STARS/SSS Career Advising Center

4 Ways To Have a Career Oriented Christmas

2011-12-01T14:41:00.001-06:00

As the semester winds down, odds are you are making plans for travel and looking forward to some deserved time away from school. However, that doesn't mean you can't make strides toward become more career focused. Here are four things you can do get yourself in (or even ahead) of the game:

(1) Take some time to sit down and brainstorm your accomplishments. What awards have you won? What organizations/clubs are you active in? How is your GPA? What experience do you have? Type up your list and access the section on this page entitled "Do I Actually Need A Resume" and begin hashing out a sample resume. When you return, drop it by me in the CAVE for critique.

(2) View family gatherings as networking opportunities. Ask questions about their careers and what they find enjoyable and/or challenging. You may discover that you have similar interests, and they may be able to give you valuable information on what you can be doing now to get your foot in the door.

(3) Research. While you are online getting your daily facebook fix, take a second to browse some of your interest areas. One of my favorite sites to use is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides you with valuable information on salary, education/training, work environment, and job outlook for nearly any career. This allows you to get a realistic idea of what it takes to get into the field, and what you can expect once you get there.

(4) Did you discover something interesting? While you are back, and unencumbered by school, take a day to shadow someone in the community who works in a capicity similar to your interest area. You will want to contact them first to be sure you show up at a time that is convenient for them and is representative of a typical day in the job. This allows you to get an even better feel for the type of environment you could potentially be working in.

Sometimes the weight of a semester's responsibilities can blind us from taking a step back to consider our own career development. Holidays can provide a break from these responsibilities and an opportunity to revisit our goals. Use your time wisely - but be sure to relax and have fun as well!

STEM Career Exploration Workshop on Tuesday

2011-11-14T12:50:00.001-06:00

Be sure to attend the STARS STEM Career workshop to learn more about what STEM careers are, why they are important, and whether or not they are compatible with your interests and abilities.

STARS will be presenting on the topic Tuesday, November 15th from 12:15-1:15 in the Student Union - Room 206.

Statewide Career Fair to be featured in two locations this Spring

2011-10-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

Save the date!

Kansas Works & KEDA will be sponsoring two Career Fairs this spring, located in Hutchinson on March 6th and Dodge City on April 24th.

Last year's event featured 100 employers and 800 job seekers. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what employers are looking for in their applicants, and to gain practice with your professionalism and interpersonal skills, or even land an interview and a job!

For more information on the event, contact Kansas Works at 785-577-4610.

Part-time Job Opportunities

2011-10-05T14:13:00.001-05:00

The City of Chanute is now accepting applications for the position of Temporary Maintenance Workers to help with the reconstruction and clean-up of a city facility. These are temporary positions that will last approximately 3-4 months. Hours will be flexible and may include day, evening and weekends.
Requirements: Minimum age of 18, valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED.
Apply at the City Manager’s Office on the second floor of the Memorial Building at 101 S. Lincoln or fill out an application online at www.chanute.org and mail to City of Chanute, P.O. Box 907, Chanute, KS 66720 or fax application to 620.431.5209. Positions open until filled. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and men/women are encouraged to apply – EOE.

Waiters/waitresses needed in local restaurant. Must have neat clean appearance, flexible work hours. Apply at the Kansas Works Office, NCCC Student Union, next to the bookstore or call Teresa at 620-432-4311.

Why Choosing a Major is Not Choosing a Career (...and not the end of the world)

2011-08-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

Are you undecided about your major or career path? Do you work with undecided students?

Check out my newly published article in the September Edition of NACADA's Academic Advising Today.

What are you learning in college?

2011-07-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

Think about it. This is a profoundly different question than "what are you majoring in?"

In addition to the specific education/training you are receiving, much else is going on throughout your college career. A college experience can prepare you in more ways than one - but let's hear it from you.

What are you gaining from your college experience? Leave a comment below!

