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March 30, 2009
Making Your Own Opportunities
The job search is never quite a smooth as one would like, even in a normal economy. If jobs from elsewhere aren't really working for you, what about making your own opportunity?
Sometimes, in tough times, the best place to find the next opportunity is right under your nose.
For me, it was at the other University office where I work part-time during the school year.
Rather than keep looking for random internships or jobs, a few weeks ago I drafted up a new job description for myself. Over the course of the hour or so that it took to really think about a restructuring of my responsibilities and put a draft together, I was able to think of gaps that I could fill for the office during the summer.
What I came up with was actually pretty inventive and it felt almost... entrepreneurial.
My bosses actually liked it too. My thoughtful exploration of the needs of the office generated some really good ideas that I think they appreciated as well.
In a few days I should know when I get to start as a new "Business Analyst Intern".
Try it yourself! Think about what you would want to learn from that "perfect summer internship" in New York, Chicago or Silicon Valley, and than think about ways in which your role could be expanded to include those same things.
Not only will you be able to "make your own opportunity" but I also think you'll get a positive response from your supervisors. Giving examples of ways you'd like to get more involved is an opportunity to show initiative on behalf of the office - something they should be happy to see.
Its a win-win.
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)
March 18, 2009
Interviewing with not-for-profits
I was speaking with someone who was interviewing at a not-for-profit organization. Here are some tips to take into account when interviewing with this type of organization.
Know the mission:
Not-for-profits are mission-driven (ideally), so understand the mission. This is IN ADDITION to the organization's work and circumstances. Know what you are getting into by taking time to internalize the organization's mission.
Convey your passion:
Since not-for-profits are mission-driven, you must convey your passion for the mission. The question "why do you want to work here?" is one of the most important questions in the interview. Spend time to really understand why you care about the organization's work. Be authentic. Dig deep.
Show initiative:
Not-for-profits often have to do much with very little resources, so show that you can be scrappy. Show that you can learn quickly, be self-starting and take feedback in stride. Needing initiative comes with the territory, so to speak, in the case of not-for-profits.
Of course, general advice about interviews apply to a not-for-profit interview. These tips merely address some circumstances unique to organizations in this sector.
-nt
Posted by ntambe at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2009
Internship Frustration: Changing Tactics
Hey Guys,
Not everything goes as planned these days... But, as in any situation (good economy or bad economy) you gotta keep your head up and change tactics in the face of adversity. Despite dozens of internship applications since way before first semester ended, I have one offer that I'm not taking to show for it.
So, instead of taking an unpaid internship in these tough times, I'm gonna finish taking classes. For me, that seems like the best option given my interests, yet-to-be completed coursework, and financial constraints.
Now maybe classes aren't the best option for everybody, but the lesson to take away is the fact that there are other options out there. If the internship thing isn't going your way, try something else.
Maybe get the GRE out of the way.
What about taking a couple of extra classes over the summer? If I had more time I would totally take a B-school class in Finance...
Look for a job here on campus for over the summer.
Read Aristotle's body of work. *you should do that even if you have an internship ;)
What about taking classes over the spring and summer, and than trying to get an internship during the academic year?
The last thing that comes to mind is a combination of a few of the above. Could you do an unpaid internship in town if you were taking classes on top of it? There's a financial advisory internship on C3 that would be perfect for that, they only need a five-hour per week commitment.
Hope this helps! Keep your heads up! Cause I am!
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 07:53 PM | Comments (0)
March 02, 2009
Managing Stress
The job search is stressful, yes. But, managing that stress is really important. Stress clouds your ability to accomplish your career goals. Take the time--even if its just a few minutes a day--to de-stress. Maybe that means going to exercise. Maybe that means journaling or reading. Maybe that means having dinner with a friend. Whatever it is for you, be sure to make time for it.
The job-search is important; make no mistake it takes hard work and dedication. But, don't let it consume you!
Here's a silly video to get you started on managing stress.
Waka Waka
Of course, come on down to the Career Center and we'll help you in any way we can.
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)
More infomation for those of you who want to work abroad...
As frustrating as the job market can be here, it can be equally frustrating to look for a job abroad. Luckily, Michigan has taken some new steps to help their students find employment abroad. The International Center recently added a new resource for the UM community to enjoy: The Big Book to Living and Working Abroad, online. This book has already been a great help to me while searching for employment abroad, but the online version is up-to-date and easy to navigate. This is a resource I would definitely suggest taking advantage of- all you need is a umich email account!
If this doesn't quench your thirst, there is another option. So many jobs abroad involve teaching English, however teaching English part time can be a great way to get yourself abroad and make an income while you look for an additional job that suits you. A great program that I have found is through the ministry of education in Spain. They are looking to hire American and Canadian students to teach English all over Spain. The time requirement is only about 15 hours a week and you receive a stipend that is sufficient enough to cover your living expenses. Basically, it gives you plenty of time to explore other jobs, while not having to be too worried about your finances. This type of program is not unique to Spain, so it is worth looking into for whichever country you are interested in living in!
Buena Suerte!
Lainie
Posted by lkkokas at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)