Spend Quality Time This Summer with Your Career

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Salary and Proximity to Immediate Family Key to Job Acceptance 2

Just Wondering

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Spotlighting Alumni 4

Employers Plan to Visit Campus 5

Share Your Post-Graduation Plans 5

Wandering Wisely 5

Spotlighting Employers 6

Career Fairs Connect Employers and Job Seekers

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What are you doing this summer? I bet you have heard that question a lot lately, and your answer probably sounded a little like this: “Not a whole lot, just heading home” or “Going on vacation with some friends.”

Why not make the summer break work in your favor? You do not have to be looking for a career position or working full-time to make your summer a résumé builder or a stepping stone on your career path. Here are a few things you can do to create meaningful experiences that will help you find a job in the future, even if you are a freshman or sophomore right now.

Get an InternshipI know you have heard it all before, but we cannot stress enough how important relevant work experience is to finding a job after you graduate. Taking part in a paid or unpaid internship over the summer is not only a great way to gain this relevant experience, but it is also a way for you to try out your intended profession. You may find that you love it or hate it; either way this experience will help you find a career path that is right for you.

If you do well, you may even be offered a full-time position or at least leave with a great reference for the future. Additionally, graduating students who have completed just one internship average $6,000–$7,000 higher starting salaries than those without an internship, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

SPEND QUALITY TIME THIS SUMMER WITH YOUR CAREER

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Spring 2012

Carrington 309/Glass 103417.836.5636

http://careercenter.missouristate.edu

Scan with your mobile phone to learn more about the Career Center:

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Two factors that determine whether or not a student accepts a job are the salary and the job’s location, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) results from a NACE Student Survey of more than 18,000 graduating seniors.

Among seniors taking part in the survey, results suggest that those who accepted job offers had their sal-ary expectations met. That reverses a trend of the last three years, marked by falling entry-level salaries of 12%–15%.

In terms of the job’s location and its effect on job acceptance, the locale’s proximity to immediate family is what count, not its glamour, diversity, or proximity to cultural or entertainment venues.

JUST WONDERINGFollowing are a few questions that stu-dents often ask in the Career Center.

What Is an Internship?An internship is an on-site work experi-ence that is either directly related to your major field of study or your career inter-est. It may be paid or unpaid, and held during the summer or throughout the academic year.

What Are the Benefits of an Internship?An internship gives you the opportunity to — • gainvaluableworkexperience

before you graduate • developnewskillsandrefineothers• applyknowledgegainedfrom

coursework to on-the-job situations • reality-testtentativecareerchoices• meetandworkwithprofessionals,

establishing contacts for letters of reference and networking

• experiencenewworkenvironments• earnmoneyfortuitionandexpenses

How Do I Find an Internship?The most effective internship searches use a variety of different search strate-gies. A great place to start is the Career Center website, www.careercenter.mis-souristate.edu. The Career Center lists dozens of new internships every semes-ter on JobTracks, where you can search your interests by keyword, job title, or industry just to name a few. Also, take advantage of all your networking opportunities. Attend Mock Interview days, Career Expos, and Networking Events to meet employers who may be looking for interns.

While a great deal of information is available, you must be persistent in your internship search. Start early and seek help from a career counselor. Have a plan that includes a great résumé and cover letter, appropriate follow-up, and good record keeping. Be prepared, open-minded, flexible, and professional

SALARY AND PROXIMITY TO IMMEDIATE FAMILY KEY TO JOB ACCEPTANCE

By Jack Hunter, Career Center Director

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Newsletter TeamAddye Buckley-Burnell

Caleb JobeKim Lucas

Gary StaffordValerie D. Kidd Turner

If you have an idea for an article that you would like to contribute, please email—careercenter@missouristate.edu

The mission of the Career Center is to provide professional assistance and intervention to Missouri State students and alumni through the use of career counseling, internship and full-time job searches, and vocational and educational information, so they may make insightful career decisions.

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Conduct Informational Interviews or Job ShadowFind someone who works in a career field you are considering or a company you like, and set a time to meet with him/her. You would be amazed at how willing professionals are to meet with students to talk about their careers and give advice; after all isn’t everyone’s favorite topic themselves?

If you go about this the right way by being polite, staying professional, and asking for advice instead of a job, you can gain valuable insight into your future profession and a networking contact. If you end the meeting by ask-ing for referrals to other people who might be willing to meet you, then you have just expanded your network and broadened your possibilities.

The wonderful thing about infor-mational interviews is that they can be done anywhere, so use resources such as LinkedIn to find professionals wherever you plan to be this summer, including vacation spots. Be sure to send a thank you note after the inter-view, and stay in contact to maintain this valuable network connection. See

the Career Center website for more information about this process— careercenter.missouristate.edu/InformationalInterviewing.htm.

Volunteer or Work in a Relevant Part-Time JobSpend some time this summer assist-ing a charity or non-profit or working for an organization that relates to your career goals or personal interests.

