Post on 26-Jan-2015
description
1
TEST your strengths and interests
Career Center | Student Affairs | Duke University
CAREER GUIDE
UNCOVER what drives you
DISCOVERopportunities
DEVELOP search skills and strategy
Tell your unique story
ATT008903B
MSMART
baf
ATTCAM006
DUKE UNIVERSITY
1
8.0000 x 5.2500
Selected as one of the 2013 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads by Experience.com, at AT&T we have a whole line-up of nationallyrecognized internships and development programs for top talent just like you.
You’ll gain invaluable experience through real-world projects and challenges. Plus you'll have access to premier learning and trainingprograms, which are continually ranked at the top by Chief Learning Officer Magazine.
It’s all designed to take you to the next level. You’ll put your talents to work with an industry leader and have the ability to launch anamazing career.
Connect with us today. Text ATT DUKE to 33733 or visit att.jobs/duke Diversity is the AT&T way of standing apart. Equal OpportunityEmployer. © 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&Tand the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.
Get to thefuture first.
Our next big thing could be you!
For 25 years, Putnam Associates has been providing strategic business and analytical services to the top pharma-ceutical and medical device companies around the world.
Putnam’s exclusive focus on life sciences organizations offers a unique opportunity to develop extensive knowledge at all stages of franchise development and marketing.
Visit us on campus to learn about joining our team:
Career FairSeptember 11
Information SessionSeptember 19 from 6:30-7:45pm at Von Canon A
Application DeadlineSeptember 20 putassoc.com
3
WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE . . .
IN
DE
XCareer Guide
2013-2014
The Career Guide is
published annually by the
Duke University
Career Center
within the
Division of Student Affairs.
Copyright ©2013
Duke University
All rights reserved
5 It is Your Career5 How to Use This Guide6 About the Career Center8 The Career Development Process
9 Your Board of Advisors
10-13 SELF-INQUIRY
10 Assess your Values, Skills, Interests, and Personality12 Review your Experience12 Next Steps and Selected Resources
13 Making Career Decisions
14-17 EXPLORATION14 Read14 Talk15 Do15 The Graduate School Option16 Next Steps and Selected Resources
17 Making the Most of the Experience Buffet
18-21 EXPERIENCE ACQUISITION18 Think Differently About Experience19 Internships19 Consider Professional Fellowships20 Next Steps and Selected Resources
21 Nine Domains to Find Your Fit
22-41 SEARCH SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
22 Are You Search Savvy24 Professional Networking25 Managing Your Online Reputation26 Top Search Strategies28 Connect with Employers30 Resume32 Resume Samples34 Cover Letter37 Interviewing41 Next Steps and Selected Resources
43 WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
4
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is the U.S. subsidiary of Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation since 1899. Building on our experience in hypertension, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, we are excited to be expanding into other important areas such as oncology, where signifi cant unmet medical needs remain. We have created an exceptional working environment that values and rewards individual contributions, but also believe in the power of collaboration. With the fundamental belief that each employee helps shape our success, we are dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines that improve the lives of patients throughout the world.
Find out more about opportunities with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. atWWW.DSICAREERS.COM
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
5
IT IS YOUR CAREER
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Sometimes you might feel as if it is difficult to create goals when the options are seemingly limitless. At other times, you may feel there are not enough opportunities to satisfy all of your interests. Or perhaps you feel confident about your next step and want support in getting there. While at Duke, you will encounter each of these scenarios, sometimes all in the same day!
We invite you to use all of the Career Center resources in your work to identify and make sense of all choices that interest you. Use them to take control of defining and developing a variety of options now and into the future. We at the Career Center recognize that “career” is more than the collection of your degrees, occupations, and proudest achievements. We believe that it is holistic and dynamic. It is the unique integration of a growing range of experiences, shifting influences, accumulation of decisions, and deepening and discarded commitments. You are growing into your career with every experience and all that you learn—about work and about yourself.
We recognize that you are coming to this guide with a point
of view and set of experiences that are uniquely yours.
Whether you’re looking for a path or already on one, use this guide as a jumping-off point from wherever you are to wherever you’d like to be. Whether it’s a campus job, research role, internship, fellowship, full-time or volunteer position, or any of a multitude of opportunities available to you, the advice in this guide applies.
Be sure, however, to look beyond the guide. We’ve written this to motivate, inspire, and get you STARTED. Turn the page to learn more about the wealth of additional resources that we encourage you to utilize.
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is the U.S. subsidiary of Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation since 1899. Building on our experience in hypertension, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, we are excited to be expanding into other important areas such as oncology, where signifi cant unmet medical needs remain. We have created an exceptional working environment that values and rewards individual contributions, but also believe in the power of collaboration. With the fundamental belief that each employee helps shape our success, we are dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines that improve the lives of patients throughout the world.
Find out more about opportunities with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. atWWW.DSICAREERS.COM
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Your curiosity and abilities have been great assets.
We know that your many interests coupled with a
record of achievement in many arenas can render the
career decision-making process somewhat challenging.
CAREER GUIDE // 55
Welcome to the
next stage in your career development process. The
fact that you are reading this introductory letter implies that you are serious about getting on with your professional development and that you are ready to take a series of intentional steps to get there. I hope the Career Guide serves as a valuable resource and that you will use it as a portal to access other campus resources available to you.
One of the most harmful career myths you will encounter during your time at Duke is that there are three or four “best ways to launch a career.” Not only is this not true, it has never been true.
Our primary assumption is that all Duke students, undergraduate and graduate, are among the most diversely interested and diversely able in the world. We don’t assume you need assistance figuring out what you are interested in but rather, which of your interests, abilities, academic strengths, and values you will combine and pursue after Duke. Today’s global marketplace can make those choices difficult and exciting.
I say all of this at the beginning of the Career Guide to get you to read further, and to encourage you to use the Guide as a transition point to a more active engagement with the resources of the Career Center.
At the Career Center, we work at the intersection of dreams and reality and you can find us in Smith Warehouse—see you there soon.
Bill Wright-SwadelFannie Mitchell Executive DirectorDuke University Career Center
Welcome from the Director
Smith Warehouse
Career CounselingCall us or stop by to schedule an appointment with a counselor. Use your first appointment to introduce yourself and come up with a plan to meet your needs.
Drop-In AdvisingNo appointment necessary. Use this convenient resource for all of your time-sensitive needs. Expect to spend 10-15 minutes weekday afternoons with an advisor for your specific questions. (http://goo.gl/yOVWS)
WorkshopsWe will host virtual guests and events in addition to traditional presentations in person. Throughout the year, workshops will include a wide variety of topics, featuring an interesting range of guests.
Career Center LibraryBrowse our collection of reference materials and books for inspiration or help in preparation. Most items can be checked out.Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
On-Campus InterviewsMeet with employers who come to campus to hire interns or full-time staff. Use your eRecruiting account to apply for opportunities and schedule interviews as they become available.
ABOUT THE CAREER CENTER
We’re Hereto Help! [[
6
DukeUniversity
147
15-5
01
Erwin Rd
SmithWarehouse
Cameron Blvd
Duke University Rd
And
erso
n St
Swift
Ave
Broa
d St
W Main St
W Main St Hillsborough Rd Nin
th S
t
West Club Blvd
Buch
anan
Blv
d
7CAREER GUIDE // 7
ABOUT THE CAREER CENTER
Duke University Career CenterOpen All Year Monday-Friday
9am-5pm
Smith WarehouseBay 5 Second Floor
114 S. Buchanan Blvd.
Box 90950
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 660-1050
career-student@studentaffairs.duke.edu
Subscribe to our Career News newsletter for weekly updates. Manage your email subscriptions within “Administration” in eRecruiting.
Our Event calendar is always available on our website under “Events.”
You are invited to take advantage of the wide variety of resources available to you from the
moment you arrive at Duke until after you leave. In fact, we encourage it! Having no sense
of what to do next is the perfect reason to introduce yourself. Let us be a partner in your
exploration and decision-making process.
Around Campus
Workshops and Drop-In Advising Come to YouWe don’t spend all of our time at the Career Center. We schedule presentations and meetings all over campus.
Information SessionsAttend presentations hosted by many types of organizations to learn more about them and opportunities available to you.
EventsWe bring many guests to Duke, often with the help of fantastic campus partners. Some of our annual events include:Fannie Mitchell Expert in Residence Program- knowledgeable professionals share their expertise and advice with youCareer Fairs – Employers who are looking to hire for internships and full-time opportunities attend to meet face to face with students.The Fannie Mitchell Conference on Career Choices – Many Duke alums return to campus to discuss their careers and decisions made along the way. We sponsor this event in partnership with the Duke Alumni Association.Duke Arts Festival – Meet and learn from alums in arts, media, and entertainment and have an opportunity to showcase your own talents. We plan this event in partnership with the Duke Alumni Association and Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts.Diversity Networking Dinner and Diversity Forum - Employers committed to hiring a diverse staff attend these annual events to meet Duke students in a conversational setting.
Presentations By RequestVisit our website to request a workshop. We bring a variety of presentations and discussions to your organization, residence hall, or group of friends. If you can gather a crowd, we’ll join you!
Online
The Career Center WebsiteIn-depth tips, strategies, and resources are available on the website, and we’re always creating more. (http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career)
Subscriptions and DatabasesWe sponsor and host a wide variety of tools and databases available to Duke students. See the Next Steps portion of each section of this guide for specific recommendations. For a comprehensive overview, visit Online Tools & Resources on our website.
Social MediaLike the Career Center Facebook Page to learn about events at Duke, see our favorite career-related articles, see the week’s featured opportunity, and more.
Follow our Twitter account where we share all of our events, career-related articles, and an occasional live-tweet of a panel or presentation.
We filter the web so that you don’t have to. View links that we’ve saved and sorted by topic in our Delicious account.
Subscribe to our YouTube account to be notified when we post videos of guests we’ve invited to campus or advice from your peers. Our library is always growing.
We maintain a library of programs at Duke’s ITunesU site. Download a lecture or presentation to listen or viewon the go.
8
Believe it or not, you already know a lot
about yourself and your career. Your
career is something you build every day
with the habits you establish and break,
ideas you explore, people you meet,
and decisions you make. All of your life
experiences provide you with
insight into your unique
preferences. The key
to making satisfying
life choices is being
aware of the things
you already know
about yourself and the
world, and using this
acquired insight when
faced with an opportunity or
crossroads.
You can expect to cycle through a process
of learning about yourself again and again
during your time at Duke, and also the
entirety of your career and life. The endless
discovery is what is fun! You will continually
use your past experiences to identify new
insights, new options, and new steps.
You already bring a set of your own
preferences and life experiences to this
process of continual learning and
decision-making. Uncover
what drives you, discover
opportunities, test your
strengths and interests in
the world, and develop your
search skills and strategy.
Being fully engaged in ALL
aspects of the cycle gives you
ownership and control over that
which comes next for you.
Is this hard work? Yes. Is it worth it?
Absolutely. The Career Center works with
you to make sense of the unknown or to take
steps toward your goals with success. We are
your partners in all steps of this process.
The CareerDevelopment Process[ [
9
As you learn and build your career path, meeting new people and “enlisting” them to your personal Board of Advisors is a key strategy for success. Think about the many people who have had (or could have!) a positive influence in your life.
