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You know the old question...

What am I going to do with this degree?"

The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"

The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

The graduate with a liberal arts degree asks,
"Do you want fries with that?"

You must admit some of you had to explain to your parents why you wish to pursue a degree in the liberal arts!  The genesis of such stereotypical perspectives on liberal arts studies can be partially attributed to the computer generation and the industrial revolutions that have dominated our country's short history.  But as liberal arts students you know that this stereotype is not true. In fact, a liberal arts degree is more valuable today than ever before.  In response to this shifting economic dilemma, corporations have become less hierarchical and require employees who have developed a wide array of knowledge, rather than ones who specialize in one specific area.  Who better is equipped then YOU?  Whose scope is the big picture and the variety of studies that have trained you to understand and think critically about people and to become ethical leaders and global citizens?  Yours! 

You don't just learn facts--liberal arts students apply what they learn, test theories, consider multiple perspectives, and put knowledge into action.   As noted in the Wall Street Journal (Sept 13, 2010), The Pennsylvania State University was ranked number 1 in their survey regarding company recruiters.  The article stated graduates of top public universities are often among the most prepared and well-rounded academically, and companies have found they fit well into their corporate cultures and over time have the best track record in their firms.

That being said you need to take the appropriate steps NOW so that at the end of your academic journey you have asked the right questions that will help point you in the right direction.  Here are some to think about...

Where do you look for information about different careers?  Career Services!!!  They have entire programs dedicated to helping you find your paths about careers.  Career Services has a page dedicated to finding a job and how to develop the necessary skills to clarify your career goals, identify your job target and plan and organize your job search.

How do I prepare myself to apply for these opportunities?  Another awesome resource is the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.  They provide services regarding mentoring, internships, resume writing, interview techniques, and skill assessment.  Sign up NOW for their network simplicity to find meaningful internships

What are the entry-level jobs really like?  It is never too early to do internships.  I encourage you to try to obtain an internship every summer.  The majority of them are unpaid, however you need to focus on what you will gain during the internship, networking, references, knowing the area you wish to work in (non-profit, business, government, local).  Use your available time wisely and make an effort to increase your exposure to career fields of interest through job shadowing, internship, volunteer, or work experiences during academic and summer breaks.

Does performance matter? It HELPS!! Look at your academic coursework to ensure that you are maximizing the array of academic and career options available to you at Penn State.  The quality of your involvement within an organization is more valuable than the number of organizations in which you are involved.  Seek opportunities for leadership within an organization (i.e. become an officer or take on a position that demands responsibility), find something you care enough about to make a difference, look for opportunities to volunteer in the community.

How do you network? Start now by meeting and building a relationship with your academic adviser to learn about majors, academic options, course content, and requirements.  This is just the start of learning how to network.  Also, it is very important to establish a relationship with faculty to learn about academic programs and related opportunities to build skills in and outside of the classroom.  Remember your faculty members are passionate about the same things you are passionate about!  I challenge you to get to know at least one of your faculty members every semester. 

So embrace your decision for selecting Liberal Arts because YOU are the leaders, creators, and developers of our FUTURE!  I know you are destined for great things.

You may find yourself in a fast food joint, BUT you will be the one buying the fries.

Mmmmmm..........fries!

Time to spruce up those resumes and head over to the Bryce Jordan Center for Spring Career Days! Held March 20 and 21, 2013 the Spring Career Days offers opportunities for full time, part time, and internship positions.

Visit the Spring Career Days website to find out more, including what to expect, what to wear, and tips for success. Liberal Arts majors are encouraged to attend on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, the day specified for those students in Business & Finance, Communication & Design, General Management, Human Services, Sales & Marketing, and Liberal Arts.

Below are a few of the many employers in attendance looking for Liberal Arts majors:

Air Liquide Internships

BNY Mellon Internships

Capital One Full Time, Part Time

Cvent, Inc. Full Time

Drug Enforcement Administration Full Time

Federal Reserve Board Full Time, Part Time

Johnson & Johnson Full Time

NHS Human Services  Full Time, Part Time

Peace Corps Full Time

United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Full Time, Internships

United States Penitentiary Full Time

Also, check out the video below detailing December 2012 Liberal Arts graduate Juliana Viau's experiences at Fall Career Days last semester.

Visit our You Tube page to hear about the experiences of other Liberal Arts majors, like Dave Cinque and Todd Kahn, at Penn State's career fairs.

I had attended various events held by Career Services: resume reviews, job fairs, Peace Corps presentations, the whole nine yards. Despite my numerous attempts to find some sort of clarity within the "real world" I left feeling a bit defeated. I was nearing the end of my junior year at Penn State and still had no idea what I wanted to do come graduation. I received an email from the College of the Liberal Arts about an alumni networking event. The event happened to fit right into a gap in my schedule so I figured I'd take another stab at my future. What the heck, they always say it's all about who you know. I made a quick note of the various alumni I was most interested in chatting with and made my way to the HUB.

The event was great. It took place in an intimate, relaxed environment. There was a short presentation on how to network effectively and confidently. With a new set of skills in my pocket, I started on to meet these alumni. They told me their stories of hard work, success, and even failures. It was very reassuring to hear that many of these people were in the same exact position that I was in. I even got a few business cards for future contacts. While I would've loved to be able to spend hours with each person, it was time to head to my class.

On my way out I had a quick talk with Chris Gamble, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. I told him a little about myself, my interests, and what I thought of the event. He encouraged me to follow up with him and to look into the College's Alumni Mentor program. I had never heard of the program but it sounded like an awesome idea. A few hours later I was filling out my application to be matched with an alumni mentor. A few weeks later, I met with Chris. He gave me the name and contact information for my new alumni mentor--Gretchen. As an International Politics major, her job experience mesmerized me; State Department, Master's degree, traveling, international development. Our conversations consisted mainly of discussions of interests, aspirations, and ideal five year plans. I finally felt like I was getting somewhere in my future planning.

There were a few things I knew for certain. I wanted to live in DC. I wanted to work with Latin American communities. And well, really enjoy my work. I had submitted numerous applications for internships that seemed to fit the bill. Out of curiosity, I decided to check out where Gretchen worked, the International Republican Institute. It just so happened that there was a posting for an intern in the Latin America and Caribbean program. I mentioned the position to Gretchen and she immediately forwarded my resume to her colleague. Before I knew it, I had an interview scheduled. After hours of preparation and a full stomach of butterflies, the interview had concluded and I was offered the position. I can't even begin to describe how excited I was. I had achieved my dream. Well, for the next few months at least. We'll see where the next step takes me.

I would like to conclude this post by offering a few quick tips:

1. Don't be afraid to talk to people. All sorts of people. You never know where they've been.
2. Ask questions, lots of them. They'll appreciate your curiosity.
3. Be genuine. 
4. Always follow up with a "thank you, nice to meet you" email.

I would encourage Liberal Arts majors to attend the upcoming Alumni Networking Event sponsored by the College of the Liberal Arts.  This annual event is a great opportunity to network with alumni who have made their way in the professional world and to perhaps make your own connection that will help you in moving along on a career path.

Alex May, International Politics

Alexis graduated from Penn State in 2010 with dual majors in Communication Arts & Sciences and International Studies.  She currently works as a Senior Content Specialist for the Virginia based, event management software company, Cvent Inc. Recently, she moved to Pennsylvania with her boyfriend and enjoys cooking, painting, and yoga in her free time.

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My journey at Penn State began in the Division of Undergraduate Studies without the foggiest idea of how I wanted to pursue my academic career.   I soon stumbled into an introductory CAS class and fell in love with the material.  I found the combination of behavioral analysis with targeted messaging to be fascinating and thought provoking.

Through my next three years, I took a variety of classes for my major, studied abroad in Spain, and graduated with a B.S. in CAS and a B.A. in International Studies, picking up new knowledge along each step.  As my senior year grew to a close, I found myself overwhelmed with the career paths that I could venture down as a Liberal Arts graduate.  Where do I start?  What kind of company do I want to work for?   What kind of jobs can I apply for?   What kinds of companies hire liberal arts graduates?  As these questions were swirling through my head, I decided to check out the Career Fair and wound up finding a job that allowed my liberal arts background to shine.

I soon received a job offer for a product consultant with the event management software company, Cvent, Inc., and it gave me the opportunity to apply the skills I learned as an undergraduate.  I worked with clients to analyze their questions and communicated a clear strategy to them.  I was so excited to apply the skills that I developed in school and see them come to fruition!

After working as a product consultant for about a year, I transitioned into the training and development team where my background and communication skills could really take shape.   Now, I analyze our clients' needs and consequently create video tutorials and training guides to effectively train our clients on how to use our system.  As our company continues to rapidly grow, I am confident that my liberal arts education combined with my company training will provide me the opportunity to advance into other departments or management positions.

As many of you are contemplating your future career moves and beginning your job search, take a minute and realize the valuable skills that you've acquired as a liberal arts student.  You're receiving a versatile educational foundation and arsenal of skills to do so many different things.  

One of your strongest assets as a Liberal Arts student is your communication skillset.  You may take what you've learned for granted after writing dozens of papers, presenting speeches, and completing group projects, but these tasks will help you stand out from other candidates for future jobs and will be used every day.  

In the short time that I've been in the work force, I've learned that companies are looking for intelligent people who can communicate well and whose goals align with the company-- almost everything else can be taught through training.  

As you begin your job hunt, keep your communication and analytical skills in mind and embrace your liberal arts education!  Best of luck!

Calling all Liberal Arts majors! Spring Career Days may not always be tailored specifically for us, but there is something that is: the People-to-People Career Fair. Sponsored by the College of the Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Health and Human Development, the Smeal College of Business, and Career Services, this one-day event is the perfect place to meet employers searching for people from a wide range of degrees.

The People-to-People Career Fair will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall, HUB. It is an exciting and easy way to connect with recruiters who are offering internships, full time, part time, and volunteer positions. Employers will be on hand from a wide variety of sectors of the professional world including: government and legal agencies, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, and more.

Below is a compiled list of potential employers whose job offerings apply specifically to students in the Liberal Arts. Keep in mind this is a short list, and there will be many more recruiters at the fair! Also, the categories below are a loose representation of the jobs that follow; many positions overlap.

