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Monday, May 17, 2010

I Graduated! Now What?

As members of the SSCC Career Services Center watched so many of you walk across the sacred stage last week and receive your hard earned diplomas, we thought many of you must be asking yourselves the same question….”Where do I go from here?”

Many SSCC students transfer to a 4-year institution to continue their education. The following are a few links we have found to the top 3 schools Shelton State students transfer to. These links will provide you with outlines of common career areas and employers to help you connect majors with careers.

University of Alabama
University of West Alabama
Auburn University


Most of SSCC’s technical students are ready to hit the pavement to start their careers.
Although the majority of you will want to stay near your home community or the West Alabama area, several of you may be considering locating to a different area or region.

The following is an excerpt from an article recently published at cnn.com and provides information about top cities for new graduates.

“This job market is one of the most challenging new grads have ever faced, with fewer jobs available and competition from more job seekers who are likely to have more experience," says Nathan Lippe, career adviser for CareerRookie.com.
"New grads will need to go the extra mile -- both literally and figuratively -- when it comes to their job searches."
"Many new grads are feeling the pressure of deciding where to live after college," said Tammy Kotula, public relations and promotions manager, Apartments.com.
"Finding an affordable apartment and a good job may determine where to live, but it's also important to look at cities offering the culture and lifestyle these young adults enjoy."
For new grads who plan to expand their job searches beyond their college towns or hometowns, Apartments.com and CareerRookie.com just released the third annual "Top 10 Best Cities for Recent College Graduates" based on the ranking of top U.S. cities with the highest concentration of young adults (age 20 to 24) from the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), inventory of jobs requiring less than one year of experience from CareerRookie.com (March, 2010) and the average cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment from Apartments.com (2010).
According to Apartments.com and CBcampus.com, the top 10 cities for new grads are:
1.Atlanta, Georgia
Average rent:* $723
Popular entry-level categories: sales, marketing, customer service
2. Phoenix, Arizona
Average rent: $669
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, training
3. Denver, Colorado
Average rent: $779
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, health care
4. Dallas, Texas
Average rent: $740
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, health care
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Average rent: $1275
Popular entry-level categories: sales, marketing, training
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average rent: $938
Popular entry-level categories: sales, marketing, health care
7. New York
Average rent: $1,366
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, marketing
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
Average rent: $613
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, management
9. Baltimore, Maryland
Average rent: $1,041
Popular entry-level categories: sales, customer service, management
10. Los Angeles, California
Average rent: $1319
Popular entry-level categories: sales, training, health care

Looking beyond your hometown
If you are considering expanding your job search to other cities, Lippe offers these tips:
• Be flexible and open-minded about locations and jobs you might not have considered previously. Even if you don't end up in your dream job, you can earn valuable transferable skills that you can take with you to your next job.
• Contact an alumnus from your college who lives in that city and join your alumni chapter if there is one.
• Get an insider's perspective by familiarizing yourself with the local media and other resources. Read up on the city's business and community news.
• Develop a list of companies within the area and learn about their businesses and company cultures.
• Register with a national recruitment agency; interview with a recruiter in your local office and have that person put the word out to other offices in your target cities.
• Consider spending a few days in your desired city to learn more, network and set up informational interviews. In your applications and cover letters, tell hiring managers the dates you'll be in the city and available to interview.
Despite a troubled job market, Ripple says she wouldn't have majored in studies that might have brought her more job prospects.
"I genuinely enjoy and have a passion for International Business and Marketing and I would have majored in it no matter what. Had I known the economy would have been like this perhaps I would have made plans to immediately get my MBA afterward or had plans in place to move right away."
*Average rent of one bedroom apartment
**Using search term "entry level" in that city
© CareerBuilder.com 2010. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority.


The full article can be found at:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/05/12/cb.best.cities.new.grads/?hpt=Sbin

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

One. Two. Punch. Wow – that was a tough interview!

Have you ever walked away from an interview feeling like you’ve just left the ring with Muhammad Ali? Everyone is his or her own worst critic. However, sometimes an employer can throw a blinded right side punch by asking you questions you were unprepared to answer.
The following is a list of 15 toughest interview questions (and answers!) we found at TheApple hosted by monster.com.

