What Motivates YOU?

A little over a year ago, my co-worker and friend, Joseph Gebbie somehow convinced me to go to the Hofstra Pool. Now please keep in mind that I am not a swimmer nor an athlete in any sense. Yes, I spent my entire childhood at a sleep away camp learning to swim but never made it out of the beginner group. Looking back, I think swimming in a lake with fish somehow blocked any learning as, I was too focused on avoiding the lake creatures! So, here I was it my late 30’s in the pool.  It was fun bobbing around doing my interpretation of the crawl, all the while not putting my head in the water and gossiping with my friend.

A few days later Joe suggested we go again. Ok, I thought. Why not? The warm water felt good and the gossiping was fun. What slowly started to happen was I watched Joe swim back and forth and I thought to myself, “maybe, I could do that.”  Eventually, we started going regularly and Joe motivated me by saying “I bet you could do 10 laps today.” Well, I couldn’t let him down! So, with muscles burning, I did the 10 laps.

A year later, I can do well over 24 laps (back and forth so in some circles this would be 48!), head in the water doing a full crawl at a nice speed, and I have no need to go with my friend. I own 2 Speedos and earplugs and when I don’t swim regularly, I actually miss it.  My friend unknowingly motivated me. Now, what motivates me is seeing the results in the mirror and the release of stress it brings for me.  Swimming motivates me.  I have always been motivated to do a good job, to get tasks completed and to try and excel but after I swim, I feel like I could conquer the world.  

What motivates you?  In our current economy, motivation is crucial, as finding that job or internship may take some time.  How will you stay motivated during your search? Do you have someone or something in your life that motivates you?  The Career Center staff will certainly help motivate you but finding your own motivational tool is just as good if not better!  Finding that something, may make you feel like you can conquer the world!

When you need a motivational push, check out this brief clip!

~Suzanne Dagger, Director of Career Services

Events for the Week of 11/28/11

NYC Department of Education Information Session
Come meet the recruiting team and learn more about teaching in New York City.
Friday, December 2nd at 4:00 p.m. in The Career Center

Next Week

Build Your Professional Network
Meet professionals and find out how their professional networks created opportunities.
*Open to all majors. Freshman to Junior students are strongly encouraged to attend. Seniors and MBAs also welcome.
Tuesday, December 6th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room West

Being Thankful!

As I get the pumpkin pies and stuffing ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, I seem to have more than food on my mind.  I keep hearing all these wonderful offers being given out to the students I have been working with in Pride Recruiting.  I cannot express the joy I feel and the warmth in my heart for these outstanding individuals.  Knowing that they can announce to their families at Thanksgiving dinner where they will be working or interning is such an amazing feeling.  I just want to take this time to CONGRATULATE those who have received and accepted their offers.  Good luck and just know how THANKFUL I am to know where you will be starting the next chapter in your life.  It gives me an uplifting feeling and I thank you for that! 

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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~Danielle Dellilo, Recruiting Coordinator

Mark Your Calendars!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quick Question Hours for this Week:
Monday-Wednesday
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

NYC Department of Education Information Session
Come meet our recruiting team and learn more about teaching in New York City
Friday, December 2nd, 4:00 p.m. at The Career Center

Build your Professional Network
Meet professionals and find out how their professional networks created opportunities

Tuesday, December 6th, 6-9 p.m. in the Student Center Plaza East

Save the Date

Spring Career Fair
Wednesday, March 7th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Life Lessons from the Twilight Saga

How many of you are Twilight fans out there?  Well, it might surprise you to know that there are a couple of us here at The Career Center, me included.  The movie premieres tonight and I was lucky enough to have tickets to an advanced screening of Breaking Dawn Part 1 on Wednesday (the movie was amazing!).  As you are watching and swooning over Edward and Jacob, don’t overlook the important lesson Bella teaches us about making choices.  Yes, there is more to Twilight than vampires and wolves.  There is an important message that life is about a series of decisions.  Every day we are faced with decisions, big and small.  We can weigh the pros and cons, ask our friends and family, postpone the moment as long as we can, but eventually we must choose.

