Why Do I Need to Research an Employer? - Ten Tips on Researching an Employer - PCA Monthly Buzz - Featured Internships - Internship & Community Action - Rachel's Corner: Debunk Career Myths - Career Development Workshops - December Calendar
TELL ME AGAIN, WHY DO I NEED TO RESEARCH AN EMPLOYER? For those of you seeking a job, internship or volunteer opportunity, chances are you have visited Career Development and heard the advice: “Take time to research employers.” For many of you, this sound piece of advice may trigger an automatic response of, “Great idea!” For others, you may be thinking: “MORE research?” Read on and learn why the effort is well worth it. Get to know an industry To start, your research will help you learn about an industry. It will give you a good footing when measuring one company against another and comparing which companies are keeping up with the latest trends. Write a better resume and cover letter, and give a stronger interview Knowing a company can give you the necessary information to craft a top notch resume and cover letter. You can match your talents to their needs and strengths. When it is time for the interview, your research will shine through. Your knowledge will show the interviewee your interest in the company and help you answer interview questions. Let’s say you are interviewing with a non-profit that helps the homeless population. Investigate further. Does the organization service adults or children? Then you can relate your experiences to the exact services provided. In turn, you will be able to ask the interviewer targeted questions. If you know the company has just launched a new service, you can ask, “Why?” It’s a win-win situation. Determine fit Lastly, your research will help you determine if you are a good fit for the company and if the company is a good fit for you. You will find answers to questions that are important to you. Here is a sampling: What is the company’s work culture? After viewing a company’s website, such as Google’s, you find out that this worldwide firm wants to maintain a small company feel and encourages employees to eat lunch together. From an informational interview, you can learn if the internship hours are really 9-5 and whether you will be performing menial tasks or given substantial responsibility. Is social responsibility important to you? Annual reports provide good information about an organization’s practices. Volunteers of America in their report outlines the services they offer as well as their philosophy. After visiting Moody’s website, you learn that the company is not just about credit ratings. Moody’s has a foundation that supports educational projects and encourages employees to volunteer. Submitted by: Alexandra Nestoras, Senior Associate Director-Career Development Sources: See page 2. Career Connections December 1, 2010 Barnard Career Development Elliott Hall, 2nd Floor www.barnard.edu/cd PHONE NUMBER: 212 854-2033 EMAIL: [email protected]STAFF Robert Earl, Jr. Director Alexandra Nestoras Senior Associate Director Won Kang Associate Director / Student Employment Rachel Tannenbaum Associate Director Valerie Chow Program Director / Internship Programs & Civic Engagement Purnima Taylor Program Director / Employer Relations & Campus Recruitment Sarah Noel Alumnae Counselor Katherine Hendry Assistant Director Halle Kiefer Career Resources Assistant Hiraida Crespo Office Assistant Bruce Ross Administrative Assistant Genise Reid Student Employment Assistant 1
Transcript
TELL ME AGAIN, WHY DO I NEED TO RESEARCH AN EMPLOYER?For those of you seeking a job, internship or volunteer opportunity, chances are you have visited Career Development and heard the advice: “Take time to research employers.” For many of you, this sound piece of advice may trigger an automatic response of, “Great idea!” For others, you may be thinking: “MORE research?” Read on and learn why the effort is well worth it.
Get to know an industryTo start, your research will help you learn about an industry. It will give you a good footing when measuring one company against another and comparing which companies are keeping up with the latest trends.
Write a better resume and cover letter, and give a stronger interviewKnowing a company can give you the necessary information to craft a top notch resume and cover letter. You can match your talents to their needs and strengths. When it is time for the interview, your research will shine through. Your knowledge will show the interviewee your interest in the company and help you answer interview questions. Let’s say you are interviewing with a non-profit that helps the homeless population. Investigate further. Does the organization service adults or children? Then you can relate your experiences to the exact services provided. In turn, you will be able to ask the interviewer targeted questions. If you know the company has just launched a new service, you can ask, “Why?” It’s a win-win situation.
