September 2008 - Posts
Tomorrow is the culmination of our COM WEEK activities--the Student/Alumni Networking Luncheon.
Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon Friday, September 19, 11-1 p.m., PSU Ballroom East, Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt.
There is still time to register, through 5:00pm today. You may do so in Craig 375 or email communication@missouristate.edu.
Preparing for a networking opportunity is important, not hard work per se, but important nonetheless. You want to put your best foot forward, make a good impression, and open the door to possibilities of internships or that first job.
So, consider these tips in preparing for any opportunity you have to meet someone who can help you find a job, help put you in contact with someone who does have job, or remember you later when a job becomes available:
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Dress appropriately. This means that for any professional gathering, that you dress as those who will also be attending. All of the alums will be coming from work in their business attire. If you want to make an impression that you can handle a job and represent an organization well, you should dress in business clothing. If you have to come to the luncheon right after class, then wear your business attire to class. If you have to go somewhere after the luncheon, bring a change of clothes. Don't arrive in your normal street clothes. You can never anticipate who you'll meet and what opportunities will present themselves for you...so always be prepared. Dress pants and a collar shirt for men is appropriate, dress pants/shirt and full coverage top is appropriate for women (no plunging necklines). Shoes should be low and well maintained.
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Always have something to give. If you have them, bring resumes or business cards to hand out. If you do not have a resume you are ready to show, print out small business cards on hard stock paper and hand them out. Put your name, major, address, phone, and school email address on it. Don't use your personal email on this card, however, stick with the university address.
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Be the first to offer a firm hand to shake and clearly pronounce your name (spell it if you have to). Repeat the name of the person you are meeting back and say, "Nice to meet you." or "thank you for coming." For our event tomorrow, you might ask what the person's major was in school and where they currently work.
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This is not the time to be shy. You may feel shy inside, and that's okay, but if you speak clearly and loudly and give a firm handshake, you've done wonders for your first impression! Never apologize for anything either.
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Ask for a business card. Ask what is the best way to contact the person. Then, be sure to follow up in a brief email or thank you letter to the person. If you really want to be in touch with that person again for a job, a lead, or informational interview, you make the first contact after the event.
There are other strategies, but these will get you started for tomorrow. You will also receive more tips and excellent strategies in networking tomorrow at the luncheon.
Final Suggestion: If you can only attend one hour of the luncheon, that is fine. Either way, you will be able to get something to eat (the food will be on a buffet lline) and hear from alums or meet them. The first hour 11-12 will be lunch and introductions. 12-1 speed networking activity and follow up.
For those of you who cannot attend, you can still buy a commemorative COM WEEK t-shirt in Craig 375 for $10! And, next week I'll post some tips, strategies, and comments on this blog that were shared by the alums at all the events this week.
Good networking,
Kelly
September 15-19 is COM WEEK 2008: Get your Reality Check. We host this event every fall semester in order to provide students with an opportunity to get connected with alums who are willing to share their career and professional experiences with you. The year we've themed it around getting a "reality check" about careers and making it in the professional world. The idea is that as you attend the master classes or luncheon you get tips and strategies for "making it in the real world with a communication degree" by people with COM degrees who know what it's like out there.
There are four master classes next week, Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:45. Each class provides a unique opportunity to get one-on-one contact with local alums about career ideas, being a survivor in your first job, resume tips, etc. Each session is intended to be hands-on, a sort of training or workshop, to help you directly with developing career preparation. All classes are free, but we request that you register. We want to keep these classes small so that you can get one-on-one interaction with the alum. You may register the day of the session too.
Monday: Learn about the opportunities that a digital portfolio and other online networking strategies can provide you in making your application stand out! Drucilla Owenby, MS. Ed will conduct this session. She's currently employed by Duck Creek Technologies, an online instructional and consulting company.
Tuesday: Learn from three COM grads about different career choices and paths for COM majors. This panel will discuss their experiences after graduation in getting jobs and making contacts with others. Dana Montgomery works for Guaranty Bank, Christopher Dixon is self-employed, and Sheila Boutwell is Campaign Manager for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mid-America Chapter.
Wednesday: The Career Center provides many resources to students in getting their resumes together or practicing for job interviews. Valerie Turner (Communication Coordinator) will share her vast experiences regarding resume do's and don'ts with students in this session. Students are encouraged to bring resumes to this session for review and feedback (not required though).
Thursday: Do you know what it takes to survive your first internship experience or job out of college? Come to this session to hear from a seasoned pro at negotiating new jobs and new situations. Lauren Lambert will share with students her experiences as a recruiter in health care as well as promotions and marketing. She also encourages that students bring resumes to her session for feedback.