As students, you are forced to make a lot of important decisions about your future:  what classes to register for, what major to choose, and what career to pursue.  As career counselors we can listen to you, provide you with resources, and give you assessments.  However, the best advice we have to give comes from Bella Swan:  trust yourself.  We were all given the gift of intuition – an inner voice that guides us.  This voice knows what is best for us; it is our truth.  Yet somehow many of us have learned to ignore this voice and over think the decisions we have to make.  We have let logic and reason, or even other people make decisions for us.  Many of us are paralyzed by all the information available today that we let things happen to us rather than going with our gut.  

So I challenge you to take a page out of the Twilight series and make the decision to listen to your inner self.  Today make a choice (a healthy choice) that just “feels right.”  It could be as small as what to eat for lunch or as big as taking that art class you have always wanted to try.  With every decision, you will begin to nurture and trust this relationship with yourself.    

~Deanna Rodin, Associate Director & Internship Coordinator

The Career Center: HERE FOR YOU!

The leaves are turning bright colors and the air has a slight chill, but you still might be finding yourself in a period of transition.  Some of you might have recently graduated and are shifting from being a student into the world of professional work.  Some of you might have been laid off recently and are forced to look for a new job. Whatever your challenges might be, you are not alone, and Hofstra University Career Center is here for you!

Hofstra University is not only dedicated to its matriculated students but to its Alumni.  In this turbulent economic climate we at The Career Center know it can be difficult but we encourage our Alumni to reach out to their Alma Mater for guidance and support.

The Hofstra University Career Center is a comprehensive career center that offers career counseling, free workshops and as well as extensive online resources that can help you search job postings, network with professionals, research companies and explore career fields.  All Career Services services are free to Hofstra alumni for the year immediately following graduation. Following that year, you will need to register with Alumni Services for access to The Career Center.  Remember our PRIDE-CMS online job posting system is available to all Alumni and undergraduates free of charge. For more information www.hofstra.edu/career or 516.463.6060.  GO PRIDE!

~Joseph Gebbie, Assistant Director

Want Ice Cream? Create Your Own!

Creating a Strategy

Oftentimes candidates, especially in this tight job market, come to me for advice on how to conduct their job search. They find themselves staring at the computer and realize they don’t know where to begin, they feel overwhelmed or they use the same job site over and over. What they don’t realize is that they need a strategy!

A strategy is made up of the tools you need and the methods you choose to follow. Here are some key tools and a method that you may incorporate into your strategy.

• An available computer and printer
• A job search spreadsheet/notebook/log to track your methods, applications, usernames/passwords
• A calendar
• Various versions of your resume aimed at the different jobs/industries you are considering
• Job and employer specific cover letters
• Interview attire

Sample Job Search Method

1. Make a list.

• What is your ideal job? This is your Plan A. Write that down at the top of a column.
• What is the next type of job you would consider? This is your Plan B. Write that down at the top of the next column.
• Continue to do this for all possible job options

In this job market, all jobs you are considering are to be pursued at the same time. Imagine a juggler who throws several balls up in the air at the same time, whatever ball lands first is the job you may have to consider!

2. For each job/column, list who you know that might be able to help you connect with that job/industry:

• Friends
• Family
• Colleagues
• Professors
• Alumni connections

3. For each job, list what social networking sites e.g., Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, you should be using to help you connect with that job/industry.

4. For each job, list what professional memberships you have or should have, and their upcoming events to help you connect with that job/industry.

5. For each job, list specific job search sites you are using or should be using to help you connect with that job/industry:

• General job sites
• Industry sites
• Meta search engine sites
• Company/organization sites

6. For each job, list other resources that you may use:

• Newspapers, pennysavers/community papers
• Job fairs
  
• Alumni reunions and networking events
• Online Directories

7. Look at your list, determine what you can accomplish today and tomorrow, highlight them.Reward yourself after you completed these tasks! Your strategy and plan has been put into action!