Look into the future and consider whom you might strategically seek out to add to your board, in addition to staying in touch with those you already know. Every person you encounter over time gets to see a different piece of you at your best (and possibly worst) and can be called upon for insights into significant aspects of who you have been and who you are becoming.
Build and use your Board of Advisors to learn about yourself and to imagine and discover YOUR possibilities. The benefits could include: •Feedbackonhabits,patterns,andstrengthsthatyouhaven’tnoticedaboutyourself •Adviceonstepstotake,peopletomeet,andresourcesorstrategiestoconsider •Insightintohowyouradvisorshavemadedecisionsinthepastandwhatotheroptions they considered •Insideinformationaboutwhatatypicaldayislike •Suggestionsforopportunitiesthatmightexciteyou
Enlist a supervisorYour supervisors are great advisors, even when you no longer work at the organization. Many will
suggest you stay in touch, or you could ask if they are open to the possibility.
Staying in touch doesn’t mean having to request something every time you talk. If you come across information or do something that might be interesting to the person, share it! The sentiment, “thinking of you”, goes a long way and can be a great reason to send an email or pick up the phone.
Here are some great updates to share. I thought of you when: •Ilearnedsomethinginclass. •Isawsomethinginthenews. •IusedsomethingIlearnedwhenworkingwithyou. •Ifollowedyouradvice. •Imentionedyou(oryourorganization)tosomeone.
Enlist a professorFind something you’re genuinely curious about as a reason to talk. People, even professors (!), tend to be flattered when others express interest in something that is important to them. You can use the words, “I’m trying to understand…” as a way to start these conversations.
Some other examples might include: •Youmentioned…inyourlecture.I’mtryingtobetterunderstandhowthisconnectsto… •Weworkedon…intheproblemset.I’mtryingtounderstandwhythistechniqueis
preferred over… •Beingaprofessorseemsinterestingtome.I’mtryingtobetterunderstandwhatitislike. •Canyoutellmeaboutwhatyoudo?Howyoudecidedtodothis?Whatelseyouhave
considered? Who you work with? •Thistopicisveryinterestingtome.I’mtryingtobetterunderstandthewaysthatit
connects to opportunities outside of academic work. Do you know about this or anyone who might?
•Ilearnedabitaboutyourresearchandamintriguedby…Canyoutellmemoreabout…
Your Board of Advisors
Here are some suggestions for insight youcould gain:
Family—know you deeply and over time
Friends—see where you thrive and struggle
Professors—have insight into your academic mind
Coaches—challenge you to overcome obstacles
Advisors—contribute to your decision-making process
Community Leaders—see your passions engaged
Peers—have worked alongside you
Supervisors—have had to give you constructive feedback
Duke Alums—have a common experience
The CareerDevelopment Process
SELF
INQUIRY SE
LF-IN
QU
IRY
Uncover What Drives You Through a process of self-inquiry, you will gain insight into your values, interests, skills, personality, and what you have learned from unique experiences. These are the critical data that will drive your career planning and development.
Self-Inquiry is not a one-time event. It is the best way to start thinking about your career and a place to return when contemplating transitions and significant decisions about your career. As you grow and change with new experiences and exposure to new ideas, you will return to this process many times. The more aligned your career decisions are with who you know yourself to be, the more likely you will feel fulfilled and successful.
Benefits of Self-InquiryYou will make well-informed decisions to set yourself up for the outcomes that matter to you throughout your career.You will better articulate your strengths and interests to others who can offer valuable guidance, connections, and opportunities.
Assess your Values, Skills, Interests, and PersonalityValues, skills, interests, and personality are lenses through which you can look at your life experience. Each is a different view into you. Use these viewpoints to identify patterns that naturally emerge through the choices you make. The exercises on the following page can help you get started. A career counselor can help you interpret and learn from your responses.
Remember! This is only a starting point. Look beyond the guide to other Career Center resources for more.
Personality
Values
Skills
Interests
10
11
Communicating Clearly
Managing a Project
Collaborating towards a Goal
Writing Persuasively
Learning Quickly
Researching Thoroughly
Innovating
Compiling a Budget
Balancing Priorities
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Your skills are the abilities that you possess. Skills are developed and improved with practice and over
time, though they can be influenced by a natural knack or unique talent. Communicating your skills in
a way that builds confidence requires that you give evidence of your past exposure and success.
Exercise: Using the list below for inspiration, come up with ten skills that describe your current
strengths. Next, come up with ten that describe those you expect will be important in your fields of
interest. How do they compare? Note overlaps as well as gaps.
Inventory Your SkillsValues are the principles that we find important
and influence the way we live our daily lives.
Our identification with specific values tends not
to grow or diminish instantly or dramatically but
evolve over time.
Exercise: Rank the list of values below in
order of importance for you. Use the blanks to
incorporate values beyond what is included here.
____Variety
____Loyalty
____Fun
____Structure
____Influence
____Recognition
____Creativity
____Financial Compensation
____Job Security
____Having Visible Impact
____Intellectual Stimulation
____Colleague Relationships
____Independence
____Being an Expert
____Respect
____Taking Risks
____Relationships
____Learning
____ ___________________________
____ ___________________________
____ ___________________________
Explore Your Values
Interests run the range from a passing curiosity to something with consistent
and lifelong appeal. Your interests can include your passions, hobbies, and
curiosities. Your career can evolve to include the interests that you have not
yet pursued as much as those to which you are already committed.
Exercise: Psychologist John Holland identified these six areas of
occupational interest. Rank this list from the most to least descriptive of the
patterns in your interests.
______ Realistic Practical: Enjoy practical and physical;
engage with tools, machines, and gadgets
______ Investigative Analytical: Enjoy gathering information and
analysis; appreciates intellectual activities
______ Artistic Creative: Enjoy aesthetics and self-
expression; favor unstructured environments
______ Social Connected: Enjoy helping, training, and
counseling; thrive side-by-side with others
______ Enterprising Influential: Enjoy persuasion and managing;
prefer to lead
______ Conventional Systematic: Enjoy details and accuracy;
comfortable within a chain of command
Identify Your Interests
Assess Your PersonalityYour personality is unique to you and includes inherent traits as well as
habits that you’ve acquired over time in realms like gathering information,
making decisions, and relating to others. Better understanding
characteristics of your personality can help you to articulate the
circumstances under which you thrive, or natural strengths that you can
utilize, regardless of your environment.
Exercise: Describe yourself at your best and most natural in response to
these prompts.
What energizes you? _______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
How do you gather information? _____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
What guides your decisions? _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
What approaches do you use to conduct your life? _______________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
11
12
Review your Experience
REVI
EW
With a little distance (or a lot!) from the collection of your past activities, you can continue to discern the patterns and designs that make up the mosaic of your life’s experiences. And
while distance certainly comes with time, you can put some space between yourself and an ongoing experience through active, ongoing reflection, e.g., journaling.
To get started, make a list of memorable experiences. Include experiences you consider rewarding as well as those you consider disappointing. Make room for those that may seem irrelevant, unimportant, or too far in the past.
Feel free to use the following list of kinds of experiences to help you brainstorm:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
•On-campusjobs•Academicprojects•Research•Internships•Studyabroad•Politicalactivities
•Sports•Volunteerengagements•Campusleadership•Studentclubs•ROTC•Jobshadowing
•Faithcommunity commitments•Hobbies/recreational activities•Entrepreneurialventures•Vacations
For each experience you list, consider the following questions:
What led you to choose that experience?
Why did you choose that experience over others?
What, if anything, did you sacrifice when choosing that experience? How did you feel about making that sacrifice?
Who and/or what influenced your choosing that experience?
What did you especially like/dislike about that experience (consider activities, people, environment, etc)?
What skills and personal characteristics did you demonstrate or develop during that experience?
How was that experience connected or disconnected from other past and subsequent experiences?
What was most memorable about that experience?
Next Steps and Selected Resources: Self-Inquiry
•Useacareercounselingappointmenttobeginexposingpatternsinyourvalues,skills, interests, and personality. (http://goo.gl/q72KX)
•VisittheCareerCenterwebsiteforanexpandedsetofself-inquiryexercises.Self-Inquiry Guide (http://goo.gl/4b2MD)
•ConsiderthequestionsidentifiedintheNineDomainstoFindYourFit(Page 21).
•SeekinputfrommembersofyourBoardofAdvisors(Page9).
13
REVI
EWTake a moment to reflect on why you chose to apply and come to Duke.
This decision was likely influenced by a number of factors such as advice from family, interest in a specific academic program, scholarships or financial aid, campus life and sports, geographic location, a campus visit, and others. You may wish to use the diagram below to recall the various factors that influenced YOUR decision. Feel free to create more bubbles if necessary!
Making Career Decisions
Looking at the factors that were involved, mark those that were the strongest influence on this important decision and consider the following questions:
What does this specific decision teach you about your decision-making style?Have the influences and factors in your decision-making process changed since deciding on Duke? How and why?Are these the factors that drive most of your important decisions? What differs? How and why?With hindsight, do you notice anything significant you may have overlooked at the time? Would you bring different information to the table?
Remember! You can always choose to approach future decisions differently. This exercise reveals some of your past patterns and you can use this information to determine how to move forward.
Taking Career RisksIn addition to all of these factors, go back and think about yourself as a risk taker. What kind of risk taker have you been? Were there elements of deciding to be here that involved a leap of faith? What about other options that you set aside in order to be here? Were they more risky? Less?
Taking measured risks by putting yourself out into the world to discover how you fit is a critical part of career discovery. We encourage you to build upon a series of comfortable risks over time, and to learn to identify your boundaries as you go. The series of decisions you make over time can be exhilarating—do not let risk be paralyzing!
Photo: andy_cp16
Next Steps and Selected Resources: Self-Inquiry
EXPL
ORA
TIO
NDiscover Opportunities
READ
TALK
Be a savvy information consumer and research careers while approaching information critically. Embrace a variety of sources and exploration methods to gain deeper insight into new possibilities. Like your academic coursework, you must continuously assess the reliability, validity, and bias of your sources. As your perspective widens, so do your choices.
Look through a professional lens.You can learn a lot about your areas of interest from your computer screen or a print publication. Some key patterns you’ll want to narrow in on include:•Where do people in this field go for professional news and
updates? For jobs and internships?•Whatmemberships,affiliations,orcertificationsare
common or relevant?•What qualities or experiences are (in)consistent in the
histories or profiles of the people who impress you?
Some ideas for information sources:•Websites•Blogs•DiscussionBoards•TradeJournals•ReferenceBooks•MemoirsandBiographies
Words of warning! Do not get stuck here. A good exploration strategy will get you talking and doing, too.
Learn through others’ experiences.Explore fields of interest through conversations with people whose work intrigues you. Put yourself in their shoes and see how well they fit!
Consider any encounter a chance to have such a conversation. No need to wait for the perfect situation or a formal career-related event. A waiting room, grocery store line, or a family gathering are all great places to gain insight from others about their careers.
Take It to the Next Level: Informational Interviewing Informational interviewing is a great conversational tool for gaining a personal and practical perspective on your career interests and building relationships with individuals in fields you may choose to pursue.
