Apply to be a CDI!

The Career Development Intern (CDI) program through The University of Georgia Career Center is designed to provide valuable paraprofessional experience while assisting the Career Center in meeting the needs of University of Georgia students, alumni, and employers.

My personal experience as a CDI has been phenomenal. Hands down this is one of the best jobs I have ever had. Not because it is a paid position on campus. Not because of the flexible work schedule of working 10 hours each week. Not even for the numerous employers I can easily network with during panel presentations and career-related events; but because of the wonderful staff, and the ability to build the path for my own career. It is important to learn how to sell yourself to the job market, so one day you can work for the company of your dreams. Through numerous resume critiques, mock interviews and assisting with different career-related events, though I am no expert, I have a lot more confidence in these areas. I love being a CDI, and I hope to leave a positive impact on the students and the Career Center while I am here!

So now that I have shared my personal testimony of this job, I am sure you want to hear more information on how to apply. The CDI application can be found directly on our website. The application requires a resume, cover letter, and the application itself, which includes one short answer to a creative question. When you have completed the application, attach the three required documents to an email and send it to cdi@uga.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16.

After the applications are reviewed, a group of finalists will be contacted during the week of March 26-30 to select a time to interview for the position. Interviews will take place on Wednesday, April 4 from 4-6 p.m. and Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 4-6 p.m.

If you have more questions or want more information about the internship, see our Facebook event and attend the CDI Information Session! It will take place on Wednesday, Feburary 29th from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in the Tate Dawg Pen. We will explain the internship in greater detail and outline the characteristics we are looking for in a potential candidate. Hope to see you there!

2012
02/22
CATEGORY
Internship experience
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Quick tips: Preparing for the Teacher and Administration Recruitment Fair

2012
02/20
CATEGORY
Career Fairs
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Graduate assistant spotlight: Christa Porter

Christa Porter is one graduate assistant you need to be sure to meet at the Career Center! She received a bachelor’s degree in social relations at Michigan State, and her master’s degree in higher education administration at the University of Maryland. Christa is currently working on her PhD in college student affairs here at the University of Georgia.

How did you get in Career Services?

I always knew I wanted to work with college students. When I started working on my PhD, I received the graduate assistant position here at the Career Center. Once here, I realized how much I enjoy helping students transition from college to full time jobs.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love when students email me or come in and tell me about getting an interview or a job offer that they have been working towards.

Do you have any helpful career advice?

Always remain authentic! Be yourself.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have a 1.5 year old puppy named Reese that I love to play with! I also really enjoy reading.

What was your first part time job?

I worked with a few friends at a Subway in high school.

What is your favorite thing to do in Athens?

I enjoy finding vegan places to eat in Athens. I really like going to The Grit for dessert.

What is something unique about you?

I have a fraternal twin sister named Crystal who lives in Greenville, South Carolina. College was the first time we ever lived apart from each other.

Why the CDIs love Christa?

Christa always has a smile on her face that brightens our day. She gives great career related advice, and always makes time to chat with us when she is in the office!

2012
02/20
CATEGORY
Career Center Spotlight
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Graduate assistant spotlight: Shakira Smiler

Many people have no clue where they will work after they graduate, let alone the path needed to get there. All the way from Detroit, Michigan, Shakira Smiler is here to lend a helping hand. She is a new graduate assistant for the UGA Career Center and she is ready to make an impact! With a charming personality and a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, Shakira hopes to provide guidance for students within their career development.

How did you get into the field of career services?

               I needed a job a year after I graduated from college so I met with my career counselor at the University of Michigan. She told me about a year long program as a Career Advisor. I got involved with the program and as I applied to graduate school I also applied to the Graduate Assistant program offered by the UGA Career Center, and I got the job!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

               I love helping students, especially the ones who do not know what to do. I enjoy helping with the guidance process, by helping a student who was completely blank, to having a better structure on their career development.

Do you have any helpful career development advice?

               Do not be afraid to ask people 1000 questions. Google can only offer so much, and teachers can only teach so much, but by actually talking to people already working in the field you can gain a realistic understanding.

What was your first part-time job?

