Articles: Jobsearch Book Archives

contact. Leverage these relationships into new contacts and new places to search. Other divisions, locations, branch offices or even subsidiaries of the parent company are all new venues that you can leverage into new prospects.

“Very large companies have many recruiting offices and frequently the recruiters in each office have a different perspective on what the needs are of that division or organization. If your goal is to find a way into a large company, keep in mind that there are multiple avenues. Having tried the front door and finding it locked, try a window. A “no” at one opening doesn't mean a “no” for them all.”

Rule #6: Follow the Golden Rule.

Your internship is your first foray into the professional world, so conduct yourself accordingly. In addition to trying to find work, you are building a reputation, one that will stick with you for sometime to come. Companies that do not hire you today - may hire you tomorrow. Make sure your actions reflect well upon yourself.

Striking the Mother Lode.

Every search is going to produce a few lumps of coal - perhaps even some silver, but if gold is what you set your sights on when you created that vision statement - then persistence and information is what you need to achieve your goal. This tenacity, dedication and unwillingness to compromise will be a quality embedded within your work ethic, establish a career foundation and set you on the right path - and eventually lead to the gold you desire.

Daniel Parrillo is Staffing Consultant - President of Strategi LLC, 415-519-1828, strategi@attbi.com or strategi@pacbell.net . We keep ALL our positions posted on ComputerJobs.com and you can view all positions via: http://www.computerjobs.com/client_jobs.aspx?clientid=37138

Rule #6: Follow the Golden Rule.

Striking the Mother Lode.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Networking through other students, alumni and professional associations is a great way to get noticed and familiarize yourself with the way a prospective employer treats their employees and associates. Discussions about new technology, new venues and new directions an organization is considering is a great way of developing a line of communication, performing due diligence and collecting recognizance on a prospective employer. Don't start every conversation with a prospective contact with, “Got any internships?” - it's as productive as broadcasting and spamming your resume to human resource departments. Show interest in the organization and find out if it's the right choice for you. If so, utilize that contact as an introduction - a way to get your resume through the proper channels.

The way a prospective employer treats you during the recruiting process is a strong indication of how the company will treat you as an employee. Are phone calls returned? Are your questions answered directly and honestly (either by a manager, human resources or internal internship recruiting staff)? Any tremors you pick up in this process are signs of trouble and danger ahead. If you feel you are not being treated properly, then look elsewhere. “The quality of the interview process reflects the care the company puts into their workforce - this is, after all, your first major encounter with this organization. Their effort, professionalism and interest in you as an internship candidate should be evident.”

Rule #3: Keep your eye out for small nuggets.

Good things come in small packages. Most students dream of landing an internship with their ideal Fortune 500 company or the latest “dream team” - and most name brand companies do offer solid summer and internship opportunities. So too can smaller players you may not have heard of (yet). The close contact you can have with more senior employees in a small organization may provide opportunities that large companies are unable to - like sitting in on a board meeting or talking company strategy with the president.

“While I considered an internship with the giants of the Silicon Valley , I eventually chose a small firm in Vermont that built navigation computers for gliders. I had the opportunity to trim computer settings in the back of an airplane, being flown upside down by the president of an organization that eventually became a supplier to NASA.” - Noah Richmond.

Rule # 4: Drill deep.

Upon deciding that on a particular organization could possibly be a match, drill deep - reach into that organization. Find out what groups are searching for interns and who can make the hiring decision. Contact that person directly. Look at other avenues to introduce yourself and perhaps start a dialog or a chain of communication. Start with an e-mail, then a scheduled phone conversation.

After you have developed a dialogue and an internal relationship, ask your contact about summer work or direction through the organizations internship decision process. If your contact is impressed with your conversation and eventual resume submittal, that person will make it a personal point to pull you into the organization to work for their team, division or perhaps a peer or fellow co-manager.

Rule #5: When you hit a hard rock, drill around it.

There will be circumstances when interest in your qualifications will be high and interviews will go as planned. Complements will be lavished upon you and the prospect of internship will seem “in the bag” - but the path to stacking your claim is filled with marauders, thieves and sometimes that chuck of gold only ends up being fool's gold.

Budgets are lost, intern plans and directions change - sometimes, the management changes too. All of these situations can lead to a letter or e-mail telling you that a position or opportunity is no longer available to you. What happened? What went work?

Often, you never get an answer to these questions. When this “hard rock” gets in the way of your digging, simply dig around it. Hopefully during the interview process, you collected business cards and forms of

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Prospecting for an Internship and a Start to your Career

By Daniel Parrillo

President - Strategi LLC

Major Contribution by: Noah Richmond

With the arrival of spring comes the daunting task of finding a summer job or your first internship. Finding your first position is a little like mining - you must be determined, persistent, skilled and educated in the methods of prospecting. These methods will help you to sift through the “fool's gold” and lay claim to your golden opportunity.

Before venturing off, your first steps should be to look to an obvious resource that is often overlooked - that's your own career center and internship program within your university system. This organization can provide you the guidance and direction needed to start off your adventure.

According to Kathleen Englestad, Employer Development Coordinator at the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton , CA - one of the most important tools for an individual starting their quest for an internship or a start to your career is to have a mission statement.

“A mission statement is a declaration to others of who we are and what we do. It is important to a career center to have a mission statement (and a vision statement), as it can be used to keep the team focused on its goals. The vision statement is equally important, if not more so. If we do not have a vision of where we want to go, we most certainly will not get there. I truly believe that the first step to achievement is having a clear vision of the outcome.”

Noah Richmond, a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Department of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University explained the rules, procedures and strategy that he utilized in his search for internships and employment to launch his career. Noah holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics from M.I.T. and has worked for Los Alamos National Laboratories, the Rand Corporation, and the Institute for Defense Analyses. He has created novel encryption technology, developed national security strategy and patent-pending supply chain management software - all a result of the planning and the approach he established very early in his short term academic and long-term career strategy.

Rule #1: Know what gold you are looking for.

Make sure you are aware of what prospective employers will offer you in an internship and make sure that these objectives match with your vision statement. If they don't, it's just a waste of time. Spamming your resume to any e-mail address you can find without any due diligence is like only searching for gold on the surface of a riverbed. In order to strike gold, you must pan the water; sift through the sand and mud - not only in one riverbed or stream, but many. Finding some small morsels is an indication that there could be a larger, productive vein upstream. You have found some direction - do not stray.

“I once had an investment banker tell me that he would hire me because he wanted to get an ‘option' on me as a future full-time employee,” Noah Richmond told me, “Had I been sure I wanted to work for the firm, I would have snapped up the opportunity - but I was looking for an involved internship that would allow me to get a full sense of participation - so I passed.”

“Be honest with yourself in this process. You shouldn't have to talk yourself into taking a job that isn't a good fit.” The employer's goals and objects will not necessarily match your goals or vision statement. Pursue every option; prospect every stream and creek bed you can find and only pursue that will lead you upstream to the Mother Lode.

Rule #2: Keep your ear to the ground.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Internship Site Selection Criteria

By Keith Massengill

Internship Director

Coastal Carolina University 's Resort Tourism Management Program

Many students choose intern positions for all the wrong reasons. The Horry Company offered me $1 more an hour than anyone else. Carolina Resorts included “on-site” housing for all interns. The Grand Strand Restaurant Group promised me the first intern position with their brand new theme restaurant. While all of these are certainly important in the overall scheme of things, they shouldn't be the main reason for selecting your internship site.

Internship positions, similar to many seasonal openings are becoming more and more competitive. Companies who are placing college students in paid internships are looking at ways to attract the top candidates.

What are the criteria for selecting the “perfect” internship? First of all, let me say you probably won't find the “perfect” internship. Your task is to select an internship position that best fits your needs during a set period of time in your college career. How then do I know what is the best fit for me? Follow these steps:

1. Write down your internship goals and objectives.

2. Research intern openings with companies that match the above.

3. Contact the Internship Director or Human Resources Director to determine the application process. Note: Do so the earlier the better. Most universities require selections to be made a full semester/quarter ahead of time.

4. Select your top three to five choices.

5. Interview previous interns and/or supervisors about their intern experiences.

6. Make your selection!

College internships vary in length of time, most last 10 to 15 weeks on average. My personal opinion on why internships fail to meet expectations is simply, the student didn't do their homework. It is critical that the student meet with their potential intern supervisor, before accepting any position. This individual will not only be your boss, but more importantly a mentor.

Don't be afraid to ask pointed questions about the intern position. Did you complete a college internship? Have you ever supervised interns before? What is the importance of interns for your company? What industry affiliations or community organizations do you personally belong to?

Remember that open communication begins with two-way conversation. The student/intern who best articulates their internship desires, will have a greater likelihood of being placed in a meaningful internship position.

Keith Massengill is the Internship Director for Coastal Carolina University's Resort Tourism Management Program located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . Students enrolled in the RTM specialization are required to take (four) 480-hour internships during their four years in the College of Business . Prior to his current position, Mr. Massengill spent 22 years in various resort management positions supervising college interns. He may be reached a keithm@coastal.edu or visit http://www.coastal.edu .

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Often the employers are not aware of all the formalities involved when an intern is also a foreign national. In most cases you will have to find out for yourself whether you need a visa and/or a work permit. And you will certainly have to find out which papers you need to show the authorities in the other country.

Remember that once you are abroad, you are responsible for yourself. You have to make sure that the internship is of good quality, and you have to look out for your own welfare and safety. Keep your institution back home informed of how the internship is going. If you can, agree beforehand on when and with whom you will exchange regular e-mails. It is also fine to hear a voice from home now and then, so if possible agree also on an occasional telephone call. All parties involved in your internship have to keep their promises. The situation needs to be clear to everyone, so be open and honest with yourself, with the people back home (your institution and your family), and above all with the company employee who is supervising your internship. Be sure to start making your arrangements well in advance because everything will take longer than you think. But if you have prepared your internship well, you will have a unique and unforgettable learning experience. And these words of warning will have been worthwhile.

Olga Marschal, Cospa Coordinator, Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education. Cospa stands for Coordinating Office for Student Placements Abroad. Cospa is a network of internship coordinators working at Dutch universities and other higher education institutions. See http://www.nuffic.nl .

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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An International Internship

By Olga Marschal

Cospa Coordinator

Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education

In many European countries, an internship, or period of work placement, is a compulsory part of a student's higher education. Internships are often done in another country. The European Union has a special program called Leonardo da Vinci that encourages European students to do internships in a European country other than their own. Students who apply and meet the criteria receive Leonardo grants. But many students go abroad for internships outside the Leonardo scheme and even outside the E.U. The U.S. , for example, is a popular internship destination for European students.

To do an internship abroad you must be prepared for some hardship. You have to make many arrangements and it is not always easy to adjust to life in another country. But the returns are enormous. You learn another language and get to know another culture, and you are challenged by unexpected events in a totally new environment. You learn what it feels like to belong to a minority. This gives you an opportunity to learn respect for other cultures and to see people different from yourself as fellow human beings. You will become a more well-rounded person. You will be better able to present yourself well when you apply for a job. And you will learn whether or not you are suited to an international career.

But because an internship is part of your education, the content of the work you do is important. This is why you have to make clear-cut agreements with the employer about what you will be doing, and you will have to check these agreements with the internship supervisor at your own university or college. It is best to sign a sort of contract with the employer that not only describes the educational aspects of the internship, but also lists your rights and obligations while you are working there. This document should be signed not only by you and the employer but also by your own institution. Then you have an organization to back you up, something that could be important if there are any problems. You can find a model internship agreement on the website of the European Association for International Education at http://www.eaie.org . Go to ‘Professional Sections' and select ‘Swing'.

Keep in mind that the legal position of a student intern is not always clear. A co-op student is officially an employee, but a student intern is neither an employee nor a real student. In general, in Europe you will not earn a salary; you will receive a stipend. This has an effect on your insurance. You need to check whether your regular insurance will cover you, and under which circumstances. Student interns often have to take out extra insurance because their regular policy does not cover them fully in another country. And you need to be insured not just for medical costs but also for liability at the workplace and elsewhere, and for legal aid.

Make sure to choose the location of your internship carefully. Your own university or college may have contacts with companies or other employers. You can also ask a private agency to mediate for you, but take care to find a reliable one. It is best to use an agency that someone you know has had good experience with. You can also write application letters yourself, but do not be disappointed if not all of them receive a response. In your application letter you should state clearly what you are capable of and what your education has been up to now. This too takes some effort.

As you negotiate with the host company, you can form an impression of what it would be like to work there. Are they taking you seriously? Are they answering your questions about insurance properly? Any good host company should arrange liability coverage for you while you are at work. It is a good idea to ask the employer about housing, especially for the first few days or weeks. In general, it is not easy to find a decent, affordable room in another country.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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“I realized that the longer I stayed there, the more I would fall behind. Finally, I said, ‘I gotta get out of this, despite the money.”

Allen's advice to students: “The best time to take a pay cut was while I was in school, and to start at the bottom right now, instead of waiting until graduation.”

Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of the book “Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School,” available in your local bookstore. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Jump-Starting Your Career

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School “

Internships: Paid or Unpaid?

I remember when I was in school, and often an issue that fellow students would have when it came to internships was whether or not to seek a paid opportunity, versus an unpaid one. Personally, I know that I didn't even want to consider an opportunity unless it included some kind of wage. But I began to think differently when hearing the experience of a friend of mine, who also graduated from OSU a few years ago.

Stacia Allen has worked in telecommunications at a video studio in Columbus since her junior year of college. Her first internship was a non-paid position at Wendys International.

“It seemed like everyone else in my field wanted internships to learn more, but they were insisting on paid internships,” Allen recalls. “A friend told me that may not be the best way to go, and gave me names of other contacts who may help but unable to pay.”

When Allen called Wendy's International, they were very helpful. “They said ‘Sure! We don't pay, but you can do as many hours as you need for the credit. In that aspect, it was really cool because since they knew I wasn't getting paid, so they didn't give me just grunt work. They didn't take advantage of the fact that I was an intern, and went out of their way to teach me. I began learning the very first day, and they took the time to help me.”

Allen also says that those first mentors were also helpful in guiding her in class projects. After some time at Wendy's, another friend asked Allen to do “craft services,” for a video shoot that was to last a week. Having no idea what crafte services were, she said yes anyway.

“I then found out that it was making sure that the food and refreshments were set up on the location shoot. It was a great way to start, and before I knew it, others were asking me to do craft services for them, and asking me for my business card. They even passed my name onto other people they knew. And I was only a junior in college!”

That led indirectly to her current professional position. An instructor at school suggested that she check it out. “I went in without a resume, only leaving my name and number with the owner. Eventually, he called me, and asked for a rundown of my experience.”

“When I said that I did craft services, he was immediately impressed. How many college juniors know what craft services are? I got the job. And with no resume.”