With informational interviewing, the ball is in your court. Here are the basics:Identify individuals whose personal career path, organization, or broader field of work interests you. Feel free to start with people in your inner circle. After all, do you really know what your uncle does at his cool sounding job everyday or why your favorite professor chose her field of research? Introduce yourself or ask a mutual acquaintance to make an introduction to someone you do not know. Email is one appropriate way to do this. Consider friends’ parents, Duke alums, or professionals in your community. Briefly explain your curiosity about their work.
Ask for 30 minutes to speak with them about it at a time and location convenient for them (a phone call is also an option, but an online conversation is not). Be punctual, prepared, and professional in your dress and demeanor for the meeting. See below for suggested questions.Take notes while being sure to focus on building rapport and making eye contact.Request referrals to others who would be willing to share information.Keep the conversation on schedule to acknowledge that their time is valuable!Express your gratitude at the conclusion of the conversation and through a thoughtful thank-you note afterwards.
Great Questions for Any Career Conversation:•Howdidyougetstartedinthisfield?Arethere
other entry points as well?•WillIneedmoreformaltrainingtoapplyfor
positions in this field? What organizations provide training on the job?
•Whatdoyoulikemost/leastaboutyourwork?•Whatqualitiesandskillsareneeded?•Whatarethepossibilitiesforadvancement?•Whatnewdevelopmentsareexpectedinthefieldin
the next three to five years?•Whatdoyoureadtokeepinformedofevents,
issues, and openings in your field?•Whatdoesatypicaldaylooklikeforyou?
Be sure to take stock of your impressions as you make new career discoveries.•Whatareyoumotivatedtoexplorefurtherandwhy?•Areyoulearningthingsthataredifferentthanyouexpected,andhowdoyoufeelaboutthisnewpicture?•Didyoudiscoversomethingthatinterestedyouinsomewaysbutnotinothers?•What aspects of the experience were you drawn to, and what aspects were unappealing, and why?•Whatelsedoyouwantandneedtoknow?•Arethereobviousthingstolearnnextthatwillhelpyouunderstandothercomponents?
Here are some suggested strategies with increasing levels of risk and reward. Be sure to employ all three categories to be comprehensive.
14
15
DO!You define experience.Your opportunity to reality-test some of the thing you have learned from others is now! Think broadly and creatively about what defines experience and you will discover ways that you can dabble in new realms or continue to build your expertise. For example, many writers build and maintain a topical blog to develop their craft, as well as display passion and knowledge on a defined topic.
Here are some other ideas:•Asktoshadowandobservesomeoneduringanormalworkday.•Offertovolunteerforanorganization,anevent,orapersontodevelopspecificabilities.•Developyourexperienceinaclubtoshowcaseyourstrengths.•Inventaprojectandoffertodoitforsomeone,ordoitforyou.•Createwaysyoucancontributetoresearchorworkthatintriguesyou.•Secureaninternshipduringtheschoolyear.
“I don’t need to explore… I already know what I want!” Are you sure? We bet you’re not finished yet—exploration builds upon itself, so this might be your opportunity to become more refined in your professional and personal knowledge.
You may use these questions to guide your learning in order to become the most competitive candidate possible:
You may be considering graduate school because you are passionate about a particular intellectual endeavor or because you know you need a certain set of credentials to move forward in your career development. Depending on your goals and interests, an advanced degree may be an option to consider. Before taking this step for granted, take time to think about the reasons you would pursue graduate school, what you would expect to gain, whether it is the best way to achieve your goals, and when you would be ready to make the commitment of time and financial resources.The following are some important factors to account for when considering this weighty decision:
•Theclarityofyourshort-andlong-termcareer goals
•Yourexpectationsaroundhowagraduate education would help you advance some of your goals
•Whethergraduateeducationisthebest way to achieve your desired outcomes and whether there are strong alternatives, e.g., licensures
•Yourabilityandwillingnesstotakeonassociated financial burdens
•Yourcomfortwithputtingotherinterestsand goals on hold to meet the demands of your program
•Kindsofprogramsthatwouldbestmeetyour goals
Whether you seek to practice a profession that requires a specific advanced degree or are interested in a path where there is a less definitive need for such, the issues above are critical. While the majority of Duke undergraduates eventually go on to pursue advanced degrees, such a decision should be based on individual circumstances, interests, and goals.If you have decided that an advanced degree is right for you, the next step is to contact the appropriate resource at Duke to assist you:http://trinity.duke.edu/advising/ preprofessional
•OfficeofHealthProfessionsAdvising•PrelawAdvisingOffice•PreBusinessAdvisingOffice•PregraduateAdvising
The Graduate School Option
Who•Create a detailed profile of the person
who would thrive in the role(s) to which you aspire? Can you do this yet?
•Arethereareasforyourownimprovement?
What•Whatsourcesofinformationand
relationships do the professionals in this field use to keep up with news, trends, and colleagues? Are you paying attention to these, regularly?
•Whatarethestrategiesusedinthisfieldto identify and bring on new talent? What are there motivators, timelines, resources, strategies, or techniques that you need to be aware of?
When•WhenareimportanteventsthatI
should make myself aware of, e.g., a conference?
•Whenisthetypicalhiringcycle?Arethere things that I should prepare for?
Where•Wherearetheareasofchangeand
excitement? Where do experts predict the field will be in the next five years, 10 years, 20 years?
•HowdoIpositionmyselftobepartofthis?
Why•Whydopeoplegointothisfield,
initially? Does it remain the same or change over time?
•Whydopeopleleaveorcomeback?Are there patterns to notice here?
How•Howdidyoudecidethatthiswasyour
best option? •Howhaveyouchallengedortested
this choice?
16
Next Steps and Selected Resources: Exploration
•Useacareercounselingappointmenttodevisearesearchgameplan.Work with a counselor to identify the best resources to use first. (http://goo.gl/q72KX)
•ParticipateinTheFannieMitchellExpert-in-ResidenceProgram, year-round, (http://goo.gl/310Sc) and
The Fannie Mitchell event, early spring semester, (http://DukeExchange.com) to learn from Duke alums
visiting campus.
•UsetheOccupationalNetwork(online.onetcenter.org), especially the “skills search” to match job titles to your interests.
•Identifyandreachouttoavariety of professionals using DukeConnect (www.DukeConnect.com) and by joining the “Duke University Alumni Network” group after making a profile on LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com).
•FamiliarizeyourselfwiththevarietyofinformationresourcesavailabletoyouasaDukestudent.A few to get you started:
Informational Interviewing Guide (http://goo.gl/Di0rS)Learn about the job or sector while building your network.
Job & Career Research Library Guide (http://guides.library.duke.edu/careerresearch)A thorough overview of the best research tools available across Duke.
GoinGlobal (http://goo.gl/oO08L)Essential insights and resources for exploring by location, domestically or abroad.
eRecruiting (http://goo.gl/4L2kF) Register for Career News and email lists that match your interests.
1717
Picture a delicious buffet with your favorite dishes as well as delicacies that you have
heard of but never had the opportunity to try. Food and drink from around the globe,
each prepared to perfection. How do you approach this buffet?
Would you start at the beginning piling on everything that looks delicious as it passes
before you? But then you would be too full to enjoy your favorite dessert at the end.
You could take only a tiny taste of a few things to keep your options open, only to
find yourself still hungry in the end. Perhaps you are already imagining another, more
strategic approach as you read.
When it comes to the vast and tantalizing smorgasbord of experiences accessible to
Duke students, it is not difficult to understand why Dukies tend to behave like hungry
diners piling their plates as high as possible. We know that one of the reasons you were
admitted to Duke was because of your diverse experiences, which demonstrated that you
were an intellectually curious and interesting person.
You may deftly balance your overloaded plate, but are you getting the most enjoyment and benefit from your meal? Or is
your palete overrun by all of the flavors and textures, unable to distinguish savory from sweet, crisp from creamy? Do you
conclude your meal feeling satiated or stuffed? Well nourished or just full?
Let’s go back to the buffet. What’s your best strategy?
Scan your options. Based on what you know about your tastes and preferences, what must you have? Do you see
anything that hadn’t previously piqued your curiosity but does now? What dishes are available that you have not seen or
heard of before now?
Make your selections and enjoy. Choose a balance of nutritious and indulgent options, old favorites and something new.
Not too many selections on one plate—you can always go back for more! Taste each item on its own, then see how the
flavors blend or complement each other. Enjoy slowly and savor.
Assess your satisfaction. Are you still hungry? Was your anticipated favorite less tasty than you had hoped? Leave it on
the plate to save room to eat something else.
Go back for more. You are even more prepared this time around. You know what you like and what you have yet to try.
You have gotten feedback about the things that others have enjoyed. Your preferences are more specific and you are
scanning for particular items that will satisfy you.
Talk about the meal. After leaving the meal you are still talking about it. What did you like and why? Did you skip anything
appealing because you were no longer hungry? Would something else have helped round out the meal for you? Would
you go back for more? If so, what would you have? What would you pass over?
Your career development process is like a buffet. It entails tasting and trying, learning what you like and what you find
unappealing, and even experiencing moments of hunger and excess. You are also learning how to satiate an appetite that
changes with time, and how to get more out of your experience by discussing and reflecting with others.
Bon appétit!
Photo: fazen
Making the Most ofthe Experience Buffet
Test Your Strengths and Interests in the World
Think Differently About Experience
Duke students are renowned for being super-involved on and off of campus; filling their schedules with research, volunteer work, student organizations, creative endeavors, entrepreneurial ventures, studying abroad, internships. You name it, Duke students are doing it!
With each experience you select, you are choosing to develop and utilize particular skills, work with or for certain people, function within a specific structure and environment, acquire particular kinds of knowledge, and grapple with particular problems. The Career Center recommends you examine each of your opportunities to better understand:
What you want to learn or gain?How you want to challenge yourself? What you want to do more (or less) of? What curiosities do you want to satisfy?
By looking at your array of choices with a critical eye, you will be well equipped to determine your next steps, whether your goal is to enhance current knowledge and skills or set forth in a newly-discovered direction.
Once you have determined what you want to learn next by reflecting on your past experiences and future aspirations, there are many ways to pursue your immediate goals. Opportunities abound on campus and in the local community to develop specific knowledge and skills, to build relationships, and to generate further insight about who you are becoming. The key is to be discerning in your choices: the value of any given experience can only be measured in relation to YOUR unique goals and interests.
The list below suggests some of the avenues for gaining experience. Keep in mind that no single club, project, or activity has a monopoly on the knowledge and skill development you seek!
EXP
ERIE
NC
EA
CQ
UIS
ITIO
N
•Studentorganizations(activeparticipation
and/or leadership)
•Communityengagementandvolunteering
•Researchwithaprofessor
•Independentresearch
•Jobshadowing
•Entrepreneurialventures
•Significantprojects,inclassorout
•Athletics
•Hobbies
•Honorsthesis
•Campusandnationalcompetitions
•Tutoring
•Military
18
19CAREER GUIDE // 19
Career Center advisors are eager to talk with you about how these and other experiences may bethe right fit for your personal priorities and interests.
InternshipsThink of internships as a broad set of additional experiences that may complement your on- and off-campus activities and coursework or help you bridge gaps in your exploration, learning, and development. Internships are most often explicitly pre-professional in nature and are one more tool for gaining self-insight, knowledge and skills.