Government

• Partnership for Public Service
• Internship: Summer
• Full time: Summer
• Part time: Summer

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Full time/volunteer
• Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission
• Full time
  

Non-Profit and Service

• Camp Twin Creeks
• Full time: Summer
• American Red Cross
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Volunteer
• City Year of Greater Philadelphia 
• Full time/volunteer
• Peace Corps
• Full time
• Teach For America
• Full time
  

Special Interest

• Bureau of Prisons
• Full time
• United States Probation Office
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Full time
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Internship: Summer
• Full time
  

For more information about any of the above employers, or to learn more about the fair, visit the People-to-People Career Fair website. Come with your resume, and as a note: dress for the event is business casual, employers expect students to be coming from class.

Hope to see you there!

Last semester, I attended Google's on-campus information session on a whim. I thought, "Hey, Google is a pretty big deal. They're going to be a 15-minute walk from my apartment tomorrow. Why not check it out for an hour or so?" I made sure to dress in business casual, as Career Services recommends for all information sessions, grabbed a few resumes, and went. After the session, I got a chance to speak briefly with Devan Hribal, the Google Student Ambassador who is a junior here at Penn State. I found out that he had attended a similar information session, and that's how he found out about internships with Google, which led to his current position. How simple does that sound? Now, I'm sure he went through the same interview process as any applicant would, but attending the information session alone gave him exactly what it is supposed to - extra information - to help him apply for the position. Ten months later, he was standing in the front of the room with another Google employee responsible for presenting employment opportunities to students and new grads around the country...all after attending a simple information session just like I did with 100 or so other students.
 
I'm sure you are thinking that Devan is an exceptional success story, and maybe he is. I don't know the actual percentage of students who receive offers after meeting company reps at on-campus information sessions, especially at companies like Google. I can tell you, though, that those who received offers through these means clearly proved to the employer that they wanted the position more than anyone and would go the extra mile to do so. Students often wonder why simply applying online does not elicit a response or interview offer, and that sometimes this method of applying may seem like sending your resume into a black hole. Information sessions may just be the way to go above and beyond to make a connection. Sometimes, going above and beyond isn't as difficult as you might imagine. Sometimes this just means walking over to 100 Thomas for a session in a nice shirt and slacks, or sending a follow-up thank you email after meeting someone. That doesn't sound impossible, right? Any of you reading this blog right now are capable of doing that and are thus capable of setting yourself apart from other applicants in this manner.
 
If company information sessions are so easy to attend, why do so many students find excuses not to go to them? Ever take a look at your Network Symplicity events tab, see a flyer posted in Burrowes Building, or glance at a message on the chalkboard in your classroom to see an upcoming career information session listed, and just ignore it? Or maybe you wrote the details in your agenda, had every intention of going, but then didn't for whatever reason? If so, I am here to tell you the following: yes, you are like many other Penn State students; yes, sometimes these events inconvenience your schedule; and yes, you are missing out on a unique opportunity that could make a huge difference in your immediate professional future!
 
Throughout the semester, company representatives travel to Penn State for a few days to host information sessions and/or on-campus interviews. Sometimes these representatives come directly from the company's Human Resources division, which means they could be involved in deciding whether or not you get the position. In many cases, recruiters are Penn State alumni, and they are more than excited to make a return to campus and show off all the amazing things about their company to prospective applicants like you. They just need you to be there to hear it.
 
So why should you go? You're busy; you have a test on Wednesday; you have another organization's meeting that same night. There are much more immediate priorities going on in your life right now. However, if you see that a company that you are genuinely interested in is coming to campus - no matter how unlikely you think it is that you could work for them someday - you should attend the session. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from company representatives, perhaps even those within the Penn State family, and learn about their personal experiences in their positions and the path that led them there. They often give concrete advice, such as how to frame your resume or what specific qualities they look for in potential candidates, and openly answer any questions you may have. That's right - you can usually ask anything you want to these reps, and they will answer it or direct you to someone that can with no judgment attached, as there might be in a formal interview. There is even a chance for you to approach the representative after the session, and whether or not they are accepting resumes, this is an opportunity for you to personally introduce yourself and perhaps make a connection. Maybe that HR coordinator will remember how firm your handshake was or your name with the unusual spelling. Maybe the only information you will remember from the session is who to address your cover letter to or when the best time to apply is. Yet these could be reasons that your application goes through in place of someone else's - all you have to do is go to the session. Where else can you receive that kind of special treatment and valuable information? Probably not too many places.
 
Think about it: if you were responsible for choosing Google's next newest employee and you had two identical applications in front of you, one with a name of someone you recognize from your sign-in sheet from Penn State's information session and one you didn't recognize at all, whose would you choose?

Inspired yet?  Be sure to check the Liberal Arts event calendar often--or better yet, subscribe to it--to find out about upcoming information sessions.  Upcoming employer information sessions can also be found in Network Symplicity.

Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, the Fall Career Days can benefit you in ways you might never imagine. If you think you are too young or too inexperienced, think again. Attending Fall Career Days on September 11-13 from 11:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center just may be the thing to set you ahead of the game and prepare you for future years in college and after you graduate. September 11 is devoted to full-time non-technical jobs, September 12 is devoted to internships and co-ops, and September 13 is devoted to full-time technical jobs.

Besides having the obvious goal of obtaining an internship or job, you may take advantage of speaking with potential employers and recruiters to gain insight on different types of companies, what employers are looking for in their entry-level hires, or how to conduct yourself in a professional manner. By speaking with professionals, you can learn what kinds of questions they want to know about a student's work or college experience and how to appropriately respond. If you have never held an internship before and want to learn how to make yourself a marketable candidate, what better way to find out than actually speaking with the types of people that may hire you one day?

Most students who choose to attend Fall Career Days have one objective: to obtain a position. If you have no idea where to start, please visit the Career Services website and follow their many links to tips and tricks to help you succeed. For freshmen, you can find out ways to volunteer at the fair to familiarize yourself with what happens for future years. For sophomores and juniors, Career Services and the Career Enrichment Network can help you with your search for internships. For seniors, the Career Services website gives you a list of all companies that are attending and what full-time positions they currently have open. Companies such as Bates White, Consolidated Graphics, Northwestern Mutual, and Capital One are a few examples of companies that are particularly looking for Liberal Arts students, so they may be worth exploring a bit beforehand.

The Career Services website has resources available about how to dress, what to say during your 30-second pitch, and how to approach the 400+ tables that will crowd the BJC in a week. One particularly interesting tip mentioned is that along with bringing hard copies of your resume and writing samples, you may want to also bring an electronic copy of those materials on a jump drive, as some employers may ask you to directly upload it on their computer. With the many other tips mentioned on the Career Services website, you will be surprised with the amount of preparation you can do just by going online.

An even better way to prepare is to visit the many workshops held in room 103 of the Bank of America building (where Career Services is located) in the days leading up the Career Fairs. Here are some you may want to consider:

September 4
4:00 p.m. - Effective Resumes
5:15 p.m. - Interview Prep for Non-technical Career Fields
6:00 p.m.- Dress to Impress, sponsored by Macy's

September 5
4:00 p.m. - Finding Your Top 5
5:15 p.m. - After the Handshake

September 6
4:00 p.m. - Effective Resumes
5:15 p.m. - Interview Prep for Technical Career Fields
6:30 p.m. - Career Fair Prep for International Students

September 10
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Resumania (resume reviews by HR professionals)
5:30 p.m. - What Questions Should I Ask Career Fair Recruiters?*

*This event will be held in the Grandfather Clock Lounge in Atherton Hall with Lincoln Financial Group. Pizza will be provided and resumes will be accepted. All majors are welcome.

By attending these workshops, you can gather advice and information from the people at Career Services - who, by the way, speak directly with employers visiting campus and know what those employers are looking for - and also get a better sense of what to expect when you set foot into the BJC. That way, you'll know exactly what to look for and how to act when Fall Career Days roll around, and the only thing you will have left to worry is about getting your appropriate outfit dry cleaned in time.

In the next few days, upload your resume to Network Symplicity so someone from the Career Enrichment Network can review it (or have it reviewed at Career Services), attend a few workshops, make an appointment or drop by to see me or another Career Enrichment Network staff member for any specific questions (schedule appointments through your Network Symplicity account), and get started on the path to success!

A helpful aspect of Career Services that many students are unfamiliar with is the mock interviews they host every week. These one hour appointments consist of a 20-30 minute interview and a 30 minute feedback session directly after. The mock interview is videotaped so the interviewer and student can go back and take a look at problem questions to work on for the future. The feedback session is also videotaped, and students can return to Career Services afterwards to access and save their video to a USB for their own personal use.

I did this for the first time a few weeks ago, and it is not as intimidating as it sounds! I promise the weirdest part is realizing that your voice does not sound the same on camera as you think it does. I made the appointment a few weeks ahead of time by going in to the front desk on the first floor (yes, you actually have to go to Career Services to make the appointment) and specified what particular position and company for which I was interviewing. You also must email Career Services your resume after making the appointment but at least a few days before your mock interview so they have it on file. For example, since I was in the process of searching for summer internships at the time of my mock interview, I specified that I would like to interview for an internship with Madison Square Garden Company in the Entertainment Division in either Rockette Operations or Concerts/Entertainment. This does not mean that my interviewer was an actual employee of MSG (it was actually a Penn State student!). This frame of reference just helps those at Career Services tailor your interview to a more specific need. Career Services suggests for both guys and girls to wear a business suit, so if you have one, wear it to the mock interview. However, I did do not own a suit, and I wore business casual, and my interviewer said that my dress was perfectly appropriate. If you want to know more about what to expect for an interview, the Career Services website has a specific page with all the information you need.

The interviewer asked me mostly "behavioral" questions, which required me to describe a time in which I faced, for example, a certain ethical dilemma or uncooperative co-worker, and how I dealt with the situation. Other questions included why I wanted to work for MSG and why I thought I would be a good candidate, my strengths and weaknesses as an individual, and what I thought my greatest accomplishment in life was. I did not have any particular answers prepared, though I did note the sample questions that Career Services has posted on their website. I just went with the flow. I tried to act as naturally as possible, answering the questions as honestly and openly as I could. The important thing that I learned in our feedback session was to always end with a positive - if you are explaining one of your weaknesses (as this is a common question in any kind of interview), try to turn your answer around at the end by saying how you can improve upon that trait or what you have learned from it. My interviewer actually suggested to never use the word "weakness", and instead to use "something I could improve upon", re-enforcing positive dialogue within the interview. She also noted that good posture, steady eye contact, and a comfortable attitude attribute to a successful interview - all simple gestures that you already know how to do.

