Wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity

This week I attended Professional U's first career expo of the spring, the Diversity and Inclusion Career Expo. I actually forgot the expo was on Tuesday until it was too late. I forgot to wear business attire, not exactly a deal breaker for employers at the expo but not recommended by the organizers.

I also didn’t have a portfolio with copies of my resume, another recommendation for these professional events. But I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to learn more about certain employers and opportunities.

The table I spent the most time at was Sherman Williams. I wanted to learn more about their internship and job opportunities. As a senior graduating this fall, I wasn’t eligible for their internship but am eligible for their management training program. I was excited to learn more about, as I've been in a leadership position at my part-time retail job for about three years now.

The recruiter also explained to me that as a paint store they have various customers, both business clients and normal people. Many customers are interesting as many of them are DIYers (Do it Yourself) who are interested in paint for their projects. She explained that it's fun to help them find the best paint to suit all their project needs.

I’m very interested in pursuing their management program and will likely check into it more in the future. It’s a different industry I hadn’t really considered working for before. It's also advantageous that one of their locations is close to where I live.

— Gabriel Miller, senior communication studies major

Upcoming Boutique Career Expos

Explore career options, job opportunities and network with alumni and industry professionals.

• Communications/Marketing/Management Expo — Thursday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the KUB Ballroom
• Education Expo — Friday, March 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the KUB Ballroom
• Technology Expo — Thursday, March 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., in the Greenly Center

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife #ProfessionalU

Confident. Determined. And now, ready!

Hello senior year.

I know senior, what a crazy and scary thing to think about. However, it’s honestly the least scary thing to me right now. Bloomsburg University has prepared me well for life after college, and I cannot thank the school enough for the experiences it offers us. You might be thinking in what ways but specifically here, I'm talking about the Career Intensive Boot Camp.

A few weeks ago I attended Professional U's weekend long career boot camp. I can say I’m very thankful I was able to. I met so many alumni, who I now have connections with. The weekend taught me you could start anywhere and achieve what you want when you put the work into it.

It all started Friday afternoon when we met different peers in a wide selection of departments. During the first two session it was all about teamwork. We worked together in small groups through situations and projects. This was a helpful tool when it comes time to go out into the professional world where teamwork is important!

Following that on Saturday there were many more sessions. Alumni told us about their experiences and how they had the same struggles we did, which helped me breathe a little bit! There were some key things during the Career Intensive Boot Camp that were especially helpful and rewarding to go through; having several alumni panel sessions was definitely one.

Saturday was full of helpful events, particularly the resume and cover letter critique. Normally, most of the time people will be mad if they’re wrong but in a situation like this; I wanted to be. Alumni sat down with us, went through our resume and cover letter, and analyzed it to have us ready for the professional world.

Another part was the mock interview, also with help from alumni. They were asking us interview questions and would then take notes to give us feedback. This was such a helpful tool, because for my next interview I will be able to feel a lot more confident!

To end Saturday, we had an etiquette dinner. Who knew there were so many rules? In the ‘real world,’ some employers may take you to lunch or dinner as your interview and this was a helpful session. I was able to learn the ins-and-outs of eating using the correct utensils, how to hold them or where to put them, and how correctly to rip your bread!

Sunday morning, we were able to network more with alumni and had mock phone interviews as well, since that’s often your first impression with the employer, and to make sure you are not an alien of course! After a long, yet helpful, little stressful two and half days, I finally completed the Career Intensive Boot Camp! All participants received a certificate, which was very rewarding. Knowing I was one of the few students who have completed this — and how it will set me apart from everyone else in the professional world — has given me a lot of confidence! I would recommend anyone who is thinking about it to sign up! It’s so worth it, and I cannot wait to go back in the spring!

— Katie Behie, a senior marketing major  #ProfessionalU

Am I career ready?

Okay I’ll start off with a quick story about girl that was entering her senior year of college and by a sick twist of fate was forced to change her major,….AGAIN. Yes folks, she was entering into her fourth year of school and on to her third major and not by her choice this time. If you have not already guessed this mystery girl is me!

Summer 2016 I was officially without a major and for the first time in my college career completely directionless. With some research I decided to become a communications studies major with a track in leadership and public advocacy.

Going into the major kicking and screaming if I may add. I had no idea what comm stud majors did and what they had to offer, all I knew it would get me out of school the fastest so I signed up. Disclaimer, this is not one of those Cinderella stories about how I fell in love with my major and lived happily ever after. Even though that is literally what happened. This is about the journey that helped me realize that is major is where I belong and who/what helped me get to that “ahh” moment.

Career Boot Camp

Because I had no idea what I could do with my major, I decided to visit the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience (CPDCE) where I learned about the Career Intensive Boot Camp. If you do not know what the boot camp is, it is a weekend where juniors and seniors participate in workshops all about professional development.

I got the opportunity to network with alumni, get my resume reviewed, and go through mock interviews throughout the weekend. One of my personal favorite sessions was the etiquette dinner at Monty’s, where I enjoyed a four-course meal with a straight posture and fancy new (proper) dining etiquette.

What was most impactful throughout the experience was talking to some of the alumni who had such an interest in listening to my dreams and goals. I mean really listened, took their time out of the day to speak with me and guide me on how to make them into a reality.

Encouraged me to stick with my major and challenged me to see how my department could befit me. I had some of the most meaningful conversations that weekend that inspired me to have a new outlook on my situation and communication studies.

Since then, I have stayed connected with many people I met that weekend. Now a regular in Center for Professional Development and Career Experience. I go to workshops throughout the semester and learn some great tips about handling life after graduation.

I am now in my last semester of college, last…semester…of undergrad! The time has flown by and I am excited to see where my life takes me. Join me as I explore what the CPDCE workshops, guest and events to help me prepare for the ever so daunting adult life ahead.

— Giovanna Andrews, senior communication studies major #HuskyLife

Time to graduate, am I ready?

A few years ago, I was a freshman and now I am a senior. Time feels like it blew by so fast …

I literally cannot believe this is my last year of college and will be graduating next semester.

Before I know it I will be ready to enter the workforce or graduate school. Some of my friends that graduate in the spring have already started looking for jobs and had interviews. I haven’t started looking for jobs yet, but I have been building my resume, cover letter and LinkedIn account.

By senior year it is important to have these things done so you can start your job search right away.
My freshman and sophomore year, I was not worried about resume building, cover letters or personal portfolios. I thought college was all about having fun and partying, but as I got older I learned how important it is to use the resources that Bloomsburg University offer to the students.

The Center for Professional Development and Career Experience can help with cover letters, resumes, professional attire for events, and LinkedIn. They also hold several workshops for these topics. I recently attended a workshop at the Center for Professional Development in the Student Service Center where they looked over my resume and gave me pointers. I also talked with them briefly about graduate school and their thoughts of the MBA program at Bloom.

The Center for Professional Development and Career Experience also does mock interviews. I didn’t get a chance to do a mock interview, but I know it will be very helpful and can help build my interview skills and become more familiar with the type of questions they HR mangers ask.

As an upperclassman speaking, I wish I would have taken advantage of these opportunities when I was a freshman.

— Khalil Daniel, senior communication studies major #HuskyLife