Connect with The Career Center: Michele Roberts

1. What is your role at the Career Center?

My role is Assistant Director and liaison to the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications. My job includes being a career services counselor, programming and events!

2. What did you study in school OR what was your favorite class when you were in school?

I actually studied Communications/TV Production while in school at Hofstra -- with a minor in Drama!

3. Where is your favorite spot on campus?

Studio A, in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications and of course, the Unispan that leads into the Student Center!

4. What is your favorite season and why?

Fall, followed by Summer as a close second! I love the change of season when the humidity breaks, the light is beautiful, and it's a fresh new school year and opportunity for a new beginning! And I can visit the wineries and Pumpkin farms on Eastern Long Island!

5. What message do you have for the incoming class of 2019/returning Hofstra students as they begin their new school year?

Be confident, be yourself, and enjoy yourself! Have a positive attitude and get involved on campus--and remember to give something back!

Michele Roberts, Assistant Director

Vacation, All I ever Wanted

Ah yes…sleeping late, working a fun summer job and hanging out at the beach or with friends and family doing whatever you like to do sounds very appealing. Sounds downright delightful. However, just because school's out for Summer and businesses slow down and folks go on vacation doesn't mean all will be quiet on the employment front! Actually, these Summer months can be an extremely busy time for internship or job seekers - and here are four steps to follow to make the most of this special time:

1. Create a schedule. This will help organize your day and make the most of your job (re)search. Include some down-time on your "to do" list to relax so that you don't feel like you are spending the entire summer working on finding an internship or job.

2. Stay Social. Social networking is always a good choice when trying to remain visible even when nobody is around. Now is a good time to create or populate your LinkedIn account so you can connect with companies, hiring managers and alumni. Ask for informal meetings or to make connections.

3. Network. Networking is pretty much one of the best ways to secure a job and you should not slack on this major step during the summer. Industry events, career fairs and conferences are still happening. Attend them. People will be hosting summer outings, a prime opportunity to meet new people and articulate your career goals. And make sure that your "backyard of contacts" knows you are looking!

4. Apply. Make it a point to try and apply for a few internships or jobs per week. Be strategic and really write a solid cover letter, a unique and highly customized document, for each opportunity. Don’t spray your resume into the internet vortex and pray that someone gives it a second look. Less is more. Check on LinkedIn to see if you know anyone who works there.

Hiring still happens over the summer, and if you stay on top of your search you can make great strides. So do have a great summer vacation but don't take a vacation from your job/internship search – businesses still have to function and positions still need to be filled. Instead, take your efforts to the next level and be better positioned to land something for fall and beyond.

See you at The Career Center in September! 

Michele

Backyard BBQ

Summer is here! And what better time for a backyard BBQ?! And since we are always career-minded here at the Career Center – I often like to compare the elements of a backyard BBQ to a job search:

1. Who's on the guest list/in your backyard? (your established contacts). This would include people in your social circle, relatives, friends, professors, old bosses or co-workers. Have you told them you are looking for an internship or job? Do they know (if) you graduated?

2. Your tools - (in this case a resume, cover letter, linked in profile, portfolio, website) Only instead of a spatula, tongs and forks and knives - make sure you have all of the job essentials . You want to be ready if Aunt Bess tells you to send your resume to her boss.  

3. The grill - what's sizzling? (what's new and exciting in your career path, area of study or on your resume)? Do you have adequate gas for your grill? What are you doing lately to demonstrate that you are engaging in your career pursuits – are you a writer? What are you writing? Are you a bio-chem major? What are you researching? What are you making? What's a new and hot topic to discuss with a potential employer?

4. The menu – what are you serving? (skills and abilities). A variety or the same old, tried and true menu items? Is everything fully cooked or are things still too rare in need of some more time/effort/refining/refreshing? 

5. Who can help? – do you need a side dish, bag of ice or dessert? (a contact name at a company, interview practice, a ride to the bus or train station or to borrow a suit)? There is no shame in asking for a hand.

6. Decorations – are they modern or are they vintage? (how are you presenting yourself)?  Simple, classic, contemporary or elaborate - or are you maybe too fancy or ornate for a job interview?

7. Entertainment - band, DJ, Pandora or Uncle Harry playing the harmonica? (are you entertaining your guests/the employer during your interviews with stories and examples of your work)? What is going to set you apart from the other candidates?

The key ingredients for a successful backyard BBQ (and job search) should be planned out and prepared in advance. This should hopefully be a fun and memorable experience for you and your guests! So ready, set, take a deep breath, be yourself and have fun. And thank your guests for coming and for all of their help.