We've been sharing our "Smart Moves in a Tough Economy" suggestions throughout this semester and wanted everyone to know that following those suggestions does pay off! As the stories below demonstrate, those who dedicate themselves to hard work and persistence are successful!
MEET GRACE!
Grace is a senior double-majoring in Graphic Design and Economics who has made some successful “smart moves” which have led to several excellent opportunities in her desired field of Digital Design. NICE WORK GRACE!
How did she do it?
Grace has kept busy, not only by dedicating herself to academics, but also taking advantage of the many opportunities on the Binghamton campus to develop her skills and explore her many career options. Networking has been very important to Grace’s success – she landed two freelance positions by making use of her connections with friends and family. In addition, she took advantage of many Career Development Center resources, including attending programs such as “Why We’ll Hire ‘Any Major’,” “What Do I Say to an Employer at the Job & Internship Fair?” and participating in multiple practice interview programs. In addition, Grace has become well acquainted with CDC’s Quick Reference Guides and used them for guidance with everything from writing excellent cover letters to identifying transferable skills. Grace’s hard work has also begun to pay off with interviews for full-time positions with well-known organizations. And it doesn’t end there … Grace is still planning on making use of the Alumni Career Network as a starting point for conducting informational interviews with professionals in her field and continuing to use eRecruiting in creative ways to connect with recruiters. WAY TO GO GRACE!
What advice does Grace have for other students?
“My advice would be to keep an open mind, network, see opportunities where others don't and take advantage of them to build up your experience. Just be sure you are able to find a good balance between schoolwork and the career-advancing opportunities.
“Also, don't limit yourself. Many companies in other industries have departments that can utilize your skills and experience as well; don't just search within one specific industry. Be sure to get in touch with alumni through the resources at CDC as well, as they can help guide you and perhaps get your foot in the door!”
MEET KELSEY!
Kelsey is a senior majoring in English literature and minoring in art who recently landed a summer editorial position with Random House. CONGRATULATIONS KELSEY!
How did she do it?
Kelsey kept in constant touch with advisers in Harpur Academic
Advising, the English department, and the Career Development Center
ever since her freshman year. It was from the help of these advisers
and her love of reading, that she realized she wanted to eventually
work in publishing. Kelsey also sought out experiences in journalism
and publishing through both Pipe Dream and Binghamton's Prospect Magazine.
"One of my most important decisions was when I registered for the
English department's internship program where I gained invaluable
experience proofreading and designing for Global Academic Publishing. I
was thrilled to learn that illustrations I designed at my internship
will be printed on the cover of a book of poetry."
Kelsey also took advantage of all the Career Development Center has to offer, attending various programs, participating in practice interviews and meeting with staff on multiple occasions to be sure she was headed in the right direction. WAY TO GO KELSEY!
What advice does Kelsey have for other students?
"I
was surprised when the people who interviewed me at Random House
expressed a lot of interest in my comic strips. I think that goes to
show that you should demonstrate outside interests and commitments that
showcase different aspects of your personality. For example, if you
have sympathy for the environment, start a recycling or composting
initiative. It is also vital to stay on top of deadlines and to always
ask questions if you are confused."
MEET MELISSA!
Melissa is a junior majoring in anthropology who just landed a fantastic internship with a top financial firm. One might think "An anthropology major in a financial firm?" but as it turns out, her knowledge and skills are a great match for organizations looking to enhance their globalization efforts. CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!
How did she do it?
When
applying for internships, Melissa didn't restrict herself to
opportunities specific to anthropology. Instead, she branched out to a
variety of opportunities, even some that seemed out of reach. Melissa
spent time revising her resume, networking, and preparing for
interviews by thoroughly researching the organization and honing her
skills. But additional preparation and skill development began long
before with her involvement in activities outside the classroom, such
as being a mentor to a local student through the Johnson City Mentor
Program. WAY TO GO MELISSA!
What advice does Melissa have for other students?
"My
advice is to take risks. There are so many stories circulating of
people not getting jobs during this time, but there are plenty of
success stories. A major can sometimes feel limiting, but if you
believe in your ability and use the Career Development Center to build
your skills and resume, that will come through to future employers."