How can you reward yourself?
Go out for a walk, get some ice cream, spend time with friends and family, or go to a movie!

8. Examine all the other items that are remaining. Write down time of the day, day of the week, etc. of when you can start tackling these steps. For example, each day you may focus on Plan A jobs from 8 a.m.–Noon, and Plan B from 1 p.m.–5 p.m.. Then, each day you may repeat some of steps above, but on certain days you may only focus on one such as, attending a job fair.

Now you have the outline of a strategy and can build your very own. Stick to it, and remember to reward yourself in small ways throughout your search to keep you motivated!

Good luck strategizing!

~Suzanne Dagger, Director of Career Services

Events for the Week of 11/14/11

Goldman Sachs Information Session
Looking for an alternative career with Financial Services? Come learn about summer internship opportunities with Corporate Services and Real estate at Goldman Sachs.
*Sophomores and Juniors Only!*
Monday, November 14th, 6:00 p.m. at The Career Center

ALPHA Hofstra Chapter Presents: "How to BRAND Yourself"
Keynote Speaker from: GOOGLE
*Food and refreshments will be provided and attire is business casual
Monday, November 14th, 7:00 p.m. at Multipurpose Room West

The Faces of Finance
Hofstra's FMA and AKPsi welcome you to join them for a formal panel of professionals in finance who will be speaking about their careers and provide and open forum for students to ask questions. Representatives from Moody's, Forest Hills Financial Group, Hofstra University and JSB Partners will be present.
*Business casual attire at least is required.
*Food and drinks will be served.
Wednesday, November 16th, 6:00 p.m. at Hofstra USA

Graduate College Fair
Attend workshops on job forecasts
Consult 1-on-1 with financial advisors
Discuss graduate programs with representatives from regional colleges and universities
Wednesday, November 16th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
at L.I.U./Brentwood Campus, 100 Second Avenue, Brentwood, NY

Save the Date!

NYC Department of Education Information Session
Friday, December 2nd, 4:00 p.m. at The Career Center

Build Your Network
*Sponsored by Hofstra ALPHA Chapter and The Career Center
Tuesday, December 6th, 6:00 p.m. in Multipurpose Room

Spring Career Fair
Wednesday, March 7th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Veterans Day: The Right to Study at Hofstra University

American education is characterized by the promise of opportunity, hope, stamina and developing the understanding to overcome internal and external adversity.  Veterans Day is a time for American Institutions and their students to stop and reflect on how we view those students that might not fall into the “traditional” profile of a student.  Speaking with various students on their view of what a “Veteran” looks like it was interesting to hear the profiles.  They ranged from the homeless man on the street to the proud 80 year old grandfather.  What we forget, that with the war looming in the Middle East, soldiers going into and coming back from the Armed Forces are people in the same age demographic as you, the Hofstra Student.

This Veterans Day take special note as to who is in your class, and on your campus and see if your notice any Veterans. The 23 year old student sitting next to you in Biology could have served a tour in Afghanistan. Your favorite professor or administrator could have been on an aircraft carrier in the Adriatic Sea.  So, as this year progresses, stop and notice who is around you.  If you meet a veteran say thank you, for helping you have your right to study here at Hofstra University.  Thank them for helping us all have our freedoms.  Remember; don’t take anyone for granted we are all in this together.  God Bless our Veterans, Servicemen and God Bless the United States of America.

~Joseph Gebbie, Assistant Director

We All Have Pet Peeves, including Employers....So Steer Clear of These!

Sometimes we get so busy with our lives, whether it be school, work, and family, that we forget about the important details that may cause us to get the internship or job.  Over the years, I have experienced a few things that are real red flags for candidates.  We also hear A LOT from the employers so please keep in mind that even though you may think they are "minor" mistakes, they actually will knock you out of the running.

