5 Questions with Justin Crawford, CEO of dojo4

By Roderik Nelson Saleh Alvarado, mechanical engineering major at CU-Boulder

A retro rocketship is a prevalent graphic on your company website. What's the story behind this rocketship and how does it relate to dojo4?
Our CTO, Ara Howard, traveled to dojo4 from a distant galaxy in a pedal-powered retro rocketship. We all arrived at dojo4 one morning and he was standing on the porch in silver spandex. We put him right to work.

Seriously though, we like the rocketship because it represents launching. We think the best thing entrepreneurs and innovators can do is launch their ideas into the world and refine them in partnership with their audience. If you're trying to build something the world will value, the fastest way to do that is by letting the world guide your efforts.

On August 15th Boulder2140 hosted a Professional Development Lunch on Why You Need to Know Code and we were excited to welcome you as our guest speaker! How did you convince young professionals that programming is yet another skill they should acquire?
Like Ara, I sometimes consider myself a missionary from a different planet when talking to folks who've never dug into programming. When I mention I'm a visitor from the planet Computar, folks immediately ask whether I know how to fix their printer (I don't). After that, once we've overcome a few minor language and cultural barriers, I will try to convey the most important message I have for non-programmers: Do not be afraid, it is much easier than you think.

Dojo4 has an expansive set of capabilities; some of its projects have included branding the ambitious Big Boulder Conference, designing Boxcar Coffee Roaster's visual identity, and producing the website for Robert Sinskey Vineyards. Personally, what type of projects do you enjoy working on most and why?
I personally enjoy building information and content products. Is that too vague? Could I make it vaguer somehow? Hmm.

The entire internet is just a means of conveying information. Depending on your audience, you have to structure your information in particular ways. For example, if your audience is people who are curious about your product or service, then you structure it one way; whereas if your audience is thermostats that are waiting for you to adjust them remotely using your iPhone, you structure your information in a totally different way. In either case, I really enjoy designing the conversation so that it can be successful.

This fall HUB Boulder - the international hub for entrepreneurial collaboration - is opening its doors and is co-founded by dojo4! How does this partnership align with your company's goals?
Unique electricity crackles in the air of any place where smart people gather to work together. Folks show up with their small businesses packed inside a laptop computer; they share ideas, problems, solutions, customers, and energy; and a certain magic occurs that benefits the broader community and economy in powerful ways. We started dojo4 with the hope of making that kind of space, and we've succeeded beyond our expectations. But we're an active services firm with lots of customers, lots of projects, several employees, and a single, tiny bathroom. We're proud to be a part of HUB Boulder, enabling entrepreneurial collaboration in a dedicated space.

Your favorite tools include regexes also known as regular expressions, which are frequently used in programming. Why do they interest you so much?
Here's a regular expression:

/You.+?\./

The slash at the beginning and end simply signify the beginning and end. The stuff in between means, "A string of text starting with 'You,' with some text of nonzero length (.+?) in between, and ending with a period (\.)."

When used in a computer program, this regular expression would match any sentence that had those characteristics. So, for example:
- You might use it when writing a computer program to find sentences in a big block of text that look like this one.
- But you wouldn't find sentences like this one.
- Your regular expression would find the first sentence here. Not the second or third, even though this whole bullet point begins with 'You' and ends with a period. That's due to the question mark in the regular expression, which says, "I prefer the text in between to be short," which in this case means, "only match up to the first period."

There is something wonderful about this. A regular expression is a simple way to describe incredible complexity (like the written word) using just a handful of characters. Once you've described it, you have created a pattern that you can apply to other instances of complexity, with predictable, powerful results. A regular expression is a general-purpose tool for describing textual patterns. You can use the above regular expression to pull out every matching sentence from Charles Dickens' novel. You can use it to strip the last two sentences from this paragraph because they're making this interview too long.

How Career Services Benefits Freshman

By Kelsey McWilliams, Marketing Intern at CU-Boulder Career Services

Did you know that it’s never too early to come in to Career Services? We’re not just here to serve seniors getting ready to enter the work world. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, beginning with your freshman year.