If you have a class that meets during one of the master classes, you might ask your instructor about attending it as a whole class. If that's not an option, then see about you attending and writing a short reflection on your experience with the master class or luncheon. It never hurts to ask.
Then Friday, we host the Networking Luncheon from 11-1 in PSU Ballroom East. Here you will have the opportunity to sit with alums and get their tips and advice directly. The lunch is$10 cost, but you also get a COM WEEK shirt, which are now available when your register in Craig 375. Please make plans to attend at least one or two of these events. The department covers most all of cost of these events for you (except the lunch, and you get t-shirt too) and alums are providing their services free of charge, so DO take advantage of these great opportunities for YOU to get some tips and advice on making it in the “real world.”
Let me know if you have any questions. REGISTER TODAY! You can register in Craig 375, or by email at communication@missouristate.edu, or by calling 836-4423. See you next week!
Kelly
ONLY A WEEK AWAY!
COM Week 2008
September 15-19, 2008
THEME: "Making it in the Real World with a communication degree"
Registration Continuing!
Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon Friday, September 19, 11-1 p.m., PSU Ballroom East Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt.
MASTER CLASSES: Registration is required and seats are going fast.
All classes are 3:30-4:45pm.
Monday: Learn what it takes to get your name out there and start connecting with those in the field ~ Drucilla Owenby, Craig 321
Tuesday: Take a look at “The Fabulous Life” of those working in the field ~ Dana Montgomery & Sheila Boutwell & Chris Dixon, Craig 337
Wednesday: Make a good impression while job and internship hunting. ~ Career Services, Craig 337
Thursday: Gain insight on the skills and experience you will need to be a “Survivor” in the workforce. ~ Jacob Day, Craig 337
CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK EVENT:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.VISIT CRAIG 375, CALL 836-4423 OR EMAIL COMMUNICATION@MISSOURISTATE.EDU
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From the Desk of the Career Center:
How do you intend to get experience? How about a suggestion....
Participate in the Missouri State Legislative Intern program: As a com major or minor, you could have the opportunity to write press releases, interact with the media, resolve problems, participate in a mock legislative session with fellow interns, and help draft legislative proposals within our state government as you are paired up with a state legislator and spend a full spring semester in our state capitol. I believe it is an incredible and unique experience for COM majors and minors in particular. To learn more about this outstanding public affairs opportunity, email Sarah Douglas at sarahdouglas@missouristate.edu or call 836.5636. The application deadline for the Spring 2009 Legislative Intern cycle is October 10th. For more information, check out this information sheet.
Have a great week,
Kelly McNeilis
Did you enjoy the last summer weekend of Labor Day? Now it's the start of the second week of classes. How are things going for you so far? Have you figured out your schedule yet? How's parking this year?
Remember InCommon? New to InCommon? Hi, my name is Dr. Kelly McNeilis, I'm the department head for Communication. This is my bi-monthly blog/newsletter. This blog is for COM majors and minors so that you have a place for news and upcoming events. You'll get an email from me first and within it, I post partial contents of the blog and then a link to the page so you can read it in its entirity. I always encourage feedback on this blog. Tell me what you like, tell me what you want to hear more about. I hope you will share your comments at the end of this blog...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS--Two Upcoming Events
A) Get ready for COM Week 2008
"Get Your Reality Check: Making it in the 'Real World' with a communication degree"
Events taking place during the week of September 15-19, 2008
Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon
Friday, September 19, 11-1 p.m., PSU Ballroom East
Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt
MASTER CLASSES starting @ 3:30 p.m.
All sessions conducted by COM alums. These sessions are FREE, but registration is required
Monday: Learn what it takes to get your name out there and start connecting with those in the field.
Tuesday: Take a look at “The Fabulous Life” of those working in the field.
Wednesday: Make a good impression while job and internship hunting.
Thursday: Gain insight on the skills and experience you willneed to be a “Survivor” in the workforce.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.VISIT CRAIG 375, CALL 836-4423 OR E-MAIL
B) Career Center Activities
1. Attached is the Career Center Flyer for Resume Madness coming up in 2 weeks! Get your resumes reviewed by Career Center Staff. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s free. Check it out.
2. Also, the Career Center is hosting a career fair, Fall Career Fest, on September 24, 2008 in the Plaster Student Union from 10 am – 2 pm. See current list of employer attending Fall Career Fest: http://careercenter.missouristate.edu/assets/careercenter/FallCareerFest2008.pdf
Note: Accounting, Business & Computer Days are also scheduled in Glass Hall respectively on September 15, 16 & 17, if students in your departments may be interested in attending.
For More Information, contact: Margie Wieland, Employer Relations Manager/Career Counselor
marjoriewieland@missouristate.edu
That's it for now, let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Kelly McNeilis
Department Head