The Rambler (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 101, No. 7, Ed. 1 Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Page: 4 of 6
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4 October 22, 2008
College T.ife
The Rambler
uizzes. Midterms Term papers. Finals. The collegiate life cycles round and round
| with such dreaded mental workouts. Students sacrifice sleep, pleasures and great
quantities of precious time just to earn a degree and make a grand debut in the pro-
workplace at their dream jobs. Beware - that idealistic hope has a catch. How do
you transition from point A as a student to point B as a valued employee bringing in the
big bucks?
Sheri Mata, director of Texas Wcsleyan's Career Services, says that an impressive
resume is the primary key to marketing your skills and abilities in today's job market.
""When the employer sees it, he
needs to say 'Wow,' and if he doesn't,
you've blown it," Mata said. "The
information an employer finds within
your resume should be what sets you
apart from everyone else."
room
Fowler is currently a public information officer assisting in printed publication, media
relations, graphic design, Web site content development and other tasks relating to commu-
nication between Grand Prairie and its public.
tv*v
■to
Use the right words
With tins in mind, Mata labeled the
detailed job qualifications as the most impor-
tant component of a resume. All relevant
experience and abilities should be listed using
the terminology of the desired field, she said.
For example, an education graduate seek-
ing an elementary teaching position would not
inform the district superintendent he "helped"
third graders witii their homework three times
a week throughout college. Rather, it would
be more appropriate for the job seeker to con-
vey his experience tutoring third grade stu-
dents.
Secondly, Mata says excellent interview
skills - such as making consistent eye contact
and speaking in a confident tone - are crucial
to any job-seeker. Appearance is always a big-
gie, but not all interview tips are so familiar.
Careful observ ation and mirroring of the inter-
viewer's manner and body language is a psy-
chological strategy that often leaves a more
favorable impression in the interviewer's
mind.
"People like themselves," Mata explained,
"and they'll like people who are just like
themselves. Consequently, they will often hire
people who act and think just as they do."
According to Mata, when it comes to
interview preparation, nothing can replace the
value of a rigorous mock interview. Texas
Wesleyan Career Services offers this prep tool
to all students by appointment with each ses-
sion spanning one and a half to two hours.
According to Mata, the student is asked classic
interview questions, after which the interview-
er/coach will go over each question and answer. The student will be told whether or not
his/her answers were effective and why, plus receive suggestions on how to better express
personal strengths and abilities.
Make the connection
Internships comprise the third element in becoming the ultimate job candidate. In an
employer's mindset, Mata says an internship under your belt means that you have not only
book knowledge of the field, but hands-on experience within it as well.
From the point of view of a job-seeker, an internship in your desired line of work pro-
vides experience and perspective on your future career path. In addition - as alumna
Megan Krause (BA '08) attests - it will allow a smoother transition into assuming your
new role and fulfilling your supervisor's expectations.
Krause served as administrative assistant to Gilbert Zepeda, senior financial adviser for
the AIG Advisor Group throughout her junior and senior years.
"My internship prepared me a lot for my current job, even though I am an auditor,"
Krause said "The internship taught me how to become better organized, a better communi-
cator and the importance of accuracy. Those are all things that help me in my current job."
Krause began a career with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) under the
U.S. Department of Defense this past summer, just two months after receiving her degree
in finance from Wesleyan. Her initial introduction to the company occurred at Wesleyan's
spring career fair.
For Whitney Fowler, a 2006 graduate of the mass communication department, an
internship turned into a rewarding career.
"I signed up to receive e-mail job postings from Wesleyan's Career Services," Fowler
said. "That's how I found out about the internship with the city of Grand Prairie's commu-
nications and marketing department. The summer internship turned into a full-time job
after I graduated, and that's where I am two and a half years later."
Aside from the possibility of an internship blossoming into a long-term career, Fowler
sees other advantages from internships along the same lines as Mata and Krause.
"The experience you gain is a crucial addition to your resume," she said. "And you
might find out important things about your career field that aren't covered in the class-
/
V
K.
\
Collegiate effort affects tomorrow's career
Become a softy
Internships aren't the only form of workforce preparation for college students, submits
Debbie Forrester, human resource manager of Chesapeake Energy's downtown Fort Worth
office. She views college as an abundance of opportunities
students should take advantage of in every way possible.
Whether you participate in community service or are involved
with on-campus clubs and societies, action communicates that
you are one who takes initiative and tends to be proactive.
Action itself is not sufficient unless properly carried out.
"Be faithful in little to be faithful in
much." So goes an adage most people have
heard spun in one way or another. These
words of wisdom also apply to that seeming-
ly menial job you currently scrape your exis-
tence out from. As Forrester instructed, no
matter your duties, there are lessons to be
learned here in the present that can put you a
step ahead of future competition.
Consider, for instance, the job of a wait-
er. A common manner of employment for
students, this job can assist in enhancing peo-
ple skills, attention to detail and a sub-
servient manner, all attributes - also known
as soft skills - valuable in a professional
work environment.
Soft skills - the manners and qualities
that are needed regardless of your field - are
a wise area to cultivate while in college, said
Mata.
"Hard skills - those that are based on
ability - are very important in some lines of
work," Mata said. "But employers can usual-
ly teach those if needed. They cannot teach
you soft skills."
