April 20, 2009
Some Cool Sites/Blogs
Today was a slow day at the Career Center. A few of us--Lainie, Scott, Dhruv, Nick, Jason, Amy and I--had a conversation about cool blogs/websites to follow as a result. Here's a summary of some of our favorite picks.
Brazen Careerist - http://www.brazencareerist.com: This is one of Scott's favorites. In a nutshell think Gen Y + Careers.
LifeHacker - http://www.lifehacker.com: They tag themselves as "tips and downloads for getting things done."
tsuch.net - http://www.tsuch.net: Scott's blog. He's been featured on Brazen Careerist!
The Sartorialist - http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com: A great style site with lots of photos. I secretly wish I was hip enough to be on this blog.
failblog - http://www.failblog.org: A good laugh.
Mint - http://www.mint.com: Consolidate your online banking. Read up on security concerns to make sure you're comfortable with it, though.
TED - http://www.TED.com: Many of the worlds coolest thinkers giving easy to understand talks about their ideas.
Zen Habits - http://www.zenhabits.net: Little things to make your life more livable.
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2009
Wrapping things up
Here's a quick thought to graduating seniors:tie up loose ends.
As you move from this University, I hope you all are cementing the meaningful relatiaonships that you developed here--I certainly am. This applies to friendships, significant others and colleagues. However, this applies professionally too.
Take the time to thank mentors, professors and advisers. Not only will it help you process the end of your undergraduate/graduate studies but it signals a commitment to continuing your relationship with those people in the future.
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 03:30 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)
January 26, 2009
Volunteering, Working, Interning Abroad
As a graduating senior with a few months to spare, I want to do something "that I may never have the chance to do again" before starting a job. Volunteering abroad is a cool option, and there are resources that the University has to help find these opportunities. Start with the U-M International Center. Also, check out GIEU and AIESEC. Some of these offer information about interning abroad, too.
Work Abroad
Volunteer Abroad
GIEU
AIESEC
Posted by ntambe at 04:41 PM | Comments (1)
January 12, 2009
The Elevator Pitch Internship Fair Shuffle
The internship fair is approaching. In my opinion, the hardest part isn't preparing a resume or coordinating attire. Rather, I find the first 20 seconds of talking to a recruiter to be the most difficult part.
Here are some things to think about when approaching a recruiter.
1. Relax! It's only a recruiter.
2. Good handshake, make eye contact, speak clearly (especially your name!)
3. Mention your name, and some of what your relevant experience is (your major, previous internships, activities, etc.). Then you can either relate that to the company, ask a question about positions or ask for advice, here are a few ways that I might begin the conversation.
Hi my name is [insert name here] and...
-I've worked a lot with children's causes in previous internships and as a part of University of Michigan Dance Marathon. Do you have any positions available in your company's children's division?
-I really love my coursework in political science and economics especially the material about macro-economic stimulus, and I really like analysis. Do you have any positions available that are geared towards students with experience conducting rigorous quantitative analysis, like market-researach analysis or sales forecasting?
-I learned a lot about the [insert subject here] industry during my previous internship, which led me to your company. I'd really like to apply, even though I worked for a governmental organization last summer, would that experience be useful in the [insert position name] position?
More to come...look for a post about Elevator Pitches in the Union!
Posted by ntambe at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2008
LSAT Tools
There will probably be a flurry of LSAT scores being dispersed relatively soon. Of course, many of you have already researched schools you are interested in applying to, but for those that are looking for more tools to research law schools--and your chances of getting into them--here is a collection of links.
Note: All these tools are approximations, gaining admission into a law school has much more to do with it than just grades and LSAT scores.
Boston College Law School Locator:
Here's a static tool that charts your GPA and LSAT Score to give a rough estimate of the sort of school to which you might gain admission.
http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/gradschool/law/lawlocator.html#the25
Law School Admissions Calculator
Here's a tool that draws data from lawschoolnumbers.com...a site where users upload their rejection/acceptance information. It might shed light on what sorts of schools candidates who are similar to you were admitted.
http://www.hourumd.com/
Pashalaw
This tool goes beyond the LSAT-GPA Calculation, it also allows users to conduct research on law schools using several different qualifiers.
http://lawschool.pashalaw.com/lawschoolfinder.html
Of course, these are only a few crude tools, but as an LSAT taker, I always found it interesting to "see where I stood".
If you are interested in law school and are confused, freaking out, or even really excited about several different offers, call the Career Center and see a law school counselor.
-Neil
The Career Center: 734-764-7460
Posted by ntambe at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2008
A random thought about employer dinners
I was at a pre-interview dinner event yesterday at Pizza House. A very random thought crossed my mind and I thought I would share. The thought occurred to me when I was drinking a glass of ice-water.
Never hold your glass in your right hand.
Why? Because your hand will be cold when you go to give a handshake and you'll have to (perhaps awkwardly) shift your glass from one hand to another. The risk of spilling is completely unnecessary.
Also, while standing, never try to consume a beverage and an appetizer at the same time. It's a difficult balancing act to have both (a plate in one hand and a glass in another), and having one item is just a little bit smoother and relaxed. You can always grab a bread-stick after you are done conversating!
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)