Wednesday, January 8, 2014

What You Can Do Now To Jumpstart Your Career In 2014


 

 
Welcome to 2014! It’s that time of year when many of you might be making resolutions or looking for ways to make 2014 a success. So, why not make it your goal to jumpstart your career this new year? Below are things you can do over Winter Break to get started on your career goals:
·       Create or revise your resume:  Build an attractive resume that will land on someone’s desk and not in the ‘circular file’.
Get started:
o      Think about the skills you’ve already gained in college (e.g. advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), your strengths (e.g. time management, leadership) and build a resume that reflects those capabilities.

o      Include any accomplishments you’ve made on your current and previous jobs (e.g. repeatedly chosen as “Employee of the Month”; made $5,000 in sales during holidays; etc.).

o      Need more help? Let the Hofstra Career Center help.  Utilize the Career Planning Handbook for examples or visit with The Career Center for resume assistance.  You can also check out how to create a modern ‘21st Century’ resume on Hofstra’s Career Center blog here.

·       Look for an internship:  Whether you start your internship in the spring or summer look for one that will allow you to use your current skills and gain new ones that can be used in your future career.
Get started:
o      Contact your department major’s chairperson or internship coordinator for information on how to obtain credit for an internship or the Off-Campus Education Office if you are interested in earning liberal arts credits at 516-463-5823.

o      The Hofstra Career Center works with employers throughout the country and posts many internship opportunities on the ‘Pride Career Management System’ (Pride – CMS) which can be accessed through ‘My Apps’ on your Hofstra Portal. Additionally, you can access The Career Center’s subscription to Internships.com on Pride-CMS for even more opportunities!

·        Network, Network, Network:  Use this time off to contact professionals at your dream job or even those with an inspirational career path.
Get started:
o     Create or revise your LinkedIn profile to start making those connections. (Hint: use your accomplishments from your resume to build a great LinkedIn Profile and that will attract other connections)

o     All you have to do is A.S.K. - use the Alumni Student Konnection (A.S.K.) to ask Hofstra alumni career-related questions. This can be accessed on the portal under ‘Student Services’.

o     Go to events that potential employers will be in attendance and have a short 30-second ‘elevator pitch’ ready that answers: Who you are? What you do? What you’re looking for? For example:  “Hi. I’m Yolanda Brown. I’m currently a Business major with a concentration in Human Resources. I’m looking for opportunities in New York to work with finance and Insurance companies. Check out The Career Center’s spring calendar on Pride-CMS for networking opportunities including the Spring Career Fair on March 2!

·       Volunteer your time: Volunteering over the break will not only unlock your hidden skills but also connect you with others that have the same interest and can help you land an internship or job in your field.
Get started:
o      Contact local hospitals and organizations by calling them directly or looking on their website for volunteer opportunities.

o      Ask others where they’ve volunteered and reach out to those organizations or groups to help.

o      Look online for organizations and groups that list volunteer openings for one-day, weekly or monthly events or needs. Some can be found at volunteermatch.org or idealist.org.

o      Reach out to on-campus organizations such as Hofstra’s Habitat for Humanity at 516-857-3659 or contact the OSLA office for other clubs’ and organizations’ current volunteer opportunities at 516-463-6914 or OSLA@hofstra.edu.
 
Meet with a Hofstra Career Counselor: Talking your goals through with a career professional can help you plan. If you would like to meet with a Hofstra Career Counselor or need help getting started with any of the above tips make an appointment with the Hofstra Career Center at 516-463-6060 or visit their website here. You can also drop by for a ‘Quick Question’ during the Winter Break hours, Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
 
--Yolanda Brown, Office of Student Affairs





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