He later pointed out that he gets tons of resumes each day, but hasn't the time to sort through them. He needed someone right away, and I was the one at arms length.

Allen sees the importance of making valuable use of your time, no matter what year you are in school. “I waited tables for 3-1/2 years, and made some very good money, working with other college graduates.”

“But they were still waiting tables,” Allen continues. “It was good money, and they couldn't handle the pay cut of starting at the bottom in their field. As a result, they finish school, never to go anywhere else. These guys were accountants and stuff like that...and still serving tables.”

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credentials in terms of how it suits their needs -and that's what will dictate their next move. But the fact that you made the first move yourself is a feather in your cap.

The best part is, you will not be competing with your fellow students, and by having the guts to make a phone call, you may be on your way to jump-starting your career.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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By-pass the Competition for Internships:

Go Straight to the Phone!

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start'

Your Career While Still in School”

College students have many opportunities to gain practical experience. Some of them are highly visible, others are not so. Internships are, of course, a highly visible opportunity available to students, and they are common in many companies and organizations.

When I refer to “popular” internships, I am referring to those typically in big-name organizations, where the competition to land one compares to the same level of competition you may face to land a full-time job (Be aware: even in “flush” times, there will always be competition.).

Many resources, such as printed directories and websites very similar to those for job-hunting, are targeted specifically for internships.

Perhaps you are interested in a popular internship program, such as with a government agency in Washington , D.C. or with a big-name advertising firm in New York , or here in Columbus , Ohio . You are aware that there are many more applicants than openings, that they don't pay much (we discussed the issue of paid internships in an earlier article), and that you will compete and be interviewed just as you would for a full-time job. But what is your true reason for wanting that opportunity?

· Is it for a big name company on your resume?

· Is it a chance to visit somewhere you have never been?

· Or, is it an opportunity for experience that you cannot obtain anywhere else?

If your reasons fall under the first two above, and you don't mind battling that competition, then go for it. However, if you really think it will provide the kind of professional experience that you can't get anywhere else, you may wish to reconsider.

Experience is primarily what internships are all about, from your perspective. From the company's perspective, often it is to have an extra hand in the office to help get things done. Some companies do nothing but give interns clerical assignments. Many others get them involved in work tied more closely to a chosen profession. But I assure you, if you want an internship but do not wish to go through a long hiring and interview process, or if you can't find an internship that suits your needs, there are alternatives.

You can by-pass the competition by going where they are not: to the telephone.

Think about the kind of company or industry in which you would like to intern. Make a list, and from there, look them up in the phone book or even a chamber of commerce directory.

Don't think in terms of finding a company that will offer you an internship--think of it as finding a company that has a need for extra help.

You can also take the networking approach. Talk to people you know, including friends, family, teachers, and make a list of individuals you might call on to offer your abilities.

When you place a call, if a common friend or acquaintance gave you their name, mention that contact first. Then let them know that you are a student seeking a possible internship, and you would like to offer your assistance to them.

Some people will not be interested. Many will at least be interested in learning more about what you can offer, and probably ask for a resume (if not a meeting first). Remember, they will be reviewing your

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Three great experiences and just one disappointment would have to be pretty good odds. In fact, good enough to try the process again. This time, I have relocated to South Carolina . Through a unique series of events, I have created an international business magazine around the “Theory of Constraints” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. He is best known for his best selling business novel “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement.” One of my first actions was to start calling local colleges and universities in search of interns in journalism. Another long story shortened: I am unsuccessful in locating an intern. The premier issue with 64 full color pages on nice glossy stock makes its entrance. Nobody notices. Second issue available on not so glossy stock. Third issue available only on CD-ROM. The moral of the story: I should not have proceeded without an intern.

Conclusion

If you aspire to be a member of the Inc. 500 or the Fortune 500 or one of the Forbes Richest 400, hire an intern! Perhaps you are in college today: become an intern! Sign up for the internship process with enthusiasm. It is not simply a way for employers to take advantage of your skills for a reduced fee (or in many cases for free!). It is a way to learn how to apply the basics of your profession to solving real life problems. It is the last step of your formal education at that moment.

For me, education is a cradle to grave adventure. The internship is a process of proving your worth to yourself and others. Take advantage. As Apple says, “Think Different.”

Jeff ‘SKI' Kinsey is CEO of eDivision.net LLC and founder and Publisher of TOCreview. He credits the U.S. Marine Corps for his sense of discipline and Kent State University TusCampus for his keen appreciation for higher education. Today, SKI mentors start-ups as an eCommerce consultant. As one might imagine, among his bullet points to would be members of the Inc. 500: hire a great intern!

He loves feedback and promises to respond to those writing him at TOCeview@aol.com .

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Internships: A Brief but Real History

By Jeff ‘SKI' Kinsey, CEO

eDivision.net LLC

What do most Fortune 500 companies know that few high-tech start-ups do not? Interns. I would even go as far as to say one of the reasons for the “dot com” meltdown was the lack of interns at those dot com companies. The press simply called it “burn rate!”

A Brief History

The year was 1985. The company was a small office supply outfit that sold IBM typewriters. They also had to “black market” IBM's Personal Computer line. Shortly after my joining the firm to sell computers (including the Victor 9000), the COO and I decided to hire a college intern to augment our newly formed custom programming group. Why an intern? We needed to keep costs under control while we determined the feasibility of creating custom solutions for our computer clientele. It was a home run!

Consider 1987. I formed a consulting practice and left the comfort of receiving a weekly paycheck. My first hire: a college student majoring in Computer Science. Better yet, as part of his education, he was able to accept a non-paid position. For 10 weeks, my small start-up had the advantage of a great programmer. Of course, he really did not know anything about the real world of commercial software development. However, and this was the key, he was willing to learn. His attitude was that of wanting to help. His real enthusiasm: to apply the fundamentals of computer science to the task at hand, producing code that clients would pay real money to own.

Long story short, I hired him at the end of the internship part-time with pay. Then after graduation, he became a full-time employee. Ultimately, he earned a minor interest in my company. A small gift to a great kid from a grateful employer. A few years later, I attended his wedding, shared his excitement when his son was born, and in general was a friend, not just an employer. He became my equal.

How was that possible?

It started with the internship through my local branch of Kent State University . But it was the student's attitude that made it work. He gave 100 percent for 10 straight weeks without pay. He acknowledged that his education had focused on the primary building blocks of computer science. College had in no way given him the sense that he “had arrived!” It was simply a ticket to gain admission to great ride.

Consider 1988. My small computer consulting practice was running along nicely. But sales were off. What would you do? As for me, I returned to the basics. Yet another trip to the university. Hire another intern. A new mission: increase sales. This time, I selected a woman in the Business Management Technology program. Another free 10 weeks. At the close of the internship, another job offer. However, this time the results were not as dramatic. Why? I would suggest a failing on both our parts. My desire was for her to use her powers of business acumen to make intelligent sales pitches and to close deals based on those skills. Her desires were a little more simple: earn a living. A non-traditional student and a mother of a young child, her primary interests obviously and rightfully were non-job related. She failed us both by trying to be a salesperson simply because that was the role being offered.

Fast forward to 1996.

I have relocated across the state and am working as a consultant. On assignment for a large division of an international organization, I meet one of their interns. A woman that wants to be a Java guru! One of my co-workers has just written a book on the API (Application Programming Interface) of Java and is sharing the enthusiasm of this Java intern with me. The intern has everyone's attention in our bullpen as she wows us with her small Java applet. Great memories of days gone by flood my being.

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7. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions. Always remember that an internship is a learning experience for you. While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything. Seek advice and raise questions whenever you encounter something that is not familiar to you. Be open-minded about new ideas and procedures -- remember that you don't know everything and that your professors didn't teach you everything. Hint: Smart people know that there really is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask before doing.

8. Take Initiative. Employers love employees who dive into tackling tough problems and who think “outside the box” in finding solutions. Just make sure you work with your supervisor(s) so you don't overstep your authority -- and make sure you share successes with her. Hint: There is a fine line between taking initiative and being perceived as a “know-it-all,” and for interns especially, it is best to err on the side of caution.

9. Find a Mentor . A mentor is someone at a higher level in the organization that looks out for you and makes sure you are learning what you need to know and accomplishing what you need to do. A mentor can also shield you from office politics and be a good sounding board for you to discuss ideas, ask questions, etc. Hint: Your supervisor could be your mentor, but it could also be another person within the organization.

10. Network, Network, Network. One of the key tools of job-hunting is utilizing your network to find your next career step, whether another internship or a job upon graduation (and beyond). Build professional relationships with your supervisor(s) and other managers in the organization. These people are also a good source for getting other job-hunting advice and tips from their years of experience. Hint: Even if you have a bad experience on an internship, never burn your bridges because you never know when it could come back and hurt you. Always leave on good terms.

11. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments. One of your goals with any internship is leaving it with some tangible results - both for your resume and your career portfolio (if you use one). Maybe you developed a brochure, computerized an inventory system, organized a sales conference, met with clients, tracked industry trends, etc. Hint: Keeping a journal may help you remember all the things you accomplished on your internship.

12. E njoy Yourself. Most internships are great experiences, so make sure you have some fun while you're working and learning. Don't be so uptight that you are perceived as something you're not. Hint: Just make sure you don't overdo the fun -- and avoid office romances.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand , Florida . He is a published career expert -- and has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of Dynamic Cover Letters and he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com .

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Making the Most of Your Internship(s)

By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Publisher, Quintzine

Career counselors, employers, and others have long touted the importance for college students to work one or more internships during their college years, and a recent study released by http://www.Vault.com shows that college students are listening: almost nine out of 10 (86 percent) college graduates reported completing at least one internship, and more than two-thirds (69 percent) reported completing two or more internships.

So, knowing that you will have one or more internships during college, what are the keys to making the most of your internship? What follows are the 12 keys to internship success. Follow these guidelines and you should be well on your way not only to a successful internship, but to a successful career.

1. Set Personal Goals. While some internships are very structured, others are not, so you need to spend some time before you start the internship setting goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe it's deciding on what area within marketing that you want to specialize, or learning new skills, or building your network. Whatever your goals, you will feel a greater sense of accomplishment once you achieve them. H int: Setting unrealistic goals could make even a good internship seem bad, so make sure your goals are realistic and attainable in your internship.

2. Have Regular Meetings with your Supervisor(s). Sound obvious? Well, maybe, but you may get a supervisor who never schedules meetings with you or travels quite a bit, so you have to make sure to have regular meetings where you can share experiences and lessons learned -- both good and bad -- as well as give progress reports. Hint: While you want to keep your supervisor abreast of your accomplishments, remember to also be a good listener and learn as much as you can during these meetings.

3. Tackle all Tasks with Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude. In just about every company, the new hire/intern is going to have to “pay his or her dues.” You will undoubtedly be given some grunt work to do, such as making photocopies, but the key is to complete all your work assignments with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism. Hint: You might also consider working extra hours (beyond the required number for the internship) to show your work ethic to your supervisor(s).

4. Avoid Negativity. The quickest way to kill a good internship is being negative. So, avoid complaining, being rude, disrespecting coworkers, arriving late, leaving early, being closed-minded, missing deadlines, appearing arrogant, wearing improper attire, acting unprofessionally, appearing inflexible, and taking part in office politics. Hint: A common mistake among interns and new hires is treating secretaries and clerks as being beneath them -- avoid this behavior at all costs.

5. Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company/Industry. Take every opportunity to attend company or industry meetings, conferences, and events; participate in training workshops; and read all company materials. Hint: Meetings may appear (and actually be) boring to you, but they can often offer a good chance to increase your knowledge, network, and build relationships.

6. Get as Much Exposure as Possible. Some of the best internships rotate you among departments and supervisors, but if yours doesn't, don't let that stop you from tackling new tasks, meeting people outside your department, and attending company social events. The more you are exposed to new ideas and new people, the more you'll learn. Hint: Joining the company softball team (or other informal group) is a great opportunity to meet people in a relaxed and informal way.

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What Do I Want in an Intern?

By Bubba Fender

Norman Career Services

Arkansas Tech University

My advice to those of you looking for an internship, or even a new career position, is the same as the Boy Scout creed, “Be Prepared.” I want my intern to have ‘great' communication skills, which for me, includes oral and written terminology regarding my industry (or his/her major). After all, I'm looking for someone to help me in my work, which includes meeting, visiting, presenting to customers, fellow workers, and so on. Consequently, I'd like to have an intern I'm proud to introduce - one who is serious about the job opportunity at hand, including the ability to speak cordially, dress appropriately, and willing to learn new skills or techniques.

I expect my interns to research my company and division - on our website or articles. They should know our major competitors and at least a few of their products. I'm hoping my intern will be innovative/creative enough to learn how our products are presented/sold.

My intern will be a team player, taking directions politely and willingly. He/she will feel confident to candidly offer new ideas when asked, or lead a project team of other interns.

Lastly, I truly am looking for an intern who will become a viable candidate to my company upon their graduation. That includes working hard, listening and learning at my office, plus continuing the same when they get back to their collegiate campus.

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Meeting the Challenge

By Bubba Fender

Norman Career Services

Arkansas Tech University

Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief; Doctor, lawyer, fireman, chief; Banker, teacher, baker man, priest - how can you be sure what is right for you? Work as an intern. Paid or unpaid, an internship will help you determine if you've made the best career decision.

While many majors require an internship, most often the student must determine who, what, where and how to meet that requirement. Begin with your collegiate advisor and your career service center, as either or both will have solid ideas regarding companies who typically offer internships, as well as the type of duties and responsibilities for which you will be charged. Use the Internet for specific searches, including intern sites such as http://www.usinterns.com . If you have a company in mind, look on their website for Employment/Internship Opportunities, then apply directly.

Have an electronic resume ready to send as an attachment, including your contact information, current student status, major, past work histories, campus/community involvement, and professional references, which is a list of names/contact information for one or two present/past employers, as well as one or two academic professors (make sure these are professors under whom you have acquired an ‘A' or ‘B' grade in your major).

Internships may be during summer months, or even the academic year, and will most likely involve 10 to 20 hours of your time (full-time in the summer). Interns are normally paid a rate above the federal hourly requirement, but do not include insurance or other benefits supplied to full-time workers.

These jobs may be structured to introduce you to each department within the company, minor decision-making, more complicated teamwork, business philosophies, or more. Remember that internships are not to be a one-way street for students to learn hands-on processes, but also for the employer to determine if you are a person they will be willing to hire, train and employ on a full-time basis after your graduation. If you do well, chances of a career position offer are over 90 percent.

