2 Information Sessions. Need a Job?

          

             Nationwide – Information Session

Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Career Services, LBJ Student Center 5-7.1

With over $140 billion in assets as of June 30, 2010, Nationwide is one of the largest providers of financial services and property and casualty insurance in the United States, and they are hiring!

Nationwide is a company where every voice is heard and valued. We understand the importance of associates with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives coming together to serve our customers.

Nationwide will be coming on campus to talk about all job possibilities at their San Antonio location.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn more about one of the leading insurance businesses in the United States!

Pizza will be served, and as always, dress to impress!

     Apple will be hosting two information sessions this week to talk about their At-Home Advisor position.  Please stop by to learn more about this great opportunity!

Information Session Dates:

Wednesday, February 22^nd at 5:00 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, room 3-5.1

Thursday, February 23^rd at 5:00 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, room 4-1.9

Apple is now hiring students to work part-time from home!  As an Apple At-Home Advisor, you'll support the products that have made Apple the iconic technology company that it is.  Working from home, you'll be part of a virtual team that provides technical support to Apple customers.  Apple is looking for currently enrolled students who enjoy working on computers and helping fix common issues that arise.  Apple will provide a great benefits package, competitive pay, the Apple employee discount on products and an iMac to use while working from home.  They will even build a custom schedule that works with your classes!

If this sounds interesting to you, please come to the information sessions on Wednesday or Thursday.  To apply for this job, go to http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=92262&CurrentPage=1.

If you have already come to one of these sessions, please share this information with any friends of yours who may be interested.

Thank you,

Mr. Casey Menn

Recruiting Coordinator

Texas State University-Career Services

LBJ 5-7.1

601 University Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

512.245.2645, ext. 2538

512.245.3993 Fax

caseymenn@txstate.edu

The Awful Cover Letter All of Wall Street Is Laughing About

by Adrian Chen Gawker.com
It's that time of year when hopeful undergrads send out their resumes to the investment banks they for some reason want to work for. But one guy's bombastic cover letter has made him the laughing-stock of Wall Street.

A tipster forwarded us this cover letter, from an NYU student named Mark to J.P. Morgan, with the note, "this has been circling around the Street." Marvel at how a single fitness boast transforms what would have been simply a very terrible cover letter to something demanding to be forwarded to everyone on your contacts list.

1/23/2012

J.P. Morgan

Dear Sir or Madame:

I am an ambitious undergraduate at NYU triple majoring in Mathematics, Economics, and Computer Science. I am a punctual, personable, and shrewd individual, yet I have a quality which I pride myself on more than any of these.

I am unequivocally the most unflaggingly hard worker I know, and I love self-improvement. I have always felt that my time should be spent wisely, so I continuously challenge myself; I left Villanova because the work was too easy. Once I realized I could achieve a perfect GPA while holding a part-time job at NYU, I decided to redouble my effort by placing out of two classes, taking two honors classes, and holding two part-time jobs. That semester I achieved a 3.93, and in the same time I managed to bench double my bodyweight and do 35 pull-ups.

I say these things only because solid evidence is more convincing than unverifiable statements, and I want to demonstrate that I am a hard worker. J.P. Morgan is a firm with a reputation that precedes itself and employees who represent only the best and rightest in finance. I know that the employees in this firm will push me to excellence, especially within the Investment Banking division. In fact, one of the supporting reasons I chose Investment Banking over any other division was that I know it is difficult. I hope to augment my character by diligently working for the professionals at Morgan Stanley, and I feel I have much to offer in return.

I am proficient in several programming languages, and I can pick up a new one very quickly. For instance, I learned a years worth of Java from NYU in 27 days on my own; this is how I placed out of two including: Money and Banking, Analysis, Game Theory, Probability and Statistics. Even further, I am taking Machine Learning and Probabilistic Graphical Modeling currently, two programming courses offered by Stanford, so that I may truly offer the most if I am accepted. I am proficient with Bloomberg terminals, excellent with excel, and can perform basic office functions with terrifying efficiency. I have plenty of experience in the professional world through my internship at Merrill Lynch, and my research assistant position at NYU. In fact, my most recent employer has found me so useful that he promoted me to a Research Assistant and an official CTED intern. This role is usually reserved for Masters students, but my employer gave the title to me so that he could give me more work.