Determine fitLastly, your research will help you determine if you are a good fit for the company and if the company is a good fit for you. You will find answers to questions that are important to you. Here is a sampling:
What is the company’s work culture? After viewing a company’s website, such as Google’s, you find out that this worldwide firm wants to maintain a small company feel and encourages employees to eat lunch together. From an informational interview, you can learn if the internship hours are really 9-5 and whether you will be performing menial tasks or given substantial responsibility.
Is social responsibility important to you? Annual reports provide good information about an organization’s practices. Volunteers of America in their report outlines the services they offer as well as their philosophy. After visiting Moody’s website, you learn that the company is not just about credit ratings. Moody’s has a foundation that supports educational projects and encourages employees to volunteer.
Submitted by: Alexandra Nestoras, Senior Associate Director-Career Development
Sources: See page 2.
Career Connections
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
WetFeet provides immense amounts of information for students looking to educate themselves on major companies and organizations of various industries. The website provides broad but useful overviews describing the history, size and growth and other bits of general information that might be of interest to applicants or job searchers. It also includes interesting highlights and contact information, as well as population, turnover and revenue for each employer. Find the link through Career Development’s website: www.barnard.edu/cd/.
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TEN TIPS ON RESEARCHING AN EMPLOYER
1. Review the company’s website. Where better to get information than directly from the source.
2. Use the net. An internet search will give you news articles, press releases, reviews of the company and more. Google alerts is also a great way to get the most recent information on a company.
3. Conduct informational interviews. Carve time out of your schedule to speak with past or current employees. They can offer information that is not readily available and provide great insight into a company’s culture.
4. Attend a career fair or conference. Ask attendees questions about the company they represent. Assess how they interact with you and inform you about the company.
5. Take a look at Reference USA. The database contains consumer and business research, and provides information on over 20 million businesses. To access the database do a keyword search using the words, Reference USA, on Barnard’s Library catalogue at www.barnard.edu/library.
6. Don’t overlook online directories. Career Development subscribes to WetFeet. (Take a peek at the side-bar.)
7. Talk to friends and family. They know people who may know people who work at a company, or even better s/he might have interned there.
8. Visit The Chamber of Commerce (online). Learn about issues affecting the industry you are exploring and what action is being taken by the Chamber of Commerce at www.uschamber.com.
9. Read the company’s annual report. An annual report gives an overview of a company's activities, financial performance and future direction. It may also include information on the company’s social responsibility.
10. Join a professional association. What better hub of information than an organization designed to further a particular profession and the interests of those in that profession. As a member you will have direct access to events, publications and the people working in your desired industry.
Sources for Cover Story and Ten Tips: CareerRookie Fall 2010www.worksmart.ca.gov/find_research_employer.html#PageDownwww.uwec.edu/career/online_library/employer_research.htmwww.squawkfox.com/2008/06/04/how-to-research-a-prospective-employeren.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annual_report
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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PEER CAREER ADVISOR MONTHLY BUZZ
Tip of the Month: The Art of the Cover LetterIn my experience working as a PCA, it has come to my attention that many students avoid cover letters like the plague. Some students even have great anxiety when I simply mention the possibility of writing a cover letter. Don’t let this be you! Instead, embrace the cover letter as an opportunity to show your personality and your passion for your specific field. While cover letters may seem like a daunting task, it is nothing more than a single page that allows you to step off your resume and put a little bit of yourself in the application. Be sure to mention why the position is of interest to you and exactly how your past experiences would make you a great fit. Don’t forget to include your personal information, such as phone number and e-mail, in the heading to keep your cover letter looking professional and to allow the employer to contact you as easily as possible.
Career Development Fun FactWhile it’s great to dream big, make sure you understand the steps necessary to reach your final goal. And where better to start than asking someone at Career Development!