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Bad answer:
“I love school. Even as a kid, I really liked education.”
Don’t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
“I’ve always loved education, but my interest in teaching really started when I volunteered at a neighborhood school. I knew the kids were amazing, but that the programs could be enhanced. So I worked with management to come up with a strategy that increased learning activities for the students and special programs once a week. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a school I really believed in.”


2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor’s in Biology – but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work teaching for a preschool. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in teaching again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging teaching role.”
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:“I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in a preschool for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of class management. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a school newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships with parents and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing an increase in parental involvement.”


3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
“He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I’ve moved on”
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from her (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
“My last boss taught me the importance of time management – she didn’t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. Her no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.”


4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
“I can’t stand my boss, or the work I’m doing.”
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
“I’ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I’m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set – all of which, I see the potential for in this job.”


5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
“Relaxing on a beach in Maui,” or “Doing your job.”
There’s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you’re ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:“In five years I’d like to be an even better educator. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I’d like to be in some type of leadership role at a school, where I can use my people skills and field knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the school as a whole."


6. What’s your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:“I work too hard,” or for the comedian, “Blondes.”
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don’t want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
“I’ve never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said “yes.” I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I’ve given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 – I still don’t love it, but no one else can tell!”


7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
“In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I’m looking for $40,000”
Though most public schools have salary scales, private schools, learning centers, and other education companies don’t. If you can avoid it, don’t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good answer:
“I’m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.”


8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
“I’m the best candidate for the role.”

A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.

Good answer:
“I’ve been a teacher for the past ten years – my boss has said time and time again that without me, the school would fall apart. I’m an technology wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What’s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”


9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
I never finished law school – and everything that’s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.”
You don’t want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
“When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn’t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my education classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I’d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I’m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all.”


10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."


11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was interacting with students, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible education. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with students, on an even more critical level."


12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved attending school events at least twice a month. While I do love to the events, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didn’t like spending quite so much time away from my family in the evening. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less events.”


13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
"I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”
Interviewers don’t like these types of “easy out” answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.
Good answer:
“I used to lock heads with a fellow teacher in the sixth grade. We disagreed over a lot of things – from the care of students to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”


14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
"Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”
It’s not that this answer is wrong – it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response – it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer:
“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of increasing achievement. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and test-driven – I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”


15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
"I’m a really good listener.”
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for – and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer:
“My friends would probably say that I’m extremely dependable – I’ve always been the one person on my team that can be counted on to start and complete a project on time. While some other workers might find it difficult to get a task done, I always find the time to finish what I start and make sure the projects I lead are top notch quality.”

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

What Can My DISCOVER Account Do For Me?

DISCOVER can provide information to help you choose a career, find training, or learn how to find a job. The following is an overview of how each category found in DISCOVER can help guide you to the program or job that is suited just for you.

HOME: This tab will provide you with general information regarding the DISCOVER software. You can also click on “Plan My Path” on the HOME tab which will help you decide which parts of DISCOVER to use.

INVENTORIES: If you have not yet selected an occupation, this is a great place to start. DISCOVER has three types of inventories:
• Interests asks what you like to do
• Abilities asks you to rate your ability levels
• Values asks which work-relevant values are important to you.

OCCUPATIONS: Here you can search occupations to discover detailed information about each including work tasks and settings, abilities needed, salary, and training required for each.

MAJORS: This section offers several ways to search for college majors or programs of study.

SCHOOLS: By clicking on this tab you will be given several options to help you find colleges, universities, and other postsecondary schools that meet your needs.

JOB SEARCH: This section will give you information on how to look for a job and preparation for the tools that are necessary to apply for a job (application, resume, cover letter, and interview).

MY PORTFOLIO: This area of the program will record, store, and provide a summary of each area of DISCOVER that you have worked in. It is a comprehensive tool to help you get organized and stay updated in your job search.


Bottom Line: Planning and doing your homework are key elements in making sure you are successful in your professional career.

If you do not currently have an active DISCOVER username and password, contact Deborah Reynolds (dreynolds@sheltonstate.edu/ 205.391.2204) for more information.



References: All information stated above was taken from the official DISCOVER website. (http://actapps.act.org/eDISCOVER/1_1.jsp)