General

Category: General

How to Spend Your Winter Break Productively

Winter break is a great time to relax and recharge after a busy fall term. But it can also be a valuable opportunity to prepare for your future career goals. If you are planning to have an internship next summer, here are some tips on how to spend your winter break productively.

Tip 1: Apply for internships early

Many summer internships have deadlines in January or February, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Start researching potential internships that match your interests, skills, and goals. You can use online platforms like Handshake, Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn to find internships in various fields and locations. You can also ask the Career Center for recommendations or referrals.

Tip 2: Update your resume and cover letter

Your resume and cover letter are the first impressions you make on potential employers, so make sure they are clear, relevant, and professional. Highlight your academic achievements, work experiences, skills, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your fit for the internship. Use action verbs, quantify your results, and tailor your documents to each internship you apply for. You can also use online tools like VMock to help you create and proofread your resume and cover letter.

Tip 3: Learn new skills or improve existing ones

Winter break is a perfect time to learn new skills or improve existing ones that can boost your resume and prepare you for your internship. You can take online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX that offer a variety of topics and levels. You can also read books, watch videos, listen to podcasts, or join online communities that relate to your field of interest. Learning new skills or improving existing ones can help you stand out from other applicants and show your initiative and curiosity.

Tip 4: Network with professionals and peers

Networking is a powerful way to expand your connections, learn from others, and discover new opportunities. You can network with professionals and peers in your field by attending online events, webinars, or workshops that interest you. You can also reach out to Lawrence alumni, mentors, or contacts from previous internships or jobs and ask them for advice or feedback. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn follow influencers, join groups, or participate in discussions that relate to your field.

Tip 5: Prepare for interviews

If you get invited for an interview, congratulations! That means you have passed the first screening and have a chance to impress the employer with your personality and potential. To prepare for the interview, research the company and the role, practice common interview questions and scenarios, dress appropriately, and be punctual. You can use online platforms like Big Interview to help you practice and improve your interview skills.

Conclusion

Winter break is not only a time to rest and have fun, but also a time to plan ahead and get ready for your summer internship. By following these tips, you can spend your winter break productively and increase your chances of landing your dream internship. Good luck!

NACE Career Excellence Spotlight – Teamwork

Logan Olson is a senior Student-Athlete Double-Majoring in Math and Economics. This past summer he had the opportunity to work as an intern at Craig-Hellum Capital Group, a trading and investment firm in Chicago.

This article’s NACE competency focus is Teamwork. We had the opportunity to speak to Logan about how he was able to use his teamwork abilities as a student-athlete at Lawrence to succeed in his internship. Here is what we asked him.

Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with team members who had different work styles or perspectives. How did you adapt to ensure effective teamwork? 

During my summer internship at Craig-Hallum Capital Group, I served as an analyst in their Mergers and Acquistions team where I played a critical role in engineering sophisticated financial models. These models were instrumental in providing potential investors with the insights needed for informed decision-making and a comprehensive evaluation of our clients. Additionally, I was responsible for synthesizing financial information into Excel, which enabled accurate forecasting for model development. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was attending management meetings with private equity firms and strategic buyers, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of deal lifecycles and sell-side operations.

In the fast-paced world of investment banking, teamwork emerged as a necessary behavioral skill that was crucial to my success at CHLM. Constant communication among team members was paramount — I frequently received feedback from vice presidents and managing directors, ranging from financial models to confidential information presentations (CIPs). In response, I adopted a collaborative approach, completing my tasks, sending them to fellow analysts for additional eyes, and then forwarding them to the VP. These submissions frequently returned with requests of the smallest of adjustments, such as formatting and alignment. In each instance, I promptly addressed the feedback, resolved the issues efficiently, and sought clarification when necessary. Drawing from my experience as a student-athlete, I recognized the foundational principles of being a team player as instrumental to my success at the firm. In a collaborative environment, it is necessary to carefully listen to others while also being accountable for individual and team responsibilities. These skills not only improved my performance as an analyst but also reinforced the importance of teamwork in the demanding world of investment banking.

Logan Olson ’24

Logan’s ability to collaborate in a team, embrace feedback, and remain coachable was a valuable asset during his internship at Craig-Hallum Capital Group. His openness to feedback, and being a “coachable” person allowed for quick improvements, making him an effective team player in the fast-paced world of investment banking.

And you? How would you answer that question? How are you showcasing your ability to work in a team in your resume?

If you would like to know more or have questions on how you could showcase your skills on your resume or in an interview, feel free to email me (oliver.decroock@lawrence.edu) or schedule an appointment here.

