A Computational Changing Life Experience…

Computing students… where are you?  Here in the GT Work Abroad Program we have many opportunities for YOU!  Have you seen the summer work abroad internship opportunities at LG Electronics in Korea for computing or ECE graduate students or at Excelsys in Chile for ECE?  What about the computer science positions at the multi-national company Sierra Atlantic or even at Wicresoft in China?  Have you seen these? Interested in Japan?  There is a slew of positions that will be available for the 2011 academic year, but right now, we have a position in the heart of Tokyo for computing students that is just for the summer of 2010.  Have you seen these jobs?  These are just a few internships that are currently available in the GT Work Abroad Program. If you are interested, contact Jill Burya at jill.burya@dopp.gatech.edu immediately, as deadlines are approaching as early as February 19^th.

If you are a computing student and you haven’t heard about these internships, how can we advertise these positions to you?  Let me know asap!  Also, are you interested in working abroad in the future?  If so, contact Jill Burya at jill.burya@dopp.gatech.edu today to sign up for the Work Abroad Program today.  This could be a chance to change your life…

50 Best Jobs in America

When it comes to ranking the  jobs that are the most fulfilling and best-paying, CNN Money.com has it all figured out.

The website recently posted a list of the top 50 careers in the US for 2009 based on pay and growth prospects.  Among the top jobs listed was Manufacturing Engineer (#38), Senior Financial Analyst (#21), Intelligence Analyst (#9), Information Technology Project Manager (#5), and leading the list at #1 is the Systems Engineer.

And there are several more careers on that list which seem to be a fitting profession for any Tech graduate.

If you want to see what you’re possibly in for when it comes to working hours, stress levels, and tips on the kind of experience you’ll need before applying, check out the article on the CNN Money website.

After reading it myself, it’s definitely nice to know that our 4(+) years at Tech are going to be well spent.

Little Known Interview Secrets

It’s time to let the cat out of hat.  When preparing for interviews, you always hear things like, ‘wear a suit’ or ‘check out the company’s website’.  But here are a few lesser known but equally important tips:

1)  Wear something that makes your feel good:  I should clarify and say that ‘makes you feel good’ and ‘looks professional’ must be synonymous in this case.  For example, I have a shiny, blue shirt with a peter-pan color, and I swear it gives me an extra dose of energy.  I feel good in it, and feeling good really helps when you walk in to an interview.

2)  Be good to yourself (or someone else) before the interview: It’s normal to be nervous before an interview.  If your interview is at 11AM, you will be nervous from the moment you wake up until you shake hands with the interviewer.  So fill up this time with something that relaxes you like a good book, meditation, prayer, a funny sitcom or a good deed.  For instance, once when I had an hour to waste before an interview, I wrote a letter to Jimwel, the little boy I sponsor in the Philippines.  His last letter had talked about how the typhoon in his country had destroyed his family’s home.  I can tell you that for the hour I wrote to Jimwel, I was not nervous about a measly little interview.

3) The mirror is your friend: People tell you to prepare answers to typical interview questions.  Take this a step further:  stand in front of your mirror and watch yourself answer these questions.  I’ve become convinced that no one is either a naturally gifted public speaker or interviewee.  Both require practice.  Before giving a talk, I stand in front of a mirror and practice 2 or 3 times.  Do the same drill before an interview, and your answers will come much more naturally when you’re actually sitting across from the recruiter.

4) Know thyself:  Some people talk too much when they’re nervous.  Other people lose their words.  Some people say critical things about themselves or even about other people.  What do you do when you’re nervous?  Make a conscious effort during the interview to do the opposite.  For instance, if you talk too freely under pressure, be diligent in interviews to follow the recruiter’s lead, especially when asked negative interview questions (i.e. What is your biggest weakness? or Describe a difficult person you’ve worked with).

5)  Bring an arsenal of extras to dazzle them: What recruiter wouldn’t be impressed by a candidate who not only brings an extra copy of their resume and references but also examples of the work they’ve done on previous projects.  If the recruiter asks, ‘What are you most proud of?’, and you can show them a tangible product such as a paper, lab report, project, drawing, design or business plan, they will not only be impressed by your work but also by your interview preparation.

6)  Think of it as a conversation: The word ‘interview’ can strike fear in to even the most courageous heart so redefine it as a conversation.  An interview is basically the employer’s chance to learn more about you, and your chance to find out more about the position.  The key is putting your best foot forward and all of your cards on the table.  This is a conversation where it’s appropriate to talk about yourself extensively and highlight your proudest accomplishments and hard-earned skills.  As one recruiter once said, he wants to hear the word ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.  Your classmates are not being interviewed; you are.  This is your chance to tell your story so be sure to hit all of the high points.

T3xting is gr8 but mayB not N emails LOL…

Today’s message is simple: texting is for friends only!

I’ve heard several times that the type of font you use in writing emails communicates your personality to the recipient.  Lucida Handwriting = very girly.  Comic Sans = very relaxed and probably still in school.  Times = classic, but a little boring.  And so on.