For instance, if you want to teach or work with kids in the future, working for a summer camp or volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters would be very beneficial. Volunteering and working part time provide great ways to gain skills, meet people, and network with others who have a common interest and a variety of professional backgrounds.

You never know who you are going to meet, and who they may be able to refer you to in the future. Also, if you work hard and demonstrate your responsibility and work ethic, not only will you be able to put this experience on your résumé, but you may be able to list your supervisor as a reference for future positions.

Attend a Conference or Professional Development OpportunityWhether you are a member of a profes-sional organization, social organiza-tion, or honor society, you will have access to a variety of conferences or professional development opportuni-ties. If you have the opportunity to present at a conference, take full advan-tage and work hard to create a lasting impression; you never know who is watching. Spending a day or two learn-ing more about your future career will help you stay motivated over the sum-mer and will demonstrate a true inter-est during an interview. Don’t forget to network here as well, as you might find a possible internship or job.

These are just a few easy ways to make your summer break work for you and your future career. For more ideas, visit the Career Center. Remember, no mat-ter how little free time you have this summer, there is something you can do that will fit your schedule and help you prepare for your future career and still have fun.

Continued from page 1.Quality Time This Summer

with everyone you meet because you may never know who will be able to influence your internship search.

When Is a Good Time to Start Looking for an Internship?An internship can be attained any time in your college career. However, most often the Career Center suggests students apply for their first internship during their sophomore year.

The Career Center receives internship listings continually. It’s best to begin your internship search the semester before your desired placement. That way, you’ll have time to respond to listed positions and initiate contacts on your own as well.

Lead time can give you a competitive edge when it comes to composing an effective cover letter or tailoring your résumé to a desired internship.

Can I Get Academic Credit for My Internship?

You may be able to get academic credit for your internship. However, only academic departments can offer credit, and policies differ from one department to the next. Often your in-ternship must relate directly to your major and will require you to complete a substantial research project or writing component as part of special studies course. For more information, talk with the head of your department or the internship advisor.

JUST WONDERINGContinued from page 2.

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Missouri State provides its students with learning experiences that cultivate long-term life and career success. Because of these experiences, students have gone on to accomplish great things within the communities in which they live. In this issue of Career Centered, we explore how one of MSU’s alumni has excelled in the workforce and gain insight into her secrets of success.

From College to CareerIn 2005, Kim Green graduated from Missouri State University with a Bache-lor of Science degree in Communication and an emphasis in Public Relations. Currently, she works at Ozarks Technical Community College as the Coordinator for Dual Credit and as an adjunct public speaking instructor. As Coordinator for Dual Credit, Kim coordinates dual credit course processes in area high schools and online. This involves working with many populations, including high school administrators, parents, students, college department chairs, and instructors.

Kim developed her interest in higher education through having positive student and service-oriented experiences during her undergraduate years. “I knew I wanted to serve the student population and spend my career in the education environment,” she says. Additionally, Kim used the Career Center for assistance with creating job-search materials and learning effective job-search techniques, which eventually aided her in getting her first job as a marketing assistant soon after graduation.

“I followed the advice of my professors and the Career Center,” Kim says, “really working on my résumé, always including

SPOTLIGHTING ALUMNI

a personalized cover letter, and applying for jobs in which I knew I would be a good match for the organization.”

Long-term, Kim aspires to obtain her doctoral degree. “Profes-sionally,” Kim says, “I want to grow the dual credit program across the state.” In addition, Kim is involved with area organiza-

tions and strives to continue making a positive impact southwest Missouri community.

The Equation of SuccessKim likens her success to an equation: Kim = Work Ethic + Capability (Education) + Relationships + Saying Yes. In offering advice to students who are preparing to enter the workforce, Kim says, “the best advice I have ever received is to gain experience wherever you can, paid or unpaid, and make yourself known in the community.”

To accomplish these success goals, student should involve themselves in professional organiza-tions or clubs and work in internships or part-time jobs as a way to gain industry experience. “Even when I was a server,” she says, “I knew I was learning vital communication and multi-tasking skills!”

Lastly, Kim suggests that students get involved in their communi-ty. Not only does this benefit their community, but it also enables students to learn about industries and jobs that they may never have considered. “It’s a great way to get to know other profession-als,” Kim says. “You never know who you know that will provide that next opportunity for you.”

“The best advice I have ever received is to gain experience wherever you can, paid or unpaid, and make yourself known in the community.”

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Alumna: Kim GreenMSU Connection: Graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication; emphasis in Public Relations.

