UC Berkeley Career Center Peer Corner

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “I've just graduated and the Career Center Services are no longer offered to me!"

First off, CONGRATULATIONS to graduating from Cal and lucky for you, the Career Center does have something for you called Alumni Advantage. The program offers graduated students access to all the services and resources that you would have gotten as a student. More specifically, the Alumni Advantage package includes access to, Callisto (where job-postings are listed), On-Campus Recruiting, Workshops and Programs (for professional development), Career Counseling, Assessment tests, and Letter Service-- tools that help you prepare for employment, internships and graduate school.

Moreover, it ONLY costs $125 for membership and lasts for 1 year from the date of purchase. The fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be pro-rated, but is totally worth it and easier to use than you think!

Best of all, the Career Center has a current deal called the Early Bird Alumni Advantage Program for May graduates!!!  Because your services will end on Friday, May 31,  2013, you can purchase it now and get an extra month!!!  Which means that your services will end on July 01, 2014, instead on May 31, 2014 for the same price of $125. You can sign-up and find out more information on the following link: https://career.berkeley.edu/Alumni/AlumniAdv.stm. 

 

However, if you aren’t ready to sign-up for Alumni Advantage just yet, here are some services that are accessible to the general public. Check out the link below https://career.berkeley.edu/Alumni/AlumResources.stm to see what’s out there for you!!!

And when in doubt, stop by the UC Berkeley Career Center on 2440 Bancroft Way, Monday-Friday from 9-5pm to have any of your questions answered!

*Alumni from other University of California campuses are also eligible for Alumni Advantage (except for On-Campus Recruiting).

**The Alumni Advantaged package is separate from membership with the Cal Alumni Association (CAA).

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “If you’re not sure what you want to do after college, go to graduate school"

Are you still thinking about what you want to do after you graduate? The good news is that it’s okay if you don't know! Before committing to anything, make sure that you've carefully considered your own career goals. Many confused graduating students assume that, if they don’t have a job, internship, or fellowship already lined up after college, they should jump right into graduate school. This is probably the worst reason you could have for going to grad school!

The purpose of attending graduate or professional school is to prepare yourself for a specific career -- it makes sense
if you already know exactly what you want to do. However, if you’re unsure of your career objectives and are hoping that grad school will help you figure them out, it can be a big waste of time and money. Firstly, it’s a big time commitment. Most master's programs are 1-2 years long and professional/Ph.D programs range from 3-8 years. Secondly, it is very costly! A master's degree alone can set you back $100,000.

“Many people who go to grad school for lack of a better option come out a few years later saddled with large student loans, and not any better positioned than they were before they enrolled” (Green). Grad school does not guarantee you a job after you graduate. To really understand if graduate school is right for you, consider these questions:

1. How might graduate school affect my career plans?
2. Will a graduate degree enhance or narrow my employment prospects?
3. Do I need to attend right away?
4. Do I know exactly what discipline I want to study?
5. Does my past academic record suggest potential for graduate study?
6. Is a master’s degree enough, or will I need to pursue a doctorate degree?
7. Where will I choose to go?
8. How will I afford it?
9. Am I passionate about the field?

Some of the best reasons to go to graduate school are:

1. Love for a particular subject and the desire to study it in depth.
2. The need for an advanced degree to enter the profession of your choice.
3. For additional reasons, check out this website.

Lastly, make sure you’re choosing grad school because it’s what YOU want to do and because it’s something that will help you in your personal and career fulfillment.

Here at the Career Center, our counselors help students pursue their dream careers and continue their professional development. Schedule a 45-minute appointment with a counselor in a specific field to discuss your passions, interests, and lifelong goals and receive guidance as you journey down your ideal career path.

For more tips, check out the following video on graduate school application essentials from the UC Berkeley Career Center YouTube Channel's very own Graduate School Playlist!

 

Green, Alison. "6 Career Myths You Shouldn't Fall For." US News RSS. US News Money, 7 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2013.

Blog written by: Ashmi Patel, Conservation and Resource Studies '13

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “It's okay to let a professional relationship end badly -- I'll never see that person again!"

"Don't burn your bridges." This is one piece of advice my mom told me growing up that has really resonated with me. It is relevant in so many different situations… but what exactly does it mean?

Everywhere we go, we make connections. These connections are valuable and should be treasured, especially since you never know who you'll encounter in the future. We meet people everywhere who have the potential to become lifelong friends, study partners, mentors, co-workers, counselors, physicians, bosses, etc. These connections are important and help us expand our networks.

However, relationships are not always easy to maintain and can sometimes turn sour. This is where the “don’t burn your bridges” mentality comes into play. Whatever happens, you should make amends or end relationships on amiable terms. You never know if and how this individual may re-enter your life, whether through mutual friends, as a co-worker, on a date with his/her best friend, or even as your interviewer for a job… you just never know.

