September 2022 - Career Connections Center

Planning for the future can be anxiety-inducing, but the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center is dedicated to helping students along the way. This past summer, the center launched a model that makes it easier for students explore industries and opportunities, learn about skills needed and build social capital that will lead them toward graduation success.

Career Pathways is a new initiative designed around creating avenues for students to explore beyond their declared majors and learn about a variety of different career fields using related skills sets. This initiative includes customizable career development programming and resources, allowing students to choose from six groups of related industries. The model enables students to explore groups of related industries.

“Major doesn’t equal career,” said Julia Vollrath, associate director of campus initiatives and career pathways. “Our goal is to broaden students’ understanding of how they can apply their degrees, increase access for students and work more intentionally within their academic programs.”

The six Career Pathways — science, technology, engineering and mathematics; arts, communications, media and marketing; healthcare and health science; business, public service and tourism; human services, consulting and education; and architecture, manufacturing, natural resources and agriculture — were identified based on the 16 career clusters outlined by O*Net and grouped together based on which industries shared common knowledge and skills.

Unlike past models where career exploration was more closely tied to degree, the new Career Pathways model allows students to explore career resources, programs and industry connections no matter their major.

“This model speaks more to what industry is saying,” Vollrath said. “When we’re working with employers, they’re looking for all majors for their industry. This way, students can be more open to various employment opportunities.”

Each pathway has at least one career coach to support students interested in those industries.

Allie Simon, associate director for career engagement, said she encourages students to look out for career fairs, career labs, workshops, tabling and other events Career Pathways coaches will be hosting across campus.

“Career Pathways provides opportunities to connect with alumni, employers and each other, which is a central part of the model,” she said.

Ultimately, Vollrath said she hopes Career Pathways will enable students to explore career options they otherwise might not have considered.

“We’re helping to educate them on what’s out there and how to get connected,” she said.

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28

Oct

Career Connections Center is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce

October 28, 2022

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Career Connections Center is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce

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Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming increasingly intertwined in the job market, building skills in this area can give you a competitive advantage for a successful job search. The University of Florida’s Career Connections Center is dedicated to ensuring students are prepared with competencies to engage with AI by the time they graduate.

AI refers to the growing ability of machines to demonstrate human intelligence and problem-solving skills. In the workplace, this technology is also commonly used both during the recruitment and hiring processes.

Ja’Net Glover, senior director of career services, said the center has been engaged in a concerted effort to familiarize Gators of all disciplines with the ever-growing significance of AI.

“We want our students to be aware that AI is already utilized in all disciplines,” she said. “What could this look like for careers and jobs? But also, how do you work alongside these tools for success?”

The university currently promotes approximately 200 courses focused on AI, which have been taken by more than 6,000 students this year alone. Over the course of the last year, the career center hosted six programs about AI’s impact on the workforce.

The center’s commitment to AI education is constantly expanding.

By employing an AI-specific career coach to work within the center, students will have access to focused education centered on both careers within AI and the ways the technology is utilized in other professions.

For example, students interested in entering the field of finance may work alongside AI functions such as analyzing data, as employers have shared with the center.

“The AI coach would help students understand the importance of critical thinking, the ethics and biases of information and being intuitive about whether data is comprehensive,” Glover said.

The center is also onboarding Quinncia, an AI program designed to improve student engagement with career services, this fall.

Quinncia contains an AI-enabled resume enhancement feature that offers suggestions and overall feedback based on the student’s desired industry. Students can also engage with the program’s mock interview tool, which creates a faux interview setting and provides users with a final score based on facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, use of filler words and other factors.

“In a way, this tool helps students become more competitive,” Glover said. “Having access to the program before interacting with an AI screening tool during the application and interview process — practicing in that space and considering the features and components — is valuable.”

Another major development in AI education at UF is the establishment of the AI Academic Initiative Center, which was announced in March 2022. In addition to continuing efforts to prepare students for the post-graduation job search, the AI Center will also work closely with the Career Connections Center on engaging with industries for talent acquisition.

Nearly 2,000 companies come to campus each year through Career Connections Center events. This partnership will bolster the university’s ability to provide students with pathways to internships and full-time jobs that will require the use of AI in their everyday work.

“The AI Center is going to give the university a centralized arm to route interest and efforts around artificial intelligence,” Glover said. “It's going to give a level of accountability and commitment to all the work that's happening.”

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28

Oct

Career Prep process sets new students up for success

October 28, 2022

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Career Prep process sets new students up for success

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First-time Gators may have noticed two new holds on their accounts this semester. These are part of the Career Prep process — a newly implemented program to encourage career exploration and professional development.

“It's the university's commitment to students' professional growth,” said Angel Iverson, director for career foundations in the Division of Student Life Career Connections Center. “There are many partners at UF who are working collaboratively to ensure students are aware of all the opportunities in front of them.”

Holds began appearing for students in their first semester at UF — including transfer, readmitted or traditional first-year students — on June 28, but they will not prevent registration until March 2023.

Sitting down with Iverson and Belen Farias, assistant director of marketing and strategic communications in Student Life, they explained the process, what it requires and how it will help students from day one.

The Career Prep process is split into two steps and, in total, takes about 45 minutes to complete.

To start, students must complete a Career Prep learning module in Canvas that will introduce them to a variety of career resources.

  One valuable resource students will be exposed to through the module is CHOMP, an interactive, online program designed to help users explore potential majors and career options. The system includes a series of self-assessments, prompting students to consider their own career readiness and how different fields of study filter into job opportunities.

By proactively venturing into major and career planning during their first semester, students can set themselves up for success later down the line and connect the dots early on between their experiences, skill-building and expertise.

“They can learn about career resources and preparation early to help them make more informed academic and career decisions,” Iverson said.

Experimenting with CHOMP also enables first-time UF students to think “outside the box” about their futures, said Libby Adkins, a third-year career ambassador with the Career Connections Center.

“When you get here as a freshman, you’re not really going to know what you want to do,” she said. “You’re going to want to get your hands in different things. Taking CHOMP gives you a good idea of places to start, and it gives you an idea of all the kinds of places you can go with the skills you have.”

Students participating in the module will also engage with tools to bolster understanding of on-campus resources that support their career development, including those provided by the Career Connections Center. This includes the Center’s eight-semester Career Readiness Guide, which outlines and explains in detail approximately 50 specific actions students can take throughout their college careers to prepare themselves to enter the job market and when the optimal time is to consider those actions.

To clear the second hold, students need to activate their Gator CareerLink account. CareerLink is an online portal that offers University of Florida students and alumni access to a host of career-related information and support. Once students log in to their account, they will be met with hundreds of job and internship listings, upcoming events and countless other tips and opportunities.

Adkins said that she encourages all incoming Gators to familiarize themselves with the resources provided by the Career Connections Center. In addition to resume and cover letter review, the center also offers general career advice and one-on-one career coaching for students the moment they step foot onto campus.

“Building that relationship with a career coach early and being able to continuously go back and talk with them can be super beneficial for deciding what you want to do and helping you get internships, full-time job experience and guidance throughout school,” Adkins said.

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13

Sep

What Job Applicants Need to Know About AI in Hiring

September 13, 2022

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What Job Applicants Need to Know About AI in Hiring

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Artificial intelligence is not just about self-driving cars and Silicon Valley. AI has found its way into nearly every job — and even into landing that job in the first place. Artificially intelligent programs now routinely screen job applications, often before a human hiring manager ever sees a single resume. Companies are also increasingly turning to AI job interviews, a kind of recorded interview that can screen for job knowledge and even analyze body language.

At the end of the day, the same skills that work for the traditional hiring process can be applied to this brave new world. Here are some simple tips on how to sail through the AI systems so you can land your dream job.

Write for the computer — and the human

Employers are increasingly using AI systems to help with screening and sifting through job applications, leaning most heavily on tools known as applicant tracking systems, or ATS. An ATS can automatically compare resumes against the job description and rank candidates based on how well it thinks they fit the qualifications.

That filtering process mostly boils down to how well the software thinks your resume lines up with keywords it notices in the job description or that the hiring manager asked it to search for.

So, how do you spot those key phrases to make an ATS friendly resume?

“The biggest thing is using the job description as a guide,” said Sara Gould, senior assistant director for career engagement at the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center. “Go through it old school with a highlighter, find the language they’re using in their document and then apply that to yours.”

Zero in on required certifications or skills before worrying about “preferred” qualifications. Look for words or phrases that are repeated or meaningful in the industry. See how your background and skills can be shared using this language.

Formatting is also key. If the application specifies what kind of document to submit, follow those directions closely. Typically, a plain Word document or PDF is safe. Fancy graphics or complex columns might confuse the machine reader, so stick to a straightforward layout. Most hiring managers are interested in the substance, rather than the style, of a resume, anyway.

And don’t make the mistake of trying to outsmart the machine. Tricks like posting the entire job description into the resume in invisible white text will get you noticed, but not in a good way. “Those things can be flagged as an anomaly,” Gould said. “It’s a machine learning system, so they’re learning those tricks, too.”

Employers who see these warnings on your application will know you’ve tried to game the system.

But never forget that your goal is to impress the human behind the AI. Avoid robotic lists of keywords. Try to seamlessly weave in the most important qualifications, skills and key phrases into normal language so your own humanity shines through.

Resume keyword scanners also make the personal touch as important as ever.

“Don’t let them stop you from networking, following up, reaching out,” Gould said. “There’s still a person there.”

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AI interviews: dos and don’ts

Also known as recorded interviews, AI interviews are an increasingly common screening tool. They typically ask applicants to record themselves answering timed interview questions. AI interviews may also include skills tests, where applicants have to demonstrate field-specific knowledge or answer questions designed to test for critical thinking. While basic programs might just send recordings to hiring managers, the most sophisticated ones can analyze responses, tone, even facial expressions and eye contact.

“Some companies consider the virtual interview the new resume,” said Ja’Net Glover, director of career services at UF.

As part of the transition to skills-based hiring, these virtual interviews and skills tests can help employers find good fits early in the process.

That may sound intimidating, but preparing for an AI interview is similar to how to prepare for an interview in person or over video with a human.

“Ask the employer you’re interviewing with what to expect during the process,” Glover said. If you learn what software they are using, look up the program’s website and research how it works. You can even use similar tools to practice. Both Google and LinkedIn offer machine-learning-based interview prep.

In addition to doing your research, take the AI interview as seriously as you would any other. Dress appropriately for the job. Find a quiet, well-lit room to record your responses. Imagine you’re speaking with a live interviewer and behave the same way: warm and professional, without a lot of fidgeting.

One advantage in favor of job applicants? They’ll be on their home turf.

“Candidates can control a lot of factors that in a standard interview they wouldn’t have control over,” Glover said. That gives job seekers the chance to practice in the environment they’ll have to perform in. And practice is always the key to a good interview.

“The more they practice, the more it’ll help them feel confident and prepared,” Glover said.

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Resources available

UF’s Career Connections Center helps prepare students for navigating the AI-enabled hiring process through instruction, practice and feedback from career counselors.

Starting in the fall 2022 semester, the career center will also provide access to Quinncia, a new machine-learning-driven interview prep tool that provides tailored feedback on resumes and interviews for AI-driven job searches. Just like resume reviews and practice interviews with human coaches — which will always be a good idea — practicing with the kinds of AI software that UF students will encounter can give them a leg up on the competition.

Career coaches also constantly educate other staff and faculty on campus about the evolving use of technology in the hiring process. And they work with employers to identify trends in AI tools to prepare students for what’s on the horizon.

“This technology will continue to evolve," Glover said. “It’s not going anywhere.”

Eric Hamilton, August 10, 2022

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13

Sep

How to Find the Right Graduate School Program for You

September 13, 2022

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How to Find the Right Graduate School Program for You

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Want (or need) to go to graduate school but don’t know where to start? Don’t fret! There are a lot of resources and strategies available to help you find your perfect match. You’ll need to do some research about your subject of interest, what degree you want to pursue, and which schools offer what you’re looking for. Once you’ve found 5-10 programs of interest, you can start on the path to your future degree.

What should you study?

There are over 150 graduate fields of study at UF alone, with multiple types of master’s and doctoral degrees. Multiply that by the number of universities in Florida and around the world, and you’ll find that you have a lot of options. With all those choices, it can be hard to decide which programs to consider.

Understand your options

There are almost as many degree types as there are subjects to study. Luckily, most of these can be broken down into a few categories to help you focus your search.
Master’s degrees
These are typically research-based or career-focused, designed for students to enter the workforce after graduation.
Many master’s programs are designed to teach you all you need, but some can also prepare you to enter a PhD program.
Most programs take 1-4 years to complete.
Doctoral degrees:
The most common type of doctoral degree is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Most programs are research-based, allowing you to explore your subject with a faculty advisor.
Most programs take 4-6 years to complete, depending on your research.
Professional degrees:
These are specialized programs for fields that require licensing or other certifications to work.
Common professional degrees are Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Programs vary widely in the time to completion based on the field.

