Career Services: Let Us Help You!

Spring Career
and Internship Fair

In promoting Career Services, I’ve noticed that many students ask: what exactly does Career Services do? In short, Career Services is an on-campus resource for students, paid for in their student fees, that provides the access to the skills and opportunities students need to be successful during their college careers and beyond. However, even after hearing that answer, many students still reply, “That’s nice, but what does that mean?” To give students a better understanding of what Career Services does, it may be useful to give an overview of the types of events that Career Services puts on.

One of the best places to find Career Services events is online, at either careerservices.colorado.edu or on Career Services Online. Another extremely useful resource for students is Careers in the Buff. Careers in the Buff is a newsletter that Career Services puts out weekly, which details upcoming Career Services events. The newsletter also offers students a look inside the Career Services office by featuring various Career Services staff, such as Peer Career Advisors, or students who spread the word about Career Services. Each issue of Careers in the Buff gives students an inside look into Career Services, or more specifically, who we are and what we do. Check us out! 

Resume Writing Workshop

Career Services has tons of events planned for spring 2011 to help students to prepare for the future beyond CU. We’ve got resume building workshops, the Spring Career Fair, class presentations, residence hall events, and various drop-in resume critiques and interviewing 101 events on tap for the spring semester. For students looking to fine-tune a resume, the first resume workshops of spring semester will be January 19 and 20. Look for the Career Services booth in the UMC and around campus, where we'll be offering resume critiques, interviewing tips and more! The dates for drop-in critiques and interviewing tips will follow shortly. As always, Career Services offers walk-in appointments Monday through Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Of course, you may plan longer appointments with a career counselors by calling 303-492-6541 or scheduling online.

So now you’ve had a little taste of what Career Services provides. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Resume workshop? Interviewing tips? Great! Now how does that work?” Perhaps one of the most well-known services that we provide is the resume building workshop. So what is it, you ask? In a resume workshop you are in a computer lab with Peer Career Advisors, who will lead you the various sections of a resume--what to include, how to format it. The best part of the workshops? Throughout the workshop you will be given time to work on your own resume, while asking the knowledgeable staff any questions you may have. Check our calendar for resume workshop dates and locations.

Networking Event

One of my personal favorite services that Career Services provide is interviewing help. If you’re like me, when an interviewer asks you an ambiguous question, such as, “Tell me about yourself,” you nervously start spouting off every little detail about yourself, including the name of your first pet. Here’s your first interviewing tip: Don’t do that! Interview tips help you answer those tough questions, know what sorts of questions will be asked, figure out how to dress, and more.

Believe it or not, that’s just a couple of the services Career Services has to offer students. The staff at Career Services wants you to graduate college feeling prepared and ready to take on your future. The best way to do that is to get involved with Career Services as soon as possible. So check us out online, make a profile on Career Services Online, attend some events, or come in for an appointment. The resources are here for the benefit of CU students, so take advantage!

Boulder-Based Third Street Chai Looking For Motivated Individuals for Marketing and Entrepreneurial Internship Position!

Dylan, Megan, John and Dan

Did you know some of the best chai is made a mere few miles from CU's campus? Have you ever wanted to be involved with a cool eco-friendly company and help with their social media campaigns and sales? Well, here's your chance!

Founded in March of 1995, Third Street Chai, takes care of their entire Chai tea production process, from sourcing to brewing, bottling and packaging--all in house. This Boulder-based company microbrews not only organic chai,  but also iced tea concentrates, yerba mate concentrates, and lemonade concentrates in a state-of-the-art 100% wind-powered plant. The company also composts 100% ingredients with local farmers in Boulder County.

Third Street Chai is firmly committed to sourcing the highest quality Organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients and to producing the most delicious products possible. They are constantly striving every day to build long-lasting, productive partnerships with their customers, suppliers, and community. The company tries every day to leave the planet a better place. 

Third Street Chai is currently looking for an intern to be their brand ambassador in the local community and to help support all aspects of sales and marketing. Although the primary focus will be marketing support, this position will offer a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of running a small business.

