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For the week of 18 June 2009
Welcome, students, to the new Career Services version of @COE. This e-newsletter will reach you weekly (biweekly through the summer months) with announcements, news, articles and opportunities from the fine folks in Dunford Hall.
From help finding a summer internship or post-graduation employment to workshops and articles, the Career Services @COE newsletter has got you covered!
Career Services Announcements
There are still 112 positions available on HIRE-A-VOL looking for ENGINEERS! To register for the HIRE-A-VOL system and start your job search for part-time and full-time job opportunities, visit the Career Services website at http://career.utk.edu and click on the HIRE-A-VOL logo.
Fall 2009 Career Services Important Dates
SAVE THESE FALL 2009 CAREER SERVICES IMPORTANT DATES!
- Fall Semester Classes Begin — August 19, 2009
- Part-Time Job Fair — All Majors — August 26, 2009
- Career Kick Off Picnic — Everyone come and eat! — September 10, 2009
- Kick Off to Engineering Career Success Day — September 15, 2009
- Kick Off Day 2 — 30 Minute Mock Interviews and Resume Critiques with Engineering Employers — September 16, 2009
- Graduate School for Engineers — Don Asher — September 23, 2009
- Logistics (Industrial Engineers also) Fair — September 29, 2009
- Fall Job Fair — All Majors (250+ companies came in Fall 2008 and ½ of the companies were looking for engineers) - September 30, 2009
- On-Campus Interviews Start — October 1, 2009
Remember that all December 2009 and May/August 2010 graduates need to have a resume on the HIRE-A-VOL system and be “job-fair” ready by September 1st! Expect to start searching for jobs, submitting your resume for interview consideration, talking to recruiters and begin making decisions about your future as soon as you return to campus for the Fall semester. Over half of the job offers for May graduates are usually made and accepted by January 1st! Resume critiques and mock interviews are available by appointment at Career Services year-round.
The graduating class of 2009 faces a tough job market, but a recent survey of employers shows early signs of recovery. In light of opportunities ahead, experts advise new graduates to approach the job search with flexibility and patience. Internships and other strategies can help you position yourself for success once the market turns around.
New Poll Indicates Stable Hiring Prospects for Class of 2009
In a survey conducted by CollegeGrad.com, the #1 entry-level job site on the Internet, 86 percent of graduating seniors expect to graduate without a job offer. Yet employers expect hiring levels to hold steady this year, according to a survey sponsored by The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The survey shows that while the current economy may have dampened the hopes of new college graduates, it hasn't necessarily affected their employment prospects.
FOSTER CITY, CA — June 9, 2009 — The #1 entry-level job site CollegeGrad.com recently released survey results indicating widespread concern among graduating seniors about job prospects. Of 1,725 respondents, only 233 students expect to have a job offer in hand when they graduate.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), however, employers expect to hire about the same number of college graduates this year as in 2008.
NACE's Job Outlook 2009, which collects survey data from employers, reports that expectations for the Class of 2009 are still 1.3 percent ahead of the Class of 2008's actual hires. The report strikes a note of cautious optimism, projecting very little growth in the hiring levels over the Class of 2008, but more importantly, no expected decline.
With industry indicators showing glimmers of a market comeback, this year's college graduates have reason for optimism—even if they don't land a job before graduation. Patience, persistence and flexibility are the keys to finding a job in a competitive economy.
"My number one piece of advice is to not give up hope," says Adeola Ogunwole, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for CollegeGrad.com. "Don't let the stress of the job search overtake your life. Put it all in balance. Stay healthy, both mentally and physically."
Maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude can give you an edge in a bleak job market. Ogunwole counsels students to focus on opportunities rather than rejections.
"Expand your network and career path prospects—many employers are opening up positions for internships and volunteer opportunities," says Ogunwole. "While not ideal, these positions do give you a foot in the door and can lead to permanent employment."
Internships offer employers a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time employees and give new graduates an opportunity to learn the ropes and establish important industry contacts. When the job market revives, interns are often first in line to interview for a full-time position.
Dr. Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers business and education topics.
NOW is the Time to Prepare for Fall Interviews!
Follow this advice from the Career Services website (Student Section) and be sure to check out the variety of resources on different types of interviews and interview questions that you may be asked or that you should expect to ask the interviewer - http://career.utk.edu/interviewing.php.
o Interview Practice
Prepare for professional interviews with practice interviews. Use Perfect Interview™ to practice answering questions (see below) or meet with a staff member for an in-person mock interview.
o Mock Interview
Schedule a mock interview to get in-person interview practice by calling 865-974-5435. Interviews typically last one hour.
Benefits:
o One-on-one recorded interview session.
o Immediate feedback and evaluation.
Remember to:
o Bring a copy of your resume to the interview.
o Wear professional attire. (Encouraged, but not mandatory)
o Show up a few minutes early.
o Perfect Interview™
Perfect Interview™ creates a realistic simulated interview in which you can repeat questions as often as you like and hear others’ examples. A built-in Interview Coach offers help if you get stuck, and you can use the Video Capture option to record and play back your answers using a webcam. If you do not have a webcam, you can make an appointment to use a computer in Career Services. Call (865) 974-5435.
To schedule a mock interview call (865) 974-5435.
Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Career Services is OPEN for Appointments during the Summer!
We encourage any graduates who are still searching for positions or seniors who want to be ready for full-time interviews to come and visit Career Services during the summer. Just call 974-5435 to schedule your appointment with Leslie Fox, College of Engineering Career Services Consultant or send her an e-mail at lfox6@utk.edu. And be sure to keep checking HIRE-A-VOL for engineering job opportunities!
To schedule an appointment for resume review, interview and job fair preparation or the job search process, call 974-5435 and ask to make an appointment with Leslie Fox, Engineering Career Consultant. Career Services is located in 100 Dunford Hall on Volunteer Boulevard.
If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding the Career Services @COE, please send them to L. Ashley Susong at lsusong@utk.edu.