Hey everyone! Whether you're graduating, still in school or alumni, networking is key. Read this article about the importance of networking and how LinkedIn can help! Plus a quote by CSC's CPP Nate.

http://blogs.usfca.edu/its/2013/04/24/80-of-jobs-are-found-through-networking-linkedin-can-help/

Don't Put It Off

Lately a lot of non-Freshman students have been coming into drop ins with high school experience on their resume and this is a problem. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you are not going to get a job if you only have high school experience. These students look very desperate and scared when I tell them they need to take their high school stuff off and I understand their anxiety but it's my job to give them a reality check. So for any of you out there who are freshman (or beyond) and haven't been doing anything on campus, START NOW. I made the mistake of not doing anything on campus until spring semester of my sophomore year and now I need to get a lot of experience started in a short amount of time. Now, for those of you who are rising Juniors or Seniors, you're going to need to work even harder. First, join some on campus clubs and organizations! It's easy, they usually only meet once a week and it never hurts to make more connections. Second, get some off campus volunteer experience, preferably something related to what you want to do in the future. Third, get an on or off campus job ASAP. Fourth, internships. For internships you're going to need experience and relevant coursework so by following the previous steps you'll have the foundations of experience for an internship, which are key to getting a job after graduation.
A lot of people tell me they don't have time to do these things because of schoolwork and to them I have to say that that is untrue. I know many students who work hard academically and still have a strong activities and experience section on their resume. Your social life may need to become a slightly smaller part of your life but it will be worth it in the long run. I don't want to make anyone panic but for most of you there is still time so get going!

Advice from the Professional Todd Slattengren of Travelers

Todd Slattengren, CPCU |  Account Executive | Travelers National Accounts spoke at got a job/internship lunch celebration on May 2 and left both the interns and new graduates with some great advice listed bellow. All great things to know for student that got internships or jobs. 

USF – Got a Job/Internship Lunch Celebration – May 2

Advice for Interns

*Congratulations – This is a long interview process for both your employer and YOU. 

*Be an enthusiastic member of the team.  Make sure you are completing the projects/tasks they specifically ask you to do on time and done right.  Once you do that, I encourage you to raise your hand to volunteer for additional projects/assignments, teams, etc.

*learn the Internal culture – don’t assume, ask around if you are not sure

*Take advantage of opportunities to meet people in other divisions, units, departments, clients/peers.  Be prepared for the meetings and ask for business cards if available.

*Maintain list of contacts you made within the company during your internship; be sure to thank all of them at the end of the internship.  At minimum, ask your Supervisor/Manager for a letter of Recommendation.

*Stay in contact with your Manager/Supervisor next year, even after the internship.  Your engagement will help you stand apart from other interns or potential new hires.

*Establish a LinkedIn Profile, and be careful what you post on Facebook!!

*Interviews – sign up for all you apply for, learn about the company/role, ask questions during the interview, Thank the person afterwards (email, hand-written note, do not call)

*use the USF Alumni network to build your personal Network to help in your job search

*Keep an open mind – you may not land your “dream job” right away, or your “dream job” might not exist right now. 

Advice for Graduates/New Job

*Congratulations – this is an exciting and nerve racking time in your life. 

*Embrace change – it will be your only constant through the next 40-50 years

*Be attentive to the requirements and expectations of your job.  Raise your hand to volunteer for projects, assignments, committees but only if you can handle your current responsibilities well.

*Seek out Feedback from your Manager/Supervisor (Formal as well as Informal)

*Set up and Invest in a retirement plan – 401k, IRA, 403B, etc.  If your employer offers a match, put in at least as much as needed to earn the company match.  You are giving away free money if you do not do that.

*Adapt to the Company culture (work style in office/mobile, dress code, participation, etc.)

*Continue Professional Development in your field, especially if your company supports it

*Pros of Millennial Generation – Technologically advanced, adaptable to flexible work schedule, highly conscious to social and environmental issues

*Cons of Millennial Generation – Impatient/overconfident, sense of entitlement, cannot handle constructive criticism

*Seek out Mentors (within the Company/Organization) and outside as well.  They do not have to be in the same industry, in fact there are a lot of benefits of having a mentor in a different industry

*use the USF Alumni network to build your personal Network – also, join and be active and available for the students coming up behind you

*keep an open mind – opportunities may come up that requires you to relocate to another state or internationally – could be short term or permanent

*Be engaged in your community – education, healthcare, Arts/Music, Environmental causes

*Money is not everything and the key to all happiness – in time, you will find the right mix for you regarding compensation, benefits, challenging and engaging work, fit in company that matches your core values, work/life balance

*Establish a LinkedIn Profile, and be careful what you post on Facebook!!

 -Nate