinions, but clearly not a wide enough variety of them. If you are not sure if you’re new business cards really speak to your personality or if a project will bring the right attention to your organization, it’s always best to ask first. Give your resume and business card designs to the LACD office or CCO for critiques. Give a speech in front a friend before you present it to an employer or professor. Feedback is good no matter if it is praise or criticism. It will prove valuable to you in all sorts of ways.

I also think it shows that you can’t completely ditch who you are to be who your publics want you to be. While we want to make Pete all warm and cuddly for kids, we must remember that Pete is the essence of the tough, burly Boilermakers that defeated Wabash College and earned us our name. He can’t be completely cuddly—who’s going to be intimidated by a cuddly mascot?

So, before you go and ditch all your punk rock clothes so you can get hired or get rid of your goofy nature to seem more professional, remember to stay true to yourself if only in little ways. Throw cool leopard print flats with a bright top under a suit to keep your punky charm. Remember that laughter is the best medicine and a great positive energy to bring to the workplace when appropriate.

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH and always stay true to you.

Still No Job?

By: Stephanie Grebe

As Grand Prix week comes and goes, there is really only a few weeks left before Spring semester comes to an end. Do you know how you are spending your summer? Don't fret! If you still haven't landed your perfect job or internship, there are still many opportunities to network and interview before May rolls around!

1. LACD Networking Happy Hour- April 20th 6:30-8. This free event will bring in business leaders from around the state who are ready to mingle with Boilermakers. Students should come ready to network, learn, and find potential job/internship opportunities.
2. Just in Time Job Fair- April 19th 10am - 3pm. With over 50 companies interested in students of all majors, this is a wonderful opportunity to find jobs or internships for the summer!
3. No Fear Job Search- May 11th 10am - 3:30pm. This interactive job search workshop will help students perfect their professional brand, networking skills, and interviewing materials. While this isn't a career fair, this event will get you in tip top shape for future interviews!
4. LACD is hiring interns! If you are a Communication, Professional Writing, or VCD major looking for a summer or fall internship, look no further! LACD provides a hands on internship that gives you incredible real life experience in design, event planning, marketing, and more! (Plus, you may even be able to write these fancy blogs)
5. Hungry Boiler is hiring interns! If your are a design, communication, or marketing major, this could be the internship for you! Hungry Boiler is looking for a Graphic Design and a Marketing/Promotion intern right here at Purdue. If you are looking for real world experience in a fast growing company, apply to Hungry Boiler!

What is Audience Analysis and how can it help you land a job?

By Christina Ripley

Interested in hearing the most important concept I learned in my Professional Writing classes? I credit learning this concept with helping me land 4 different internships and graduate with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. No, this has nothing to do with memorizing a truckload of grammar rules. It is about a concept called “audience analysis.”

Audience analysis involves understanding exactly who you are writing for, and shaping your language and arguments to fit the audience to make your writing relatable. It’s a really important skill to learn. Up until now, most students are used to writing for a specific type of audience: namely a teacher. After graduation, that audience is going to become completely different, so you need to be prepared.

How can audience analysis be used to land a job? Well, consider this: when creating a cover letter for a job, first research the company. Take note of the way the company employees write on the website. Do they use formal language? Informal? What are the goals of the company? If you had to guess, what type of person would be their ideal employee? An IBM employee would communicate in a completely different way than an Apple employee. And the style of communication may change based on a department within the company. So do your research!

Now, when writing your cover letter, write with this audience in mind. Use the same type of language and focus on the same skills that the company prides itself on.

A piece of writing that doesn’t consider the audience is not persuasive, memorable or effective. Worst of all, the reader won’t care about what you writing about. So next time you create a blog post, article or even a tweet, think about who you are communicating with and shape your writing to fit their needs.

How to use Facebook for your job search

Job search smarter by using social media!

