Congratulations, Graduates!

To all the students who recently graduated, congratulations! Career Services is proud of your accomplishments here at Texas State, and we're excited to see what you'll do next.

Before you dive headlong into break and blissed out afternoons of sleep and TV (so jealous), check out our graduating students web page for helpful links to job search, grad school and other resources.


Fill out our graduating student survey and browse our students and alumni pages to learn the steps you'll need to take to find job search success after your life at Texas State. And always remember that we're here for you--free, for life.

Congratulations, Bobcats! We knew you could do it!

Job Shadowing: Get an Inside Look at Your Career

Hang in here with me, guys. This is a long one.

Remember when you followed your mom, dad or guardian to work on "Take Your Child to Work Day"? Yeah, me neither--it was a long time ago. But I bet you didn't know at that time that you were participating in job shadowing--and that shadowing is a powerful career exploration and networking tool.

Because Career Services no longer hosts a structured job shadowing program over the winter break, you are free to seek out job shadowing opportunities on your own at any time during the year.

So read on to learn how to take advantage of this useful career tool:

• What is job shadowing? Job shadowing is, in its simplest form, a visit to the work site of a professional in your field. By "shadowing" a professional while s/he is actually on the job, you get the chance to observe first-hand the work site, the nature of the work you're seeking and the attitudes of the workers you meet.
• Why should I participate in job shadowing? Reasons to seek out job shadowing opportunities include: to get a real-life view of a career's day-to-day duties and activities, industry and work space; to meet professionals in your field and develop your network; to get the "feel" of the working environment and to discover the array of jobs in a given organization or industry.
• How do I find job shadowing opportunities? Your friends, professors, parents and parents' friends--otherwise known as your network--are all great resources when seeking professionals with whom to job shadow. You can also search contacts through Google, LinkedIn and the Career Contact database on Jobs4Cats. Your Career Services college liaison can also help point you to major-specific resources.
  
  When asking someone to host you for shadowing, reach out first by email. In a polite, succinct and grammatically correct note, let your contact know who you are (include your name, major and a brief description of your career goals), how you got their information and that you're looking to shadow. Your note might look something like this:
  

  Ms. Johnson,
  
  Hello! My name is Maria Rodriguez, and I'm currently a sophomore English major at Texas State University. I recently found you through a LinkedIn search for professionals working in the publishing industry, and I was very interested to see that you've not only edited poetry manuscripts at a small press but also obtained experience in the field of educational publishing.
  
  I'm very interested in learning more about the publishing industry as a whole, and I was wondering if we could meet to discuss your experience--or if I could visit your workplace to job shadow some time. I understand that you're busy, and I appreciate your consideration of my request.
  
  Let me know if we can connect. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maria

• What do I do once I've secured a shadowing opportunity? Finalize logistics (time/location/duration of shadow) with your contact via email or phone, and then follow your plans to a "T". On the day of your shadowing experience, arrive 5-10 minutes early in professional dress. Draft questions in advance to ask your host (What do you like/dislike about your job? How many hours a week do you work? Where are most of the job openings in this industry?), and be polite, professional and friendly with everyone you meet. Be ready for anything--some shadowing opportunities will be more like long informational interviews, and during others you'll get your hands dirty working on actual projects and tasks. 
• How do I use my shadowing experience to develop professionally? Use the information that you've gained to help guide you on your career path, and add your host to your professional network by following up with a thoughtful thank you email and keeping in touch--by connecting on LinkedIn, sending an email every few months (interesting industry articles or new career-related questions are a great reason to reach out) or asking them for other contacts within the field.

Contact your college liaison to get started with the shadowing process, or call Career Services at 512.245.2645 to learn more about job shadowing, Jobs4Cats and the networking process.

Happy Holidays: 'Tis the Season for Professional Development

Who doesn't love the winter holiday season? Food, family and, best of all, vacation. This year, instead of hitting the mall, the eggnog and your bed at your parents' house, ramp up your job search. Why, you ask?

Here are five reasons the holiday season is a great time to search for a job or internship.

1. Seasonal/cyclical hiring is at its peak--or gearing up. That seasonal job at your favorite local retailer can turn into a full-time summer gig, or an internship at corporate. For employers hiring summer interns, winter (starting as early as the holiday break) marks the shift into high gear for seasonal recruiting.
2. Holiday mixers with family, friends and coworkers are a great opportunity to network. Being in San Marcos nine months out of the year can make it difficult to connect with professionals and contacts living in your desired job market. If you're looking to move home after graduation, take advantage of holiday get-togethers with friends and family from your hometown to let them know you're on the job hunt.
3. Volunteer opportunities are everywhere. Is your resume looking a little sparse? Sign up to volunteer at a local food pantry, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army or other nonprofit/charity that ramps up its charitable efforts around the holidays. You'll get resume-worthy experience and, hopefully, make a few new friends/professional contacts.
4. Professionals with down time at work are more willing to informational interview or let you job shadow. In many professions, things slow down a bit around the holiday season. Why not take advantage by asking to conduct an informational interview or job shadow with a professional in your field? You'll get information about your desired career while, again, establishing all-important professional connections.
5. Gifts = a great opportunity to ask for professional clothing. Your first interview suit (and it should be a suit) won't be cheap. Instead of a new pair of sweatpants to wear to the gym, aim to fill out your professional wardrobe when asking for gifts this season.