Try broadening your search for an internship to a location remote to your home. Not only are they more exciting, but they show a prospective employer you are not afraid to attempt new ideas, places or things. For example, the state of Florida has great intern openings for biology students at Water World; or check out the federal parks, such as Yellowstone ; or contact Walt Disney World theme parks. There are H-U-G-E varieties of internships, including several on the PGA Tour. Plus, there are internships in our nation's capitol. All these companies and places give you hands-on experience in management, customer service, work ethics, and more.

Don't interview just one time for one company and one internship. Interview with as many as give you that opportunity. This is the way to make the best choice and meet the challenge!!

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Other scenarios may involve dealing with rude customers or sensitive company information. In all your answers try to convey a level of maturity and clarity of purpose that would serve your workplace well.

Like the situational interview, conversational interviews usually start out as factual ones. But instead of remaining a formal question-and-answer session, this interview quickly becomes an unstructured conversation between you and the interviewer about things like the internship, the workplace, your background and any other topic that arises. Often the style is relaxed, and even fun. While this interview is less stressful, don't take it any less seriously than the other two. Whether you realize it or not, your interviewer is still assessing your character, poise, articulation, and ability to relate to other people.

In a conversational interview you should adjust your conversation style to better fit your interviewer's style. But don't get too chummy or informal, and avoid saying things that reflect badly on you as an applicant. For example, don't say things like the following, even in light moments:

• I am really bored by school.

• Most of my professors are clueless.

• Nobody works because they like to, but because they have to.

• My main goals are to make money and retire early.

• I am a born leader.

• I'm not a morning person.

• Like most college students, I like to party.

You get the idea.

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Internship interviews are a two-way process. You should evaluate your interviewer and the workplace at the same time you are being evaluated. During the interview (usually at the end) most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. Make sure you always have a couple of questions ready. This shows that you have done your homework and are taking responsibility for your own internship success.

Because many of your questions will be answered in the interview, it is important to formulate questions in your mind as the interview progresses. Here are some generic questions to give you the idea:

• Who would be my direct supervisor?

• What would be my primary tasks?

• How much interaction will I have with other staff?

• Will I have opportunities to take on more responsibilities and work on real projects?

• Is there a formal training program?

• How will I be evaluated?

• Is there a possibility this internship could lead to a part or full-time paid position?

• Have past interns been hired by the organization?

After the Interview

At the conclusion of the interview, thank your interviewer for the opportunity to meet with her in person, and to learn more about the organization. Also verify when a hiring decision is expected. Within a day be sure to send a typed or hand-written thank you note. In it, thank your interviewer for meeting with you. Also reaffirm your interest in working for the organization, and your ability to do a good job if given the chance.

Joel Clark is assistant professor of government and co-director of internships at George Mason University, and director of Michigan State University 's Washington Semester program. Professor Clark's book, Intern to Success, was published in 2002 by Houghton Mifflin. His internship tips are also featured in Peterson's Internships (2003). For more advice on internships visit http://www.InternSuccess.com .

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Interviewing for Internships

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

Employers generally have lower expectations for their interns' skills and experiences as compared to their regular hires. Thus, there is less at stake, and usually less reason to be nervous in your internship interview. At the same time, there are several reasons to take internship interviews seriously. First, some intern positions are highly coveted, and therefore highly competitive. Students must still compete with each other for the “privilege” of interning at a competitive internship. Also, because many employers rely heavily on interns to help them accomplish their mission, they take the hiring process very seriously. Those employers with few positions to offer want the best applicants. If they sense you are unprofessional or uncommitted they will pass you over. Your job is to convince them you are the best “fit” of all applicants.

Three Types of Job Interviews

There are three basic interview styles: factual, situational, and conversational. In each case your goal is to showcase your skills, education and achievements, and to convey that you are a mature and trainable individual. Of course, this is easier said than done! So think carefully about and practice answering common interview questions in all three styles.

Factual interviews focus on facts associated with thing like grades, work experiences and activities. A typical question might be: “So, you are a history major and economics minor, what does a minor in economics require?” In answering this type of question aim to succinctly provide the information asked for and then steer your answer toward one of your major strengths. Your response might go like this:

My economics minor required both Micro and Macroeconomics, Economics Theory and Practice, and three upper-level economics courses of my choosing. [Note: a weak answer might stop here]. For my electives I chose Political Economy, Monetary Policy and International Markets because I am very interested in the economic and political dimensions of globalization. My economics minor also required me to do hands-on projects and analysis using the latest economic forecasting methods. So I think my economics minor really complemented my history major, which focused more on facts and dates.

Just because your interviewer emphasizes “facts” in her questions doesn't mean you should take the interview lightly. Simple factual questions can be easily mishandled. The question, “Why do you want to work here?” presents both traps and opportunities. Avoid answers that betray your poor understanding of what the office does, or your haphazard way of choosing to apply for an internship. For example, avoid saying things like, “My friend Jim is also applying here, and we thought it would be cool to work at the same place this summer.” Instead, be prepared to show that you have carefully researched the workplace and associate it with your short and long-term goals.

Situational interviews may start in the factual style but move quickly to questions about how you would respond to certain (usually difficult) situations. For example: “Our interns at New Horizons have to interview youths locked up in county juvenile halls. How would you handle a situation where a male youth only wanted to talk about your dating life?” The point of this question is not to determine whether you read the training manual (you wouldn't be expected to), but instead how mature and tactful you are in responding to awkward situations. Your answer might go something like this:

I would remind the individual that we were talking for a specific purpose, and that his participation in the New Horizons program was a privilege that could be revoked if he didn't take the interview process seriously. If the youth persisted, I would terminate the interview and notify my supervisor immediately about what happened.

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avoid mistakes or costly delays in completing your tasks. As an intern, you are not expected to understand fully everything you are asked to do on the first try.

Here are some general Do's that, if followed, can significantly improve your chances for intern success.

Do be an enthusiastic and active learner. Try to make a learning experience out of even the most mundane jobs. Are you sorting and distributing mail? See if you can learn who the most frequent correspondents are, and what their interaction is with your organization. If you are doing a lot of photocopying, try to absorb the knowledge contained in the originals. Elena Mayberry, an intern coordinator at the Smithsonian and former intern herself, suggests that what distinguishes a great intern from a mediocre one is what she calls “intellectual sparkle.” This is “a desire to learn, a curiosity about a lot of things, and an enthusiasm for what you do.”

Do give your internship some time to develop before concluding there are problems. Students often feel unfulfilled on the job once the orientation or training is over, but before they have a chance to work up to more challenging tasks and projects. How you handle this lull is crucial to your overall internship experience. If you maintain an eagerness to do a good job with even the most mundane tasks, better work should follow.

Do seek out opportunities to create your own projects. As you complete the routine tasks look for where improvements can be made. Is the filing system a disaster? Are boxes of unrecorded data lying on the storage room floor? Instead of just coping with these problems, savvy interns take it upon themselves to fix them. Be sure to seek permission before you start. Such projects are also a good way to show that you are indispensable to the organization.

Do go the ‘extra mile' at times to demonstrate your willingness to pitch in and be a team player. Are there certain ‘crunch times' in your office? How you act during these periods is crucial. Instead of always dropping your work and leaving right at 5 p.m. , it may be better to finish that day's project or pitch in to help others finish theirs. Steve Selby, senior vice-president at a Washington political communications firm, looks for interns who can meet the challenges of working in a fast-paced office. According to Selby: “The kind of people we like to hire are those who show some initiative and extra hustle. When it comes to hiring those interns stand out in our minds.”

Do actively develop working relationships with supervisors and co-workers to maximize your chances of gaining a mentor. Having one or more “mentors” can be an invaluable resource for career advancement. Mentors are more senior staff and supervisors who take a special interest in your career aspirations and progress. If you listen closely to successful people when they discuss their career histories, a mentor invariably shows up at their critical periods of advancement.

Do actively share your career aspirations with supervisors and co-workers. This suggestion relates closely to the last. While you know what your immediate and long-term goals are, others don't, unless you tell them. At appropriate times you should make your intentions and aspirations clear. This provides those who want to help you the information they need to help in the right way.

Do be open to learning from people whose backgrounds or education levels are different from yours. An under-appreciated value of internships is that they can expose you to people with different backgrounds and life philosophies than your own. Just because someone didn't go to college doesn't mean he or she doesn't have valuable knowledge or wisdom to impart. Sometimes you can learn more from lower placed staff than your supervisors. Try to meet and talk with as many people as you can, from all backgrounds and job positions. Listen carefully to what they say, and learn from them.

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Internship Dos and Don'ts

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

It is important to apply the general “dos and don'ts” of workplace behavior right from the very start of your internship. Let's reverse order and start with the don'ts.

Basic Don'ts for All Internships

Don't be late. This seems obvious, but employers frequently complain about interns who show up late, or not at all. Just because your internship is unpaid doesn't mean you can set your own hours. No matter what else you do effectively on the job, and how personable and competent you are, your consistent tardiness will be a serious mark against you, even if your supervisor or co-workers don't ever seem to notice.

Don't make personal phone calls or emails, and don't play on the computer. Personal phone calls and emails are another pet peeve for most employers, even if they don't confront you on it right away. A personal call to take care of business every now and then, or an occasional email to a friend is probably okay. Beyond that, you are abusing your position and setting yourself up for a poor job evaluation. Many workplaces are tightening their e-mail and Internet usage policies, and monitoring their employees more closely. Don't find this out the hard way!

Don't dress inappropriately. There is no one standard for workplace dress. The general rule-of-thumb is to emulate your office dress code. In casual dress offices, sloppy dress and grooming are never a good idea. A sloppy appearance conveys the strong impression that you are sloppy in how you approach your job and life. Aim for clothes and accessories that don't detract from who you are and the job you are doing.

Don't disrespect others' workspaces. A good rule of thumb is to always leave the office workspaces cleaner than when you found them, even in very messy offices. If you use someone else's desk, clean up your mess. This seems obvious, but you would be surprised at how much this simple rule is broken.

Don't bring personal issues to work. We all have “issues,” and when appropriate it is okay to discuss them with co-workers. But generally speaking, employees who consistently bring their personal issues to work soon gain a negative reputation. Your boss will think you are devoting insufficient time to your job, while your co-workers will tire very quickly of hearing about your many crises.

Don't be a gossip. Gossip exists in all workplaces, and we all engage in it to some extent. In certain situations gossip may even provide one way to assimilate into the workplace culture. As a rule of thumb, however, it is a good idea to avoid gossip when you can. And you never want to be the source of gossip.

Don't be a complainer. Like gossips, complainers can quickly gain a negative reputation. Complaining is probably the most often-cited negative attribute that employers identify in their intern evaluations. Bosses dislike complainers because it's clear they are not team players.

Don't be a “know-it-all.” There is a fine line between being confident and knowing it all. At times you may know more than your co-workers, or even your boss. But no matter how bright and capable you are no one likes to work with someone who has all the answers. It's okay to have opinions, even strong ones once in a while. But be sure to express them only when it's appropriate. Often a better strategy is to sit back and quietly assess a situation before blurting out the most obvious answer. You may avoid those simple yet costly gaffes that know-it-alls frequently make.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up when it's appropriate. If you have a legitimate question, ask it. Your bosses will appreciate your attempts to clarify their instructions. A well-timed question will help you

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Believe it or not, your area's telephone directories can also help you locate interesting workplaces. Many students have had success contacting workplaces directly after finding their phone number through a directory. Once you locate several interesting listings, do further research by reviewing their websites. Don't be deterred just because an organization or company isn't advertising for interns. Chances are they already employ interns. If they don't, try proposing an internship for yourself and see what happens. If you show interest and initiative, they may hire you! You'll never know unless you try.

During your internship search keep reminding yourself that you have little to lose and everything to gain from being assertive and resourceful. As you actively consider which internships are right for you, keep this thought in mind: There is no “best” internship. There are only better and worse ones depending on my values, needs and goals.

Good luck with the internship search!

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Finding the Right Internship For You

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

If you live in a major metropolitan area, or are willing to commute to one temporarily, you are almost guaranteed to get an internship. Internships in rural areas are less plentiful, but still quite attainable. Thus, finding an internship should not be difficult. Finding one that is right for you, however, will take more effort.

Where do you find internships? The short answer is almost anywhere. Your internship search might draw on several resources including internship guidebooks and directories, college career centers, professors, the Internet, family and friends, and even the White Pages.

Most internship directories, such as Peterson's Internships and The Yale Daily News Guide to Internships provide extensive information on where internships are, the types of work they offer, and whom to contact. This information is useful in that it describes the broad range of internships you should consider, and briefly describes the types of work and projects involved in specific positions.

In today's computer age, where most people have access to the Internet and various electronic job postings, it is relatively easy to obtain information about internships for any career type and geographical area. Usually it is most efficient to go directly to the intern provider's web site to find information about the workplace, guidelines for applications, and updated contact information.

You should also try to develop a network of contacts to help you identify and choose from a range of good internship options. Your school's career center, individual professors and alumni network can help you get started. Many students mistakenly think their school's career center will only help seniors get jobs after graduation. This is a costly misnomer. Career centers offer valuable services for students at every stage of their career development, including internships. The longer you wait to utilize career centers, the less they can help you. No matter what else you do to secure an internship and maximize your workplace experience, do yourself a favor and make an appointment today with a career specialist at your campus career center. You will be glad you did.

Your professors are another underutilized source of career help. They know a lot about the intern and career opportunities in their given field of study. They are also good sources of letters of recommendation for students with little work experience. Unfortunately, students are reluctant to meet with their professors. This is a problem because when students do need letters of recommendation or other types of assistance, they don't know any professors and, more importantly, no professors know them well enough to be of help. Most professors are very willing to discuss your internship and career plans. Make a point to visit your teachers at least once during the semester, and go back and revisit the ones that seem willing to talk about your career and academic goals.

Your school's alumni network is another invaluable source of career advice and contacts. Most schools maintain lists of alumni who are willing to provide advice to students. These lists, which are usually organized by academic major and career field, can be found through your campus alumni office or career center. Alumni contacts are particularly helpful for several reasons. First, they are affiliated with your school, which means they might help you more than students from other schools. Second, the alumni found on contact lists have already volunteered to help the students who call them. You can avoid “cold calling” complete strangers to get advice on where to intern. Finally, your school's alumni understand the challenges and uncertainties you face in exploring career fields before graduation. They were once in the same place you are now.