Click here to read the article

Multi-Tasking: How it's Affecting Us

by: Adam Beasley

      After our last LACD meeting, I've been thinking a lot about how multi-tasking is affecting us as professionals. We live in a world that is continuously moving, from sunrise, to deep into the night. As a professional you have to continue to move with the world around you or run the risk of being left behind and forgotten. This is where multi-tasking comes into play. We are expected to handle so many different situations and projects that we get programmed to think in the mindset of quantity over quality. Luckily for many of us, we are so used to doing all these things at once that our quality of work doesn't falter too much.
     The problem is, we get blasted with so much information during our days that our brains have so much to process and then our work can falter. People these days don't have much time to rest their brains during the day. Really, the only time we ever give our mind a rest is during sleep but truthfully that isn't really enough. Even when we are sitting around our home doing nothing, we are still processing information: surfing the internet, watching tv, reading the newspaper. Many people get 6-8 hours of sleep every night but they are still tired because of how hard their mind works during the day. I'm starting to understand why people who meditate on a regular basis live longer than the rest of us.
     Multi-tasking can be good though. It all comes down to how your brains is working under the circumstances and finding the right balance. If you are able to continuously do great work while working on multiple things then you are probably not working yourself into overdrive but if your work is slacking then you have to realize what your limits are. It may seem like your boss wants you to go a hundred miles an hour but they will be much more appreciative if you do good work at a bit slower pace than if you spit out a bunch of lacking work. Just work on realizing your mind's limits. Once you do that, you will be able to handle anything life throws at you.  
          

What to do if the economy dips again

If you've been paying attention to the headlines, there has been speculation that the economy might take a little dip in the coming months. Find out how to prepare

Read the full article here

Important!! Strategies that will help you pay off student debt after graduation

Graduation is swiftly approaching. Get your finances in order!

Click here to read the article

Sample resumes for job seekers

Looking for some example resumes? Look at some of these but remember to personalize them and use personal branding.

How to use Facebook for your job search

Job search smarter by using social media!

Click here to read the article

Are unpaid internships harming students?

It's a debate that is going on in college campuses and legislatures all over the country. Are unpaid internships taking advantage of students?

Click here to read the full article

When should you follow up after submitting an application?

It's a question on everyone who is busy applying for a job has on their mind.

Click here to read the article

How to start off your job on the right foot

If you're getting ready to start a new job, make sure to read this article to learn about ways to start your job off right.

Click here to read the article

Tie your personal brand into your resume

Keep Kyle Lacy's tips in mind about personal branding. Learn how to connect the concepts into your resume.

Click here to read the article

Looking for a job? Check out the LinkedIn student job listings

Job searching? Take advantage of LinkedIn's student job posting. Click here to learn more!

Are You LinkedIn?

 By: Caitlin Charles

Looking through Mashable.com recently, I found an article by Todd Wasserman about the resources this year's graduation seniors are using to apply for jobs.  The most shocking change from last year, is the increase in students using the LinkedIn network to find positions. Where last year reported only 7% of graduates were using LinkedIn for job searching, 28% of the 2011 graduating class are using the social resource to find their future positions.  After having multiple lessons and interactive events concerning LinkedIn and social media networking during Career Week, and now finding these results, it is critical to now ask, "Are you LinkedIn?"

LinkedIn's professional network has over 100 million users, and is definitely becoming a critical resource for college students.  During Career Week I was able to sit down and help students create and/or develop their accounts, and learn some of the key steps toward making sure every LinkedIn account was used to its greatest potential.  Here are 3 important steps every LinkedIn member should take after creating an account.

1. Upload a Photo.  Branding yourself as a professional is huge when trying to distinguish yourself among your peers that are applying for similar jobs.  Having a photo is key in letting potential employers put a face with your profile information, and also tying all of your social media together.  Using one basic head shot for your multiple social media accounts will help keep your identity put together, so when someone from LinkedIn wants to look you up on Twitter, there is no doubts on who to follow.  When choosing a photo, it should be of you alone, in appropriate attire and scenery, but don't feel like you need a professional photographer take your head shot.

2. Fill in your "Professional Headline".  This tag line will be the first thing that appears under your photo for anyone searching for your profile, so it needs to be well thought out.  The phrasing should be short and sweet (you are only allowed so many characters).  LinkedIn describes these headlines saying, "Your headline gives you a way to sum up your professional 'identity' in a short phrase."  Try to include a couple of descriptive words and briefly describe your professional situation, such as what line of work you are hoping to go into.

