Discover your natural talent with StrengthsQuest

This week’s blog post is written by Jackie Furbacher, a senior bio-chemistry major at CU-Boulder.

I’m just beginning the second semester of my senior year with the plans to graduate in August. My mom asked me one day last semester, “What are you going to do when you graduate?” I replied, “Get a job.” She then asked, “What kind of job?” to which I answered, “I don’t know. One that pays money.”

Right now, I am at a crossroads; I’m deciding  between going to grad school and entering a health-related field. No matter where I end up, I realize I need to develop interview skills and create an elevator pitch to sell myself to future employers or schools. To start this process, I made an appointment with Alexa at CU Career Services. After listening to me explain my current situation, she recommended I take a personality test. I decided to take the StrengthsQuest test because I figured it would help me find the right words to describe myself to future employers.

The test was really easy. I paid for it at Career Services, and then when it was convenient for me, I took it on my own computer. The entire test took about 30 minutes. Each question gives you two statements and you have to decide with which you most agree. The results were immediate; they rank your top 5 strengths according to certain categories. The results surprised me because they defined my strengths to a T. StrengthsQuest gives you access to tons of information about the different strengths and how they can be used.

My top strength was strategic. Strategic is explained as a skill that “enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large.” I always knew I was good at this, but never really knew where to begin describing this skill to other people. Another strength of mine was learner. Lately, I have come to realize how short my attention span is for a certain topic. I enjoy the process of learning, but I have a constant need for new stimulation and new things to learn.

I look forward to meeting with Alexa again in the next couple weeks to discuss the results and how I can use them in an interview or on a resume to portray myself in the best light. Understanding my strengths will really help me narrow down what type of environment or field I will thrive in. I would recommend this test for anyone whose trying to figure out how to best market themselves to future employers or anyone who just wants to understand a little bit more about themselves.

A Day in the Life of a Data Coordinator

According to a study conducted by Rutger’s University’s John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development in May 2011, 44% of college graduates said the first job they obtained after graduating was closely related to their area of study.

This is actually quite common nowadays. Just take Cameron Naish, a CU alumnus who graduated in summer 2010 with a degree in news-editorial journalism, a minor in Technology, Arts and Media, and two internships at 5280 Magazine and Delicious Living Magazine.

Cameron currently works at Educational Measures, a Denver-based company that creates products and services designed to help companies utilize their content and data. Even though his degree and internships were in journalism, Cameron says they helped him prepare for his present job by teaching him how to maintain a good working relationship with coworkers, network, and be self-motivated.

“When it comes to internships, they’re all going to supply life lessons, new skills and opportunities in one way or another, it’s just up to the intern to find out how,” he said. “They don’t necessarily spoon-feed you lessons or skills like the classroom is designed to do, you have to go out there and find what you want out of internships yourself.”

As a Data Coordinator at Educational Measures, part of Cameron’s job involves traveling 60,000 miles per year to educational conferences in 23 cities all across the U.S. When a provider wants to organize a conference, they ask a pharma company to help them fund it. Once they have organized the conference, Cameron flys out to attend it and asks attendees questions that they answer using a device similar to an iClicker. By the end of the conference, it’s expected that attendees should get more right answers, proving the educational program was effective. During that time, Cameron’s coworkers back at the office put that conference data into a system so the given provider can demonstrate to the pharma company that this particular conference was worth funding, in addition to future conferences.

Cameron started working at Educational Measures during his sophomore year at CU, when he says some high school connections helped him get his job as a contractor at the company. By maintaining the connections he made and working hard at Educational Measures, Cameron was hired full-time by spring break of his senior year in college, and started his full-time job the Monday after graduation!

What does a day in Cameron’s life look like?

> At 7:00 a.m., Cameron wakes up. By 8:00 a.m., he’s at work.

> At 8:30 a.m., he has a morning meeting.

> At 9:00 a.m., Cameron catches up on client emails.

> At 10:00 a.m., he inputs some data into Educational Measures’ systems for pharma companies, who help supply the grants that fund the conferences they attend.

> At 11:00 a.m., he inputs some data into their systems from companies that run meetings.

> At 12:00 p.m., he takes a break for lunch, and by 1:00 p.m., he’s responding to more emails.

> From 3:00 p.m. until he leaves work at 5:00 p.m., organizes files, follows-up on outstanding items, works on company newsletter, sets up travel meetings, and more.

> After work, Cameron has dinner, hangs out with friends, writes posts for his blog, http://www.funnyfollowsform.com, and enjoys his free time.

What’s ahead for Cameron?

Although Cameron says he loves his current job, he also hopes to enhance his Adobe skills in the future by getting involved in more graphic design, as well as writing more.