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More references and further reading :

Trade Magazines

· Hollywood Reporter

· Daily Variety

· Electronic Media

· Broadcasting and Cable

· Billboard

· Radio and Records

· Media Week

Internet Job Sites

· http://www.Showbizjobs.com

· http://www.Hcdonline.com

· http://www.EntertainmentCareers.net

Recommended Reading

· “Making a Good Script Great,” by Linda Segar

· “Screenplay,” by Syd Field

· “Story,” by Robert McKee

· “The Art of Dramatic Writing,” by Lajos Egri

· “All You Need to Know About the Music Business,” by Donald S. Passman

· “This Business of Music: The Definitive Guide to the Music Industry (This Business of Music, 8th Ed),” by M. William Krasilovsky, Sidney Shemel, John Gross, This Business of Music Marketing and Promotion, by Tad Lathrop, Jim Pettigrew

· “Radio Programming: Tactics and Strategy (Broadcasting & Cable Series),” by Eric G. Norberg

· “Radio Advertising: The Authoritative Handbook,” by Pete Schulberg

· “This Business of Television,” by Howard J. Blumenthal, Oliver R. Goodenough

· “ Hollywood 101: The Film Industry,” by Frederick Levy

· “How to Make It in Hollywood : All the Right Moves,” by Linda Buzzell

· “The Producer's Business Handbook,” by John J. Lee

· “The Movie Business Book,” by Jason E. Squire (Editor)

· “All You Need to Know About the Movie and TV Business,” by Gail Resnik, Scott Trost

Tim Burgess is Director of Career Development at USC Annenberg School for Communication. Prior to coming to USC Annenberg, Mr. Burgess was a Recruiting Manager for CBS in Los Angeles .

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network (is that cool or what?). Why was she a successful intern? “My eagerness to help wherever and whenever needed,” she says, “I never said no when someone would ask me to help out. I learned that attitude is everything. Chances are that as an intern you are going to be asked to do some of the most menial office jobs, but regardless of how mundane the task you should always do it with enthusiasm. Once people see that you are positive and helpful they are more willing to give you more exciting tasks.”

Romelle Ecung says successful interns can handle a variety of tasks and will work to gain the confidence and trust of others leading to greater responsibility. Let's face it, if you can't or are unwilling to do the mundane duties why would they ever give you the cool jobs? Remember, the more you do, the more you'll be asked to do and the more you will learn. You'll be well liked, too-and that's important. Bottom line: Be their go-to intern.

Besides being an intern with a great attitude who is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, what else can you do to make this a valuable learning experience? You should be watching, listening and learning. Observe the culture. How do people interact with each other? How do things get done? What are the unwritten rules of the department and company? Identify the stars of the office (not the successful jerk, though!)-you know, the ones you want to be someday. Why are they successful? These individuals will be your role models. You can learn a lot from them just by observing. Try taking it a step further. See if you can meet with them. Check with your supervisor (remember, before you get any perks you have to be a great worker) and see if it's okay for you to try and set-up informational interviews with some of the executives you admire.

In the meeting, find out how they got to be where they are, what do they look for when they hire people, what is it they love about their job, what should you be doing now to build for your future in entertainment?

A word about assistants. Assistants in the entertainment business can be pretty powerful. They may not make the big money decisions, but they hold the keys to the gate. If you want to get to the key players, you'd better respect their secretaries. You want the assistant to be on your side. In fact, it pays to have a positive attitude with everybody you meet in the office. One day an individual may work in the mailroom, the next day he or she could be your boss!

On top of all that, keep doing your homework. Learn how your department runs. Try to learn the who's, how's and why's. Get to know people outside of your department. What do they do? How does their work relate to your department? How does it relate to the company as a whole?

Oh, and don't dress like a student! Look around the office, how are the employees dressing? Dress like the people you want to be someday. You'll be taken more seriously.

After the Awards Ceremony (It's The Relationships, Stupid)

You just completed your internship. By being a good intern you probably have a better idea which skills you need to develop. You know, the ones they look for when they hire people? Work on them! Make yourself easier to hire!

All businesses, but especially the entertainment business are about relationships.

Stay in touch with your former co-workers, but don't be a fair weather friend. In other words, it doesn't really look good if the only time you stay in touch with people is when you need something from them. Send them holiday cards, notes, etc. just letting them know what you are up to. If you see an article you know they'd be interested in, email it to them. Don't overdo it, though! Be friendly, but keep it professional. It's a simple, yet effective way to stay in touch that will pay off in the long run.

There are many different career possibilities in the entertainment industry as well as many different types of businesses…studios, networks, production companies, talent agencies, record companies, recording studios, public relations companies, promotion companies, radio stations, etc. There are so many possibilities…Well, what are you waiting for? As they say in the movies: “Action!”

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reading…you should know more than what's going on in entertainment-know what's happening in the world. You should, on a daily basis, be reading a major newspaper like the New York Times , Washington Post , Wall Street Journal , or the Los Angeles Times and listening to National Public Radio, news radio, etc. The more you know and the more you are interested in the world around you, the more interesting you will be!

Another tool regarding trade magazines is that they give you access to the names and titles of entertainment industry players. Let's say you read in an article that a producer has just signed a deal with one of the networks to produce a TV show. Contact the producer-see if they can use the help of a bright and motivated intern. Very few people use this strategy when it comes to jobs and internships. It can be very effective. Trade magazines are a great source of possible contacts.

5. Try getting informational interviews. Now that you've accumulated names of alumni, and possible contacts from trade magazines-as well as any personal contacts you may have--maybe you should try to meet with some of them. What are you doing during spring break? Ditch the traditional spring break get-a-way and head for Hollywood . Besides there are great beaches in southern California-oops this is a working vacation-sorry, no time to work on your tan! Spring break would be an excellent time to try and meet with entertainment executives. You need to plan ahead, though! Write to the folks on your contact list and let them know when you'll be in town. Tell them you're looking to get career advice and ask if you could meet with them for 20 minutes one day. You'll need to follow-up your letter with a phone call. In fact, your letter should state that you will give them a call the following week to see if an interview can be arranged. This is a great internship-hunting tool that not many applicants use.

Getting Nominated (What Do Hiring Executives Look For In An Intern?)

Romelle Ecung, Director of Recruitment and Training for Dreamworks, looks for students who can communicate effectively and are passionate about the industry. She adds that students should have the ability to articulate how their background relates to the position. If the student has no previous entertainment experience, Ms. Ecung says that internship candidates should use extracurricular activities to gain skills and experience. “Get involved, take an active role in helping whatever organization you are part of meet its objectives.” An executive at CBS states that students should be enthusiastic, flexible, eager to learn and possess a strong work ethic. Don't forget to research the company-know what they do! Sounds simple, but many applicants don't do their homework. You don't want to be an average applicant!

And don't worry about your major. Entertainment hires students studying journalism, communication, business, liberal arts, etc. What you must focus on is why you would be a good intern. Ask yourself: what can I do for the company, not what the company can do for me. You must be able to spell it out. Provide examples of past work experience and/or school projects to back up your claims. Oh, and don't forget to let them know you have good typing and computer skills (if you don't have them, get them!).

Location Shooting

What if you can't make it to Los Angeles or New York ? Then get relevant experience where you can. Try interning at one of your local television or radio stations. If that's not possible, try getting an internship at a local public relations or advertising firm. You could get great experience, build some terrific transferable skills and, of course, get great references!

Be a Star! (How To Be A Great Intern)

You've landed that prize internship! Now is the time to get on the “A” list. One of the downsides of an entertainment internship-other than the fact that very few are paid-is that many of your duties will be pretty much run of the mill. You'll be faxing, filing and working phones for the most part. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun? Welcome to the entertainment. But (there's always a but!) there is hope. Edith Mendoza started off as an intern in Press Relations for CBS. She is now the Director of Comedy Development for the

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Internships in Entertainment

By Tim Burgess

Director of Career Development

USC Annenberg School for Communication

So, you want to work in the entertainment business? Internships are a great way to start.

Entertainment is a wonderful and fascinating business that constantly looks for up-and- comers who are passionate about the business and don't mind hard work.

I know you've heard it before, “you have to know someone in the business” or “it's not what you know, it's who you know.” Not true! It does help to know someone (in any case, this article will help you find people to know), but even if you don't know anyone, the doors can still be opened. We'll provide you with some of the keys; the rest is up to you, so fasten your seatbelts…

The Development Process (Where to Start)

Yes, working in entertainment certainly sounds cool, but it is a business. Don't forget that. Just liking movies, TV or music is not enough. You should not only have a passion for entertainment, you should know something about the business of entertainment-sales, ratings, box-office, TV schedules, and you should know something about content and about the people and companies who create it.

But you do need to love the industry in which you want to work. Sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many people say they want to work in the entertainment business, but don't really like TV or the movies or the record industry. If you want to work in TV you should be watching television. If you want to work in film, you should be watching all the latest movies, etc. A word of advice: Don't have stars in your eyes. It takes a lot of work, more than most people can imagine, to put something on the screen or to cut a CD. Entertainment companies are not looking for star-worshippers. They want to hire smart, passionate people, with great attitudes who can get things done.

I want an internship, but how do I find one?

1. Check out your campus career center. Really! Get to know the career counselors. They are a great resource and, frankly, you can never have enough help.

2. Find out if your school has any alumni working in the entertainment industry. If so, contact them! Alumni can be pretty receptive, and you should take advantage of your school affiliation. I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it anyway---always be courteous and professional when dealing with contacts.

3. Log onto Internet jobs sites. Here are three very good sites that list internships in the entertainment industry: http://www.ShowBizJobs.com , http://www.hcdonline.com , and http://www.EntertainmentCareers.net .

4. Keep up with the trade magazines. Just the thought of reading trade magazines may bring a yawn to your face, but they are a goldmine of information. Different trade magazines cover different industries. For example, if you are interested in television or the movies you should be reading Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter (both available online). There, you'll find info on everything that's going on in the TV and Film industry. Don't scan the articles, read them! Remember, these are trade magazines, and who reads trade magazines? That's right, the people who make the headlines and those who are behind the headlines. If the people who you want to be someday are reading these publications, you should be, too. The more you know about the industry, the more you'll start separating yourself from the applicant crowd. Let me add to your

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Paid vs. Unpaid Internships and

Criteria for Choosing the Best Internship

By Carol R. Anderson

Director of Career Development and Placement

New School University

Unpaid internships are common and legal. The premise is that as an intern, you are not yet an “up-to-speed” professional and will need more supervision and training, and deliver less value to the organization, than an already competent employee. The internship “pays” you with training and real-world experience that adds value to your résumé. Another acknowledgment that your internship provides valuable training is that some schools will offer academic credit for internships they monitor, but when an employer says “available for academic credit,” that may mean only that they don't want to pay you, not that your school has agreed to give credit.

Whether an organization chooses to pay its interns is a function of supply and demand, budget, organizational philosophy, and the ability of international students to get work authorization. For example, if students are eager to work for a certain organization to get its name on their résumés, the company may not need to offer pay to get qualified students as interns. On the other hand, large national corporations that use internships as a primary recruiting tool often pay interns very well. Certain nongovernmental organizations offer only unpaid internships because they are in high demand from European students who must have an internship in such an organization in order to graduate: again, larger supply of students than demand drives the decision. In New York City , with over 60 nonprofit organizations per square mile, competition for interns can be stiff, and all but the poorest funded nonprofits (i.e., arts organizations and small start-ups) offer pay in order to be able to attract interns. In Washington , D.C. , there are more students seeking government and nonprofit internships than opportunities, and many are unpaid or paid very little, such as $6.50 an hour. In 2002, graduate students earn $12 to $25 an hour in New York City in the nonprofit sector and $19-$27 in the for-profit sector; undergraduates earn significantly less, often $8 to $10 in nonprofits, more in the corporate sector. Financial services is the best paying industry.

Whether or not you choose to pursue an unpaid internship is a matter of weighing the value of the experience against your need or desire to earn money during the period of the internship. All other factors being equal, why not get paid for learning the skills of your chosen profession? But often, not all factors are equal. Here are some important criteria:

• Amount of interaction with an expert in your field : this is often more important than whether the project you are working on is one of interest to you. The amount of attention and guidance you get from a working professional often produces the highest level learning experience.

• Know what you want to get out of an internship, and hold out for it : a new skill, more experience in a role you've had some in (depth), training in a software program, an experience in a different function or role (breadth), to get on a hiring track with an organization or within an industry. Trying on a different role allows you to find out what you like and don't like about different job functions; getting an internship with an organization that hires primarily through its internship program is an inside track.

• Nature of tasks you will perform -are they commensurate with college or graduate school levels of skill? Avoid internships without defined tasks. Most good internships are project-based and expect you to deliver a product by internship's end: a survey, a report, or an analysis. You get to demonstrate the application of a skill set to a real-world problem. Make sure it goes on your résumé.

If the internship that satisfies most of these criteria is unpaid, and you can afford to spend the time unpaid, it may be the most appropriate. A paid internship that does not meet these criteria is a bad investment.

Carol R. Anderson is Director of Career Development and Placement for a professional graduate school of management and policy at New School University, where she counsels and places graduates and interns in nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, and maintains a part-time private practice in career transition management.

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Section 6

Internships

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American businesswomen that spoke there. My distant friend is my dear friend now and I have a new friend, her name is Elvira Borisovna from the Moscow University of Management. The only conversations we ever had were in German, our common language. You don't know when you are giving things away that it's going to come back as a global experience.

6. Be Nice. You Don't Know Who's Watching. A woman that I met was the Human Resources Director at the Board of Pensions in downtown Minneapolis . She told me her sad story. She had worked for Control Data in Human Resources and went through the great layoffs in the 1970's. She did all the exit interviews and said goodbye to all of her friends. Then the day came for her. She took her resume, went out and at one point stopped at 3M. She was very sweet and nice but they had nothing for her. She thanked them for their time and went on her way finding this job at the Board of Pensions. Oh but then life took a very nice turn. She fell in love and she married a man from Menomonee , Wisconsin . Now she's driving from Menomonee , Wisconsin to downtown Minneapolis . That's one hour each way. Someone at 3M heard about this. They remembered how nice she was and sent her resume to Swiss Miss in Menomonee , Wisconsin . Guess who is the head of Human Resources there today?

7. Become A Critical Relationship Yourself. I started my company 10 years ago. Instead of believing that we were the only ones who could do a good job of placing people in jobs, we immediately joined an association and met all these other people who specialized in zillions of other ways. We started giving away business. I refer to it as my “Miracle on 34th Street ” philosophy of doing business. You are all probably way too young to remember the story. Santa Claus is sending everyone to Gimbels' down the street instead of keeping them at Macys'. In doing so, by giving away so much business, we have grown into a multi-million dollar corporation and, in the United States , we are the biggest staffing company which specializes in the placement of recent college graduates. Mind you, I probably can't help you but I have a list of the people that I know who can. We give it away. I would like you to do the same thing because you will be unable to keep up with the returned favors.

8. Don't Make The Worse Networking Mistake. Believing that you can go out all on your own and find your next job without any help is the worse networking mistake.

Colleen Kay Watson, is president of Career Professionals, which helps job seekers find entry-level opportunities in Management, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Finance and Administrative positions. For more information about Career Professionals, please go to http://www.gocpi.com or call 952-835-9922.