3. Join a Group.  In addition to searching for people to make connections with, groups are a great way to connect with members of LinkedIn with similar interests.  For instance, alumni groups are a great way to find former classmates, or other graduates who have jobs in the field you are looking into.  Even if you did not graduate with them, you can connect with some of these members and let them know you are interested in learning more about what they do.  These are great connections to make that can lead to future job opportunities.

Opportunity Awaits: Be Prepared and Speak Up

By Megan Fingert

As this internship comes to a close, a new one is looming in the near future for me! A few of my fellow interns have been lucky to experience the London Internship Program through Study Abroad, and this summer I will get to experience it for myself. While many other participants in the program are still biting their nails wondering what company they’ll be working for, I was informed Tuesday morning of my job placement. A lifelong dancer, I am delight to say I’ll be working as a PR intern for the Chisenhale Dance Space.

When I attended a Study Abroad meeting this week, a girl who attended last summer’s program made a point. She made a point to tell us that making the most of our internship was up to us. She commented that often her peers would feel bored at work, but that they had never stood up and said, “Hey, I have an idea, can I run with it? Could we try it out? May I attempt this?” She said to be brave and just ask.

It got me to thinking about internships and how it’s so important to think about all of the possibilities and opportunities both before and all during your time working there.

As I continue along the Study Abroad process sending out visa paperwork and signing forms, I’ll continue to brainstorm in the back of my mind. What are my strengths? Where are there weaknesses? Is there a place where these two could meet and blossom into a real success?

Remember to approach situations with poise and professionalism. If you have an idea for an event or for a new way of communicating with customers, don’t barge into a meeting and tell them what you’re going to do. Ask them. Remember that most bosses are personally connected to their work. Any attempt to change, alter, or add to their business could be taken as a personal attack. Remember that it is about suggestions, not demands.

If you are given the go ahead, carry out the process completely. Nothing looks worse than bring a project upon yourself that you couldn’t complete. If you have the courage to bring it up, have the courage to finish it. Keep colleagues informed about the process. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t get to proud.

If you are turned down and left disappointed, refuse to let your colleagues know. There are many moments in our lives when we are told, “No.” First, don’t take it personally and keep your cool at the office. There’s no need to cry in a meeting. Second, be proud of yourself for having the courage to ask. Most people don’t. Third, move on from the idea. There’s no use obsessing over something that can’t become reality.

Now, I know how hard all of these things can be. I am a worry-wart, afraid of the word “no,” and often get emotionally attached to my work. Luckily, over the course of my internship with LACD, I’ve learned how to control these traits in a work environment. I know that this lesson will be so valuable as I move onto my next job.

I encourage you to try something new and voice your ideas, no matter if it’s a new job as a checker at the grocery store or a summer internships with a major corporation. While many say to keep your eyes open for those chance moments, I say go out and make those moments happen. There’s no better time than now. You’ll be surprised at the difference you can make if you just muster up the courage.

5 Weeks to Go....

By: Stephanie Grebe

I have never had so much uncertainty in my life. In a little over a month I will be graduating from Purdue, the place I have called home for the last 4 years. With that graduation comes the start of a new life that has yet to be defined. It is a scary thought to not know where your life is taking you and how your endeavors will pan out in a professional setting. The excitement of getting a college degree is quickly being overshadowed by the ambiguity of the future: where I will work, where I will live, what I’ll be doing, who will be there with me?

As I write this blog in a computer lab, out the window I see a tour group of incoming freshman. They are standing eagerly with their parents, thriving on the excitement of being on a real college campus. I remember being in their shoes not too long ago, ready to dive into my college education. I remember that excitement of wondering what classes I would take, if I’d be smart enough to understand a professor, if I would make new friends, if I could get an A…

Looking back, I’m amused by the fears I had. Of course I could understand a professor! But the reason I was scared was because it was unfamiliar. Every incoming freshman had the same apprehensions, which reminds me that every graduating senior has them too! Though my anxieties are about different things, the uncertainty is the same.