Now that you’re settled into school and (hopefully) finishing up midterms, it would be a great time to make an appointment with one of our career counselors. Our counseling services are free to current CU-Boulder students. Schedule an appointment online or call 303.492.651. You can also come in during our drop-in hours Monday-Thursday 1:30-4pm for a quick 15-minute appointment to get you started.

Not sure if you have anything to talk about with a career counselor? We guarantee that you do! Our counselors assist with major exploration, so if you’re not quite sure what you’re interested in, we can help. Our counselors will facilitate self-exploration, gathering information and exploring your options, setting goals and priorities, and taking action to choose the right major for you.

Director Lisa Severy and the rest of the staff at CU-Boulder Career Services
are here to help you succeed!

We also offer Career Exploration through Career Related Assessments like StrengthsQuest, Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator and FOCUS-2, which help you learn more about your interests, values, skills and personality.

Even though you just started school, it’s never too early to start looking for your first job or internship. Our career counselors assist with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and job searching skills, so you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed.

If you haven’t done so yet, sign up for Career Buffs, our free online database that lists career events, job and internships specifically for CU-Boulder students. Click here for instructions on how to create an account, and then take an in-depth look at how Career Buffs works.

Once you sign up for Career Buffs, you will start to receive our weekly newsletter, “Careers in the Buff.” This provides updates about relevant jobs, internships and events, as well as career advice and interview tips.

Overall, we at Career Services are here to help you. We have an abundance of resources and connections across the country, and we would love to share them with you. Even if our office can’t solve a problem, we can point you in the right direction. So, come by and see us to learn how to excel in your freshman year.

In-Depth Look at Career Buffs

By Kelsey McWilliams, Marketing Intern at CU-Boulder Career Services

Question: have you created a Career Buffs account? If the answer is yes, continue reading for an in-depth look at our comprehensive online system. If not, let us introduce Career Buffs: CU-Boulder Career Services’ online job, internship and event database.

Click here to read a previous post about how to create an account and then come back and finish reading this blog post once you’re all signed up!

Career Buffs is an incredibly useful tool once you know your way around the site. Continue reading to learn more about our user-friendly database.

Your Profile

Your personal information can be accessed through the My Account tab by clicking on My Profile. Take a minute to go through each section and complete all fields, especially Job Preference and Type of Position Desired (full time, internship, part time, etc.). Sometimes Career Services sends emails that match your criteria, so make sure you fill everything out and keep it up to date. The more detailed your profile is, the better we can assist you!

Upload Your Resume

First, make an appointment with one of our career counselors to get your resume checked or attend Resume Critiques with the Peer Career Assistants (PCAs) on Wednesday, November 7. Once you’ve updated your resume, upload it to your Career Buffs account by clicking My Account and then My Documents. You can also upload cover letters, recommendation letters, writing samples and transcripts. Allow Career Services to send your resume out to employers by clicking YES next to “Allow resume referrals to employers?” on the My Profile tab.

Search for Jobs and Internships

Career Buffs has thousands of listings of paid and unpaid internships, part-time jobs, full time jobs and more! Click the Job Search tab, and then explore your advanced search options. Fill out the applicable sections such as a Job Category, Position Type and Job State Location. Career Services recommends that you use fewer criterions so that you do not limit your search results (i.e. if you specify Boulder as the job city location, you may miss out on an amazing opportunity right outside of Boulder).

Save Your Work for Later

While you still have your current search open, select “Save Search” to easily access the same job search the next time you log in to Career Buffs. Select “Email me New Jobs for this search” to receive daily emails when new positions are posted that match your selected criteria. You can also keep track of your favorite jobs to review later by clicking the grey star next to each job title. These will be saved under the My Favorite Jobs link on the left side of your homepage.

What else?

• Career Events is a list of upcoming career-related events including employer information sessions, career and internship fairs, networking events, career panels, resume workshops, etc. Search for events that interest you and find out the time, date and location as well as whether or not you need to RSVP.