Employment Snapshot

2011-07-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Creativity + Major/Course Selection = Greater Marketability

2011-06-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Not quite sure how to select a major? Or maybe not sure how to transform your chosen major into an interesting career?

I myself was an open-option student as I set forth to attend college for the first time, so I realize the burden on students who are undecided. The best thing I did to explore my interests was to take coursework that appealed to me. In doing so you ay discover new interests, expand on existing ones, or realize a program may not be for you after all. For me, sampling courses in the field of psychology left me interested to take more - so I declared it as my major.

Once you've tested the water and selected a major (or at least narrowed your choices), create your own unique course selection to build around your career interest. Avoid getting so locked in on completing core requirements and taking the "easiest" general education classes on campus. Invest time into selecting a group of classes that you can use to identify yourself when later applying for jobs. I chose to get involved in research opportunities within the psychology department, and also taught recitations for introductory psychology courses. Other opportunities may be studying abroad, or learning a new language. Experiences such as these help your resume climb to the top of the pile.

Being undecided is not the end of the world, but if you don't use the opportunity wisely you may find yourself behind...

By using creativity and being imaginative in your selection you can develop your own personalized major that will increase your marketability. Then, after graduation you can use your interdisciplinary background to appeal to and impress potential employers. And in today's economy, every bit helps.

Been There...Done That

2011-05-27T15:39:00.002-05:00

How's that old addage go? Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it? It stands to reason, even in career exploration. Rather than going head first into a career without researching it, it may be helpful to visit with those who've already gone before you, and garner sage advice from them to save you precious time and effort.

This was the motivation behind the new feature, "Career Spotlights," which has been added to this site (accessible via the tab above). It highlights individuals currently working in a variety of fields, illustrating how they incorporate what they have learned from their previous experiences and areas of study.

So take a moment to learn from someone who has been there...and is doing that. It will likely pay off in the long run.

This section is currently in the construction stage, and will continue to grow. Are you looking for a spotlight on a particular career? Let me know by commenting on this article or emailing me at kbures@neosho.edu.

Jobs News - Your Top 6 Resume Questions

2011-03-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

Jobs News - Your Top 6 Resume Questions

PSU Nursing Career Day upcoming!

2011-03-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

Interested in a career in nursing?

Don’t miss out on the chance to see what nursing opportunities Pittsburg State University can offer during their annual “Nursing Career Day.”

The event will take place on April 7th and feature sessions on what it’s like to work in various emergency health settings, including a hospital ER, a helicopter, an ambulance, and the military. The day will familiarize students with what PSU can offer in the field of nursing, and will take place in McPherson Hall on campus from 9-1.

If you are interested, you must register in advance by contacting Jon Bartlow in the Office of Admissions at 800-854-PITT or jbartlow@pittstate.edu.

Fine tune your interview skills!

2011-02-24T13:59:00.000-06:00

The interview process can be intimidating if not tackled correctly. Shrug aside your interview anxiety by learning to be well informed and prepared as the big day approaches.

Join guest speaker, Krista Clay, on March 15th from 12:15-1:15 in the CAVE as she discusses tips on how to best approach an interview and land the job at our annual Interview Workshop!

Krista currently works at NCCC as the Regional Coordinator for SEK Adult Education, managing several employees at a number of different locations. Previous work as a Human Resources Manager had her managing over 100 employees in 4 different states for over 5 years. Let her pass her knowledge of the interview process on to you!

Sign-ups for the event will be available on Tuesday, March 1st in the CAVE.

NEW!!! Academic and Career Planning Worksheet

2011-01-27T12:57:00.001-06:00

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This form can be used as a guide in helping you explore careers. Please print, fill out, and return as soon as possible to Kyle Bures, the STARS/SSS Transfer/Career Advisor. Below is a more in-depth explanation behind each question:

ASSESSMENTS USED
There are a number of assessments out there to help you discover your interests, abilities, and values in the workplace. Pinpoint, Kansas Career Pipeline, Wayfinder, and the Holland Code are a few of my favorites to help get you started. Each are free, and differ in their approach to discovering which careers you may be compatible with. More information on these can be found by clicking here.