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Making the Right Friends By Networking

By Colleen Kay Watson

President

Career Professionals

1. Do A Personal Network Inventory. Sixty-eight percent of you are going to find your next job through networking. Fifteen percent of you will use a search firm. Nine percent of you are going to find your future job through newspaper ads while eight percent will be through direct mailing. So you'll need to do a personal network inventory. It has been estimated that if you were to pass away today, your passing would impact 250 lives. Call these people now. They obviously care about you. That is your personal network inventory group.

2. Ask For Introductions. Now ask your group for introductions. Do you know how many people you are away from meeting Ted Turner, Oprah Winfrey or the President of the United States ? It has been estimated between two and ten introductions. The median is six. I met a woman named Ginger. She decided that she wanted a date with Ted Turner. This is pre-Jane Fonda. It took her four introductions to get a date with the billionaire. Do you know anyone over at XYZ Company? No, but I know someone who might. Ask people for introductions. You can meet anyone you want even a billionaire!

3. Take Your Boss To Lunch. While you're working on getting the ideas for names, take your boss to lunch. Now this means that you pay. Say to your boss, “Who do you know? What do you think I'm good at? Where do you think I need improvement? Will you be giving me a good reference?” Ask him for that reference. Ask him for ideas of leads that you should go and meet. A friend of mine took his boss to lunch. That day a recruiter had called his boss with a job offer. The boss did not want the job. He sent my friend there and my friend got a 50 percent pay raise. Your boss is well connected. Take your boss to lunch…it pays for itself 10 fold.

4. Ten Minutes To Success. I want you to make a phone call and say, “So and so gave me your name. I would like to have 10 minutes of your time. Would any of these times, 8:40 a.m. , 10:50 a.m. , or 3:20 p.m. , be convenient for you?” Do not make an appointment on the hour or the half-hour. Psychologically, when you ask for those 10 minutes and ask for them on the hour, you are asking for an hour of their time. When you ask for time on the half-hour, I hear a half-hour. I will not give that to you. I will give anyone 10 minutes. When you talk to them say, “How did you get to your present position? What do I need to know how to do? And who should I meet?” Then, go back home and write a thank you note to the individual who gave that time. I did not write type or email. The reason I suggested the writing is that most employers know how easy it is to email and are not impressed. It is so easy to get a boilerplate thank you note off your computer. What's not easy is for you to sit down and carefully pen a note. Think how you feel when you go to your mailbox and there's a handwritten card with a stamp on it.

5. Remember Your Peers. Whenever you find information that is not of use to you, give the information away. Maybe, it's still of use to you, still give it away. There is not a finite amount of data available. Give away as much information as you can. This is what happened to me. When I went to graduate school, I had a Professor named Dr. Noonan. She specialized in Russian-Soviet relations with America . Years later a packet arrived on my desk. There was a conference in Moscow , which was of no interest to me but I remembered her. I picked up the phone and called Augsburg College and got Dr. Noonan on the phone. “This is Colleen Watson. I took your class”. “Oh yes, Colleen. How are you?” I told her what had happened. I lost my job and started my own company and we were doing pretty well. Six months later the phone rang. “Colleen, I just got a email from Moscow . A conference that was going to be held for sharing of intellectual papers from the colleges has been expanded to the emerging capitalist society for women. Would you come and represent the United States as a businesswoman at the University of Moscow ?” I was among three

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Networking? How Can This Help Me Obtain a Job or Internship?

By Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC

Career Development Specialist

University of South Dakota 's Career Development Center

Creator/Owner of CareersCounseling.com

Parents bugging you to get that job or internship? But, you have no clue how to go about this process, right? Then, you go to your college career office and the counselor tells you to network. Sure, you say, not a problem! Reality hits though when you get back to your apartment and you realize you have no clue what networking really is or how it works!

Career counselors will often mention to students who are job seeking to use networking skills. Yet, many students may not really know just what is involved with networking. One student said recently, “Gosh, I am just not good at asking for favors!” The reality is that career counselors may need to teach students what networking is and how it works.

What is networking?

Networking is actually just the ability to visit with people about job openings. If you can talk, or communicate, you can network! Some jobs are never advertised for and are filled due to the networking that goes on in the world!

How does networking work?

Talk to your neighbors, parents, relatives, past employers, minister, professors, etc. about any possible openings that they may know about. Often times, people do know about company openings and will be glad to refer you to the correct department. Let them know about your skills, abilities, education, interest, enthusiasm, etc. and when you are available. Ask people whom to contact within a company.

What would be some examples of this?

A college student works part-time as a caddy at a golf course. While there, she gets to know many business executives and even has many of their business cards. These golfers know her as an enthusiastic, hard worker. This student could contact those people later down the road and remind them who she is and ask them about any potential openings they may know about. She would explain her educational background and abilities while asking to set up an informational interview. Some of these executives will probably gladly assist her in making contacts about openings!

You go to a college job fair and meet many recruiters. While there you should ask as many people in your field as possible about any openings in your field. Because one company's recruiter will talk with recruiters from other companies, when you speak with a recruiter act as if you are interested in their company. When you network, ask people about any openings. Tell them your interests, skills, abilities, education and goals.

Why does networking work?

People like hiring people they already know and trust! And, many people will trust the recommendation of their friend, co-worker, or a colleague. Research into job hunting has shown that many jobs are landed through networking. So, you may as well as use a technique that works as opposed to other methods that do not work as well!

Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC is Career Development Specialist atUniversity of South Dakota 's Career Development Center and is creator/owner of http://www.careerscounseling.com

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Equally important is to come to the meeting prepared to join in and help others. Think about people who you know, including your parents and relatives. Which companies do they work for? Where did they go to school? The more you help others, the more they'll want to help you.

Make it easy for people at the meeting to contact you afterwards. Have business cards and resumes available. Have personal business cards printed up with your name and phone number. You can get them at office supply stores for as little as little as $10 for 500 cards. Hand them out along with your resume to connections you make at these meetings.

Don't be shy about mixing with the participants. Introduce yourself to the group leader and stay around after the meeting to have coffee and talk to other participants. Group leaders are often experts in the job hunting profession and are generally quite willing to offer suggestions.

Dress in a casual but professional manner. Remember, these people are recommending you to someone they may know, so look as though you merit their trust. Networking groups are informal sessions but you should still put your best foot forward.

It is estimated that over 80 percent of jobs are found through personal networking rather than help wanted ads. Your use of networking groups will not only broaden your contacts, but will also enable you to strengthen your verbal communication skills for those all important job interviews.

Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com at http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com , the highest traffic, non-password protected, site used by job hunting students and recent graduates and the employers who want to hire them.

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The Value of Networking with Alumni

By Steven Rothberg

President

CollegeRecruiter.com

Experienced job hunters know, and now you will too, that the single most important technique for finding a new job is networking. By networking, you communicate with people that you know, such as friends, relatives, business acquaintances and alumni of your school. You have two primary goals: let them know that you are looking for a new job and ask them to help you in that search by letting you know if they hear of any opportunities or can refer to others who might be of help. The more people with which you network, the more leads you're likely to generate.

Networking, unfortunately, is often overlooked by college students and graduates. These job seekers often believe that networking is something reserved to executives or those with years of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. While many formal networking groups are reserved to such high level job seekers, the vast majority of networking groups, both formal and informal, are open to job hunters at any level.

Informal Networking

Students and graduates who want to network can do so formally or informally. Formally often involves joining or organizing a networking group, which can take a lot of time but often pay handsome dividends. Informal networking can be done more quickly, especially if your school's career service office is willing and able to help.

Students and graduates with good career service offices are often able to contact those offices and explain to them that they are looking for a new job in a certain occupational field and city and ask them for the names and phone numbers of alumni who are employed in that field and city. If you're able to obtain such a list, pick up the phone and call the alumni. Briefly explain who you are and that you were referred to them by your career service office. Tell them that you're not asking them for a job but that you would like to take them for coffee or lunch so you can find out from them if they have any leads for you. Offer to send a copy of your resume to them in advance.

Treat the meeting as an interview, but do not try to land a job. Your goal, remember, is not to get hired, but to find out who may be interested in hiring you. Pay for the coffee or lunch and promise to keep them updated on your job search. One reason to do so is simply that it is polite. They have helped you and it is only proper that you acknowledge their help by thanking them and by showing them that you valued their assistance enough to actually act on it.

Formal Networking

Formal networking is often done through networking meetings. At the beginning of the meeting, each person introduces themselves and talks about what they are looking for. If someone in the group thinks they can be of help with a contact, they volunteer a name or two. After everyone has had a turn, there is usually time for informal communication, perhaps over coffee.

Churches, community centers, trade associations and schools are good sources if you're looking for a networking group. The key, however, isn't finding one. It is making one work for you.

The first step in making a networking group work for you is to come prepared with a one or two minute summation that answers the question, “Tell us a little about yourself.” Where did you go to school? What type of job are you looking for? What is your work experience? What are your skills? In which companies and industries do you have an interest?

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For those graduates who are connected to a community of faith, church mentors, who nurtured and led them throughout their lives, often can, upon graduation from high school and college, provide links to possible jobs in the working world.

Also as part of the networking process, college graduates need to do their homework on the company or organization where they want to work in preparation for significant job interviews that will be conducted not only on the job site, but by telephone and videoconferencing. The first question the job applicant needs to answer is, “Why do you want to work for a particular company or organization?” Before opening your mouth to respond in an interview or even write a letter of introduction to a specific company, know that using pronouns in the first few lines of the introductory statement is unacceptable.

Not only should you avoid repetitive use of pronouns, but also avoid mentioning salary as a reason for seeking employment within the first minutes of the interview, or first few sentences in the letter of introduction. Discuss the facts you know from what you have read and researched about the company. Employers require letters of recommendation for job applicants, but what facts do you know about the company and the reputation of the place where you are seeking employment?

Did you take time to check Internet information about the company? Have you talked to an employee who has some degree of tenure with the organization? How is the company rated in news clippings, the business or political world, or the field? How does the company invest funds, treat employees? Do you know the purpose, values or any ideals of the company? Just because you have credentials in a specific field does not mean that you know the background of the place where you want to work. In other words, do your homework and be prepared to make a good impression.

The second question, “Why should an employer hire you?” provides an opportunity to sell yourself. This is the place to focus on your strengths, commitment, positive characteristics, and qualifications that would make you an asset for the company or organization where you are seeking employment. Remember, the job maze is filled with applicants who have the same qualifications, prestigious degree and charming personality like you: network and do your homework. The job market is a competitive one, but not an impossible one to find your dream job; be tenacious, focused and informed.

Dr. Cecelia A. Robinson is Professor of English, William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri .

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By Dr. Cecelia A. Robinson

Professor of English

William Jewell College

More than 1.2 million college graduates received their degrees in May of 2002. Amy Brown , Elly Richards, and Jubilee Green of William Jewell College, “ Times Liberal Arts College of the Year” in Liberty , Missouri , were among the recent graduates. All three are astute and personable English majors who received Bachelor of Arts degrees. Amy is planning to attend graduate school in Montana , Elly is preparing for a fall internship in England with the BUNAC organization, and Jubilee is headed to the work force. Of these three young women, only Jubilee has chosen to enter the job maze of the working world.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expect to hire about 36 percent fewer college graduates this year as compared to 2001. And after checking top popular job sites, as of March 27, 2002 , there were currently 14,114 entry level positions posted. Due to duplicate listings and other variables, as many as 106 spring graduates could be competing for each entry-level job listed on popular job sites. Networking and researching the Internet about potential employers are essential skills for success in finding the job one desires.

If you, like Jubilee, are entering this maze what is your employment strategy? Perhaps you are befuddled, but no matter what discipline you represent, thousands of students from Alaska to Wyoming are updating resumes, preparing letters of introduction, requesting letters of recommendation and highlighting jobs advertised in local newspapers. A specialty degree helps and will give many graduates a slight edge over the masses in the field. In a recent article from East Bay Business Times , John Challenger, Chief Executive Officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas says, “College graduates [this spring] will be competing with young people who have already been in the work force for one or two years, but are unemployed due to downsizing. Some of these individuals may be more inclined in this uncertain economy to accept entry-level pay.”

The competition is fierce, and the job maze has a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. Knowing alternatives to the traditional job search can be beneficial for graduates who have omitted networking among past employers, family friends, and the church for potential job openings where hiring recommendations can be made. For the average college graduate, the church is an area that is often overlooked when networking.

Rev. Bobby Love, Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Olathe, Kansas, observes, “Once college graduates leave home in pursuit of a degree, many unplug or disconnect from the church and tend to think “I can do this on my own.” Usually they don't return until they are about 25 after having experienced knocks and bruises.” Love says, “The church offers many opportunities for networking: it is a conglomerate of different disciplines and professions that meet on a regular basis and is accessible to young people in a non-threatening and nurturing environment.”

Moreover, Rev. Robert Hill, Senior Pastor of Community Christian Church on the Plaza in Kansas City , Missouri , points out, “We are discovering more and more in all aspects of society that a sense of belonging is absolutely necessary to a meaningful life. It is in a community of faith where everybody can be accepted and celebrated. In the church we find some of our best friends, strongest colleagues and influential mentors. In the church we see the well to do and the nothing to do. We see the down-and-out and the up-and-coming. In fact, the church is the place where everybody can be somebody.”

Marian Wright Edleman in her new book, Lanterns , reflects on the influence of mentors from her church and community: “O God, I thank you for the lanterns in my life who illumined dark and uncertain path calmed and stilled debilitating doubts and fears with encouraging words, wise lessons, gentle touches, firm nudges, and faithful actions along my journey of life and back to you.”

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• Don't hesitate to tell everyone you know you are looking for a job! Think about all the people you know. Neighbors, former teachers, relatives, friends, parents of friends, work associates, past employers - all of these contacts might yield that perfect job! Let them know what you are looking for and then follow up.

Job networking contacts are not job interviews, but it is important to conduct yourself professionally. Dress appropriately to make an excellent first impression, write clear, concise letters, know your field and the company or organization, and ask astute, targeted questions. Nothing will knock you out of the running quicker than a sloppy, unprofessional manner.

Start networking today using the resources you have available. Talking to the right people and presenting your skills, background and professionalism appropriately is one of the best tools you have for finding the perfect job.

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Networking: Get Connected and Get a Job!

By Cynthia Panton

Coordinator

Cleveland State University

The Career Services Center

Networking has become the new buzzword for job hunters competing in today's tight job market. Everybody knows somebody, but how can that be turned into an internship or full-time job?

The first step is to define what networking is in career terms. Getting connected with the right people who can assist you in finding jobs is the usual definition. But are all employees of a company or organization network-savvy? Not necessarily. Where do you find the right people who can help you become part of the job network?