As with your other activities and courses, it is essential that you take a critical approach when pursuing and selecting from the range of internship choices. There is no objective measure for a good internship. The best internships are those that align with your unique values, skills, interests, and personality and that make sense given what else you have learned and experienced thus far. As you learn more and clarify your interests with each experience, your priorities and goals will likely change. Over time, you may choose to mix and match a variety of internship experiences along with your coursework and other experiences to best meet your needs and interests.
Consider Professional FellowshipsThough many students only associate “fellowships” with academic pursuits, professional fellowships are a great option for those seeking short-term work experience, training, and mentorship after graduation. These competitive opportunities—found throughout the world—are typically geared toward cultivating young leaders in various professional fields. As such, they can serve as a fantastic springboard for your career.
For more information about post-graduate professional fellowships, make an appointment with a
career counselor and explore from our website: http://goo.gl/A0f28
For academic fellowships, e.g., Rhodes Scholars Program, the Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows at Duke and its website are excellent resources.
Start Investigating Internships•Meetwithacareercounselortoclarifywhatyouhope
to learn from an internship and develop a personalized strategy—the earlier you begin the conversation, the better! Continue periodic check-in meetings throughout your exploration and search.
•RequesttimetotalkwithmembersofyourBoardofAdvisorsfor advice and perspective. Keep your advisors up to date throughout your exploration and search.
•Talktootherstudentsabouttheirinternshipexperiences.
88% of Duke seniors responding to a 2011
survey reported having had at least one internship
before graduation.
Stretch your summer dollar! There are many
options if you act early: Apply for competitive funding to cover your
costs, stay close to home, take on a part-
time, paid job alongside an internship, or build up your savings before
the summer begins.
19
20
Next Steps and Selected Resources:
Experience Acquisition
?20
•Scheduleacareercounselingappointmenttoidentifystepstowardexperiencesthat strategically align with your curiosities. (http://goo.gl/q72KX)
•CreateanaccountandsetuppersonalizedsearchesineachoftheseDukedatabases to become more aware of the options.
eRecruiting(http://goo.gl/4L2kF)
iNet(http://goo.gl/FSG0A)
UCAN(http://goo.gl/4IutS)
•UseDukeList (dukelist.duke.edu) to identify volunteer, research, and work opportunities at Duke.
•Attendacareerfair. (http://goo.gl/6ERiS)
•Lookforleadsandideasusing these consolidated lists:
Internship Series Online(http://goo.gl/0BKMl)
Internship Feedback Database(http://goo.gl/hgAFk)
e-leads(http://goo.gl/3IUQh)
21
Next Steps and Selected Resources:
Experience Acquisition
?It is both challenging and exciting to imagine your career options. For one thing, your career is and will continue to be multi-faceted, just like you! Whether you are working on your next move, or figuring out your longer-term aspirations, you will gain traction by fleshing out nine intersecting domains, or elements, that comprise your career.
Spend time with the questions below; each refers to a specific domain related to your personal career fulfillment. You do not need to work all of this out in one sitting, but we do encourage you to put your thoughts on paper. Free yourself to be in the present moment with an understanding that your answers to these questions will change over time. This can be a great starting point for an intentional conversation with a career counselor or member of your Board of Advisors (Page 9).
Domains:
Knowledge: In what areas of knowledge, intellectual, personal, experiential, can you claim a particularly strong grasp and find great enjoyment?What do you want to learn next? What do you ultimately want to know?
Skills: What can you do well? Among your capabilities, which do you enjoy using? Which do you prefer NOT to use? What skills do you wish to acquire in the short- and long-term?
Goals: What do you want to accomplish in the short- and long-term?
Values:What are your personal and work values and how do you want them to intersect with your work?Which of your values do you want to hold in common with the people with whom you work?
Environment:In what physical environments do you thrive?In what physical environments do you struggle?
Relationships:What types of relationships do you want in your work (with colleagues, managers, constituents, customers, etc.)?Who do you envision your colleagues to be?
Compensation:What kind of financial compensation do you need or want?What sorts of benefits or perks are important to you?What do you want to learn in your work?What are the sources of your joy?
Location:Where do you want to be?What geographic factors are important to you?
Challenges and Barriers:What real difficulties do you see ahead for you?
Nine Domains to Find Your Fit
? ? ???????
?
?
?
??
SEA
RCH
SKI
LLS
Ready to move forward with your search? Here are a few characteristics that successful and savvy experience seekers possess and implement throughout the search process. These characteristics apply whether you are pursuing an internship, job, volunteer role, fellowship, or membership in a student organization.
Successful seekers REFLECT! Time to search for an opportunity. But wait! What type of experience are you seeking? Why? Take time to think carefully about your skills, strengths, likes/dislikes, and what you want to learn next. Being able to articulate the above will allow you to conduct a search with purpose and direction, ultimately saving you time and minimizing frustration. Reflection is a key component that should be used throughout the process.
Successful seekers conduct a TARGETED SEARCH! Pursuing any and every opportunity you find will produce results that may not align with the direction you would like to head with your career. Target organizations and industries that are of genuine interest to you and tailor your approach (resume, cover letter, proposal, and pitch) to reflect the experiences and skills most relevant and salient for those opportunities.
Successful seekers RESEARCH! You may know the top five employers in your industry of interest, but who are the top 10? Top 20? Don’t limit your knowledge of the world to what you already know. Take time to expand upon this base of knowledge and learn about opportunities and experiences that are interesting to you. Researching organizations and employers allows you to learn about their culture, values, and specific opportunities for career development. Your research will help you determine whether or not there is a potential fit between you and the opportunity or organization, helping you make an informed decision about your next step!
Successful seekers are ORGANIZED! Some searches are especially time consuming. You should anticipate spending several hours a week on your internship, job, or fellowship search. The same may be true of other opportunities. Develop a system that allows you to keep all of your contacts and notes in one place and keep a calendar of relevant events and deadlines. Consider having an email address, folder, or use tags dedicated to your search-related communications. Store your search-related documents electronically in a centralized folder so they are easy to access if needed immediately.
Successful seekers have ENDURANCE and PATIENCE! Since some searches can last several months, be prepared to participate in a process that may not always agree with your preferred timeframe. We are used to immediate gratification in our society, but each organization, employer, or funder works at their own pace for legitimate (if obscure) reasons. As a candidate for the opportunity, you will benefit from being aware of and sensitive to this fact.
Characteristics of a Savvy Internship and Job Seeker
22
Are You Search Savvy?
2323
Successful seekers FOLLOW UP! Following up on your applications and conversations can be the difference between securing an opportunity and remaining in an undifferentiated pile of resumes. By following up, you can confirm that your application is in the right hands, restate your serious interest in the position, and demonstrate follow-through skills so important in professional roles. As with all communications with employers, it is critical to act in a timely, professional, and courteous manner. While you may be eager to know the status of your application, be aware that they may not be able to provide much information at any given time. Your follow-up will nonetheless make a positive impression.
Successful seekers MANAGE SETBACKS WITH POSITIVITY! Being told “no” in your search is never fun, but it’s bound to happen at some point. Rejection can hinge on a number of factors, many of which are out of the your control. While rejection can be frustrating, it is very important to remain positive and not let a setback with one opportunity effect how you present yourself for another prospective experience. Transform rejection into motivation, staying confident that you have many strong characteristics to contribute.
Successful seekers project PROFESSIONALISM AND MATURITY! You are more than the sum of your skills
and previous experiences. Professionalism and maturity can take you a long way. As you connect with people throughout your search, there are many opportunities to demonstrate this, including how you communicate and present yourself.
23
Are You Search Savvy?
Intentional, sustained, and effective networking is a
powerful tool when searching for interesting internships,
jobs, and other experiences. It can significantly augment
other methods for learning about and pursuing career
options, such as on-campus recruiting, social networking,
and online searches.
Believe it or not, networking is something you already
do well! Think about your first weeks on campus,
meeting fellow students and exchanging information
related to your discoveries about Duke life, (bus routes,
campus dining facilities, interesting activities, great
professors, etc.). By sharing information, you were
assisting or receiving help yourself (getting from East
to West Campus on time, finding something fun to do
on Thursday night, etc.). Beyond information, perhaps
you introduced your math-whiz roommate with your
calculus-confused friend for some informal tutoring. Exchanging useful information and seeking and creating helpful introductions are the essence of networking.
The Value of NetworkingStrategically connecting with people enables you to:
•Gaininsiderknowledgeandinsightintothecareer
field, industry, or organization and the day-to-day
experiences, career paths, terminology, organizational
culture, sources of industry information, and more.
•Buildconfidenceovertimeinspeakingaboutyourself,
career interests, and future goals.
•Expandthenumberofpeopleyouknowwhoare
doing things you are curious about.
•Learnaboutopportunities,sometimesbeforethey
become publicized (Note: Networking is NOT the
same as asking for a job).
•Refineyourgoals,makewell-informeddecisions
in your search, and make a positive impression
on employers and those who are evaluating your
candidacy.
Professional Networking
24
25
Managing Your Online ReputationYou know that employers use the Internet to research potential job candidates. Thus, a necessary part of any job or internship search is to create and maintain a positive online reputation. Use the following steps to move from damage control towards proactive ownership of your online first impression.
Increase Your Awareness. Be sure you know what information is or could be available about yourself online, where it is, and what impression it may create.
•Search your name (and different versions of it) on the major search engines, on different social networks, and sites where you comment. A few not-so-obvious sites to check: Tumblr, Netflix, Flickr, Match, Pinterest, Amazon, Yelp.
•Know the privacy agreement and settings for the various online communities of which you are a member.
•Request feedback from peers and professionals on impressions based your online presence alone. Would they hire you? Why or why not?
•Familiarize yourself with sites where your potential colleagues or supervisors gather and participate online.
Protect Your Image. Ensure potential employers only see information that conveys a positive image. You do not want them to question your professionalism, judgment, or ability to represent their organization.
•Adjust the privacy settings for all online accounts. •Remove content and tags that could negatively
influence a potential employer’s first impression. •Hide or delete old accounts that do not best represent
you. •Request that information about you posted by others
be removed if you are opposed to it.
Build a Professional Presence. Present your name, accomplishments, and aspirations in ways that can be accessible to others.
•Use social networks to create and maintain a public profile that represents your accomplishments and a sense of the professional you are becoming and you are comfortable with the public seeing.
•Display a copy of your resume and a portfolio of your accomplishments online.
•Promote your profiles and/or website, e.g., add a link to your email signature.
•Contribute to conversations relevant to your fields of interest through media like blogs, LinkedIn groups, and/or Twitter.
Own Your Presence. Assert greater control of your online identity by owning it yourself.
•Create a personal website that serves as a professional resume and portfolio. Update this regularly with new content.
•Continue your activities online and watch your name and professional identity become more prominent in search engines. Set a goal to take over the whole first page of Google when someone searches your name.
Networking BasicsWith practice comes improvement. Ever hear the phrase, “fake it ‘till you make it?” No one needs to know that you’re nervous or that you’ve never done this before. On the other hand, if it makes you more comfortable, feel free to tell people this is new for you. It’s okay. Even after years of practice, introducing yourself to someone new can feel risky. But it is worth it. Students we talk to most commonly say that their level of nervousness far exceeded the actual task, and that the conversation was fun! Just remember that almost any interpersonal encounter can be an opportunity for intentional networking.•Know yourself: skills, interests, values, personality, and
accomplishments.•Make a list of your current relationships—personal,
professional, academic, and beyond. Add Duke alums to your list! Your first-degree contacts will be instrumental in connecting you with other people you do not yet know, your second-degree contacts.