This concept is also particularly relevant in professional work environments. So when you are at your internship (or future job) this summer, make sure to maintain a positive relationship with everybody you encounter. For example, your boss may ask others in the office for input when evaluating your overall performance or writing you a letter of recommendation. Make sure that you are a reliable and responsible individual. If a conflict arises, be able to communicate openly and honestly. It is important to handle situations maturely, regardless of where you are working.

Working at the Career Center this past year, I have learned that recruiters from different companies know and talk to one another; after all, they frequently attend the same events. To avoid being labeled as the not-so-stellar intern, complete your responsibilities in a timely manner and be courteous to all you meet in your professional and personal life.

For more tips, check out the UC Berkeley Career Center YouTube Channel's Networking Playlist, which includes helpful videos such as the following on informational interviewing!

 

Blog written by: Sogole Tabatabaiepur, Integrative Biology '14

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “I didn’t get the internship I wanted – my summer is ruined!”

As Berkeley students, we often place too much value on the PERFECT summer internship. If we aren’t working for the Big Four, shadowing doctors at UCSF, or curing diseases in Africa, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that our work experience is not “as valuable.”  We believe more “valuable experience” is required to lay a foundation for our futures. This sentiment, shared by many Berkeley students, could not be farther from the truth. Most employers aren't particularly concerned with how prestigious a prior internship or experience is, but rather how valuable the skills you derived from those internships or experiences are. There are several things you can do with your free time this summer to continue your career development while school is out – even if you didn’t land the PERFECT internship.

1. Network – Were you not able to land that big accounting internship in the city? Ask friends and family members that work at a small business and see if they need any help running their books for the summer.  You can get the same skills working at your aunt’s real estate office that you would get working at a larger firm. You will also likely have more flexible hours and possibly more professionals directly invested in your development.

2. Volunteer – A great way to explore different industries or positions is to simply volunteer your time. The worst that could happen is finding out the work is not right for you, and then quitting. You will gain more skills from working and being around professionals than you would from watching re-runs of Suits. 

3. Create an Internship – This is a particularly effective strategy to try with small businesses and non-profits. Even though an organization may not have an official job listing, they may still have an organizational need they are trying to meet. If there is an organization you would like to be involved with, communicate your qualifications and suggest how you could be a valuable addition to their staff. It never hurts to offer your time and ask if a company could use more help. For more information, check out one of our most recent peer blog entries that is dedicated to this subject!

4. Research – Instead of stressing about how you didn’t land your first-choice internship, take some time to think about what could make you a more competitive candidate in the future. Was your resume lacking a strong structure? Did your experience/skills match the job description? Do you need to work on your interviewing technique? Find out more about skills that could help you land a similar position in the future and brainstorm strategies to acquire them.

For more tips, check out the following video from the UC Berkeley Career Center YouTube Channel's Job & Internship Search Playlist, which narrates the success story of a Cal alumni who got a job in business with a major in bioengineering!

 

Blog written by: Jordan Jandreau, Sociology '13

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “I'm expected to accept a job offer as soon as I get one!”

First of all, congratulations to those of you who have already landed a job offer!

You’ve come full circle in the recruiting process from networking to interviewing, so now what? Hopefully the process has helped you assess your interest in the company and whether or not you can see yourself working there. The Career Center has some policies and tips to help you decide what to do in regards to the offer!

1) If offered a full-time or summer 2013 position, students should be given sufficient time to accept or decline an employment offer. Companies recruiting through the Career Center should allow no less than 2 weeks from the date of the written (non-verbal) offer.

2) If a summer internship turns into a full-time job offer, students should be given until November 1^st of the same year to accept or decline the extended employment offer (with the exception of offers from the Big Four).

Most importantly, watch out for exploding offers, which are offers that do not conform to the above timetable! Students should not feel pressured to accept offers “early.”

However, it is a two-way street. The Career Center also holds students accountable for job offers they accept.

1) Don't hoard offers. Let the employer know if you are not interested in a position.

2) Recognize that not all offers are negotiable.

3) After accepting an offer, you are expected to withdraw from further recruiting.

4) Don't renege after accepting an offer (few exceptions apply). 

For more information, please check out the Job Offers section of our website.

And for those of you who haven't gotten a job offer yet, don’t worry! There are still workshops, events, and employer info sessions coming your way, so get out there and put a face to your name! Check out Callisto for more information. And for additional tips, watch the following video on job search strategies in a tough job market, available on the UC Berkeley Career Center's YouTube Channel!

 

Blog written by: Michelle Tran, Political Economy '14

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “As a college student, I have no time to apply for jobs!”

For many college students, searching for jobs and internships is another daunting task to add onto an already never-ending to-do list. However, it doesn’t have to be that way – there are plenty of little things you can be doing here and there to significantly improve your job search! 