• Our Employer Directory keeps track of more than 9,700 employers that have posted jobs with our office.

• My Activity (under the My Account section) tracks any positions to which you have submitted your resume. It also keeps track of your on-campus interview schedule and any events you RSVP for.

• The On-Campus Interviews section is a list of organizations conducting interviews at CU-Boulder. You can choose to either “View Schedules I Am Qualified For,” or “View Upcoming Schedules.” Even if you think that you are qualified for a position under the latter section, you will not be able to submit your resume for that position if it does not show up under the qualified section. You may just need to update your profile, so be sure to do so often!

If you have any questions or concerns while exploring your Career Buffs account, please contact our Career Services Help Desk at 303.492.4100.

What If You Don’t Get the Call Back?

By Kelsey McWilliams, Marketing Intern at CU-Boulder Career Services

We’ve all experienced the uncomfortable waiting period after submitting an application or sending a resume and cover letter to a company that you’re just dying to work for. But what about after you’ve already had the interview? This silence from a potential employer can be incredibly painful.

The most important thing to remember: don’t freak, but do take action. It’s easier to let your mind run wild with questions... What did I do wrong? Should I have worn that outfit? Did they like another candidate more? Am I unqualified? Don’t let this happen! Keep calm and don’t put words in the employer’s mouth. Instead you should ask yourself several questions...

First, did you follow up? You can’t expect an employer to make the first move after you’ve interviewed. Following up is not an optional gesture; it’s crucial if you’re serious about standing out amongst your competitors. All it takes is a quick email (within 24-48 hours of the interview) thanking the employer for the time they spent with you. These tips about Following Up After a Career Fair can also be applied to job interviews.

Next, was your contact information correct? Candidates often forget to update their contact information on resumes and cover letters – especially when transitioning from college to professional life. Make sure that your email, phone number and address are clearly written on both sheets.

Employers may just be taking their time or testing you. Many employers are curious to see if candidates are truly interested in a certain position, so they may refrain from responding to your first email. Be persistent and show them that you’re the right person for the job.

The other option is that an employer may be waiting to interview more candidates before getting back to you. In this case, make sure to keep yourself on their radar while remaining patient and respectful at all times. You definitely don’t want to annoy them with too many emails.

Finally, the sad truth... it’s possible that they’re just not that into you. If you’re not the right person for them then they are not the right company for you. Remember to keep your head up because there are many other opportunities ahead. If you’re still obsessing over the company, then think about applying for another position that you may be better suited for. Or you can always apply after you’ve gained more experience at another job.

No matter what their reason is for lack of communication, always stay positive. Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, so maybe you’ll be receiving a response faster than you know it. Otherwise, another opportunity is sure to present itself.

Network Like a Pro

By Kelsey McWilliams, Marketing Intern at CU-Boulder Career Services

Networking can be an intimidating experience, but it can also be a very rewarding one if you play your cards right. Even though you may not realize it, you are constantly surrounded by potential networking opportunities, whether you’re interacting with peers, parents, colleagues or strangers. Read on for some helpful tips that will surely enhance your next networking experience.

The art of networking is a difficult skill to teach or explain. The best way for me to give advice is through personal experience, so I’d like to share one of my most meaningful networking encounters.

Two years ago CU-Boulder, among other schools across the country, hosted the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour, which offered students the chance to “win” a summer internship with Clinique in New York City.

Hoping to work at home in Los Angeles for my first summer back from college, I wasn’t particularly interested in the New York internship opportunity. I was, however, very interested in a Public Relations career in the beauty industry. Knowing that networking was going to be my ticket into the industry, I decided to go to the event, hoping that there would be some influential executives in attendance.

Tip #1: Know who you want to talk to in advance

I arrived at the event with every intention of finding someone with whom I could network. At first when I asked if there were any corporate representatives from Clinique in attendance I was completely shot down. This brings me to my next networking tip...