Career Services is open through Tuesday, December 18 (returning on January 2) to assist with all of your holiday job search questions! Schedule an appointment with a counselor and get more information by calling 512.245.2645 or visiting www.careerservices.txstate.edu.

Meet a Counselor: Stanton Morrow

Our Meet a Counselor blog feature profiles a Career Services career counseling intern each week. Our counselors come from across the state and country to work with students at Texas State!

 

Name: Stanton Morrow

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Undergraduate: Southwest Texas State University, Bachelor of Science in Geography - Resource and Environmental Studies (1994)

Graduate: St. Edward's University, Master of Arts in Counseling, (projected graduation Aug. 2013)

1. What made you want to pursue counseling and/or career counseling?
   I have always had an interest in mental health and the ability to assist persons with problems/concerns.
2. In terms of career counseling here at Texas State, what are you focus areas?
   Psychoeducation, "what can I do with this major" exploration, resume building, etc.
3. What is your favorite snack food?
   Anything chocolate!
4. What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
   "Peanuts" with Charlie Brown.
5. What is your favorite type of music?
   Classical.

To set up an appointment with Stanton or another career counselor, call Career Services at 512.245.2645.

4 Steps to Finding Your Future: A Primer

You may not know this, but Career Services utilizes a four-step career development model when helping students like you find your career path and professional trajectory.

Each student we see--in counseling sessions, at job fairs and programs, attending mock interviews and info sessions--is at a different point in this process. And the steps to move forward in the process are different at each point.

So, where are you and what should you be doing to find career and job search success? Learn about the four steps and find out below:

1. Who am I? In the self-assessment phase, you're trying to figure out your interests, your passions and what you want to be when you grow up (and yes, there are still astronauts!).
   Do: Check out Career Services' online and in-office self-assessments, and pay attention to what you like and don't like about your coursework, part-time jobs, internships and hobbies.
2. What's out there? After you've explored your own interests, explore the world of work to find careers that might be a good fit.
   Do: Research online resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook and Career Services' "What Can I Do With This Major?" handouts, and seek out professionals (for informational interviews), student organizations and coursework related to your potential career.
3. What's that like? It's time to take what you've learned to the streets.
   Do: Take your career for a test drive by seeking out internship or job shadowing opportunities within your industry. Test a variety of interests by studying abroad, volunteering, finding relevant part-time jobs, networking and getting involved on campus.
4. How do I get there? Now that you have an idea of where you'd like to go, you need to know how to make your career dream a reality.
   Do: Start building your professional network by joining LinkedIn and reaching out to faculty, family, peers and other contacts within your industry. Register for Jobs4Cats, polish your resume, cover letters and list of references and get a job search plan in place. Make the most of on-campus job fairs, on-campus interviewing and chances to network with and meet employers.

If you have questions about career exploration, professional development, resumes or other career-related issues, stop by Career Services (LBJ 5-7.1) or call 512.245.2645 to schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

Meet a Counselor: Brad Colbert

Our Meet a Counselor blog feature profiles a Career Services career counseling intern each week. Our counselors come from across the state and country to work with students at Texas State!

 

Name: Brad Colbert 

Hometown: Georgetown, TX

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology (Southwest Texas State University)

Graduate Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling (currently pursuing)

1. What made you want to pursue counseling and/or career counseling?
   I decided to pursue a career in counseling because of my experience as a physical therapy technician. During my time as a physical therapy tech I realized the aspects of the job I most enjoyed were helping others through a difficult time. I most enjoyed the clients. I believe helping people is the most rewarding experience I could hope for in a career.
2. In terms of career counseling here at Texas State, what are your focus areas?
   My focus in career counseling is to assist others in the difficult transition period of career exploration. In our society we are sometimes defined by our career choice. This can be a very difficult time in our lives, and if I can assist others during this transition it is very rewarding.
3. What is your favorite sport?
   As did most people in Texas, I grew up with football being the sport of interest. That interest has never changed. Hook'em Horns!
4. What is your favorite restaurant?
   It is hard to pick my favorite restaurant, but right now I would have to say Bacon, on 10th and Lamar, is at the top of the list. I mean, who doesn't love bacon?!
5. What is your favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Halloween. We get to play any role that we would like and enjoy every moment.

