Career Services
COMPASS

        Fall 2006

Volume 4, Number 1

Thought for the day:

"I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!" –

 Theodore Roosevelt

POINTS TO PONDER ON EMAIL PROFESSIONALISM

We’ve all heard how important a role professional etiquette plays in seeking a job.  Emily Post, the author of several best selling books on etiquette, makes a living coaching us on putting our best foot forward--how to introduce people…behavior and manners while dining…how to write a thank you note….  The list goes on-and-on.

Many job seekers are using e-mail to communicate with potential employers rather than snail mail – the US Postal Service.  Just when you thought your task of looking for a job became easier due to the Internet and e-mail, the whole professional e-mail etiquette monkey wrench gets thrown in.  Not to worry, however, because we found an expert to coach you on professional e-mail etiquette.

Carrie Payne, the coordinator of internships and placements at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has an informative article on the subject on JobWeb.  JobWeb is an Internet site that gives career development and job search advice for new college graduates.  You may want to bookmark the site.  Check out her article.

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MOCK Interview OPPORTUNITY  ~

Are you about to throw your hat into the job search arena?

How long has it been since you had a REAL interview?

Have you EVER had a REAL interview?

Career & Counseling Services is pleased to offer you a tremendous opportunity to practice interviewing with REAL LIVE CORPORATE RECRUITERS!!!

Visit our website for more info on Mock Interview Nights for the Spring Semester!

Call our office @ 806.651.2345 to reserve a slot ~ HURRY as spaces are limited.

 Student Counseling Services Groups:

12-Step Group
–
Wednesdays
JBK Room 13 at Noon
Free Lunch

Single Parent Group
–
Mondays
JBK Room 13 at Noon
Free Lunch

For more information, please call 651-2345.

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Recommended Reader

How many times have you asked yourself . . . What should my major be?  Where should I work?  Where should I live?  Better yet – WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY LIFE?

If you are a freshman, you have received the book, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY LIFE by Po Bronson.  For sophomores through seniors, Bronson’s book was selected by the Readership WT committee as the required freshmen reader.  As a freshman, senior, or middle-aged adult, we all deal with this question throughout our lives. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY LIFE includes 50 stories from people Bronson found inspiring from all over the United States.  When Po Bronson spoke at the Fall Convocation this year at WTAMU, he emphasized seeking FULLFILLMENT more than happiness.  While reading these stories, you will find many found courage and awareness throughout their life journey, not just a one-time “calling.”  Many of you may find that you relate to situations and stories found in this interesting book.

I encourage you to read this intriguing book, and check out Jon Mark Beilue’s article in the Amarillo Globe News.

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You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do except the limitations of your own mind.

~ Darwin P. Kingsley

How To Obtain an Internship

Finding an internship can be tough.  Where do I start?  When do I start?  How do I know which companies are looking for interns?  How do I apply? 

The WTAMU Experiential Education Program can answer a lot of these questions.  Our internship orientations are offered every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Career & Counseling Services office, VHAC 210.  You can also learn more about the program online.

For additional tips on finding an internship, check out this article from CampusCareerCenter.com.

Don’t wait to start your internship search.  It is not uncommon to spend a semester (or longer) finding an internship.  Start early and partner with the Experiential Education office to maximize your chances of finding a great internship.

NOTICE

Remember to log on to our website and update your records when:

• Your mailing address changes
• Your phone number or email address changes
• You update or change your résumé in any way

"We are best motivated for work not by being pushed into it or by outside compensation but by inner desire."           - Matthew Fox

ABOUT US:

Virgil Henson Activities Center
Suite 210

Phone:
(806) 651-2345

Fax:
(806) 651-2925

E-mail:
wtcareer@mail.wtamu.edu

We're on the Web!
wtcareer.wtamu.edu

West Texas A&M University
Career & Counseling Services
WTAMU Box 60728
Canyon, Texas 79016

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Greetings!

You are receiving this as a result of your registration with Career and Counseling Services at West Texas A&M University. You came into our office and purchased a "career portfolio" enabling you to post your résumé in our database, interview on-campus and have interactive access to our jobs database.

We want to ensure that you take full advantage of the many services our office provides. Read through this newsletter to gain valuable job search advice and get a glimpse of upcoming events as well as day-to-day services available to you as a WTAMU student.

Contact our office if we can assist you in ANY way in your job search or on a career-related matter.

Good luck!

Career & Counseling Services
806-651-2345
VHAC 210
Email Career & Counseling Services

Graduate SPOTLIGHT

Jacob Harbour is a recent WTAMU graduate and had agreed to answer our 20 questions to help you learn more about searching for a job and the

1.  When did you graduate?  December of 2005.

2.  What was your major? Computer Science.

3.  What is your job title?
I am currently working as a Network/PC Technician. This means basically that I take care of the network and computers for A to Z Tire. If someone has a computer related problem or just needs help with some software, they call me and I do what I can to help them.