               My first job was with Little Caesar’s as a cashier, and I would occasionally make pizzas. I smelled like pizza every day and I would have to wash the dishes without any rubber gloves!

What do you love to do in Athens?

               Athens reminds me of Ann Arbor; a college town, with lots of school spirit and people who love football. It’s a cute little town.

What is something unique about you?

               I went to a performing arts school and played the clarinet from 4th grade to my senior year of high school.

Why do the CDI’s love Shakira?

               “Shakira always has a great attitude and I love the different hair styles she uses for her natural hair. But most importantly, Shakira is a great person to just relax and chat with, and offers great tips and advice on how to become better as a future employee and a college student.”

2012
02/15
CATEGORY
Career Center Spotlight
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100 days to freedom?

Tate Grand Hall was overflowing with fervor during the annual 100 Days to Graduation event last week. From choosing graduation announcements to picking out a rocking class ring, a buzz of excitement filled the room as seniors rewarded themselves for years of hard work at UGA.  As a participant in these festivities, I can speak to the freedom associated with being done with classes (potentially forever) in a mere 100 days.

Unfortunately, this freedom is met with a great fear of the unknown. Call it a case of the Mondays, but today I have found myself reflecting on the looming blankness of my Google calendar as plans for next year are nonexistent. While I’m reminded by my family to focus on the present while plans for the future take shape, this is, as many of you can attest, not an easy feat.

So for those of us who are still searching for a job, here’s some insight into what to do now. While finishing classes out strong is perhaps most important, continuing the job search is vital. According to Merriam-Webster, search is a verb meaning “to look into or over carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something”. This definition emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in a pursuit to find the job of your dreams. Check out these resources for making your search a bit easier:

DawgLink

DawgLink is updated frequently which means jobs are shuffled in and out constantly. Sure you may not have found the perfect job when you searched this time last week but it’s worth your while to check again today! And when you do find a job(s) that interests you, APPLY! Not sure how? Check out this YouTube video about using the site and this blog for other tips!

The power of networking

Chances are, unless you are entering a field so new no one really knows about it, you know someone who knows someone in your field of interest. And when you figure out who that person is, contact them to set-up an informational interview. Often in the form of a lunch meeting or brief office visit, informational interviews are generally the best sources of insight into the next steps appropriate for your career. Find out exactly why your contact entered the field they’re in, how they got to where they are now and what you can do to get there yourself. Learn as much as you can during the interview and bring a copy of your resume along- you never know where an informational interview will lead!

Career Center events

Let me preface by saying that I promise this section is more than a shameless plug for upcoming events.

When employers offer to participate in a Career Center event they spend time and money to do so. Therefore, most come to events hoping to find potential employees among the sea of UGA students. Here are a few in the next two weeks:

Careers in Public Service

Tuesday, February 7

5 – 6:30 p.m.

MLC 148

Government and Nonprofit Career Fair

Wednesday, February 8

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tate Grand Hall

Careers in Nursing

Wednesday, February 15

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

MLC 248

Check out our website for a more exhaustive list!

Career Consultant

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and not sure what to-do, arrange a meeting with your Career Consultant. Your consultant can provide you with more specialized advice catered to your exact needs. You can also get resumes critiqued; cover letters reviewed and practice interviewing for when you do get your big break! Call the Career Center at 706-542-3375 to set-up an appointment!

2012
02/06
CATEGORY
Job Search
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Quick tips: Career fair

2012
01/23
CATEGORY
Career Fairs
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When your dream job doesn’t match your degree

I had originally planned to write a post about finding a job outside your major, an obstacle many students encounter around this time of year as a Junior or Senior. In fact, I did write a post about it. A full page of advice I thought would be helpful to students in a squeeze, disappointed in their decision and without the time, money, or energy to change majors. But there was a big problem: the post was boring. I found myself guilty of the same mistakes so many of us make. I was just going through the motions, typing up the same career advice you can find through our website or a conversation with one of the great career consultants here in Clark Howell.

I had 2 options: post the piece I had written, or write something that would provide a new perspective and be something I’m proud of.

These are essentially the same choices you’re faced with when deciding whether to continue into a career traditionally related to your major that may not be what you want, or take the risk of venturing into something you’re truly passionate about.