Resourcefulness, competency, punctuali-
ty and the ability to receive constructive criti-
cism are examples Mata gives of soft skills.
She points out that students can work now to
improve their soft skills by arriving on time
to class and practicing good time manage-
ment to complete homework assignments.
Practicing good habits in college will
eventually find you walking across a stage in
cap and gown to receive the long-sought
degree. Long before that anticipated moment
arrives, however, the job hunt is on.
Courtesy of Google Images
Cross your t's and dot your i's
With the U.S. economy comparable to a shaky ship on a stormy sea, the job market is
seeing stricter competition and scarcer openings. Tiffany Tucker of Cornerstone Staffing in
Bedford counsels students to commence the job hunt at least six months prior to gradua-
tion.
During this period of seeking,
Forrester recommends giving careful
attention to the qualifications sections
of job postings. The list of qualifica-
tions dictates the bare minimum that
the company requires for a position.
Preferred qualifications, on the other
hand, informs you of the desirable
"bonus" skills or experience the com-
pany is ideally looking for
Even with idyllic qualifications, a
quality resume, polished interview
skills and a completed internship, new
graduates frequently must earn the
advanced job title and spacious comer
office overlooking the city skyline.
"In any industry, entry-level jobs
are mostly [filled by] those straight out
of college," Forrester said. "The more
detailed, specialized jobs go to those
who have been in the field for an
extended period of time."
Don't be discouraged. As Forrester
pointed out, your experience level will
Say 'Yes sir.'
In the grown-up world, crossing your "t"
and dotting your "i" are to correct grammar
what etiquette is to the professional workplace.
* Don't think any work is "beneath you."
Learn to deal with "gofer work" and some
down time - internships are not always glam-
orous. Perform even routine tasks.
* Ask questions. Inquire about workplace
basics ("Where should I park?"). It will lessen
your anxiety and your supervisor will be
impressed that you are so conscientious.
* Use your manners. Acquire a firm hand-
shake. Learn how to make introductions and
introduce yourself to coworkers. Learn names
quickly.
* Mind your word choices. While "cool" may
be acceptable on campus, it tells people you
aren't professional material.
* Look for role models. Observe the culture
of the people around you and match it.
rise every day, and, with it, slowly but surely, your chances of advancement will increase.
What's hot and what's not: all trends look big and ruffly
Zayle
Grifiin
Fall is here, and with it comes new
fashion. With cooler weather right
around the corner, it is time to revamp
your closet and get ready for the season.
As college students, you may find
yourself jumping out of bed and grab-
bing whatever is easiest to throw on,
however, your outfit may be a fashion
"don't."
Do not get caught in an old hoodie
w ith a skirt or a pair of shorts, this is a
major "don't" because it confuses the
seasons. Ugg boots and miniskirts are also a big no-no - it's
like mixing vinegar and water. And as the air gets crisper it
is also time to get rid of your summer sandals.
Not ready to throw your summer clothes completely
out? Bringing summer into fall is as easy as layering.
"Sleeveless dresses can be transitioned if worn with
sweaters or tights," said Emily Konnan. owner of A.
Hooper clothing store.
Love your white jeans? Forget about everything you
thought you knew and wear white after Labor Day. Keep
your skinny jeans to tuck into boots - do not be caught Hy-
ing to stuff straight leg or boot cut jeans into them.
Long shirts and babydolls are also out this fall, as well
pofyvore
as low cut shirts and popped collars.
"Jewel toned, tailored suits, chunky sweaters and plaids
are in for fall," said Korman.
This season it is all about the feminine touch. Lace,
leather and faux fur are all fall staples. Pair these with
chunky jewelry, oversized clutches, thick heels and printed
tights. Do not be afraid to let your inner girly girl shine: be
caught in bows, ruffles, puffy sleeves and pencil skirts.
Keep your men's suiting inspiration as well; they're still
very big this year.
The bigger the better for fall, and that includes the
head. Skip the excessive flat ironing and makes friends with
the curling iron; big sexy hair is in. And don't forget to
accessorize with big jewelry and hats, as well as a notice-
able scarf or two.
"Checkered scarves are a must have for fall," said
Amber Sanders, a freshman international business major.
Put away the blights; this fall it is all about black,
brown, camel, red, purple, greens, berry colors and
metallic s.
At what price do these fashions come? With so many
college students trying to save money, it can be hard to stay
in style. However, there are many places that offer the latest
styles at low prices.
Target is a great place to look. The store even includes
high-end designers who create special lines for the retailer.
And then there's the mall.
Stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Agaci Too and
Windsor also offer fall's hottest styles for prices that won't
break the bank and are located at malls across the area.
Perhaps one of the best money-saving efforts is using
what's already in your closet. Layer old sweaters with neck-
laces and bracelets and you've got the look that you are
fashion savvy. Remember to keep things big and flashy, yet
sophisticated and feminine at the same time.
Zayle Griffin is a junior mass communication major and is a staff
writer for The Rambler.
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Nugent, Tiara. The Rambler (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 101, No. 7, Ed. 1 Wednesday, October 22, 2008, newspaper, October 22, 2008; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth201265/m1/4/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Wesleyan University.