Ask, Not Answer: A Look Into Job Interviewing

By: Blaire Gunderson

Imagine, you are 10 to 15 years into the job force and you have the opportunity to interview an applicant for your company. What would the interviewee have to do for it to be considered a 'good' interview? A 'bad' interview? What would make this applicant stick out from the 50 other applicants applying for the same position?

In a recent article I read, a manager from a Fortune 500 company talked about the importance of asking questions within an interview setting. This is not just at the conclusion of the interview. He encouraged future applicants to treat an interview as more of a fluid conversation, rather than the typical "you ask, I answer" interview.

Here are a few reasons in which I believe asking your potential future employer questions during an interview is beneficial to you landing the job:

(1) It shows you are engaged in the conversation.

(2) It shows you have done your research on the company. This implies that you are asking specific questions pertaining the company.

(3) It shows you truly care about the company and what goes on on a day-to-day and large scale level.

(4) It shows you don't know everything, and that you appreciate gaining knowledge from someone at a higher level.

With these thoughts in mind, always remember that you must ask these questions in correspondence with appropriate dialogue and topics. Sneak these questions in where it is appropriate and where it doesn't diverge off topic.

2014 Fall Network and Panel Event

By: Blaire Gunderson

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a special event hosted by Liberal Arts Career Development. The 2014 Fall Network and Panel Event featured four professionals within careers focused on government, politics and lobbying. Each of the guests brought unique insight and advice about their own career paths. Students were actively engaged with the guests and overall I thought it was a great success. The guests who attended were:

(1) John Dennis - Mayor of West Lafayette
(2) Tim Sanders - Director of the Engagement Office for Purdue Northwest
(3) Nathan Storm - Field Representative at the Indiana Republican Party
(4) Barry Richard - County Sheriff

If you did not have the chance to attend this event, you missed out! It was a truly enlightening experience that opened my eyes to various career paths within the realm of government and politics.

Stay tuned to future events hosted by LACD! Keep checking our website or stop by our office today.

Why Employers Love Liberal Arts Graduates

By: Blaire Gunderson

If you are a Liberal Arts Student, either here at Purdue University or any other college in the country, stop and take a second to realize your incredible value to the job market. As we approach graduation, some closer than others, we must be confident in the course load we have taken and the skill set we have gained. The critical thinking, creativity and flexibility one learns within a Liberal Arts education prepares graduates for a wide range of job openings and opportunities.

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Depauw University's President Brian Casey stated that liberal arts graduates have the creativity and critical thinking skills that today's employers need. Casey states that when an employer is asked to identify traits of their "ideal employee", they almost always identify traits widely associated with a Liberal Arts graduate. "They want people who are creative, who can deal with complexity, who can think for themselves, [and] work with other folks," he adds.

To read more about Why Employers Love Liberal Arts Graduates, please read the following article from the Educational Advisory Board.

http://www.eab.com/daily-briefing/2014/10/22/why-employers-love-liberal-arts-graduates

Nine Steps to a Professional Portfolio

By: Blaire Gunderson

I came across a very helpful book today while I was working in the office. It is called "How to Prepare Your Portfolio: A Guide for Students and Professionals" by Ed Marquand. Within this book, the author touches on nine specific steps involved in creating a professional portfolio. I have mapped out these steps for you, as well as included examples relative to being a Purdue student. These instructions will hopefully help you put a portfolio together as you begin to interview for internships and jobs.

(1) Determine what you want your portfolio to do for you and what kind of portfolio you need.

• What is your major? How does this factor alter what your portfolio should look like? Ex: How would an engineers' portfolio differ from a design major's portfolio?

(2) Determine what type of professional you are and where you are likely to find your best opportunities.

• Have you recently checked myCCO for job listings applicable to you and your interests?
• Have you made a LinkedIn account and followed companies that you would like to work for/learn more about?

(3) Compile, edit and select your work to include.

• Search your computer for projects appropriate for your portfolio

(4) Select a binder and format for your portfolio

• It's always nice to make it as ascetically appealing as possible. 

(5) Organize your work graphically or thematically

• Which way best highlights your work and accomplishments?

(6) Concert your work to a size that will fit your portfolio format

• Double check that doing so doesn't compensate for the quality of your work.

(7) Assemble all the pieces. 

(8) Review your resume of leave-behinds.

• Remember, you can always get your resume critiqued here at the LACD office or at the CCO, located in Young Hall.

(9) Keep samples, and document your work.

• This is incase you loose your original portfolio or if a company asks to keep it with them.

Good luck on creating your portfolio!

Do Something Today That Improves Your Tomorrow

By: Blaire Gunderson

Here is a list of seven things you can do today that will make tomorrow brighter. While we all fall into the trap of routines, it is great to be reminded of the bigger picture. Don't loose sight of your dreams because of today's smaller obligations!

(1) Read a non-fiction book to get a new perspective on a current event.


(2) Exercise your creativity - draw whats on your mind, write about your hopes for tomorrow or participate in an online discussion about something important to you.


(3) Write a few "pitch" emails to people you would like to work for or companies in which you are passionate about.


(4) Update your Resume and LinkedIn with your most current and accurate credentials.


(5) Listen to an educational, informative or inspirational podcast.


(6) Write a personal goals sheet: List your 1 year, 5 year and 10 year goals (both professional and personal goals.


(7) Call a family member and ask what their biggest professional struggle was- and how they overcame it.