To set up an appointment with Brad or another career counselor, call Career Services at 512.245.2645.

Meet a Counselor: Joanne Wang

Our Meet a Counselor blog feature profiles a Career Services career counseling intern each week. Our counselors come from across the state and country to work with students at Texas State!

 

Name: Joanne Wang 

Hometown: Austin, TX

Undergraduate Degree: International Business - University of Texas at Dalls (UTD)

Graduate Degree: Student Affairs in Higher Education - Texas State University-San Marcos (currently pursuing)

1. What made you want to pursue counseling and/or career counseling?
   I enjoy working with individuals in one-on-one settings, and I benefitted a lot from my academic and study abroad advisors as an undergraduate. I wanted an opportunity to work with students one-on-one but in a setting that explores more than just academic concerns.
2. In terms of career counseling here at Texas State, what are your focus areas?
   I don’t have an expressed focus area in career counseling, but I try to listen for concerns that students have about exploring different majors and future career paths, and any anxieties they may have attached to those concerns. While many people will change majors or careers several times in their lives, there is a greater desire to “get it right the first time”, and many students put tremendous pressure on themselves in making that choice, or feel anxious or bad about themselves if they want to or have to change.
   
   I also like to help clients gain confidence in themselves by exploring how they can translate their experiences and skills into strengths to put on their resume. Simply wording or framing something differently can have a great impact. I love it when clients realize “Hey, you’re right…I did do that”, or “I didn’t think about it that way”; I can immediately notice their boost in confidence by recognizing, sometimes for the first time, their own accomplishments.
3. What is your favorite type of music?
   I like all types of music…I used to listen to metal all the time, but now I also listen to Korean dance/pop when I exercise, classical when I’m at work, Disney music when I need to unwind, hip-hop/rap when I’m tired of classical at work…You name it--anything but country.
4. What is your favorite sweet treat?
   I’m not into sweets (unlike most people I know) but I do really like (unsalted, unsweetened) almond butter. The freshly-ground kind is the best!
5. What was your favorite TV show as a kid? I liked Japanese cartoons growing up, and I liked Sailor Moon when I was really young. I also liked Animaniacs and the Batman cartoons from the 1990’s.

To set up an appointment with Joanne or another career counselor, call Career Services at 512.245.2645.

Job Fair 101: Fall Job & Internship Fair

If you're planning to attend Texas State's largest job fair this Wednesday (Fall Job & Internship Fair | 2 - 5:30 PM | LBJ Student Center Ballroom | Click to view list of attending employers), there are a few things you need to know. Follow these steps to find job fair success:

1. Do your research.  View a list of attending employers and the positions for which they’ll be hiring on Jobs4Cats. Decide who you'll talk to and what types of positions you're interested in.

If you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time at the fair, create 3 tiers of targeted companies (tier 1: companies you must talk to; tier 2: companies you’d really like to talk to; tier 3: companies you hope to talk to but won’t be crushed if you miss).

2. Bring your professional "A" game. Dress professionally (this means a suit or dress/skirt with a jacket; save your flip-flops and skateboard for the weekend) and bring multiple copies of your professional resume. Greet everyone you meet with a firm handshake, a smile and great eye contact.

3. Develop your “elevator speech”. This is a 30-second-long speech that conveys your professional/academic background and career interests.

It might go something like: “My name is Kim; it's nice to meet you! I’m an English major in my junior year with professional experience in nonprofit marketing and development, and I’m looking to jump into the for-profit sector. I noticed that your company is hiring for management trainee interns next summer; can you tell me a little more about that program and how I might fit into it?”

4. Strategize. Don't walk in without a plan! Hint: Save your first choice company for your second or third interaction; start your fair experience by warming up your pitch where there’s less at stake (perhaps with a tier 3 company).

5. Follow up. Get business cards from everyone you meet and follow up with an email thanking them for their time, asking for more information or letting them know that you’ve applied for a position you discussed. This last step is critical to ensuring the face-to-face connection you made lasts beyond the job fair experience.

And let Career Services help you! We have extended walk-in hours on Monday and Tuesday (1 - 6 PM in Career Services, LBJ Student Center 5-7.1) before the fair, and we're giving on-the-spot resume critiques in the quad from 10 AM - 2 PM, Monday & Tuesday this week. We'll see you soon!

Meet a Counselor: Ashley Walton

Our Meet a Counselor blog feature profiles a Career Services career counseling intern each week. Our counselors come from across the state and country to work with students at Texas State!