Work backwards

If you know what you want to do with your degree, start there! Use resources such as O-Net and other databases to see what education is typically required for your future occupation.
If your undergraduate degree is in a related field, ask your instructors what they studied and what they would recommend.
Check out LinkedIn profiles for UF alumni that already have the type of job you want. What did they study?
Set up informational interviews with people in your desired field to learn about their education.
Start looking for jobs you would be interested in pursuing. Pay special attention to educational requirements to point you in the right direction.

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Where should you study it?

Now that you have narrowed down what you want to study and at what level, it’s time to find specific programs. Some of the research you did on your subject may have given you some options of specific degrees or universities to consider. If not, or if you need more ideas, you have a lot of tools at your fingertips.

Professional organizations

There are professional organizations for just about every field! They can be great sources of information about educational options, and some have graduate program listings online. Find yours through your Career Community.
If you will need a license or certification for your field, check with the licensing agency to find approved programs.

Graduate school databases

There are numerous graduate school sites where you can research and compare programs. Some of the most popular sites are Peterson’s, US News & World Report, and Princeton Review.

Graduate school fairs

In-person and online fairs are a great way to learn about multiple graduate programs at once and make some connections in the process. Check out our annual Graduation and Professional Schools Fair on October 20, 2022, in the Reitz Grand Ballroom.

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How do you get there?

Once you have a group of 5-10 programs you’re interested in, start researching each program and its admissions specifics.

Go straight to the source

Check out the department or program website for more specific information about the process, including application requirements and deadlines.
Attend admissions events if the program offers them. You can learn more about the program while meeting faculty, staff, and possible future classmates.

The search for a graduate school program can seem overwhelming, but you can find your perfect match by following these steps. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to completing the next step of your education.

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13

Sep

Fraudulent Job Awareness

September 13, 2022

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Fraudulent Job Awareness

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As you search for internships and jobs, you may come across a posting that seems too good to be true - lucrative salary, flexible location/schedule, transferring money, purchasing gift cards online, vague / low level of responsibilities – we want to make sure candidates know how to identify these fraudulent posts and provide tips for avoiding them altogether.

These red flags are a common theme among fraudulent job listings:

You received a random, unsolicited email
The sender asks for personal information such as age, address, phone number, banking information
The job only says that they need help, but there are no specific tasks or duties articulated
The poster will only communicate through electronic means, and will not speak on the phone or offer an in-person or video meeting
The employer does not use a company email address, but communicates using a personal account and typically with poor grammar or spelling without professional etiquette
They are sending you money without meeting in-person, or they are asking for some sort of fee to apply for the job
They do not ask you to sign any formal paperwork
They require that you purchase materials, software, equipment, etc. to begin your role
The employer indicates that they need a “virtual assistant”
The salary for the position is much higher than you might anticipate – for example, if they are advertising a high hourly salary to work “whenever you want”

In the event you are contacted with an “opportunity” that features any combination of the elements listed above:

Do not respond or engage with them in any manner
Do not click any links present in emails
Do not deposit any random checks that you receive in the mail without potential verification. Bring your suspicious checks to the bank to deposit, bank tellers are trained to identify fake checks
Report potential fraudulent @ufl.edu emails to abuse@ufl.edu and notify the Career Connections Center at HireGators@ufsa.ufl.edu to assist
If you have already lost money, file a police report with the University Police Department or the law enforcement agency where you are located

There are steps you can take to research a company and/or recruiter to confirm the legitimacy of any opportunities presented to you:

Look at their organization’s website and other job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed to see if the job they offered you is listed there

Visit their LinkedIn profiles to confirm that the person contacting you is an actual employee of the organization they are representing

Contact their human resources department to verify that they are reaching out to candidates to make hires without fielding applications

If it looks like outreach from a university department, look on the University of Florida jobs portal
If the position is not listed and someone with an “@ufl.edu” email reaches out advertising a position, look them up on the UF Directory and search the department for their name and call the department to determine if the person works there and is looking for an assistant

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13

Sep

Grad School Application Checklist and Timeline

September 13, 2022

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Grad School Application Checklist and Timeline

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Grad School Application Checklist/Timeline

This suggested timeline is for students planning to attend graduate school immediately after earning a bachelor’s degree and can be easily adjusted for students planning a post-baccalaureate or gap-year experience or for master’s students applying for doctoral programs. Note that this is a suggested timeline and may not apply to all programs, i.e., medical school or physical therapy school. Use this as a guide to keep you on track but remember to follow up with each program individually for specifics.

Winter/Spring - Junior Year

Meet with career/academic advisors and professors to discuss your interest in graduate study
Begin researching institutions/programs and visiting for campus tours

Gradschools.com, petersons.com, thegradcafe.com, professors/advisors

Attend graduate school fairs (The Career Connections Center hosts one each October)
Draft the beginnings of your personal statement
Write a resume/CV and have it reviewed in the Career Connections Center
Identify individuals for letters of recommendation and continue to develop these relationships

Gain experiences needed to diversify your application

Part-time work, club involvement, volunteer service, research

Register and take appropriate standardized exams (there are many – see what is appropriate for your industry)

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) has a general test component, which is most often required for graduate admission, as well as several GRE Subject Tests that focus on a specific field of study.

Free GRE preparation materials may be found on the official GRE Web page and also at www.Number2.com and www.varsitytutors.com/practice-tests.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are common English proficiency tests.

Take practice exams if desired

Kaptest.com, Princetonreview.com

Register with appropriate application systems

Sometimes you have to apply to both the university’s graduate school in addition to a specific program

Complete and submit medical school applications – this process is earlier than other graduate school applications

Summer – After Junior Year

Continue to research/visit schools
Network with professors to discuss overlapping research interests and how your skills might contribute
Work on your personal statement

Visit the Career Connections Center and Writing Center for review

Ask individuals for letters of recommendation

Provide your resume and other helpful documents to assist them with your letter

Continue to gain experiences needed to diversify your application
Make a checklist of requirements and schedule for each application

Fall/Winter – Senior Year

Register and take appropriate standardized exams
Request copies of official transcript from Registrar’s office

See application guidelines for how to submit (with application or sent separately)

Finish personal statement

Collect letters of recommendation
Attend appropriate graduate school information sessions/events
Apply for scholarships and awards
Complete applications and submit

Preferably in advance before deadlines/rolling deadlines

Be sure to be intentional and strategic when applying – it is beneficial to apply to more than one program to greater the chances of acceptance

Submit financial aid applications

Spring – Senior Year

Interview with institutions that require an interview for program admittance/assistantships
Engage with institutions that accept you (campus tours, virtual tours)

Contact/talk to students currently enrolled in the program to gain more information
Complete FAFSA

Consider what will be best for you (scholarship, assistantships, student loans)

Submit tuition/housing deposits upon acceptance
Notify other institutions that accepted you so they may admit students on their waitlist

Send thank you notes to those who wrote your letters of recommendation, and inform them of your success

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13

Sep

Family Events Are Networking Events

September 13, 2022

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Family Events Are Networking Events

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Ask questions.

Have you always wondered what your super smart tech savvy cousin did? Ask! Were you genuinely aware how high up in the business industry your aunt was? Probably not! Your family can help introduce you to a hiring manager, set you up with an informational interview with someone in an industry you’re interested in, or expose you to new and interesting career fields you never thought of before. Be intentional this holiday season and find out what your loved ones do for their careers and hobbies - it might spark an open door for you! 

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Put yourself out there.

Some people don’t like to humble brag or even talk about themselves in general, but it’s important to share your plans at family gatherings. Let your uncle know you’re interested in getting involved in sustainability. You might find out that he has a connection at work with someone in the Corporate Sustainability Office at his organization who would be willing to chat with you. Your cousin might know of an up-and-coming startup company who is looking for a candidate just like you! Opportunities grow and flourish when you put yourself out there and actually talk instead of refreshing your Instagram every half hour. These people care about your success and well-being, it makes sense to utilize them in your career advancement.

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Treat them like they aren’t family.

Loved ones do favors for each other, that’s a pretty common statement. While people who care for you will most likely go out of their way for you, try to not treat them as they owe you “family favors.” Your brother-in-law may have worked very hard to build the relationships he has at his organization and will be putting his name on the line by recommending you. Make sure you are serious, prepared, and respectful when networking with your family. This means following up, making sure you are actually qualified before asking for a job-related favor, thanking them for their gracious gesture, and reciprocating the favor if you are able. Networking connections are a mutually beneficial relationship, whether they are family or not.

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12

Sep

The Power of a Networking Buddy

September 12, 2022

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The Power of a Networking Buddy

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What is a networking buddy?

If the idea of networking in a room full of strangers sounds about as fun as getting your wisdom teeth pulled, you're not alone! While most people find the idea of networking to be both scary and overwhelming, it can also be one of the most powerful tools in your job/internship search. Having a networking buddy can make this process less intimidating and more meaningful.

A networking buddy is a friend/coworker/classmate that you go through the job search process with. But why should you try to find a networking buddy? Here are the top three reasons why you should bring a networking buddy with you to the next event you attend.

Accountability

One of the greatest benefits of having a networking buddy is that they keep you accountable. It's easy to wake up the morning of a career fair, talk yourself out of attending and going back to sleep. Though, if you have a networking buddy it is much harder to back out when someone is counting on you to show up.

2 Sense of Security

A networking buddy can help you with pep talks, debriefing, and receiving feedback. Sometimes it is comforting to know someone in the crowd that will lend you an ear.

3 Achieving Balance

Having a networking buddy can also help you achieve a healthy balance when it comes to setting goals for both networking and jobs/internships. Your buddy can help you set reasonable goals for the networking event, such as how many companies you need to talk to before you can leave.

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When to Leave the Buddy Behind

While all the above are great reasons to have a networking buddy, it is also important to know when you should go on your own for one-on-one networking. While it is ok to have a buddy in line with you at a career event, it is important to know that when it is your time to speak to the recruiter, you need to have that conversation on your own.

Next time you need to attend a networking event, but are dreading having to go alone, bring a friend and give the idea of a networking buddy a try!

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12

Sep

Searching for An Internship? Here’s How

September 12, 2022

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Searching for An Internship? Here’s How

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“Internships are typically one-time work or service experiences related to the student’s major or career goal. The internship plan generally involves students working in professional settings under the supervision and monitoring of practicing professionals. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and the student may or may not receive academic credit for performing the internship”

– National Association of Colleges and Employers

You might have heard that finding an internship is the key to finding a career that you love at graduation. Although, it is not the only way, statistics show that it is a good way to land a job after graduation with a higher rate of pay than your peers who do not engage in this experience. Gator undergrads who participated in at least one internship during their time at UF reported a 15% increase in their starting salary. Did I pique your interest yet?

If you have reached this far, I am going to assume that you are interested in finding an internship. Below you will find 3 tips to get you on your way:

Start looking Early

Typically, employers start searching for Summer internships in the Fall of the previous year. That is a whole 8-9 months ahead of your intended start date. So, think about which semester you want to intern in and count backwards to get a ballpark timeframe of when you should start your search. However, if you don’t want to do the math, the gist is that you want to make sure that you start your search as early as possible. Consider attending Career Fairs and employer hosted events at least a year before you want to land a role.

2 Get involved in student organizations

You are trying to get an internship, right? So why am I encouraging you to join a student org. Well other than the fact that any experiential learning opportunity provides you with valuable skills that you can market to an employer. The 2021 NACE Internship report says that having a leadership position gives you a competitive edge when you go up against another candidate that is equally qualified as you. So go ahead and explore Gator Connect. UF has over 1000 student organizations that you can explore. Take into account what you are interested in, what you value and your available time to dedicate to the experience and find one or two organizations to become active in.

3 Build your Connections both on, off and beyond campus

Building relationships with others is a big part of your UF experience. Your Gator Nation Family will prove an invaluable resource as you explore careers and search for opportunities. Don’t hesitate to tap your upper classmen to make connections with industry. Besides, they might be in an internship right now and can provide you with a referral. Just make sure that you make good on it and be the best intern you can be. No need to burn bridges.

Then consider, broadening your professional connections with alumni by attending events that feature Gator Career Consultants. Gator Career Consultants are alumni and friends of the Gator Nation who are invested in your career education as a Gator. Sample event titles at the C3 you would want to look out for are ‘Gator Career Chats’ and ‘Alumni Perspectives’.