Whereas before I may have suspected that a mock interview would have been awkward, now I have to say that I would suggest doing one to any of my friends or fellow students engaging in their internship or job search process. Though some of the things I heard were tips I have seen before, some of the advice was quite new to me. The mock interviewers are there to help you and they want you to have a positive experience, so don't feel like you will be severely criticized for every minute detail of your interview. If you know yourself and you do a little background research on the company you are interviewing for, you will be just fine. The key word here is mock - these interviews are not real (though they are realistic) so there is no need to stress yourself out for them. It is only simply another step you can take to help yourself become familiar with Career Services and what they have to offer.

A few weeks ago, the Career Enrichment Network's Network Assistants had the opportunity to head over to Career Services to learn more about what Liberal Arts students can find there in terms of general opportunities to begin their internship or job application process. This not only reminded me of my fond memories of East Halls and the trek up Bigler Road...but also that the advisers there actually won't bite your head off the minute you walk into the doors! I promise you don't have to know what business professional means or how to find the Nittany Lion Career Network (the what?) before you go. That is why the center is fully staffed with knowledgeable and encouraging counselors: to help you understand any questions like, "What do I want to do with my life?" or "How can my major be used to find an actual job?". I am here to explain a quick overview of what is offered at Career Services and how you can use the center to your benefit - without being too nervous to step foot inside.

A first time visitor myself, I had a vague impression of how advisers could exactly help students with at the center. We spoke with Bob Orndorff, Associate Director of Employer Relations and Counseling, and he broke it down very simply for us as to how students can approach the services offered:

Drop-In Counseling: This is a fifteen minute time slot that you do not need an appointment for. Anyone can come in for resume reviews, interview critiques, or quick questions concerning any basic application information. Perhaps this is your first time at Career Services and you would just like someone to explain to you what the difference is between business casual and business professional in terms of attire or how to frame your cover letter. Hours for drop-in counseling are 8:30am-5:00pm Monday through Friday, except on Tuesdays when the hours extend until 7:00pm. One important thing to note is that you must attend one drop-in counseling appointment before making a career counseling appointment.

Career Counseling: This more private form of counseling is available for one hour time slots for students that need a more focused and consistent approach for their career-related questions. This type of appointment would be ideal for students who are facing some out-of-school issues that are affecting their academic- and career-related goals and for those who need some personalized attention, perhaps even longer-term counseling. This is also ideal for students who are completely lost with where to begin in terms of using the programs provided by Career Services or for those who have no idea what their future goals might be. Usually when a student goes for career counseling, they will return for a series of multiple sessions with the same counselor as to progress through whatever problems they are encountering. Hours for career counseling are the same as the drop-in sessions.

Group Career Counseling: Group sessions are designed for students who wish to approach their career-related goals in a less individualistic setting. They would occur at a certain time every week and are available upon request. This form of counseling is ideal for international students, who might be less apt to approaching an adviser during a one-on-one meeting.

In addition to coming to the Career Services building, students can find information on the Penn State Career Services website that can help narrow down their search for internship and job positions. One section is the Nittany Lion Career Network, where students can connect with employers and research when companies are coming to Penn State for on-campus interviews. Two others are WetFeet and Vault, where students can search company profiles and employer guides and also find interview and resume tips. Click on this PDF for more information and links regarding these two sites. A final resource is Lionlink, a source that helps current students get in touch with alumni who volunteer as "Career Coaches" in specific fields of interest.

With three different kinds of counseling and multiple resources to help you with any aspect of the job search, Career Services doesn't sound so bad, does it? Whereas some students may be hesitant to head on over, now you know the basic information to get you started. When in doubt, you can browse their website to get a feel for more information or even just pick up the phone and call and ask (814-865-2377).

As a fellow student looking for internships and job posting myself, I can advise that my few experiences with Career Services have been nothing but positive, and I felt that everyone working there simply just wants to help. So make the trek back to the east side of campus, forget all past doubts, and take a few simple steps to kick start your career search process - you will be proud that you did.

Interning for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the fall of 2011 was truly a career and educational highlight for me. It was informative, fun and engaging and allowed me to make a difference daily in the lives of people who sought the services of the agency. I personally handled over 40 cases, giving each case and the parties involved a unique evaluation of their claim and recommendations on how they could proceed. Some led to formal charges, mediation and even investigation, and some withdrew their claims.

My internship began in early September. I, along with several other interns from across the nation, underwent introductory training from the supervising trial attorney in the office. She gave us reference materials and a presentation on the various federal statutes enforced by the EEOC. We needed to know the scope of each law, to whom it applies, and the requirements for a "prima facie" case - that is, a barebones case that meets the minimum qualifications for a claim under the law. Surprisingly, there is great variation among the laws. For example, Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, only applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Not all other laws have the same criteria. I was also taking an employment law class while my internship was going on, so that was even more helpful.

I saw claims of all kinds. Some were legitimate and others were not. Some fell under the agency's jurisdiction and some did not. For example, claims arising under the Family and Emergency Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) were referred to the Department of Labor as they are not handled by the EEOC. Different laws are enforced by different agencies.

It's also important to note that, as I told many charging parties, just because an employer's treatment is unfair, it is not necessarily illegal. Ironically, federal protection for employees is arguably minimal. Unless the reason for termination or other adverse employment action is violating a federal law, it is not actionable. States, however, are permitted to have greater protections in place, and they do. Each state's law is different. Many states have gone beyond federal law to provide additional protections for employees from actions by employers. Also, local jurisdictions can have regulations that protect and expand employee rights. The main concept is that employee rights are protected by local, state and federal laws and that, in addition to the EEOC, there are state agencies that enforce state laws. The EEOC only has jurisdiction in federal law cases.

A typical day included arriving at the office around 8:30 am and working until 5 pm or so. We each had our own desk, phone, computer and working materials. We would regularly receive mail-in claims of discrimination. Upon receipt of an initial claim, we would review the claim and contact the party for additional information. If an individual indicated he or she wanted to file a charge it was our responsibility to determine if we needed more information. In these instances, I contacted the charging party to verify the information and gain additional information.

Our day would be spent preparing notices of a charge to an employer, filing the formal charges drafted, and sending the materials to the charging party for signature. Once they are signed and returned to us, their file is updated and completed and then sent to investigation or mediation, as appropriate. The interns also would take turns taking walk-in appointments. Throughout the day, individuals wishing to file charges or meet with an EEOC representative could walk-in and fill out the intake forms and then meet with an investigator. Interns were qualified to do this because of our investigative training. We would meet privately with the individual to discuss their case in detail. We would then give our advice to them but would also advise them of their rights when filing a charge and what they could expect during the process.

These opportunities gave us a chance to educate the public about the federal laws and their scope, as well as the agency's mission to further the intent of the laws. The EEOC is a neutral fact-finding agency, but it exists to protect those who have had their rights violated by their employer. It does not actually represent individuals, but may take their cases on their behalf. Less than 1% of all cases go to trial, and most are settled through mediation.

I'll be sure to expand even more on the EEOC's mission and the day to day activities that go on within its walls in my next post.

As an intern at the Career Enrichment Network, I often get the inside scoop on great career-related events for Liberal Arts students. There's one tomorrow that you definitely don't want to miss: the Alumni Networking Social.

Planned for months by the CEN (particularly by my fellow CEN intern Sarina Katz), this event will allow current students to meet up with tons of Liberal Arts alumni (PoliSci, Psych, LER, English- you name it!) and also polish up their professional networking skills in a facilitated environment. There are even alumni offering job shadowing opportunities- this is huge!

Please read this announcement blog post for more details on this amazing opportunity!

Before the event, you may still be wondering: how do I talk to professionals? Where can I get the confidence to really shine in front of these distinguished alumni?

Luckily, we at the CEN (with help from LAUS Dwight) have the answer...

Calling all Liberal Arts majors! Spring Career Days may not always be tailored specifically for us, but there is something that is: the People-to-People Career Fair. Sponsored by the College of the Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Health and Human Development, the Smeal College of Business, and Career Services, this one day event is the perfect place to meet employers searching for people from a wide range of degrees. 

The People-to-People Career Fair will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall, HUB. It is an exciting and easy way to connect with recruiters who are offering internships, full time, part time, and volunteer positions. Employers will be on hand from a wide variety of sectors of the professional world, including: government and legal agencies, non profit organizations, law enforcement and more.

Below is a compiled list of potential employers whose job offerings apply specifically to students in the Liberal Arts. Keep in mind this is a short list, and there will be many more recruiters at the fair! Also, the categories below are a loose representation of the jobs that follow, many positions overlap.

Government

• Centre County Office of Aging
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer

• Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Full time
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Full time
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Internship: Summer
• Full time/volunteer
• Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission
• Full time

Public Service

• Camp Sequoia
• Internship: Summer
• Full time
• Center County United Way
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Full time/part time/volunteer
• City Year of Greater Philadelphia
• Full time/volunteer
• Peace Corps
• Full time
• Teach For America
• Full time

Crime Law and Justice

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Police
• Full time
• Montgomery County Department of Police
• Full time
• Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Full time
• United States Probation Office
• Internship: Fall/spring/summer
• Full time

For more information about any of the above employers, or to learn more about the fair, visit the People to People Career Fair website. As a note: dress for the event is business casual, employers expect students to be coming from class.

In addition to the People-to-People event, right next door the Sociology and Crime, Law, and Justice departments are hosting a Mentoring and Networking Session. Alumni from around the country will be returning to offer advice on internships and career paths. In addition, some alumni will be there to offer employment opportunities! If you would like to attend, you may RSVP through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network's Symplicity website.

Hope to see you there!

Hello! My name is Julia Schrank, and I'm a Network Assistant at the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network (CEN). Last week, I attended an information session held by Bates-White, LLC on behalf of the CEN. Their recruiters had some fresh tips about searching for jobs and also explained the intriguing field of economic consulting. I hope this post chronicling my night at the session is helpful to you in your own job search!

Right away, I knew that Ben and Joe were not typical recruiters. First of all, they introduced themselves as "Ben and Joe," as if I had known them all of my life. Also, they had this undeniably sophisticated air about them; both were impeccably dressed, and Joe's round-frame, gold glasses made him look like a scholar of yesteryear.

Their affability juxtaposed with their formal appearances threw me off the trail a little bit when, almost instantly, the two revealed that they were Penn State alumni. Ben graduated in 2007 as an Economics and Math major, and Joe graduated in 2006 also with a degree in Economics. I guess I wasn't used to thinking of Penn Staters as sophisticated intellectuals rather than casual students like me!