MEET NIKO!
Niko is a senior accounting major whose smart moves landed him a great full-time position with a mid-size accounting firm. CONGRATULATIONS NIKO!
How did he do it?
Niko
made it a priority to stay focused, through whatever distractions arose
- and there are many on a college campus! He also made sure he had
supporting experience through out-of-class activities such as an
internship, part-time job, and involvement in student groups. And Niko
made sure he took full advantage of all the resources that Binghamton
University has to offer in regards to career development, participating
in numerous events, including resume critiques, networking,
professional dining and etiquette, preparing an elevator pitch among
countless others. These events taught him how to conduct himself
professionally in job fairs, interviews, and networking events. Another
step Niko found essential is having a support system. "It is very easy
to get discouraged, so I found a support system by networking with
alumni and recruiters as well as close friends and family." WAY TO GO NIKO!
What advice does Niko have for other students?
"Among
all the steps that I have taken, the most essential step was believing
in myself. It is human nature to compare yourself to others, but when
you compare yourself to yourself, you do not feel inferior or prideful.
So, do not compare yourself, create your own path to success."
MEET SHANNON!
Shannon is a human development senior who recently received not one, but TWO job offers for full-time positions with a non-profit organization. CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON !
How did she do it?
Aside
from working hard to keep her grades at the top of her class, Shannon
honed skills and gained significant experience in a variety of settings
including internships, volunteering, and part-time and summer
employment. In preparation for her job search she met repeatedly with
counselors in the Career Development Center to review her resume and
cover letters, as well as to prepare for interviews. After her
interviews, she promptly sent a thank-you to the interviewers - a smart
move that earned her a second interview. One week after her interview
she called to check in, reinforcing her interest in the position. Now
she has a great job lined up with excellent benefits. WAY TO GO SHANNON !
What advices does Shannon have for other students?
"Be
aggressive. Get opinions on your resume and visit CDC for a review.
Dress and act professionally. And no matter what, send a thank-you
letter - it could be the deciding factor that will set you apart from
other candidates."
MEET ANDREA!
Andrea is a sophomore English major whose "smart moves" really paid off when she was offered a fall internship in government & politics that she identified through CDC's Academic Internship Program. CONGRATULATIONS ANDREA!
How did she do it?
Andrea used multiple smart-moves strategies to achieve success.
Beginning in her freshman year Andrea began increasing her knowledge
and building skills by attending a variety CDC programs on topics
ranging from cover letters to etiquette, to interviewing. She also met
with CDC staff to discuss her personal goals. After attending an
academic internship advising session, she met with career counselors to
review her resume and work on interviewing skills, then applied those
skills in a mock interview she scheduled through the XCel Center .
"Through the whole process I remained tenacious, determined and
persistent. I realized the internship would be a great resume booster
and remained relentless in my pursuit." WAY TO GO ANDREA!
What advice does Andrea have for other students?
"Start the job/internship-search process early! If there is something
you really want to do, always give your best, stick with it and pursue
it aggressively."
MEET JENNIFER!
Jennifer is a sophomore accounting major who, so far, has won an award and has been accepted to two highly-competitive summer leadership development programs, with more interviews scheduled. CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER !
How did she do it?
She made multiple smart moves, including keeping her grades up, getting
involved with campus groups, volunteering, networking with employers at
the Job & Internship Fair, attending employer information sessions
coordinated through CDC, utilizing CDC resources for resume and cover
letter writing and reviews, and participating in an internship. Whew!
On top of that, she's remained very organized so she doesn't miss
deadlines and cool opportunities. WAY TO GO JENNIFER!
What advice does Jennifer have for other students?
"Meet people every day, be optimistic and friendly, find a mentor -
upperclassmen can help guide you. Be sure to get involved with things
like organizations and/or teams so you gain more experience working in
groups. Get a job - combining that with other activities and classes
helps you to manage your time better. And talk to the people who can
help you, like your professors, counselors, and advisors."
