Looking for a job or internship? Start at Career Services

Finding your way through the many systems, policies and procedures on your way to graduation can sometimes seem overwhelming. Career Services is just one of the many offices here to help.

Students have many questions and in this article, we have attempted to provide answers to some of those most commonly asked. After you read the information, I would suggest you call our office at (517) 774-3068 to schedule an appointment with your career adviser. It could be the first step toward a successful job search and a great career.
Question: I know that on-campus interviewing
is going on in both semesters but I have no clue as to when it starts
in the Spring semester.
Answer: Actual interviews began Tuesday, Jan.
18, but sign-ups are continuous. If you inadvertently missed a deadline
to sign up for a company you are interested in, check with our on-campus
recruiting department to see if you qualify and if there happens to
be any interview times left on the recruiter’s schedule. A list of companies
slated to come to campus is available in our office and in Grawn 209
weekly.

Consistently checking this keeps you aware of any additions to the listings and keeps you up on deadlines for requesting interviews. The final week of actual on-campus interviews is the last week of April.
Question: I am graduating in May and have
completed a whole lot of cards requesting interviews with companies
coming to campus. However, I keep getting them back saying “not scheduled
per recruiter,” what does that mean?
Answer: That could mean one of two things.
The first being that when you initially registered with our office,
you were looking for an internship and marked the registration section
accordingly. However, now that you are graduating that section must
be changed to indicate you are seeking a full-time, permanent position.
The computer still thinks you want an internship and tells us that you
are an “unqualified registrant.” The result is that the recruiter never
sees your resume´.

The second thing it could mean is that the number of qualified candidates exceeded the number of interview appointment slots and the recruiter did not select you for scheduling.
Question: I already have my major signed and
am ready to start looking for an internship for this summer. Is this
too early to begin?
Answer: Absolutely not. On Wednesday, Feb.
3, Phi Chi Theta, in association with Career Services, will sponsor
its third semi-annual Internship Fair from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the
Bovee University Center. Admission is free and professional dress is
recommended.

This is an excellent avenue to showcase yourself to employers. Many internships are highly competitive and have early deadlines. Come prepared to network and bring lots of copies of your resumes. You may also want to set up an appointment with our internship coordinator, Scott Mertes. He can assist you in the process.
Question: Even though I am graduating in May,
I have never had an interview for a “real” job. Is there anything in
your office to help me prepare?
Answer: The Career Resource Center has an
excellent program designed to give interview practice as well as feedback
to individuals. The program is called the “Mock Interview Program.”
It is a great way to gain interview experience in a safe, supportive
environment.

Making a mistake in a mock interview will not cost you an internship or a job. Well-trained interns conduct the interviews. The sessions are videotaped and feedback is provide to you in a non-threatening manner. The whole process takes about 45 minutes.

The CRC also has a selection of videotapes on interviewing techniques for your viewing. To set up an appointment please call 774-6617. Don’t wait too long because they fill up fast and interview times are limited.

More than 450 students participated in the program and most all felt that the program was well worth going through.
Question: I worked on my resume´ during break
and wanted to know how do I get someone to look it over and give me
suggestions for improvement?
Answer: Career Services has a “Resume´ Critique
Program” specifically designed to assist students in putting the finishing
touches on their resumes and cover letters.

To have your resume´ or cover letter critiqued, drop off a typed copy at the Career Services office in 215 Bovee University Center. If, after you have picked up your critiqued resume´, you would like an appointment to discuss the suggestions, please ask the receptionist to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, at the time you drop it off, let the receptionist know whether you want your resume´ mailed back to you or if you want to pick it up when we call you. Either way, your resume´ will be ready approximately five days after you drop it off.

Your ultimate goal is to get into the employer’s maybe pile. A great resume´ is the fastest way to get there.
Nancy Benaske is coordinator of office operations
for Career Services.