Their Penn State background, combined with their senior consultant positions, made them very credible hosts for the first half of their presentation, which they called the "Job Search Workshop." Here are some of their best tips from the presentation:

1) Remember that it is easier to make a bad impression than a good one.
Because they openly want all Penn State students to succeed, Ben and Joe described some faux pas that they've seen at the Career Fair in the past. It peeved them when interested individuals would act as though they knew what the firm did, but then provide the wrong information! They emphatically reminded us to research companies beforehand, because the Career Fair is "as much for you to learn about employers as for employers to learn about you." More research beforehand equals more time for you to sell your qualifications to the employer!

2) Follow up with someone after the first interaction.
For example, it pays to contact the recruiter you met at the Career Fair, or to check with Career Services to see if there is a local representative for the company in their network.

3) "Avoid hyperbole" in your cover letter.
They emphasized that they don't need you to praise the company in an overwhelming way, and that employers are much more interested in how you and your skills can fit into their company.

4) A resume needs to be "short and punchy."
It should be a "one page snapshot of why you're qualified," and you should do your best to avoid redundancy between your application, cover letter, and resume.

5) Your transcript should reflect academic challenges and be easy to read.
"It's not impressive to brag about how easy all of your classes were. Employers want to see you challenging yourself," Ben noted. As for readability, he added that when Penn State transcripts are copied into Microsoft Word, formatting issues often arise. If the formatting is off, spend some time playing around with spacing and fonts to make your transcript easy to read. But in most cases, the best idea is to download a PDF of your transcript directly from eLion.

After this platter of advice, they moved on to talking about types of interviews. At the session, I touched base with attendee Rachel Franceschino, who said that their description of one specific interview, the 'case' interview was particularly helpful. "[The employer] told me that I would be working in a group of other applicants to solve a problem in four hours," Rachel said, "So [their description of a case interview] was definitely helpful."

According to Ben and Joe, if an employer specifies the sort of information that Rachel received, you will have a 'case' or 'work' interview in which your problem-solving ability and your analysis will be tested using an actual scenario that might be given to employees of the firm. To this, they added cheekily: "Don't psych yourself out!"

Finally, they spoke about the intense field of economic consulting, which, in short, is the preparation of detailed economic reports for law firms that ultimately become "what they present as expert economic opinions" in court.

As always, if you would like to learn more about Bates-White, LLC or job hunt advice in general, don't hesitate to stop by the Career Enrichment Network!

Hello! My name is Julia Schrank, and I'm a Network Assistant at the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network (CEN). On Monday, I had the opportunity to go to Spring Career Days on behalf of the CEN, and I decided to record all that I saw and did there so that LAUS@PSU readers could benefit from all that I learned, and maybe even decide to attend a Fair!

Spring Career Days at the BJC can be incredibly daunting: tables for huge, brand-name corporations, recruiters scanning like hawks, and flurries of business cards and resumes.To make things even more daunting, it seems like nobody is looking for Liberal Arts majors like us!

As a Network Assistant at the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, I want you to know that this is absolutely not the case! Many employers are indeed looking for creative, eloquent, and ambitious people, and there's no better place to find them than in the College of the Liberal Arts.

So, who should you talk to at the Spring Career Days fair on Monday, February 6 (Bus., Comm., Mgmt, Sales, and Lib Arts day)? I've taken some of the work out of the search for you and made the following list of recruiters you should definitely talk to, including a link to each company's website. Also, so you know what you're getting into, I also found some sample positions that might be of interest to you as a Liberal Arts major.

Social Media and Internet Communications
Burlington Coat Factory
Sample Jobs: Social and Media Relations Intern
Campus Special, LLC
Mentioned in their overview: Media, Consulting, International Relations
WebpageFX
Sample positions: Social Media Networker, Summer Internship- Internet Marketer

Economics
You don't necessarily need to be an ECON major to score some of these jobs; these companies just want to see critical thinking...the hallmark of a Liberal Arts scholar!

Bates-White, LLC
Sample Positions: Summer economic consultant
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Sample Positions: Economist
*FERC requires a hard copy of your resume at their booth.

Human Resources
Human resources careers span multiple fields and are in great demand. The following companies are looking for HR personnel:

Mars, Inc. Chocolate North America
Newel Rubbermaid
PPG Industries
Shipley Energy
SRA International
United States Army Recruiting
UPMC
Verizon Corporation
WESCO Distribution

Other
Harrisburg Semester Internship and Seminar Program
Mentioned in their overview: Legislation, Policy, Lobbying

For more information about these employers and others coming to the fair:

1. Go to the Nittany Lion Career Network page.
2. Click Student Login (in the gray box), and use your AccessID and password. 
3. Scroll to the bottom right of page, and select "Spring Career Days 2012" to see employer descriptions in a list that you can filter!
   

Also, you may want to take advantage of some pre-fair activities, listed on the Spring Career Days page, to make you stand out to employers even more.

Going into the fair, remember that it's perfectly okay to talk to anyone and everyone! Even if you have no interest in a company at the outset, you can always benefit from asking the recruiter for more details. Sometimes the recruiter who comes to the fair is not the same one who registered online, and therefore additional positions might be available! Finally, even if you have no interest in say, a mineral sands company, you can still look at this as a way to get free practice for the next recruiter...who might actually matter to you!

I hope knowing that there are some employers who want you might help make the Fair seem less intimidating, or maybe even make you decide to attend. Best of luck, and see you at the fair!

During my time at Penn State people always stressed the importance of being involved. No matter what your interests are, use this time to cultivate them so you can figure out what you enjoy. While in school I wasn't sure what I ultimately wanted to do, so I figured trying a bunch of different things was the best way to find out what I liked and what I was good at. In my case, volunteering and interning gave me a better sense of what I did not want to do. I interned for a local paper, a Congressman, and an HR department and realized these jobs were not for me. However, I still made great contacts and got a better sense of what these jobs truly entailed. Even though I did not want to pursue a job at any of the places I interned, I was able to obtain contacts and references that could speak to my work ethic and ability. Academically, I pursued a major in journalism and a major in psychology to broaden my potential career choices and to satisfy my interests.

My favorite experience at Penn State was interning at the Bank of America Career Services Center as a mock interviewer during my senior year. I got the chance to sit down with students and interview them before their real job or graduate school interview. Even though I knew I did not want to be a recruiter, I realized that I was an effective communicator and enjoyed working with people one on one. My involvement at the career services center helped me become better acquainted with my own skillset, in addition to all of the services offered to students. I utilized these services and took a personality test to assess my strengths, weaknesses, and potential job prospects. I met with a counselor to discuss my test results and review my resume.

During the fall semester of my senior year, I researched the employers attending the career fair. I looked at what majors they were hiring and looked out for any potential matches. It was tough to find companies interested in a liberal arts major, as I found most employers strongly leaned toward engineers and business majors. However, I attended the career fair to speak with my employers of interest and to hand out my resume. As I approached recruiters at the Career Fair I was able to articulate how my skillset transferred to the internship and volunteer positions I had previously held. I was able to elaborate on how these skills prepared me for a professional career. I ended up making a great connection with one of the recruiters from SRA International, a company that provides consulting services for clients within national security and civil government. In addition to this, I posted my resume on the Nittany Lion Career Network. I applied for a technical writing position at SRA and obtained an interview. I researched the company and went into the interview with an open-mind and a positive attitude. Following the second interview, I was offered a job that I have been at for the past three years.

Having internship experience and figuring out what my skills were helped me to eliminate options that were not for me. If you are interested in a certain job, obtain an internship or shadow someone so you can get a feel for the environment and what it takes to be successful. Being proactive opens so many doors down the road. There are a lot of opportunities available to gain valuable experience if you decide to make the effort and reach out. These experiences are vital when interviewing for prospective job position. Penn State offers amazing opportunities to intern or volunteer within any avenue of interest. Try new things, make connections, and stay positive. Most employers are looking for candidates with transferable skills and good attitudes. Those things are what make Penn State students a top choice among recruiters.

[Note: This is part two of a two-part series. In the previous post I discussed searching for job information online and curating an online resume for yourself.]

In our last Dispatch post, we looked at some common tools like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, and some of the resources available through those networks and sites. This time, we're going to look at more specific online tools that can help you with your job search.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social network that allows its users to communicate about industry-specific topics and employment opportunities. Although it has fewer users than large networks like Facebook, some find its focus on job-related information to be an asset in the employment search process.

Consider a user's "profile" on LinkedIn: it's structured like a resume, where you can list previous experiences and useful skills that you possess. For more information about building a resume, check out our post from last year. In addition to posting a version of your resume online, you can find some valuable resources on LinkedIn through its groups.

There are groups dedicated to finding internship and careers for Penn Staters and industry specific groups, like this one for International Government Relations and Public Affairs. Find some popular groups that match your career interests and join them. You can learn a lot about the industry (which can be very helpful for interviews or cover letters) and you may find that some job postings for new graduates appear in the group from time to time.

This question was posed to me by a student who happened to be walking by the office in 5 Sparks, noticed the sign on the wall, and wondered what this new office was all about. I was thrilled to see her and happy to explain that the Network is a new initiative by the College of the Liberal Arts to centralize a range of career-related services and programs into a one-stop resource for students. You may have seen Dean Long's tweet about my arrival back in September or listened to episode 29 of Liberal Arts Voices when we talked about the Network and the vision for what it will do to help Liberal Arts students. Now that I've been here a few months, I thought I'd share an update on the Network and ask for your input on future directions.

I've learned a lot since my arrival in September -- about the various Liberal Arts majors, about special opportunities like the Paterno Fellows Program, about student organizations like LAUC and Envoys, and so much more. I've met representatives from every department -- faculty, advisers, administrators, and students. And throughout it all, I have been incredibly impressed with the commitment and passion everyone has for helping Liberal Arts students to realize their amazing potential as they explore the wide range of career opportunities available to them. I don't think there has ever been a better time to be a Liberal Arts student at Penn State, and I'm excited to be part of the Network.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2012 survey results illustrate that employers are seeking many of the skills Liberal Arts graduates acquire through their educational experiences -- the ability to work in teams; to communicate effectively; to make decisions and solve problems; to obtain and process information; and to plan, organize, and prioritize work. Employers recognize the importance of these skill sets, and they also know from direct experience that not all job candidates have them. Liberal Arts graduates do.