 

Name: Ashley Walton

Hometown: Rochester, NH

Undergraduate Degree: BA in English Teaching from University of New Hampshire

Graduate Degree: MEd in Counselor Education from The University of Texas at Austin (currently pursuing)

1. What made you want to pursue counseling and/or career counseling?
   After teaching high school for five years, I was exhausted and wanted to explore my career options. Although I enjoyed my time in the classroom, I really valued my one-on-one interactions with my students. This prompted me to look into counseling as a potential career change.
2. In terms of career counseling here at Texas State, what are your focus areas?
   I’m still learning! I’m taking this time to purposefully not have a focus so I can explore different areas.
3. What is your favorite type of music?
   I love classic rock. But a guilty pleasure would be pop--some songs are so catchy.
4. What the best job you’ve had?
   I worked in a hospital as a messenger during high school. It was so interesting! I got to take specimens to the lab, bring patients to get x-rays and deliver medications.
5. What is your favorite type of breakfast food?
   I’m a huge fan of a good cheese omelet and hash browns--with lots of ketchup, of course!

To set up an appointment with Ashley or another career counselor, call Career Services at 512.245.2645.

Job Search Boot Camp: Wednesday, Sept. 19

Do you have what it takes to undertake the grueling gauntlet that is Job Search Boot Camp?

Apply the circuit training approach from P90X (no worries, everyone in the office knows you quit after week two) to learn the habits of highly effective job seekers from real employers.

Networking and speed interviewing will be accompanied by mini-presentations on resume building, interviewing etiquette, utilizing social media in the job search, professional image and more.

Trust us, you need to prove yourself by showing up. Register here.


What: Job Search Boot Camp
When: Wednesday, Sept. 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: LBJSC Ballroom
Why: Food, networking opportunities with employers including Apple and Kohl's, professional advice from professionals, awesome t-shirts to the first 50 attendees and door prizes for individuals and student organizations
How: Register at http://signup.txstate.edu/sessions/497-job-search-boot-camp

5 Reasons Not to Mock "Mock Interviews"

Puns aside, mock interviews are an awesome professional tool.

Here are five reasons participating in a practice interview with a real employer here on campus is a great idea:

1. Practice makes perfect. Especially when it comes to the all-important job interview. The more you prepare, the better you'll be when the real thing happens.
2. Feedback that's the "real deal." Get feedback straight from the horse's mouth--from real recruiters who hire candidates every day.
3. Network, network, network! A practice interview is still a real chance to impress a recruiter--and to meet a new contact in your industry.
4. Fast, convenient and on-campus. All it takes is a short trip to Career Services! (C'mon guys, the 5th floor of LBJ isn't so hard to get to, is it?)
5. Opportunities for a variety of majors and industries. Looking for a career in business, engineering or accounting? We've got you covered. The full list of employers includes:
        -Enterprise Rent-A-Car
         All Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1486
        -Kohl’s Department Stores
         All Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1504
        -Techtronic Industries North America, Inc.
         All Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1480
        -SpawGlass Contractors
         Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology and
         Construction Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1498
        -Tokyo Electron
         Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Physics
         and Engineering Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1503
        -USAA
         Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and
         Engineering Majors - On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1506
        -Fisher, Herbst & Kemble, P.C.
         Accounting, Economics and Finance Majors
         On-Campus Interviewing schedule #1483

Log in to or register for Jobs4Cats to sign up before September 13 at 8 AM. For questions about on-campus interviewing, email Casey Menn at caseymenn@txstate.edu. See you soon!

Career Services Tips for Incoming Freshmen

By Erica Hauer, Career Services Marketing Intern

Everyone on this campus has been a freshman at one point of their college education and knows what you are going through. Upperclassmen have stories of great success and bad mistakes. I bet most are willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. Everyone is here for a reason: to get a job!

When building up your resume, it’s never too late to start early. This a huge part of why you are here going to college and on your way to getting your degree. The PACE Center and Career Services are here to help you through your fears.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you have your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office before you apply for on-campus jobs. It’s good to know what you qualify for (for example: work study or regular wage jobs) because Career Services can’t provide that information. We can, however, assist you with finding a job.
2. Make use of the PACE Center. This office is strictly for freshman. Don’t just go to fulfill an assignment that your University Seminar class assigned. PACE (which stands for Personalized Academic and Career Exploration) is there for a reason: to help you! Check out our blog post for a detailed description of the PACE Center.
3. Create a resume. Whether you had a lot of jobs in high school or none at all, it’s okay! Making a resume will give you the drive to go out there and apply for jobs early!
4. Make a list of goals. How many jobs/internships do you want to have before you graduate? Where do you want your career to be in the next four years?
5. Explore your interests. The Pace Center and Career Services have an online resource called Focus2 - Interactive Career Exploration. This assessment will take you through your interests, skills and values and give a list of career possibilities based on your results. It’s free, too!
6. Create your Jobs4Cats account through Career Services before fall classes start. Get ahead of the game! Don’t wait until November when the semester is almost over.

Don’t be afraid to branch out. It’s your education and college life. Be productive and make the most of the services you have on campus. Everyone here wants you to succeed so in four years you can walk across that stage with a degree and a job.