1. Make sure to update your resume whenever you can. Many students wait until they need to submit their resume for something before polishing it. However, it’s much easier to make revisions whenever you start a new position or change your responsibilities in a current position. If you’re stumped on what steps to take next, check out our Job and Internship Guide or sign-up for a 15-minute mini appointment with a career counselor! Also, browse different occupations on O*NET if you’re not sure how to make your tasks sound professional.
2. Keep in touch with your existing connections. Whether you met a recruiter once at a career fair or worked with a supervisor or professor for an extended period of time, you put in the effort to develop a connection and should continue maintaining the relationship! Your connections may be a great help in the future, so update them every now and then about what you’re up to.
3. Stay up-to-date on news in your industry. If you have a LinkedIn account (I highly recommend you make one if you haven’t already!), you can subscribe to weekly email updates listing the top news headlines in your industry. This is a great way to stay on your toes and avoid cramming for interviews! You can also follow companies on LinkedIn – even if you’re not searching for a full-time job quite yet, it’s great to browse job descriptions and see what qualifications your dream job and company are looking for!

If you’re still searching for a full-time job or summer internship, check out Callisto for information about our Just In Time Fair next week! As you prepare for the fair, I strongly encourage you to check out the following video from the UC Berkeley Career Center’s Career Fairs playlist, which discusses ways to make the most of a career fair!

 

Blog written by: Catherine Choe, English and History of Art ‘13

Bearly Accurate -- Common Career Conundrums: "Career fairs never have any jobs related to my field/major"

I still remember the day a frustrated student walked up to me at a career fair and said, “You know, these career fairs are so useless for me. I can never find any jobs related to my field.” I soon realized that this was a common belief/concern of many students who weren’t pursuing a career in, oh let’s say, accounting, banking, consulting, or software engineering. 

However, I truly believe that, no matter what your field or interests are, your experience at a career fair depends greatly on your mentality and attitude. Whether or not career fairs have job openings that spell out your dream job word-for-word, it’s important to remember that they are a great place to start networking and finding resources that will guide you to your final destination.

If you can’t seem to find a specific position at a career fair but spot an organization in an accessible location and relevant industry with an excellent reputation and mission/values that speak to you, I strongly encourage you to develop your own position! It may take more time and effort, but a job that is tailored to your own academic and career goals can be much more meaningful than one that is “close enough." If you want more tips on developing your own internship, check out one of our recent peer blog entries.

Matt Youngquist, the president of Career Horizons, states that, “At least 70 percent, if not 80 percent, of jobs are not published. And yet most people — they are spending 70 or 80 percent of their time surfing the net versus getting out there, talking to employers..." (NPR). It’s probably in your best interest to go network with employers at career fairs. Introduce yourself, discuss your interests, ask questions, and ask for references or contact information of professionals they know in your field of interest. You will be surprised by how much most employers want to help guide students! For more information on the importance of networking, you can listen to this amazing NPR episode.

So turn that frown upside down, and take ownership of your career/future.

Make sure to check out the many videos on the UC Berkeley Career Center's YouTube Channel, including the following on how networking can contribute to your job search!

 

Blog written by: Ye Sil Kim, Sociology ’13

Bearly Accurate -- Common Career Conundrums: "It's okay to excuse myself from real-life priorities over spring break!"

We’ve all been waiting for it and it's finally here: spring break! It's well-deserved after all the midterms, papers, and quizzes we've had to face since the beginning of the semester. Now that you finally have a week of no classes or office hours to attend and no tests to take, what are you to do with all this free time? Here are some suggestions on how to most effectively spend your spring break.

1. Sleep. You need it! Letting yourself slow down and rejuvenate after half a semester is essential if you want the energy to fully enjoy your break. Trust me, there are few things sweeter than resting while on vacation.
2. Work it! Go for a walk, jog, hike, or anything you can think of doing outdoors. Spring is here and now you can surround yourself in the fresh air denied to you during your long library or indoors studying sessions. So, go!
3. Work it! Literally. It’s time for some spring cleaning. Clean up your house. Clean up your RESUME. Did you recently start a new job? Volunteer? Join a club? Add your most recent activities to your resume and take out the less relevant ones. You can refer to the Career Center’s very own JIG (Job and Internship Guide) if you have trouble formatting your resume. This will get you ready for number 4.
4. Find jobs and internships. Do you have a Callisto account? If yes, log in. If no, it's one of your best resources to locating jobs and internships, so sign-up now! Make sure to check Callisto regularly and browse internships and jobs for the summer. Many of us will be spending plenty of time on the Internet over break, so why not invest an hour or two one day to look for opportunities that will provide you with experience and money to spend? Go kill two birds with one stone. You have the time now!
5. Make an appointment. Not for the doctor, silly. Make an appointment to see one of the counselors at the Career Center so that, after spring break, they can help you polish your resume or cover letters. You can schedule a 15- or 45-minute appointment or drop-in after spring break from 11am to 5pm to talk to us peer advisors.