•Do not discount individuals because you think they do not know the right people. They do not need to be in the area you are pursuing to have valuable relationships to share.
•Create a plan for reaching out to your first-degree contacts and for keeping track of your communications. You might want to start with people who seem to have the closest connections to your interest area OR with those whom you feel most comfortable with. Either way will work. The point is to create a plan you can act on!
•Do your homework. Learn a little bit about each person you contact (profession, current projects, company, relevant personal information, etc.). Use the power of the Internet to your advantage.
•Draft and practice your opening communication (verbal introduction, email, etc.). Discuss this with a friend, career advisor, or someone from your Board of Advisors (Page 9).
•Make your move! Send an email first; follow with a phone call. Or simply CALL! Assign yourself a daily quota. Be persistent but not pushy.
•Follow up! Call again within a week if you receive no response. Arrange a meeting in person or by phone. Ask for 30 to 45 minutes only. You could get even luckier!
•Set the tone. Know and explain why you are calling and what you hope to learn (industry information, career exploration, job search advice, graduate or professional school guidance, etc.) You are NOT asking for a job.
•Ask for referrals. One of your most important questions is, “Whom do you recommend I contact for additional information?”
•Send a thank-you note within 48 hours! Email is OK! A personal letter can be very effective, too.
•Maintain connections. Nurture the relationships by staying in touch and letting them know where you land.
•Be patient. Networking yields results that often accumulate over time. Never stop networking!
26
Top Search Strategies Before you jump into your search, consider a few
recommendations that will help you to search
smart, manage your time, and implement an
effective plan.
•Asearchisalong-termprocess.Longer than
many people anticipate. Plan to spend four or
more months gearing up and implementing
a search for a full-time or highly competitive
internship opportunity. Many students have
compared this commitment to taking an
additional class.
•Setasidetimeonaregularbasis.Unlike
a paper or project that can be postponed or
worked on in surges, the best searches are
spread over time. Put time on your calendar each
week—an hour or so for downtime and several
hours during peak periods.
•Prioritizeyourinterests. Spend time exploring
to effectively target your search to your
interests. Three fantastic applications to great-fit
opportunities tend to reap more rewards than
100 scattershot applications.
•Learnwhatanoptimalcandidateprofileincludes. The better picture you have of the
person who would be selected for your desired
role, the more effective you will be at presenting
your own experiences. Utilize the three
exploration methods discussed earlier in this
guide to get a well-rounded view (Page 14).
•Practicepresentingyourselfinwritingandin conversation. Your ability to articulate what
you want and why comes only through reflection
and practice. Create opportunities to rehearse
before you find yourself in an interview for that
coveted position.
•Getfeedback.Have others read your resume
and guess what kind of position you are seeking.
Practice introducing yourself and expressing your
professional interests to family or friends. Ask
your roommate to role-play an interview with you.
•Trackyourprogress. Keep records so that you
know what applications and documents have
gone where and when. Track whom you have
talked to, when, how you have followed up, and
whether more follow up is expected. This helps
you when preparing for an interview or actively
managing your conversations and professional
relationships. It also gives you a record of your
progress for days that feel stalled.
Ethical Conduct in Your SearchWhile you are keeping track of all the elements of your search, be sure your ethical conduct remains a constant the whole way through. Should you have questions about the ethical thing to do in a given situation, please contact the Career Center. We are here to help clarify and explain whatever may seem muddy. If you are in a pinch for time, always err on the side of caution.
The following are expectations for how to conduct yourself in a way that is ethical so as to prevent situations that could result in a permanent scar on your professional reputation within an industry as well as damage to the reputation of Duke students as a whole:
Be 100 percent truthful and accurate on your resume. Embellishments and exaggerations are considered lying. Employers often look beyond candidates’ resumes to verify information that candidates have provided. Don’t falsify, stretch, or bend information such as your GPA, SAT scores, involvement in activities, leadership roles you have held, or results in competitions in which you have participated. On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Falsifying your resume may result in being reported to Duke’s Office of Student Conduct and subject to sanctions, being banned from the Career Center’s on-campus recruiting program permanently, and forfeiting employment opportunities.
Attend interviews to which you have committed. By agreeing to an interview (whether through eRecruiting, email, or phone), you are making a commitment. Should you need or desire to withdraw from an interview, timely notification is a must. On-Campus Recruiting Policy: You may remove yourself from an interview schedule no less than two business days prior to your interview. Students who withdraw any later or do not show up will be barred from the On-Campus Recruiting program. Reinstatement will require a letter of apology to the recruiter and a meeting with a Career Center staff member.
Communicate in a timely manner with employers. Don’t ignore phone calls and emails from employers as you go through the process of accepting or declining interviews or job offers. If you need more time when determining details such as start dates, relocation information, etc., it is best to be in touch, be straightforward about the reason for delay or uncertainty, and request more time.
Consider your verbal or written acceptance of an offer a binding contract. Reneging on an offer is when you accept an offer then turn it down. This behavior typically ends any chances of employment with that organization in the future. On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Students that renege on a job offer will have their eRecruiting account inactivated and will have to meet with Career Center staff to discuss the particular situation as well as take steps to repair the relationship with the employer.
End your search upon accepting a position. Once you have accepted a job or internship, whether verbally or in writing, you must terminate any other hiring-related activity with other employers. This includes contacting employers with whom you are scheduled to interview and removing yourself from candidate pools. On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Continuing to pursue other opportunities once you have accepted a position is a violation of the Career Center’s On-Campus Recruiting policies. Your account in eRecruiting will be deactivated and you will be expected to meet with a Career Center staff member to discuss the situation and to work on repairing the relationship with the organization.
28
It is important to understand the value in using multiple strategies as you think about connecting with employers. At the beginning of a search, much of the contact with employers begins with you, the job seeker,
being proactive in making the first contact. As you begin hearing back from employers, it is just as important to respond to them in a timely manner. Your communication with employers should embody professionalism and maturity, right down to your email address and the message on your voicemail. And keep in mind, even during the process of connecting with employers, your candidacy is being evaluated.
Use the following as an introduction to some of the resources and programs available to you and find more detail on the Career Center website.
eRecruiting Search and Apply for Internships and JobsDuke eRecruiting is a job and internship database exclusive to Duke students. You can search this dynamic system for local opportunities during the school year, national and international summer internships, and post-graduation positions.
iNet and UCAN Selective Access to More Internship ListingsiNet and UCAN are dynamic databases containing listings for thousands of unique internships throughout the United States and abroad. Developed in partnership with two groups of selective colleges and universities, these databases enable the Career Center to expand experiential opportunities for Duke students.
Career Fairs The Career Center hosts or sponsors a variety throughout the year. Whether you are actively seeking a position or casually exploring options, a career fair is an excellent opportunity for you to:
•Learnaboutspecificorganizationsandthekindsofcandidatestheyareseeking.•Explorecareerfieldsthatmaybeofinteresttoyou.•Gainconfidencenetworkingwithemployers,someofwhomareDukealums.
2013-2014 Career Fairs:Fall Career Fair ...........................................................................September 11
Nonprofit & Government Career Fair ...............................October 17
Career & Summer Opportunities Fair ................................January 23
Just-in-Time Career Fair ..........................................................April 9
Keep an eye on our website for information about additional fairs. (http://goo.gl/6ERiS)
Connect with Employers
28
Employer Information Sessions Some employers choose to hold information sessions to build awareness about their organizations and positions (internships and jobs) they are seeking to fill. These sessions are meant to be educational for any student who is considering positions at these organizations. Information sessions are also useful for students who are simply exploring career paths and want to learn more about specific industries.
Make a great impression on employers at their information sessions!•Dresstoimpress!Abusinesssuitorbusinesscasualattireisappropriate.Forcertainorganizations,
demonstrating an understanding of their brand and image is also important.•Prepareandaskthoughtfulquestionsthatindicateyouhavedoneresearchontheemployer.•Arriveontime!•Comeearlyorstaylatetointroduceyourselftoarecruiteronaone-on-onebasis.
StanbackI N T E R N S H I P P R O G R A M
G a i n i n g s k i l l s . T r a i n i n g t a l e n t . G r o w i n g g r e e n .
The Stanback Internship Program is open
to ALL continuing Duke students. Graduate,
undergraduate, and international students
wanted. No environmental experience required
for many positions.
Apply in late January via Duke University
duke.experience.com • search for STANBACK
Blue Devils for Green InternshipsBecome a Stanback Intern
nicholas.duke.edu/career/stanbackstanback@nicholas.duke.edu
Stanback Internships offer YOU the opportunity to:
• Earn practical employment experience employers want to see on your resume
• Gain skills and knowledge that can not be learned in the classroom
• Develop key competencies and work characteristics that employers seek
• Establish a network of professional contacts, mentors, and references for after graduation
• Become a better communicator, critical thinker, team player, and self-managed learner
• Gain more confidence in your abilities, and learn how to get things done
• Do real work – no grunt work involved
• Be treated well in a friendly office
• Work with wonderful supervisors
• Earn $5,000
Career Center eRecruiting at:
understanding • adapt to new environments • listening • observing • establish rapport • function with a high level of ambiguity • take initiative and risks • utilize time management skills • identify problems • utilize available resources • solve the problems • accept responsibility • communicate despite barriers • handle difficult situations • handle stress • lead others • conduct research • self-reliance • high energy level/enthusiasm • overcome barriers • appreciation of diversity • perseverance • flexibility • open-mindedness • assertiveness • inquisitiveness • self-confidence • self-knowledge • independence • cross cultural teamwork • language and cultural knowledge • community based field work • global perspective • new academic context • service-learning • internships • experiential learning • new perspectives • global citizen • in depth knowledge of other customs, people and language • marketability • self-awareness • interdependence • expand circle of friends • understanding • adapt to new environments • listening • observing • establish rapport • function with a high level of ambiguity • take initiative and risks • utilize time management skills • identify problems • utilize available resources • solve the problems • accept responsibility • communicate despite barriers • handle difficult situations • handle stress • lead others • conduct research • self-reliance • high energy level/enthusiasm • overcome barriers • appreciation of diversity • perseverance • flexibility • open-mindedness • assertiveness • inquisitiveness • self-confidence • self-knowledge • independence • cross cultural teamwork • language and cultural knowledge • community based field work • global perspective • new academic context • service-learning • internships • experiential learning • new perspectives • global citizen • in depth knowledge of other customs, people and language • marketability • self-awareness • interdependence • expand circle of friends • understanding • adapt to new environments • listening • observing • establish rapport • function with a high level of ambiguity • take initiative and risks • utilize time management skills • identify problems • utilize available resources • solve the problems • accept responsibility • communicate despite barriers • handle difficult situations • handle stress • lead others • conduct research • self-reliance • high energy level/enthusiasm • overcome barriers • appreciation of diversity • perseverance • flexibility • open-mindedness • assertiveness • inquisitiveness • self-confidence • self-knowledge • independence • cross cultural teamwork • language and cultural knowledge • community based field work • global perspective • new academic context • service-learning • internships • experiential learning • new perspectives • global citizen • in depth knowledge of other customs, people and language • marketability • self-awareness • interdependence • expand circle of friends • understanding • adapt to new environments • listening • observing • establish rapport • function with a high level of ambiguity • take initiative
Global education takeaways gofar beyond your resumé.
global.duke.edu/geo
3030
It is tempting to jump to the resume as the first step when kicking off your search process. However, the resume is a culminating effort, not a first step. It serves as a professional introduction that links your background and qualities to a specific opportunity. A successful resume will pique enough confidence and curiosity about you to secure an interview.