So the Network's aim is to assist Liberal Arts students with applying and further developing their skills through internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad experiences. And here are a few things to watch for in Spring 2012:

• Implementation of a new web-based software system (Symplicity CSM) will start, which will be a great resource Liberal Arts students seeking internships. Students can create a profile, upload a resume for review, book an appointment with a Network staff member, and search for internships - all in this one system. Liberal Arts students should watch their email in-boxes for a message asking them to get started with the system by logging into the site and completing a profile.

• Two additional staff members - a Program Coordinator and an Assistant Director - will be joining me in 5 Sparks. We all will be available to meet with students one-on-one and to answer questions about preparing and applying for internships, making the most of a mentor relationship, searching various study abroad options, etc.
  

• Part-time Network Assistants will be joining us to help with outreach to Liberal Arts students. They will be Liberal Arts Envoys who are trained to serve as peer career coaches, helping with resume reviews, interview skills questions, and referrals to available resources, and the new software system.
  

As with any new initiative, there are a million and one things to do and still only 24 hours in the day. To make sure we're prioritizing to really meet Liberal Arts students' most immediate needs, I'd love to hear from you about one or two things you hope the Network will do during the Spring semester. Comments to this post would be most welcome, or you can contact me directly at sek104@psu.edu.

Every liberal arts major has faced the same dreaded question from nearly everyone they meet, "What are you going to do with that when you graduate?" They act as if "that" - a liberal arts major - is some sort of obstacle between you and a good career. These people are wrong; liberal arts programs have produced some of America's most successful people. A liberal arts education helps to cultivate the skills that nearly every employer is looking for. This was the message of Peter Cloutier, a 1982 Penn State graduate with a degree in English. He recently visited my English 111 class, "The Possibilities of English."

Mr. Cloutier is the President of Catapult Marketing, one of the country's top marketing firms. He gave an awe-inspiring presentation that instilled in me a great sense of confidence in my own English major. Mr. Cloutier brought an unquestionable enthusiasm for the Liberal Arts with him. He stressed the importance of being able to perform a wide variety of tasks, rather than specializing in one specific area. The ability to adapt, a skill that is developed in a liberal arts education, is one of the most important things in the job market today.

Critical thinking, communication skills, and having a broad perspective were three of the things most stressed by Cloutier. These attributes are fundamental aspects of a degree in the liberal arts. Specifically from an English point of view, I know that I have to exercise each of these skills every time I walk into class. Trying to find new things to say about books that have been read by students for a hundred years is very difficult and takes a lot of careful analysis and critical thought. Once I have something worthwhile to say about the text, I then have to communicate it to my peers and professor. I have to do this through speaking in class and writing during exams. These communication skills are vital in the business world as well as many other professional fields.

The broad perspective is the most vague, but arguably the most prized aspect of the liberal arts graduate. Mr. Cloutier used a quote from Sue Kronick, CEO of Federated Department Stores (Macy's, Bloomingdales, JC Penney) to describe just what it means: "You tend to get more narrow in point of view as time marches on. Liberal arts is about approaching problems from a broader point of view, taking into account the subtleties of the situation." This kind of perspective is incredibly important, especially in a world that is evolving as fast as ours is today.

Mr. Cloutier was truly an inspiring and helpful speaker for somebody like me. As a sophomore and newly declared English major, I needed something to help assure me that what I was doing was going to have long-term benefits, in addition to the enjoyment I find in my current coursework. His presentation really stressed not only that is possible to get a job after I graduate, but also that in many cases my background will serve to help me in my job search. The talk definitely helped me to set my head straight for my future and how my major will position me for a career.

Take a look at some of the slides from Peter Cloutier's power point presentation in the slideshow below:

Greetings, Penn Staters. I hope that all the returning students have returned to campus with worthwhile summer experiences under their belts and that the new students (welcome!) are finding University Park to be a welcoming community.

During the last academic year, I started a series of blog posts titled "Dispatch From the Other Side" that is designed to provide some guidance for students interested in pursuing a career after graduation (in contrast to the students who plan to attend professional or graduate school). You can find those posts by searching on the blog. I hope some of last year's readers are returning.

For those who are new this year, I'll include a brief introduction. I am a Penn State College of the Liberal Arts alumnus. I graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in Political Science and two minors (Communication Arts & Sciences and Dispute Management and Conflict Resolution). After graduating, I immediately began work for a political non-profit in Washington, DC. I spent several months there before I left at the end of 2010 and started at a company in Virginia. I create web content and work as a business development specialist.

I am planning to structure this blog series this year just as I did last year, although I would welcome feedback and happily make adjustments. Tell me what types of information you would like to see and how you would like me to present it. I cannot guarantee that I will be able to answer all questions, but I am confident that I can track down answers from friends who have graduated from the College with different experiences than me. Don't hesitate to ask questions (related to the post content or not) in the comments. You can also find me on Twitter, where I would be happy to read feedback and questions.

I don't want this post to grow too lengthy, so I won't introduce a new topic today, but I will invite you to review some of our old Dispatch posts and the comments. Did many of you attend the career fair? If you did and have questions about your experience, leave them in the comments. If you have a firm strategy for following up and building rapport with employers you met, I think it would be wonderful if you could share those in the comments so that others can learn from them.

Please also consider leaving ideas for future topics in the comments. It's very useful for us writers to know just what our audience is seeking!

In episode 29 of Liberal Arts Voices Susan Knell joins the program to discuss her new role as the Director of the Career Enrichment Network in the College of the Liberal Arts.

Susan Knell comes to the Liberal Arts most recently from Penn State's Eberly College of Science where she served as the Director of the Career and International Education Offices. Susan attended Penn State for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. As an undergraduate, she majored in English and minored in Business and the Liberal Arts. She then went on to receive her secondary education certificate and Master's in Education, Counselor Education from Penn State as well. 

Dean Long and Susan spend the majority of the podcast discussing the motivations that led to the creation of the College's new Career Enrichment Network and the plans for its future. The Network will provide assistance to liberal arts students participating in local and international internships, education abroad programs, and research.  It will also focus on helping liberal arts undergraduates make a smooth transition from college to their careers.  

"The transformative gift given by Doug and Julie Rock to endow the Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts chair has enabled the College to move quickly to build the Career Enrichment Network. We are very lucky to have an experienced and creative leader in Susan Knell to head up this initiative. An education in the liberal arts has always been about empowering students to live a fulfilling life. Now more than ever, that goal involves helping our liberal arts students navigate the transition from college to the world of meaningful work."   

If there is any marvel of the 21st century to be noted in the history books, it would be the emergence of the social network. As an eager Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) once said, "by giving people the power to share, we're making the world more transparent." (1) This statement could not be any truer. Social networks have expanded throughout many outlets of the world and have provided many services that have enhanced the communication process drastically. In recent years, social networks have also been developing professional careers too. That is exactly why Linkedin, the professional social networking website, has become so important for students all around the nation.

Linkedin is more than just a website where you can post your resume. In your Linkedin Basic (and free) Account, you can truly be in full control of the network that is you. You could expand on your resume by marking specific accomplishments that couldn't fit on the CV. You could provide links to other professional blogs, websites, portfolios, or whatever else you may have to show your entire professional profile. You could connect to peers and colleagues from your past, and utilize those connections to enhance the job searching process. You could even ask for recommendations from your colleagues to show what you have done and show how you have affected the people around you while doing it.

One of the more important features (at least in this writer's eyes) of Linkedin is the ability to join groups. At first, I completely overlooked this feature of LinkedIn. However, my curiosity got the best of me when I joined a Linkedin Sports Marketing group last year, and I haven't stopped joining groups since. This is an incredibly vital feature that has led me to more connections than I could make otherwise.

One great way to make connections is to join the LinkedIn Group Penn State Career Connection (which can be found here). In this group, there are tons of PSU alumni who are posting job openings in their companies all the time. Students can use that portal to promote themselves in the job hunt too, and alumni can reach out to them from there. The College of the Liberal Arts has also recently started its own LinkedIn group, which students and alumni are encouraged to join for networking purposes.

Students can benefit in many different ways from utilizing this website correctly. They could even land their next job because of it. Linkedin is one of the more important websites of the 21st century, and will definitely affect the job landscape in the future.

(1) http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_zuckerberg.html

I, along with about 35 other Penn State undergrads with majors ranging from English to Electrical Engineering, participated in Penn State Law's second annual Explore Law program held May 15-20, 2011 in the Katz building. This program is designed for students who are interested in possibly pursuing futures in Law to gain insight into what it means to be a Law student and eventually an attorney. Before the program even started, we had homework assignments--these assignments were (1) a personal statement for admission to Law School, (2) a practice LSAT essay exam, and (3) reading five different cases and writing "briefs" for them. When I saw these assignments, I knew I was going to be in for a rigorous week at law school camp!

Throughout the span of the program, I was consistently impressed with the lineup of presentations, panelists, and activities that kept us busy from 9 am to 5 pm (just like in real Law School). Much of the days' presentations featured Law Professors, Deans, Attorneys, and Judges who spoke about their professional specialties as well as their career paths and experiences in the field of Law. While that may seem to be a monotonous way to spend each day, it definitely was not. Not only did their stories inspire me (let me tell you, these people are successful with a capital S), but I enjoyed the honest and candid testimonials about their journeys. Each presenter shared their successes, but also took time to highlight the many challenges they faced along the way. For instance, they noted several difficulties of Law School such as professors' use of the Socratic Method, emphasis on analytical reasoning, the competitive atmosphere, and long lonely hours reading and studying, to name a few. Despite the challenges, each professional who spoke was very happy in their career and could also highlight many joyful times in Law School and afterward. Throughout the week, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that not all Law graduates take the same path; not every graduate ends up in courtrooms or works in a large firm in a high pressure setting. Many different people spoke to us throughout the week from all different paths; we heard from Law students and professors (legal writing, torts, and criminal procedure), Litigators, Judges, Deans, Transactional Lawyers, and Academic Advisors in the Law School. Hearing the diverse perspectives reinforced the claim that you can do a lot of different things with a J.D.

