Written by: C Raven Anderson
As young adults entering or soon to be entering the professional world, it is often overwhelming deciding what you want to do, where you want to live, and for whom you would like to work. These decisions are often the most difficult to ask. Another thing that is often on the minds of young adults, during this time, is dreams of traveling the world.
These dreams could be as simple as wanting to visit a single country or as complex as wanting to visit as many countries as possible. Traveling the world, would be without a doubt, amazing. It would open you up to new opportunities as well as new ways of thinking, but for a lot of young adults traveling the world is too expensive as soon as they graduate from college.
One option, that is often overlooked, is for young professionals to work abroad. This is a great way for young adults to get experience in their field as well as quenching their thirst for adventure and travel. A great resources for you to use to find jobs abroad is Purdue's Career Wiki. Follow the link below to look at all of the opportunities abroad. Expand you horizons and opportunities by taking an adventure!
http://wiki.lib.purdue.edu/display/Career/Purdue+University+Career+Wiki
Showing posts with label C Raven Anderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C Raven Anderson. Show all posts
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Types of "Smart" in the Workplace
Written By: C Raven Anderson
Have you ever wondered how you and your strengths are going to fit into an organization? Well, I recently saw an infographic that breaks up the different types of "smart" and how they fit into an organization. This to me was an incredible find, because I have been scoffed at when someone found out I was in the college of Liberal Arts. As a Liberal Arts major, I have been looked down upon because my degree is "easy" or someone doesn't have to be "smart" to graduate. This is entirely false.
I have had to work my butt off the entire time I have been at Purdue University. Just because I am not good at math or science does not mean that I am not "smart", and it does not mean that you are not "smart" either. We, as Liberal Arts students, have different skills and strengths. We have the smarts when it comes to being creative, using linguistics, and our interpersonal and intra-personal skills.
Knowing how to use your skills and strengths to your advantage is key to your success. If you persevere and take the time to invest in your future you will be successful! Check out the infographic, that I mentioned earlier, to see where your "smart" fits in at the workplace!
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/intelligence-fit-workplace/
Have you ever wondered how you and your strengths are going to fit into an organization? Well, I recently saw an infographic that breaks up the different types of "smart" and how they fit into an organization. This to me was an incredible find, because I have been scoffed at when someone found out I was in the college of Liberal Arts. As a Liberal Arts major, I have been looked down upon because my degree is "easy" or someone doesn't have to be "smart" to graduate. This is entirely false.
I have had to work my butt off the entire time I have been at Purdue University. Just because I am not good at math or science does not mean that I am not "smart", and it does not mean that you are not "smart" either. We, as Liberal Arts students, have different skills and strengths. We have the smarts when it comes to being creative, using linguistics, and our interpersonal and intra-personal skills.
Knowing how to use your skills and strengths to your advantage is key to your success. If you persevere and take the time to invest in your future you will be successful! Check out the infographic, that I mentioned earlier, to see where your "smart" fits in at the workplace!
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/intelligence-fit-workplace/
Monday, March 24, 2014
"Why do you want this job?"
Written by: C Raven Anderson
As May is quickly arriving it is important to know how to answer a very common, but often difficult question to answer. That question is "Why do you want this job?" There are many reasons that a graduating senior or even an underclassman wants a position with a company. They want the experience or the money, and many more.
Instead of boring your interviewer with these simple answers, use this question as an opportunity to package yourself as unbelievably rare and talented individual. Demonstrate the skills you have acquired, thus far in your college career, and how you plan to use those skills to benefit their company. Show them that without you their company will be at a loss. In an article written by Mary Hope, the founder of Mary Hope Career Success, she explains four steps that almost anyone can use to effectively answer this question. They are:
As May is quickly arriving it is important to know how to answer a very common, but often difficult question to answer. That question is "Why do you want this job?" There are many reasons that a graduating senior or even an underclassman wants a position with a company. They want the experience or the money, and many more.