Career Services Summer hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm | Phone: 512.245.2645
PACE Center: UAC – Undergraduate Academic Center Room 120 | Phone: 512.245.2218

Heat Up Your Career Development This Summer

It's been a while since we've posted, but Career Services has been bustling with career-related activities all summer long. Students (and even some of us "adults") often think of summer as a time for rest and relaxation, a chance to take a break from what we've been doing and refresh for the big wind-up to fall.

There's definitely something to be said for that, but summer is also a great time to work on your career development, double down on your job search, or overhaul your resume like you've been meaning to all semester.


Not convinced? Check out this list of five reasons summer is the best time to jump-start your career:

1. Summer internships. If you've wondered how you'll translate your coursework to a real world setting while gaining professional experience, an internship is the solution for you. Internships provide students (and non-students, too!) an opportunity to apply what they've learned in a professional setting, with less of a time commitment than a full-time job and ample opportunities to learn and develop professionally.
   
   While it's a little late in the season to seek an opportunity in a well-established internship program, there are plenty of smaller businesses and organizations who hire interns on a rolling basis. Search on Jobs4Cats for opportunities and check out popular internship sites like internmatch.com and internships.com. Or, call up an organization you're interested in working for and see whether they're taking on interns (this is easier if you're seeking unpaid internships).
2. Resume overhaul. Been meaning to reformat, rewrite or rethink your resume all year? Now is the time to take stock of what you've accomplished over the last year and craft it into a great professional document. Career Services can help!
3. Seasonal work. Scooped ice cream at Ben & Jerry's for the last three summers? Waited tables on the River Walk? Worked as a camp counselor at the local YMCA? Seasonal positions like these are an important element of your career exploration and development. Reflect on positions you've had: Did you like them? Why or why not? Were they challenging?
   
   Use the answers to questions like this to explore the kind of work you might be interested in doing full-time. For example, if you loved your work as a camp counselor but hated helping out with administrative tasks at your mom's small business, you may want to consider a career that deals directly with people.
4. Job search. Away from the crunch of homework, tests and campus activity, summer is the perfect time to search for jobs. Commit to your search by creating an application tracking system (find Career Services' Job Search log here), attending industry networking events (such as association meetings) and organizing all your resumes, cover letters, references, etc. so that you'll be ready to apply at the drop of a hat.
5. Volunteering. Much like the internship, volunteering provides career-relevant (and resume worthy) experience. Call up your favorite charity or nonprofit and see if they need your help. The time you give to help others can help you gain skills and make contacts--and may just be your ticket to full-time employment in the near future.

Why do you think summer is a great time to focus on your career?

New Career Services Website

Have you heard? We launched our new website last week!

We are soliciting feedback, as the site is not perfect. It is a work in progress. Please tweet or Facebook us with any questions or suggestions.

Here's one we've already received.

Glad you're enjoying most of it, Nancy. Here's the deal on the homepage. We service many different populations. The old site was a bit more difficult for all the folks visiting the site to navigate. Our homepage now forces you to identify with a specific group. You most certainly can still view all of the site if you'd like though.

For example, with the pervious site, employers were attempting to log into Jobs4Cats from the homepage. For those of you that do not know, employers have the opportunity to create a Jobs4Cats account just like students. However, the log in box on the old homepage was only for students. We had an employer tab on the previous homepage that often got overlooked.

Our office received numerous phone calls/ e-mails about Jobs4Cats not working properly (when if fact it was.) We're hoping this homepage will make it easier for all visiting our site.

If not, we'll be happy to think of alternatives. So, please - keep the feedback coming!

New view in Jobs4Cats

Have you checked out the new Jobs4Cats? If not, you should. You may be saying to yourself “I’m on it already!” or “I’ve tried it, but it’s never helped me.” Well, you are about to find out exactly why you should get on right now and use some tools you probably don’t know about. And, they are all unbelievable simple, requiring you to do little to no work!


First of all, there is a handy feature we like to call the “Job Search Agent”. It’s actually incredibly simple. On your Jobs4Cats profile, you can select the option to receive text messages from a Job Search Agent. By selecting this option, you will receive a text when a job that matches your qualifications and interests gets posted. Say you are looking for a summer internship doing accounting. When a firm posts a position looking for someone to fill such a position and you meet the basic qualifications, you will be sent a text and get the opportunity to submit your resume before anyone else!

∙Where to find on J4C: Click My Account on the top toolbar, then select My Profile

A similar service provided to you through Jobs4Cats is our Resume Referral system. This is the one that requires zero work from you. When a company is looking to interview for a certain position, they might contact Career Services directly before posting anything. When they do, we will send them resumes of students who fit the criteria- this could be you! As long as you have an updated resume and profile (this is key), you have the chance to essentially apply for a job without actually doing anything!

∙Where to find on J4C: Click My, then select My Documents and start uploading!