JOB CHOICES AVAILABLE ONLINENow available in a digital format, Job Choices contains articles on job-search topics such as writing résumés and letters, networking, and interviewing. Job Choices, a publication from National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), includes three editions: for business and liberal arts sutdents; for science, engineering, and technology students; and a diversity edition. Visit the Career Center’s website to access any of these editions: http://career center.missouristate.edu/JobChoices2012.htm

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EMPLOYERS PLAN TO VISIT CAMPUSOn-Campus Recruiting

Date Employer Positions DeadlineMay 7 Missouri Department of Insurance Insurance Financial Examiner I/II/III April 30May 8 Textbook Brokers/K12 Marketplace Sales & Marketing Team Members

PHP & E-commerce Website ProgrammerMedia Relations Assistant

April 30

Information InterviewsDate Employer Time Location

May 7 Textbook Brokers/K12 Marketplace 2:00–5:00 pm Glass Hall 438

WANDERING WISELY

Are you still deciding what you want to be when you grow up? You’re not alone! This decision will affect the rest of your life and should not be taken lightly. Here are a few websites that can help you explore career options:

O*Net <www.onetonline.org>Use this career exploration tool to learn about important elements of professions in a quick, easy-to-read bullet point format.

Occupational Outlook Handbook <www.bls.gov/oco/>Provides in-depth look at occupations that includes education/certification/licensing information in addition to national wage trends and projected growth rates.

Inside Jobs <www.insidejobs.com>Highlights a variety of jobs and includes video interviews for professions of which you might not be aware.

The title for this column comes from Katharine Brooks, Ed.D., author of You Majored in What?: Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career, in which she explains that career paths usually are not linear. She implores us to be receptive to exploring the many routes to career satisfaction, to be “wise wanderers.”

Advice for your career developmentCity Town Info: Career and College Search Center <www.citytowninfo.com/education>Read interviews with professionals in a variety of careers and work settings or watch short videos on more than 500 occupations.

Still feel lost? The Career Center is here to help you with this difficult decision and offers a variety of free assessments to learn more about yourself in order to make an informed de-cision. No matter what career field you are looking to enter, we can help you find a major that will help you prepare.

SHARE YOUR POST-GRADUATION PLANSWhen Missouri State University rolled out its campus-wide graduate tracking system in January 2012, it enabled the uni-versity community to celebrate students’ after-graduation plans and successes. The system provides a streamlined, centralized, secure, and fully confidential method for gathering first desti-nation data on MSU graduates.

Internally, this data is essential for program evaluation and accountability. Externally, the data allows current and prospective students to see in what professional areas and in what graduate or professional programs students are placed.

Q– How do students report outcomes?A– Go to http://apps.missouristate.edu/CareerCenter/

GraduateTrackingHome.aspx. Most academic department websites are linked to that location.

Q– How often should students report outcomes?A– Whenever they receive an offer for employment or

graduate or professional school acceptance.

Q– Should students report if they have no offer or are still considering offers?

A– Yes.

Q– Can a faculty or staff member report student outcomes?A– Yes, go to http://apps.missouristate.edu/CareerCenter/

RequestAccess.aspx .

Q– Is information that is collected confidential?A– Absolutely YES. No student or employer names are

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Company: Brewer ScienceWebsite: www.brewerscience.com

Businesses across the United States use Missouri State University as a recruitment hub that produces capable, workforce-ready graduates. One of the companies that actively recruits MSU students is Brewer Science and in this section of Career Centered we explore this company’s definition of success.

Brewer Science, Inc., is a privately held company founded in 1981 by Dr. Terry Brewer and Paula Brewer in Rolla, Missouri. Owing to its strong emphasis on research, Brewer Science has become a leader in innovative, leading-edge materials and equipment for the semi-conductor, advanced packaging, MEMS

Following are the numbers of employers and job seekers who attended the career fairs hosted by the Career Center during the 2011-2012 academic year:Fall Career Fair 83 employers; approximately 300 job seekersCareer Expo 2012 137 employers; approximately 1,200 job seekersEducation Day 41 employers; approximately 275 job seekers

Mark your calendar now for Fall 2012 events:Résumé MadnessTuesday, September 18, and Wednesday, September 19COBA Career FairMonday, September 24Etiquette DinnerMonday, September 24Fall Career FairTuesday, September 25

and display devices, LED and energy devices, and semiconductor equipment in-dustries. This advanced technology helped spawn the creation of anti-reflective coat-ings that resulted in a shift in the entire microelectronics industry.

Because Brewer Science’s focus has always been on providing customers with original technology to answer their technology needs, The company is “of the people, for the customer, and by the technology.” Using this philosophy to design products enables Brewer Science to build a solid foun-dation of core values that include trust, freedom, commitment, win-win, excel-lence, responsibility, and stewardship. “We value our relationship with our employees, our customers and our

SPOTLIGHTING EMPLOYERS

CAREER FAIRS CONNECT EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS

Mock Interview DayWednesday, October 24COBA students who wish to attend the COBA Career Fair will need to attend COBA Career Fair Preparation Workshops. Watch the COBA and Career Center web-sites for information.

stakeholders,” says Julie Littrell, Global Recruiting/ Staffing Manager for Brewer Science. “People are critical to our organization and to the success of our customers.”

Brewer Science seeks creative problem solvers who desire to find answers to the rapidly changing marketplace. “We are technology leaders and seek people that are interested in success,” Julie says. “Missouri State University is held in high regard and we are pleased at the positive outcomes of the many ways we interact. As Brewer Science and MSU have learned more about each other, our relationship has grown and expanded.”

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