Little tips like these about making your emails sound more professional are great, but I’m starting to think that one seemingly obvious tip has been overlooked: write emails using basic, dictionary-approved words!

With the popularity of texting on the rise, it’s easy to get caught up in the new slang that’s popping up all over.  I even hear an occasional ‘LOL’ said out loud.  It’s fun, and it definitely allows us to showcase our personalities on a computer, but let’s not forget who we’re speaking to sometimes.  Prospective employers, networking contacts, and especially professors are starting to receive fewer emails and more text messages in an email than ever before!  The result?  They get distracted by the texting and do not take you seriously.

So here are a few tips to make your emails always sound professional and respectuful:

1.  Use standard English!  This means periods, capitalization, commas in all the right places, etc.

2.  “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Professor So-And-So” + email + “Thank you,/Best regards,/Sincerely” + your name and contact info goes a long way.

2.  Check the subject line, too.  This should be brief, but descriptive about your email.  You can put your name there, too, if you’re emailing a professor or HR representative (it helps them keep track of your emails easier).

3.  If you’re submitting an application to a prospective employer, your application materials (i.e. resume, cover letter) should be individual attachments.  I learned recently that some employers like to just download your materials and file them along with the other applicants’ materials to be looked over later.  If you make their lives easier, they will appreciate that!

4.  As an addition to # 3: ask your DoPP advisor to provide an extra set of eyes to review your resume and cover letter.  They’re definitely happy to help.

Whether it’s a 2-sentence or a 5-paragraph essay you’re writing in your email, your style of writing might end up as the bigger message.  So, be professional, and happy sending!

The Importance of a Thank You Note!

So, you attended the internship fair yesterday (Tuesday, January 19th)…correct?  If not, this may still be of interest to you.  I am sure that at the fair or at other events on or off GT campus, you have picked up a few business cards.  Now, are you asking yourself what you should do with them?  The answer is: start writing those thank you notes!  Yes, it is still important to take the time to follow up with everyone that you talked to at the internship fair or other events or interviews in the future.  There is a debate out there on whether or not to follow up electronically or in snail mail.  See here:

FAQ About Thank You Letters for Job-Seekers

Career Services at Virginia Tech Thank You Note Information

eFinancial Careers

In the end, it is still extremely important to send along a thank you either in an e-mail or in hand-written form to the person that took his or her time to talk to you about a potential job or internship position.  Can’t make the decision on whether or not to write an e-mail or send snail mail?  I highly recommend that if you interviewed for a position and you are really eager to make a great impression that you take the time to send a follow-up thank you email directly following the interview as well as send along a hand-written thank you note to express your interest in the position.  I also recommend sending the follow-up notes within 24 hours of the interaction.  Good luck and feel free to let any of the DoPP staff know if you have any questions regarding the best approach to following up!

Orient Yourself

2010 is underway, and change is afoot!

One of the biggest changes here in DoPP is that we’re now offering internship orientation EVERY Thursday from 11AM to noon.  To find info on the location, please click here.

These orientations are open to any undergraduate student.  In a mere 60 minutes, you will learn a plethora of ways to find an internship.  You’ll be given a quick but comprehensive overview of  many campus resources including job databases, career fairs, student organizations, and employer information sessions.  We’ll also demo LinkedIn as well as Reference USA, a company directory with millions of employers thoughout the U.S.

So come one, come all!  We hope to see you on a Thursday morning very soon.

Note: If you’re tempted to procrastinate, remember that many employers start recruiting to fill their internship positions as far as 6 – 9 months in advance.  One of the best ways to minimize your own job search stress is to start looking early.  And if you unsure of how to start, we promise that attending one of our internship orientations will give you some concrete and effective job search action items.

So much to learn about!

(www.me.gatech.edu)

Do you feel overwhelmed by the opportunities available to you as a Georgia Tech student?   With all of the communication and technology advancements that are now available to you, it is completely understandable.   Having a list of resources may help you feel better about learning about all of the exciting events and opportunities on campus.  Here are just a few to keep in mind:

1.  P2D2 – Professional Practice Division Database

Doesn’t everyone tell you to get “hands on, practical training before you graduate?”  OF course they do!  Check out this database that will allow you to locate internships, coops, graduate coops and work abroad opportunities.

2.  Career Buzz

Full-time and internship job postings website available to you as a GT student.

3.  Cyber Buzz

Bored on campus?  Join a student organization! You have over 300 to choose from at GT.

4.  GT Campus Map

We all know that you get lost on campus from time to time.  Check out the map to locate that new building at the start of a semester!

5.  GT Campus Calendar

Still bored?  Check out all of the events that are occurring on GT campus!

6.  GT Registrar

Trying to plan out when your international internship will start?  (hint, hint- work abroad!)  See campus calendar to confirm start and end dates.

7.  1 – on -1 Tutoring

Need a little extra help?  Check out the FREE tutoring at GT!