Our Resume Drop system is a convenient way to send your resume to employers that are attending our job fairs. If you aren’t able to make the career event due to schedule conflicts, or perhaps you just didn’t have time to meet every employer, no worries! Just head to Jobs4Cats and send them your resume instantly! Again, make sure your resume and profile are current!

Are you a social networker? Chances are the answer to that question is yes. With the Social Networking add-in, you can sync you Facebook and LinkedIn accounts with Jobs4Cats. Why? Because by doing this, you can see the connections you might have but don’t know about! For example, you know that girl that added you a few months ago after you met that one time? Well, she works for Google. With this tool, you can see who you know and potential networking connections you can make.

∙Where to find on J4C: Click My Account on the top toolbar, then select My Connections

Additionally, for those who haven’t been impressed with the layout and design of Jobs4Cats. We say to you, “Look again!” We have updated the website to be more user-friendly. Take a look! It’s now easier to search for jobs and internships all over Texas. (Search Tip: Don’t narrow down your search criteria too much. You might be excluding jobs with different keywords that still apply to you.)

So as you can see, there are quite a few features on Jobs4Cats that you probably haven’t heard of. Aren’t you glad we told you?

Understanding The PACE Center

by Mason Murphy

The creation of the Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) Center will provide an exciting opportunity for the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University - San Marcos.  Having a convergence of career counselors, academic advisors, mentors, and other specified staff backing will create a synergy of support for incoming students.  Texas State University - San Marcos is embarking on a journey to both change and enhance the level of services offered to students. 

As a freshman student begins their college experience, having the PACE Center will make things practical and efficient.  Students will meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes for the first semester.  Naturally, students and parents will have questions about choosing a major.  In fact, some of those students will have trouble making a decision about what major to choose.  With the creation of the PACE Center, these students will not have to go to another office to get assistance.  The student can make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss if there any difficulty he or she has in choosing a major.  Career counselors will help the student explore their options, based on the student’s values, interests, goals, skills, and personality.  Students will have the opportunity to discover new ideas, options, majors, and career paths that they might have never considered before. 

The academic advisors and career counselors will be able to communicate with each other more affectively about the needs of students.  For example, if a first semester freshman is considering dropping out of the university, those students usually have additional questions about what courses to select and how this will impact their major choice.  Academic advisors will be able to address the short-term concern of course selection.  And career counselors will be able to address the long-term concern of major selection.  Through both entities communicating and collaborating to assist the student, both the retention and graduation rates of students will increase.

The faculty will also benefit from the creation of the PACE Center.  For example, if faculty members volunteer as a University Seminar instructor, they can engage freshman about their various fields of expertise.  Through the combination of faculty interaction and the students’ process of self-discovery, the student will be exposed to a field of study they might not have considered pursuing.  Hence, the student will develop a passion for research and study through an examination of a cross section of disciplines. 

The PACE Center will be the hub for innovation and change in the delivery of services for freshman students.  Students will receive quality and caring insight from trusted professionals.  The faculty and staff of Texas State University - San Marcos will create a mosaic of energy and ideas that will impact and influence the next generation of leaders and thinkers.  Together we will all be living out this university’s motto of being the rising star of Texas.  

Let Your Resume Speak for You

By Haley Way, Career Counselor

Even though it may feel like it at times, your resume is not just about putting your life on paper. Your ultimate goal is to impress the reader enough to convince them to have you in for an official interview. Your resume needs to speak on your behalf, to say all the things that you may not have the opportunity to say---at least until you get that interview! So this begs the question: How do I impress my audience (aka, the reader… aka, your potential employer)? Keep these tips in mind:

Tip #1 – Try viewing your resume from an employer’s point of view. Take a step away from the document for a few hours. Come back to it and read it from an employer’s perspective. Look at it through the lens of what is relevant to that employer and what is not. If you are a having a hard time distinguishing what is relevant, ask a mentor in the field or a professor to look at it, but with an insider’s perspective.

Tip #2 – Don’t be generic. Unless you are at a job fair or networking event, don’t include clichéd phrases like “entry level job” in the “blank” field. Employers get tons of resumes every day for varying positions, and it is not their job to figure out where you fit in. Instead, tailor your resume to the position or positions and company you are applying for. This extra specific step really shows the employer that you are interested in them!

Tip #3 – It’s not about you. It’s about the company’s needs. So, in your resume you need to convey how you fulfill an employer’s needs. The secret tool that most job applicants never use correctly is the job posting itself. Print out the job description or posting and highlight all action verbs. For example: Communicated, collaborated, revised, managed, etc. Use this as a measuring stick: Does your resume measure up? Can you begin to see areas that you might have better addressed? For instance, did you forget to mention that important project that you led? This tip will make your resume relevant to the employer’s needs and will put you at the top of the stack!