ORIENTATION TO CAREER BLOG
No one can know everything, but they should be equipped with several resources that can help them find answers to their questions as they arise. It is important to become familiar with everything this site can offer. Most of the resources on this site can be found by following the question tabs at the top of the page. For more information or to set up an orientation of the site, contact me at kbures@neosho.edu.

CAREER AREAS OF INTEREST/COMPATIBILITY SUGGESTED BY ASSESSMENT
After spending time on one of the assessments, it should yield results that will let you know which work environments you may be compatible with. These assessments attempt to match your traits with the interests, skills, and values of individuals who are already in these positions. This is NOT choosing a career for you, but rather selecting opportunities for you to research further. These suggestions may open new doors for you to investigate.

LEVEL OF EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR CAREERS
Once you've discovered possible careers, you can check sites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook to see what level of education is required to enter your career of choice.

WHAT COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES OFFER THE REQUIRED EDUCATION?
Assessments like the Kansas Career Pipeline even go so far as to suggest institutions that offer the degrees you are interested in. You can also directly visit prospective colleges websites and check their available programs as well.

RESUME IN PROGRESS
Think of this simply as a worksheet. Keep it with you as you progress toward graduation and document resume worthy activities along the way. This will make it easier to recall important information when it's time to compile a resume later on.

Guest speaker set for April's "Deciding on a Major" workshop

2011-01-21T04:55:00.000-06:00

Unsure what to major in, or how your major may relate to career opportunities?

STARS is pleased to announce we were recently able to reschedule a guest lecturer who was unable to attend the previously slated workshop "Deciding on a Major" on October 19th, from 12-1.

Michelle Haupt, Coordinator of the Academic and Career Information Center at Kansas State University, will join forces with STARS as part of the Presidential Lecture Series to present the topic on April 14th, from 12:15-1:15 in the CAVE.

"Launched in 1986 by K-State President Jon Wefald, the Presidential Lecture Series is a service offered by K-State at no charge to high schools and community college. The series features many of K-State's top faculty members, who share their expertise on a wide variety of issues. Kansas State University is a comprehensive, research, land-grant institution first serving students and the people of Kansas, and also the nation and the world." -KSU Press Release

This is a great opportunity for those unsure about their career path and are open to learning about new possibilities and how to determine which field may be right for them. Join us in welcoming her to NCCC and sign up for the event starting on October 1st!

First-hand experience

2011-01-12T16:17:00.000-06:00

As seen in the ESPN video, Gonzaga basketball standout, Steven Gray, took a leap of faith and immersed himself into a unique study abroad opportunity.

Broadening cultural horizons and gaining first-hand experience can sometimes be the best way to discover your niche. STARS students Hallea Geiger and Kayla Ramsey have made the decision to volunteer through a mission trip to Uganda, working with children in the local community during their stay.

Although NCCC does not have a study abroad program, opportunities like these to become a more global citizen, and gain valuable experience in the field are everywhere. Students can start by enrolling in courses like Interpersonal Communication, Psychology, Sociology, and World Religions to gain a better understanding of various peoples and how best to communicate effectively.

Many 4-year colleges have offices staffed specifically for helping students prepare for and transition to study abroad locations. Other post-graduation opportunities include AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and Teach for America which allow students to work in disadvantaged areas, gain valuable experience, and qualify for loan deferment and payoff assistance.

Whether traveling afar or getting involved in your own community, hands-on experience can prove to be extremely valuable during future job searches. Employers in every field are constantly looking for battle-tested applicants who've demonstrated the ability to work with diverse populations. Be sure to document your experiences and dates for use on resumes later on.

Is your resume cutting edge?