There are several tried-and-true methods for finding and successfully using networking contacts. Here are a few ideas:

• Join a student professional organization prior to graduation. Never underestimate the power of working together with fellow students on projects and events. Professionals who work closely with these organizations rank these students highly for future career positions. They also know each other and are often willing to refer students to other firms.

• Volunteer with community organizations. You never know who will be working alongside you in a volunteer capacity! Many corporate and community leaders place a high value on volunteer activities. Not only do they encourage their employees to volunteer, but the leaders are often found working these events themselves.

• Talk to your professors. Sometimes it is easy to think of school and work as separate entities. Professors have academic knowledge, but they also possess strong links to the business and civic communities. Don't hesitate to talk to them and ask them for names of professionals with whom you can talk about your career aspirations.

• Utilize the services of your college career center. Career services offices work at developing strong ties to the employment community. The office can be a rich resource for you to find the names of networking contacts in your field. Most career offices also provide resume referral and on-campus recruiting services, as well as targeted events.

• Attend career fairs and other special career events. This is networking at its finest! Career and job fairs provide you with an opportunity to talk to many potential employers in one place. Even if you are not in the job market, these events allow you to meet those people in your field who make hiring decisions. Gather their business cards for future reference.

• Become a member of your alumni association. People like to hire people they know is an old adage, but a true one. By joining your alumni association, you will be meeting with those alumni who are already working in the community. Many of them will be in a position to hire and will look favorably on students from their alma mater. Most alumni association fees are relatively low, so it is a good investment right after graduation.

• Complete information interviews. Although this is becoming more common, it is still a good way to find out about your field and how to find that internship or first job. Information interview contacts can often put you in touch with others in the same field for future job openings.

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picture. Like any other endeavor, you will get out of it what you put into it. Attending meetings and events, offering to help and becoming involved will go a long way towards making the experience a truly valuable one.

Professional Development

“Every job I ever got in the field was, either directly or indirectly, through my

membership in FPRA,” says Kate B. Holcomb, APR, public relations director for Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach . While professional organizations may help you to land a great job in your field, they offer more than that. As your career progresses, many organizations offer conferences and professional certifications that can help you to hone your skills and take your career to the next level. Many provide print publications to its members to share new products and innovative advances.

The contacts and the friendships made through these professional affiliations can last for years. These are people who share your interests, understand your industry and recognize the value of building lasting relationships. Whether seeking employment, looking to move up in the business, relocating, transitioning to a new career, finding educational opportunities or just looking for advice, the right organization can provide all of these and more.

Where to Find the Group for You:

• Chambers of Commerce

• Local newspaper

• Civic organizations

• Colleges

• Churches

• Alumni Associations

• Career Advisors

• The Internet

Jill Meridith is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association. She has worked extensively in higher education and career counseling, has a bachelor's degree in Communication and is a free-lance writer.

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Looking for your Dream Job? Join the Club!

By Jill Meridith

Member

Florida Public Relations Association

We've all heard the old job search adage, “It's not what you know, it's whom you know.” It often takes being in the right place at the right time to land the perfect position. But how do you meet the movers and shakers in your industry? How do you get valuable face time with those who have the right connections? One practical and fun way to get to know the people in the know is through involvement with professional organizations.

The Florida Public Relations Association's (FPRA's) local chapters meet monthly. A recent luncheon was held at Daytona International Speedway's (DIS's) state-of-the-art media center. “The Daytona 500 alone brings more than twice as many fans as the Superbowl to the Speedway ,” according to DIS manager of publicity, Kathy Catron. Guests at the presentation, local leaders in the industry, got an insider's view of “what it's like to put on an event of Olympic proportions.” From security and technology issues to coffee service, the program provided practical industry tips as well as a fascinating look at the inner workings of this unique and exciting business.

FPRA's monthly meetings often showcase local businesses. Panel discussions on hot topics, mentoring programs and meaningful networking opportunities are all benefits of joining this organization and others like it. Students are often invited to join at a discounted rate.

As early as medieval times, crafts and tradesmen recognized the value of professional groups. Artists' guilds, a precursor of unions, played a vital role in advancing the image of craftsmen to one of respected professionals. By bringing together influential businessmen who share a common goal, a strong voice is created. A voice that has the power to accomplish what mere individuals cannot.

Today, the same concepts apply. The best way to understand your business and be successful in it is with the guidance and input of those with the advantage of experience. The best way for any industry to protect and advance itself and the interests of its members is by joining together.

Dress Up Your Resume

It's one of the toughest challenges to overcome. The job requires experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Many professional organizations extend invitations to members for work on local projects or events. Volunteering in these situations can create a great resume entry, one that provides real world experience and professional references. Volunteer opportunities also offer invaluable learning opportunities and the chance to see the experts at work. Volunteering can give you the flavor of the work you plan to spend your life doing.

Becoming involved in the organization's operations can also be a great way to expand your skill base. Taking on a leadership role like treasurer or secretary will reflect well when you go looking for the real job. And some of the most impressive and gratifying rewards take the form of professional recognition. Associations often organize industry awards to highlight and acknowledge excellence.

Take it for a Test Drive

From landscapers to music lovers, from business people to artists, there is an organization out there for nearly everyone. By joining more than one, you may be able to compare services and benefits while exploring several career options.

Getting to know future colleagues and learning about the industry culture will provide the insight that can give you an extra edge. It can also help to evaluate where your talents and interests fit into the bigger

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Networking Abuses to Avoid

· Problematic Pacing: Avoid contacting individuals too frequently, contacting too many people at once, and overstaying your welcome. If you have asked for a 10-minute meeting, you should honor that time frame. It is acceptable to ask how often is too often to follow up.

· Poor Planning and Organizing: To avoid this, create a spreadsheet that lists your contacts, your purpose for contacting, date of contact, key points from the conversation, next steps and a timeline for future contact.

· E-mail Informality: Although e-mail is a widely accepted networking tool, you must treat e-mail messages like any business correspondence - formally and professionally. First, let your contact know why you are writing, and then provide a snapshot of yourself. End by reiterating your interest and asking for assistance.

· Mass E-mail: You must make the recipient of your messages feel that he/she has been specifically targeted. Sending a single e-mail to multiple addresses sends the message that you didn't put much thought into your correspondence. If you're going to use a similar e-mail message, be sure to personalize it with the person's name, or some background information about the individual's company.

And, once you've made contact - don't forget to send a thank you note and keep in touch. You never know when you may need to call upon this contact's expertise or guidance in the future. Send a simple e-mail greeting once a year or take him/her to lunch. It will go a long way in building a secure network that you can lean on professionally.

Barbara Limmer is Director of Career Management Programs, Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. Barbara Limmer oversees the student preparation functions of the Career Management Center, including job-search related workshops and programs, individual career advising, and the Graduate Associate Program.

Prior to coming to Thunderbird in December 1997, she spent 11 years working in human resources, with positions involving recruiting, training and employee relations for companies including AlliedSignal, Bank of America, MetLife Capital Corp., and Aldus Corp (now Adobe). Ms. Limmer also worked as a “headhunter” in New York City while attending graduate school and as a career advisor at UCSB and UCLA.

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Networking = Relationship Building

By Barbara Limmer

Director of Career Management Programs

Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management

Know Your Objective

Networking is the gathering and sharing of information - an ongoing process of relationship building. The main keys to networking are understanding your objective and continuing your relationship.

Are you gathering information for job search purposes, conducting market research, investigating new business development opportunities, or are you searching for a support network in your professional field?

Brainstorming for Contacts

Once you know why you're networking, the first step is to brainstorm about whom you know or anyone who might know something/someone related to your purpose. The goal is to create a succinct, targeted list that can be built upon.

Consider this example: You are interested in applying for a job at United Parcel Service (UPS) in Atlanta , but don't know anyone who works there; you do, however, know family friends who live in Atlanta . Take the opportunity to investigate whether they have any UPS connections or know of anyone else in Atlanta who does.

What other ways might you develop contacts?

· Your school's alumni office: Are any alumni affiliated with your field/company of interest/objectives?

· Magazine articles: Search for professionals who have been quoted in articles related to your purpose. Let them know that you read about them in the magazine and would like to speak further with them about the highlighted topic.

· Professional Associations: Major libraries have lists or directories of professional associations. Set goals of making contact with 10 people per meeting, or take a leadership role in the organization.

· Building a Pyramid of Contacts: Never end a networking appointment without asking, “Do you know anyone else I should contact?” This is how your network continues to grow - like a pyramid.

How to Make Contact

There is no best way to make contact. Consider what your relationship is with the person; only you can decide whether it is most appropriate to call, send a letter or an e-mail.

But it is important, as always, to do your homework. Research the contact's company, and find out as much about the person as possible. Also think about how you can return the favor. Can you provide an article that will be of interest to the person? Can you offer a valuable skill set to the company?

If your networking purpose is to seek job opportunities, make sure you know your strengths and how they relate to the contact's business. You should be prepared with a 30 second commercial - a brief explanation of your employment background, what you are currently doing and your goals. It is also important - whether in face-to-face or written communication - to ask for permission to follow up.

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A Simple First Step to Networking

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School “

You probably have heard a lot about how important it is to network--getting to know as many people as you can who can open up doors of opportunity. For many, the whole process seems overwhelming. Want in on a simple, first step? The answer is simple. Adopt a mentor.

Perhaps the advice should be: Have a mentor adopt you. A mentor is usually a professional person in a top level within an organization (or profession) who counsels, advises and guides a less-experienced individual. A mentor can be great if you have a fairly clear idea of what you want to do for a living. By associating closely with someone in the field, you can learn all kinds of insights that you won't get in the classroom.

A mentor can even help you be sure you are making the right decision as far as your career is concerned.

You can learn all kinds of important things from a mentor:

· You can observe them “in action” in the courtroom, meeting room, office, with customers, or wherever they work.

· You can learn how they came to be in their positions. You'll hear about their pitfalls as well as their victories. Don't be surprised when they tell you they started out going in a completely different direction.

· Mentors can inform you of different types of positions in their field, most often because they have held most of them as they have advanced in their careers.

· You can gain a clearer career direction for yourself, from their guidance in academic choices and outside activities.

· With their connections with you as well as other people, they may be able to help you find opportunities to serve and learn.

Mentors can be great. The trick is finding one yourself if your college doesn't have a structured mentoring program. If it doesn't, here's what you can do:

· Check your career-guidance office and ask about finding a mentor. A counselor should be able to help you out.

· Call some local chapters of the professional organizations for your chosen field. An official there may also be able to mention it at the next meeting (don't be surprised if they invite you) or even run a blurb in the newsletter. While you have them on the phone, don't forget to ask about volunteer opportunities!

· Consider looking to a college teacher or professor for assistance.

· Lastly, think of whom you know already!

Many professional people are very willing to become mentors once someone asks them. They often see it as a chance to help a younger person out and to give back to a profession that has done very well for them.

Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to “Jump-Start” Your Career While Still in School, available in your local bookstore. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com .

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services. Environmental consulting was still eluding her. One evening in Boston she ran into a friend who happened to be employed at the environmental consulting firm that was at the top of her list, where she had applied, without success, many months previously. Her friend encouraged her to re-apply. Much to Jennie's surprise the firm still had the original résumé, but she submitted a revised version to highlight her additional skills. She was quickly called in for an interview, which resulted in second and third interviews. Following the last meeting, she wrote strong letters to the four people whom she had met. She included information that reinforced issues discussed in the interview.

Follow-up, follow-up.

Less Money, But a Brighter Future

Jennie followed up this way on all her interviews during the six-week period. She received three simultaneous job offers, but the choice was really between two: one as a researcher in environmental consulting and the other a research writer in financial services. The latter paid $10,000 more than the former, but Jennie decided to go with her dream job in environmental consulting.

This job search, resulting in a job she really wanted and that positions her well for the future, was a lot of hard work. She was amazed at what she accomplished in less than two months by rigorously applying the Five O'Clock Club methodology. And now come the next steps: settling into the new job, keeping her skills fresh-and managing her career for the long run.

Sharon Kassakian is Career Coach of the Five O'Clock Club. She is former Assistant Director Career Services Center , Kean University . http://www.fiveoclockclub.com/

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Job Search For Young People: A Five O'Clock Club Case Study

By Sharon Kassakian

Five O'Clock Club Coach

One of the unwritten rules for career coaches is never try to counsel a spouse! Sometimes, however, sons and daughters are more receptive to advice-in my case, the fact that I am both a career advisor at a college and a Five O'Clock Club counselor might have carried some weight.

Having heard me talk about the Five O'Clock Club for years, my daughter Jennie decided to put the Club methodology to work. For example, we never tire of pointing out that networking is one of the four ways to generate interviews. Direct contact is often not given its due, since people usually misidentify direct contact as networking (direct contact means reaching out to someone when you don't have a networking lead). Search firms and ads are the other two sources of interview leads.

Acquiring Experience to Improve the Résumé

Jennie majored in biology with an environmental concentration, and minored in economics. She dreamed of landing a job as an Environmental Consultant. During her senior year, two environmental consulting firms came to campus to recruit. She was selected to be interviewed by one and was actually offered a job in Washington , D.C. She turned this down because she did not want to move to that area. The other was based in Boston -where she really wanted to work-but, after reviewing her résumé, the recruiter decided not to interview her because her skills “did not match their needs.”

Somewhat demoralized, she decided to follow a crucial piece of Five O'Clock Club advice: if you don't have the experience you need, get it. To make herself more marketable she accepted a five-month paid internship at the University of Maine to conduct underwater lobster research. One of Jennie's passions is scuba diving and the internship offered her the opportunity to hone her research skills and do something she loved-even though the water temperature was only 54 degrees!

If you don't have the experience you need, get it!

A Second Target: Part of the Strategy

At the end of the internship she renewed her job search. Her primary target had not changed: she still wanted to work at an environmental consulting firm in Boston . Because there weren't many such firms in Boston , she expanded her search by developing a second target (based on experience gained through another internship): financial services companies. With excellent writing, research and analytical skills there were many things she could do. First, she contacted an employment agency that concentrated in the financial service field. She was sent on a number of interviews for administrative assistant positions for which she was clearly overqualified and which did not interest her.

The jobs that were of interest (i.e., entry level financial analyst positions), were usually filled by the campus recruiters. Because she had already graduated, she did not have access to these people. Although she knew there were jobs at these firms, getting to the right people with the right message proved to be very difficult. She risked everything one day by being candid with an HR officer. She answered the question ‘What would she like to do?' by telling the recruiter exactly what she wanted to do. Apparently from her résumé and presentation the recruiter saw her as a desirable candidate and passed her résumé on. As a result she was interviewed for a position as a writer- researcher, which was of great interest.