So here is a short to what could be a very long list:

1) Check your voice mail! If an employer calls a candidate's cell phone to schedule an interview and they leave a voice mail, it is so imperative to check that message before just calling back that number and saying "Uhhh, I received a call from this number?"  The employer took out the time to call and leave a message, so it's only fair that you check the message before calling back.  There may be detailed information that you want to make sure that you know before communicating with the employer.

2) Spelling Errors on Resume! If there's ANY spelling mistakes on the resumes, chances are there will not be an interview.  Just a tip - spell check DOES NOT work on capitalized words.  I have seen EUDCATION numerous times.

3) Keep track of what you applied for. If you don't keep track, an employer will call you and you will have no idea what job they are calling you about.  Red Flag right there!

4) Your cover letter has to be specific. I asked an alumna who posted an internship with us to let me know if she received any Hofstra applications.  Her response: "Got a few bites. Most of them did not actually change their cover letters or resumes... We are not a 'Focus Features' internship and we will not help you with your objective to obtain an internship in the radio industry..." GULP! That should never ever happen!

5) Watch what you wear on an interview!  I had an interview with a college grad that was actually a referral from someone I worked with at NBC.  She wore flip flops to the interview.  Granted, she did wear a suit, but just because she was referred from someone in the company, did not mean she was a "shoe in" for the job. If they don't allow flip-flops in the white house, then that's your hint for no flip flops at an interview.


So obviously this list can go on and on, so I would suggest you do a little more research before clicking that application button.  Here's a good article to check out for more info:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewblund.htm

And of course if you visit us at The Career Center, you will be properly guided, so please stop by and we'll make sure we give you the Do's and Dont's!

~Kat Castro, Assistant Director

Never Judge a Book by its Cover!

Who thought book publishing was just for English majors?  I did…until this past Monday night.  The Career Center hosted a panel of speakers from publishing who came to tell Hofstra students about careers in the industry.  As it turns out, there is more to publishing than careers in editing.  You can work in corporate functions such as sales, legal, finance, human resources, and information technology.  Or, you can work on publicity, marking, advertising, design, and production.  The digital end of the industry is booming with all of the new eReader technology.  There is always someone designing “an app for that.”  The opportunities are endless in publishing; all you need is a passion for books!  As a counselor, I promoted the event mainly to English majors but there I sat listening and learning.  Any student could have been at this event and found a career path that fit their major.  Let this be a lesson to me and all of you that one should never judge a book by its cover.  

~Deanna Rodin, Associate Director & Internship Coordinator

Events for the Week of 11/7/11

Careers in Publishing
Book publishing isn't just for English majors! Its a field that is full of possibilities, and filled with career paths for every interest. There are positions in finance, marketing, sales, publicity, design, editorial, legal, and production departments, not to mention many more opportunities. This program and panel discussion, hosted by Hofstra Career Center and the Association of American Publishers, will provide an overview of the many career options in the publishing industry.
Monday, November 7th, 7-9 p.m. in 246 East Library Wing

Mock Interview Night with School of Communication Alumni
If you are a School of Communication major and want to develop or polish your interviewing skills for an internship or job, please join us at this exciting event! Master the art of a professional interview and get inside tips from alumni in communication industries. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your network of contacts as well. School of Communication alumni will conduct these mock interview sessions and provide in-depth feedback. Reserve a mock interview time at The Career Center or call 516.463.6060
Wednesday, November 9th, 6:30-9 p.m. at The Career Center

Ed2010 and PRSSA Present: Be Your Own Best Publicist
Join Ed2010 and PRSSA as we welcome public relation gurus Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper to campus. Kleiman is currently Vice President of Public Relations at Hearst Magazines, one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines like Seventeen and Cosmopolitan. Cooper is currently Managing Director of Home and Lifestyle Division at DeVries Public Relations. Their book "Be Your Own Best Publicist" shows anyone how to use PR skills to land a new job, build your own brand, and get ahead in the workplace. Students can purchase copies of their book at the event (cash and credit accepted) and get it signed by the authors themselves. For more info contact hofstra.eoc@ed2010.com
Thursday, November 10th, 6-8 p.m. in the Student Center Plaza Rooms Middle and West

Save the Date!