Lastly, you will want to share with others what you are looking for in an internship. Talk to your faculty, advisors, friends, and family. No sense in you looking on your own. Have your tribe help you in your search. You can also upload your resume in Gator Career Link, any employer that comes to a career fair can get a resume book for free to find individuals that match their positions. So let this powerful tool do some of the lifting as well.

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12

Sep

Recruitment timeline and what to know before you start applying

September 12, 2022

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Recruitment timeline and what to know before you start applying

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Campus recruiting timeline overview

Each company will decide on their own timeline based on their practice, talent needs and approach of recruiting. You may see different timeline within the same industry, so please plan ahead and designate sufficient time for your research. Think about it as a project, on average from your application to secure an offer, will take about 6 months. Fall (Aug to Oct) is a popular window of campus recruiting, particular for private sector companies. If you are actively searching for a summer internship next year or graduating in 6 to 12 months, you should take advantage of this career fairs happening at this time.

Strategy Consulting firms: These companies (Bain, McKinsey, BCG, A.T. Kearny) have a very early hiring schedule. The opportunities for next year (both full time and internship) will be posted early summer or even earlier. By middle of summer, companies will wrap up their screening interviews. By Aug, the offers are extended. As it is also very selective, if this is your career aspiration, start your research in the fall, apply as early as possible.

‘Advanced’ hiring: Larger corporations and employers usually adapt this strategy because of the competition of talents as well as they are able to anticipate their needs earlier in the process. They usually release their next year of internship and full-time hiring opportunities towards end of Aug or early Sep. They will start to host info session, attend campus career fairs in Sep. and Oct. Then on a rolling basis, their interview process follows through Oct to next Feb. The first batch of offer may come out right before Thanksgiving, and through out early Spring. Most of their internship starts in late May or early June, usually it will be 10 to 12 weeks. Pay attention to the program detail so you will not miss the application deadline. It is always a good idea to apply earlier.

‘As Needed’ or ‘Just in Time’ hiring: Employers across all sectors – for-profit, non-profit, and government – fall into this category. These employers hire when someone leaves or when the company or organization is growing. When positions become available, employers want to fill the opening quickly. If a position becomes available in February, most employers will not be able to hold it open until June when a graduating student is available to begin working. At UF Career Connections Center, we are hosting different types of career fairs and events to serve the needs, please review our events calendar for more details. It is always a good idea to receive updates from the company’s career page, so you will be alerted with appropriate opportunities come out.

As a lot more companies are using Applicant Tracking System to build up their own talent pool, we do recommend you establishing your talent profile with them and apply the appropriate opportunities as it comes. If there is no specific application deadline highlighted, it usually will be closed as it is filled.

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Typical campus hiring process/steps overview

We have summarized the common 5 stages of hiring process and illustrated as above graphic. Usually, it is Review, Intro Call, Hiring manager interview , Team fit interview and Offer. Based on the job nature and company practices, there are additional interview steps may be added. For example, a lot of tech companies will add Tech Interview, consulting firms usually will add case study, some FMCG companies would add occupational online assessment after the Intro call. Understand the expected process/steps will help you prepare ahead. The whole interview process may take 2 weeks up to 4 weeks. Since COVID, we do see a lot more companies start to use pre-recorded Qs for the initial interview. UF C3 has included Quinncia as a resource for students to get familiar and practice for the interview. Please check on UF C3 website for more details.

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What should I do before I start to apply?

Understand the campus recruit timeline and hiring process.
Get your resume and other application documents ready.
Establish and polish your LinkedIn profile.
Prepare a job search tracking spreadsheet.
Schedule an appointment with Career pathway coaches at UF C3 to review your strategy and get more information related to your career interests.
Narrow down your industry, companies, and even job titles.

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What are the good job boards I should use?

Gator CareerLink (dedicated to UF students)
LinkedIn (more than just a job board)
Company career website
Professional association career website if applicable (please check on UF Career Pathway website for more details)
Indeed (for broader internship opportunities, recommend applying from company career website)

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Should I attend the career showcase/career fairs if I can just apply online?

The answer is YES. We even encourage you to apply prior to Showcase if it is applicable. Career Showcase itself is a great opportunity to network and connect with industry. It is also a great opportunity to hone in on your self-presence in a professional environment and how to engage in a meaningful conversation that will benefit both parties. Make sure to bring your resume, stories to share, questions to ask and bring back the better knowing of expectations, opportunities, and industrial contacts.

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I am a master’s degree student, is there any difference of my job search process?

Whether you are in a 1-year or 2-year master’s program, your professional success is best guaranteed through proper preparation and anticipation of the process that lies ahead.  While this can be seen as a challenge, you should know that the Career Connections Center is here to help you every step of the way. Before you arrive UF campus, feel free to check out our online resources and coming events at www.career.ufl.edu. Because the Fall is a big hiring window, we would encourage you to engage earlier and know your academic requirement before you start to apply for internships. Sep. and Oct. can be hectic time as you are get acquainted with UF campus, adjust to your academic schedule. That is why UF C3 intentionally host several workshops to help you to identify your strength/skills, communication with employment opportunities, resume labs etc. You can also take advantage of our express drop-in and individual appointment services to get yourself prepared. Even if you miss the Fall career showcase, it will come back in the Spring (usually early Feb), your ability to engage with employers, discover new interests, and pursue opportunities will be possible year-round!

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Can I apply for multiple roles with the same organization?

Yes, you absolutely can. Pay attention to specific rules if any the organization set up. For example, if you failed in one position interview, you may not be allowed to apply again in 6 months. Also bring good questions in any interaction with the organization and reflect on your learnings along the journey so you can find the right fit.

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Who should I put down as references on a job application?

References should be provided to employer as a separate document, DON’T include them in your resume.

Generally speaking, your future employer wants to talk with the following people for a professional reference, in order of importance.

Your current manager or supervisors (part time job, on campus job, research assistant, teaching assistant, peer advisor, mentor, internship, volunteer services)
Your previous managers or supervisors (part time job, on campus job, research assistant, teaching assistant, peer advisor, mentor, internship, volunteer services)
Your faculty who can speak to your experiences and knowing of your strengths and professional development
Your personal reference or friend who will vouch for you (Do not use your parents, unless they have been supervising your professional work.)

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Should I prepare a cover letter for the application?

Cover letters enrich your application as you are sharing who you are and who you want to be, which is different from your resume: what you have done in the past. If you are really interested in a particular position, have a tailored cover letter even if it is a supplementary document per guidelines. If the job application has a clear instruction to not include a cover letter, then follow the instruction so as not to annoy your potential employer. Here is the C3’s guide for how to compose a cover letter.

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What is the difference between full time and contract employment?

Contracted workers are not “employees” since they provide services on a short-term or individual project basis. You are either self-employed or employed by a third-party company. Contract workers do not have to be offered the full package of benefits that full-time employees will have access to, for example, taxes, pension/retirement, and healthcare. The full burden of these items is the responsibility of the contractor.

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What is ATS?

An applicant tracking system is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment and hiring needs. The principal function of an ATS is to provide a central location and database for a company’s recruitment efforts. Recent changes include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to facilitate guided semantic screening of applicants. In many cases they can filter applications automatically based on given criteria such as keywords, skills, years of experience and others. That is why optimizing your resume for ATS is important. If you miss the key words and critical criteria listed in the job description, your chances of landing an interview call may be decreased.

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What is an AI interview?

As the average resume generated for any one job posting is above 250, more companies are using AI programs to do an initial screen. The process requires the candidate to video record answers to pre-recorded questions. Yes, you are looking at yourself on the screen and answering 3 to 5 interview questions. Then, a guided algorithm will shortlist the ideal candidate before the recruiter and hiring manager review the recordings to select a candidate for the next interview round. If you have such an arrangement expected, please reach out to UF C3 for tips and advice. In short, treat it as an in-person interview. It is easy to say though, practice will help. Check on the Mock Interview Module available in Gator CareerLink.

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What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. It is not a criminal background check. Your employer will usually include the instructions and information needed in the onboarding communication and preparation.

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12

Sep

How to find an on-campus job

September 12, 2022

Learn More >

How to find an on-campus job

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Why should you work on-campus?

When you are working for a UF department you are a student first! A normal workweek is 10 to 20 hours, and 20 hours per week is the maximum students may work on campus. Almost UF department offers part-time job opportunities for student.

Not only do on-campus jobs put you first as a student, and make your commute from class easy, they also offer you an opportunity to gain the top skills employers are looking for in their new hires.

According to the UF Graduation Survey, students who work during their time at UF are more likely to have obtain employment at the time of employment compared to those students who do not work!

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How do you find an on-campus job?

Now that we have sold you on the benefit of working on-campus, I know you are thinking “how do I find an on-campus job?” This is the best part, all UF Departments post their open student positions through Careers at UF. Once one the Careers at UF’s website use the “Refine Search” toolbar on the right hand side to filter the jobs to just show you “student assistant” opening:

Image of job search

One you have used this filter tool the list of open student positions will populate on the left hand side of site. On this list you will see both Federal Work Study (FWS) and Non-Federal Work Study positions. In order to apply for a FWS position you must have this as part of your financial aid packet, as these positions are federally funded and need-based. To learn more about the Federal Work Study program and how you can qualify visit the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Once you find a position that is of interest to you, clink the title of the role to learn more about what this role entails, requirements for applicants, the salary, and when you will need to apply by. When you are ready to apply with a resume and cover letter , click the “apply now” button on the right hand side to start the application process.

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Wish you talk to the hiring departments in person before your apply?

Well, you are in luck! The UF Career Connections Center hosts a Part-Time Job Fair every Fall semester in the Reitz Union North Lawn Terrace, and many on-campus hiring departments attend this fair looking to hire student positions.

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Need help preparing?

If you need assistance in creating your resume, cover letter or what to expect at the Part-Time Job Fair, stop by the Career Connections Center during our Express Drop-in hours and one of our staff members will help you prepare your material.

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21

Jul

How to Prepare for Career Showcase

July 21, 2022

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21

Jan

What to do after Career Showcase

January 21, 2022

Learn More >

What to do after Career Showcase

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id="1" ][cs_element_layout_row _id="2" ][cs_element_layout_column _id="3" ][cs_element_gap _id="4" ][cs_element_text _id="5" ][cs_content_seo]So, you just attended Career Showcase, what’s next? Here are four steps to take to keep your momentum going and put your best self forward. Check your email and voicemail! Did you know that some companies host first round interviews the day after Career Showcase? Make sure that you are checking the email account you provided, as well as your voicemail and texts. You might find you have been selected for an interview or the company might be inviting you to an Employer Hosted Event such as a networking event or information session to further engage and build connections. Be sure to review interview strategies before you meet with an employer. If you plan to attend an Employer Hosted Event or an additional networking event after Career Showcase, here are some tips on how to stand out! Follow up with who you spoke with during the event. While each company and recruiter are different when it comes to their preference to how you should follow-up (email, apply online, connect via LinkedIn). Follow up promptly, but not while you are in a rush. Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to create a professional and intentional message. A good goal for follow-up is within 24- 48 hours after meeting. Review our guide on crafting professional messages. Make sure your LinkedIn is updated. We hear from employers that they often visit candidates LinkedIn to learn more about their candidates. With that in mind, it is important that you not only have created a LinkedIn profile, but that it is up to date and is consistent to the information you shared at Career Showcase. Check out our website for some quick tips on how to create/update your LinkedIn profile and why your online presence is important. Stay motivated and engaged! Looking for your next opportunity, either full-time or an internship, is a marathon not a sprint. While attending Career Showcase is an important part of the process it is important to understand that it is not the only service that the Career Connections Center offers to help you achieve your goals. The Career Connections Center has a variety of in-person and virtual workshops, labs, and panels to help you learn about Career Showcase and recruitment activities. In addition to Career Showcase, the Career Connections Center has a range of career fairs to fit every student’s need. From on-campus to virtual events, our fairs give you the opportunity to meet and network with well-known companies. Make sure you are checking Gator CareerLink for additional employment opportunities. Gator CareerLink (GCL) is the portal to everything career at the University of Florida. Employers intentionally recruit in GCL to connect with talented UF students and alumni. For more information about GCL and the resources available through this tool visit our website. \n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

22

Sep

A Dreamer’s Guide to Success

September 22, 2021

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A Dreamer’s Guide to Success

12

May

The Success Formula

May 12, 2021

Learn More >

The Success Formula

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text] Author: Ryan Chase, Gator Career Consultant[/cs_text][cs_text]What makes successful people successful? This is a question that I think many people want the answer to. I would contend that most individuals want to be successful at the things they do, i.e. work, school, sports, etc. While some individuals seek a shortcut to success, long-term sustained success is not easily attained. The question of what characteristics make up a successful person led to the ground-breaking research by Dr. Angela Duckworth, professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Duckworth studied children and adults in a variety of challenging environments including the National Spelling Bee, West Point Military Academy, and top private sales firms to determine who was successful in these environments and why. After her numerous studies, she determined the main characteristic of these successful people was grit. Grit is a passion and perseverance for very long-term goals and requires you to work hard to stay focused on your goals. Grit, like other skills, requires practice to achieve maximum results. I want you to reflect for a moment and be honest with yourself (since you don’t have to share this with anyone):

What are you passionate about?
What are your long-term goals?
What have you already done to start working toward those goals?