Competitiveness and drive for positions will be a necessity. While I don’t recommend pepper-spraying other candidates before an interview, the interviewee who shows the most passion for a position will have a leg up on a more experienced but less passionate competitor.

Also consider informational interviews with people who are successful in the career you’re considering. Just a half hour with someone can provide a lot of insight. In my experience, 5 people in the same career will have 5 different paths they took to get there. These short meetings are also an excellent opportunity to network.

Finally, meet with your Career Consultant to make sure the path you’re considering is an option right out of school. Also make sure you aren’t selling yourself short by choosing a position you will be excessively over-qualified for.

A career in landscaping may not be the best choice for your MBA

What it comes down to is gaining experience and getting your name out there in the field you’re considering. An internship or externship through the Career Center’s Intern For a Day Program will give you exposure to the real world activities in an industry. As far as obtaining an internship, joining pertinent student organizations will provide the networking opportunities to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Bear in mind that the extra effort will be worth it. If you’ve truly found your passion and calling in life, the satisfaction you’ll receive on the job will outweigh any trouble getting into the field initially. With the proper preparation, you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help out.

2011
12/05
CATEGORY
Job Search
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Graduate assistant spotlight: Leigh McNeal

If you are ever in need of a good laugh or a piece of candy, then stop by and meet one of our great graduate assistants, Leigh McNeal! Originally from Tallahassee Florida, Leigh has made her way up to Georgia, and is currently a graduate assistant here at the Career Center. She has found that her undergraduate degree in psychology from Florida State University has been extremely beneficial in helping UGA students at the Career Center.

How did you get into Career Services?

Originally I had wanted to use my psychology degree in the field of mental health counseling. When I was looking into graduate programs, I found that UGA had a community counseling program which has many different counseling options. Through this I found an interest in career counseling. After being accepted into the program, I interviewed with the Career Center and received a graduate assistant position.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy all the student interaction. I love meeting all the diverse students here at UGA and seeing how excited they are about their future plans.

Do you have any helpful career advice?

Choose a major or career path that makes you happy, not what others expect you to do.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love baking and trying new recipes. I also enjoy spending time with friends and being surrounded by people.

What is your favorite thing to do in Athens?

I have really enjoyed eating at all the locally owned restaurants. The food is great!

What was your first part-time job?

I started out as a hostess at an Italian restaurant, but quickly became a server. I worked there for five years.

What is something unique about you?

This is pretty random, but my parents are both named Terry. It was always confusing when someone would call asking for Terry and I had to figure out who they wanted to talk to.

Why do the CDIs love Leigh?

“I have never left Leigh’s office without a smile on my face. Her positive attitude makes her someone you always want to be around. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to get to know all of the CDIs. She is a great resource for any career related advice.” - Corrie  

2011
11/30
CATEGORY
Graduate Assistant Spotlight
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The on-site interview

I recently had the privilege of participating in an on-site interview for the company of my dreams. While I won’t be including exact questions I was asked, I’ve written this blog in hopes of preparing some of you for what you can expect at an on-site interview someday. Enjoy.

Day before

While the main reason for my trip was to be interviewed for a job that I would love to have, I also used the time to evaluate whether I could see myself relocating to fill the position. Having only visited Boston twice before, I knew I needed time to assess whether it was truly a place I could not only visit but also move to after graduation. My flight arrived the day before the interview and I used the afternoon to walk around the city, use the mass transit system and talk to locals myself. An additional perk? This gave me ample time to sleep and prepare for the interview the next day.

Morning of

As a notorious over-sleeper, I took drastic steps to ensure I would wake-up with plenty of time to spare the morning of my interview. My personal orchestra of alarms began serenading me three hours prior to the interview start time. Consisting of a quartet of hotel wake-up calls and mid-show solo by a phone call from mom, I was wide awake before the final encore- a Piezo alarm courtesy of Sprint – could begin.

While John mentioned listening to some serious psych-up music before his interview, I personally enjoy a pre-interview workout. With a copy of my resume and the job description in hand, I spent time reviewing my answers to probable interview questions in the hotel gym. This trend continued as I finished getting ready and headed downstairs to the lobby.