8.  GT School of Modern Languages

Looking for some classes that will jump-start your left brain?  Pick up a language class here at Tech.  Just think…you may then be able to work abroad in an international location where that language is primarily spoken.

I will stop at 8 since the list is endless!  Best of luck with searching for information and opportunities here at GT.  It is part of the fun and exciting challenge of college life!

Top 10 Career Fair Tips

Welcome back from winter break!  Did you know that campus career fairs start in 2 weeks? Career fairs are a great way to find a co-op position, internship or full-time job.

For a complete list of upcoming fairs, click here:

• The largest spring fair is the fair on Wed, Jan 20 and Thur, Jan 21 and is sponsored by the Georgia Tech Society of Black Engineers (GTSBE).
• The Internship Fair is on Tues, Jan 19.
• There are also several smaller major-specific fairs throughout January and February.

Top 10 Career Fair Tips:

1)  Review the list of companies in advance, and prioritize the top 5-10 companies you plan to speak with.

2)  Decide your target companies based on the type of work they do in addition to name and reputation.  Don’t disregard smaller companies just because you’re not familiar with them.

3) Wear comfortable, professional shoes, and a suit that isn’t too short or tight.  It’s a good thing if you put on your suit and feel older and more mature.

4) Bring a binder with copies of your resume on good paper.  Leave your backpack at the door.

5)  Make a conscious effort to smile when you greet each representative.

6)  Don’t take the free give-aways until the end of the conversation so you’re not fumbling with them as you introduce yourself.

7)  Practice a 30-second ‘elevator pitch’ including your name, major and year.  Give a short overview of the type of position you’re looking for and why you’re interested in their company.

8)  Keep the conversation to a few minutes.  Remember this is not an interview, and there will be people waiting behind you.

9) End each conversation by asking about next steps as well as for the representative’s business card or email.  (They may not have brought business cards, but if you’ve made a good impression, they can always give out their email.)

10)  Send each representative an email within 48 hours thanking them and re-expressing your interest in their company.  Be sure to attach an electronic copy of your resume.

Resolutions

Happy Almost 2010!  Our offices are about to close for break so I thought I’d write a New Years post a little bit early.  Hopefully you’re all reading this from the comfort of your home, possibly while sitting in front of a roaring fire drinking eggnog.

Do you make News Years Resolutions?  Every year I jot down a list of things I want to do, see, attempt, or experience.  For me, the point isn’t accomplishing the whole list.  It’s more about thinking big about the coming year.

What’s on your list?  Break dancing, astronomy, global development work, badminton, ballroom dancing, politics, fighting cancer, diversity, dodgeball, film, French, French films, gospel choir, motorsports, origami, outdoor rec, robotics, rowing,  solar race cars, triathlons, becoming vegetarian, tutoring or martial arts?

One of the easiest and most fun ways to build your resume is to take on leadership roles on-campus. Don’t go for quantity; instead go for quality. Pick one or two organizations that you enjoy, and chair a committee or plan an event. All of the activities listed above (plus many more) are clubs here at Georgia Tech.  Did you know that there are over 400 clubs on-campus?  For a complete list of clubs and organizations, click here.

Make it a big 2010 by getting more involved here at Georgia Tech!

Uncle Bob’s Rules of Life

When students graduate from Georgia Tech, we affectionately say they’ve ‘gotten out’.  This past weekend, over a thousand students ‘got out’ of Tech during the Fall Commencement Ceremonies.

The commencement speaker for the afternoon engineering ceremony was Dr. Robert Nerem, Director of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience at Georgia Tech.  Dr. Nerem, who his students fondly call ‘ Uncle Bob’, shared his Rules of Life with the graduates.  All 15 rules are excellent life lessons and can be found at http://www.commencement.gatech.edu/, but Rule #11 particularly resonated with me:

Uncle Bob’s Rule #11. Whatever happens, place the least dramatic interpretation on the event, the incident, and/or whatever is said.

I like this rule because I’ve found that one of the biggest mistakes students are making right now when approaching their job search is over-dramatizing the effect of the economy on their career prospects.  This is a completely natural response given the abundance of doom and gloom stories we’re being fed by the media.   We do need to be aware and educated on the state of economy, but don’t let the pessimistic stats and stories make you believe that you can’t find a job.

Did you know that 75% of all job postings in the 2nd quarter of 2009 were for candidates with zero to three years of experience? This is according to Beyond.com career trend analysis, Oct 2009.

I challenge you, whether you’ve just graduated or will graduate in a few years, to face the internship or job search head-on with a positive attitude.  In any economy, a job search takes time and effort.  Even if we were on the flip side of the recession, it would still be common for students to need to apply for many (‘many’ being defined as 15+) jobs before finding the right one.

The bottom line is that a job search requires time and persistence.  Start early: 6-9 months BEFORE you want to go to work.  And most importantly, don’t allow yourself to over-dramatize the poor economy, thus sabotaging your job search before it’s even begun.