The key questions your resume answers for its readers are:
What are you capable of and what do you know?How well suited are you for the role that is being filled?
A carefully constructed, well edited, and focused resume will create a compelling depiction of your patterns of qualities, skills, and accomplishments in response to these underlying questions.
Five Tips for a Successful Resume
THINK CREATIVELY about experience. Your meaningful accomplishments will come from across a variety of endeavors in your life. Consider businesses you’ve run, projects that you complete, longstanding hobbies and pursuits, contributions you have made, or other defining experiences in your life. All of these can be aspects of your resume.
Format your resume with FIRST THINGS FIRST. The top and left-hand side of your resume are the most valuable spaces when someone is visually scanning your document and forming a first impression. Use the first section heading strategically to ensure that your most compelling experiences are at the top of the page. Thoughtfully choose verbs that are descriptive of your actions and contributions to start each bullet. Order your bullets so the most compelling comes first.
Illustrate your PATTERNS of success. Showcase the skills you have developed through experience, what you have learned or know through classroom or practical exposure, positive qualities you will bring to the work, and a mastery of the language and culture of the realms to which you apply.
Articulate the IMPACT of your contributions. Include measures of your success wherever possible. Use individual resume bullets to highlight your outcomes in ways that will resonate with the readers’ point of view. For example, use measurable, quantified results for a bottom-line-driven industry.
Write MULTIPLE RESUMES if you have multiple interests. Your varied interests may require equally varied presentations of you at your best. Change the categories, order, and descriptions of different experiences to ensure that unique readers of your resume recognize right away that you excel in areas that are meaningful to them.
The Curriculum Vitae: What do I need to know?Internationally, the terms curriculum vitae, CV, and resume may be used interchangeably. However, in the context
of academic or research-based work, a CV refers to a document with very specific content detailing the research,
teaching, and administrative expertise required of post-secondary faculty job applicants or of applicants for research
positions outside of academia.
The best resources for designing a CV are the Career Center counselors, the samples on the Career Center website,
or those found in The Academic Job Search Handbook by Julia Vick and Jennifer Furlong, available in the Career
Center Resource Room collection and at Perkins Library.
Writing a Resume
1)
2)
3)4)5)
30
31
FULLNAME BIG&BOLD Address Best Phone Number Best Email Address Education Duke University Durham, NC Your Degree Graduation Month and Year • What have been your meaningful educational accomplishments while at Duke? • Include highlights-‐ you don’t have to be comprehensive. • Consider GPA, honors, study abroad, thesis, projects, research, relevant courses, or other components Other Universities Location Degree or Program Dates of Study • What were the main benefits to you inside and out of the classroom? High School Location Degree, GPA, or other characteristics Dates of Study • What were your primary accomplishments, educationally? Specific Experience Category #1 Interesting Job Location Role Dates • Bullets include an active and specific verb that describes this contribution, learning, skills or outcome, and details and data
that make it tangible. • Prioritize, with the most important and relevant bullets first. • Use concise and clear language and industry-‐specific language only if applying to that industry. Student Organization Location Current Role Dates • Write about being elected (what for!) or ways you contribute more over time. Earlier Role Dates • Include a variety of experiences and contributions; no need to replicate information in similar roles. However, repeating
something and presenting it in a new way can serve as an enhancement. Specific Experience Category #2 Internship Location Role Dates • The number of bullets under each experience does not need to be consistent. However, the space that something takes on
the resume does give a sense of its level of importance. Specific Experience Category #3 Independent Project Location Role Dates • Describe your initiative, managing a huge endeavor, overcoming obstacles, getting support from others, and other
challenges you overcame when managing something new! Skills Language: Computer: Lab: Interests Highlight unique aspects of your background, personality, or attention to professional topics.
Anatomy of a Resume
No need to add a line about references being available. This has been seen on resumes, historically, but is no longer expected. Save that space for interesting content.
Someone may have to mail you documents or have your address for official correspondence. Keep your address simple. Only include multiple addresses if necessary.
This can include major, minor, certificates, specializations, or other degree components.
You can use this section to feature your study abroad experiences.
A high school section is most used by first and second year undergrads or those who attended schools with a large or passionate network of alumni.
Think creatively about how you design your categories. This is an opportunity to bring attention to patterns in your interests or skills. Look at example resumes more for ideas, but two general categories could be common type of organization, e.g., Media Experience or function, e.g. Research Experience.
Use a skills section to bring added attention to RELEVANT skills. Be sure these skills are evident throughout your resume as well.
e.g. researcher, founder, volunteer, consultant
31
32
Resume Samples
Haley Smith 300 Wilson, 9999 Campus Drive haley.smith@duke.edu 1 Wellstone Drive Box 92222, Durham, NC, 27708 (333) 129-3456 Saint Louis, MO 63124 EDUCATION Duke University, Durham, NC B.A. in English and Philosophy Minor: Spanish expected May 2014 expec
• GPA: 4.0/4.0 Relevant Coursework: Computer Programming with Artificial Life, The Philosophy of Feminist Classics, Spanish Writing, 20th Century American Literature
Watkins High School, Saint Louis, MO May 2010 • GPA: 4.0/4.0
HONORS/AWARDS Duke University Dean’s List with Distinction, Durham, NC Fall 2010 Mu Alpha Theta Club, Watkins High School, Saint Louis, MO Fall 2009 – Spring 2010
• Awarded for excellence in Mathematics Princeton Book Award, Watkins High School, St. Louis, MO Spring 2009
• Awarded for outstanding scholarship, character and community service Ram Pride Award, Watkins High School, St. Louis, MO Spring 2009
• Awarded by faculty member for honesty, responsibility and self-discipline JET Engineering Competition, St. Louis, MO Fall 2009
• Awarded for advanced skills in the sciences LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Executive Board Member, Duke University Percussion Ensemble, Durham, NC Winter 2010 – Present
• Rehearse and perform with a 15-person percussion ensemble • Serve as secretary, copying and distributing music to other members • Collaborate with other board members to make executive decisions
President of Homework Club, Ladue Middle School, St. Louis, MO Fall 2009- Spring 2010 • Conducted tutorial sessions 3 times week • Delegated student tutor assignments • Successfully Recruited additional tutors throughout the year
Educative Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University, Stanford, CA Summer 2009 Board Member, Nishmah Banot Board, St. Louis. MO Fall 2007 – Spring 2010
• Planned and oversaw events for young women in the Jewish community “It’s a Girl Thing: The Leadership Years” Program, St. Louis, MO Fall 2007 – Spring 2009 3rd Chair Member, Ladue Percussion Ensemble Symphonic Orchestra Fall 2003 – Spring 2010
• Rehearsed challenging pieces within a 10-person selective ensemble • Spent nine months perfecting and performing a final senior piece with two other colleagues
Company Ensemble Member, Arts in Motion Dance Studio, St. Louis, MO Fall 2002 – Spring 2010 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Duke PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare Through Service), Durham, NC Spring 2011 – Present Tutor at Forrest Park Elementary School, Durham, NC Fall 2010 – Present Habitat for Humanity, Durham, NC Fall 2010 – Spring 2011 Washington University Dance Marathon, St. Louis, MO Fall 2008, 2009 & 2010 Jewish Food Pantry, Saint Louis, MO Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 Salvation Army, St. Louis, MO Fall 2006 – Fall 2007 WORK EXPERIENCE Busser and Server, IL Vicino Restaurant, Saint Louis, MO Spring 2010 – Fall 2011 Tutor, Conway Elementary School, St.Louis, MO Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 Server and Cashier, Saint Louis Frozen Custard Factory, St. Louis, MO Spring 2007 – Fall 2008
George Duke george.duke@duke.edu
(999-‐400-‐7770) School Address: Home Address: Duke University East Campus 6 Smith Ave PO Box 99999 Orange, NY 10708 Durham, NC 27708 EDUCATION Duke University, Durham, NC Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies expected May 2013 Minor: Economics Certificate: Markets and Management GPA: 3.35 Orange High School, Bronxville, NY June 2009 Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0, SAT Verbal: 710, Math: 770, Writing: 760 Columbia University Summer 2008 Summer course on US Economy and Globalization after sophomore year in HS, Grade: 96/100 WORK AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Duke Investment Club, Analyst January 2011 -‐ present
• Completed 8-‐week course on markets, fundamental analysis, excel modeling, and research methods • Monitor club portfolio • Research and pitch ideas for new investment opportunities
Duke Business Network, Co-Founder, Director Business Development, Executive Editor December 2010 -‐ present • Created weekly TV program that covers financial news, interviews business leaders, and has recruiters give
advice to students on what firms look for in applicants • Develop plan for each week’s show and recruit leading business professionals to be interviewed
Joseph Dioguardi Senate Campaign, Campaign Assistant Summer 2010 • Strategized with Senior campaign staff to determine best locations for campaign events • Contacted potential donors to raise money for campaign • Collected signatures from hundreds of registered voters to get candidate on the ballot
Orange High School, Student Government Treasurer 2007 – 2009 • Created excel spread sheets to jeep track of Student Government’s expenses • Developed fund raising and cost cutting strategies turned $4,000 deficit into $3500 surplus
Rookie Baseball Camp, Camp Counselor Summers 2006 – 2008 • Coached team of 14 players ages 7-‐13 • Responsible for planning entire schedule for team each day
Breakfast Club, President 2006 – 2009 • Organized meetings, purchased materials and delivered sleeping bags to local homeless shelters
JV Basketball Orange High School, Captain 2007 • Ran off-‐season workouts without coaches
ACTIVITIES, SKILLS, & INTERESTS Duke Young Entrepreneurs 2012 – Present
• Participate in lectures that offer advice on starting new businesses
Language: Intermediate Spanish
Travel: Kenya, Turkey, Italy, France, England, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador
Hobbies: Intramural Sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball) Fantasy Baseball and Football, Tennis, Poker (Won several small Texas Hold ‘em tournaments in North Carolina and New York)
32
33
Lucia T. Rodriguez 206 North Duke Street, Apt. 000 Durham, NC 24700
(999) 333-‐4444 lucia.rodriguez@duke.edu
EDUCATION
Duke University, Durham, NC May 2014Political Science Major, Economics Minor, Ethics Certificate GPA: 3.367 Deans’ List (Spring 2012)
WRITING & RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Duke Women’s Mentoring Network, Co-Founder, Durham, NC June 2010 – Present
• Researched mentoring models, developed program design, wrote detailed memo and presented proposal to senior University administrators
• Negotiated $12,000 annual funding from Division of Student Affairs; secured Women’s Center partnership Duke University Chronicle, Editorial Board Member, Durham, NC Aug 2011 – Present
• Contribute opinions to & regularly write the daily editorial in Duke’s independent student newspaper International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Intern, New York, NY June – Aug 2012
• Published articles on CPR website • Interviewed party counsel for evaluations of concluded meditation and arbitration proceedings researched and
complied exhaustive content for new webpage profiling ADR in Africa Hague Institute for the Internationalization of Law, Intern, The Hague, Netherlands May – Aug 2011
• Designed and completed independent research project to identify and list all references to court decisions from foreign jurisdictions in U.S. Supreme Court decisions in past 20 years. Results included in conference materials in annual conference on “The Changing Role of Highest Courts in an Internationalizing World”