Once you’ve brainstormed some responses, start to look for positions that will allow you to use these strengths on a regular basis and generally match the answers you gave. This will likely translate into greater internship/job satisfaction and overall fulfillment. 2. Incorporate them into your resume. Your Top 5 Strengths can also help you take your resume to the next level. By knowing what you naturally excel in and showcasing what you do well on a resume, you can increase your likelihood of leaving a great first impression with an employer. Now, you may be asking yourself “how do I go about doing that without simply listing them out?” Check out some examples below: If you have “Restorative” as one of your Top Strengths, you’re probably naturally adept at problem-solving. An example of how this might show up on a resume is: “Redesigned existing product to be compatible with new customer equipment.” If you are “Analytical,” you have probably found yourself considering all the possible factors that may affect the situation at hand. An example of this may be: “Performed detailed cost-benefit analysis.” Maybe you are a “Relator” who enjoys close relationships with others. Consider adding a bullet point that talks about a time you worked on a team to achieve a goal, like in the bullet point below: “Collaborated with five other shift leaders to create and implement a streamlined check out process, reducing customers’ wait time by five minutes.” 3. Use them as talking points in an interview. In addition to strengthening your resume, your Top 5 Strengths can serve as great talking points for your interview. You’ve probably heard common interview questions like “What is your greatest strength?” “What is your greatest weakness?” and “How would you describe yourself in three words?” But, your Strengths can help you formulate strong answers to questions that are situation/behavioral based in nature. Let’s say your interviewer asks you to talk about a time you made a difficult decision. If you have ‘Deliberative” in your Top 5, you can take this as an opportunity to highlight your natural ability to anticipate obstacles and the serious care you take in making decisions/choices. Similarly, if you have “Adaptability” as a Strength and are asked to describe a situation that required you to work under pressure, you can draw inspiration from your “go with the flow” attitude, emphasizing how you tackle things one step at a time. Conclusion While it may require some practice to get into the “Strengths” mindset, you will find it can be an excellent tool to help you learn about yourself and land experiences that can change everything! To receive additional support in the job search process, you can stop during the C3’s Express Drop-In hours on Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and get tips to kick off your internship/job search. You can also schedule an appointment with a full-time staff member through Gator Career Link. *If you have not taken the assessment, but would like to, go to StrengthQuest.com. Be sure to use your Gatorlink email address to receive a student discount! [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

4

May

So, Your Summer Plans Have Changed. Now What?

May 4, 2020

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So, Your Summer Plans Have Changed. Now What?

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]By: Chelsea Tobias During these times, it seems like almost every aspect of life is going through near-constant change and uncertainty. While there may be a lot outside of your control right now, it is more important than ever to identify what is in your control and focus on what you can do. Below are some options to help you stay engaged and on track this summer:

Manage your expectations for this time. Your definition of productivity or success may shift, and that is totally okay. Your worth is not determined by what you have done or what you will do in the future. You are worthy right now, as you are.

If you are finding yourself with more unstructured time, consider re-evaluating your priorities and setting some new goals, intentions, and routines for the next several months. This shift in daily life may help to clarify which things you really enjoy and are engaged by the most and what you can let go of. Use some of our self-guided assessments and activities to reflect on your career interests, values, strengths, and skills.

While you may no longer be able to physically study abroad, you can still find ways to gain global experience. You can enroll in the UF International Scholars Program to structure global experiences through international coursework, language learning, and co-curricular activities. Additionally, programs like CEA are offering virtual internships abroad and apps like Duolingo allow you to learn a new language from home.

If you are still looking for a summer internship or full-time job, there are options available through virtual internships or freelance and remote work. Follow up with positions you may have already applied to or consider attending an upcoming virtual career fair. You can identify employers who are still hiring here or searching Gator CareerLink.

If you are looking for ways to give back while gaining meaningful experience, there are a number of virtual options out there. Visit these sites to search for online volunteer opportunities:

Keep networking! Building professional connections is more important than ever, so take this time to attend virtual office hours with your professors, utilize the Find Alumni tool on LinkedIn, or set up a virtual informational interview with a professional in a career that interests you.

Schedule time to update your professional documents and make preparations for your next steps – this can include updating your Resume or Cover Letter, preparing yourself for phone or virtual interview formats, or make time to study for the GRE or other examinations needed for graduate or professional school.

In addition to taking online classes, you can learn a new skill through LinkedIn Learning, which is free to UF students.

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]By: Daneen Johnson If the Sunday “scaries” and Monday “blues” are an all too familiar feeling, maybe it’s time to rethink your work. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in a job can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be your story. Here are a few points to consider when you feel stuck in your job. 1. Reflect & Sort It Out Take time to reflect and sort out what is bothering you about your current job. Refection can help you explore your current mindset about your job, ideate future aspirations, and ultimately help you to maneuver through your next steps with more clarity. Reflection may not always come natural or easy to some, therefore you're welcome to explore the following questions to jumpstart this exercise.

What initially interested you in the job and the organization?
Describe your current responsibilities, experiences and feelings towards your job and organization. Are there themes that come up often? What can be done to improve your responsibilities, experiences and feelings?
What do you value in a workplace and career? Is your current role aligned or in conflict with those values?
Has the organization's mission or priorities changed, have you changed, or is it a little of both?

The way we interact with one another has shifted greatly in the past couple of months. This includes how students are connecting and interviewing with recruiters. The new normal in recruiting is employers interviewing candidates virtually. There are do’s and don’ts for interviewing on camera, make sure you are ready by following the seven tips below:

Location: Find a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place in your home for your interview. Let your family or roommates know in advance that you are interviewing and to avoid interrupting you during that time. Provide them with the exact start and end time of your meeting including your preparation and set up time. You will also want to put away any pets to avoid surprise and distracting appearances.
Background: Make sure the background of your environment is suitable. Remove any posters or distracting elements. Some video apps allow for backgrounds to blurred or adding in an image of your own. Test out your options before the call to see how they translate on camera. You will also want to make sure that any area visible on the camera is tidy.
Practice: Prepare for your virtual interview by viewing yourself through your platform’s camera. Ask your friends or family to give their opinions on how you present on video and audio. Sometimes our voices can appear much different than how we imagine it to be. Determine whether your voice comes off as friendly, or if you need to practice inflection with your speaking style. Additionally, you want to make sure the camera from your computer is as close to eye level as you can get it.
Attire: Dress as if you were attending the interview in person, which means business professional attire. Just because it’s a virtual interview, it’s still your first impression with an employer. IMPORTANT: make sure to wear professional bottoms as well. There is a chance that you might have to grab headphones or address any adjustments during the interview, forcing you to reveal those dapper sweatpants.
Prepare: Write your notes of the given company and questions before the interview. An advantage of virtual interviews is that you can have your notes and questions handy on your computer screen during your conversation.
Connect: At the beginning of the interview make sure to greet the employer and ask how their day is going. Virtual interviews are less personable than in-person interviews, therefore make sure to connect with the interviewer as much as possible in the beginning and end stages.
Attentiveness: Display to the interviewer that you are listening and attentive to what they are saying. Nodding your head when appropriate and keeping the camera at eye level are some ways to improve in this aspect. It is also important to show enthusiasm by smiling and engaging in the virtual environment.

Virtual interviews are not something to be fearful of. Assuring that everything is set up on the technology side of things, the main advantage of virtual interviews is that they are “virtual”. Looking into a camera can be more comforting than in-person interviews for many people. I hope that these tips were helpful to you and remember…wear pants! For more information about the Career Connections Center’s virtual services or to connect with a Career Coach, please visit career.ufl.edu/virtualservices. Oliver Monaghan

18

Jul

Why It’s Okay If You Don’t Know What Major to Choose

July 18, 2019

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Why It’s Okay If You Don’t Know What Major to Choose

There can be a lot of pressure when coming to college to know what you want to do right away. It is important to know that it’s okay if you don’t know what major to choose right away! The Career Connections Center’s Senior Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development, Allie Simon, gives you five reasons why you shouldn’t be freaking out:

1. Your Major Does Not Equal Your Career

Employers and graduate schools look at far more than just what your degree is in when they look at your application; they look for leadership in student organizations, volunteer/work experiences, and so much more.

2. Experience Will Help You Figure Out What You Want to Study

Work with your academic advisor to find upper-level electives and general education requirements that will help you explore areas you are curious about. A lot of times those “random” classes help us find something we really are passionate about. Your academic advisor can also help you stay on track for multiple majors and/or minors you are considering.

3. Volunteering and Involvement Will Guide You

Volunteering and shadowing often allow us to “try out” a certain major or career to see if we can see ourselves in that field. It is important to have these experiences to help you figure out if this is the right or wrong path for you.

4. Talk to People Involved in the Majors You Are Considering

Professors, graduate students, current students and alumni can give us a lot of information to determine if certain majors are what we are looking for. Listen to their experiences and advice to see if a certain major matches your skillset and interest. Go to them for inspiration!

5. Think About Your Values When Selecting Your Major

What is important to you in life? How will those values be met/unmet in certain majors? When considering what major to choose think about what is important to you and how that major will foster those values.

The Career Connections Center offers multiple services to help you in the journey of finding or changing your major. Some ways you can get started are:

Make a career planning appointment
Explore your options with CHOMP
Attend an Explore Lab or Gator Professional Series Workshop

Developing professionally is not something that occurs overnight. It is a process. What does it mean to develop professionally, anyway? Professional development is a mindset to becoming career ready, which is the ability to enter a career with a clear understanding of yourself and what skills employers value. Below are three proven ways to keep in mind as you start the process of professional development as a UF student.

1. Remember, Professional Development is a Continuous Process

Professional development is a lifelong process of acquiring new knowledge and skills relevant to your professional goals, job responsibilities, and work environment. It all starts the moment you begin your college career. The benefit of professional development is that it gives you the room to grow through a variety of learning opportunities that can occur both in and out of the classroom.

2. Explore the Gator Professional Series (GPS)

via GIPHY Gator Professional Series is a series of workshops offered both in-person and online to help you with your personal and professional development. You have a choice to select between two educational tracks that are offered: Discovering Professional You and Navigating Your Search. In these workshops, you will learn how to network, craft your professional brand, how to start your job/internship search, and more! The great part is, is that you can explore GPS from the comforts of your own home, GPS online is a way you can start becoming career ready.

3. Discover What Employers Are Looking For through Competency Labs

via GIPHY Competencies are knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that are relevant to work and life. Employers seek certain competencies in their employees to be able to perform their job functions. We focus on four competencies for our competency labs: critical thinking, communication, sense of self, and teamwork. These competencies are encouraged for you to start developing to help you become career ready. You may ask, “How do I start developing these competencies?” You can get started by attending our competency labs, which are workshops that allow you to explain and apply domains of each competency in a group setting. In each lab, you will learn why a specific competency is important to employers, participate in an engaging interactive activity, and reflect on your professional growth to prepare you for post-graduation career goals. What are some tools you use for professional development? Let us know in the comments below!