Something to consider if you’re staying overnight: to avoid being charged a late check-out fee, I checked out of the hotel prior to leaving for my interview. I made sure to allot for extra time for this process and to leave my bags with the doorman.

Arrival

After checking out of the hotel, I dodged the blustery Boston wind by taking a taxi to my interview. While the walk would have only been a few blocks the taxi assured I arrived on-time and without any clothing or shoe malfunctions.

Upon arriving at the office, I was asked to wait in the lobby with the other interviewees until we were called back. While this time may seem intimidating for some, I reveled in the opportunity to meet my potential co-workers. (Because I was interviewing for a development program, I knew I’d be working closely with at least some of these “competitors” if selected.) After twenty minutes or so, we made our way to the interview room.

The interview begins

After being offered refreshments by a member of the interview team, we took our seats for a presentation about the company and specific program we were applying for. Some employers may choose to hold this portion of the interview day over a meal- if so, check out this link here for dining etiquette tips! The presentation is often a great time to review the research you have conducted to prepare for the interview and also helped me by addressing minute details regarding the position I was applying for.

Following the session, the interviewees were led to our individual interview rooms after a brief break. We interviewed with 3 separate employees, each for approximately 30 minutes. While I won’t get into the specifics of the questions asked, I will say this- be sure to find out the types of questions you will be asked prior to the interview, on-site or otherwise, so you can plan accordingly. I have heard a few tragic tales of friends entering interviews completely prepared to answer behavioral questions only to find that the interview was focused on case-study questions instead.

When you do find out the type of questions asked, check out this blog for ways to prepare specifically. As always, remember to answer each question directly and with confidence, and don’t be afraid to brag a bit about your experiences that have prepared you so well for the job! Also, be sure to collect business cards from your interviewers to follow-up with thank you notes or emails later.

As with most on-site interviews, we were given a tour of the facilities after completing our individual interview sessions. This was a great time for me to gauge whether or not I could see myself working not only in the position I was applying for but the company as a whole- an important aspect of the on-site interview to keep in mind!

The follow-up

After wrapping up for the day, I was sure to thank our host before departing for the airport. With the business cards I had collected from my interviewers in hand, I was sure to send thank you emails when I got home. Once I had finished this final step, I took a deep breath and began the waiting game. While my interview team laid out the exact plan for following up with us, you may want to ask an interviewer if you aren’t briefed on the process already. It will help to put you at ease- I promise!

2011
11/28
CATEGORY
Interview Tips
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Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Elizabeth Pittard

Born and raised in Lawrenceville, GA, Elizabeth Pittard is definitely a girl worth meeting while here at UGA. She has lots of stories to share, along with a smile and a very welcoming attitude. She attended North Georgia College & State University and made her way to Athens when she received an Administrative Assistant position in the Office of Student Conduct. Her undergraduate degree in psychology has helped her learn about the human mind and apply theories to the development of the college student.

How did you get in Career Services?

            I was an administrative assistant here at The University of Georgia and I kept hearing people talk about the Career Center. I realized this job relates to student affairs and I became really interested in the department as well as a career in Student Affairs. I began networking and learning more about the graduate program, and then I was hired for the graduate assistant position.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

               I really enjoy helping students with mock interviews. Not only is it fun to be on the other side of an interview for a change; I believe practicing is very important. I rather have a student make a mistake with me than for them to make a mistake in a real interview.

Do you have any helpful career advice?

            Networking; be aware of who you meet and what they do. You never know what doors can open.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to go out to eat in different restaurants around Athens. One of my favorite restaurants is the Last Resort.

What was your first part-time job?

           My first part-time job was working for Polo outlet. A job in retail was not really for me and I only worked there for a few months.

What is something unique about you?

               I am currently in a unique situation as a full time graduate student, a graduate assistant at the Career Center and a newlywed. There is a lot on my plate to manage time for all these things, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why do the CDIs love Elizabeth?

               Every time I see Elizabeth she always has a smile on her face and a great outfit to match. She is very interactive with the CDI’s and the faculty in the office. Getting to know her this semester has been great; she has a lot of insight about career development and offers realistic advice on how to succeed.


2011
11/14
CATEGORY
Graduate Assistant Spotlight
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