Third Street Chai's Director of Marketing,
Megan Siegel Jansen, loves to drive the forklift.

Do you want to be a part of this energetic and hard working team? Think you have what it takes to get out there and do fun marketing events, write press releases and manage several social media outlets? A great opportunity like this doesn't come around too often, so be sure to check it out!

For more information on Third Street Chai, visit their website.  Apply for their internship position in CSO by searching on Job #25271. Don't delay--the internship start date is December 15th!

How to Use Career Services Online (CSO)

One of the main questions CU students ask is “Where can I find jobs and internships?” Career Services Online is the answer to this question as well as a resource for many other things. CSO is FREE for all CU Boulder students and alumni. Please use the following explanation to better navigate CSO! (more...)

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in the Workplace

The goal of Career Services is to help CU students search for jobs and prepare to get hired. As a student services office, Career Services strives to assist all types of students. One issue students often ask about, but is rarely addressed, is workplace equality—specifically with regards to the GLBT community.

As described by www.hrc.org, federal law does “not protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation, although many cities, counties and states have such protections.” While federal law allows employers to fire their workers based on sexual orientation, many states have corrected this injustice with anti-discrimination laws of their own, including California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Workplace discrimination is a consequence of many potential factors, and it may never be completely abolished. However, as equal rights activists and campaigns continue to advance workplace equality, employers that maintain discriminatory practices are becoming a minority. (more...)

Find out about opportunities abroad: International Career Panel and Career Services' International Opportunities website

Would you like to find an internship abroad, but don't know where to start? Career Services is here to help you look for the international internship of your dreams!

On November 3, Career Services is providing students with a chance to look into international careers. Career Services is hosting an International Career Panel on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Flatirons Room in the C4C. Come listen to individuals talk about their international careers and/or their expertise on finding international opportunities and learn about different employment, teaching, or volunteer opportunities abroad. In addition, find out about opportunities in Foreign Services and the State Department. If you're looking for opportunities abroad, this is just the event for you; don't miss out on this helpful panel! For more information about this panel, log on to Career Services Online and search for the event using the "Career Events" search engine.

Answer the following Career Services Trivia Question correctly to enter for a chance to win a free iTunes gift card: (more...)

Careers in the Spotlight: Working for a social media agency

One of the great things about going to school in Boulder is that career opportunities abound in such a technologically advanced city. Elyse Heslin is just one CU graduate ('10) whose pre-graduation career search led her to job in an industry she is passionate about. (more...)

Keep your online image professional with these social networking tips

In an age focused on flourishing new media, your job or internship search may look a little different. Often, once the employer has received a resume and cover letter, their next step is to Google the candidate's name. If an employer finds something distasteful that might reflect poorly on a job candidate's profile on any of the various social networking websites--Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, among others--the candidate may be removed from consideration for the job. (more...)

Dining for Success Etiquette Dinner

In corporate America, one way to network and conduct meetings is through business dinners or luncheons. Career Services is teaming up with CU GOLD to provide CU students with a night of etiquette and fine dining. This is your opportunity to learn proper etiquette in a business social setting at CU’s Dining For Success Etiquette Dinner. A variety of companies and organizations will sponsor the tables, providing a worthwhile networking experience. During the event, students will learn about etiquette, interviews, and enjoy a FREE five course meal.

However, before the big night remember these simple tips to be successful while at a corporate dinner meeting:

• Remember the purpose of the meal
• Follow the lead of your host/interviewer
• Be tactful and conscientious of your interaction with the host/interviewer 

When preparing for the event please remember the following:

• Who: Open to all CU students
• When:  Monday, October 18
• Where: UMC 235
• Dress: Business casual
• RSVP: Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call 303-492-8519 and leave your name and phone number. Thank you!

For more information, please contact Judy Hlawatsch at 303-492-8519 or Judith.hlawatsch@colorado.edu.

Meet employers at the Fall Career and Internship Fair this week!