2010-12-14T09:18:00.001-06:00

Check out this recent article highlighting what's in and what's out with resumes these days.

http://www.livecareer.com/news/Resume/The-New-Resume-Rules-What-s-In-and-What-s-Out_$$01132.aspx

WE want YOUR story!

2010-12-02T10:20:00.001-06:00

Are you taking a really interesting class within your major? Do you have a cool summer job related to your career goal? Are you volunteering somewhere to gain experience?

WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT! If you are interested, please send a photo and/or a description of how your experience (summer job, volunteer work, specific class, project, informational interview, job shadowing, etc) is preparing you for your future, and your current major to kbures@neosho.edu. We want to showcase YOU on this website to help illustrate the importance of gaining experience as an undergrad!

What's your major?

2010-11-16T13:31:00.001-06:00

One way to learn more about potential majors and careers is to ask those already immersed in the topic, or those who have been there before. I'm interested to see what some of you are majoring in, why you've chosen this path, and possibly some resources you can share to help others interested in the major.

Please respond by posting a comment to this article!

Resume Critique Workshop provides assistance for students at all stages

2010-10-28T16:48:00.001-05:00

Whether you are a traditional student who has never composed a resume, or are a returning adult with a wealth of experience, the STARS Resume Critique Mini-Workshop offers help to students at each level.

Resources were available to assist in brainstorming experiences, skills, activities, honors, references, as well as multiple examples in how to format a resume depending on your objective and experience.

Students who attended the workshop on Thursday, October 28th were provided with take home resources, one-on-one attention in addressing questions, and a computer to help develop or tweak their resume.

Couldn't make it today? No worries! There will be another opportunity Thursday, November 4th from 10-11 in the CAVE - using the same format. You can also schedule to meet with me any time to visit about your resume.

Career Exploration Workshop will feature blog resources

2010-10-18T11:44:00.000-05:00

The annual "Career Exploration" workshop will include an orientation to the resources available on the STARS Career Advising blog.

Join me on Wednesday, October 27th as I discuss the importance of exploring and researching potential careers, and show you how the STARS blog can help!

Learn more about:

Upcoming career related events
How to find a major that matches your personality
What opportunities different majors offer
How getting involved can help explore careers
Resources to beef up your resume
Job/Volunteer opportunities
AND MORE!

Undecided?

2010-09-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Whether you are yet to choose a major, or are currently inbetween, you may be interested to know you are not alone.

In fact research suggests that around 20% of college students experience undecidedness in their undergraduate years (Habley, 2006) and nearly 75% change their majors at some point in time (Gordon, 2007). So there it is, in a classroom of 20 people, 4 will likely be without a major, and 15 have or will change their major.

So now that you know you aren't going to be alone in your decisions, what are you going to do about it?

That's right, the ball is in your court, and you get to pick your team. Many resources are available on both this site, and located in the CAVE. There is something for every individual, here are some examples:

I have never had a major, what should I declare?
If this is you, you may want to start by taking an assessment. Knowing more about yourself is important in figuring out what you want to do. It will take into account your strengths, abilities, and values and suggest occupations that employ people with similar qualities. From there you can check what education is required to work in that area. STARS can help to set you up on either PinPoint or Kansas Career Pipeline to take these types of computerized assessments. There are also activities on this very site that can help to match you to specific majors. Check them out!

I'm not satisfied with my major, what can I do to change?
Visit with your advisor, they may be able to help you determine why it is you want to change, and what alternatives may be available. Asking yourself questions like "What about this major do I dislike/like," "Have I had any experience in this major outside of the classroom," and "Have I visited with someone in the profession" will help you figure out if the major is for you or not. Just because an Intro to Business class isn't your favorite, doesn't necessarily mean its not for you, and vice versa. Gaining experience can make a big difference.

You may also consider taking or retaking the assessments discussed above. You may find a pattern in your strengths, values, and abilities, or find that they've changed significantly.

