Should I? Should I not?

People always ask, when do you send in a cover letter? or Do you need to send a cover letter in even if they didn't ask for one? The answer is yes, yes, yes. Always send a cover letter no matter what, unless the job description says "please do not send in cover letter" or if the company’s website doesn't allow you to post a cover letter. It is always better to send a cover letter even if not stated because most employers think it is expected and it looks really good, showing your research and knowledge. It also looks bad when you do not send one in and another applicant sends their cover letter in.

A cover letter is also a great way to introduce yourself and show how you can contribute to the company you're applying to and why you're not only the best candidate but you have the experience and knowledge they are looking for. So the best thing to do is try your best and get a cover letter done and send both the resume and cover letter, but do not forget to stop by the USF Career Services Center located on the UC 5th floor, so we can take a look at it and help you. Our drop in hours are Monday through Friday 11am- 2pm. 

-Aloha Nate

Fight Senioritis! There's still a lot of work to do!

Seniors, you're almost there!! As you get ready to graduate and begin reflecting on where you are going/what you are going to do after graduation, use the following as a basic checklist for things you should get done before you leave USF:

• Meet with a career counselor and plan a strategy to maximize your senior year/summer.
• Sign up for On-Campus Interviews on DonsCareers.
• Decide on your best option after graduation, and come up with one or two backup plans just in case.
• If you are considering graduate school pick up the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, CBEST, PRAXIS, or MCAT test bulletins.
• Attend Resume Writing and Interviewing Workshops.
• Learn market trends and salary expectations for your industry and career of interest.
• Gather relevant job application materials. (Resume, Cover Letter, References, Examples of Previous Work)
• Attend the Career Fair to network and discuss opportunities with Bay Area Employers
• Identify top skills/interests from past work experience to prepare for interviews.
• Set up a videotaped mock interview session to practice your skills.
• Use DonsCareers to identify job opportunities.
  
  Congratulations Seniors! You've worked hard your years here and deserve the best!!  

Inquiries and Internships

Hello all!

        As the Summertime approaches, I myself have been on the hunt for a good internship that would help me gain experience...not to mention, something nice to add to my resume! I went on DonsCareers and Internship Exchange, and got an idea of what kind of internship I was really interested in. From there, I started Googling away companies that I would like to intern at. I looked over my resume, wrote out a few cover letters (because they should be specific for each company you apply for), and sent out my inquiry emails! I expected to receive, “Thanks, but no thanks” emails back from the companies, but it was quite the opposite. I got a response! In fact, I have been scheduled for a face to face interview later this week. There is no harm in sending out emails saying you’re interested! One of the company managers actually said “Thanks for reaching out and showing interest!” Don’t lose hope, there’s still time! Just get a move on! Show you’re interested and get that internship! Lastly, if you would like to do a Summer internship, but cannot this year, you can still get a jump start on researching internships for the Fall semester!

Good Luck!

--Victoria

GRAD SCHOOL???

Are you thinking about going to grad school? Do you think it’s right for you? Is it needed for you to reach your ultimate goal? Need a game plan? Come into the Career Services Center on the UC 5th Floor if you answered yes or even hesitated to answer one of these questions. We have things that will help you in the tough process of grad school from exploring, to planning, to the application and more. Grad school is both important and expensive, not to mention a huge decision. If you are having trouble laying out your options or making a life changing decision come to meet with a counselor that will help you determine what might best fit you as an individual. Our office also provides handouts and online resources about the test process and different grad schools. You can also check out the Career Service Center Graduate School Link  for addition information or to start your grad school process. Don't hesitate, were only an appointment away! So Drop in and ask for some help. We welcome every student with open arms!

-Aloha Nate

1 Year Left Juniors...

Ok juniors, time to get crackin' if you haven't been already. This is a very crucial time in your college career and you need to make sure you have a plan to make senior year a lot less stressful. Here are some tips:

• Explore current occupational information in our online resources
• Identify internships in DonsCareers and Internship Exchange 
• Take the Strong, or CISS and the MBTI assesment tests to help you explore your career options
• Research possible graduate schools at the Annual Graduate & Professional School Fair.
• Understand admission requirements, timelines, and procedures for Grad Schools.
• Attend the Career Fair and find out what employers will be looking for.
• Talk to a career counselor about career options or graduate school.
• Create a LinkedIn Profile, the online professional networking community, and join USF LinkedIn group.
  
• Prepare or update your resume and get counselor feedback.
• Get a summer job or internship related to your major or career interests.

You can always stop by during our drop in hours to discuss these plans in more detail with a career counselor.

Best of Luck,
Rosie

Second Year Career Plans

How are those yearly action plans coming along? As promised, here is the next set of steps targeted to second year students. Essentially though, it is all about creating your individual action plan based on your individual needs.

Second Year:

• Find a part-time job, off-campus or on-campus, to build your work experience
• If you are undecided about your major, meet with a career counselor
• Work with a career counselor to clarify values, and identify preliminary career interest
• Read about careers in CSC Resource Library
  
• Attend the Study Abroad Fair in the Fall and Spring Semesters
• Ask a counselor to help you prepare or update a resume
• Go on an informational interview or job shadow someone in careers of interest.
• Learn how to network to get a job.
  
• Apply for an internship to begin fall semester of your junior year
• Take a leadership role in a student club or organization to build new skills and gain valuable experience.

Remember to stop by our office to review your plans!

Rosie

Confused?

Hello, all!

As the end of the semester nears, common thoughts are “Wow, this is going by a lot faster then I thought it would...” or “What am I going to DO?” Believe me, you are not the only one thinking this! If you are confused about what you want to do, or what you want to do with your major, there ARE resources available to you!
    -What Can I Do With This Major??
    -Career Planning Handouts
    -Curious about those "career tests" you've heard about?
Last, but not least, you are more than welcome to come by drop in hours (11am-2pm, Monday through Friday) to just talk it out, then we can schedule you an appointment with one of Career Counselors to delve deeper into career possibilities.

No time like the present!

--Victoria