Are you still looking for a job or internship for the year? Have you been checking CUConnect's job list every day, applying to multiple jobs around Boulder, and you still haven't obtained a job or found one that fits your career field interests?

Or are you a senior who is worried about getting a job right after fall or spring graduation? (more...)

Career Services is moving to C4C!

Like many other student service offices on campus, Career Services is moving to the new Center for Community building! Career Services' new office will be housed on the third floor on the north side of C4C, and faces Hallet Hall, Regent Administrative Center and Koelbel Business. The new office will open on Monday, October 4, but in order to prepare for the move, Career Services will be closed on September 24, 29 and 30, and October 1, said Lisa Severy, Director of Career Services. (more...)

Get a Great Deal on Professional Attire at Suit Yourself

Think back to your last job interview. As you were getting ready, did you scramble through your closet in search of something professional to wear? Whether you need to replace your old work clothes or are looking for new suits, Career Services is here to help! On Tuesday, September 21, Career Services is hosting Suit Yourself, an event where students can get great deals on shirts, jackets, pants, skirts, and more. (more...)

Get Involved - Find out HOW this week on campus!

Are you looking for a way to boost your resume to the top of that pile of job applications? Look no further! Employers love to see students who are involved in different clubs, activities and volunteer groups; it demonstrates that the prospective employee is passionate about their community, curious about the world around them, and interested in gaining leadership skills.

This week, CU is encouraging that participation by hosting several different fairs as part of Student Involvement Week. Got a break between classes on Wednesday, September 8? Head over to the UMC Fountain area between 11 AM and 2 PM to check out the Student Involvement Fair. Members from over 100 different groups are waiting to meet you, answer your questions about their clubs and help you get involved in something you're passionate about! Ask how you can gain leadership and group facilitation skills. (more...)

CU Undergrads - schedule your career counseling appointment online!

With school starting in a few weeks, now is a great time to check in with a career counselor to get the latest tips on finding internships and jobs, polishing your interviewing skills, or learning about fall career related events.

Are you a current CU undergraduate student? If so, you can now
schedule an appointment online!

It takes just a few minutes to create an account. You'll have your choice of day, time, topic, and career counselor.

Please note: If you are a CU-Boulder graduate student or alumnus/alumna, or if you would like to discuss a different topic, please call the Career Services office at 303-492-6541 to make an appointment.

In addition, be sure to check out our website for additional resources for CU students and alum.

Career in the Spotlight: Non-profits are Hiring!!

If you are interested in Business Management, Project Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Accounting, Fundraising and many more areas of work, working for a nonprofit is a great place to start. With the recession today, nonprofits are booming. Why? During a time when people look to use their money wisely and efficiently, they turn to nonprofit sectors.


About.com features an article that discusses the nonprofit world today. (more..)

CU Alum, Jon Goldsmith, shares his Career Search Story.

. What did and did not work well with your job search?

When you are laid off, it can be completely overwhelming to figure out where to start. Everyone has their own suggestions and recommendations, however, I feel as though the best thing to do upon newfound unemployment is to reflect on your past job. (more...)

Top 10 Resume Do’s and Don’ts

Below is a list of the top ten resume do’s and don’ts. These helpful hints can serve as a great guide for writing or critiquing your resume.

Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts (more..)

It’s Easy to Apply for Jobs Online— but It Takes More to Truly Stand Out

This article taken from Campus Career Counselor is very interesting and important for recent grads. Check it out.

The Employer: Brian Mackey, National Recruitment Manager for GEI Consultants.

The Issue: The Internet isn’t—and can’t be—everything in the job search.

In a recent blog posting, you wrote: “Relying on the Internet alone to get a job might be the very thing keeping you from it.”

What do you mean? (more..)

Careers in Sports!

Barry Siff, founder of 5430 Sports, has directed over 60 multisport events since 1998. Check out his advice for students interested in the sporting industry below.

1. Career Services is highlighting "Careers in Sports" this week. What type of work does your company do related to this?