I'm about to graduate, but changing my major would mean taking a considerable amount of additional credit hours to meet requirements, should I still change?
Keep in mind that although certain careers may require specific majors, certain majors can also prepare you for a large number of occupations. The completion of a college degree itself presents employers with a set of skills and experiences that have prepared you for the workplace. You may want to do a cost/benefit analysis of your major change.

Whatever your question may be, visit with your advisor, and take advantage of the resources available to you!

References used:

Habley, W. (2006, October). Look who's coming to college. Paper presented at the NACADA 31st Annual Conference on Academic Advising, Baltimore, MD.

Gordon, V.N. (2007). The undecided college student: An academic and career advising challenge (3rd ed). Springfield, IL: Thomas.

PSU offers interesting opportunity for technology students

2010-08-30T10:54:00.001-05:00

On Friday, September 10th the PSU College of Technology will be inviting interested students to experience the Kansas Technology Center, located on its campus.

Those who are considering careers in technology will be able to get a first-hand tour of the home to many nationally ranked programs. Tours of the center will be offered every hour from 9:00-12:00, and live lab demonstrations will begin every 30 mintues from 9:30-2:00.

Students interested in this opportunity need to email register by September 7th. Contact Transfer/Career Advisor, Kyle Bures, for more details.

STARS will be sponsoring a visit to PSU scheduled for February 24th, 2011 which last year included a guided tour of the Technology Center. Students interested in attending this trip can sign up in the CAVE beginning February 1st.

A DVD highlighting the PSU College of Technology is also availabe to watch in the CAVE. The video offers a glimpse of each of the technology programs offered at PSU, including interviews from students, instructors, and industries.

YOUniversityTV offers glimpse of various careers

2010-07-27T09:16:00.001-05:00

Wondering what tasks and responsibilities certain careers involve? Nothing is better than shadowing, interviewing, or interning in person - but YOUniversityTV offers a number of videos highlighting many of today's popular career choices. Check out interviews with people in the field and tips for preparing for careers in each respective area, all from the comfort of your own dorm room.

Start now by clicking on the link below, or access later under the Career Exploration tab.

http://www.youniversitytv.com/careers

Enjoy!

No major? No sweat.

2010-07-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

If you are one of the many students without a major, you've probably heard them all. Labels like "undecided", "undeclared", "open option", "liberal arts", etc. The list can go on. But perhaps the best label I've come across is "exploratory".

Exploring is a good thing. It is a term that has an adventurous sound to it, and is thought of as a choice, not a by product.

Why shouldn't it be equally positive in education? Doesn't it make sense to explore your options through experience before committing to a major or career? Holding out on declaring a choice may be smarter than you think. By the same token, you can't sit around and expect a career to fall into your lap. Be proactive - and here is how.

Ask Yourself
-spend some time evaluating your strengths and asking yourself what you want in a work environment in order to be successful and happy.

Research
-use online resources from this site and from the Transfer/Career Advisor to research majors and careers that interest you and/or match your strengths and values

Get Involved
-find ways to be active in your interest areas, whether it be volunteering or interning, or just a simple informational interview with someone in the business, getting involved is the best way to find what fits (or doesn't) right away

Many four-year degrees require about two years worth of general education requirements. If you use this time wisely, you can be creative in your course selection in a way that allows you to fulfill interest areas while still meeting basic requirements. This period should also be spent doing the activities listed above to help in the decision making process.

Why do so many students change their majors? Much has to do with the lack of preparedness to make the decision the first time. Exploring these steps can help reduce the stress of multiple changes, still allow for progress to be made, and eliminate wasted credits.

So stop sweating the fact that your entire group of friends has a major, and you do not. Instead turn it into a positive, and use your time exploring your options wisely. You may find it makes a "major" difference in your career development.

