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.

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Come in to the Career Connections Center to get all your documents reviewed.
6. 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.  

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.

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.    

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

“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.

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.

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!

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          

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.

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:

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!

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.

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.

As a first or second year student it can be hard to imagine how you need to start preparing for leadership and professional opportunities on and off campus. With campus leadership positions at your reach and internships on the horizon, it’s never too early to discover how to maximize that potential. We created the Career Success Institute (CSI) for students like you. CSI is a program designed to help you develop your sense of self as it relates to your future opportunities and leadership development. Not finding and developing a leadership style could be a potential crime scene to your career if you aren’t prepared. Here are five reasons to apply to CSI.

1. Leadership Experience

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.

When thinking about graduate school, you may be trying to convince yourself you need to have every question answered before you blink. And while you should have your ducks in a row before furthering your education, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start. Skip scouring the Internet and let us help you explore the possibilities of graduate school. We are debunking the common myths about considering and applying to grad school, so you don’t have to.  

via GIPHY MYTH: Freshmen and sophomores can’t explore graduate school options. It’s too early. TRUTH: It’s never too early to start exploring grad school options. While plans may change by your junior or senior year, it never hurts to have a long-term career plan. Career plans give you a better understanding of what steps you need to take to achieve your goals and helps you visualize your future.   via GIPHY MYTH: It’s too late for a senior to think about graduate school in October. TRUTH: It is not too late; you can still apply! This also depends on what entrance exams are required for your program, like the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, etc. and when you can schedule those. Ideally you don’t want to be rushed with your decision, but it can be done. A career planning appointment at the Career Connections Center can help you accurately plan out your preparation timeline so you aren’t left scrambling.   via GIPHY MYTH: I shouldn’t apply to grad school because there are no federal government grants for graduate students.                                                                                                                 TRUTH: It’s true that there aren’t any federal grants for grad students, but you should still fill out a FAFSA, it could grant you eligibility to student loans. Graduate Assistantships often provide partial or full tuition reimbursement, and often include a stipend. Grants and fellowships are other ways to find funding for research positions. Private scholarships can also help reduce tuition costs.   via GIPHY MYTH: I need to have my thesis/dissertation topic figured out before graduate school. TRUTH: You should take your first semester of grad school as an exploratory semester to figure out the topic of your research. This semester can be used to network, talk to academics in your field, and to do research. The time will fly quickly, so don’t wait too long to decide after your first semester.   The Career Connections Center will be hosting Graduate Education Week starting October 22. The series will begin with workshops that that will help you get started with graduate school preparation and culminate with the Beyond the Swamp Fair, an event where over 100 graduate schools from around the country will be present to network with UF students looking to explore grad school as an option after undergrad.  Visit Career.ufl.edu/gradseries for more information.   *This article has been updated to reflect the 2018 Graduate Education Week start date.      

A personal professional website can be a great tool to show employers the work you have done and showcase your skills. A professional website is something that students of all majors should consider making. We sat down with Jaime Harsell, the Career Connections Center's Assistant Director for Career and Industry Engagement, and she gave these four reasons why you should create a personal professional website.  

1. Professional Branding

A professional website can help you curate your own professional brand. It is an invaluable tool to show employers who you are as a professional, outside of your resume.  

2. Becoming a Better Writer, Editor, and Critical Thinker

Through the creation process that comes along with making your own website, your writing and editing skills will improve. You will have to write original content for every page and edit it for grammar and logic. via GIPHY  

3. Finding Your Own Voice

Your professional website can help you discover your professional voice. Do you want to come across as serious and proficient or more relaxed and creative? Whichever route you choose, you can use your website to communicate your voice to employers.  

4. Professional Development

Creating your own website helps you retain the information from your coursework and synthesize it with real world application  

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  A personal professional website is an easy-to-access, online portfolio of your work, accomplishments and professional self. If used correctly, a website can propel you to new job opportunities and beyond. via GIPHY   Still need help with your website? Schedule a Career Planning Appointment through Gator CareerLink for help with your website, resume, interview and so much more!   By Caroline Redmond

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:

1. Prep Yourself

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

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.