Please realize that I am not a braggart or conceited, I just want to outline my usefulness. Egos can be a huge liability, and I try not to have one.

Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Mark

The endless email thread forwarded to us suggests every investment banker on Wall Street has seen this thing, much like the classic Aleksey Vayner video resume. Here are a few of the comments appended as the email bounced from Merrill Lynch, to BNY Mellon, to Barclay's, etc.

Drinks on me for the first analyst to concisely summarize everything that is wrong with this.

NYU builds ROCKSTARS..

Something to aspire to.

Frizz, you guys still need a first year for next summer? This guy is bringin straight fireflames in his cover letter

This guy's resume has been sent to almost every [Investment Bank]…

This is sensational. This guy has already interviewed everywhere and has been nowhere.

not sure if you've seen this yet, but it has been bouncing all over the street today... kid is a total legend

please enjoy. someone find him on facebook (although at this point, he probably deleted it). be sure to scroll through the list of companies that this has been through in 5 days. this kid is never getting a job.

When reached by phone yesterday, Mark was well aware of the furor surrounding his letter, and that he'd overplayed his hand. When asked if he'd gotten a job at J.P. Morgan, he laughed. "No, not at all. Didn't you see my letter?"

Cheer up, Mark. You don't really want to be an investment banker, anyway. Those guys are all total dickwads.

Preparing for the Summer Job Fair

By: Jennifer Jurczewsky
@jenjurczewsky

The Summer Job Fair is Wednesday Feb.  8 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. in LBJ Student Center Ballroom. We have a list of registered employers from A-Z.

So you have your resume done? Great first step. Now prepare for the actual introduction with these tips from Enterprise below. 

Prepping:

-Research the employers who are registered

-Preselect the companies that interest you

-Sign up with Jobs4Cats to receive future information

Introducing yourself to employers:

-Don’t be shy: walk right up and shake hand

“Hi, I’m __(name)_. I’m very interested in_(company/position)___. Here is a copy of my resume.” Or “Hello, I’m __(name)__. I have researched your company and I am very interested in becoming a part of the team (explain why). Here is my resume.”

Non-verbal skills:

-Firm handshake

-Eye contact

-Posture

-Hand gesture/mannerisms

-Smile

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

-What opportunities would be available in your company in five years?

-Can you tell me a little about your career with XYZ company?

-When is the earliest I could begin?

Interview apparel:

Men:

-business causal

Women:

-business causal

Wear something you don’t have to question. If you question your appearance, you will be distracted from the interview.

Follow-up

-Get their business card

-Immediately send a thank you letter when you get home: employers will see many students through the day so it is good to set yourself apart.

Final tips:

-Arrive early and give yourself time to mingle

-Unprofessional appearance is the #1 mistake we see

-Take extra resumes: another booth may catch your eye

                *If you run out, you may print more in Career Services office LBJ 5-7.1

-Have planner handy: you will want to be able to make an appointment right there if offered the opportunity

-Visit other booths as well as your preselected employers: get the first jitters out of your system before you meet with the employer you wanted to visit

Still have questions on how to prepare for the Summer Job Fair?

Visit www.careerservices.txstate.edu  or call us 512-245-2645 and make an appointment

Major Conversations: how to tell your parents you are changing your major | USA TODAY College

Many college students change their major, and some dread telling their family about it. If you fall into this camp, don’t worry. If presented properly, you can solicit their support. Here are some techniques to help you break the ice and prepare for the conversation.

1. Start the conversation early.

The longer you wait, the more shocked your parent(s) will be. They might also be hurt that you did not seek their input. If you think you can wait because you view them as aloof and disinterested, be careful. They could just be acting this way because they do not want to directly influence your decision. Make no assumptions, and take the initiative to begin the discussion.