Spring Job and Internship Fair

This Wednesday March 28, 2:00PM-5:30PM

Strahan Coliseum

The Spring Job & Internship Fair is the largest fair of the semester. All job seekers are welcome. Employers will be recruiting to fill summer, internship and full-time opportunities

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Spring 2012 Job & Internship Fair
Organization Name	City	ST
Aaron's Sales and Lease	Houston	TX
Academy Sports & Outdoors	Katy	TX
Accruent	Austin	TX
ACT AUSTIN	Dallas	TX
Advanced Acquisition Solutions	San Marcos	TX
Aerotek, Inc.	Hanover	MD
Altra Industrial Motion - TB Woods/Ameridrives	San Marcos	TX
Apple, Inc.	Austin	TX
ARGO	Richardson	TX
Association Member Benefits Advisors	Austin	TX
Atchley & Associates, LLP.	Austin	TX
Austin CC	Austin	TX
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL	Austin	TX
Austin Fire Department - Recruiting	Austin	TX
AXA Advisors, LLC	Dallas	TX
Baker Oil Tools	Alice	TX
BMW & MINI of San Antonio	San Antonio	TX
Buckeye International Inc.	Maryland Heights	MO
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.	Eden Prairie	MN
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.	Indianapolis	IN
Cintas Corporation	San Antonio	TX
Citizen Schools	Redwood City	CA
Cloud 8 Sixteen, Inc.	Austin	TX
Consolidated Electrical Distributors	Irving	TX
Consolidated Graphics	Houston	TX
Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center	Austin	TX
Dillard's, Inc.	Arlington	TX
Direct Energy	Houston	TX
DPR Construction	Austin	TX
Echo Global Logistics	Chicago	IL
Emergent Professional Resources LP	Houston	TX
Energy One	Austin	TX
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	Austin	TX
ExxonMobil Exploration Company	Houston	TX
Fastenal	San Antonio	TX
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)	San Antonio	TX
Ferguson, a Wolseley Company	Hendersonville	TN
FINISH LINE	Austin	TX
First Command Financial Planning	San Antonio	TX
First Investors Corporation- San Antonio	San Antonio	TX
Frost & Sullivan	San Antonio	TX
Futurex	Bulverde	TX
Gary Job Corps	San Marcos	TX
Graduate College, Texas State University	San Marcos	TX
Grande Communications, LLC®	San Marcos	TX
Green Tree Servicing	St. Paul	MN
H-E-B	San Antonio	TX
Hertz Corporation	Orlando	FL
Houston Wire & Cable	Houston	TX
IMG Financial Group	Houston	TX
Insight Global, Inc.	Houston	TX
Jones Energy, Ltd	Austin	TX
Kohl's Department Stores	Menomonee Falls	WI
Kroger	Frisco	TX
Labatt Food Service	San Antonio	TX
Laser Shot, Inc.	Stafford	TX
Liberty Mutual Group	Boston	MA
Mattress Firm	Houston	TX
MCCOY'S BUILDING SUPPLY	San Marcos	TX
Medtronic Diabetes	San Antonio	TX
Merion Realty Management, LLC	Houston	TX
Mitratech	Austin	TX
Modern Woodmen of America	Austin	TX
Neff Rental, LLC	Miami	FL
New England Financial	Austin	TX
Northwestern Mutual	Austin	TX
Novogradac & Company LLP	Austin	TX
Oracle Corporation	Austin	TX
Parallon Business Solutions	San Antonio	TX
Paycom	Oklahoma City	OK
Pegasus Schools, Inc.	Lockhart	TX
Penske Truck Leasing	Austin	TX
Planto Roe Financial Services	San Antonio	TX
Rogers-O'Brien Construction	Austin	TX
Ross Stores, Inc	Pleasanton	CA
Ryder Logistics & Transportation	Fort Worth	TX
San Antonio Fire Dept	San Antonio	TX
San Marcos Treatment Center	San Marcos	TX
Service Steel Warehouse	Houston	TX
Sherwin-Williams PSG	Richardson	TX
SHI International Corporation	Austin	TX
Stage Stores, Inc.	Houston	TX
Student Affairs in Higher Education, Texas State University	San Marcos	TX
Target Corporation	Brooklyn Park	MN
Techtronic Industries North America, Inc. (TTI)	Anderson	SC
TEKsystems	Hanover	MD
Tesoro Companies, Inc.	San Antonio	TX
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality	Austin	TX
TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS	Austin	TX
Texas Department of Banking	Austin	TX
Texas Department of Public Safety	San Antonio	TX
The Hertz Corporation	Austin	TX
The Princeton Review	Austin	TX
The Reynolds and Reynolds Company	Houston	TX
THE SCOOTER STORE	New Braunfels	TX
The TJX Companies, Inc.	Framingham	MA
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio	San Antonio	TX
U.S. Army Recruiting Station San Marcos	San Marcos	TX
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs	Waco	TX
U.S. Marine Corps	Austin	TX
USAA	San Antonio	TX
USDA, FSIS	Catano	Puerto Rico
VAuto Inc.	Atlanta	GA
Walgreens	Austin	TX
White Lodging Services	Austin	TX
Wilson	Houston	TX
Wisenbaker Builder Services	San Marcos	TX
Worldwide Express	AUSTIN	TX