To me, this is reassuring. In college, I was able to overcome these fears in a blink of an eye by establishing myself as a strong, successful student by taking advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. Through activities, internships, classes, and organizations, I created a life here at Purdue. As this next chapter looms overhead, I am going to take this same approach. Graduating is an accomplishment that I am excited to achieve. I cannot wait to take advantage of the next opportunity that comes my way, and will remember that this anxiety will pass. Every graduating senior is feeling this pressure, the key is to take that excitement and run with it!

The Worst Career Advice

Seniors,

By Christina Ripley

Graduation is quickly approaching. Can you believe it? I ordered my cap and gown last weekend: a bittersweet moment. Now more than ever I am taking to heart career advice, because I feel that the transition between student and young professional is beginning. Interestingly enough, I stumbled on an article this morning titled "The Worst Career Advice." Any guesses to what the author thought was the worst advice to give young professionals? Here it is:

"Do what you love."

Huh? How can that be the worst piece of career advice? Isn't that what we've been hearing since career day in elementary school?

Obviously, becoming involved in a career you are passionate about is important. If you are involved in a career path that your find interesting and rewarding, you will be more enthusiastic and motivated at work. That's not why this advice is bad.

"Do what you love" can imply to young professionals that pursuing a career path you love will lead to a complete and successful life. This notion is entirely false. No "dream job" will make your life complete. There will always be frustrating situations present at any job: obnoxious co-workers, demanding clients, you name it. Believing that one particular career path is perfect for you is both naive and harmful. Depression rates for men and women in their twenties is on the rise, mainly because they end up feeling dissatisfied with their life if they are not involved if they feel that their career path is not perfect. 

Do you want to know the real secret to happiness and success? Creating close relationships with people is key! My dad once told me that his greatest memories were not ones that happened at a successful day of work, but the memories he made with his friends and family. It's cheesy but true!

Read the full article here

10 ways to mess up an interview

You only have one chance to impress an interviewer. Avoid some of these common mistakes.

Click here to read the full article

When to Accept and Move On

by: Adam Beasley

We all do it. We blame others for the bad things that happen to us. Whether you didn't get the job or promotion you wanted or something else went wrong, it's easy to blame others. Many times things go wrong and the worse thing you can do is blame others for it. It won't fix the issue you have and it certainly won't get you a job. Sometimes you just have to accept some of the blame for yourself and move on.

First, you have to realize what blames are holding you back. Blaming feels good. But whether you are right or wrong, you have to realize that it's best to recognize what the problem is and move on. What are you getting caught on? How can you fix it?

Secondly, you have to come up with a way to fix it. If you didn't get a job you really wanted then you have to figure out how you are going to get the next job that comes along. Stewing on the past will leave you stagnant and not doing any work, which gets you nowhere. The way to success lies in the plan that you construct to help you get out of this situation.

Thirdly, you can't give up. Keep trying even when it seems like all is lost. Finding a job or fixing a problem is usually not easy. If it was easy then it wouldn't be a problem. Know that these situations are what will put you ahead of your competition because you will know how to deal with a multitude of situations. So keep your head up because it can be the key to your success.

Tips for Conducting a Strategic Job Search

Job search smarter! Read this article and learn some innovative job search techniques!

Lacking Inspiration? How to get Un-Stuck

By Angela Cooley

www.iainclaridge.co.uk

We've all been there: the deadline is approaching, and you know you can get this project done in enough time if you could only come up with the perfect idea... and you end up spending an hour staring at a blank page. Thought seems to screech to a halt while time slips away, and even after all the time you've invested, you're no closer to the finish line than when you started.  Finding the right jumping-off point is an art, not a science, and I want to share a few tips that help me get "un-stuck" when inspiration is scarce.

Don't edit as you go.