18

Jul

The Top Six Job Search Mistakes that Students Make

July 18, 2019

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The Top Six Job Search Mistakes that Students Make

The job search process may seem very straightforward, first – you look for job online, next you submit your resume. Done. However, there is so much more to the process than this. Consider that you are not the only one applying for a position, you can potentially be competing with hundreds or thousands of applicants for a single position. To remain competitive, avoid these job search mistakes that students make: 1) Not Customizing Your Application Materials to the Position

via GIPHY

Customizing your resume or cover letter is time consuming, and not doing so may cost you your dream job. Every job has specific duties and responsibilities, and if you see your current resume doesn’t highlight a trait a position really values, make sure to edit it so that your skill set matches the qualifications the position features. For example, if the job you are interested in values leadership, make sure that the leadership experience you have in your current position is listed at the top of your experiences. Also, if relevant, add any student organizations you may be involved in with a short description to show how your involvement in this organization is relevant to the position. 2) Not Proofreading Application Materials

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Proofreading your application materials goes a long way. But, because you are too familiar with your resume or cover letter, ask a friend or peer to proofread your materials. Have them to look out for any misspellings or grammar issues, and ask them if the overall flow of your writing makes sense. It’s better to have someone you trust catch your mistakes before a potential employer does. 3) Not Being Patient with the Job Search Process

via GIPHY

Searching for a job and actually getting to a final offer can take significant time to materialize. If you have applied for a position or recently had an interview, it is okay to follow up, but do not go overboard with constantly writing or calling an employer for a status update. Remember that they also have full-time jobs and possibly have several candidates they are considering. Be patient or the impression you will make on a potential employer will not be a good one. 4) Being Unprepared for the Interview

via GIPHY

You have successfully submitted your application materials and now you have an interview coming up. Many students make the mistake of thinking that they can just “wing it” during the interview. Don’t make this mistake. Before the interview, take the time to learn about the company you’re interviewing with and also to self-reflect on how the experiences listed on your resume relate to the position you’re interviewing for. Make it a point to have something to say about every position you have listed on your resume; you never know when an employer will ask you about something on your resume that you may have forgotten about. Finally, remember practicing the actual interview scenario with someone. The Career Connections Center offers its Express Drop In service, where students can come in for mock interview without an appointment. 5) Applying to Unrealistic Positions Students are encouraged to reach for the stars and apply to jobs they may be slightly underqualified for on paper. It is understandable that as emerging professionals, students will want to prove their worth and land a job that may be slightly out of their reach. However, you have to self-reflect and assess if you genuinely have the skill set and experience for the position. If you have only had one year of internship experience and you only apply to jobs that require 3-5 years of professional experience, your chances of getting an interview may be slim. It takes time to build experience, start by applying to positions that you are qualified for, gain industry insight and knowledge, and you’ll soon be on your way to applying for those dream jobs with the experience you’ve built. 6) Not Researching Industry Salaries

via GIPHY

Students should know how much they’re worth to be able to ask for or negotiate an appropriate starting salary. When doing salary research, use salary calculators to help you determine what’s appropriate to expect while also considering your living expenses. Take into account the years of experience you have and the skills you have learned in your college career. Remember that your skill set will not be comparable to someone who has been working in the industry for five years, so be sure to have reasonable expectations in terms of salary. If you are unsure how to start the salary research process, the center holds a few salary negotiation workshops throughout the year. Check out or events on our website or Facebook page to stay up-to-date. Do you have any more questions about how to avoid job search mistakes? Make a career planning appointment today!

18

Jul

Six LinkedIn Profile Must-Haves

July 18, 2019

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Six LinkedIn Profile Must-Haves

Are you new to LinkedIn or don’t know what to include in your profile? If you answered yes to either of these questions, don’t worry, we’re here to help. At the Career Connections Center, we want to help you succeed during your job search. And because LinkedIn has turned into a tool for job seekers and recruiters, we’re here to make sure that you, as a job seeker, are ready to stand out among the competition. Matthew Cowley, one of our assistant directors for career and professional development, recommends the following LinkedIn profile must-haves so you can stand out to employers. 1) Make Your Profile Picture Industry-Appropriate

via GIPHY People often assume that LinkedIn profile pictures need to be serious and professional but that’s not always the case. For example, someone who works in an university student affairs department needs to have a professional picture, but it should also convey that they are friendly and welcoming. A polished, yet more relaxed photo would be appropriate for this individual. A lawyer, however, may consider having a crisp and serious professional photo to represent them. To know what kind of photo is appropriate for your industry, do some research. Search for people in your industry and examine their profile pictures. Once you determine a pattern, take a picture that matches what is industry appropriate. 2) Write a Solid Headline Unless you write your own headline, LinkedIn will automatically populate it from the most recent job position you have listed. This isn’t ideal because your latest position isn’t reflective of all your experience, interests, and goals. Your headline should be strategic. It’s the first thing that people will see and it’s necessary to have a hook to draw them in. For current students, we recommend making it as specific as possible. A weak headline would be: “I am a UF student in the College of Journalism.” A solid headline would be “I am a junior at UF majoring in advertising. My interests include graphic design, photography, and video editing.” Also, note that the headline is keyword searchable, so incorporate keywords that you’d like to be found by here. 3) Write a Summary This is a LinkedIn profile must-have that a lot of people skip. The summary is your opportunity to give potential employers a snapshot of who you are. Let’s put it this way. If the headline is “the hook,” the summary is what will convince people to continue reading about you so they can put together all the information you’ve provided. This section is especially important for students who are pursing a career that is not directly linked to their major. 4) Show that You Have Been Involved

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Under the Volunteer Experience section, make sure to list all the extracurricular activities that you have been involved with that are relevant to your career goals. This is your chance to show things that go beyond your resume. Use this space to tell about the things you’ve learned and to tell a story about yourself. Remember that your LinkedIn profile should not be an exact replica of your resume. This section gives you the chance to be more personable and tell things that recruiters wouldn’t ordinarily see in a resume or cover letter, so take advantage of it. 5) Include Your Skills

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The skills section of your LinkedIn profile is keyword searchable so filling out this section comprehensively could not be more crucial. By listing all your skills, you are helping LinkedIn rank your profile to potential employers. Try to find inspiration in the job descriptions of companies that you’d like to work in, and if you have that skill, include it in your profile. One misconception students have is that the skills section only applies to “technical” skills. But these skills include anything that will be essential to your job. Examples of non-technical skills to include in your profile are leadership, team building, or public speaking. 6) Make Relevant Connections Inviting your friends to connect on LinkedIn is great, but it will not help you grow your professional network. If you are majoring in linguistics but all your friends are engineers, that will not help you meet people who can potentially help you get a job in your field. If you don’t have many friends in your field, invite classmates that you’ve worked with on school projects or professors from previous classes. You can also go to UF’s alumni page and request people who you know that graduated, but you didn’t make a connection earlier. Our recommendation is to start out by making at least 50 to 70 connections. If you’re ready to have a top notch LinkedIn profile, follow these tips, or make a career planning appointment to get an in-depth look at how you can spruce up your LinkedIn profile. You can also stop by the Career Connections Center, Level 2 in the Reitz Union, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. during our Express Drop-In hours. Sharing is caring…do you have a solid LinkedIn profile headline that you want to share below in the comments?

18

Jul

Recovering from a Bad Interview

July 18, 2019

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18

Jul

Qualities of a Good Employee That Any Boss Wants

July 18, 2019

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Qualities of a Good Employee That Any Boss Wants

Not all positions, industries or employees are the same but there are some universal and transferable qualities that all good employees possess. We spoke with Dana McPherson, the Career Connections Center's Marketing and Digital Media Manager, to see what she values in her employees.

1. Trustworthiness

There has to be a level of trust in any boss-employee relationship. Without this fundamental trust, a thriving and productive relationship cannot be formed or won't be able to grow.

2. Integrity

Integrity is a vital characteristic for all employees. It is important for employees to remain honest with their supervisor and to operate based on the moral and ethical principles of their company.

3. Desire to Try New Things

Bosses want employees who are willing to take risks and try new things, without being reckless. Creativity and the ability to come up with new ways of thinking are both valuable traits for any employee in any field.

4. Takes Initiative

A good employee steps up to the plate without being asked. Bosses want people on their team who will take action, adapt to changing circumstances and be ready for anything.

July 18, 2019

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How to Work in Startups: Traits Employers Look For

Have you ever wanted to work in startups? You’re not alone! Startup companies not only have the reputation of being innovative but also of providing employees with a casual and fun office environment. To work for a new company that offers you endless room to grow, you have to know what that company is looking for. Startup companies have different needs than an already established company. While working for a startup may seem like an attractive option, there are also certain aspects you must be comfortable with such as accepting change. If this sounds like your dream job, these are the four qualities that employers look for in their hiring candidates.

Curiosity

As a prospective employee, you have to be curious not only about the purpose of the company but how it wants to grow. In a startup company, ideas are constantly flowing among its creators. The ability to have a curious and open mind can help you evolve with the company and will show your superiors that you too want to think of unique ideas that lead to expanding the company.

Work Ethic

A casual and fun office environment comes with a lot of work—sometimes, at bizarre hours. Working in a non-traditional office may mean non-traditional hours. To work in a startup company, you must have amazing work ethic. The business’s success not only relies on your bosses but the employees as well. Since a startup company usually relies on a small team, your job description isn’t your only responsibility. You have to be game to get your hands dirty and roll with the punches. Forget about how the company can help you, how can you help them?

Communication

For a startup company, internal and external communication is key. Unlike an established company, the employees of startups also serve as the public face of the company. Having effective communication increases the number of opportunities your company is presented with. As a potential hire, make sure that you are aware of your social media sites and ensure that you are using them efficiently. 4. Ability to Take Risks To work in startups, you have to be able to gamble a little. Success is not guaranteed with any company, which is why startup companies thrive on employees who provide innovative ideas and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box. The best part is that if your idea doesn’t work out then its okay… Startup companies are okay with trial and error as long as it doesn’t have a negative, long-term effect on the company. Looking to work in startups? Make sure to check out Gator CareerLink for the most recent job openings.

18

Jul

How to Find a Job After College: What You Should Know

July 18, 2019

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How to Find a Job After College: What You Should Know

Seniors! That time we all have been waiting for is fast approaching—caps, gowns, and CAREERS?! It seems like it was just yesterday that we were getting lost just roaming around campus and now we are about to take the most important walk of our lives across the graduation stage. While that in itself symbolizes many things, perhaps the most nerve wracking one is figuring out how to find a job after college. While leaving the planning for later might seem appealing, it could ultimately hinder you from getting your dream job. So when should you start looking? The best answer: the sooner the better. Many students fail to realize that the job searching process isn’t measured in the span of days or weeks but by months. In order to limit the amount of stress caused by this process, you should use these tips:

Prep Yourself

Students interacting at the Career Resource Center

Before you go dive into the job search make sure you’re well prepared. This means several things:

Update your LinkedIn profile
Update your website (if applicable)
Update your resume
Write cover letters
Get recommendation letters

Research

Nine times out of ten, your job search will be smoother if you research companies that you’re interested in working for. Going in blindly can be overwhelming and extremely discouraging.

Time

Don’t wait until the day of graduation to start applying for jobs. You should begin early in the beginning of your last semester. Normally, recruitment takes up to two months so starting early is not a bad thing. Just remember to include your expected graduation date in your applications.

Apply For Roles You Are Qualified For

Not all roles are for entry level candidates. It is crucial that you use your time wisely and apply for jobs you can actually say you’re qualified for. Also, look out for lines on applications that say “perfect for a recent grad.” That is for you!

If You’re Not Applying, Network.

If it’s too far out to apply, take advantage and network with as many people as possible. We highly encourage to go to any career fairs or workshops hosted by companies where you may be able to network. If you are still wondering how to find a job after college or if you want more job search tips, make an appointment with a career adviser on Gator CareerLink.

18

Jul

How Does Having a Part Time Job Help Your College Experience?

July 18, 2019

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How Does Having a Part Time Job Help Your College Experience?

At the University of Florida thousands of students work part time jobs, both on and off campus. But does having a part time job actually benefit your college experience? We spoke to Kevin Sardja, a UF marketing student and Marketing Intern at the Career Connections Center about how having a part time job has benefited his college experience. Allows for better time management skills We see all the time that students who hold part time jobs have learned to juggle the multitude of involvement, schoolwork and social events that they choose to attend. Working a structured, and sometimes unstructured, job will push you to organize and prioritize your life while also teaching you to be flexible. It’ll motivate students to get work done early and often. Earn extra spending (or savings) money

For many students, the one reason to have part time job is to make some money. So whether it’s for paying for school, paying for rent, or just getting extra grocery money, having a part time job can help by supplementing your income. Create bond with other students, faculty and staff

One of the biggest pros of having a part time job is the comradery that comes with working on a team or staff for a common purpose. Many campus partners and campus entities off campus/local Gainesville companies are made up of primarily students, and with that, opportunities to meet new colleagues, mentors and even lifelong friends. Gain relevant work experience Working a part time job will help you gain new skills that you can showcase when it comes to finding your dream job. For example, by working at RecSports, the Career Connections Center, or even H&R Block, you’ll work with a multitude of students, staff and even professionals in the field that will push you to solve problems and communicate better, both important skills needed for any career. Having a part time job will provide you the opportunity to gain real work experience that is tailored towards what you want to get out of it. You might find your passion

Working a part time job allows you to try a lot of different tasks and hone skills that might help you find your passions. As you work, you understand the intricacies of different jobs and career paths that might make yours a little clearer. So whether it’s reinforcing your passion for health, or your new dream to go into student affairs, having a part time job can help make your future a little bit clearer. So whether you’re starting school in August, or coming up in your last year as a graduate student, everyone can benefit from having a part time job while in school. If you’re interested in finding a part time job, join us on July 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for our 10^th annual Part Time Job Fair located at the Reitz Union North Lawn. You’ll get the opportunity to meet employers both on and off campus, with roles ranging from engineering to marketing and everything in between. And be sure to visit our office at The Gallery on Level 2 of the Reitz Union to get your resumes in tiptop shape.

via GIPHY Let’s be real, we all know you don’t want to be the underdog forever. But in order to be a boss, you have to act like one and you can’t do that without obtaining experience as a leader.