“I am a very creative person at heart, and if I don’t do something creative at least once a day, I feel like I wasted the day,” Cameron said. “Honestly, happiness is my future goal; what needs to happen to fulfill that goal is still in the works.“

What advice do you have for CU students that are job hunting right now?

“I’d suggest that students take what they can get and make the most of it. […] At the end of the day, everything is an experience and a learning opportunity; so don’t spend too much time complaining about what comes your way or what doesn’t. Obviously, everyone should have goals and strive to get the best internship he or she can, but don’t miss out on other opportunities because it “isn’t good enough” or less-than-stellar. […] Hard work, dedication and a smile does not go unrecognized for long, and if you can build a strong reputation and network early on, it will prove useful until you retire.“

“I highly recommend people work for smaller companies early in their careers. It is a great place to learn, take on a variety of tasks and meet cool people without feeling underappreciated. Smaller companies require more responsibility and accountability, which is great to learn early on, and I am thankful I’m not just another suit-and-tie in a cubicle.“

Prepare for the Spring Career and Internship Fair this Wednesday!

Looking for a job or internship? Over 130 employers will be available to talk to students at CU's Spring Career and Internship Fair this Wednesday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in UMC 235, Aspen Rooms, The Gallery and the Glenn Miller Ballroom. Make sure you're adequately prepared by following as many of these simple tips as you can!

• Register for Career Services Online. If you register in enough time, you'll get a printed nametag at the fair. In addition, you can upload your resume so that recruiters can view it as well as search for jobs and internships through our search database that is only available to CU students and alumni! 
• Update and print your resume. Read over your resume, add any new information, read over it again in order to catch any errors, and then have a friend proofread it before you print off multiple copies of the final version to bring to the career fair. You can also get your resume critiqued by actual recruiters on Monday, January 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in UMC 235.
• Print off business cards. If you already have some business cards; great, but if not, don't stress! Career Services has some free templates you can use. Simply enter in your own information, print them off on card stock, and you're all set!
• Research the companies you're interested in. Recruiters are constantly telling Career Services' staff members that they can tell when students have taken the time to learn about their company. Check out the list of employers attending the Career Fair along with positions they're recruiting for and then visit the websites of the companies you're interested in. This way, you can learn more about how each company was founded, their ideals and values, and positions they're hiring for. A question recruiters like to ask during job interviews is why you're interested in their company rather than its competitors, so think about this as you gather information on their company and talk to employers at the fair.
• Get tips from recruiters before the fair. Want to know what makes job or internship candidates memorable in a recruiter's mind? Find out about recruiters' preferences and pet peeves at Recruiters Tell All on Tuesday, January 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room S350 in the Center for Community. Recruiters will give their opinions on everything from the career fair to interviewing to salary negotiation.
• Get your folder and outfit together. Stick your copies of your resume, business cards, any research or notes you printed out, blank paper, pens, and your BuffOne card into a folder or small binder that you can easily carry around. On the day of the fair, leave your backpack at home. If you have one, wear a nice suit to the Career Fair, or a nice blazer and khaki or dress pants.
• Practice your elevator pitch. What would you say if you were in an elevator for 30 seconds with a recruiter from the company you want to work for? What would you say if a recruiter said, "Tell me about yourself"? Look at your resume, think about your major, skills and work/internship experiences, then put together a short, 30-second elevator pitch you can tell employers once you've shaken their hand and introduced yourself. When I'm at the career fair networking with an employer, I'll walk up, say “hello,” shake his/her hand, then give my elevator pitch but end on a note that explains my interest in their company; if you know the company is recruiting for a certain position and you're interested in it, mention that! Check out these example elevator pitches to get ideas as you craft your own.

Finally, make sure to get a good night's rest the night before, and we'll see you at the Spring Career Fair and Internship Fair! It’s the largest career fair of the spring semester so don’t miss it!

How to Use Social Media in Your Job and Internship Search

This week’s blog post is written by Maggie Lowenberg, a senior international studies major at CU-Boulder.

Like most seniors in college, I am reaching a place in my life where the pathway isn’t quite clear. There are confusing and infinite signs directing me to jobs, programs, med school, law school and holy cow—where is a map to help me?

Well, my fellow lost friends, I would like to guide you to CU Career Services.

I found myself wandering into the Career Services office in the C4C after having a panicked senior moment and wondering what my options were after I graduate from CU. It wasn’t until I began meeting with Jodi, a career counselor at Career Services, that I realized job and post-graduate searching could be a limitless task. Jodi showed me that social media websites are designed to make this process more precise and easier.