Instead of boring your interviewer with these simple answers, use this question as an opportunity to package yourself as unbelievably rare and talented individual. Demonstrate the skills you have acquired, thus far in your college career, and how you plan to use those skills to benefit their company. Show them that without you their company will be at a loss. In an article written by Mary Hope, the founder of Mary Hope Career Success, she explains four steps that almost anyone can use to effectively answer this question. They are:
Step 1:
‘This is a great company /organization because…….’ Everyone likes to be flattered, so tell them why you think they are a good company, what it is you like about the company.
Step 2:
Describe the challenges of the role, even if it is a job that is pretty routine. What are the issues they face in getting someone to do the role well?Step 3:
Tell them the things that float your boat, the things you have just been doing, the challenges you really enjoy and give some brief examples.Step 4:
Think about why they might not want to hire you and refute their logic.
Now you know how to answer that ever so often dreaded question. To read the full article follow the link below.
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/why-want-job-interview/
Monday, March 3, 2014
Mentors are Valuable Assets
Written by: C Raven Anderson
Recently I have gone through some pretty big life changes.
These changes have affected my mood and outlook on my future. I was falling
behind in classes, work, and in my internship. I needed to snap out of my funk
before I reached a point of no return. I went to talk to my mentor and also the
Liberal Arts Career Development Director, Lisa Lambert Snodgrass, to help get
me back on track. With careful self-management and a great mentor at my side I
was ready to become the person I want to be.
From this experience I have learned how important it is to
have a mentor who is willing to help no matter the situation, as well as give
you the tools to use to make yourself a better person. In this post I will go
over reasons why you should get a mentor at your first job, especially right
out of college.
Andy Rachleff, an Executive Chairman at Wealthfront Inc., says
“many great things can happen to you if you find a great mentor.” A few
examples are you will learn valuable lessons that can apply to future positions,
or if you mentor is promoted there is a possibility that if you are good at
what you do you will be promoted along with him or her. Rachleff also mentions
that “a truly superb mentor will never be threatened by your success.” Your
mentor should be one of your biggest cheerleaders if you are successful. They
are helping you along in your journey to becoming a talented professional. Your
mentor should see your success as positive reflection, not as competition.
From my own experiences this semester, I know that when I get
my first job out of college I plan on finding a great mentor to teach and guide
me through the professional world. To read the full article written by Andy
Rachleff, follow the link below.
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130206181727-56725-the-importance-of-mentors-to-build-a-successful-career
Monday, February 17, 2014
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Written by : C. Raven Anderson
For almost my entire time attending Purdue University I did not understand how important social media is becoming in the job search. Many employers will check out your profiles to see if you are the type of person they want representing their company. More often than not people will be turned away from the content on their profiles because it is unprofessional. Dave Kerpen, the CEO of Likeable Local, wrote an article giving tips on how to use social media to your advantage.
1) Optimize your Profiles
LinkedIn: Extend your Resume
- Do you have a picture? If not, make sure you have one that represents yourself in a professional manner!
- Reach out to relevant connections for recommendations. Don’t just ask your supervisors at previous jobs, but ask your peers and reports.
- Have you listed all of your accomplishments and skills? Sometimes better than finding the right job is being found for the right job! LinkedIn Recruiter allows companies to look for specific skills and past positions. Make sure you list them so you can be indexed!
- Endorsements are a great way to easily gain credibility. You should give them as well as ask for them.
Twitter: Show your expertise!
- What is your picture? Make sure it represents you as you want the world to see you.
- What are you sharing? Your tweets should reflect your personality and expertise. Share articles and quotes from thought leaders in your industry. As a guide for sharing jokes, thoughts, and everything else, if your mom wouldn’t approve, don’t tweet it.
- What does your Twitter bio say about you? Make sure you include a link where people can find you. Consider making it a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Facebook: Clean it up!
- What do your profile picture and cover photo say about you?