Understanding soft skills and what they can do for you

by Catarina E. Dominguez
Texas State Career Services Counselor 

In the job market today, many employers are looking for applicants with a diverse set of skills that can demonstrate your ability to be successful.   It is no longer as feasible to just be a functional expert within a single occupational field.   A marketable applicant must also possess “soft skills,” which complement the core competencies needed within a career.  

Soft skills—optimism, integrity, social grace, to name a few—are personal attributes that assist in the ability to work effectively within an organization.  According to research, in addition to standard qualifications, many employers value and seek out these skills when selecting the best candidates to hire.  

It's often said that hard skills will get you an interview, but you need soft skills to get (and keep) the job.

Implementing soft skills within a career is vital to becoming successful; however identifying and perfecting these skills may take some work.  To get started on discovering your soft skills, first think about your previous jobs, volunteer positions, hobbies, clubs and school projects.  Beside each area write down every functional skill you gained from that experience.  Next, list personality traits you believe you exhibited when you were engaged in those activities.  Please see example below:

Functional skill:                                        Soft skill:

Listen to customers and place food  à    Communication skills, Teamwork

orders correctly                                                          and Interpersonal skills

This is a fantastic way to begin understanding the soft skills you bring to the table.  To have a competitive edge it is imperative to know your skills and market them to an employer.  To begin exploring the necessary soft skills to implement in the workplace, read below. 

According to NACE’s (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Job Outlook 2012 survey the following were the top 5 soft skills employers seek in new hires:

1.      Communication skills

Effective communication is the foundation for success in a job.  It allows one to build strong connections with co-workers, customers and clients, as well as persuade others to adopt ideas.

2.      Decision making / Problem solving skills

Seek out solutions to potential problems using creativity, reasoning and past experiences.  Utilize resources and information that is available.

3.      Ability to obtain and process information

Utilize available resources to find solutions / answers to problems and review information in an intellectual manner.

4.      Ability to plan and organize

Involves the ability to set goals, design, plan, organize and implement projects and tasks within a specific time frame.

5.      Effective prioritization of work

Evaluate work load and have capabilities to rank tasks appropriately.  Also have the ability to adapt to changing conditions and work assignments. 

KTSW 89.9 FM is NOW HIRING for Summer and Fall 2012

KTSW is hiring students from all majors, experience levels and backgrounds for a wide variety of volunteer and paid positions including DJs, Music Reviewers, Sports Announcers, News Reporters, Promotional Event Planners, Social Media Contributors and more!  KTSW is an excellent way to get involved both on and off campus while gaining real world experience.  Past KTSW employees have gone on to work for a wide variety of professional media outlets and have won state, regional and national recognition for their work.

KTSW is Texas State University’s official radio station broadcasting live, 24-7, all the way from central San Antonio to south Austin and surrounding areas, all from historic Old Main.  This year marks KTSW’s 20th anniversary, and it has been one of the busiest semesters yet for the station.  As such, we’ve decided to add a slew of new positions and we’ve reorganized some of the departments to better serve the students, the community and the radio station. Read on to find out how you can become a part of this passionate, dedicated, hard-working, award-winning team!

KTSW 89.9 is now hiring for the following types of positions:

DJ’s / On-Air Personalities

Show Producers / Sound Techs

Audio Production (create promos, PSAs, radio dramas, etc. for on-air use)

News Writers / Reporters / Anchors

Music Reviewers

Sports Announcers / Sports Show Hosts

Event Planning and Promotions

MR Fest Sponsorship Development Team

Social Media / Blogging / Web Content Contributors

And much more….

*For a complete list of jobs and position descriptions, visit KTSW.net.

All applicants must be enrolled at Texas State University and must have a minimum GPA of 2.3.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many positions as they intend to pursue seriously.

How to Apply:

All applicants must submit the online Application Form and upload a current resume on KTSW.net.  In addition to the online form, applicants must submit a Catsweb Transcript and any additional requirements in person to the KTSW offices located in Old Main room 106 by the application deadline.

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

More Information:

Website:  KTSW.net

Phone:  512-245-3485

Email:  ktswoffice@txstate.edu

Good Luck!

Jenn Kelly

Station Manager

KTSW-FM 89.9

office: 512.245.8248

fax: 512.736.4713

601 University Dr.

Old Main Rm. 106

San Marcos, TX 78666

www.ktsw.net