Source: www.ahajokes.com/funny_cartoons.html
PEER CAREER ADVISORS:
DROP-IN HOURS
Peer Career AdvisorsMonday - Thursday
10 AM - 9 PMFriday
10 AM - 4 PM
Did You Know?If you have already migrated over to gBear, the new password you created not only affects your eBear login, but also changes your password to NACElink! If you are having trouble logging into NACElink, try entering your new gBear password.
For these and other great opportunities, check out NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd.
Donna Karan Development – Positions Vary. Company seeks interns to aid in several departments of the company. If you are interested in graphic design, finance/accounting, public relations, human resources, merchandising, or marketing there is a position for you.
Citizens Union – Policy and Research Intern. Interns play a vital role: conducting research; writing and editing issue summaries, policy briefings, organizational position statements, and correspondence to public officials; monitoring and attending relevant legislative hearings, and other events and forums; and tracking government spending, policy developments and election results and outcomes.
Time Out New York (Kids) – Editorial Intern. Hands-on program best suited to those who possess a passion for writing and a willingness to explore the city. Interns become integral members of our team and earn bylines—both online and print.
Fox News Channel – Media Relations Intern. This is your chance to get involved in all aspects of the public relations practice from beginning to end in an upbeat, fast-paced atmosphere.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch – Summer Analyst Program. Research Analyst Interns are responsible for modeling/analysis, conducting primary research, writing franchise pieces and servicing institutional clients.
Governors Island Alliance – Spring Intern. Work to develop and sustain a public outreach program and ensure the Island is reused to the best benefit for New Yorkers. Intern will assist in managing the public outreach programs for the Island, planning next season’s programs and assisting in GIA advocacy efforts.
SHOWTIME – Spring Awards Intern. Showtime Networks Inc. is seeking an intern for their Awards area in the Corporate Communications Department. The intern will be involved with Award submissions, Primetime Emmy Campaign, Award ceremony logistics, and maintenance of documents and reports.
Harper’s Bazaar – Winter/Spring Advertising Interns. This is an opportunity to learn first-hand how the advertising side of the magazine functions. Interns should have some magazine experience (not required, but helpful), be available to help with marketing events (after the work day), and have an interest in publishing.
Universal Music Group – Spring Intern. Interested in the music industry? We offer internships in various departments including (but not limited to): Marketing, Publicity, Advertising, New Media, Sales, Human Resources, Production, Creative, Soundtracks, Film & TV, Business Development, Finance, Licensing, Publishing, International, and Business & Legal etc.
Michael Kors – Public Relations Intern. Come work in the fast-paced Public Relations department of a high profile fashion company.
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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LOOKING FOR AN INTERNSHIP?
In addition to NACElink, you have access to Internships.com and Internships-USA.com, two online resources with hundreds of different internships organized by industry and state. For information on how to access both databases, log into NACElink and look under the Announcement-Internship Resources, on the home page.
INTERNSHIP & COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Do Something Grants - Do Something awards a $500 grant each week to help young people implement or expand a community action project, program, or organization. Applicants must be no older than 25 and a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award - The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $10,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. INFORMATION: http://www.nationalgridus.com/huntington.asp.APPLICATION: Visit NACElink APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1/18/2011
J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund - A prize of $2000 will be awarded to one or more college or university students involved in public service. The award is meant to enable students to gain experience in public service by taking a no-pay or low-pay job or internship during a summer or other term. Preference will be given applicants who have already found such a position, but who require additional funds. INFORMATION: http://www.jwsaxefund.org/index.php.APPLICATION: Visit NACElink APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3/15/2011
Athena Summer Fellowship Program - The Athena Center for Leadership Studies offers ten students the opportunity to participate in the Athena Summer Fellowship Program. Fellows participate in high-level internships, live together at Barnard, and meet weekly to discuss leadership and how to make the most of their internship. All Barnard juniors are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Fellows receive a $4000 stipend and free college housing. INFORMATION: http://www.barnard.edu/athena/mentor.APPLICATION: Visit NACElink
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1/28/2011
Barnard College Alumnae and Donor Sponsored Internship Grant Program - For students considering unpaid internships, Barnard College offers funding through alumnae and donor sponsored grants. The Spring internship grant cycle is open to students from the classes of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Grantees are expected to have secured internships by the application date. Additional requirements include attending internship seminars, skills workshops and donor receptions and completing an internship evaluation. The maximum award is $800 for the semester. INFORMATION: www.barnard.edu/cd. APPLICATION: Visit NACElink
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/6/2011
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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GET VOLUNTEER AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT-RELATED INTERNSHIP AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR E-MAIL!