A Friend Encourages Her to Re-apply

Jennie intensified her efforts, and during a six-week period lined up interviews for several positions, in some cases being asked back for second and third interviews-primarily in her secondary target, financial

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right people, ask for a contact name or a referral to a decision maker. Solicit input from the employees of the different companies. Find out about the corporate culture, job challenge, upward mobility or any other important issues that will help you decide if this is the right company for you.

If you take the time to search out the company you want to work for, understand the issues they face and make as many contacts as possible, the first impression you make will be golden. You can win at the game of whom you know, but only if you use networking as a tool to get you where you want to be.

Christine Kurz, is a Business Coach and business owner. Her company is called Business Coaching Essentials. She specializes in helping her clients with career management, leadership and business issues through individual and group coaching sessions, customized workshops, TeleEd and Inet classes. She can be reached at: 302-234-6550 or cdkurz99@aol.com .

For a 15-minute complimentary coaching consult, call 302-234-6550 and mention this article.

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It's Still a Game of Who You Know: The Value of Networking

By Christine Kurz, MBA

Owner

Business Coaching Essentials

Have you been pounding the pavement looking for the job of your dreams with little success? Are the phones quiet, email sparse and the recruiters aren't helping you make the right connections? Well, whether you are looking for your first job post college, or for a new job post downsizing, do not underestimate the power of networking. What you know is an important component of success, but only when your knowledge is combined with the all important, who you know. Approximately 70 percent of all jobs are still found through networking.

If you are feeling a little helpless take matters into your own hands. Networking is all about making as many connections as you can and making each connection count. There are numerous ways you can meet and greet and achieve your goal of full time meaningful employment. But you need to get busy. Here are some ideas:

Getting Prepared:

· Make business cards that list your name and contact information along with your specialty or degree area. Hand these out to everyone you meet.

· Create an interesting introduction for yourself that encourages people to ask you questions (e.g., “I can help people succeed” vs. “I want to work as a business coach”).

· In a succinct and memorable way, describe your areas of expertise and what you offer in 15 words or less (e.g. I do this, and if you hire me I'll help you achieve this.).

· Do your homework. Understand the industry and the issues of the industry you'd like to work in and be prepared to discuss.

· Develop a networking plan that fits into your career plan. Know where you are going and how you'll get there. If you need help, hire a business or career coach to help you strategize and create a career plan that will include a networking section.

Getting Out:

· Join a local networking organization. Check the resources available for listings of these groups. The state or local Chamber of Commerce or your university placement center should have these listings. Some groups are free and others change only a nominal amount for the event you attend. Attend the meetings, get to know people and ask for their help. Include your university alumni association in this group of worthwhile organizations. Many alumni associations are very well connected and eager to help.

· Join a trade organization for the industry you wish to work in. You may have to pay to attend select events or ask to go as a guest of the association until you have a feel for the membership mix and their openness prior to joining. This may be your best avenue to make the right connection with the right people-your future managers, peers and direct reports.

· Identify one trade association meeting within a comfortable travel distance and sign up for a one-day pass during the exhibition time. Walk around to all the booths of potential employers and hand out your business cards. Request a business card from everyone you meet and ask for an appointment for follow-up, either a scheduled time to talk or an actual interview. If they aren't the

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people only want to get BY you to get a drink!) When introducing yourself to a recruiter, step up to the person, shake their hand firmly, look them in the eye, and state your name clearly. Tell them a little about yourself and your goals, and then ask intelligent questions about the company which show that you have done your research, (e.g., how about finding out more about that new product division you heard they were planning?). Also ask them what they are looking for in their hires, what type of projects you would do, etc.

Be prepared for small talk, and know that as inane as the topic may seem, you are still being judged, so be careful not to be negative or critical in your comments. Ensure that you don't monopolize a group conversation: employers look unfavorably on the monopolizers as much as those who stand quietly by and do not participate. When you have learned as much as you think you need to know, tactfully excuse yourself, and move on.

One of university's best kept secrets is the student membership rate offered by many professional associations. These are often quite low, and membership enables students to mingle with many potential employers as well as those who might provide valuable job search advice and/or contacts. Besides attending meetings and conferences offered by the association, volunteer for projects or committee work to demonstrate your initiative, skills and knowledge - and impress!

Speaking of volunteering: don't overlook this opportunity to not only meet people and build your network, but also to gain additional experience and skills. Consider offering your services to any of the large number of organizations on campus and in the community. (And remember: employers in all fields look very favorably on candidates who have a strong sense of community involvement).

Make a list of all the people you know and approach them to find out whom they might know in your area of interest. Don't overlook anyone: you never REALLY know who they might know, and who that person might know, and so on… When you are referred to someone you don't know, ask if you can use your contact's name, then call the person to whom you have been referred to set up a networking interview. You can also set up such a meeting with people to whom you have not been referred, but whom you have identified as a key prospect. Approach people with the attitude that their experience is valuable to you and you would like to learn more about what they do. Most people will be very willing to help. For more information on how to conduct effective networking interviews, visit the Networks & Contacts section of University of Waterloo 's Career Development Manual at http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca .

Finally, there is the everyday networking you should do wherever you happen to be. Take advantage of chance meetings, be they on the bus or at the fitness club. Be open. Consider everyone as a potential source.

Remember, networking is not whom you know, but who knows you and what you can do. If someone doesn't know you, it's difficult for them to recommend you for an opportunity. Make sure your network is working for you!

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The Art of the Schmooze (or Networking 101)

By Jayne Hayden

Career Resource Centre Manager

University of Waterloo

Networking. You've heard that word many times. You have also heard that it is the most effective method for finding work. And, like it or not, in today's business world, networking is essential for survival. Fortunately, in some ways, networking is easier in university than it will be in the ‘professional' world. But what is it really, and how DO you do it?

At its most basic level, networking is making contacts in order to gather information, advice, and referrals. More accurately, though, it is a life-long process of actively building relationships with people. It is NOT ‘using' people to get what you want. To be an effective networker, you must realize that networking is a two-way street: people are more willing to help you if you come across as someone who is genuinely interested in them and appreciative of the assistance they provide. Make sure to follow up with a ‘thank you', and attempt to reciprocate in some way - for example, if you come across anything that might be helpful or useful to them, pass it on. Show them that you are just as valuable to them as they are to you.

The bad news is that, for most of us, networking is not a natural skill. And those who network poorly risk falling even farther behind. You've probably heard of the ‘six degrees of separation' - the premise that we can get to just about anyone in the world through six levels of contacts. But in this new millenium, the successful networkers are those who can do it in less. You know, they're the ones who, while we are trying to figure out how to introduce ourselves to the CEO across the room, already know her on a first name basis and are now getting to know her more powerful friends!

The good news is that networking is a skill that can be developed. And develop it you should - as soon in your university career as possible. The earlier you start, the stronger your network will be when you graduate. Before you begin, you need to be clear about your objective. What is your goal? What type of work are you seeking? Be as specific as possible. You should also prepare and rehearse a 30 to 60 second “infomercial” about yourself and what you are seeking. Now you are ready to practice! Okay… so how?

First, make the most of your summer jobs, internships and co-op work terms. You may not need your ‘elevator speech' about yourself here, but your goals should still be clear. Resist the temptation to go for lunch everyday with the other students who may be working in your company. Make a point of getting to know the ‘regular' staff, and build relationships with them. Use coffee machine and lunchtime chats to find out more about the company, its people, and other possible areas in which you might like to work. This way you'll meet people outside your work area, and your conversations may teach you which projects - and which managers - you may like to work for. By tactfully asking the right questions of the right people, you may gain some valuable contacts. You may also develop a mentoring relationship with someone who can play a big role in your future. Think beyond just doing your work term assignment. Of course you need to have the skills and knowledge to be hired when you graduate (you've got those, though -- right?), but your having made that extra effort on your work term(s) could make the difference in a ‘permanent' job offer.

Don't forget career and job fairs. These are excellent opportunities to network with potential future employers - provided you prepare properly for them.

Attend the ever-increasing number of campus employer information sessions and receptions. These are networking gold mines that provide you with the opportunity to socialize with recruiters and others who might be helpful in your job search. They, like career fairs, are hard work, but you should take advantage of them! Plan to arrive a little early - you may just have the recruiters all to yourself before the other students show up. If you are unable to find out beforehand what to wear, dress in business attire - don't wear jeans! If refreshments are served, ensure you keep your drink (or food) in your left hand, and keep that right hand ready for shaking. (Note: if alcohol is served, restrict yourself to ONE - and don't stand in front of the bar:

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· Speak with other students in your major and seeking jobs in your field; this can be an excellent “give and take” contact information source.

· Network with an alumni, or mentor with experience in your field of study and build a relationship with them. Ask them if you may job shadow them for a day.

· Put yourself in a position to network such as offering to do volunteer work.

· Attend job fairs both on and off campus.

· When actively seeking employment, make at least one networking contact per day; this keeps your momentum and motivation up.

· Stay organized with your contact list. A computer-based document is ideal, but a notebook will serve the purpose. Keep track of everyone you have contacted-their name, title, addresses, phone number, e-mail, when and how you contacted them, the outcome, and any tasks you need to follow up on.

In summary, networking can inspire you to attain new levels of productivity, success, and pleasure in your professional and personal life. Don't let rejections stop your networking. Instead, expect them and move on. To date, networking is still the number one job search method and accounts for 70 to 80 percent of job offers.

Marie E. Harris is Program Assistant at The Career Center in University of Wisconsin-Superior Belknap and Catlin. She can be reached at mharris@staff.uwsuper.edu and web site: http://www2.uwsuper.edu/career

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Do Not Limit Your Techniques of Networking

By Marie E. Harris

Program Assistant

The Career Center

University of Wisconsin - Superior Belknap and Catlin

· I have been employed as a Program Assistant in The Career Center here at UW-Superior for the past 22 years, and during the past two-three years, more and more students sit across the desk and tell me the only way they are looking for jobs is via the Internet. They possess the mindset that the Internet is the easiest and the one and only way to look for employment.

I immediately inform them that there are other ways to network and that networking online is difficult because you cannot really establish a true personal relationship. I tell them not to put all their eggs in the “Internet networking basket.” Next, I give them a handout on tips and techniques of networking. I inform them that surfing the Internet, combing the want ads, and sending out bulk mailings of resumes are passive ways to job search and these ways are acceptable, however, proactive networking is one of the most effective marketing techniques available to job hunters and a direct link to the hidden job market. Networking is self-promotion and the process of establishing “personal” connections with individuals in a position to assist them in finding the job they desire. To put it more bluntly, shut off the computer and talk to people face-to-face or on the telephone and convince them how much they need you!

I verbally provide them with the following networking tips to start them on the right path:

· Talk initially with your personal and professional contacts -- friends and family, neighbors, teachers, professors, advisors, administrators, coworkers, and former employers; practice selling yourself to them with a short, tightly structured pitch about who you are and what you have to offer.

· Ask your initial contacts for referrals to expand your lines of communication in your job search.

· Contact the names of referrals you received from your initial contacts.

· With all of your contacts ask for information, not a job. This is referred to as the “information interview.” Give your contacts a brief summary of your career objective, skills, and accomplishments. Always send a thank you letter within 24 hours after every informational interview.

· Always be prepared, any time, any place; keep your business cards and at all times, keep your resume with you, either as a hard copy or on disk. You never know when you might meet someone you wish to give it to.

· Keep your contacts informed about the progress of your job search through

phone calls or letters and ask if they are aware of anything new.

· Join a local professional organization and network with members; read trade journals and other periodicals.

· Utilize your university career services office as a referral source -- it contains a wealth of information.

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Depending on your conversation/judgment of the individual, you may want to wait two weeks and follow-up only twice a month.

3. The small things make a difference ! Send handwritten thank you letters after each meeting or phone call saying, “thanks for the time and I look forward to our next meeting.” Also, cut out articles from newspapers or magazines about them or their companies and send to them with a note that you were thinking of them and hope everything is going well…use that as an opportunity to ask for another meeting!

4. Never be embarrassed to ask for help ! This can be in the form of asking for them to:

a. Review your resume (which by the way is something I would recommend you do…it will get them to “buy-in” to you and your efforts and increase the probability of getting their help.)

b. Send an email or make a phone call to that one great contact that just never seems to return your call/reply to email. You'll be amazed at their willingness to help as well as the results you get.

c. Give you ideas about how to build your network. You will find that 99 percent of successful business people are members or officers in one ore more professional organizations, clubs, societies, etc. Ask them what they think would be a good fit for you given your unique background and experience level. From my own experience I can say that Chambers of Commerce, Networking Clubs (which are everywhere and most are listed in the “Business Press” or comparable publication for every geographic region), and volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Race for the Cure, United Way , etc. It is never too early to get involved in these organizations. They provide you with a sense of community and also enable you to build an amazing network, both professional and personal!

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Tips for Making Networking Work

By Doug Brown

Assistant Director

Graduate Career Service Center

Texas Christian University

In today's tight labor market, everyone seeking employment is becoming painfully aware that GOOD jobs are hard to find. Oftentimes jobs posted on the Internet, in the paper, and other “public” bulletin boards are usually filled by the time you get your resume in for consideration. Many times companies have posted jobs to “outsiders” strictly to fulfill their legal obligations. That's the obvious! So how do you find a good job? The answer is NETWORKING. Networking is not only beneficial as a tool to find a job, it is a great way to learn of new and exciting career opportunities that you never knew existed. Once employed, networking will provide benefits by providing you with contacts and connections, allowing you to get things done quickly. As the old saying goes, “It's not what you know but who you know.”

The benefits of networking are oftentimes unseen. For instance, let's assume you are looking for a job. You meet with someone for an informational interview. An informational interview is a meeting you arrange with a prospective employer for the sake of getting “face time.” The goal is to learn more about the company, the contact you're meeting with, and how your skill set might fit with their needs. The meeting ends and you each go your separate ways. We will assume that you really impressed the person you met with. Let's go forward one month and further assume that the person you met with is playing tennis with friends at the country club. During the match, the president of another company, with whom your contact is playing tennis, mentions that they are looking for someone with a sales and marketing background to open their new office in San Francisco but are having trouble finding the right person internally and would like a fresh perspective; someone from the outside would be ideal. Your contact chimes in and indicates that he/she recently met with someone that has the exact skills needed and would be willing to call for the president and arrange a meeting. There you are! You have found a job opportunity without looking. This example was boiled down for simplicity but situations very similar to this happen all the time. Trust me, I speak from experience on this topic. I have had several jobs and never had to look for any of them beyond my first job out of school. When you network and build lasting relationships, people will look for you!

So, how do you network? I've put together an outline of key action steps you must consider when beginning the process of building a professional or personal network.