2. Working with a Diverse Team

via GIPHY No matter what industry you’re going into, you are bound to meet and work with people from all walks of life. It is crucial that you not only know how to work beside them but know how to gather your experiences and talents in the name of success.

3. Develop Your Resume/Cover Letter for Future Opportunities

via GIPHY Developing and fixing your resume can be one the most frustrating things ever, but it doesn’t have to be that way! The staff at the Career Connections Center are fully trained and equipped to not only help with your resume but to highlight your best skills and experiences that will leave any recruiter saying “this is who we are looking for.”

4. Creating and Marketing Your Professional Brand On and Off Campus

via GIPHY It’s so important to know how to promote the experiences you are getting now to land a job in the real world. In order to knock it out of the park, you need to know who you are and what your brand is. How else can you successfully take over the world?

5. Develop Insight about Yourself through Career and Leadership Assessments

via GIPHY Before others are able to see you for what you are, you’ll need to figure yourself out first. Through various assessments like quizzes and activities, CSI will help you gain insight about yourself that will help propel you into a successful career. You’ll be able to take advantage of all of the above through CSI, a six-week series that starts in October. The application closes on September 30th . If you’re ready to become the best version of yourself and develop your leadership style, apply today. For more information, visit our CSI webpage.

18

Jul

Five Virtual Resources and Services for UF Students

July 18, 2019

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Five Virtual Resources and Services for UF Students

Being an online student has its advantages…the flexibility of attending class from the comfort of your home or from the corner coffee shop, engaging with your professors from anywhere in the world, and having access to some of the impeccable resources that a campus student has. Whether you’re in Gainesville, FL or on the other side of the world - the Career Connections Center has services for every University of Florida student to take advantage of. Here are different online and virtual resources as recommended by Assistant Director for Industry Relations Kelly Barton.

CHOMP

via GIPHY One of our most popular online resource is our online tool that helps students figure out their passion and how it can relate to a major. CHOMP, which stands for Career Help or Major Planning, has the ability to help you explore potential majors and careers by taking an online survey about your interest and goals. From there, you can use these results to research majors and career fields more aligned with your interests.

Career Planning Appointments (Online/On-the-Phone)

via GIPHY Another resource that can be helpful is a career planning appointment and in today’s world, you don’t need to be physically present when you meet with your career counselor. Students have the option to Skype or phone in to get all of your career questions answered. With career planning appointments, we can even look over a resume or personal statement via video calls. Who says you need to be in town in order to get the individualized career help you need?

Mock Interview and Resume Tips

via GIPHY On top of career planning appointments, you can also navigate through our Gator CareerLink (GCL) portal and find useful resources like resume handouts, cover letter templates, LinkedIn profile examples, and virtual mock interviews that you can use as you prepare for applying to your dream jobs! With technology, you no longer need to wait to practice your interviewing style, you can simply log into GCL and begin recording yourself and review your responses, body language, and other vocal techniques you want to improve on.

Virtual Career Fairs

via GIPHY One really useful piece of our office is the ability to network without the need of being physically present. We’ve highlighted three of our biggest virtual fairs that can be useful for any student studying engineering, political science and everything in between.

SEC/ACC Virtual Fair

This fair is a career fair made for over 25 schools that fall in the SEC or ACC. Companies like Wells Fargo, Boeing, and Enterprise attend this virtual career fair to recruit students for internships and full time jobs. The SEC/ACC Career Fair will take place in early 2018.

Just In Time Virtual Fair

The Just in Time Virtual Fair is a fair held during the summer to help students who are looking for that last minute internship or opportunity to gain experience. This virtual fair is open to UF students and alumni.

Graduate and Professional Schools Fair

This fair is a graduate school and professional school fair that has the capability to go virtual as needed; schools such as UF College of Medicine, Georgetown Law School and many others are available to speak to about their grad schools and respective programs. Our GAP Fair will take place on October 18, registration and attending schools can be found on our website. On top of these fairs, there are many other networking opportunities to be found on our Gator CareerLink website, like virtual JPMorgan networking series and different virtual career fairs held by various companies and entities. Many of these can be found on our “workshops” tab in your GCL.

UF Career Services App

via GIPHY You can expect different tools and widgets in the new UF Career Services App that has similar usability as the website. From the app, you can schedule career planning appointments and find maps on the layout of different career events and fairs. The app, which is available in the Apple Store and Google Play, will become your one stop shop on all things career on a mobile platform. Make sure to download the app on your mobile device and download our 2017-2018 Career Events Guide. From there, you will be able to see all the major events happening for the next academic year. As a student at UF, you shouldn’t be limited to career development on campus. Whether you’re studying abroad, taking time off or just need a day at home, we’ve got your back. Make sure to utilize all of our countless resources and visit crc.ufl.edu and log in to your Gator CareerLink profile for everything career related.

18

Jul

Five Transferable Skills All Employers Are Looking For

July 18, 2019

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Five Transferable Skills All Employers Are Looking For

By Caroline Redmond It’s job and internship search season, and the first step to a successful search is a great resume! Are you struggling with how to describe your experience on your resume? If the answer is yes, take a look at our list of transferable skills that many employers are looking for. No matter what your background is or the career path you are taking, these skills, along with some helpful key words should be included on your resume to catch your favorite recruiter’s attention!

1. Communication/Interpersonal Skills

Regardless of what your future goals are, communication skills are key. Adding keywords like assisted, guided, and taught to your resume shows employers that you are able to communicate your ideas to others clearly.

2. Adaptability

Employers are looking for people who can adapt to anything that the job throws at them. Include buzz words like adjusted, fixed, and amended on your resume, it will show employers that you are the adaptable candidate that they are looking for!

3. Leadership

Keywords like led, controlled, and delegated communicate to employers that you have experience leading a group, which is a highly marketable skill.

4. Analytical Skills

via GIPHY Keywords such as developed, solved, and reviewed show employers that you are able to assess a situation or problem and decide an outcome. Remember, employers like people who come up with solutions, not problems!

5. Innovation

The value of being able to come up with new ideas and methods of thinking is not overlooked by employers. Use keywords like founded, proposed, and shaped on your resume to showcase your creative side. No matter what your background is and what field you want to go into, these are five transferable skills that all employers are looking for! Put these keywords on your resume and you’ll be on your way to greatness! via GIPHY Did you add transferable skills to your resume but still need help? Come by the Career Connections Center weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to have your resume personally reviewed by one of our Career Ambassadors.

18

Jul

Five Tips to Calm Your Interview Nerves

July 18, 2019

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Five Tips to Calm Your Interview Nerves

By Caroline Redmond, Marketing Intern For most people, it seems like an interview and stress go hand in hand but it doesn't have to be that way! We talked with Allie Simon, the Career Connections Center's Senior Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development, and she gave us these five tips on how to calm you interview nerves:

Allie Ricker Career Resource Center's Senior Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development

1. Visualize

Before an interview, think about how you would ideally want to present yourself in the interview and then visualize yourself doing it. Think about how you want your personality to come across to your interviewer and picture this. http://giphy.com/gifs/culture--think-hmm-d3mlE7uhX8KFgEmY

2. Take a Deep Breath

Don't forget to breathe! An interview can be a high-pressure situation but it is important to take a breath and collect yourself. When an interviewer asks a question, take a breath and think about what you want to answer. This process can slow down the interview and give you time to think about an intentional and thoughtful response to questions. http://giphy.com/gifs/maury-deep-breaths-3o7qDG6DXSQYRRMNgI

3. Control Outside Problems

Before the interview, it is important to prepare beforehand so you can control outside problems. For example, figuring out where the interview is, if there will be traffic on the way, what you need to bring with you, etc. You can contact the recruiter before the interview with these questions, they will be happy to help! Remember- it is always better to over budget for time and arrive early than to under budget and arrive stressed and late. http://giphy.com/gifs/thehills-the-hills-1x05-105-3orif0C9va5XEfwrL2

4. Think About Your Routine

The night before your interview it is important to center yourself. Think about what makes you relax and then do it; it could be exercising, watching your favorite movie, calling your mom, etc. http://giphy.com/gifs/hulu-nbc-scrubs-l0MYtRl33WaN4HGBq

5. Use Built-in Breaks

If your interview is longer and more complex, be sure to utilize all of the breaks that they give you. For example, if there is a 15-minute bathroom break, use ALL of the 15 minutes, no matter if you have to go to the bathroom or not. These breaks can help break the day up and give you some much needed "you" time. http://giphy.com/gifs/nba-basketball-nba-all-star-xTiN0HQJ5RpR97kj16 During an interview, you want to stay calm, cool and collected. Interviews are a crucial step in the job process and we know that they can cause stress but use these five tups and you will be on your way to getting your dream position! http://giphy.com/gifs/madeahalloween-l0MYsD20YurCGasOA The Career Connections Center is always here for you. Stop by Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to get your resume or cover letter reviewed or for a mock interview!

18

Jul

Five Tips to Building a Resume without Work Experience

July 18, 2019

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Five Tips to Building a Resume without Work Experience

For people with three internships, eight leadership positions and a plethora of honors and awards throughout their college experience, creating a resume can seem pretty easy. But for those who may not have work or internship experience, building a resume can be daunting. We talked to Jessica Phillipe, a recent graduate (UF ’17) and Career Ambassador about some tips on how to build a resume without any internship or work experience: 1.) Not all “work or internship experience” has to be paid

via GIPHY Though students are exceptionally hesitant to save the experience section on their resumes for paid jobs and internships, consider volunteering and unpaid activities as work experience. These roles can leverage your ability to be a good member of your community while showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills. 2.) Involvement, involvement, involvement! Work experience isn’t the only piece of the resume employers and grad schools are looking at. Involvement is just as important! Whether its related to your major or not, whether you are a part of Greek life or not, being involved or committed to a cause is extremely important. It’s never too late to get involved and find things you’re passionate about. Leveraging these interests can go a long way to catching the eye of a recruiter. 3.) Leverage the “quality over quantity”

via GIPHY Remember that having two or three meaningful pieces on your resume can go a long way as opposed to having a wide assortment of involvement and job experiences that may not seem as meaningful. Employers hold weight over quality of work and the length of time you’ve done something rather than a lot short term activities on your resume. 4.) Match your relevant skills to those of the job Using your multitude of skills, whether inside or outside the classroom, you can always create a more strategic resume that fits the needs of the employer. You can always create a master resume with all your activities, classroom experiences and involvement and filter out with only relevant information. Be sure to use the job descriptions to match your skills with key words and traits of the job posting. Having a specific resume for every job you apply will show your future employer that you took time to build a resume for that organization. 5.) Consider your academic projects, papers and coursework as “experience”

via GIPHY Running from class to class may not seem like an important skill to have, but the information you learn in class is. Leveraging your research skills, qualitative and quantitative knowledge, and ability to juggle different classes simultaneously can be easily implementable into your resume. Specific projects that required different software knowledge can be placed under a “Project Experience” tab of your resume. By using these tips, you can build a resume that fits best for you and the job you’re applying for. Bring a draft of your resume to the Career Connections Center, which is temporarily located in The Gallery on Level 2 of the Reitz Union, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and get it edited by our incredible Career Ambassadors.

18

Jul

Five Tips For Applying To Grad School

July 18, 2019

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Five Tips For Applying To Grad School

By Caroline Redmond Applying to graduate school can be a confusing process and you might be struggling to figure out where to begin. via GIPHY But don’t fret! Melissa Lyon, the Career Connections Center’s Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development, wants to give you these useful tips for applying to grad school to help you get started with the process!

1. Decide What Is Best For You

What do you want? Reflect on your purpose for going to graduate school, and what you need in a program to feel like it is a good fit. Is location important? Size of a cohort? Access to resources? Etc. Only pursue programs that will fit those values.

2. Do Your Research

Each program will be different, with different requirements. It’s up to you to know what each program is looking for and what documents are required, what tests to take, etc.

3. Stay Organized

Stay organized. Applying to grad school is like taking a whole other class- there are many deadlines and documents to keep track of. Don’t make it easy to be turned away from a program because you didn’t submit something on time!

