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 02, 2009
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)
February 11, 2009
Government Fair - Recap
The Government (also Not-for-Profit Career Fair) Career Fair was yesterday. I hope it was helpful to those in attendance. Yes, the government is hiring, especially to fill what are called "Mission-Critical Occuptions" or MCOs.
If interested in pursuing a position with the Federal Government visit this site:
This site, managed the the non-profit Partnership for Public Service is a great resource if you are unsure about or confused by the Federal Job search process...check it out!
Best,
Neil
Posted by ntambe at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2008
Job Offer Ethics
Accepting a job offer is a wonderful step of the job search process. It is also riddled with ethical considerations. Here's a link to a page discussing the matter. But here is an overarching point:
Be Honest - If you accept an offer, accept it. If you need more time ask for it. If you do not want to accept, decline the offer in a timely fashion so the employer can move on.
The golden rule applies, too. Don't do something to somebody else that you wouldn't want to happen to you.
-nt
Posted by ntambe at 02:30 PM | Comments (0)
March 11, 2008
No Internship? No Problem
The semester is quickly coming to a close, and I think no one is more excited to be done than I am. For me, a huge part of the excitement is moving on to the next best thing, that is, my plans for the summer.
For some students, that "next best thing" is going to be an internship, which will definitely be an experience to remember. However, if you aren't in that position, there are tons of other things to be doing to build your resume for next year and beyond.
Volunteering is a great thing to be doing over the summer, especially if you are interested in the non-profit sector. Random summer jobs are also a possibility (beyond the golf course from home). There is a great book in the Career Center on jobs like these. Studying abroad is another possibility.
The important thing is to take the opportunity to look beyond your typical set of experiences to see locations to expand in places you might not be already working on. The reality is that summers are a great time to build your resume, with or without an internship.
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2008
Why Internships?
Everyone goes into college with thousands of different things in mind. Just a few are freedom from parents, the excitement of a new city (maybe even state or country), new friends and new classes. But all too often, the importance of new professional experiences gets lost in the commotion.
Internships are very important because they help to develop a well-rounded and professionally prepared individual. On top of the growth that comes from working in a professional setting, an internship gives a person a look into a different field or industry, it allows them to meet leaders in all sorts of organizations, and take on some of the roles they only learn about in the classroom.
Its important to remember the role that internships play in your learning during your time as an undergraduate. Too often students go through their years here ignoring three quarters of their resume (the one right beneath your "Education" section) even though it is often the one most important to employers.
-Nick
Peer Advisor
Posted by glauchni at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)