Finding the Perfect Summer Internship

Spring break is a great time to get started on (or really dig into) your summer internship search.

For organizations with cyclical hiring processes (hiring interns every fall, spring and summer on a regular schedule), March and April are the peak times for applications to be due.



To get started with the successful internship search today, you'll need to answer a few important questions:

• Why an internship? Internships are one of the most critical components of professional success and hirability. According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 42.3% of seniors with internships received at least one job offer upon graduation, compared to only 30.7% of students who hadn't participated in an internship.
  
  Additionally, internships enable you to explore your career path, get hands-on experience and build your resume and your professional network. What's not to love about internships?
• Where do I start? Before you begin your internship search, you want a sense of what you're looking for. Knowing the industry (i.e. healthcare administration, publishing, engineering), skills/type of work (marketing, customer service, administrative support) and location (San Marcos, Austin) in which you'd like to intern will help you focus and streamline your search.
  
  Having trouble identifying your interests and goals? Set up an appointment with a career counselor by calling Career Services at 512.245.2645.
• Where do I look? Internship opportunities can be found much like regular part- or full-time jobs: through a job-posting or company website, your network or school, your current employer, etc.
  
  Start your internship search with Jobs4Cats, Career Services job-posting database with over 250 opportunities currently posted. Then, check out major-specific resources (which may be housed on your department's website) and niche job-posting boards (such as mediabistro.com for communications students, idealist.org for those interested in nonprofit work, and workintexas.org for government positions). You can also include internship sites like internmatch.com, internships.com and youtern.com in your online search.
  
  And be sure to target specific companies. A Google search for "mental health in Austin, TX", for example, will give you a map filled with organizations that deal in some way with mental health. Click over to each organization's website to learn about job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
• Who can I ask for help? Reaching out to your Career Services college liaison is a great first step, but you can get your whole network involved by letting your parents, friends from home, college peers, faculty and current/former supervisors and coworkers know that you're on the market for an internship.
  
  If possible, try to find a mentor or contact who works in your field. After politely asking if they'd be willing to talk to you, ask them questions about the industry, the job search process, their career trajectory and more.
• What will I need to apply? Like any job, you will most likely need a resume, cover letter and references to apply for internships. Many listings also include an application and, sometimes, an essay or other sample of work. Whatever the requirements for your particular program or opportunity, be sure to follow application instructions to a "T". Get assistance with your application components (and all the stuff that comes next, including interviews, following up and more) by contacting your Career Services college liaison or our front desk at 512.245.2645.

Career Services can help you answer each of the questions above--and many others you may have about your internship search and career exploration. Call our office at 512.245.2645, or visit our website at www.careerservices.txstate.edu. Have a great spring break!

Job Search Boot Camp: Get in (Job-Seeking) Shape! **Tuesday, Feb. 19**

Are your job search skills a little rusty? Resume collecting dust? Interview muscles getting flabby?

Come to Job Search Boot Camp *next Tuesday* to learn the habits of highly effective job seekers from real employers.

Networking and speed interviewing will be accompanied by presentations on resume building, interviewing etiquette, social media, professional image and more.

Join Career Services and work your (job-seeking) core at Job Search Boot Camp! Register here.


What: Job Search Boot Camp
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: LBJSC Ballroom
Why: Food, networking opportunities with employers, job search advice from professionals, awesome t-shirts to the first 40 attendees and a prize for the best-represented student organization.

How: Register at http://signup.txstate.edu/sessions/497-job-search-boot-camp

Four Steps to Finding an On-Campus Job

Finding a job on campus can help you gain marketable skills and experience while working around your class schedule.

Check out Career Services' Campus Jobs List page to get all the details. And as you start your search, follow the four steps below to find the on-campus job that's right for you.

1. Determine your job type eligibility. Before you search for an on-campus job, you'll need to know the difference between work-study and regular wage positions.
   
   Work-study (formally known as Federal Work-Study or FWS) is a program managed by the federal government. If/when you receive financial aid at the beginning of each semester, you will be notified whether you have received work-study funds. If and only if you receive Federal Work-Study are you eligible to apply to on-campus work-study jobs. For more information about work-study and your eligibility, visit the Career Services work-study FAQ webpage.
   
   Regular wage positions are available to any student at Texas State. The wages for these positions come from the department in which the position exists, not from the federal government. You do not need any type of advance award or permission to seek and apply for regular wage jobs.
   
   So, which type of on-campus job are you looking for? Once you know...
   
2. See what's available by checking out Jobs4Cats. Jobs4Cats is your one-stop-shop for on-campus position listings.
   
   To find work-study opportunities, register for or log in to Jobs4Cats and select Work Study from the Jobs tab on the menu across the top of the home page. This will show you all available work-study positions, including those located in Round Rock and even some Federal Community Work Study (FCWS) positions off campus. Scroll through the list and scan the Position Type information to determine which positions are located at your preferred campus and location.
   