- Check your privacy settings and make sure you understand them. They may seem difficult to navigate, but they are really important when it comes to your public image. I'm all for openness personally, but for many, you'll want to make sure photos and videos for friends aren't visible to your next employer.
2) Network Appropriately
LinkedIn:
Search your 1st degree connections to find interesting 2nd degree connections. Connect with people, but make sure to be upfront about why you are connecting. Don’t ever send the default message! Instead, give them a reason to connect with you. If you really want an in, tell them you’d love to learn more about their company and the position they have. People love to talk about themselves and a 15 minute informational interview, whether in person (ideal) or via phone or video chat - is an ideal way to learn more about a company while subtly showchasing yourself.
Twitter:
Follow the people that interest you at companies you'd like to work at. Follow the CEO's, marketers and other industry leaders. Follow the Head of Human Resources. Watch what they are doing and find the right time to engage with them. It won't work to bombard them on a Friday night with a tweet about how you want a job, but Twitter does give you the unique opportunity to engage in conversation with someone you don't know. When they talk about the Lakers game, or thier kids, or their trip to Costa Rica - just reply with interest, if you have something to say. Show them you're interested in them - and they just might be interested in you.
Facebook:
Most people keep Facebook for their existing network of friends, and some don't even connect with professional collaegues on Facebook. However, you can like the companies you are interested in and engage with their content. You can also find company and industry leaders to subscribe to, (one way communication, similar to Twitter) which can give you insight into their lives! You never know when a common interest might help.
3) Research
Use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to research the organizations and people where you might want to work before you reach out to apply for a job or schedule an informational interview. You can learn a lot more about a company's core values and culture from their social sites than their website - and if it's a dream job you seek, be sure that the the company's values and culture align well with yours before any interview.
These tips will help anyone become a better, more professional you on their social media profiles. I challenge you to go through your posts and pictures on your social media sites and clean up your image. A post could be funny to some, but offensive to others. Make sure you are sending the right message to potential employers about who you are. To read the full article written by Dave Kerpen click the link below.
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130121115222-15077789-3-essentials-to-landing-your-dream-job-using-social-media
Monday, February 3, 2014
The Importance of Networking
Written by: C. Raven Anderson
Most people do not fully understand the importance of networking throughout college and the business world. Networking can be used to help you find a job, change careers, get new business leads, improve your business practices, and even sell products. It comes in many different forms such as online, professional associations, asking friends for introductions or recommendations, and attending career fairs.
Before, when people started out they were told, "It's not what you know that counts; it's whom you know," that was a reference to the importance of networking. It is a tool that many fail to utilize to gain personal growth in the business world, but if you follow instructions below and make every experience an opportunity to build your network, you will soon have a large network you can use to help you become a better, more professional you.
First, you have to actually go to events or career fairs so you are exposed to professionals in your field. Once at the event the next step is to start up a conversation with a recruiter. Introduce yourself and then make a connection between the recruiter and yourself. Then wrap up the conversation and promise to stay in touch, and do just that.
Second, you must keep in touch with your contacts. You should write a thank you note after first speaking or meeting with the recruiter. Then you need to follow-up by sending them an updated resume or scheduling a one-on-one informational interview.
Finally, it is important to understand that networking is a continual process. You must be committed to keeping your network strong. You can do this by keeping in touch with the professionals in your network. Send these professionals updates on where your career has taken you and what you have learned. If you keep a strong connection these professionals will be happy for you and possibly offer you advice for your future endeavors.
A great place to start networking would be the Liberal Arts Career Development Career Week. It runs from Monday February 3rd through Thursday February 6th. There are events such as Resume Reviews, Interviewing 101, many different speakers, and on Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm is the Career Expo. It is a chance for you to practice networking and hopefully gain some valuable contacts. So come on out to develop a better, more professional you!