When we weren't listening to those very informational presentations, we were engaged in mock classes and workshops. We took two mock Law classes, one on "torts" and the other on criminal procedure. Those are two "1L" classes that are prescribed in the first year of Law School. In our Case Briefing Workshops, we worked on the briefs that we submitted as early homework assignments which were then used in the mock classes we participated in. One of my favorite activities was the "Lawyer Simulation Exercise," which was a simulation in negotiation and conflict management. Professors Welsh and Shea gave a presentation on the work of lawyers as "negotiators" in contracts and other deals, and the Law School campers participated in a simulation which I really enjoyed--maybe it's the Resident Assistant in me who loves managing conflict! Our final, big activity was the Litigation Workshop, or "mock trial," where we all got to play a part in a classic slip-and-fall" case. Some of us were lawyers, some judges and jurors, and the rest witnesses (plaintiffs or defendants/appellants/appellees). This activity was a lot of fun, and we got to work together in groups based on our roles. For example, I was the "witness" Danielle Fox, who was also the plaintiff. I had two lawyers (for two separate trials), so I was able to work with those students on my direct examination. It was a lot of fun! After our trials were over, real lawyers stepped into the student lawyers' shoes and performed direct and cross examinations of the same case. It was amazing to see them do what they do best!

Some other things that were discussed throughout the week were of course admissions and logistical questions about the LSAT, percentiles, transcripts, and financial aid, as well as information on joint degree programs and career services information. We were also given a personal tour of the Katz building and we got to hang out with two Penn State Law students--one who just finished her first year and the other who is now a graduate!

All in all, I am so glad I participated in this program. It gave me wonderful insight into life as a law student and to where a degree in Law can take a person in their career. I initially wanted to participate in Explore Law for just that--to explore the possibilities of Law, and this program definitely enhanced my knowledge of the experience. Not only was I surrounded by 34 other super ambitious undergraduate students, but I got to meet and mingle with some highly impressive lawyers, judges, and professors to talk about Law. The days were definitely long and the homework was not easy (at least for a student not accustomed to that kind of homework), but that helped make the week's activities more realistic and useful. For now, my future plans are not concrete, however Law School is most definitely in the mix of potential pathways to pursue and because of Explore Law I no longer feel quite as lost as to what that means. I highly encourage other students to apply for this program next year. Information can be found on Penn State Law's website.

Many thanks to Professor Michele Vollmer at Penn State Law for coordinating and facilitating the whole program. She did a wonderful job!

I hope that finals treated everyone well. For the seniors who are graduating: Congratulations! It's a great accomplishment. I hope that you remain involved in Penn State and work to give back some way to the undergraduates who are remaining and who have yet to enroll.

This issue of Dispatch from the Other Side is aimed at the students who have some more classes left at Penn State. If you're planning on more classes over the summer or if you have a few years left ahead of you, I hope you can learn from some of my "classmates." I recently ran across some information from a survey of recent graduates (all different types of universities and colleges throughout the country) that I thought might be useful. The survey attempted to measure the biggest (professional-related) regrets that recent graduates have regarding their time in school. I'm going to throw out a few of the numbers and a little bit of my analysis.

Over a quarter of the students surveyed said that they wish they had networked more prior to graduation. 18% of them said that they wish they had done more internships. I think that these two numbers illustrate the importance of taking a step back and learning about your surroundings. I wrote a while ago about leveraging connections at Penn State, and I think this data indicates that students wish they did more of that. At Penn State, you have some remarkable opportunities for networking and internships: just look at the alumni base around you and the wide array of internship/co-op assistance available to you.

26% of recent graduates wish they had applied to more jobs when they were in school. 26% also said they wish they'd started their job searches sooner. 12% said they wish they had spent more time on their application materials. These data seem to indicate that planning is critical. Getting an early start thinking about the kind of jobs you want to apply for and then identifying potential application opportunities (I recommend using the Nittany Lion Career Network for at least a glimpse at the variety that you have). If you start earlier, you'll be able to apply for more jobs with greater depth and sophistication. Employers can tell if you spent a few days on the application materials or a few minutes. If you are graduating in May 2012, there are plenty of employers who would like to take your application in November 2011 and interview you sometime over the winter.

14% of students say they would have changed their major. 8% think they should have gone directly to graduate school. What these statistics tell me is that students really must take the time to think about what academic opportunities are right for them. If you are in the College of the Liberal Arts, you have an incredible selection of majors and an excellent set of advisors that can help you figure out what programs are right for you. You may decide to add a major outside of the College too - whatever you choose, just remember to think through your major(s) and how you want to structure your education. You will be glad that you put the thought into it. Consult with professors, advisors, and other members of your personal community to get as much information as possible.

What do you think of the numbers: do you think that they represent recent graduated you know? What kind of work have you done to put yourself in a better position and have fewer regrets once you graduate? If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the comments. And if you have a topic for me to write about in the future, I'm always open for suggestions in the comments or on Twitter.

In my last post, I spent time writing about some of the intangible connections you could make that might lead to tangible opportunities if you decide to look for work after graduation instead of going to graduate or professional school. I thought I'd spend some time in this post focusing on a more tangible part of the graduation and job search process: resumes (and cover letters).

There is a wealth of information on the internet for resumes, and I'm sure that if you're interested in what I'm writing about, you've probably already seen those resources. Since I don't think it will do anyone any good to simply re-post instructions or good examples that you can find elsewhere, I just plan to share some experiences and tips that I've gathered from friends and colleagues on resumes and cover letters.

Resumes:

• Keep it short. This is advice that you hear all over the place. Everyone from recruiting managers to salespeople will tell you that a one page resume is best. If you're crafting a CV for academic reasons, that's a different (and longer) story, but for the average job applicant: one page is best.

• Use the resume to tell a story. If you are applying for jobs where you'll be asked about your writing skills, highlight experiences you've had where you needed to write. It might be more important to note your role as a volunteer blogger than your role as a life guard, even if you only consider the life guarding position as a "job." The people looking at your resumes aren't interested in what your tax history is: they care what skills you have. Use past positions to highlight those.

• Be precise. In nearly every field, it's an "employer's market." They'll have more applicants than they have space for. Everyone's resume is going to be on that hiring manager's desk: make sure yours stands out. I don't mean to use an elaborate border (in fact, I'd urge against things like that), but to make sure that your resume is an accurate reflection of your training and experience. If your resume hits all the key points, he or she will call you, because it means that you have the key things the company is looking for.

Cover Letters:

• Don't be generic. Remember those college essays you had to write? Admissions officers don't like reading the same thing over and over again, and neither do recruiters or managers. If you apply for a job at UPS and a job at Bank of America, you should have two different cover letters. Again: know your audience (to the best of your ability) and write for it.

• Illustrate who you are. Don't submit a cover letter just because you are required to. Think of all the things you want to tell the person reviewing the resumes but can't fit on your resume. Use your cover letter for all those things. Applying for a job with Turkey Hill? There's no place on your resume (or at least I can't think of one!) where you could share how well you think your particular skill set will fit with their business model. Do that in the cover letter. Or maybe you don't have a required experience on your resume but you still think you'd be great for the job. Find a way to explain that in the letter.

• Be careful! If you're writing a lot of cover letters, do yourself a favor and read them twice before submitting them. Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, incorrect dates or names: these are all easy ways for your resume to get tossed aside. Don't let them happen!

Do you have questions that I didn't address? Are you looking for additional resources on resumes and cover letters? Let me know in the comments! If anyone else would like to offer advice that I didn't get to, I'm sure our readers would love to see that in the comments too.

In this episode of Liberal Arts Voices, CLA Internship Coordinator Ashley Neff and Career Services Counselor and Liberal Arts Liaison Kristi Van Epps join the program to discuss internship and career opportunities for liberal arts undergraduates.

This podcast was actually recorded on Ashley's last day here at the College of the Liberal Arts.  Ashley recently accepted a new position as Assistant Director for Internships at Davidson College. We wanted to have Ashley on the program before she left Penn State to discuss and recognize the many internship and career initiatives that she spearheaded during her time in the College of the Liberal Arts. Ashley and Kristi discuss the many ways that the College of the Liberal Arts and Career Services have collaborated to provide more opportunities for liberal arts undergrads. They discuss the variety of presentations they co-hosted, the internship postings on which they collaborated, and their success in promoting larger scale events like this year's People-to-People Career Fair (check out the blog post Ashley wrote about the People-to-People Career Fair). 

Dean Long speaks with Ashley and Kristi about specific skills, like excellent written and verbal communication; the ability to think critically; and an aptitude in research that uniquely prepare liberal arts undergraduates for a variety of potential careers. Dean Long discusses how the College hopes to increase its footprint in career education by providing more assistance to liberal arts undergraduates within these internship and career fields.  

Liberal Arts Voices: Episode 25

To subscribe to Liberal Arts Voices through iTunes, click here.

We encourage all of our listeners to write to us with comments, questions, or suggestions at laus@la.psu.edu. We may even respond to these comments on the next episode of Liberal Arts Voices.

Visit the College of the Liberal Arts internship website and the Career Services website to find out more information.

It's beginning to look a lot like Spring, isn't it, University Park? I'm sure your weather is beginning to improve in State College as mine certainly is in Virginia. For this edition of my post, I had a few ideas for content: a post about drawing upon connections at Penn State, a post about resume tips, or a post about what kinds of thoughts should be going through your head when you receive an offer from a potential employer. Eventually I decided on the connections topic, but I welcome your feedback on the other two future topics (including which one I cover next and what I discuss in each). Feel free to reach out to me in the comments section or on Twitter (@smloewner).

Before I begin writing about connections and the human resources you have around you, I ought to mention that my prolonged absence between posts is due to a recent job opportunity I was offered and accepted. Although I was originally writing these entries as an employee of a political non-profit, I now work for a large consulting firm where I teach different agencies and organizations how to make the best use of online communications (specifically, social media). I mention the change because it's going to be pretty significant in this post.

Connections at any stage of life are important. As a child, our main connections are with our parents or families who put us in a position to succeed. As we age, we might retain that connection, but we try to develop others: teachers, friends, community leaders. These are all very important, and if you're about to graduate from college, they can be helpful for finding a place in the workforce.

Two specific types of connections can be very useful when you're looking for a job as a soon-to-be Penn State Alum: other PSU Alumni and the faculty around you.

I was fortunate to meet a Penn State alumnus named Steve Kelmar through one of the College's programs, and I asked if he might know anyone in DC whom I could have an informational interview with. He had a few contacts and he was actually excited to match us up - eventually, that led to me getting my role in the non-profit I worked for. I think I speak for most of my fellow alumni when I say that we love to help current students. You might not be able to draw upon the college's already established programs for finding an alum, but there are many other ways to meet alumni (like this and this) - try to do so and consider using us as resources.