Now, I am no guru to social media websites such as Twitter, Linkedin, and/or Facebook. But, after meeting with my friend, Mindy, who is a Peer Career Advisor for Career Services, I fear no more. With simple features such as building a bio on Twitter, I can begin posting my professional interests or any related blogs. I’m even able to search for jobs on Twitter by typing in the job type I want in the search bar. Linkedin allows me to upload resumes, message companies to set up informational interviews, connect with groups that relate to my interests and connect with virtually any employer. Plus, it’s a much more professional place for employers to find out information about me rather than search on Facebook. Facebook is a great place to socialize with friends, but not where I want employers to find me.

After my visit with a career counselor, my pathway is becoming much more clear. Sure, I am weary about finding a job, but at least I have the resources to start my job search, find references, and demonstrate I am a qualified candidate. Career Services offers workshops and events throughout the semester and can help guide you on your path to finding a job or internship. I HIGHLY suggest if you are having difficulty — don’t be shy, ask for directions!

Career Services is the main career center on campus serving all majors, undergraduates, Master’s and Post-docs and alumni. To make an appointment, please call 303.492.6541 or visit our office in C4C, N352. It’s never too early to meet with a career counselor. Don’t wait until you’re a senior to come see us. We’d love to meet with you as a freshman and help you towards your goals all throughout your college career.

A Day in the Life of Events and PR Manager for 303Vodka, Randi Curtis

                              

Warm up your night with a cocktail made from local vodka  

- Roderik Nelson Saleh Alvarado, Mechanical Engineering major at CU-Boulder and Boulder 2140 writer

A snow-covered and sunny Boulder day is an alluring invitation to warm the soul with some vodka. Shy away your winter chills with the kind of spirit that's made locally in Boulder, 303Vodka! I visited Randi Curtis at the local distillery to tell us how she reaches out to keep Boulder throats glowing under low temperatures.

Randi makes sure there's always a thirsty soul to serve in Colorado. As 303Vodka's public relations and events manager, she is exceptional in creating events to attract Boulder aficionados and music bands to share a good time at the bar. Every day since joining the distillery, the inbox has filled quickly with emails anxious for an encore. Each event has brought at least one new client back to 303Vodka, but often more. Randi's favorite and hit productions include Boulder's Best Mixologist, a 303Vodka exclusive.

Producing events is a newfound business for Randi; and it's fascinating, because there are only a handful of people who have found that sublime mix of work, life, and passion. That's definitely the case with Randi, as she's the happiest she's ever been! Her life is cunningly balanced between her mission to bring companies to the next level, being a devoted mother of two kids, and her passion to captivate new audiences every day. "I was looking for a donation for Boulder's Best mixologist and met the 303 people. They donated to the Tesla event I planned for 2140 monthly happy hour," said Randi. From there it seems like everything fell into place for Randi. In an attempt to unfold the secret formula to a fulfilling life, Randi advised Boulder 2140 and young professionals, "You have to experience everything yourself," and above all don't forget to "ask for what you want." It's a solid piece of advice...and a solid opportunity to ask for that sample of 303Whiskey.

As a spectacular year for Randi nears its end, she tells us more about the past. Her rewarding opportunities with 303Vodka and the success of her own company Randi C. Events, came after a small break from ten years in the IT industry. A split-second decision to move to Boulder from the sunshine state was followed by her leadership in multiple positions. Randi performed sales, operations, and management in a small firm whose first office was the second bedroom. The firm developed steadily into a recruitment website with plenty of hard work and few hours of sleep. Excited investors later purchased the firm.

The purchase of her IT firm presented a chance for Randi to discover a new future. She joined Boulder 2140 soon after her move to Boulder, and from this community arose her drive to start Randi C. Events. In recognition of the influences towards her entrepreneurial success, she said, "The inspiring professionals group is an essential network to learn of different industries, try new things, and meet people of a similar age with great ideas. The best part is that it's fun to get involved!" As we put down our samples of 303's vodka, she gave a shout out to her fellow members of the Boulder 2140 community, "Follow through and follow up. Do the things you say you're going to do."

What does a typical day look like for Randi?

> Randi sends her two kids off to school early morning

> She checks email at home before heading out

> At her office, Randi updates 303Vodka's sites with events information and nurtures client relationships

> She does most of the events planning during after-hours, typically from 8 p.m. to midnight

What's ahead for Randi and 303Vodka?

Randi is committed to elevating the distillery to the next standard. Her riveting events will continue to promote the 303Vodka brand, which has ideas to open up to other states. She went far enough in our conversation to hint at a return of Boulder's Best Mixologist and a possible redo of a LivingSocial deal.

As for her own business, she's started planning major events for the greatest theatres in town, the Boulder Theatre and the Fox. We didn't get any spoilers, but stay tuned. You won't want to miss these.

Interested in networking with young professionals in Boulder? Boulder 2140 is a great way to do this at fun locations each month. The next happy hour is January 25th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Absinthe House and benefits Special Olympics Colorado and the Boulder Polar Plunge. Register now!