UI CareerConnect Newsletter

April 2008   

 

UI CareerConnect is a quarterly newsletter for University of Iowa students. The publication highlights upcoming career events, and it provides articles and useful tips that guide you to a career that fits you.

 What Happened? Backstage Access

Iowa Students Get Down to Business:
Career Fairs

- Arts, Entertainment & Media - Feb. 13
- Health, Science & Biotech - Feb. 20
- Job & Internship Fair - Feb. 28
- Marketing, Sales & Retail - April 2

 Think Internships

1) Set personal goals: Get the most out of your internship by having an idea of certain areas you’d like to learn more about.

2) Take initiative: Don’t be afraid to tackle bigger projects, ask for additional work, or to show your unique approach to solutions to problems.

3) Network: Find a mentor who can give you opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Also, build professional relationships with the people in your organization—they can help you get a job or provide advice down the road.

4) Meet regularly with your supervisor: This meeting provides the perfect opportunity to build a relationship and gain feedback.

5) Track your accomplishments: Make sure to keep your work and update your resume. Keeping a journal is also a great way to track your goals and things you have learned.


 What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Road Trip - Finding Your Way on the Road to Success!

Deciding on a career path can be difficult when there are so many options. In the search to learn about career opportunities, only one thing makes sense: Road Trip!

Human Resources Road Trip - April 18

Visit companies in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids

If you are interested in a career in Human Resources RSVP by Fri. April 11 at 5 p.m. Call 319-335-1023, or email regina-hatcher@uiowa.edu.


 A Whole Lotta Advice

How to Make a Smooth Transition into the Workplace

It is common to feel anxious, nervous, or sometimes even skeptical when starting a new job or internship. By following these brief steps, you can be sure to make the most of your experience.

1. Pay attention to the dress code in your potential place of employment so you know how to dress.
2. Always act professionally.
3. Make a good impression—ask your employer if there is any information or materials that you should look at to prepare for your position. This shows your eagerness to hit the ground running.
4. Look to your colleagues for office “rules” and workplace culture.
5. Get involved with at least one professional alumni network or association to meet people outside of your organization. Network, network, network!


 You Oughta Know: UI Employment Expo

Housekeeping and Taking an Active Role with Your Expo Account

Profile - Update your account profile each semester and be sure to include details like GPA and job position seeking that could be deciding factors in your interview qualification. Even though your credentials are on record, if your personal profile does not show these qualifications employers do not have access to your information.

Take the initiative - Don’t qualify for an interview that catches your eye? Take the initiative by contacting the career center to discuss eligibility requirements. It is possible that your credentials fall within the margins of qualification.

Questions? Contact Chris Wells at chris-wells@uiowa.edu, or call the career center at 319-335-1023.



Upcoming Events

Peer Advisor Program
Application deadline April 14 by 4:00 p.m.

Des Moines Center Internship Program
Applications due soon

Human Resources Road Trip April 18

Career Leadership Academy
Submit application online and sign up when registering for classes


Dear Ivanna Work

I have a job interview soon for a position that is perfect for me! However, the company requests that I bring a portfolio of my work, and I’m not sure what to include. Help!

Signed,

Lost in a pile of old papers and projects


Dear Lost,

A portfolio is a showcase of your work and typically contains samples from previous or current jobs, internships, classes, and campus/community involvement.

The following items are ideal for placement in any portfolio:

Creative writing—short stories, personal essays, scripts, poetry

Academic writing—research papers and other class assignments

Art—photos, graphic design work, advertisements, promotional flyers, or postcards

Individual or group projects—research design, subjects, methods, data, results

Anything published in any format—newspaper or magazine articles, newsletters

It’s best to have a nice divided binder with plastic sleeves in which to display your work.

Good luck!

Ivanna Work




Pomerantz Career Center
100 Pomerantz Center, Suite C310, Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-335-1023   careercenter@uiowa.edu