"Stop asking me my major" - By Scott Keyes

2010-06-28T16:27:00.001-05:00

http://chronicle.com/article/Stop-Asking-Me-My-Major/63453/

New opportunities in STARS provide students chance to build experience in interest areas

2010-06-23T15:35:00.001-05:00

This coming fall, students will have the chance to get involved with STARS in a whole new way. Positions for a Student Videographer (paid), numerous Student Journalists, and Comic Artists for the monthly newsletter will all be open for application.

These opportunities offer you the chance to gain valuable experience in the area you are studying, or provide an avenue to explore new areas. Either way, they are great resume builders for undergraduate students. Below are job descriptions for these positions:

Student Videographer
STARS is looking for a responsible student to record workshops and events and/or develop videos for promotional use. This is your chance to display your creativity and put your computer savvy to the test. Pay will start at $8/hr. If you are interested contact Bart Chaney (bchaney@neosho.edu) for more details.

Student Journalist
STARS is interested in a few good men and women who would like to gain some writing experience. Opportunities include but are not limited to writing themed articles for the monthly newsletter, the transfer, career, or current events blogs, or the bulletin boards. This is a great chance to build your resume and work one on one with STARS Staff. Cover a student event on campus, compare and contrast campus visits, research a potential career. Use your creative side to gain notariety on campus for your writing skills. Contact Kyle Bures (kbures@neosho.edu) or Grace Riebel (griebel@neosho.edu) for more details.

Comic Artist/Graphic Artist
Express your artistic talent by creating a brief comic strip for the monthly newsletter. Pitch us your idea and it may be in next month’s issue! Another option may be to develop artwork for use on future STARS publications (brochures, newsletters, logos, t-shirts, etc.). Either way, build your portfolio with STARS! Contact Kyle Bures (kbures@neosho.edu) for more details.

Gaining experience and expanding your interests can be key in career development - fleshing out your resume and building relationships and establishing references can be beneficial in getting your foot in the door for future opportunities.

Don't miss out! Let us know of your interest as soon as possible!

Using Holland Codes to Explore Majors/Careers

2010-06-07T15:04:00.001-05:00

Are you looking to explore your interests? One quick and simple way to do so is to take a brief Personality Quiz to receive your Holland Code. John Holland discovered six basic personality types by which job seekers can be categorized, issuing them a code which can offer insight on work environments that may be satisfying for the individual to work in.

The Quiz.

The quiz consists of a simple checklist of items that the individual must go through, selecting each item that is appealing. Then the quiz is scored, tallying checks in each of the areas (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional), ranking them in order.

Quizzes can be found at the following links:
Online Version
PDF Version

The Results.

Say for instance you scored 4 in the Social, 3 in the Realistic, and 3 in the Conventional. Then your code would be SRC (or SCR). This suggests that you are most strongly tied to the Social Category, so you may want to look for any majors/careers below that list S first to start out with. This is meant to be a general suggestion of what work environments you may be satisfied in, and allows you to search for careers/majors in these areas, possibly opening new doors to explore.

The Match.

After researching the majors at NCCC, I assigned them codes. You can now use YOUR code and try and find potential matches to your personality right here at NCCC. Printed Holland Personality Quizzes, Type Descriptions, and Holland Codes for NCCC Majors can be found in the CAVE!

For codes to majors not listed here, see the Transfer/Career Advisor in the CAVE.

Finding your fit: An exercise in career exploration

2010-06-03T08:57:00.001-05:00

If you are finding yourself in a bind, struggling to decide on a major or a career, I suggest attempting an exercise I recently came across. It won't take long and in doing so you may uncover some hidden interests, values, skills, etc.

Start by making a list of 10 accomplishments or achievements that have occurred throughout your lifetime, including even childhood events. The point is to find ten things that left you with a good impression or feeling and that you enjoyed doing.

Then, of your list of ten, choose your favorite two. For these two events/accomplishments, write a detailed description, including what took place, who was involved, skills it required, time taken, and the result or outcome of the event. Be as detailed as possible.