4. Perfect your personal statement

Tailor your personal statement. Your personal statement should answer the question of why you will be a good fit for this program. It should reflect the research you’ve done on the institution. If there’s a specific question, make sure you answer it! via GIPHY

5. Ask questions

Talk to professors, current students, alumni of the program, people you know, etc. to learn more about the institution, the skills you need to be successful, and whether or not it will be a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask for tips to applying to grad school! Think you’re ready to start applying to grad school? Come out to the Career Connections Center’s Graduate and Professional Schools Fair at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on October 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to talk representatives from a wide variety of schools from law to medical school with everything in between! Can’t make it to the fair in person? There is also a virtual version of the fair! For more information visit http://bit.ly/GAPFair

18

Jul

Five Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting a Job or Internship Interview

July 18, 2019

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Five Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting a Job or Internship Interview

The job/internship search process can be tedious and exhausting. And it can be especially discouraging if you’re not hearing back from employers or if they respond to your application saying that they’re pursuing other candidates. While this situation can be upsetting, the worst thing you can do is give up. Instead, take a step back and see how you can change your search strategy. Allie Ricker, the Career Connections Center’s, Senior Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development, shared some of the biggest mistakes students make during the job search process that hurts their chances of getting an interview. 1. Not Assessing the Job Posting Carefully

via GIPHY

Reading job postings and assessing them carefully is key to increasing your chances of being invited for an interview. After reading the job description, determine if you are qualified for the job. While it is always good to explore dream positions, make sure to apply for jobs that you are qualified for. Allie’s recommendation is to apply to jobs that you meet at least 75 percent of the qualifications listed. Whether that is in terms of time working in the industry, soft skills, or technical skills, make sure that you meet most of the basic criteria to make yourself competitive. If not, more qualified candidates will most likely always get the interview. 2. Not Customizing Your Application Materials Every job has different requirements. If you want to demonstrate that you meet these requirements, you need to customize your application materials accordingly. Customization can range from the content you include in your resume to how you arrange and present such content. Make sure that the requirements that are important to a particular position are easily visible in your resume. Some positions receive hundreds of applicants, which is why customizing your resume to suit the position you’re applying to can make you stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget about customizing your cover letter. This document gives you a chance to show why you’re interested in the position and what you could contribute to the company if hired. Telling your story in cover letters is not a one-size-fits all. If you want to get an interview, a relevant cover letter can be the way to get your foot in the door. 3. Only Applying for Jobs Online

via GIPHY

The Internet makes everything easy and convenient. Nothing beats being able to apply to jobs from the comfort of your own home, especially when so many job postings are online. However, you’re limiting yourself if your only job search method is applying to positions online. According to the 2017 edition of What Is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changes, applying online only works four percent of the time on average. That said, you shouldn’t rely on a single source to look for jobs. As a student, take advantage of all the career fairs happening year-round or use your network to ask for job leads. If you haven’t built a network of people who are in the field you’re interested in, consider joining organizations or attending events that will connect you to the appropriate people. 4. Not Using All Your Resources A mistake that students tend to make is that they don’t use the resources available to them. At UF, students can come to the Career Connections Center for career-related advice, regardless of the year they are in. From programs that help you explore majors, to resume reviews, and mock interviews, the center is here to make sure students have all the tools they need to find jobs that interest them as well as getting interviews with employers. Apart from using the center, students can also seek guidance from professors or their college’s resources. Students should know that they don’t have to go through the job-search process alone. If there’s help available, take advantage of it. 5. Not Readjusting Your Job Search Strategy

via GIPHY

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein. If you notice that there is pattern of you not being invited for interviews, take a step back and change your strategy. Persistence is good, but not if you continue doing something that’s not giving you the results you desire. In this case, rework your strategy by considering one or all the tips above. The tips above are just some that can get you started, to receive a custom job search strategy, make a career appointment today. Our team will be happy to help!

18

Jul

Early Prep: Five Ways You Can Start Preparing for Career Showcase

July 18, 2019

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Early Prep: Five Ways You Can Start Preparing for Career Showcase

Have you heard that Career Showcase will be on January 24th and 25th 2017? That’s right, we are only six weeks away from our biggest career event, which will be back in its original location: The Stephen C. O’Connell Center. For those worried that they aren’t prepared to come face-to-face with employers, don’t sweat it; you have plenty of time to start preparing but the earlier the better. Many students don’t know where to start and luckily for you, we’ve gathered the five most important tips to help you get prepared.

1) Your Resume is EVERYTHING

via GIPHY Creating or editing a resume can be tedious; don’t wait until the weekend before Showcase to start. Take advantage of the winter break and edit your resume as much as possible. Once the spring 2017 semester begins, come into the Career Connections Center and have a career ambassador look over your resume to perfect it before Showcase.

2) Elevator Speech: Practice Makes Perfect

via GIPHY Knowing how you’re going to pitch yourself to employers is vital. You can’t go up to them expecting to just spark conversation and interest. Reality is, employers see hundreds of students during Showcase and your elevator speech is what’s going to determine whether you stand out amongst the many. Writing down your elevator speech and practicing two to three times is not enough. Rehearse until you get it down perfectly, if saying it in front of a mirror feels awkward, then recruit one of your family members to act as employer.

3) Research Employers

via GIPHY With hundreds of employers attending every year, Career Showcase can leave many students feeling overwhelmed. Avoid this feeling by researching which employers will be attending Showcase and making a list of the ones you would like to talk to. Before career showcase, you should take this list and further research the companies to grasp their identity and what they stand for. Knowing this can help you prepare your elevator speech to include skills that the company is specifically looking for. To find a list of employers attending the 2017 spring Showcase, visit Gator CareerLink.

4) We’re Hiring: But for What?

via GIPHY Along with researching the company itself, you should also look into the type of positions that are available. This will further narrow down the list of employers you should talk to. It important to note that if you feel strongly about working for a specific company, then we fully encourage that you talk to them anyway. Just because they don’t have the specific position you are looking for currently available, it doesn’t mean they can’t make one for the right candidate. Researching the positions available will assist both you and employers when it comes to making decisions.

5) Dress to Impress

via GIPHY Dress accordingly! Rompers, khaki shorts, and sneakers are not okay. This is a business formal event and it’s imperative to dress the part. If you don’t know the difference between business casual and business formal then click here. For those of you who don’t own a suit, make sure to stop by the Gator Career Closet and rent out everything you need from dress pants to accessories with your Gator One ID. We look forward to seeing you back in the O’Connell Center for the 2017 Spring Career Showcase! If you feel like you need additional help, make an appointment via Gator CareerLink to talk to one of our Career Advisors. Or, you can always drop in Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to have your resume reviewed by a Career Ambassador.

18

Jul

Conquering the Imposter Syndrome

July 18, 2019

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Conquering the Imposter Syndrome

“The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! They’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’ So you just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud.” – Tina Fey What is the Imposter Syndrome? “I feel like a fraud”. I can’t remember the first time I noticed it, but it’s been the voice in the back of my head for a while. This voice has told me that I’m not good enough, that I don’t know what I’m doing, that I don’t belong. It’s silenced me from speaking up and sharing my voice or even just trying things that I may or may not be good at. As I’ve progressed throughout my academic and professional career, I learned a named for this voice. It’s called “imposter syndrome” and it occurs when you have a persistent pattern of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, to the point of feeling like a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary. The unfortunate side of imposter syndrome is that the more success and achievement you gain, the more pronounced it can become. Success gets attributed to external factors or luck and can actually result in feelings of guilt, like you didn’t actually deserve your accomplishments and recognitions over others. And sometimes it’s just weird to think of yourself as a professional anything. Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a “successful college or graduate student” or maybe you’ve never identified with any professional you’ve met. It’s hard to believe you are that person – that engineer, teacher, doctor, or lawyer – when you can’t relate or identify with anyone like that. Where does it come from? Being at a prestigious and selective university, it’s easy to compare yourself to everyone around you. Sometimes it seems like students are involved in so many clubs and activities and you are just struggling to get by. You may even wonder why you were accepted to college in the first place or ask yourself, “If they knew who I really was, would they have accepted me?” The truth is that others people’s achievements have no bearing on your worth or talent. Most of us are just trying to figure it out and none of us are perfect at what we do, even the most accomplished among us. It also takes some trust in the powers that be that yes, you do belong here and you were accepted for a reason. Beyond that, family expectations, identity – and intersections of identities, higher level coursework, perfectionism, depression, and anxiety can all be confounding factors that can contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome. Without digging too deep into these factors here, please contact the Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) at (352) 392-1575 if you need someone to talk to or more support. What can you do about it? Name and accept the feeling. It’s okay to feel this way and a lot of people do. It may be uncomfortable, but it can be powerful to name and accept these feelings, sit with them, and let them pass. And eventually the more you do this, it becomes less of a big deal and easier to talk about. Cultivate a growth mindset. Focus on the learning or process of something rather than the result. Embrace challenges, be open to feedback, and understand that just because something is hard for you now, doesn’t mean it will always be. Embrace failure. Let go of the need to be – or appear -- perfect or the best. Allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to make mistakes or show a weakness. Even if you don’t know the answer to a question or how to do something, try it out. This is where the learning happens. Humanize your idols. Stop putting people you admire on a pedestal. (Yes, even Beyoncé). Again, none of us are perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and focusing on the perceived perfection of others can really exacerbate these feelings. Talk about it. Talking to your friends, peers, or a counselor about these thoughts and feelings can help to normalize them. Your parents, professors, and mentors have probably dealt with these issues, too and can help. Of course, all of this is easier said than done. It takes practice, persistence, and support. One space to find that support is through Career Conversations, which are informal, small group conversations facilitated by a Career Connections Center staff member. Here you will be able to talk with other students with similar questions and concerns surrounding issues related to career and professionalism. Have you ever experienced the Imposter Syndrome, if so share how you have overcome those feelings below.

18

Jul

Career Planning 101: Build a Relationship with Your Career Advisor

July 18, 2019

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Career Planning 101: Build a Relationship with Your Career Advisor

Career planning. For many students, these two words automatically cause a wave of stress but that shouldn’t be the case. As a UF student, you have a lot of support when it comes to career planning. The Career Connections Center and individual UF colleges offer a variety of free career services to help you plan your future. Between classes and extracurricular activities, life can definitely get a little hectic but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carve out sometime to take advantage of the career services available to you. One of the most important aspects of planning your career is to start building a professional relationship with your career advisor. We have gathered the top four tips on how to start building a professional relationship with your career advisor.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Seems simple enough, right? It is! The first step is to step into their office. There is nothing to be afraid of because they are trained and looking forward to helping you. If you’re looking to see one of the advisors at the Career Connections Center, simply make an appointment through Gator CareerLink. If you prefer to meet with an advisor in your college, make sure to research and utilize the appropriate channels. Want an advisor that’s familiar with your college but not necessarily part of it? The Career Connections Center has liaisons for a variety of UF colleges. Find your college’s liaison here.

KNOW WHAT THEY DO

How can they possibly help you if you don’t know what they can help you with? If you need assistance with making career decisions, grad school, application documents, interviews and job/internship search then look no further! Career advisors are trained specifically to assist you with these things. If you’re looking for help regarding academics and/or scheduling of classes, then you should visit your academic advisor.

HAVE AN OPEN MIND

Prepare to explore! As Melissa Lyon, Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development said, “You’re the CEO of your career.” There’s a misconception behind career advisors but the truth is they won’t tell you what to pursue. Instead, they will help you work through your values, interests and skills to determine the most strategic action to take. They don’t govern your career; they are your partners.

FREQUENCY IS KEY

Some students’ think that one appointment is enough… it’s not. You should really keep a consistent schedule and visit your advisor 2-3 times during the semester to update them and expand your interests. Done fixing your resume? Do you now need help with a cover letter? How can you use your previous experiences and skills as a mechanism to get hired? These could all be separate appointments. You should let your advisors know about your interests, goals and dreams. Career planning is vital if you want a smooth transition as you go from college student to professional. Whether you’re figuring out what you want to do or know your goal and just need help on figuring out how to get there, our career advisors are here to help you. Don’t be shy and make your appointments today!