When it comes to helpful faculty, the College of the Liberal Arts is really ahead of the curve. These connections are a little bit different than the alumni-centric ones. Faculty may or may not know industry professionals that they could connect you to, but they can help you learn a lot about yourself. I mentioned that my new role in social media would be important, and here it is: It was only about 14 months ago that I even began to learn what social media is (and can be), and I only arrived at that point because of then-Professor (now Associate Dean) Long, who introduced the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council to social media. Now, only about a year later, I'm working with it every day. Look for your faculty community to be more than just conveyors of lecture material. If their passion matches your passion (in this case, I think Dean Long and I share a passion for building online communities in new and innovative ways), draw upon it. You rarely get that opportunity with members of a business community. I learned that I love the theory behind social media and online communities, and I wouldn't have done that if I hadn't worked with members of the LAUS office. Those kinds of connections are definitely valuable for determining a good direction to take.

Can you think of other connections that students might draw upon while they're an undergraduate? Do any other readers have experiences with connections they made in school leading to employment later on? As always, if you have questions about this post's topic or anything else you want me to discuss, feel free to leave them in the comments.

On Friday, February 25, approximately 200 students from the College of the Liberal Arts in search of summer employment and internships trudged through the rain to the People-to-People Fair in the HUB Alumni Hall.

In past years, this fair--focused on service, wellness and recreation agencies--primarily attracted students with majors in the College of Health and Human Development. During the Fall 2010 semester, however, our office proposed that Career Services work with Liberal Arts departments that might be interested in also co-sponsoring the event.  Sociology and Crime, Law and Justice got on board immediately, followed by Psychology, Communication Arts & Sciences, Political Science, English, and Women's Studies. LAUS, as well as representatives in a few of these departments, suggested new agencies and organizations to Career Services, who then coordinated the details of actually getting the employers to the HUB.  From the increased number of liberal arts students who attended the event, and the greater diversity of employers (including a few from the criminal justice field), we'd say that we made a great choice getting more involved.

The Career Services staff who expertly coordinated and helped with the event, including Christena Dwyer, Corinna Fisher and Kristi Van Epps, agree.  As they said, "Student traffic was outstanding, co-sponsoring really helped show how we can all come together and create a great event, and all in all there was just this whole sense of high energy and excitement in the room."

Thanks to everyone who participated, both in CLA and Career Services.  We look forward to collaborating even more closely on this fair in the future!

Check out our slideshow of photos from the event to see some of the organizations in attendance:

Now that we're about a month away from Spring Career Days, I thought I'd contribute with some thoughts on the career fairs.

When it comes to career services, I think Penn State's efforts are exceptional. I still recall touring schools back when I was in high school, and I was surprised by how much emphasis my Penn State tour guide put on the career services program for students (and alumni!). It's a pretty unique feature, and one that Penn State is - and should be - proud of. Each Fall and Spring, the career services folks host a huge career fair with employers from many different industries. The fair is designed to appeal to underclass students looking for internships and seniors looking for full time positions, although not every employer will be looking for both. To get the most out of these events, I recommend taking the following basic steps:

• Think about what types of employers you want to talk to. If you don't have any interest in talking to a Marketing Research firm, then there's no need to stop by that booth.

• Do your homework: find out what employers will be attending, and make a list of some you definitely want to find. You probably won't have time to see all the employers, so making a list that has the ones you definitely want to see can make your life less stressful.

• Create a great looking resume. Then run it by someone else. Then take it to career services to have one of their professionals look over it (tip: check out "Resumania" on February 11). I don't believe there can ever be a perfect resume, but with work you can make one that will cause you to stand out from the pack. There will be an upcoming post on resumes and cover letters, so keep your eyes open for that.
  

• Prepare a short pitch about yourself. It can be pretty nerve-wracking to just walk up to a potential employer and start talking. If you have a prepared set of ideas to go over (don't sound mechanical, but don't go in without any plan), it will be easier to talk. Questions are important too - employers are usually happy to hear prospects asking specific questions about the firms and roles available. 

• Schedule enough time to stay and walk around a little bit. The BJC is far away from many class buildings on campus, so make sure you factor in time to get there and back and make sure that you're not rushed while you're in there. The amount of time you will need depends on how many employers you intend to see.

My biggest tip of all would be: don't let the career fairs distract you from other ways of meeting employers. The fairs are where many students go to meet many different employers - and sometimes, it's easy for both sides to think that events like that are enough. But the smaller, less hectic options are great to explore, and some of them are cosponsored by the College. For example, you should check out the People-to-People Fair being planned for February.

I'm sure I'll mention the career fairs again, but if you have specific questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Questions in the comments section can be about the career fairs or any other topic, and you may always reach out to me on Twitter as well. If you have a topic you want me to write about next time, I'm happy to hear about it.

Hello, LAUS community! Some long-time readers might remember me from entries on this blog last spring, and some newer readers might recognize my name from the comments section from time to time. For readers that don't know me, I'm a May 2010 graduate, the former President of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council, and deeply interested in Penn State's present and future.

When I was a student in my last three or four semesters, I remember thinking about how much I wanted to know what to do next. I knew what I needed to do as a student to graduate, and I had spoken with alumni and professionals that gave suggestions for how to behave once I was settled into a workplace world. But what about the time bridging those two periods in my life? What should I do to position myself to find a job I wanted while I was still in school so I wouldn't have to worry during and after graduation? What do entry level positions look like, and how can I find them?  What things - good or bad - are potential employers going to look for from my time at Penn State? Though your questions might be different, I think everyone has some questions - especially in the College of the Liberal Arts, where we're trained to ask things and think about our future selves and communities.

Now that I'm in a position to answer some of those questions (or attempt to answer, at least), I wanted to "rejoin" the LAUS online community and try to provide insight that I think only very recent alumni can. I consider this sort of an introductory entry and, if the good staff of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies is willing to put up with me, I hope to contribute regularly - I hope that you aren't shy with your questions.

I accepted an offer before I graduated and started in June. I work in the political world in Washington, DC, but I'm far from a political operative (no, I'm not one of the people they quote anonymously on politico.com). I do technical and social media work for a non-profit organization that works with political campaigns. I had a very wide range of exposure to different opportunities, and I think I can answer general and specific questions. If anyone is after unique information that I don't have, I bet I can find the answer from friends that graduated with different degrees and career plans.

I view this as an opportunity to create a back-and-forth style community through the blog. I am easily reachable on Twitter (@smloewner) and the comments section. You may also email me at sam.loewner@gmail.com.  Once you find a way to get questions to me, I'll try to answer them specifically and then, if you don't mind, I can compile some of them together and generate a post out of it.

Even in just the past year or so, I've seen many of the "moving parts" of the life-just-after-graduation world. There's job-searching, networking, resumes, cover letters, internships, relocating to different cities, career research, and much more. I think we can take questions on any of those topics.  

So, Penn Staters, what's first?

One skill that is bound to give you an edge, no matter what path you pursue after Penn State, is the ability to speak a foreign language. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of foreign language skills in the 21st century, an era that has already been marked by increasing globalization, dramatic shifts in global power and demographic trends, and ever-evolving challenges in the political arena.

You may think to yourself that "so many people throughout the world speak English" so you don't need to learn a second language. Well, the former may be true (although many Americans overestimate the proportion of the world's population that speaks English); the latter likely is not. Whether you plan to pursue a career in business, government, non-profit, law, or academia, there is a good chance that your employer will work with clients, constituents, or partners from across the globe.

Try this exercise: think of an American blue-chip employer (such as Pfizer, Omnicon, Procter & Gamble, Google, Bank of New York/Mellon, or MasterCard) and then try to guess what proportion of its revenues comes from outside the US. For the companies listed above, the proportions approach 50% or more. In fact, recent data suggests that for US companies as a whole the proportion of revenues that are derived internationally is about 30%, while for companies in the S&P 500, the proportion is along the lines of 45-50% (MSN Market Watch, 2007).*  These rates are expected to increase over the next several years. Certainly foreign language skills would be an asset for individuals seeking a position in the private sector after college, particularly as the global economy continues to evolve and other regions of the world assume greater economic and political influence.

Knowledge of a foreign language is also a great asset for those considering careers in government, the non-profit sector, law or law enforcement, and related fields. Currently, the fastest growing regions of the world are outside of North America, and are not predominantly English-speaking. Certainly some of the most pressing humanitarian and geopolitical challenges of our era are in non-English speaking areas of the world. In this regard, one might think particularly of the former Soviet republics (where Russian is widely spoken), the Middle East, Latin America, or Eastern Europe. Students interested in careers or research in these fields who possess a working knowledge of a foreign language will be able to take advantage of a wider range of opportunities to serve others, and will undoubtedly have access to a broader range of resources to draw upon in building their careers.

Even if your interests are more local, foreign language skills are still a plus given the increasingly multicultural nature of the modern workplace. Most young people in college today will one day work in an environment where they are required to interact with people from other cultural backgrounds or whose first language is not English. In the multicultural workplace employees who know another language and have developed an understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures that the study of a foreign language promotes are an asset.

Finally, if you plan further education after college, you may already know that many graduate programs require a certain level of fluency in one or two foreign languages. This is because important research is often published in professional journals and books in languages other than English. Language skills can also boost your application to law or business school, and make you more competitive for any grant or scholarship that you may wish to apply for. In addition to making you a better communicator, knowledge of a foreign language showcases your capacity to assimilate complex systems of information, as well as your flexibility and ability to "get outside your own head" and adapt to how other people think.

Penn State offers a variety of ways to integrate foreign languages into existing programs of study.  How might you get started? Penn State University Park offers courses in many languages ranging from the more familiar, such as German, to the less commonly taught, such as Hindi. For many of these languages, University Park also offers a range of summer courses (see for example, the many offerings in French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, and new next summer, Turkish and Portuguese). Thus foreign language study can complement and fit readily into most educational plans. For many of the languages offered here you can earn a minor which will give you a formal credential to attest to your skills.

Descriptions of Penn State minors, including language minors, can be found on the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies website.  Language minors typically require 18 - 19 credits in language courses, with 6 - 7 credits at the 400 level.  However, introductory language courses (LANG 001, sometimes LANG 002 and 003) do not count towards all minors. It is always good to consult with the departmental adviser to make sure that you understand the requirements.

Good luck!  Bonne chance! Viel Glück!
 

If I had a dollar every time I heard, "What am I going to do with this degree?" I would be a rich woman!