Everything doesn't have to be perfect the first time around! I know it can be difficult, but resist the urge to self-edit too much in the early stages of a project, it completely stifles the creative process. If you spend less time shooting down your ideas and instead take them for a test drive, you can get a better sense of any problems or shortcomings. Then you can decide whether to discard it completely or work on its weak points; the solution you've been looking for might only be a tune-up away! When you have a substantial rough draft coming together, you can (and should) put your Super-Critical Hat back on and edit the tar out of it so your final result is as polished as possible.

If this method doesn't work, don't waste your time banging your head against the wall. Instead, do something else.

I know it seems counter-productive, but really, just walk away before you get too wound up to function. Work on something else, like a reading assignment, where you don't necessarily have to generate new content.  If you have the luxury of free time, go ahead and take an hour to watch a TV show or spend a while just vegging out.  You'll return to your task with a clear head and a fresh perspective.

These are the techniques I use to break out of writer's/designer's block, and I hope they'll help you overthrow whatever nasty block is giving you trouble.

How does a major connect with a career path?

Especially applicable for Liberal Arts students: how can your major lead into a career?

Read this full article here

#Monday's Featured Job: Digital Product Manager with #Follett's #Purdue #Liberal Arts

Title: DIGITAL PRODUCT MANAGER
Job Title Description: 
Business Unit: Library Resources (McHenry,IL)
Location: ILLINOIS (MCHENRY)

Requisition Number: flr00006900
Job Type: Regular

Business Unit Profile:

Follett Library Resources

We help K-12 school libraries stay current, focused and empowered to bring maximum value to the learning experience.

As the nation's largest supplier of books, eBooks and audiovisual materials to school libraries, Follett Library Resources offers much more than a phenomenal selection. Our industry-leading expertise and passion for exceeding customer expectations free school librarians, administrators and teachers to pursue their passion: educating our children and young adults. To meet the needs of today's educators, we listen first to understand the varied needs of their students. Then the Follett team, from account managers and special customer care managers to the associates who fill each order, leverage the full breadth of our resources to deliver the best products and services available anywhere.

To learn more, please visit the Follett Library Resources website at www.flr.follett.com

 

Responsibilities:

We have an exciting opportunity to shape and drive new digital product strategies and initiatives as a Digital Product Manager

Our continued innovation has created a new position for Digital Product Manager dedicated to supporting the expansion of digital products for Follett businesses.

The Digital Product Manager will shape and drive new digital product strategies and initiatives, such as eBooks, online software and Mobile device technologies. This position will lead the design of Follett's overall digital strategy working with the Director of Digital Products and Follett technology and marketing departments. The Digital Product manager will also collaborate and communicate with other Follett organizations ensuring synergies that contribute to the development of cross-Follett K-12 Technology strategies.

Responsibilities include:

• Define product and service strategy and roadmaps.
• Create product requirements and lead the prioritization of features for product development team
• Work closely with Development, Marketing Communications and Sales to ensure appropriate product, sales, and marketing plans are established
• Lead customer research and field testing new products.
• Define product positioning, marketing plans and align cross-functional partners to support execution of the plans.
• Identify product trends, product mix, pricing and competition
• Work with executive management to implement strategic initiatives and partnerships.
• Establish metrics for performance, quality, customer satisfaction and partner alignment.
• Manage product P&L, investments and ROI.
• Act as the digital product thought leader across Follett businesses and the industry.

 

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Business, Arts or Sciences. MBA preferred.
• Background in software or online marketing.
• Minimum 5 years experience in product management, marketing, or strategic planning.
• Demonstrated success analyzing markets, developing strategy and creating and managing project plans.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams without director authority within a matrix organization.

Paid Internship with Stella and Dot Entrepreneur Program - Info session at Purdue, Tuesday April 5th in Mtws 111 See full details below.

Stella & Dot Entrepreneur Program : A paid internship in fashion and social selling

When:  Tuesday, April 5^th

Where: Matthews hall, Room 111

Time:  11:00 a.m. – 12 noon

RSVP for this information session at http://purdueuniversity.eventbrite.com

 

Come bring your friends and win FREE Jewelry

Presenter:  Jennifer Storey, Director and Founding Leader/ CSR alum

 

More information at http://www.mypublicrelationsresource.com/public-relations-internship/stella-dot-entrepreneur-program/