1. 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. [caption id="attachment_4918" align="alignleft" width="345"] Source: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-startup-company-internship-was-my-smartest-move-in-college[/caption]

2. 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? [caption id="attachment_4919" align="alignright" width="430"] Source: https://yourstory.com/2016/09/customer-communication-changing-landscape/[/caption]

3. 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.    

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.

5. Team Player

For a department to be successful, it needs to operate like a team. A good employee will be a team player, keep those around them in consideration when making decisions and always have the goals of the team in mind.

6. Lifelong learner

A boss loves nothing more than an employee who is always eager to learn. An employee should never feel too complacent or comfortable in their position and constantly be looking for new things that can contribute to the success of the team and company. While you're in school, use your time in internships, part-time jobs and clubs to practices these qualities of a good employee. Not only will it impress your current boss or supervisor but it will set you up for longevity and success in your future, full-time career! Make sure to visit our blog for more career-related tips!

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

via GIPHY

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

via GIPHY

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?

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

via GIPHY

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

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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!

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. The Career Connections Center will start hosting the Gator Professional Series (GPS) on February 7th from 12:50 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. in Room G325. You may also access GPS online at crc.ufl.edu/gps.

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. Competency Labs will start on February 16th from 12:50 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. What are some tools you use for professional development? Let us know in the comments below!

Developing and executing a career plan can be a bit daunting even if you are armed with information to help you through the process. Here at UF’s Career Connections Center, we seek to assist you in becoming career ready by sharing related best practices based on theory as well as by providing insight on industry trends and adapting our resources to reflect any changes. Where you get your information matters, as relying on unreliable material can make your career path unnecessarily rocky. Below are a few tips to help you avoid falling victim to misinformation. 1. Connect with reputable employers If you are searching a job database ensure that you are connecting with employers that have been vetted so that you limited your chances of being preyed upon by fraudulent individuals. The Career Connections Center connects students online with employers by way of Gator CareerLink. Employers that utilize Gator CareerLink are screened by a member of the Career Connections Center. Should a suspicious employer sneak through the cracks, the Career Connections Center flags the account and notifies the UF body. 2. Connect and/or create a trusted network Connecting with staff or a faculty member that has an understanding of an industry of interest could mean you will gain information which may help you further develop your career path. Many of the individuals in your College have industry experience and knowledge that they are willing to share with you…just ask. Connecting with people that share your same career interest is a great way to gain information while also strengthening your professional brand. You may also limit the amount of misinformation that you follow as you have a network to share your ideas and materials with. If you need assistance with networking, the Career Connections Center offers workshops on the topic. 3. Connect with the Career Connections Center Admitting that you need assistance can be a bit discouraging, especially if you enjoy your independence. When it comes to sifting out misinformation, knowing you have a team that is willing to help you navigate your career path should hopefully put your mind at ease. Take advantage of a career planning session and/or attend an event of interest hosted by the Career Connections Center. We are here to make sure you are career ready. This is not an exhaustive list of tips, but rather an introduction as to how you can avoid bad career information. Who do you rely on to receive credible career advice?

by Brooke Schaffer I’m sure you’ve heard before that first impressions are everything. This saying holds true when it comes to potential employers and recruiters, as they form opinions about students within seconds of meeting. With Career Showcase just around the corner and various interviews on the horizon, you want to be sure to present yourself in the best light possible to make a dazzling first impression on potential employers. So, without further ado, let’s discuss some of the clothes you should steer clear of to assure that you make wonderful, professional first impressions at Career Showcase. 1. Be Aware of Clothes that Almost Fit There’s nothing quite like pulling your pants out of the dryer, realizing they’re notably shorter and deciding that you might have to bring back high waters. Or maybe your weight has changed since high school but you are trying to convince yourself that your ninth-grade dress shirts totally still fit. We’ve all been there, but Career Showcase is not the time to wear something that doesn’t show you in your best light. Whether it’s a shirt that is too big or too tight, slacks that look more like capris or a skirt that is cutting it close in terms of length, these are all clothing items you should leave home on the days of Career Showcase. 2. Take Notice of Shoe Shortcomings I realize that we live in Florida, but as much as you want to sport your flip-flops, Birkenstocks or favorite beachy sandals, you simply must ditch these shoes. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of showing off your sweet new Adidas tennis shoes because closed-toe shoes are a safer bet, then you’re still on the wrong track. It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping by Showcase in between classes: if you want to make a good impression, kick your tennis shoes to the curb for some appropriate and professional shoes. 3. Avoid Color Catastrophes Do you have a particularly strong sense of style or an undying affinity for bright colors? I hate to break it to you, but potential employers (for the most part) probably won’t take kindly to crazy, colorful ensembles or over-the-top accessorizing. In order to look professional, you want to wear classic styles of clothing in muted colors or neutral tones. Toss your favorite funny tie, color-blocked outfit and over-the-top accessories aside. Instead, stick to traditional business professional looks in simple and understated patterns. If you’d like to get an opinion on your Career Showcase attire, stop by the Career Connections Center for help. If you need assistance with getting proper suiting the Molm Family Gator Career Closet has a wide variety of offerings for feminine and masculine professional and business casual attire. The closet lends clothes to UF students free of charge and is there to help you nail your professional outfits for that great first impression!