2. Focus on your common ground and understand that they have good intentions.

Both you and your family want you to be successful and happy. If they ask tough questions, it is only because they want to confirm that you are making an informed decision. Reframe this as a valuable resource rather than lecturing.

3. Lead with the facts instead of emotional appeals.

Identify the reasons you disliked your initial major. Then share the research you have collected about yourself and your options. If you met with or shadowed a professional in the field, share the information you acquired. This dispels the misconception that you made the decision impulsively, while also helping them learn more about your new program of study.

4. Celebrate the experience.

Mention that nearly half of all college students change their major before they graduate. This will help them understand that this exploration is not only common, but it is also beneficial. Tragically some college students ignore their dissatisfaction, only to have it surface later when it is too late. You, however, have had the courage to proactively look for alternatives, which will improve your motivation, concentration and chances of securing satisfactory employment after graduation.

5. Be realistic.

No career or academic program is perfect. Identify any disadvantages that surfaced in your research to demonstrate that you have examined it from every angle.

6. If some concerns still remain, identify the course of action you will take to address them.

For example, if you learned that the job outlook is only growing at an average rate in your new occupation, outline the internships, employment or co-curricular activities that you will pursue to gain a competitive edge.

7. Provide some peace of mind.

For instance, share that you will be meeting with an advisor to develop a plan of study to ensure that you do not need to extend your graduation date. This again conveys your careful analysis of the decision and reassures your family members that you will not incur additional tuition expenses as the result of the change. Also emphasize the activities you will pursue to verify your decision, such as finding a part-time job related to your new major or enrolling in an introductory class. Continue to share your confirmation over time in case they fear that you will be dissatisfied or change your mind again.

8. Provide specific examples of how they can learn about your new major or career.

Share with your parent(s) the websites that you have visited, such as your university’s catalog, O*Netor the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

9. Ask for their support.

Emphasize that you value your family’s input and hope that they can come to share your enthusiasm about the new career you have chosen.

10. Assess the importance of your own voice and the voice of others.

More than likely, your culture and background will influence your perceptions. Some Americans value independence, while others value communal decision making. Only you can determine the role and importance others will play in the process.

If you have shared with your parents that you changed your major, how did the conversation go? What tips or suggestions would you add to this list?

Billie Streufert is director of the Academic Success Center at the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. With nearly ten years of experience in career and academic advising, she is passionate about helping individuals discover and achieve their goals. She is eager to connect with students via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and herblog.

Want an Excellent Summer Job?

 by Karen Julian

Great! Review these three questions and follow the suggestions to help you get started.

Q. When Should I Begin Looking for a Summer Job?

·         EARLY! Start brainstorming and networking over Winter Break. Attend the Summer Job Fair in February and step up your search at Spring Break.

·         Create a list of networking connections to get job leads (speak to counselors in Career Services, family members, professors, advisors, alumni and friends).

·         Follow up on your networking contacts. Use Spring Break to develop a list of organizations to submit an application/resume.

·         Be sure to check on the application process and make a list of deadlines.

·         Attend the Student Conservation Association’s Information Session on February 1, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. in LBJSC 5-7.1 (Career Services Office) or the Walt Disney World College Program’s spring presentation on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in LBJSC 3-15 or Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in LBJSC 3-14 to find out about how you can tie summer employment into their fall internship program.

Q. What Can You Do To Improve Your Chances Of Being Employed?

·         Search for a variety of positions.

·         Ask parents and relatives in the business community for suggestions.

·         Keep in mind that some summer jobs require you to apply in person.

·         Be persistent and stay committed to the search. Make it a priority.

·         Don’t narrow your range to just a few employers.

·         Be an entrepreneur and consider creating your own summer job, such as house sitter, animal sitter, dog walker, lawn care/gardener, personal assistant, house painting, home repair person, etc.