From 1998 to 2009, I was a Race Director; at first, specializing in adventure races; but, from 2004 to 2009, specializing in triathlons. Our business, 5430 Sports, was ultimately sold to Ironman.



2. What or Who were your main influences for you to build 5430 Sports? (more...)

What is an informational interview?

Many people don’t know how beneficial informational interviews are to the job search process. Not only do informational interviews, or “chats with an employer”, provide you with a better understanding of a particular occupation or industry, but these chats are also a great way to build a network of contacts. An informational interview is one of the most valuable sources of occupational information. The informational interview is directed by your questions and gives you the opportunity to learn first hand experiences and impressions of someone in the occupation. These chats are less stressful for both you and the employer than a typical job interview-- you have the opportunity during an informational interview to ask a broad range of questions that you may have regarding the company or industry in which you hope to pursue. (more...)

A Glimpse of Working for the Government

CU Graduate, Michael Alosi, shares about his career as a Budget Analyst for the government.

What is your position and place of work at the government?
Budget Analyst at the federal agency GSA (General Services Administration) in the PBS (Public Buildings Service) Division

How did you find this position?

(more...)

Get to know your Counselors: Cori Shaff

Cori Shaff is a Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Career Services.

Q1. What made you want to counsel?

I love when someone has the experience where they make a decision, and when someone has a really positive experience that I have been a part of. I once worked with a girl who was applying to grad school, and working with her through the whole process and seeing her gain acceptance to grad school was really rewarding. (more...)

Northwestern Mutual Career Fair Feedback

As a Recruiting Intern for Northwestern Mutual – Denver, I am lucky enough to be asked to attend the career fairs at the Universities around Colorado. Michelle Sanchez, our Campus Recruiter and I noticed some highlights and lowlights from the students at CU’s Spring Job and Internship Fair that was held on January 28th. (more...)

Working at Sun Microsystems! - Spotlight on Jason Aldrich

Briefly describe Sun and explain the beneficial opportunities for an employee.

Sun Microsystems provides network computing infrastructure solutions that include computer systems, software, storage and services. Its core brands include the Java technology platform, the Solaris operating system, MySQL, StorageTek and the UltraSPARC processor. Sun's opportunities are at both the intern and new graduate levels but mostly in engineering disciplines including Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. (more...)

Stand Out in the Job Search!

A recent Fortune magazine article beautifully illustrates how college students/grads and other job seekers these days need to get creative if they want to get hired.

“Creative” doesn’t mean resorting to gimmicks, as the magazine’s simply named “How to Get a Job” piece reveals. Instead, it calls for outworking your competitors, in terms of both research and demonstrating—specifically and clearly—what type of problem(s) you can solve for the hiring organization. (more...)

How to Ace an Interview

An interview gives you the opportunity to sell yourself to an employer—it is the best possible opportunity for an employer to get to know you and about your experiences before you get hired. Interviews can be an intimidating experience for anyone, both students and experienced adults alike. Please use these following interview tips to prepare for an upcoming interview and to make yourself the best possible candidate for the job! (more...)

Student in the Spotlight: Your PCA Christine

My name is Christine Gebbia. I am a junior at CU majoring in Psychology and Communication. I have been given the opportunity to intern for Northwestern Mutual-Denver as their Recruiting Assistant. Since I am a Peer Career Advisor at Career Services, I know how important internships are once you graduate, so I decided to attend the Spring Career and Internship Fair in 2009 to try and land an internship. Prior to dressing in business attire and heading into the fair, I researched the companies attending the fair.

Once I chose a few I found interesting, I formatted a “career script” to present myself and two types of resumes- a general resume and resumes specific to internships and companies I found on Career Services Online.

Once printing my name tag (they print one by scanning your Buff Card if you have an account on CSO), I headed over to the few booths I researched. One of the tables was Northwestern Mutual-Denver. Emily Faust was the recruiter at their table, so I went up to her and introduced myself using my career fair script. This is how our conversation went: (more...)