4.  How did you find this job?
I wouldn't have found this job without the help of career and counseling services. After submitting my resume and getting enrolled in the e-recruiting program, I received a call a few months later from the people I am working for currently. Career and counseling services had sent my resume to them, I wouldn't have known there was a job offered there if it weren't for that.

5.  How is your job going so far?
So far my job is going well. I work for good people and am learning a lot. As with any job, and especially one in my field you gain a lot of experience when you are actually working.

6.  What services did you use at Career & Counseling services?
In order to write my resume I used the online resume workshop. After completing my resume I had it critiqued and posted on e-recruiting. I used e-recruiting to apply for jobs on my own along with the ones they came up with that I hadn't found. Before changing my major from Animal Science to Computer Science, I also took the pinpoint career test. It didn't lead to any new enlightenment on the subject, but it did reassure my original decision to change majors.

7.  Is there anything you would have done differently at WTAMU?
I enjoyed the many things I did at WT. From being a Resident Assistant at Guenther Hall to making strikes on lunar bowling night, there was never a dull moment. The one thing I wished I would have done that I didn't was get involved in the internship program. I think that would have helped me learn about and find a job more easily.

8.  Do you have any advice for other students to improve their employability and or job search success?
Experience, experience, experience. These are the words I kept seeing as I was searching for a job. I would encourage students to try the internship program as this could lead to valuable experience as well as contacts in your field. Even though a job posting says so many years of experience required, don't be afraid to try for it anyways. You never know if they decide you could qualify anyways or if they have another job open that you didn't even know about. I recommend including all the valuable skills you have on your resume. I know they say to tailor your resume to the position you are applying to, but I received a couple of interviews after sending in my resume and finding out they needed someone else for a different position utilizing the other skills I had.

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Company Spotlight:

BJ SERVICES COMPANY

Why Work for BJ Services?

BJ Services is a recognized worldwide leading provider of services to the petroleum industry. With locations in over 50 countries, BJ offers the opportunity to see the world.

With BJ’s diverse range of services, they offer a wide variety of opportunities for aggressive individuals seeking a rewarding and challenging career.

The key to BJ Services’ success and longevity is largely due to the growth and success of its employees.

If you want training, BJ Services offers hundreds of local, regional, and corporate formal training courses ranging from how to operate a 3000 hydraulic horsepower pump to using advanced 3-dimensional models to determine fracture geometry.

BJ Services also offers career advancement programs to insure every employee has an opportunity to advance at the pace they desire.

BJ Services seeks various engineering and other disciplines through its College Recruiting Program. As the worldwide exploration for oil and gas expands, so does the Company’s need for college graduates willing to take the challenge to enhance the success for both the graduate and the Company.

http://www.bjservices.com/

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Ask the Experts:
Facebook & Your Job Search

Many college students enjoy “facebooking.”.  This innovative social network keeps students connected as well as updated about each other’s happenings.  We’ve heard that there’s reason to be concerned about what is posted on Facebook because employers sometimes use the information to make hiring decisions.  Do students who are seriously looking for a job need to avoid Facebook?

The short answer is “Yes” and “No.”  We continue to hear concerning information about employers who make employment decisions after visiting a prospective employee’s profile on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.  There is, however, emerging data about the many benefits from these entities because of the networking possibilities.  Developing relationships and becoming members of groups are an integral part of these social networks that can continue on for years after the college experience. 

For example, say five years from now you are looking for a new career.  You could email those friends you developed via Facebook or MySpace who might be established in the field you are now considering.

There still is reason for caution about the information that you post on these websites because it is a fact that employers have made hiring decisions based on the information presented.  But don’t discount the long-term benefits derived from this age of electronic networking. 

For more information and examples of ways to use electronic networking to your advantage, check out this article, “Creating a Gem of a Career.”

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Fatal Mistakes to Avoid
on Your First Job

When beginning a new job, learn from other’s mistakes

According to research from the Employment Policy Foundation and FORTUNE magazine, about one-quarter of all new hires won't make it through their first year.  This affects employees from entry level to high ranking executive.  Why does this happen?  The main reason is a lack of a clearly defined job description and work goals for the new hire. So, most new employees do not know exactly

what is expected of them.  Even though this responsibility falls on the shoulders of the employer, the new hire can take some steps to keep from falling prey to fatal mistakes of starting a new job:

• Take the initiative to finding work goals. 
• Seek out direction and ask questions. 
• Don’t try to reinvent every task, ask fellow employees for input. 
• Listen to what others are telling.  You will not be able to find your place in the company or know what is expected of you unless you are carefully listening to your boss and coworkers.  
• It is also important to have a vision for yourself and your new position.  Knowing who you are and were you are aspiring to be will assist you in your current position. 

For more information and a quiz to find out if you will succeed in your new job, look at Anne Fisher’s, “Fatal Mistakes When Starting a New Job” on CNN’s website.