18

Jul

7 Ways to Spot Fake Employers

July 18, 2019

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7 Ways to Spot Fake Employers

When you’re on the hunt for a job you may come across a posting that seems too good to be true…incredible salary, work from home, vague or low level of responsibilities. However, we’re here to remind you that if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. In career services, we call those who post fake listings ‘fradulent employers’, and unfortunately, we have worked with students who have experienced negative interactions with as such. Engaging with fraudulent employers typically have financial implications for students who are not well-versed on reading and reviewing job postings. Here’s a real-life example. Recently, someone was posing as a University of Florida staff member in need of an assistant while he was out of the country providing services as a doctor. This person used what looked like an @ufl.edu email address. Once they made contact with a student, they changed email addresses to a gmail account and began to instruct that person to deposit money through an “e-check” to start on some tasks. Additionally, the student was told to keep some of the money for theirself. There are several problems with this. Once the student deposited the check into their account, which is a large sum of money, they “withdrew” the funds to purchase iTunes gift cards, or wire it to a different account for their employer. The catch is that the check is a fake and has no actual value. The student is now out of the money that was withdrawn (or supplied) to complete the task and the the amount of the check. Per the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information website about fake checks, “you’re out the money because the money you wired can’t be retrieved, and you’re responsible for the checks you deposit — even though you don’t know they’re fake.” This is just one example of how someone pretends to provide our students with a job opportunity. Some fake employers even go the distance to say that they are with our student employment office. Below are some seven general fraudulent job posting red flags to spot a fraudulent employer. Red Flags 1. You received a random email, or check, out of nowhere 2. The job only says that they need help, but there are no specific tasks or duties 3. Employer will only communicate via text or email but will not speak on the phone 4. They are sending you money without meeting in person 5. You do not sign any formal hiring paperwork 6. The employer indicates that they need a “virtual assistant” 7. The salary for the position is much higher than you might anticipate – for example, if they are advertising $30-$50 per hour to work “whenever you want”, that is likely not a legitimate offer Here are action steps to take if you are contacted with an “opportunity” like this: Action Steps • Do NOT deposit any random checks that you receive in the mail without potential verification. Bring your “checks” to the bank to deposit, bank tellers are trained to identify fake checks • If someone with an “@ufl.edu” email reaches out advertising a position, look them up on the UF Directory and Google® the department for their name. You can always call the department to determine if the “person” works there and is actually looking for an assistant • Report the fraudulent email to abuse@ufl.edu and notify Erica Betz at EBetz@ufsa.ufl.edu to assist with the tracking of frequency If You Have Already Lost Money • File a police report with the University Police Department If you are questioning a job posting and wondering if it's legit, let us help you. Send a note to EBetz@ufsa.ufl.edu for assistance.

18

Jul

5 Ways to Prepare for Networking with Employers

July 18, 2019

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5 Ways to Prepare for Networking with Employers

Career Showcase offers great opportunities to students like you - one of them being the ability to network with employers who are hiring for full-time jobs or internships. During recruiting season, you have the opportunity to network with employers not only during Career Showcase but also during information sessions, and employer-led workshops. The questions that many students want answered about networking range from ‘how do I approach an employer? to ‘what do I even talk to them about’? We have five tips to get you confidently networking! Prepare by Doing Your Research

via GIPHY One way to feel more comfortable navigating a networking event is by doing your research. Research what companies are going to be there and what positions they are hiring for. Also, once you find companies you want to talk to, dig a little deeper and read their About Us page, learn about their mission, vision, and their culture. These will be good talking points to get a conversation started! Ask Things You Want to Know

via GIPHY This may sound obvious but really think about what you want to know about the organization you are eyeing. If you are talking to a recruiter from a large company, you may want to know if your voice will be heard. If the location of the company is in a northern state, you may want to seriously ask about the weather and how employees manage during temps you are unfamiliar with. You get the idea. Ask questions that will let you know if you will be a good fit in the company. Mind Your Body Language Participating in a networking event is nerve racking. Of course trying to have a conversation with someone you don’t even know is intimidating! But just because you are nervous, your body language does not need to give that away. Make sure to make eye contact, stand comfortably but stand up straight, smile, and talk with your hands. This shows that you are comfortable and staying engaged in the conversation, which makes the person you are talking to feel comfortable talking to you as well. Remember: Quality Over Quantity It is easy to want to talk to as many people as possible but remember that quality conversations go a long way, even if that means not talking to as many people. Do not rush your conversations with someone just because you feel like you have to talk to other people. Pay attention and listen actively; if you meet this person in the future, this can be a “Hey, remember you mentioned…” talking point, and this shows that you are a good listener. Make sure to build real, significant connections with the people you talk to at networking events because those are the times of connections that will help you professionally in the future. Follow Up

via GIPHY Following up with someone you met at a networking event is a good way to show how much you value that connection and also to possibly keep you at the forefront of the recruiter’s options. Don’t get lost in the crowd. Visit employers at Career Showcase, then research to see if they are hosting an information session so you can follow up with them there. Remember to get a business card so you can email employers you connected with to thank them for their time and express how great it was to meet them (this does not mean you should be emailing them every day, flooding their inbox, but a nice email after Career Showcase can go a long way. Do you have any other questions about what to do at a networking event? Let us know below!

14

Jun

Seven Tips to Help You Survive Your First Week on the Job

June 14, 2019

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Seven Tips to Help You Survive Your First Week on the Job

Caroline Redmond, Marketing Intern Your first week on the job is an awesome and exciting time but it can also be pretty scary because there are so many unknowns. We sat down with the Career Connections Center’s Matthew Cowley, Assistant Director for Professional Development and Experience, for tips on how to survive your first week on the job.

1. Take a breath and celebrate that you got the job

A lot of people get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the first week that they forget to stop and take a moment to celebrate the fact that they got the job!

2. Take care of the logistical things first

Before you even get on the job it’s important to answer questions like “what forms do I need to bring in?”, “how long does it take to get there?”, and “where should I park?”

3. Get there early

Plan to arrive early during your first week. There are many factors that could make you late, like traffic that you might not be used to. You don’t want to be the last one to arrive!

4. Know the dress code

Ask what you should wear before your first day. You don’t want to show up in business casual (see our “So what exactly is business casual?” post) when everyone else in suits.

5. Get to know your co-workers and the work environment

It is important to learn how your co-workers like to communicate. Does your boss prefer when you call them? Or would they prefer you to come into their office and talk in person?

6. Don’t try to start to early with actual work

Don’t get so excited with your new job that you forget about training.

7. Be patient with yourself

Remember- this is new to you! There can be a lot of pressure and it is easy to get nervous so it’s important to take it one day at a time. On average, it takes about one year to fully adjust to a new position so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be completely adjusted right away! Our career planning services are open to UF graduates up to a year after your graduation. If you have questions about starting a new job, schedule a time to talk with our career planners in Gator CareerLink.

14

Jun

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before an Interview

June 14, 2019

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Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before an Interview

Preparation is the key to a successful interview

Kimberly Chin, Marketing Intern You've applied for a few positions and now you have an interview. So how do your prepare? Nadene Reynolds, Associate Director for Professional Development and Experience at the Career Connections Center, shared some questions you should think about before heading off to your next interview.

1. What does the job entail?

Some people say “Yes” to a job without really knowing what they will be doing. Have an understanding of your tasks and responsibilities. Know what you are getting into and if you don’t, those questions need to be answered during the interview process. This will help you identify what skills to present to the employer. You can’t highlight your strengths and abilities if you don’t understand what you’re matching them to.

2. What questions do I have for the interviewer?

Don’t wait until the day of the interview to start thinking what you will ask. This is an opportunity to learn about whether this job and organization are right for you or not. Prepare questions ahead of time and practice the questions out loud or with a Career Ambassador at the center.

3. What experiences do I have that translate well to the position?

Your resume got you the interview but it’s not enough to get you the job. Be able to talk through your experiences in a way that makes sense to a stranger who hasn’t experienced it. Tell the story of what you did and what you gained from your experiences. The employer might not be able to understand the depth and time commitment your roles took so make sure to communicate these well.

4. What is the interview schedule?

If it’s an all-day interview or there is a facility tour be mindful of the shoes you’re wearing. You want to make sure that you’ll be comfortable the entire time.

5. What do I need to know about the organization/job?

Do thorough research of the organization and find out as much as you can. Spend some time browsing the employer’s website and learn basic facts about them. Review the benefits of the job and identify the particular values you have that relate to where the organization is going.

Let us help you get ready for your interview. We provide face-to-face Interviewing practice for immediate feedback and evaluation. You can receive a mock interview at any time during our Express Drop In hours. For an online mock interview, log in to Gator CareerLink and click on the “Resources” tab.

14

Jun

So What Exactly Is Business Casual?

June 14, 2019

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So What Exactly Is Business Casual?

Caroline Redmond, the center Marketing Intern

If you are like most college-age students, you will be asked to arrive somewhere in “business casual”. Also, if you are like most college-age students this will be your face when someone says, “Attire for this event is ‘business casual’.”

When did business casual become this well-known phrase that everyone is just supposed to know what it entails??

Was there a worldwide seminar on business dress that we all missed? How are we supposed to know?

Is this business casual??

They are wearing a suit and a dress which is business-y but the denim really makes it more casual don’t you think? What about this??

Should I wear a suit??

What kind of suit?? Does a superhero suit count??

We sat down with the Career Connections Center’s very own professional fashion guru Matthew Cowley, Assistant Director for Professional Development and Experience, to answer the burning questions that could be the difference between getting the job or not.

So…what exactly is business casual?

Matthew: “It’s almost literally removing some of the elements of business professional…It’s a more relaxed version of business professional. For young men it’s usually slacks or khakis and a button down. You can wear a tie or a sport coat if you want to but it’s not required. For young ladies it can be a wide variety of things: slacks and a nice blouse, a skirt with a nice top, or a dress with a blazer. For young women, business casual tends to start to look a lot like business professional.”

Is it better to be over or underdressed?

Matthew: “It’s always better to be over dressed than underdressed. If you don’t know what to wear it’s always better to be over dressed. You don’t want to show up and be the only one who didn’t get the memo that it was business professional.” **One special tip Matthew had for the guys was to wear a suit to an event if you don’t know the dress code. If you show up in a suit and everyone else is dressed more relaxed, it’s easy to take off the tie and/or jacket and be more casual! It’s easy to manipulate an outfit if you go over but not if you go under.

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If a student is going into an interview what should they wear: business casual or business professional?

Matthew: “First, go by what the employer specifies. If they say business casual, wear business casual. If they don’t specify anything, wear business professional.” So there you have it. Now go forth, get that internship or job, be prepared for the workplace, you got this!

14

Jun

So You Graduated…Now What?

June 14, 2019

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So You Graduated…Now What?

Six Ways to Take that Next Step

Kimberly Chin,

the center Marketing Intern

Graduating from college is a major milestone. We asked Julia Fleming, Assistant Director for Career Development, for her advice for the Class of 2016. Here are her words of wisdom.

1. Stop comparing yourself to other people

Understand you are not alone in this even though it may feel like you are.

2. Create a vision (self-reflection)

Ask yourself if you were guaranteed to be successful, what you would be doing. Think about what you want your next step to look like. Go as far as deciding what you want to do in a typical day and where you would live.

3. Think about your choices

After you figure out your vision, hopefully some choices have popped up in your head. Narrow down what you want to do and decide how you will move forward with it.

4. Set a Goal

This is always important. I want to be doing this by insert date here or I will apply for insert amount here jobs a week. This really depends on your vision and what you want your next step to look like.

5. Plan out action steps

A goal is just something out there and does not become reality until you take action on it. Make an action plan with small obtainable goals within the larger goal. Stop by the Career Connections Center to update your resume and CV. Figure out where you can find specific jobs. Be Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time specific when planning. Being time specific is really important because it will keep you on track.

6. TAKE ACTION

Find an accountability buddy, someone who is in the same boat as you. Keep each other accountable and morale up. You will be more likely to stay on task.

As an alumni of the University of Florida, you can access our many services. You can attend career fairs (including Career Showcase), workshops and employer information sessions. Click the link below to access to job opportunities listed in Gator CareerLink.

12

Jun

Six Ways to Land the Perfect Internship

June 12, 2019

Learn More >

Six Ways to Land the Perfect Internship

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You know what career path you want to take, why not get started as quickly as possible.

Kimberly Chin, the center Marketing Intern

To get a job, you must have experience. Internship opportunities are a great way to develop the professional skills you can use to land a full-time opportunity. We asked Julia Fleming, Assistant Director for Career Development, to highlight some of the important considerations to make before going after that internship.

Figure out the industry or job type that you want. Do you want to work for a Fortune 500 company, a nonprofit or just any internship in your field of study?
Start big then narrow down your search. Look at specific companies. Ask yourself are you location bound. Decide on whether you would accept a nonpaid internship or only paid internships.
Use your network! This is the most underutilized approach and can be very helpful with your internship search. Talk to faculty members because they have had students in the past that have gotten internships. Talk to members of student organizations that you are a part of or even just classmates. They could give you advice on how they got their internship.
Don't be afraid to reach out to past internships if you have had them. Reach out to the supervisor and ask them if they know of any other internships. It’s a small world.
Come in to the Career Connections Center to get all your documents reviewed.
Go through the Gator Professional Series: Navigating Your Search track. It teaches you how to build a resume and cover letter, network, how to navigate the internship process and how to be successful on the job after you get the internship.

For a list of workshops, visit us here. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

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In the event you are contacted with an “opportunity” that features any combination of the elements listed above:

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Ask questions.

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Treat them like they aren’t family.

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Should I prepare a cover letter for the application?

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Need help preparing?

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