• Contributed to collective effort to improve and finalize substantive texts which framed conference discourse • Regularly edited and proofread papers and speeches produced by HiiL affiliates • Drafted conference correspondence and promotional materials • Rapporteur and participated at HiiL’s 2008 annual conference, HAC’s 2008 annual conference, HiiL seminars
WISER (Women’s Institute For Secondary Education Research) Microfinance / Economics Research Team, Muhuru Bay, Kenya; Durham, NC May – Dec 2010
• Designed 56-‐question survey on household economic habits, a poverty and needs-‐assessment tool as baseline economic data for Muhuru Bay Community (IRB approved)
• Administered survey independently to 200 households, biking across Muhuru Bay region with translator Fowler, Measle and Bell, LLP, Intern, Lexington, KY Sept – Oct 2008
• Shadowed bankruptcy attorneys, district court judge, mediator
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Duke University Board of Trustee, Undergraduate Affairs Committee, Ex-Officio Member Aug 2007 – Present
• Contribute as full voting committee member in quarterly meetings • Research and interview students on pertinent issues beforehand to present a nuanced, informed perspective
Duke Student Government, Vice President of Student Affairs, Durham, NC May 2007 – 2008 • Negotiated multiple university fund allocations for campus projects; $100,000 ZipCars program design and proposal,
and presented proposal to senior University administrators • Managed eleven-‐member DSG Standing Committee on Student Affairs to ensure each had a substantive project and was
making progress towards completing it • Presented updates and power-‐point reports regularly to DSG General Assembly detailing lobbying efforts
President’s Council on Woman, Undergraduate Member, Durham, NC Aug 2007 – 2008 • Selected as undergraduate representative to advisory council to University President regarding gender issues
SCHOLASTIC HONORS
Baldwin Scholars Program, Baldwin Scholar, Durham, NC Oct 2006 – Present • Selected as on of the 18 women from Class of 2010 for Duke University’s only women’s leadership program
Advanced Research Independent Study, Durham, NC Aug – Dec 2008 • Completing quantitative (using STATA) and qualitative analysis of original dataset on judicial recourse to foreign
law in 73 U.S. Supreme Court decisions over the past 20 years Eruditio – Duke University’s undergraduate Humanities Journal, Durham, NC Spring 2007
• Published research paper entitled: “Globalizing Jurisprudence: The Use of Foreign Authority in Domestic Constitutional Interpretation”
33
Melissa Elizabeth Tator
4283 Peachtree Avenue, Durham, NC 34587 • melissa.tator@duke.edu • cell: (713) 536-8923 EDUCATION Master of Science: Biomedical Engineering December 2013 Duke University, Durham, NC GPA: 3.8/4.0 Relevant Coursework Includes: Electrophysiology, Tissue Biomechanics, Bionanotechnology, Physiology, Tissue Engineering,
Molecular Biology, Physiology of Extreme Environments, Systemic Histology, Design of Medical Devices Bachelor of Science: Mathematics and Spanish May 2011 Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX Semester abroad at La Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain January-May 2009 GPA: 3.9/4.0 INTERNSHIPS National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) May 2013-Present Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX
• Compiled research deliverables and assessed technical readiness levels for the Human Research Program, which • investigates the impact of spaceflight on the human body; presented information to management to aid direction of
research objectives • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of five to assist in the development of the Human Research Roadmap, a web-
based system which captures the HRP’s biomedical risks, Program Requirements Document, and Integrated Research Plan • Shadowed the Biomedical Engineer Flight Controller in International Space Station Mission Control and supported Russian
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX June-August 2012
• Performed statistical analysis of NASA HRP Education & Outreach program data • Researched impact of space on biological systems and drafted web text for “Hydration” activity
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Cartilage Mechanics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Duke University Department of Biomedical Engineering Student Researcher; Durham, NC
• Developed PEG-DA microwell system to enable three dimensional culture of small cell populations • Cultured type IX collagen knockout mouse chondrocytes in presence of cytokines to form cartilage tissue pellets • Performed analyses on tissue specimens using ELISA, histology, and MATLAB programming techniques
Continuum Biomechanics Laboratory, Texas A&M University Department of Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant; College Station, TX August-December 2008
• Worked on biomechanical mathematical model of abdominal aortic aneurysm under Dr. Jay Humphrey VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Engineering World Health Volunteer; Durham, NC August 2012-December 2013
• Served with a team of students to design an improved sphygmomanometer for use in the developing world • Served as liaison to 15 hospitals in Honduras and Nicaragua to assess hospitals’ medical needs and arranged delivery of devices and biomedical engineers where necessary. Demonstrated effective Spanish communication skills
Engineers Without Borders Volunteer and Delegate; Fort Worth, TX and Cabezas, Bolivia March 2010-December 2011
• Designed and implemented engineering solutions to a school of 6th-12th graders in Cabezas, Bolivia, while working with a team of four professional engineers
• Engineering solutions included drip bucket irrigation system, flow pressure measurements, water quality assessments, electrical load survey, preliminary wiring and testing of diesel generator
SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS Languages: Proficient in Spanish, enhanced by study in Seville, Spain in spring 2006 Computer: Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS statistical software, and Mathematica and MATLAB programming techniques Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Society, TCU Chancellor’s Scholarship (Full Tuition) Other Activities & Involvements: CoboBrothers Dance Company and Sabrosura latin dance troupe, Fort Worth Sister Cities International, Alpha Chi Omega, Mathematics and biology tutor
3434
A Compelling Cover Letter
The cover letter is your opportunity to bring additional focus to your resume with a specific reader in mind. You will write a unique and well-researched letter for every opportunity to which you apply. This is your chance to present a compelling case, with evidence, that you have unique skills and perspectives that give you the ability to thrive in a specific role.
Before you put words to the page, paint a mental picture. Go with us on this; this step is critical. Get into the mindset of the person making the hiring decision. Who is the candidate that gets the interview? What are the most important qualities needed to be incredibly successful in this role? Use these images to identify the most important messages that you need to convey about yourself in this document.
The secret about cover letters is that they are essays and we know you have written an essay or two while at Duke! What are the components? Present a clear thesis, provide evidence to support your claims, and wrap things up with a succinct and compelling conclusion. This is also exactly how you write a cover letter.
Not sure a cover letter is necessary?Think of the cover letter as part of the resume. If someone asks for a resume, send a resume plus a cover letter, unless there is an explicit request otherwise. This is standard practice.
Five Tips for a Successful Cover Letter
Make a STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION in the first sentence and the first paragraph. A persuasive first sentence tells the reader that you are serious and keeps them reading. Interesting and compelling information about your candidacy should be introduced in your first paragraph. The final paragraph is too late.
GO BEYOND general statements that could be true for the majority of candidates. Common qualities or characteristics will not help you to uniquely stand out. Trust the resume to cover the basics and use the cover letter to highlight bigger patterns of success or share an anecdote about your achievements.
Tell the reader about YOU. Communicate your interest and motivation to apply by connecting your background and interests to your knowledge of the organization. Avoid reporting facts. The reader already knows his or her organization but want to know about you and why you are applying.
Write a SPECIFIC THESIS sentence. Put it at the end of your first paragraph. It will probably read something like this: I am confident that my (ability to, background in, experience with, etc.) and (knowledge of, skills in, etc.) give me the ability to succeed with your organization.
USE EVIDENCE to build credibility around every claim in your letter. The reader wants to believe you and needs plausible and detailed illustrations of your past success to do so. If you have included more than a couple of claims (literally, two would be good!) about your ability to thrive in the job, you are sacrificing depth for breath and duplicating the work that the resume should do. Move extra information from the cover letter to the resume to improve it and then trust the resume.
1)2)3)4)5)
34
35
Resumes and cover letters are very personal documents. The examples here are meant to illustrate possibilities—some of which may not pertain to you. Use your judgment to best suit your experiences and goals.
Anatomy of a Cover Letter
Your Mailing Address Today’s Date Full Name of Recipient Title Company Mailing Address Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: Write a first paragraph to introduce two main points: • I am a serious candidate and care about this opportunity • I have the knowledge and skills to thrive in this role with your organization Write second and third paragraphs to provide illustrations from your experience that back up the claims in the first paragraph. Use a separate paragraph for each of two claims. Detail a point from your resume. Make connections across points listed on your resume Repeating information from your resume without added context or insight is not a good strategy. Use the final paragraph to conclude the letter and discuss next steps. Reiterate any themes from the letter that you would like to emphasize, thank the reader for their time, include any contact information that is not already on the page, and present actions that you will take after sending this letter, if any. Sincerely, Signature Typed Name enclosure: resume (any other application items)
Consider using your resume heading as an alternate.
Do your research to find an appropriate name. In a situation where you haven’t been able to find this, a replacement like “hiring committee” can be used. “Do not use To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sirs!”
Discuss what appeals to you about the work or program by going beyond the website to clients, projects, news, etc.
BRIEFLY mention any actionthat you’ve taken to be abetter applicant, e.g., people you have met or talked to.
Set up the next two paragraphsof your letter with a thesis sentence.
Example: “I am seeking an opportunity to work in this positive, collaborative environment, as well as to take on the varied responsibilities that this position has to offer. My experience working with children, managing large-scale projects, and designing curriculum may make me a good fit.”
Avoid: “I am seeking an opportunity like this and my experience and your requirements may be a good fit.”
Maintain a separate document with all of your topical paragraphs. Copy from and paste into it to keep a useful record of your cover letter paragraphs.
What you say, for example, about how you have managed a number of significant projects and deadlines as a leader in DUU can be applied to any opportunity where projects and deadlines are critical to being effective at work.
If you scan your signature and save the .jpg file, you can insert it into digital files!
Examples might include when you will be in town for a visit or a follow up call.
35
The US Air Force is hiring Engineers! Each year the Air Force seeks out engineering students majoring in critical technical fields and offers them the
opportunity to earn extra money while completing their degree. These students will receive full pay and
benefits of an Air Force E-3, including housing allowance, and comprehensive medical and dental care while they finish their degree. Upon graduation they
will attend Basic Officer Training and be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force!
If you are a sophomore majoring in Computer or Electrical Engineering, and you would like to be paid to
go to school and have a challenging and rewarding career waiting for you at graduation, then the Technical
Degree Sponsorship Program may be for you. For more information contact your local recruiter or visit
AirForce.com.
MOVING Local and Long Distance Relocation
Residential and Commercial Free Estimates and Low Rates Packing Materials and Boxes Climate Controlled Storage
919.419.1059 www.trosamoving.com
Need Some Gently Used Furniture? Visit the TROSA Thrift Store 1703 E. Geer Street, Durham
Working with the Duke community for over 15 years!