   To find regular wage opportunities, register for or log in to Jobs4Cats and select Job Search (Customize) from the Jobs tab tab on the menu across the top of the home page. On the search page, use the Position Type field to select Part-Time On Campus (San Marcos - Regular Wage) or (Round Rock - Regular Wage).
3. Complete your application fully. Follow the application instructions contained within the Jobs4Cats posting to a "T", and be sure to provide all requested documents (cover letter, resume, class schedule, etc.).
   
   If you've applied to positions in the past with little success or are new to the job-seeking process, call Career Services (512.245.2645) for help with cover letters and resumes.
   
   Insider Tip: Availability is key in student jobs, as many on-campus offices are only open during regular business hours (8 AM - 5 PM). If you really want an on-campus job, be sure to state your full availability on the application (even if it's 8 AM and you'd prefer not to work at that time). 
4. Check back often--and keep applying! Positions are continuously filled, posted and re-posted, so make sure you're cruising Jobs4Cats on at least a weekly basis. If you're hitting a wall with your search, or you've found out late in the game that you received work-study and don't know how to go about the job search, contact Career Services for assistance.

Career Services is available to assist with your on-campus job search, whether by assisting you with Jobs4Cats, helping you draft or update your resume or completing your applications fully. Call 512.245.2645 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or ask any questions you may have, or stop by during counseling walk-in hours, Monday & Tuesday, 1 - 3 PM and Wednesday & Thursday, 3 - 5 PM.

Targeting Your Resume in Five Steps

You may have heard that targeting/tailoring/focusing your resume to a specific job is the key to landing an interview. But what does "targeting" really mean? And how can it be achieved?

Think about it this way: if you were applying to a Chinese-speaking position in Beijing, China, the hiring manager would expect your resume to be written in Chinese, right? If you applied using an English-language resume--even if it accurately described your capabilities, achievements and experiences--your application would probably be dismissed.



When applying to jobs, you need to speak the hiring manager's language. Every industry and business has its own "language"--the way industry insiders talk about the work that they do. Your targeted resume needs to be written in that language.

How can this be achieved? Follow the five steps below to get started.

1. Start with organization. The exceptional resume in any industry must be clean, concise and information-rich. Ensure that your information is formatted in a way that's easy to read (clearly labeled sections, streamlined fonts and tasteful, useful bolding/italicizing/underlining).
    
   When organizing the resume, be sure to make the most interesting content immediately accessible. For the critical top third of your document, include a dynamic personal value statement, summary of qualifications or career objective (Google these terms to learn more about them). Then, list your degree or experience. Experience can be broken up into sections of more and less relevance (i.e. when applying for government jobs, begin with a section titled "Government & Nonprofit Experience" that lists only those positions, with an "Other Experience" section below).
2. Read the job description (and then another, and another...). To learn the lingo of your employer and his/her industry, read multiple job descriptions--not just the one to which you're applying. As you read more job listings, you'll start noticing key words, skills and experiences that are common across job descriptions. Positions in education, for example, might focus on interpersonal skills, mentoring, lesson-planning, public speaking and teaching. Positions in media might focus on teamwork, writing/editing skills, published work and social media experience. And the list goes on. Studying the language makes you ready for step #3...
3. Rewrite your resume in the language of your industry. Translate that baby into Chinese! Take the keywords, skills and experiences contained within the desired job descriptions and incorporate them into your resume. Don't lie about or misrepresent your experience, but do highlight relevant experience by listing it in its own section or listing it as the first bullet point under a given position.
   
   You should also frame other experience so that it fits into the industry mold. Do this by focusing on transferable skills like teamwork, communication, analyzing information, managing projects or teams, etc.
4. Focus on achievements. Achievement is achievement, regardless of the industry in which you've attained it. Make sure that your resume tells the story of what you've accomplished, not just what you've done. If you've gotten five raises since you started your food service job, mention it! If you took on the work of two full-time staff while your co-worker was absent, mention it!
   
   Any time you've saved time or money, assisted a customer by going above and beyond or showed initiative to streamline a process, create a new system or build a new project--mention it on your resume. If you're having trouble determining what, exactly, you've accomplished, call up your supervisor or coworkers and ask them for insight.
5. Get an industry insider to read it. Of course Career Services can help, but finding someone working within your target industry to critique your resume gives you the insider's look at your document.
   
   If you don't have an inside contact handy, simply remove any indication of the job to which you're applying (like an objective that mentions the title by name) from the resume and ask a friend to look at it. Not knowing the types of jobs you're seeking, your friend should be able to identify at least the career family your resume is geared toward. If they say the resume reads "tech" when it should read "media", you know you'll need to go back to the drawing board.

This process isn't the easiest, so don't worry if it goes slowly at the beginning. But once you've tackled this key aspect of the job search, you'll be well on your way to job search success!

For more assistance with retooling and targeting your resume, visit the resume page of our website or contact Career Services at 512.245.2645.

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.