Most people do not fully understand the importance of networking throughout college and the business world. Networking can be used to help you find a job, change careers, get new business leads, improve your business practices, and even sell products. It comes in many different forms such as online, professional associations, asking friends for introductions or recommendations, and attending career fairs.
Before, when people started out they were told, "It's not what you know that counts; it's whom you know," that was a reference to the importance of networking. It is a tool that many fail to utilize to gain personal growth in the business world, but if you follow instructions below and make every experience an opportunity to build your network, you will soon have a large network you can use to help you become a better, more professional you.
First, you have to actually go to events or career fairs so you are exposed to professionals in your field. Once at the event the next step is to start up a conversation with a recruiter. Introduce yourself and then make a connection between the recruiter and yourself. Then wrap up the conversation and promise to stay in touch, and do just that.
Second, you must keep in touch with your contacts. You should write a thank you note after first speaking or meeting with the recruiter. Then you need to follow-up by sending them an updated resume or scheduling a one-on-one informational interview.
Finally, it is important to understand that networking is a continual process. You must be committed to keeping your network strong. You can do this by keeping in touch with the professionals in your network. Send these professionals updates on where your career has taken you and what you have learned. If you keep a strong connection these professionals will be happy for you and possibly offer you advice for your future endeavors.
A great place to start networking would be the Liberal Arts Career Development Career Week. It runs from Monday February 3rd through Thursday February 6th. There are events such as Resume Reviews, Interviewing 101, many different speakers, and on Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm is the Career Expo. It is a chance for you to practice networking and hopefully gain some valuable contacts. So come on out to develop a better, more professional you!
Friday, January 17, 2014
How to Prepare for an Interview
Written by: C Raven Anderson
Most students have heard, "Make sure you prepare for your interview," but very few students know what that actually means. I was one of those students wondering what and how am I supposed to prepare for these often nerve racking situations. Lucky for us James Caan, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor in People with Passion, gives a great set of steps to follow to be prepared for an interview.
1) Get yourself in the right frame of mind.
You want to be in the best possible shape when you arrive for an interview. A positive mental attitude is the key – think back to any previous successes you have had, in any walk of life but particularly job related. Visualizing these will automatically put you in a good frame of mind. Also, make sure you know exactly where you are going when you set out and that you leave yourself plenty of time when you get there. Turning up late or flustered puts you in a slightly panicky mindset and this is the last thing you want.
2) Make sure you look the part
It goes without saying that you don’t want to turn up for the interview looking scruffy; first impressions are everything. Everything about you is a shop window and as an interviewer I will be scrutinizing every aspect. For example if your shoes are dirty or your appearance is messy that is an instant mark against you. It may sound silly but it tells me you lack attention to detail.
3) Match yourself to the job spec
Prospective employers will want to know that you have properly understood what it is they are looking for in a candidate. Make sure that you have fully understood the role you are applying for by studying the job specification and whether your skills and experience would make you a suitable candidate.
4) Ask for advice
When in doubt ask for advice from someone who might be able to help you. If you know someone who has worked for the company you have applied for, then talk to them and find out about the company culture and the person interviewing you. Something like LinkedIn can also be a big help here. Failing that, do you know somebody who works in a similar role for another organization?
5) Do your homework
Thanks to the internet It has never been easier to do some research on the organization you are hoping to work for. Any interviewer is immediately going to dismiss a candidate who turns up not knowing his or her stuff, so it would be foolish to not do your homework. Some general facts about the company, for example an award they may have recently won, is good to drop into the conversation before the interview has started. After that, you should know more specific details about the job you are going for. If you are applying for a finance position, you should have a good grasp of their latest accounts, or if you are applying for a sales role, looking at recent deals the company has made is a must.
6) Have some questions up your sleeve
At some stage in the interview you are going to be asked if you have any questions. This can often make or break your chances. This is where you need to take control and ask the interviewer almost as many questions as they asked you. Take every chance to drill down the role and the company. Generic questions like “what are the hours” won’t tell you anything of significance – what you really want is information such as what a typical day consists of and what are your key performance indicators. Challenging the interviewer like this immediately tells them you are a proactive person, and they will be sure to remember you when the interviews are all done.