Think Broadly, Lead Boldly

"Think Broadly Lead Boldly" has been the new tagline for the College of Liberal Arts since last January. But have you taken the time to stop and think what it means? How do these four short words have the ability to sum up our time here as CLA Students, and more importantly guide us in the right direction after graduation?

I believe that the slogan "Think Broadly Lead Boldly" truly encompasses what it means to be a Liberal Arts student. This slogan identifies with the education we are provided here within the College of Liberal Arts and the impact it'll leave on us when we leave. Each and every day, our Professors teach us the importance of thinking on a broad, long term scale and utilizing those viewpoints to become active and impactful leaders. We have the ability to make a difference in the world by thinking outside of our own comfort zones. 

To learn more about the creation and implication of "Think Broadly Lead Boldly", check out this 4 minute video created by Fast Track, a weekly half-hour news program produced by students within our very own Brian Lamb School of Communication. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxLD9Tf7nyU

By: Blaire Gunderson

Tips To Staying Organized

It is about that time of the semester where Purdue students' realize their workload is growing...(and growing rapidly, at that). Syllabus week is long gone, the weather seems to be getting cooler with each day, and our planners and notebooks are slowly becoming more and more full. 

No need to fret, though. With these few small tips on how to stay organized, you will have a very successful 1st semester.

#1: Use your smartphone (For things other than Instagram): While I don't encourage you to sit on your phone during classes and loose track of whats going on around you, I do propose that you take advantage of all of the apps your smart phone has to offer. Keep a running To-Do list in your "Reminders" app, and set these notes with an alarm. Use your mobile calendar to keep track of help sessions and office hours that your professors have. College students are always on their phones anyways- so why not use it for something beneficial? 

#2: Prepare the night before: Do not, I repeat, do not fall into the category of people who go to sleep saying "I'll just finish this in the morning". We all know early mornings don't have the best affect on us college students, or that sometimes the snooze button can be hit a few too many times. Always pack finished homework and necessities in your bag the night before. If you have time, make your lunch too! It will give you a few extra minutes the following morning that will make all the difference. 

#3: Utilize your Sundays: Many of us believe that Sunday should be a day of rest. With that being said, it can't hurt to use part of the day to be productive, too. Take a few minutes each Sunday to plan out your week. Write down specific daily goals, as well as general weekly goals. Be organized from the beginning of the week and watch the days unfold much more smoothly! 

#4: Take some time for yourself and recharge: This may be one of the most important tips to staying organized! We can not be fully capable of our best if we are not energized. Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Exercise. Go out with friends and enjoy yourself. All of these things truly impact your state of mind, so don't overlook them. Being a successful college student is an all-encompassing thing.

Have a great weekend, Purdue!  

To Do Lists and Bucket Lists

Written by: Blaire Gunderson

We all know that making lists and staying organized is fundamental in our success as Purdue Undergraduate students. I often find myself jotting down my thoughts everywhere: my planner, my hand, a Post-It, etc.

"Don't forget to submit your paper through Blackboard."
"Pay Rent!"
"Call back Grandma."

Its easy to get lost these hectic, every-day tasks, that we may loose track of the most important "list" of all.

Bucket List. Call it what you want, we all should keep an ongoing record of our goals, aspirations and dreams. While we are often kept busy with the obligations of today, we tend to set aside the opportunities of tomorrow. As a Senior beginning my last year at Purdue, I feel this first-hand. Don't let college pass you by without doing the things that will truly highlight your collegiate experience. I promise - this list, over any that you will make during your time at Purdue- will be the most memorable.

I will share with you a few items from my own "Purdue Bucket List" that I plan on attacking throughout my last year here. 

(1.) Take Advantage of Career Fairs

Whatever your major may be, take advantage of the numerous career fairs that Purdue offers to ALL of their students. As a Communications student, I still plan on attending Industial Roundtable, SMEF and other various career fairs that are not necessarily associated with my major. Be prepared with resumes and portfolios and don't be afraid to extend yourself to companies that interest/ excite you.

(Side note: Look out for information regarding the Liberal Arts Career Fair, which will be held this February :) )

(2.) Complete All Those Traditions We Learned About in BGR

Seeing the Big Bass Drum. The Hello Walk. Fountain Runs. Sledding on Slayter Hill. The Boiler Maker Special. All of these Purdue traditions that we learned about during our Freshman Orientation are things that we should most definitely take advantage of as students of Purdue. Don't walk across the stage at graduation without experiencing each and every tradition that makes Purdue the best university in the world.

(3.) Have lunch with a Purdue Professor / TA

I know I am speaking for most, if not all Purdue students, when I say that I have had numerous professors that have positively impacted my college experience. Make sure to tell them! Grab lunch with a great Professor or TA and thank them for all they have done. Benefit from their knowledge and wisdom while you can! 

(4.) Cherish All Friendships 

Throughout my time at Purdue, I have made lifelong friends from various outlets. Whether it be through my sorority, classes, internships or involvement on campus, each and every friend I have made has had an affect on my life. Enjoy the time you have left with these people, and know that beyond your time at Purdue, these people will be apart of your life.

I hope you enjoyed reading a few of my goals for this year, but more importantly, I hope this has pushed you to make a list of your own. Whatever your age, it's never too early to make sure you are making the most out of your time here at Purdue.

Boiler Up and Happy 1st Semester!