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/nycceplistserv to sign up for the Barnard College New York City Civic Engagement Program e-mail listserv. You will receive weekly announcements of newly posted civic engagement-related opportunities.
RACHEL’S CORNERDEBUNK CAREER MYTHS—THEN EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Many students trust career myths—a problematic practice which limits their career options. Here are just a few myths students hold about careers:
Myth: There is only one perfect job for you.Reality: There are many careers that are right for you, and you will most likely have many over the course of your life.
Myth: You will be able to use all of your skills and interests in your first job.
Reality: No one job can take advantage of all of these. It is important to be patient in your entry-level position and be prepared to perform routine tasks as you gain experience.
Myth: Your job has to match your college major.Reality: Most jobs are not restrictive based on major, actually, most of them do not even specify major. What many employers are looking for are various skills, experience and interest in the field.
Tips for Expanding Your Career Options
Take Assessment Tests: These can measure how your personality and interests translate into a fitting career that you may have never considered.
Do Research: There are many resources online—namely, O*Net Online (http://online.onetcenter.org/) and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/), that can help you learn about the work tasks, job outlook, projected earnings and other important statistics and factors.
Conduct Informational Interviews: Speak to people in the field and ask them questions about their job tasks, work conditions and other relevant information to get an inside perspective. However, remember that one person’s job experience is not universal—get many opinions and weigh what you have heard against your own research and experience.
Get Experience: Go out and get internship, shadowing or volunteer experience. You will get the chance to see, first hand, if the job is right for you.
Submitted by: Rachel Tannenbaum
Source: ‘Career Myths and How to Debunk Them’ by Olivia Crosby, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Fall 2005
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT:
Aditi Shankar ‘11
This past summer, I investigated current environmental issues and their potential solutions by working at Environment America, a federation of state-based, not-for-profit, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to research and advocate policies and mobilize support necessary to create positive change. I found it through the Sustainable Development Career Fair at Columbia. This internship was a great experience: I understood the strong connection between environment and policy-making and explored Washington D.C. for the first time as a ‘D.C. Intern’. My responsibilities included drafting investigative reports, compiling extensive research databases, writing for news releases, sharing research findings with Congressmen and Senators, and organizing advocacy campaigns. Most importantly, I acquired the skills of becoming an effective activist for the environment.
Take advantage of the opportunity to build you career development skills. Attend one or all of the workshops. For more information log-in to NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd.
Google Information SessionWednesday, 12/1/105:30 pm -7:00 pmStudent Dining Room, 2nd Floor, Diana CenterRSVP: NACElink
Learn about the world of Google. It’s not just for computer geeks. Full-time and internship opportunities abound. Don’t miss out! Receive resume tips from Google Reps and Barnard Career Development staff at the event!
Hear from BCIT about the gBear migration.
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE: Casual, students are encouraged to wear the Google colors (Blue, Red, Yellow and Green) and jeans.
First 75 students to RSVP in Barnard NACELink will be entered in a raffle to receive Google giveaways!