Information gathered from Fatal Mistakes When Starting a New Job by Anne Fisher, FORTUNE senior writer, http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/31/news/economy/annie/fortune_annie0531/index.htm

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Being Assertive When
Seeking Employment

When looking for employment some job seekers are as aggressive as a hungry lion while others are as meek as a quiet mouse.  Prospective employers want to know that you are interested or even eager to work for them, but being overly pushy or cocky can cause even the most qualified applicant to become disqualified.  Where is the happy medium?  It is found in assertive communication and confident job hunting. 

Lack of confidence and overconfidence can show through body language, and body language can be a result of your mindset.  If you are applying for jobs that you are qualified to do, you have every right to feel confident and believe that you deserve a shot at getting the job, but it is not in your best interest to act as though any job should be given to you. 

If you have applied for a job but have not heard from the company, it is a good idea to call to see where they are in the hiring process.  It gives the appearance that you are interested in the position.  This can be carried too far though, if you are calling several times a day which might annoy the employer and get your name crossed off the prospect list. 

Remember to treat the person answering the phone as you would the actual employer.  You never know who will be answering the phone or how that short conversation can affect your chance of getting the job.  During the interview put your best face forward and let the employer know about your accomplishments and strengths.  Employers want this information and want to know how you can use these assets for the company.  But don’t carry this too far and go on excessively about every good deed you have ever done. Avoid monopolizing the interview to prove how great you are.  The employer is using this time to size you up to see if you are a good match for the current work environment. 

If you are unsure if you are being aggressive (the hungry lion) or passive (the meek mouse) in your job search, seek out information on assertive communication.

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Top Job Sites

Searching the web shouldn’t be your primary job search method (in-person networking is the most effective job search technique), but it definitely has it’s place.  Here are a few of our favorite job search sites to use when you can’t network with people face-to-face.

Job Research/Business News Web Sites

http://zoominfo.com/   This site is great for company and people research.  To find information on a company or a person you’re interviewing with, start here first.

http://www.fastcompany.com/  Fast Company is a rich source of company information on the latest trends in business- who is doing what, new approaches, etc.  They also provide fantastic career advice.   

Major/Career Specific Web Sites

http://www.workinsports.com/  Looking for a career in sports?  This is a fantastic web site offers full-time and internship opportunities.

http://sciencecareers.org-/  For those of you wanting a career in science, this web site has a wealth of information.

http://www.tvjob.com-/  Are you the next Katie Couric or Brian Williams?  This web site helps Mass Communication majors find their first big break.

http://www.socialworkjobbank.com-/  Want to save the world?  This web site provides the opportunities to do just that.  Check out all of their social work opportunities.

http://www.actornews.com-/  A great resource for aspiring actors trying to break into the field.

http://www.careerbank.com-/  For number crunchers, this web site has exciting accounting and finance job information.

http://www.hcjobsonline.com-/  Interested in the medical field?  Here is your site.

http://www.davincijobs.com-/  If engineering is the direction you want to go, bookmark this site as one of your favorites.

http://www.jobsinfashion.com-/  Want to make your mark in the fashion industry?  This comprehensive web site has a lot to offer.

http://www.farms.com-/  This is a great source for agricultural information, jobs, and internships.

Internship Web Sites

http://www.jobgusher.com-/  This site is specifically targeted for those seeking internships.

http://www.careerbuilder.com-/  Good general employment site with internship opportunities

A complete list of the WTAMU Career & Counseling recommended job search sites is online at http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/coop/olinks.htm

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I’m with the Government
and I’m Here to Help

If you’re in the job hunt, this phrase isn’t a joke anymore.  The U.S. government is hiring.  Federal government career opportunities abound because millions of baby boomers are reaching retirement age at approximately the same time.  This mass exodus from the job market is forcing  government agencies to recruit more aggressively and opening up opportunities for new college graduates.

If you’ve ever considered government service, now is the time to explore the options.  There are opportunities for all majors- accountants to veterinarians and everything in-between.  

Learn more is http://www.usajobs.gov/

As you prepare to apply for these positions, the WTAMU Career & Counseling Office can help with your résumé, interviewing and job search skills.  Check out our workshop schedule at http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/cs/student/workshop.htm

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Keeping Your Registration
& Information Up-To-Date in eRecruiting

It is imperative that you keep your résumé and registration UP TO DATE in our database. Otherwise we are not able to contact you about upcoming interviews and job opportunities. Daily we send out emails and make phone calls to students like you about available positions … if we don’t have a good email address and/or phone number for you … you won’t be notified. Likewise, every day we refer résumés to prospective employers AND recruiters are in our database searching for candidates to interview. If your résumé is out of date or contains bad information it is unlikely that you will be chosen to participate.

Please let our office know if you have any questions about how to update your documents or demographic information in eRecruiting … we are here to help YOU!

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Career Services Calendar of Events