TROSA is a nonprofit organizaon in Durham that helps substance abusers change their lives. Our businesses help support our programming. Thank you!
NCUC C-726 ICC MC35111-C
DUKE CAREER fAiRSare the primary source for Duke students
Looking for an internship or full-time job?
www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/career
Make plans now to attend the
2013-2014 Career fairs:fall Career fair ........................................September 11Nonprofit & Government Career fair ...October 17Career & Summer Opportunities fair .....January 23Just-in-Time Career fair ..........................April 9
Keep an eye on this website forinformation about additional fairs. (http://goo.gl/6ERiS)
The Chronicle will
print guides listing
participants and their
locations at the Fairs
on the following dates:
• Tues., September 10
• Weds., October 16
• Weds., January 22
37CAREER GUIDE // 37
From Interview to OfferWhile a sharp resume and persuasive cover letter will get you an interview, you’ll need excellent interviewing skills to close the deal and land your desired position. All too often, job and internship seekers invest large amounts of time to write their application documents but give short shrift to interview preparation.
An interview can be conversational (that is what you hope for!) but it is NOT just a conversation. Even the most confident and personable people person will benefit dramatically from thoughtful interview preparation. You have come this far; be sure you keep up the momentum and build upon your preliminary success.
Research industry, employer, and role. Follow the relevant news, learn the organization’s website backwards and forwards and scope out your interviewers on LinkedIn and Google. Reach out to employees—maybe even Duke alums—in the company.
Rehearse your introduction. What will you say to create a positive and compelling first impression when you are asked the question, “Tell me about yourself”? No matter how it is phrased, expect that you will open the interview with a platform to talk about your interest in the opportunity and how it fits with your strengths and experiences.
Connect your experiences. Practice telling short stories that give evidence to your success. Mentally connect these stories to the qualities they best represent.
Prepare your own questions. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions during your interviews. This is a valuable part of the interview, not just a polite gesture. Consider questions about the role, company specifics (but never salary or benefits—not yet), the personal experiences of people that you meet, or questions that relate to current events or news.
Send thank-you notes. Send them the very next day to each person or group that you meet. Refer to something interesting or unique from the conversation to create an opportunity for the reader to think of you again. Paper makes a stronger impression, but email is the way to go if a hiring decision will be made before snail mail can reach its destination.
Interviewing
37
38
The vast majority of interviews are behavioral in nature. Frequently, behavioral
questions will include some form of, “Tell me about a time when…” and will relate to tasks, scenarios, and qualities that will be
significant to the position you are now seeking. Through this method, the interviewer hopes to gauge your potential for success. The premise of behavioral-based interviews is that your past actions are the best predictor of your future performance. The
appropriate response is to share a concise, but detailed story about a relevant experience.
•Providewellthought-outexampleswithsuccessfulendings.Even a story about your biggest failure can conclude with what you learned from the experience!
•Refertospecificexamplesratherthanbroadcharacterizations.
•Besurethatyourstoryhasabeginning,middle,andend.SeetheSTARmethodforrespondingon the next page.
•Prepareyourstoriesinadvancebyanticipatingtheexpectedstrengthsneededfortheroleandmatching them with your own accomplishments.
•Addressandcontextualizeyourowncontributionswhendiscussingagroupproject.
•Pullexamplesfromacrossyourrangeofexperiences.Usingjustoneorafewcancreateasensethat others have not been valuable.
•Speakpositivelyaboutyourself,colleagues,supervisors,andpeers.
•Usethemostrecentexampleswhenpossible.
Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral Interview Success
39
Behavioral Interviews The STAR MethodSTAR is formula for creating your best response to
behavioral-based questions. Interviewers expect
you to present your thoughts and experience in
this manner. Don’t worry, however. You’ll see that
the STAR method is no different than the basics of
any good story composition.
Question: Tell me about a time when you had to provide difficult feedback to a team member?
STAR
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Set the scenario for your example.
Describe the specific challenge or task that relates to the question.
Talk about the actions that you took to accomplish the task.
Present the results that followed because of the chosen action.
“Last semester I took a psychology course that required a group project to examine motivation. The professor assigned each student to a 4-person group. My group decided to look at what motivates college students to participate in community service activities.”
“As a group, we developed a plan to distribute the work between us. However, after the first few weeks, it became apparent that one of our team members was not completing her part of the project and she missed one of our group meetings. The rest of the team decided that we needed to reengage her.”
“I took the initiative to set up a meeting with her where we discussed her interest in the project as well as the other academic responsibilities. After talking with her, it was clear that if we changed her contributions to tasks that better fit her skills and interests, she would most likely contribute at a higher level.”
“It turned out that the team could redistribute tasks without compromising so every member got to work on the pieces of the project that were of most interest to them. In the end, we completed the project and received positive feedback from our professor.”
A few important tips:•AstrongSTAR
response will last one to two minutes.
•Bebriefinyourset-up. Give just enough background or contextual information for your story to make sense.
•Theresultiscritical. Everything in your example builds towards this component.
•Usethestructureof the acronym for direction if you forget what you were saying. If all else fails, skip to the R, result.
404040
Case Question TypesTypical case questions fall into four categories:
Calculations/Computational Scenario – Devise a solution given a
problem statement, data elements, and possibly a formula
Business Operation Scenario – Devise a solution given a problem
related to operational effectiveness.
Example: How can you increase efficiency of Starbuck’s ordering
process by decreasing wait time during peak hours?
Business Strategy Scenario – Devise a solution given a problem
related to strategy and new markets.
Example: How will airlines remain competitive with rising fuel costs
and increased regulations?
Brainteaser – Two primary types including the estimation case, How
many golf courses exist in Wisconsin? and the random fact analysis,
Why are manhole covers round?
Resources for students preparing for a case interview are the following:
• Case In Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc
Casentino
• Mock interviews through the Career Center
• Practice cases and interactive online cases on employers’ websites
Case Interviews
C ase interviews are a specialized type of interview
common in the consulting industry. In a case interview,
the interviewer presents a dilemma, and the candidate must
analyze and discuss the problem and propose a solution.
Employers use case interviews as a way to evaluate a
candidate’s qualitative, problem-solving, and analytical
skills and often their business acumen. In addition they will
evaluate the communication skills, listening skills, enthusiasm
and non-verbal cues, e.g., eye contact, of the candidate. The
way in which a candidate arrives at a solution to the question,
which demonstrates to an employer how the candidate thinks
through a dilemma, is as important as the actual solution the
candidate provides, if not more.
40
41
Next Steps and Selected Resources:
Search Skills and Strategy•Scheduleacareercounselingappointmenttobesureyouare
presenting yourself effectively in writing and speech as well as finding
opportunities that match your interests. (http://goo.gl/q72KX)
•UtilizeDrop-InAdvisingatSmithWarehousetogetadvice
the same day you need it, no appointment necessary!
(http://goo.gl/yOVWS)
•Createanaccountandroutinelycheckeachofthese
Duke databases to become aware of internships,
jobs, and employers.
eRecruiting (http://goo.gl/4L2kF)
iNet (http://goo.gl/FSG0A)
UCAN (http://goo.gl/4IutS)
•UsetheselistsanddatabasestoincreaseyourawarenessofopportunitiesatDukeandbeyond.
Leadership Development Programs (http://goo.gl/TMkzd)
Short-Term Opportunities (http://goo.gl/raf9Y)
e-leads (http://goo.gl/3IUQh)
•Visitourwebsitetofindthesehelpfulguides.
Strategic Search (http://goo.gl/Ksls6)
Online Profile (http://goo.gl/jz5Ku)
Interviewing (http://goo.gl/8pQUL)
Cover Letter (http://goo.gl/t6Rjy)
Resume (http://goo.gl/SkJ8d)
Networking (http://goo.gl/9TWer)
Career Research (http://goo.gl/Xdk3w)
Self-Inquiry (http://goo.gl/4b2MD)
41
42
At Lutron, we’ve been designing and manufacturing energy-saving light control solutions since 1961.
Our success depends on your success. Join Lutron’s Innovation Leadership Program and you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to win in the world of innovation.
• Immediately join an engineering development team• Hone innovation and product design skills• Receive formal mentor support• Collaborate regularly with business unit managers
and directors• Acquire real-world experience through field assignments• Foster relationships with Lutron’s global customers
Key opportunities include: Engineering— Electrical, Mechanical,
Computer, Software, Manufacturing, Industrial, Architectural
Science—Physics, Chemistry, Math
Opportunities are also available in sales leadership and field engineering leadership—hiring all majors.
To learn more about how you can be a part of our future visit
www.lutron.com/careers
Jamie McMahon (Electrical Engineering Major)Design and Development Engineer
I’ve been a part of Lutron for 5 years.
Develop Your Career with Us
@lutronjobs©20
13 L
utro
n E
lect
roni
cs C
o., I
nc.
| P
/N 3
68-2
717
RE
V G
Dynamic keypad in Black
43
Search Skills & Strategy: Learn to CommunicatePersuasively
•Draftandredraftresumes,coverletters,andother application materials. Accelerate your learning curve and comfort level with this new type of presentation by getting feedback from multiple people.•Telleveryoneyouknowthatyouaresearching,and what for. Be as specific as you are certain.•CreateaLinkedIn.comaccount,learnthefeatures,and join the Duke University Alumni Network group. Your network has just expanded to over 10,000 professionals.•Practiceyour“elevatorspeech”,athirty-secondintroduction that concisely shares your background, interests, and goals. Use the Nine Domains to expand your thinking.•Usecareercounselingappointmentsthroughoutto be sure you are improving continuously throughout your search.
Where to go from here
Self-Inquiry:Uncover What Drives You 10-13
•Startanotebookorfilewhereyoukeepallofyourthoughts in one place. Use it as you think of things.•Attemptthevalues,interests,skills,personality,and experience exercises. Fifteen minutes apiece is a great start.•Drawatimelineofyourlife.Markallofthememorable experiences. Look for patterns in the things that have been compelling and exciting for you.•Createalistofpeopleyouwouldasktobeonapersonal Board of Advisors. Ask someone on your list to have a conversation and provide advice based on his or her life experiences.•Useacareercounselingappointmenttobegin exposing patterns in your values,
skills, interests, and personality.
Exploration: Discover Opportunities 14-17
•CreateaccountsoneRecruiting,iNet,and
UCAN.
•SignupforCareerNewsandothernewsletters
that match your interests.
•Attendcareercenterevents.TheFannie
Mitchell Career event happens annually and
brings over 70 alums back to campus to talk
about their careers.
•Mapouttheinfluencesonyourdecisionto
come to Duke. Know that your decision-making
style impacts how you should plan to explore
careers.
•Useacareercounselingappointment
to devise a research game plan. Work
with a counselor to identify the best
resources to use.
Experience Acquisition:
Test Your Strengths and Interests
in the World
•Develop a list of things you want to learn about or to
be able to do.
•Use the DukeGroups directory to identify student
organizations that match your interests. Try out something
that builds a skill that you would like to develop.
•Research opportunities to pursue your interests in
Durham and the broader community.
•Assess whether your time is being filled by the
most meaningful commitments. Use the Buffet of
Experience as food for thought.
•Use a career counseling appointment to identify
steps toward experiences that strategically align with
your curiosities.
pgs. pgs.
pgs.18-21
pgs.22-41
44