I hate to say it, but I was pretty disappointed. I went into it thinking it would give me all kinds of new tips and ideas in regards to looking for a new job. Maybe it's because I was a young professional before returning to school that was the reason I already knew so much of what they had to say, but I definitely didn't learn a lot of new material.
They mentioned the Sun Devil CareerLink which is useful, but also geared toward students who are finishing school whereas I am only a junior.
They talked a lot about networking, which I agree is extremely useful, but something I know well and have excelled at.
They talked about being persistent and on the ball. That tip isn't new to anyone, but I did actually find that to be a kind, gentle reminder that I do indeed need to be that.
One of the more useful strategies they talked about was creating a 30 second elevator pitch about yourself. That is something I hadn't thought about and will be working on.
They reminded us to google ourselves and make sure there isn't anything we regret out there we don't want to be. Once again, everyone knows this, but it is a good reminder. I haven't done that in a while and probably should.
The best advice they offered was that they a) gave several helpful websites that Inlook forward to checking out and b) mentioned that one can call career services to set up a mock interview to practice. I may do that, but even if I don't immediately, I like knowing that option is there.
Overall, I probably would have chosen a different career services option if I had known the outcome, but it certainly wasn't a complete bust. A webinar is easy enough and I did receive some great reminders and helpful resources.
Charlie,
ReplyDeleteThe Google yourself advice is actually very good advice. I never really thought that people in the professional world were out there Googling each others names and bios but I can tell you they are. I have had at least two people tell me that they Googled my name before contacting me. One was a professor at University of Massachusetts Boston looking to put together a study group of Hispanic veterans and the other was an attorney/community activist building a team of community consultants. Both told me they heard of some of the events that I have put together and that they used Google to find out more about what I have done. Fortunately, the Google search came back with my bio and some information about me and the events I have lead locally. That being said the only worst thing than having something bad come up when people Google you is having nothing come up when people Google you or being on page 160,000 of a Google search.