Career Connections Newsletter • February 2009

Career Topic of the Month: Job Search in a Tough Economy
Career Resource of the Month: Develop Your 60 Second Commercial
Spotlight on Success: SNC Alumni Profile
Career Tip of the Month: ABC News - Tips on Securing a Job During Tough Economic Times
Financial Literacy Tip of the Month: Keeping your Personal Information Protected
Internship of the Month
Upcoming Events

Career Topic of the Month: Job Search in a Tough Economy

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, unemployment rates for December 2008 were 5.8%, which is up 1.2% from December 2007.  The nation's unemployment rate for December 2008 was 7.1%.  We are inundated with information regarding the tough economic times we are currently facing and although there are less job openings than one year ago, jobs do still exist, so read on for strategies to find a job in a tough economy.

1. Start Early: Make an appointment with Career Services, work on your resume and cover letter, and attend workshops to prepare for the job search.  Students need to be patient and persistent to find success in the current market and the job search will take time, so don't procrastinate!
2. Research: Your homework does not end in the classroom.  Researching potential employers is essential so you can identify the needs of a particular employer and include the ways in which your unique traits would meet those needs.  What sets you apart?  Resources for research: WetFeet, Hoovers, Google, company website.
3. Location: You may need to be flexible with your location and be willing to increase the geographic radius in which you are searching.  Although stating you will go anywhere for a job is unrealistic, narrowing your search too much may also be unrealistic.  Flexibility is key!
4. Focus: In this economy, it may be tempting to adopt the "I'll take anything approach", however this approach tends to be unproductive as employers may see you as indecisive or unsure about your career goals .  You need to be focused in your job search so that you can target your resume and cover letter to each position and company that you apply to.
5. Multiple Strategies: Now is the time to begin searching for jobs if you will be graduating in May.   When searching for jobs, look for both advertised and unadvertised jobs (the hidden job market).  Searching for jobs online should not be your only method of job search.  Networking is key in uncovering jobs in the hidden job market.  
6. Network: If you've ever heard the statement, "It's all about who you know" then you understand the importance of networking.  Up to 75% of jobs are unadvertised so it is essential to improve your networking abilities.  Resources for networking: Career Contact Program, young professionals networks, LinkedIn. 
7. Prepare for your Next Job: In a tough economy you may need to take a job that is not your "dream job".  Continue to network and work on your professional development so you can continue to improve your skills and build your resume.

Bonus Tip: Don't believe everything you see or hear from the Media!  The news can be daunting and may be more fiction than fact at times.  Don't let the news reports on the economy discourage you in your job search.  There are still jobs available!

Please contact Career Services for further assistance in successfully searching for a job. 

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Career Resource of the Month: Develop Your 60 Second Commercial

What is it? A 60 Second Commercial is an advertisement of yourself to be used in response to the interview question, "Tell me about yourself". It is also a great strategy to use when introducing yourself at job fairs or networking events. The key to the 60 second commercial is to keep it brief (60 seconds) and career-related. For more information and to learn how to develop your 60 Second Commercial, click here.

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Spotlight on Success: SNC Alumni Profile

Brian Bunkelman, Political Science, 1994
Account Executive, NBC26, Green Bay, WI

Click here to learn about the work experience and career path of this successful SNC alum.

Check out our growing list of Alumni Profiles to learn more about their career paths, experience and to envision what you can do with a degree from St. Norbert College. 

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Career Tip of the Month: Tips on Securing a Job During Tough Economic Times

Check out this video, courtesy of ABC News, on the topic of job hunting in a tight economy.

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Financial Literacy Tip of the Month: Setting Financial Goals

A goal, whether something you want or need, is a destination and you reach it by taking steps to get there. Goals keep you focused on the future, and they motivate you to accomplish your dreams. One of your goals is to graduate from college and you’re nearly there. Now it's time to start thinking of life after college.

By knowing exactly what you want to accomplish, you'll know what you need to focus on to accomplish your goals. Setting goals will give you a long-term vision as well as short-term motivation to organize your resources—time, money, talents-to achieve it.

Some of your goals may be related to money in one way or another; others may not. However, the steps you take to map out the steps to reach your financial goals can be applied to any goal, whether or not the goal has a price tag associated with it.

For more information on Financial Literacy, please visit: http://www.snc.edu/career/planning/finlit/

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Internship of the Month: Non-Profit Management Intern

Why intern? Internships are a great opportunity to apply classroom theory to real life work and to acquire experience to make yourself more marketable for future employment. It can also be one way to "test" your chosen career area to determine if it is a good fit for you.

Non-Profit Management Intern,  On Broadway, Inc., Green Bay, WI

• Position Description: This student will work with the Office Manager on the many operations it takes to run a non-profit office. From Volunteer management to operating systems, there are many pieces that make and office work. Student will work with Office Manager to fulfill these projects.
• Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be organized, timely, responsible, willing to learn, and able to work independently.
• Contact: If you are interested in this unique internship opportunity, contact Tracy Haeser at tracy@onbroadway.org or 920.437.2531.  

For more information on this internship and to search for additional internships, please login to Career Connections.

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Upcoming Events

To register for an event or workshop, login to Career Connections and click on Career Events. 
Click here for the complete Spring 2009 Calendar of Events. 

Job Search for International Students
Wed., Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m
Cofrin 208

Job Fair Orientation
Thurs., Feb. 12, 6-7 p.m.
Career Services

WorkForce 2009 Job Fair
Thurs., Feb. 19, 4-8 p.m.
Marquette University
Click here for a list of attending employers

Interviewing Skills for Teachers
Tues., Feb. 24, 5:30-7 p.m.
Cofrin 11

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