1. Remember the objective of the meeting/information interview! - Get the contact interested and excited about you and make them want to help you find a job. How do you do that?

a. Don't talk about jobs , rather, ask them about their experiences when they were in your shoes and about how they got their first job opportunity.

b. Ask why they chose the career path they did.

c. Ask them about key skills it takes to be successful in their chosen field.

d. Ask them for a few tips that they wish someone would have shared with them when they were first starting in their career.

e. Never leave a meeting without first asking, and GETTING, one or more contact name and numbers or, better yet, schedule another meeting . Try scheduling a follow-up meeting first (in a month or so). If they cannot commit to that then ask for the contact information of people they think would have an interest in talking to you and/or you could learn from. Ask if they would not mind making contact with the person first.

2. Follow-up is crucial ! Never give up. Keep calling ALL leads and contacts, either prospective employers or network contacts, until they tell you to quit bothering them or you get in touch with them. Make follow-up attempts once a week (not any more often than that or you will be a pest).

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Networking: Proven Tool For Job Seekers

By Ruben Britt

Assistant Director

Career and Academic Planning Center

Rowan University

Networking has been the underlying factor in the survival of the human species since the beginning of time. Among African civilizations, networking was the essential element in the construction of the pyramids, the African metal age, and many other successful periods on that large continent.

So what is networking?

Networking is a system for accessing and tapping into information, resources, and support that might not necessarily be available to the general public. Often, these contacts are someone you already know. Today's job seekers can increase their chances of finding a position by using the age-old concept of networking. According to the National Center for Career Strategies, 70 percent of the jobs in this country are obtained through networking while another 14 percent are found through advertisements. Evidence shows networking to be a highly productive method in uncovering the hidden job market.

The primary reason for using the network is to acquire specific information that will give you the edge. A tip from a colleague or friend could alert you to a potential job opening not yet advertised. Better yet, that same person could be familiar with the specific type of individual that company wishes to employ.

Tapping into your people information base can provide the key to your successful job search. The average person interacts with approximately 20 to 25 people per day. Networking is maximizing every contact. The success of your job search will depend on your ability to employ all of those resources around you and to use that information to devise a sound game plan.

Sound Network

A sound network came plan includes the following tips:

· Set goals that clearly define the direction you intend to take.

· Assess your skills and capabilities, and focus on positions that match your abilities.

· Utilize career services professionals at your college or university to assist you in your job search. Many of these individuals may have the inside track on current openings, or they may provide you with a contact with a prospective employer.

· Capitalize on your current or past academic faculty network by contacting your professors to learn of job leads. Other contacts include colleagues at work, school, friends and family.

· Attend job and career fairs and talk with employer representatives. Make sure you get their business cards for a familiar inside contact.

· Research potential employers through various resource guides in the career service library.

· Join professional organizations and attend conferences. Many of these professional organizations provide information on job openings for its members and conference participants.

Evidence shows networking to be a highly productive method in uncovering the hidden job market, so set up informational interviews with potential employers.

Aside from these tips, the success of utilizing the network system in your job search will require you to be steadfast and diligent. It still holds true. Sometimes, it is not as important what you know, but who you know when it comes to landing the job.

Ruben Britt, Jr. is the Assistant Director of the Career and Academic Planning Center at

Rowan University in Glassboro , New Jersey .

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Section 5

Networking

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Study Shows Wholesale Distribution

Industry Seeks Skilled Workers

By Randy Ryerson

Pembroke Consulting

In a time of corporate layoffs, smart job seekers may want to seek employment opportunities in less-visible areas of the economy like the wholesale distribution industry. According to a recent study conducted for the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW) titled: Facing the Forces of Change: Future Scenarios for Wholesale Distribution, there's a growing need for highly skilled workers in technology, marketing, sales, and management.

“The study shows 87 percent of distribution industry executives feel there's a shortage of qualified personnel,” said the report's author Adam J. Fein, president of Philadelphia-based Pembroke Consulting. “Recently, I met with over a dozen executives from billion dollar distribution companies and attracting and retaining quality employees was listed among their key concerns.”

William Sanford, executive vice president of Interline Brands, a $620 million MRO products distributor in Moorestown , N.J. agrees. “As a growth company, we have a need for skilled workers,” he said. “Last year, we increased our IT department by 25 percent. We're still looking for experienced managers from large companies to help fill out the management ranks and develop strategies to help customers save money in our logistics division.”

This hidden industry consists of more than 300,000 wholesaler-distributors that generated combined revenues of approximately $2.7 trillion in 2001 and accounts for more than one in every 20 U.S. jobs. According to Pembroke Consulting estimates, the U.S. merchant wholesale sector grew at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent between 1992 and 2001.

“Wholesale distribution is an extremely stable industry in terms of employment,” said Ron Schreibman, vice president, Strategic Direction for NAW in Washington , D.C. “Our challenge is to take the stable employment base that serves this industry and upgrade their skills while attracting new workers with the skills distributors need to survive in the future.”

Distribution is more sophisticated and competitive than ever before. Dynamics in the supply chain between manufacturers and wholesaler-distributors continue to grow increasingly complex. The mix of new technology, consolidation, and fee-based service companies entering the arena creates a need for MBAs and other skilled workers.

“In general, distributors are cautiously adding employees right now, based on expectations of an economic recovery and improving sales volume. Additionally, relatively softer labor markets are enabling distributors to be more selective in their hiring practices, seeking those individuals with higher quality educations and experience,” said wholesale distribution analyst Jeffrey S. Germanotta of William Blair & Company, LLC in Chicago . “Increasingly, distributors are also recruiting graduates from universities with distribution programs and developing company specific training programs and career paths.”

Randy Ryerson is with Pembroke Consulting. Pembroke Consulting provides strategic management consulting about distribution channels and marketing strategy for manufacturers, distributors and B2B technology companies. To learn more, visit http://www.PembrokeConsulting.com The Facing the Forces of Change study is available at http://www.nawpubs.org .

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In conclusion, define what professional means to you in speech, body language, dress, and appearance. Use these to your advantage not disadvantage. Be careful with body piercing they send a message with the first time impressions. Also remember with your clothing appearance, “patches are honorable” when part of a clean neat appearance. Be at least 15 minutes early to the interview. This will give you time to review the name directory in the hall, review your notes before going in, and above all time to relax.

With confidence and understanding based on good academic and performance decisions, you will be able to reach your professional goals.

Gaylan A. Rasmussen, MLA, is Professor and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan . She can be reached at Rasmusse@msu.edu

References:

1. Oliveto, Frank, and Dr. Howard Uibel, Jobs: The Art of Finding Them . RCRA ,
1993.

2. Rasmussen, G.A., and James Bristor PRR 393 syllabus - Junior Professional
Seminar - Michigan State University . 2002.

3. Seagle, Edward, E. Jr., Ralph W. Smith, Lola M Dalton, Internships in
Recreation and Leisure Services: A practical Guide for Students , 2nd
edition. Venture Publishing, Inc. State College , Pa. 1997

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statements of the employer or agency. You are now part of the organization and expected to move the mission of the organization forward.

As you develop professionally in these three tracks, your self and professional images will grow. Do not let these behavioral tracks become static.

Who should be hired? Is it the most knowledgeable or the most qualified? It is easy when knowledge and qualifications work hand in hand. If the most knowledgeable is based on learning capacity and the most qualified is based on experience, the candidate must show desire and ability. This leads us to a visual documentation of past work. A portfolio is the best tool to use when documenting past work. The artist uses paintings and drawings to fill the portfolio. The writer will use prose and poetry; the good student will use examples of work from their educational and volunteer experiences to record past performance. A summary and/or table of contents from a risk management plan, a graphic flyer, a web site story board, a printed copy of a power point presentation can all fit nicely into a portfolio and aid in an upcoming interview.

A good portfolio may contain the following divisions:

1. An updated resume with examples of letters (inquiry, acceptance, thank you, etc.);

2. Past projects and accomplishments;

3. Professional and personal goals;

4. Questions from past interviews; and

5. Professional business cards. The business cards will start your networking process that many times will lead you to new positions.

The resume can be either experience or functionally based. The experienced-based resume will list, in chronological order, the past positions one has held. A good resume will list the date, position, titles and responsibilities one has had with past employment. The functionally based resume may fit graduating student's needs. It will list the accomplishments and specialties gained in education first and the work experience later. It is more important for the future employer to know what you can do and have accomplished than it is to know what you did to work your way through school. There is an ongoing debate as to the inclusion of the statement “references available upon request.” My recommendation is to include at least two with the primary resume. These represent the academic progress and the professional ability in the field. These will allow the prospective employer an immediate follow up to your resume. The traditional statement could then say “additional references available upon request.”

A good exercise and inclusion into the portfolio is the personal and professional goal writing. When these are based on a time line, there will be direction as one makes his/her way through their professional career. A good exercise is to list your individual strengths and weakness associated with the goals. This will give focus to your career direction.

The business card section is to start your networking process. The back of the card could hold notes of an interview, questions and response requests, or referrals someone gives you. Networking will happen with you or without you. It is up to you to establish your role in the process. Some time in the future you will be seeking a position and other times you will be offering positions. Networking can make things happen in either situation.

The question section of the portfolio is for your use and practice. Questions usually follow a process. First the background questions. These are easily answered and will help set ease to the interview. The second type is the short answer type questions that many times are based on academic background. Third is to test your ability to think on the spot. These are usually situational questions. The base of these questions will be circumstances you may encounter during your working time to see how you would react to difficult situations. The final question format is the, “do you have any questions?” Never say “no” to this opportunity. After researching the company, observing the operations of the company, or talking with other employees of the organization, formalize questions that show thought and consideration. Record past difficult interview questions so you can look in the mirror and rehearse them for the next interview.

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Preparing Yourself for the Best Job and/or Internship Experience You Can Get

By Gaylan A. Rasmussen

MLA Professor and Extension Specialist

Michigan State University

A Chinese proverb states, “A man who does what is required of him is a slave. A man who does more than is required of him is free.”

This proverb is based on the assumption that the ability and the challenge of the position match. Everyone is the architect of his or her educational structure. You have the freedom to choose the area of interest, the amount of education, the corresponding degree and also the amount of experience you can get to support your course of study.

Getting to the point of qualifying for the entry-level position, in many professional positions, the investment in both time and money are substantial. The education can provide you with the ability to perform in a given profession. Experience and interest in your chosen profession will form the attitude that accompanies the performance.

There are three tracks of development for students seeking a degree. They are social, academic and performance. The combined experience from these three areas develops your self-confidence and professional ability.

1. Social. Not all of the formal education is coursework. There is ample opportunity to serve on committees at the department, college, and university levels. Student volunteers in related fields and professional organizations will not only get experience but also will provide references for future positions. Peer interaction in and out of the classroom will help establish individual codes of ethics. Habits, both good and bad, can be formed. It is up to the individual to shape his or her reputation. A good social background development will form communication skills, define writing skills, and teach one to listen as a valuable part of communication.

2. Academic. Once the field of interest is decided and the major established, the core courses would guide the student through the minimal background necessary for entry into the professional arena. Electives free or structured, give latitude to the academic competence of the student. Be selective in the courses chosen. Elective courses can strengthen you; they can provide breadth to a narrow focus area; and can give an opportunity to become more involved in disciplines dealing with a particular sport, a language, or a culture. An important lesson learned from the academics is not what is learned but how to learn. It has been stated that five years after you graduate the information you have learned will be obsolete. You will need to continue to learn. Develop your learning techniques early and they will grow with you. There will be many opportunities to work on projects in the laboratory or in the field. These are usually team oriented. The ability to work as a team member is basic to success. A team has to move forward usually on a predetermined time line. Each individual member has responsibilities. The ability to perform these responsibilities at a high level will establish good working relationships and skills.

3. Performance. The ability to give “110 percent” reflects the part in the proverb of doing more than is required at a professional level. Ability is always a potential. The more effective you are the more efficient you can become. That is why setting not only goals but also measurable objectives to reach the goals are important.

The knowledge base gained, the individual ethical conduct, and the ability to solve problems provides a foundation that can be built upon. The direction you build will relate directly to the vision and mission

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OTHER Connecticut Air National Guard, East Granby , CT June 2000-Present

EXPERIENCE Military Pay Specialist (Rank: Senior Airman (E-4)

? Create, audit and correct payroll files, reconcile errors with military member accounts

? Develop continuity guides for faster processing and improving customer service

PROFESSIONAL

ACTIVITIES Vice President for Pledge Education, Theta Iota Chapter (Fall 2001)

? Implemented program for management, training, and indoctrination of 25 new members

The UCONN Student Managed Investment Fund, Fall 2001-2002

Treasurer, Fall 2002 - Spring 2002

COMMUNITY Connecticut Special Olympics, New Haven , CT

Summers 2000-2001

SERVICE Volunteer

? Assisted with organization of events

? Prepared and encouraged athletes for their events

ADDITIONAL UCONN Volleyball, 2000-Present; Captain 2002-Present

ACTIVITIES Intramural Tennis, 2000-Present

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Sample Resume for Graduating Senior

By Ray Palmer & Linda Pearson

School of Business

University of Connecticut

MICHAEL W. BROWN

200 Crawford Dorm, North Campus

Storrs , CT 06269

School: (860) 427-0000 Home: (203) 723-0000

MWBrown@yamail.com

OBJECTIVE Seeking position in finance using demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT , Storrs , CT

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2003

Major in Finance

GPA 3.58

University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain

Study Abroad Program - Spring Semester 2002

Financing 100% of education expenses through part-time and full-time employment

SKILLS Computer: Excel, Access, Visual Basic, SQL, HTML, COBOL

Language: Fluent in Spanish

RELEVANT Travelers Property Casualty, Hartford , CT Summer 2002

EXPERIENCE Financial Management Leadership Development (FMLDP) Intern - Credit Risk Management

? Researched and wrote credit reports for national accounts applying for insurance

? Provided ratings and recommendations for accounts based on financial analysis, industry and company research, and spreadsheet models

? Designed, implemented, and trained others to use Microsoft Access database for managing and monitoring the risk of a portfolio of “captive” insurance companies

? Supported Director of Credit Risk Management department with ad hoc requests and reporting projects

JPMorganChase - USEast , Manhattan , NY Summer 2001

PC Support Specialist

? Assisted in performing high visibility roll outs on trading floor at World Headquarters

? Conducted user surveys, application testing, PC build preparation, and week-one support

Technical Gas Products, Rockville , CT Summers 1999-2000

Technician Assistant/Shop Manager

? Ordered supplies for company trucks and workshop

? Installed gas tanks and associated pipelines

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ACTIVITIES/ Marketing Association, Secretary

INTERESTS Great Valley Middle School , Math Tutor

Intramural sports

Piano, travel, reading, swimming

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Sample Resume for Student Seeking Internship or Part-time Job

Search Jobs

Search Content

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,

Co-Coordinators of the Global International Internship Congress

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,