You know the old saying...

The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"

The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

The graduate with a liberal arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"

You must admit that some of you had to explain to your parents why you wanted to pursue a degree in the liberal arts. The genesis of such stereotypical perspectives regarding liberal arts majors can be partially attributed to the computer generation and the industrial revolutions that have dominated our country's short history. But as liberal arts students you know that such stereotypes are unfounded. In fact, a liberal arts degree is more valuable today than ever before. In response to this shifting economic dilemma, many corporations have become less hierarchical and require employees who have developed a wide array of knowledge, rather than ones who specialize in one specific area. Who better is equipped then you!  Liberal Arts students gain a unique education that enables them to think critically and to become ethical leaders and global citizens.
 
You don't just learn facts--liberal arts students apply what they learn, test theories, consider multiple perspectives, and put knowledge into action. As noted in the Wall Street Journal (Sept 13, 2010), The Pennsylvania State University was ranked number 1 in their survey regarding company recruiters. The article stated graduates of top public universities are often among the most prepared and well-rounded academically. Companies have found they fit well into their corporate cultures and over time have the best track record in their firms.

That being said you need to take the appropriate steps NOW so that at the end of your academic journey you have asked the right questions that will help point yourself in the right direction. Here are some to think about...

Where do you look for information about different careers?  Career Services! They have entire programs focusing on how to write a resume; interview techniques; suggestions about majors and internships; and drop in counseling.
 
Where do you look for information about different careers, companies, and jobs?  Did you know that Career Services has a fall and spring career fair? Career Services has a page dedicated to finding a job and how to develop the necessary skills to clarify your career goals; identify your job target; and plan and organize your job search.  

How can I prepare myself to compete for entry level jobs?  It is never too early to do internships. I encourage you to try to obtain an internship every summer. The majority of them are unpaid, however you need to focus on what you will gain during the internship - networking, references, knowledge of the area you wish to work in (non-profit, business, government, local). Use your available time wisely and make an effort to increase your exposure to career fields of interest through job shadowing, internships, volunteer positions, or work experiences during academic and summer breaks. Consult the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies Internship website to start your search.
 
Does performance matter? It helps! Look at your academic coursework to ensure that you are maximizing the array of academic and career options available to you at Penn State. The quality of your involvement within an organization is more valuable than the number of organizations in which you are involved. Seek opportunities for leadership within an organization (i.e. become an officer or take on a position that demands responsibility), find something you care enough about to make a difference, look for opportunities to volunteer in the community.

How do you network? Start now by meeting and building a relationship with your academic adviser to learn about majors, academic options, course content, and requirements. This is just the start of learning how to network. Also, it is very important to establish a relationship with faculty to learn about academic programs and related opportunities to build skills in and outside of the classroom. Remember your faculty members are passionate about the same things you are passionate about! I challenge you to get to know at least one of your faculty members every semester.  

So embrace your decision for selecting Liberal Arts because you are the future leaders, creators, and developers of our future!  I know you are destined for great things.

You decide to take WMNST 001, AAA S 110, LER 100, CAMS 012 or something along those lines--just to meet a General Education requirement. You discover that, as Gen Eds go, this course really isn't too bad. When the first exam comes along, you're pleasantly surprised to have done so well--and you continue to succeed in the course. Your scheduling date for the following semester comes up (quicker than you thought it would, of course), and you decide, based on your first positive experience, to take another course in this discipline to satisfy another Gen Ed requirement. This course appeals to you, too, and again, your test scores confirm that you "get" the material. You wonder about taking a 3rd course in this subject and you discover that you might be able to knock out another Gen Ed with this course using the standard 3-6-9 substitution (about which you'll learn in another advising blog post) or that you can use it to satisfy a Bachelor of Arts requirement for your major.

It might be in this 3rd Women's Studies; African and African American Studies; Labor Studies and Employment Relations; or Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies course when an idea starts to flicker. Could you minor in this area? Would the courses you've taken so far to satisfy Gen Ed requirements still "count" toward a minor? Could you even complete a 2nd major in this discipline that you never even heard of before you came to Penn State? In your next advising meeting, you learn that the answer to all of these questions is yes. And your interest begins to grow...

At some point, you might talk yourself out of this new idea. You wrestle with the question that nearly every Liberal Arts student faces at some point: What would you actually do with a major or minor in this discipline? What value would it add?

My answer to that is that only good things can come from aptitude, interest, and enthusiasm when they influence your academic choices, which in turn, affect your post-graduation plans.

So, what are some of these "good things," specifically?

• Students who are energized about their courses tend to perform well and their transcripts illustrate that success in a concrete way.
• Students who are curious about what they are learning are frequently motivated to establish connections with faculty members, and they become "known" in the academic community--an important professional development task for all Penn State undergraduates.
• Students who are enthused about a discipline tend to investigate related experiential opportunities--internships, research projects, education abroad, extracurricular activities, for example--and incorporate them into their educational plans.
• Students who pursue a unique interest are often asked about it in interview situations (Why did you decide to minor in Latina/Latino Studies or major in Labor and Employment Relations?) Because of their positive experiences, these students are able to talk about them enthusiastically--students can discuss what they bring to the table as potential employees with their specialized knowledge. They can elaborate on what they now understand, appreciate, and can apply in professional settings as a result of their studies.

My list of good things could go on and on...but the important message is this: Your interest in a major or minor you've discovered is significant, so resist the temptation to dismiss it. Stand firm when anyone, including yourself, questions your decision to incorporate a less common discipline into your academic plan. Doing so can enrich your experience at Penn State, guide your next steps in meaningful ways, and shape who you are both professionally and personally.

So, as you sit in your general education courses, pay attention--not just to the lectures, the power-point presentations, and the readings. Pay attention to what resonates with you--and see where this discovery takes you.

If you are currently pursuing a lesser-known Liberal Arts major--or a "discovery major" in adviser lingo--we'd love to hear about your experiences so far.

It's that time of year again:  Fall Career Days time.  As the FCD committee member from Liberal Arts, I know that I'll be out of my office frequently over the next few days, working at the BJC in my pumpkin orange Career Days polo shirt.  I have met with a few Liberal Arts students over the past week to discuss their fair strategy, and look forward to seeing many more of you milling around the booths and talking to recruiters.

As mentioned in our recent announcement, the Fall Career Days website gives plenty of excellent tips for a successful career fair.  Many of you know them by heart:  prepare a 30-second professional introduction, make copies of your resume, dress conservatively, and perhaps most importantly, research employers in advance.  For Liberal Arts students, I like one particular piece of advice:  The fair is only as big as your top five organizations.  If you start thinking of the fair as consisting of the five employers you plan to approach, as opposed to over 400, the experience becomes much more manageable--and enjoyable!

A quick review of the employers today confirmed my belief that the fair does offer opportunities for many of our students.  While only you can make decision as to whether or not the fair is worth your time, I'll list a few here to give you a sense of the breadth and depth of organizations attending.

Did you know that Teach for America is one of the biggest employers of Penn State Liberal Arts graduates?  They will be at Tuesday's fair, as will the Peace Corps, another popular short-term post-grad employment opportunity.  Additionally, Philadelphia Teaching Fellows representatives will attend to recruit students in all majors except education to become teachers in critical need subject areas in Philadelphia's high-need public schools.  

Representatives from the Harrisburg Semester, a Penn State program that combines a public policy internship with an academic seminar in our state capital, will attend to discuss the program details and the various internships available through it.  A few federal government agency recruiters will also attend to discuss opportunities at the Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Social Security Agency.

Students interested in behavioral psychology may want to check out the KidsPeace or the Meadows Psychiatric Center booths, whereas crime, law and justice majors looking for a career in law enforcement may want to plan on speaking with representatives from the Bethlehem Police Department, Lewisburg Penitentiary, or the Supreme Court Police.

Many major retailers attend the fair to recruit for their store management and sales programs.  You'll recognize the names:  Target, Macy's, Kohl's, Giant Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Wegmans, and Wawa, to name just a few.  These types of programs tend to seek out well-rounded students in a variety of disciplines--often, no particular major is required--with stellar communication skills.  

Insurance company Liberty Mutual, meanwhile, is seeking out Liberal Arts students with strong analytical skills for their claims, underwriting and sales positions.  (They are also giving a special workshop to CLA students on Wednesday evening -- 6 p.m in 365 Willard.)  Students with an industrial/organizational psychology or labor studies background will find human resources opportunities available at a variety of companies, if they spend some time looking.  And economics students will want to consider talking with Bates White, a consulting firm offering services in economics, finance, and business strategy.  

This list, of course, is not comprehensive.  Even if it were, and if you had time to speak with fifty organizations, you might not walk out of the BJC with the perfect job in your pocket.  However, remember that the fair presents an excellent large-scale networking and professional development opportunity not available to your peers at smaller institutions.  If you do plan to attend, be confident and make the most of the experience.  See you at the fair!

My last internship blog post focuses on the importance of networking. Penn State routinely organizes professional events where students have the opportunity to meet company representatives and recruiters, as well as Penn State alumni. I make a strong effort to attend professional events held on campus because they are an excellent opportunity for me to learn more about prospective employers and industries. Professional events provide students with the advantage of meeting and speaking with company representatives in person.

I have found that it is beneficial to research the company before I attend such business events so that I can speak intelligently and express my genuine interest in the company--students who are articulate and who have done their research will be able to ask more informed questions and will make a good impression on representatives from the company. At these functions, students have the opportunity to network and obtain business cards from a variety of representatives. When the time comes to submit an application for a specific internship position (or a full-time job), the student will already have a direct contact from the company that the student can notify to let them know they are applying for a position--this may help distinguish the student's application from a stack of 200 other applications. Both LionLink and the Nittany Lion Career Network are valuable networking resources; the Nittany Lion Career Network posts announcements about company information sessions under the events tab.

Career fairs are another excellent opportunity to network. Sometimes students leave career fairs and express feelings of disappointment or exasperation: maybe representatives were not currently looking to recruit students from your major or maybe you were not offered a chance to interview. I look at career fairs as an opportunity to network; I try to focus on having meaningful conversations with representatives and obtaining their business card so that I can broaden my professional network and have a direct contact at organizations of keen interest to me. It is critical for students to think about how to best market themselves and reflect on the unique qualities and skills that they possess. Students will be more confident and effective in a networking environment if they carefully consider what makes them an asset to employers.

If anyone has additional networking tips, post them here!