Goldman Sachs Information Session: Services Summer Opportunities
Monday, November 14th, 6:00 p.m. at The Career Center

ALPHA Hofstra Chapter Presents: How to Brand Yourself
Guest Company: GOOGLE
Monday, November 14th, 7:00 p.m. in Multipurpose Room West

Dress to Impress

The day has finally arrived! You got an interview. You rehearsed the company’s “About Us” section on their website over and over in your head, you know exactly how many gains and losses they had last year.  But the only thing you don’t have, is interview attire.

Many times students stop by and ask me “What do I need to wear on my interview?”  It can be quite simple, but sometimes it isn’t if you are the indecisive type.  Allow me to share a fashonista’s insight on what to wear on an interview. 

The employers first impression of you will be your personal appearance.  If you want to WOW them, then you must be dressed to impress!  Remember, you are marketing yourself!  You are trying to “sell” your product and the product is you!!

Women's Interview Attire                      
·         Solid color, conservative suit –This all depends on the industry you are interviewing in.  If it is business related, stay on the conservative side.  If it is in public relations, advertising or anything in the arts industry, you might want to spice up your look. Wear more vibrant colors.
·         Coordinated blouse
·         Moderate shoes
·         Limited jewelry
·         Neat, professional hairstyle
·         Tan or light hosiery
·         Sparse make-up & perfume
·         Manicured nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire
·         Solid color, conservative suit - This all depends on the industry you are interviewing in.  If it is business related, stay on the conservative side.  If it is in public relations, advertising or anything in the arts industry, you might want to spice up your look. Wear more vibrant colors.
·         White long sleeve shirt –Depending on your suit color, you can also wear a blue or cream colored shirt.  Try to always wear a solid color on interviews. Once you get the job, you can of course mix it up!
·         Conservative tie
·         Dark socks, professional shoes
·         Very limited jewelry
·         Neat, professional hairstyle
·         Go easy on the aftershave
·         Neatly trimmed nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase


The good thing is you don’t have to spend a fortune! Some stores have great prices on suits and you always want to have two.  Switch it up! You can also always coordinate your outfit with a different shirt, shoes and accessories!

Good Luck! I hope you DRESS to IMPRESS! (and get the job!) 

The Career Center offers workshops on how to interview and what to wear on the big day.  Check our website for future workshop dates or register for our Webshops! Hofstra.edu/career

~Danielle Dellilo, Recruiting Coordinator

Can't Make A Trip Out To The Career Center for a Workshop?

Well have no fear!!!! You can access our workshops on the web VIA Blackboard!

Did you know that we have Career related videos AND webshops that range from Resume writing to Interviewing? Did you get a job offer and not sure how to negotiate a salary?  YEP! We have a webshop on that!





Are you wondering how to get access to it?  Well it's a Course that you DO NOT have to pay for!  Just sign up here: Blackboard Webshops and we will sign you up!

And what's even better?! You can access these webshops and videos at ANY time of day - 24/7!

So go ahead and sign up for some career center knowledge!

~Kat Castro, Assistant Director

DIVERSITY in the Workplace

Diversity in the workplace is a topic that many industries and organizations spend an abundant amount of time and training on in order to ensure its presence.  Today’s workplace is more diverse than it has ever been in history. 

Building relationships is vital to the success of any company.  This includes developing positive relationships with customers, employees and within the community in which any company does business. And diversity is an important tool in relationship building.

So, What is DIVERSITY? Let’s go to the videotape:

DIVERSITY DEFINED?

No, Diversity is not the name of a ship. For an accurate answer and more information about “Diversity in the Workplace”, attend tonight’s workshop: 

Diversity in the Workplace Series at 6pm in the Career Center  

Hope to see you there…

~Chaundra Daniels, Assistant Director of Employer Relations