7) Be confident but not cocky
It is important to be confident about yourself and your abilities, without going over the top. Employers want people who are lively and full of self-belief, but they also want someone who will work well alongside their existing team. Be careful not to cross the fine line between confidence and arrogance, as the latter is something managers rarely look for in new hires.
Anyone can accomplish being prepared for an interview by using these seven steps. The only thing holding you back is yourself. If you put in the time and effort you will eventually get a return on your investment. From now on I plan on following Caan's seven steps, in a timely fashion, to prepare myself for every interview. I challenge you to do the same.
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131015134511-32175171-7-steps-to-prepare-for-an-interview
Most students have heard, "Make sure you prepare for your interview," but very few students know what that actually means. I was one of those students wondering what and how am I supposed to prepare for these often nerve racking situations. Lucky for us James Caan, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor in People with Passion, gives a great set of steps to follow to be prepared for an interview.
1) Get yourself in the right frame of mind.
You want to be in the best possible shape when you arrive for an interview. A positive mental attitude is the key – think back to any previous successes you have had, in any walk of life but particularly job related. Visualizing these will automatically put you in a good frame of mind. Also, make sure you know exactly where you are going when you set out and that you leave yourself plenty of time when you get there. Turning up late or flustered puts you in a slightly panicky mindset and this is the last thing you want.
2) Make sure you look the part
It goes without saying that you don’t want to turn up for the interview looking scruffy; first impressions are everything. Everything about you is a shop window and as an interviewer I will be scrutinizing every aspect. For example if your shoes are dirty or your appearance is messy that is an instant mark against you. It may sound silly but it tells me you lack attention to detail.
3) Match yourself to the job spec
Prospective employers will want to know that you have properly understood what it is they are looking for in a candidate. Make sure that you have fully understood the role you are applying for by studying the job specification and whether your skills and experience would make you a suitable candidate.
4) Ask for advice
When in doubt ask for advice from someone who might be able to help you. If you know someone who has worked for the company you have applied for, then talk to them and find out about the company culture and the person interviewing you. Something like LinkedIn can also be a big help here. Failing that, do you know somebody who works in a similar role for another organization?
5) Do your homework
Thanks to the internet It has never been easier to do some research on the organization you are hoping to work for. Any interviewer is immediately going to dismiss a candidate who turns up not knowing his or her stuff, so it would be foolish to not do your homework. Some general facts about the company, for example an award they may have recently won, is good to drop into the conversation before the interview has started. After that, you should know more specific details about the job you are going for. If you are applying for a finance position, you should have a good grasp of their latest accounts, or if you are applying for a sales role, looking at recent deals the company has made is a must.
6) Have some questions up your sleeve
At some stage in the interview you are going to be asked if you have any questions. This can often make or break your chances. This is where you need to take control and ask the interviewer almost as many questions as they asked you. Take every chance to drill down the role and the company. Generic questions like “what are the hours” won’t tell you anything of significance – what you really want is information such as what a typical day consists of and what are your key performance indicators. Challenging the interviewer like this immediately tells them you are a proactive person, and they will be sure to remember you when the interviews are all done.
7) Be confident but not cocky
It is important to be confident about yourself and your abilities, without going over the top. Employers want people who are lively and full of self-belief, but they also want someone who will work well alongside their existing team. Be careful not to cross the fine line between confidence and arrogance, as the latter is something managers rarely look for in new hires.
Anyone can accomplish being prepared for an interview by using these seven steps. The only thing holding you back is yourself. If you put in the time and effort you will eventually get a return on your investment. From now on I plan on following Caan's seven steps, in a timely fashion, to prepare myself for every interview. I challenge you to do the same.
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131015134511-32175171-7-steps-to-prepare-for-an-interview
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