Next, look back on your descriptions. For even more feedback, discuss them with a friend or relative (or career advisor) and allow them to ask further questions about the accomplishments. Consider the skills that you used for the event and how they may be applied to current careers or jobs. The point in the activity is that by looking at accomplishments or events in your lifetime that brought you joy you will also uncover your interests, values, and skills that can be applied to the workplace.

Finally, find someone already in the position you are linking to and schedule an informational interview with them to get a feel for what a day on the job may entail. Also look for classes/majors that may relate to your events/accomplishments as well. In doing so you may stumble upon a true calling, or at least point yourself in a new and interesting direction...

2010-06-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in a communications or journalism career?

Want to put your writing skills to the test?

Be a featured guest writer on the STARS Career blog!

Discuss careers that interest you, talk about opportunities within your major, or write about newly developing careers. Whatever it may be, STARS is looking for YOUR perspective.

Consider the benefits:

Improve your writing skills

Build experience for future resumes and scholarships

Get published on a college website or in a campus newsletter

See if journalism is right for you

Work one on one with a member of the STARS Team

Get started today, contact Kyle or Grace for more details - opportunities are also available to write for the STARS Newsletter, STARS Current Events blog, and the Transition blog. Visit one of us in the CAVE or contact us at griebel@neosho.edu or kbures@neosho.edu

Resume and Cover Letter Critique available

2010-05-25T13:25:00.001-05:00

Don't forget that as part of the services available for you in STARS, you can get help with resume and cover letter production and critique. There are a number of resources to help you in the right sidebar, as well as in the Transfer/Career Advisor's office in the CAVE.

This fall STARS will also host a Career Exploration workshop, with Resume Critique mini-workshops to follow throughout the week to assist you in creating and improving your own resume to show of the skills and experience you've already gained.

October 27, 2010:

Career Exploration Workshop from 5:30-6:30 in STOLTZ Lecture Hall

October 28, 2010:

Resume Critique mini-workshop from 3-4 in the CAVE

November 4, 2010:

Resume Critique mini-workshop from 10-11 in the CAVE

Help and information aren't JUST available on these days, feel free to drop by in the CAVE anytime!

Career counselors offer words of wisdom

2010-04-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

Check out some great advice from career counselors across the nation. Enjoy!

http://www.quintcareers.com/career_services_advice.html

"What are you going to school for?"

2010-03-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

If you are planning to spend the Easter holiday surrounded by your Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol you see twice a year, it is inevitable that you will hear this question. Although hearing it year after year can be as annoying as the dreaded "cheek pinch", it's a question worth reflecting on...

In my case, I was undecided for half of the time I was in college, and a psychology major for the other half (a major that a large majority of the general population is quite confused about). So responding to this question was always an interesting task.

The point is, you should take some time to think about it. What is your major? What related experience have you gained? Internships, Student Assistantships, Clubs/Activities, Work Study, and Volunteer Work are all examples of things you can be doing NOW to help beef up your resume.

And what better time to discuss these opportunities than with family members who are, or have been, employed in a number of different fields. Take the chance to ask them what their degrees were in, what experiences they gained to prepare for their careers, and more importantly - what opporunities they may be able to provide you with through their work. You may discover new interests, or affirm existing ones. Either way you are networking with others and putting your interests out in the open.

So take some time this Holiday to look past the good food, and be prepared to use the opportunity to share your plans and do a little research. It may pay off in the end!

For more resources on resume production and major/career options, visit with Kyle in the CAVE or check out the links to the right.

USDA and Farm Service Agency accepting applications for Summer Intern Program

2010-03-01T09:58:00.001-06:00

The following is copied from a letter by Adrian J. Polansky, State Executive Director for the Kansas Farm Service Agency regarding the USDA Summer Intern Program:

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) wil be participating in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2010 Summer Intern Program. Through this program USDA offers paid summer internships involving substantive work assignments to college students, or high school graduates who have been accepted by a college.