December 1, 2010
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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Crafting a Cover Letter and Resume Wednesday, 12/8 at 10:30 AMThursday, 12/16 at 12:00 PM
Job & Internship Search Wednesday, 12/1 at 12:00 PMThursday, 12/9 at 3:00 PMFriday, 12/17 at 10:00 AM BCD Seminar Room
Mastering the InterviewFriday, 12/10 at 12:00 PM BCD Seminar Room
The Ins & Outs of NetworkingFriday, 12/3 at 10:00 AMMonday, 12/13 at 12:00 PM
Info Session: VeracityWednesday, 12/1 at 5:00 PMCCE Conference Room
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, & PopeoWednesday, 12/1 at 6:30 PM Chrysler Center, 666 Third Avenue
Bank of America-Merrill LynchWednesday, 12/8 from 7:00 PMOne Bryant Park, 2nd Floor Auditorium
Bloomberg LP Monday, 12/6 at 6:30 PM 731 Lexington Avenue
RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GoogleThursday, 12/2 at 5:00 PMDavis Auditorium
Morgan Stanley Friday, 12/3 at 5:00 PM 569 Lerner Hall
Carnegie Junior Fellows Program Application Deadline Wednesday, 12/1 at 9:00 AMThe Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs.Approximately 8-10 students will be hired to work at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, DC on a full-time basis for a period of one year.To receive application packet, please email Alexandra Nestoras at [email protected]: NACElink
Job & Internship Search Wednesday, 12/1 at 12:00 PMThursday, 12/9 at 3:00 PMFriday, 12/17 at 10:00 AM BCD Seminar Room Maximize your job and internship search by learning to use Career Development resources, networking opportunities and more.
RA Resume Writing WorkshopWednesday, 12/1 at 5:00 PMFriday, 12/3 at 11:00 AMBCD Seminar RoomRSVP: NACElinkLearn the basics of writing a resume. The workshop will teach you how to create a resume that showcases your experiences and skills. This workshop is especially designed for RA applicants.
Info Session: GoogleWednesday, 12/1 at 5:30 PMDiana Center Student Dining RoomCome meet a representative from Google and learn about job opportunities, internships and more!
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Info Session: U.S. Department of StateWednesday, 12/1 at 5:30 PMDiana Center Student Dining RoomJoin us for a talk with Tom Armbruster, a State Department's Lead Negotiator for a treaty on Emergency Response with Russia and has been involved with Presidential visits to Russia, Mexico and Finland. Joining him will be Linda Cheatham, Director of Recruitment and the Diplomat in Residence program.
Landing a Job at the UNWednesday, 12/1 at 6:00 PM58 Park Avenue, New York CityGet tips from the Foreign Policy Assoc. on which bodies are hiring, which are best suited to your skills and interests, and what to expect once you're in. REGISTER: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=209369.
The Ins & Outs of NetworkingFriday, 12/3 at 10:00 AMMonday, 12/13 at 12:00 PM BCD Seminar RoomFind out how to tap into the professional contacts you already have and those you have yet to meet.
Careers and Coffee: Public Interest Immigration LawFriday, 12/3 at 12:00 PMNorth TowerRSVP: NACElinkCome and learn from Melissa Chua, Staff Attorney, and Aida Rosario-Gil, Paralegal, about their work with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Immigrant Protection Unit.
Landing a Job in the Foreign ServiceSaturday, 12/4 at 6:00 PM58 Park Avenue, New York CityCome learn from the Foreign Policy Assoc. which track is best for you, how to prepare for the written and oral assessments, how the hiring process works and how to navigate your career path once you're in. REGISTER: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=209369.
Crafting a Cover Letter and Resume Wednesday, 12/8 at 10:30 AMThursday, 12/16 at 12:00 PM BCD Seminar Room Learn the basics of writing a resume and cover letter that helps you stand out in the job market.
CIA Careers DecodedThursday, 12/9 from 6:00 PM58 Park Avenue, New York CityThis practical seminar held by the Foreign Policy Assoc. will give you the inside track to a career with the Central Intelligence Agency. While this information on how to get into the CIA isn't classified, it certainly is helpful. REGISTER: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=209369.
Mastering the InterviewFriday, 12/10 at 12:00 PM BCD Seminar Room Getting ready for a job interview? Learn how to answer questions, ask the right questions and make yourself shine.