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.  

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  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

  By Caroline Redmond

What does it mean to research an employer? With recruiting season starting and numerous opportunities to network with employers, it’s important for students to know how to effectively research a company. Here are four steps to help you with the process. 1. Review Company Websites and Social Media Pages Looking at a company’s website should be the first course of action for starting your research. The website is where you can find important information regarding the company’s mission statement, history, culture, products sold, and messages from top executives. Company websites may also feature a blog where posts mention innovation happening within the company, community outreach, and partnerships with organizations or policy makers. Social Media is also a valuable research resource. A company’s social media platform is often the voice of the company. It can provide insight into what type of culture the company has. Are they making funny posts or are the posts more serious and factual? Be careful not to lean too much into social media, as appearance on these platforms may differ from the company’s reality. The social media page of a company can also provide important information into current projects the organization is pursuing, their involvement in the community, and news on product innovation. Mentioning a relevant post during your interview is a great way to make a connection with the interviewer by specifically describing a post you connected with. 2. Research Employment Websites After you have delved through the company website and social media platforms, take time to explore other websites that provide meaningful information about organizations. Glassdoor: Provides pros and cons of the company from current and past employees, salary information, and even internship reviews. Buzzfile: Presents company description, contact information, demographics, sector/industry info and other helpful data about millions of companies. Hoovers: Displays company financial statements, top competitors, sales preparation data, and information about the industry. UF Students have access through UF Libraries. 3. Do Your Outside Research on Industry Trends Now that you’ve explored the company website, social media pages and employment websites, it is a good idea to conduct an internet search about the company and scan recent articles about them. Google is great for discovering interviews with the CEO, reviews of the company’s products, reports on the mission, articles about the culture of the company and other relevant information that allow you to gain knowledge and display an interest for the company come interview time. Another important aspect of research is examining the current state of the industry you’re interviewing for, as well as current and expected trends of the industry. Researching competitors of the company can provide some information into the industry. Often interviewers will directly ask you about your insight into the industry, making this an essential step of research. Finally, based on this research you could formulate potential innovations for the company and mention things that the company is currently succeeding at during the interview. 4. Connect with Employees via LinkedIn Matthew Cowley, associate director for student engagement at the Career Connections Center, emphasized connecting with people through LinkedIn. He suggests to start the process by looking to see if any alumni from the University of Florida work at the company you are interested in. Many alumni often enjoy helping undergraduates from their alma mater. When connecting with employees be specific about the type of information you want to know more about. Some potential questions could be about the company culture or what they like most about working there. Be careful how specific the questions are because some information is confidential. Getting your foot in the door by connecting with employer’s shows that you are eager to join the company and provides another way to share information. With so many resources available to the public, researching a company has never been easier. Whether you choose to focus on the company website, social media pages, employment websites, or direct information from employees depends on the position that you are interviewing for. The purpose of researching a company is to show the interviewer that you have an authentic interest in them and their industry. In addition, research can provide direct answers to potential interview questions and provide information that can help you decide if the company is a right fit for you. Good luck with your research! If you have questions about researching employers, please make a Career Planning Appointment through Gator CareerLink or visit us in the Reitz Union. Oliver Monaghan