FSA will have limited number of positions available at State Offices across teh nation, Kansas City Financial Office, and the Headquarters office in Washington, D.C. FSA has one State Office in each State. The final date to apply for the FSA positions is March 19, 2010.

From previous years' participation, we believe this to be an excellent program for students to learn about USDA and FSA career opportunities. Kansas FSA Summer Interns are usually assigned a position at the State Office located in Manhattan, but other options will be considered. Summer Interns are employed during the summer and are given valuable work experience related to their field of study. An added value to FSA is the opportunity to train students in its programs and office operations, and encourage them to seek careers in agriculture. This program also serves as an excellent source for providing diversity for the FSA workforce.

The packet of information and job listings can be viewed in my office in the CAVE. Although most deadlines for application are March 19th, many end sooner. So if you are interested please act fast. There are a wide range of jobs and locations that require an equally broad range of majors preferred.

Interested in careers in technology? PSU's Kansas Technology Center may be for you!

2010-01-28T10:43:00.000-06:00

Pittsburg State University's College of Technology offers a number of programs and degrees that may be of interest to students in the field of technology. So if you are considering careers in this area, you are invited to attend the PSU Technology Day, scheduled for February 12th.

The event will be held in the Kansas Technology Center (KTC) - host to many of PSU's technology programs which are ranked top in the US! The day will include tours of the facility and lab demonstrations within each program.

PSU College of Technology Programs

Automotive Technology
Construction Management
Construction Engineering Technologies
Engineering Technology
Graphics & Imaging Technologies
Technology & Workforce Learning
Plus Associate Degrees and Two-Year Certificates as well!

The registration deadline for this event is February 8th. STARS will not be taking a group on this event - but will be visiting PSU on February 24th - which plans to include a tour of the Tech Center then as well. However, if tech careers interest you - this event may be a more in-depth opportunity.

For registration information and a complete list of degrees and events for the day, please visit the CAVE!

The Importance of Resume Writing

2010-01-15T11:20:00.000-06:00

The resume. Once you've began thinking about your career track, resume writing becomes extremely important. But even before that, you should begin considering how to put together a clean list of your experience and talent that will make you unique in any selection process.

Start by brainstorming anything you feel may be important in conveying your "personality" - described through previous work and volunteer experience, as well as education attained and awards/honors received. Also begin to piece together important dates of employment, GPA information, addresses, etc.

Once you've created a sizeable list, select a design that highlights your strengths and begin to format your information in a clear and organized way. Avoid too many different fonts or font sizes, and stay away from bright or distracting colors in an attempt to "stand out". Instead you should use bolding to make your strengths and achievements attractive to the reader.

Finally, compose a list of references. Contact information and titles need to accompany the names, and they need to be reliable. DO NOT include family or friends. Your focus should be on selecting individuals who can attest to your work ethic, reliability, etc., and have seen these qualities in action. Even though Uncle Joe and your roommate may speak very highly of you, they won't look extremely credible through the eyes of an employer. Once you've picked a few, make sure you ask/inform them that you've chosen them as references, and give them a copy of your resume.

Obviously, there is a lot to consider when composing a quality resume. This is exactly the reason why it should never be an afterthought or a last minute task - it should require a great deal of time. One tip is to continually update your resume with each new achievement or experience. It's much easier to remember titles and dates immediately after rather than wasting time researching these things years down the road. Also, EDIT, EDIT, EDIT. Use friends, family, co-workers, supervisors, teachers, etc. The more eyes the better. Of course, you should make the ultimate decisions - but allow room for constructive criticism.

For more assistance on resume writing you can visit the links on the sidebar. There are also resources available in my office in the CAVE. If you need help creating or proofreading your resume, you can also drop by my office or email me a copy for review at kbures@neosho.edu. It's never to early to start a resume!