Tip #2: Persistence is key

With a hunch that my luck would change if I were patient enough, I stuck around the event awaiting for my opportunity. After lingering for a while I finally got the chance to meet CeCe Coffin, Senior Vice President of Global Communications for Clinique (and a CU-Boulder alum)!

Tip #3: Strut your stuff

Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself in a positive light while also making sure to maintain a two-way conversation (it’s not all about you)! I showed CeCe that I am a motivated, passionate and reliable job candidate through stories about my past job experience at a PR firm in Los Angeles, and she ended up recommending me for a position at Smashbox Cosmetics. Who knew that a short conversation could land me such an incredible opportunity? My summer internship at Smashbox was a direct result of my networking opportunity with Cece Coffin.

Tip #4: You have lots to learn

Take networking encounters as an opportunity to learn. By asking open-ended questions like “How have you enjoyed being in the industry?” and “What are the challenges you’ve faced?” I gained insight into CeCe’s career and personal background. This information was incredibly helpful in making my own decisions, as I was able to relate to her experiences and foresee myself in a life like hers. Not only did CeCe end up helping my find an internship, but she has also served as a mentor ever since we met.

Tip #5: Follow up, follow up, follow up

As a general rule of thumb it is always important to follow up, and networking opportunities are no exception. Make sure to get the contact information of the person you’re talking to so that you can send them a thank you note via email. It is important to recognize and appreciate the time they took to speak to you. Plus, you never know when you may want to email them with a question or favor!

Overall, make sure to always be engaged, professional and appreciative. Networking opportunities often lead to potential jobs and internships, so it is important to always put your best foot forward!

You’re Fired: Do’s and Don’ts

By Kelsey McWilliams, Marketing Intern at CU-Boulder Career Services

Getting fired from a job is a terrible feeling, but unfortunately it can happen to the best of us. In the heat of the moment you will be filled with emotion, but there are some very important steps you must take and guidelines you must adhere to.

Keep Your Cool

No matter how angry and sad you may feel, it is very important to stay calm. Always be respectful to your coworkers and superiors, and do not lash out in the heat of the moment. Trust us, you will be remorseful later. As tempting as it may be to post an angry Facebook status or tweet, you will also undoubtedly regret informing all of your friends and followers that you were fired. Instead of lashing out, confide only in those who you trust and love, surrounding yourself with people who can support you through this tough time. Keeping your cool will help you move on quicker in the long run.

Respect the Company

While you may feel like sending out an angry email to your boss or coworkers, refrain. The things you say and write can be held against you and will absolutely tarnish your reputation. No matter how you feel about the company, never badmouth it – this could seriously prevent you from being able to find another job. Don’t forget that future employers will be calling your old company for references, and you want them to have good things to say about you. A bitter, hostile exit will put you in a horrible situation as far as finding a new job.

Think Before You Sign

Many companies offer severance agreements to employees they fire. These forms release the company from legal cases surrounding your employment. Take your time on signing this form. It is best to run it by a lawyer and consider negotiating a higher payment if you deserve one. Also make sure that you are not a victim of wrongful termination. Experts estimate that more than 250,000 workers are unjustly fired every year, so make sure that this does not happen to you.

Consider Unemployment Benefits

If you qualify for these compensation benefits then you should definitely apply right away. Contact your state unemployment office for specific cases on whether or not you qualify. Most fired employees do qualify as long as you weren’t fired for misconduct.

Cut Back

Think again about how you’re spending your money while unemployed. This would be a great time to get your finances in order, review your budgets and cut back on expenses. Assume that another job is not just around the corner because it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Look Back

Once you’ve cooled down, think about what happened that led to your firing. Is there anything you could have done differently? This is a very important conversation to have with yourself because it could mean the difference between finding success at your next job and a future of unemployment.

Keep Your Head Up

No matter what happened towards the end, the company hired you for a reason in the first place and other employers will see that too! Try not to let yourself be discouraged and remember that you are not alone. Start looking for and interviewing for new jobs while remembering that everything happens for a reason. This closed door could open an even better one in the future! Be positive about your prospects.