Here are five of an infinite number of things you can do to make the most of your break. Now go and have some fun!

And while you're at it, check out the UC Berkeley Career Center's YouTube Channel, which includes awesome videos like the one below on job search strategies in this tough job market!

 

Blog written by: Adeline Kim, Political Science '15

Bearly Accurate – Common Career Conundrums: “I missed the career fair – now I’ll never find an internship!”

The Career Center holds many career fairs throughout the year to help students land internships with their dream companies. Now that summer is quickly approaching, most fairs have passed and many students worry that they won’t be able to find an internship. There seems to be a misconception that career fairs are the only way to find an internship. However, any student can take initiative and develop his or her own internship with a company/organization. Through hard work and self-motivation, you can create your own internship and possibly co-found an internship program for future students to get involved in!

1. Set a Goal – Why are you interested in this particular internship? Why do you want it? It’s helpful to consider specific questions that will guide you in finding the right internship. Internships can vary in compensation, time, and flexibility. You can start by defining what an ideal internship would look like to you and what advantages it would provide.
2. Research Opportunities – Search for different employers or companies; many have websites listing current internship and job openings. Research the company’s website and review their mission statement and values. By learning about the company, you will be able to gauge the fit between your interests and theirs. If you have questions, take initiative and ask them via email or phone.
3. Networking – Talk to people you know. Ask friends, family members, or coworkers to help you make connections with companies and organizations you are unfamiliar with. You can use LinkedIn to find out what mutual connections you already have in your personal network. Consider conducting informational interviews -- the Career Center's handy alumni database, the @cal Career Network, can help you locate professionals.
4. Propose your Internship – Brainstorm a proposal. If the company does not have an official internship program, you can create a program proposal listing your objectives. Describe what you hope to gain from the internship and why you are suitable for the company. Don’t hesitate to contact the company or organization for additional information. Make sure your proposal is clear and have a resume/cover letter ready.
5. Follow Up – Once you submit your proposal, keep in touch with the people who helped you. Send thank-you letters to professionals you networked with to maintain those connections. If you don't hear back from the company in a reasonable amount of time, send a follow-up email. Be polite and courteous in your follow-up and thank-you emails/letters.

Need more help landing your dream internship? Come to the Career Center and learn more about our many resources, such as counseling appointments, Career Lounge Fridays, workshops and information sessions, and more.

Also, make sure to check out the Internships playlist of the UC Berkeley Career Center's YouTube Channel, which includes helpful videos such as the following on qualities employers look for in an ideal intern!

 

Blog written by: Angie Yi, Molecular and Cell Biology '14

Bearly Accurate -- Common Career Conundrums: "My major will lead me to a career so I don’t need to do anything else"

It seems like all the time we Cal students put into our classes and clubs should be enough for us to land our dream job. However, forgetting to cultivate our professional skills can be a fatal mistake. Much like you would go to a professor’s office hours or a section meeting, it’s important to come to the Career Center to help you achieve your career goals.

Taking classes in your major will give you a solid informational foundation for a career field. At the Career Center, we can help you take that information and translate it into a resume. Resumes are works-in-progress; if you've had the same resume for a long time, it’s time to freshen it up! Every job you apply to will require a different set of qualifications and skills from its applicants. Highlighting exactly what employers are looking for on your resume will make you stand out from the crowd. Come in to the Career Center for a 15- or 45-minute appointment so can you mold your resume into the perfect fit for a particular job application.

You may have aced a presentation in front of your class, but can you nail an interview? Some employers are infamous for asking hard questions, many of which you won’t be able to answer confidently without preparing in advance. Common questions include: “What is your biggest weakness?” or “What would you do if...”. Thinking of answers ahead of time will help when a curveball is thrown your way. If you feel like you can’t predict the questions they might ask, think of qualities you’d like to highlight during the interview if given the chance, and try to work those details into your answers. You can also sign up for mock interviews on the Career Center website or on Callisto for extra practice.

A Cal sweatshirt and jeans might be your outfit of choice to a class, but it most likely won’t impress an employer. Investing in appropriate interview clothes now will benefit you later on, especially for those times when an employer will want to interview you right away. Dress slacks or dress skirts are essential, and button-down shirts and nice tops will give your interviewer the impression that you are organized and professional. These will also be useful for career fairs -- check out Calisto for upcoming events!

The list of things you can do to prepare for job hunting goes on and on. Start including trips to the Career Center in your schedule to earn your B.A. in Job Acquisition Skills!

The Career Center has an array of online resources, as well -- check out our YouTube channel, which has videos on topics ranging from networking to resumes and cover letters!

Blog written by: Lauren Parke, Media Studies '15