Formula for Success

1.    Set your priorities. Determine what you looking for in a summer job.

2.    While on the job, be eager to take the initiative and be the person who is willing to go the “extra mile.”

3.    Take a seemingly ordinary job and make a difference; find a way to hone your professional skills.

4.    A summer job is your opportunity to test your skills and perhaps work toward meeting your career goal.

5.    Make the most out of your summer job by developing skills and gaining experience that will be valuable to you in the future.

6.    Evaluate your needs. The type of job available to you depends to some extent upon your qualifications, access to transportation, ability to relocate and financial needs.

7.    Think about the skills that you have to offer to an employer. Do you learn quickly? Are you a good communicator and get along well with others? Can you speak a second language? Do you have any transferable skills to offer from previous jobs? Are you dependable and responsible?

8.    Consider personal traits that you possess: Analytical, organized, detail-oriented, good with numbers.

9.    Be confident and show an interest in the position.

10.  Remember, it’s never too early to think about summer employment. Keep in mind you may need to apply six months in advance, i.e. National Parks.

Develop a resource list of prospective employers

Ø  Set-up a profile in the Jobs4Cats database on the Career Services website. View the summer job postings.

Ø  Attend the Summer Job Fair on February 8^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in LBJSC Ballroom and other job fairs at Texas State during the spring semester.

Ø  Review positions in the classified section of The University Star and your local or hometown newspapers.

Ø  Browse organization websites and use the search engines listed on the Career Services website under “Recommended Internet Resources,” such as Petersons.com, summerjobs.com, coolworks.com and many more.

Ø  Check with local, city, county and state government agencies websites.

Ø  Examine summer job books in the Career Services Resource Library.

Ø  Pay attention to flyers/posters on bulletin boards.

Develop a great resume with assistance from Career Services. If you already have a resume, update it with any new information to make sure it is concise. Resume tips:

1.    Keep it simple. Make it only one page!

2.    Include campus and permanent addresses, telephone numbers (cell, home, work), and e-mail address.

3.    List your education, honors, activities, special skills, talents and experience.

4.    Don’t forget to include anything that sets you apart from the competition.

5.    Create a list of references of people who know you and your capabilities and ask for permission to use their name. (Include: name, title, address, telephone number and e-mail address).

6.    The list should consist of a minimum of three references and be separate from the resume. Professors, supervisors and co-workers make good references.

A.   Completing Applications

1.    Be prepared to complete an application form.

2.    Read the instructions carefully.

3.    If some questions do not relate to your background, write NA (not applicable) in the space.

4.    List job experience from most recent job to oldest along with a brief job description of work performed. Include name of your supervisor/title, organization name, address and phone number.

5.    If you are faxing or e-mailing an application form to an employer, always send it with a cover letter along with a copy of your resume.

6.    The cover letter should be professionally written. Make it brief, concise and positive to convey that you are a good fit for the position. You can find more information on writing a cover letter or resume on the Career Services website.

A sample list of suggested summer job sites:

·         *Theme and Amusement Parks

·         *National and State Parks

·         *City Park and Recreation Departments

·         *Camps (Types of camps: single sex, co-ed, day camps or overnight, athletic camps, camps for physically or mentally disabled, church or religious sect camps, and wilderness camps)

·         *Hotels, Resorts and Spas

·         *Dude Ranches and Country Clubs

·         *Local Recreation Centers

·         Companies with service related positions such as Retailers and Call Centers

·         Federal Government summer job program

·         Market Research Firms such as The Gallup Organization

·         Employment and Temporary Agencies

·         Non-Profit Agencies

·         Museums, Libraries and Theatres

·         Health Fields (hospitals, clinics, labs, doctor’s offices, etc.)

·         Restaurants and other Food Industry employers

·         Service Providers (Supermarkets, Courier/Delivery Services, and Daycare Agencies)

·         Construction Companies

*These employers hire a large number of college students each year. They provide responsible positions, especially for first and second year students.