Oliver De Croock ’24, Student-Athlete at Lawrence University majoring in Economics and Data Science. Oliver works as a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center and is the President of the Lawrence University Business Networking Club. Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn.

NACE Career Excellence Spotlight – Critical Thinking

Kyle Gierman is a Senior student studying Economics and Data Science. This summer, he had the opportunity to work as an intern at JP Morgan, an American financial services firm.

This article’s NACE competency focus is Critical Thinking. We had the opportunity to speak to Kyle about how he was able to use his Critical Thinking skills to succeed in his internship. Here is what we asked him.

Describe a project or task where you had to gather and analyze data to make an important decision. What methods did you use, and what was the outcome? 

At JPMorgan Chase & Co, I was tasked with the critical project of streamlining dataflows to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our macroeconomic calculators for the Investment Banking team. This project was crucial for making informed financial decisions and ensuring that our data was not only accurate but also up to date.

To tackle this challenge, I leveraged Alteryx, a powerful data integration and analytics tool. Alteryx allowed me to automate and optimize various data processes, significantly reducing processing time which was a problem in the past. I designed workflows within Alteryx to gather data from multiple sources, clean and transform it, and then integrate it to send to the Investment Banking team. By automating these processes, we were able to eliminate manual data entry errors and reduce the risk of human error, thereby improving data accuracy and reliability.

One of the key outcomes of leveraging Alteryx was the huge reduction in processing time. Previously, it took a considerable amount of time to manually collect, clean, and update the data required for our macroeconomic calculators. With Alteryx, we were able to cut down processing time significantly, allowing us to provide more timely updates to our calculators. This was particularly important in the fast-paced financial industry, where up-to-the-minute data can make a substantial difference in decision-making.

To ensure the quality and accuracy of the data, I also used Excel as a complementary tool. I created pivot tables and cross-referenced the data processed through Alteryx with the original source files. This double-checking process helped identify any discrepancies, allowing for immediate correction.

In the end, the project was a success. By streamlining dataflows with Alteryx and implementing data validation using Excel, we not only reduced processing time but also improved data accuracy and timeliness.

Kyle Gierman ’24

Critical thinking was a fundamental aspect of every stage of the project, from recognizing the problem to designing solutions, evaluating tools, and ensuring ongoing data quality. Critical thinking is an essential skill for problem-solving and decision-making in complex projects like this one.

And you? Are you showcasing your critical thinking skills on your resume? How would you answer that same question?

If you would like to know more or have questions on how you could showcase your skills on your resume or in an interview, feel free to email me (oliver.decroock@lawrence.edu) or schedule an appointment here.

Oliver De Croock ’24, Student-Athlete at Lawrence University majoring in Economics and Data Science. Oliver works as a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center and is the President of the Lawrence University Business Networking Club. Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn.

A Guide to Using ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer

If you’re interested in working for or with nonprofit organizations, one valuable resource to aid your research is ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer:

https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/

ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer is an online platform that offers a comprehensive database of information about nonprofit organizations operating in the United States.

Here are some tips to use it to your advantage:

  • Use the search bar to look up organizations by name, location, or keyword.
  • Alternatively, you can browse organizations by category, such as education, healthcare, or arts and culture.
  • Dive into an organization’s programs and achievements to evaluate its impact.
  • Look for measurable outcomes, testimonials, and success stories that showcase the nonprofit’s effectiveness in achieving its mission.
  • Learn about the nonprofit’s board of directors, key staff members, and their qualifications.
  • Consider how the organization’s leadership aligns with your values and career goals.
  • Use Nonprofit Explorer to compare several nonprofit organizations side by side.
  • This allows you to make informed decisions about which organizations align most closely with your career aspirations.
  • Once you’ve identified organizations of interest, consider reaching out to their staff or volunteers.
  • Attend events, webinars, or conferences related to the nonprofit sector to expand your network and gather more information.

How to Write Personal Statements for Graduate School Applications

Writing a compelling personal statement for graduate school is crucial to your application’s success. This is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications, experiences, and motivations to the admissions committee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective personal statement:

  • Understand the Purpose:
    • The personal statement allows you to demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the program.
    • It should highlight your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and your passion for the field.
  • Research the Program:
    • Familiarize yourself with the specific graduate program you’re applying to, including its mission, faculty, and curriculum.
    • Identify what makes this program unique and how it aligns with your goals.
  • Brainstorm and Outline:
    • Begin by brainstorming your key experiences, achievements, and reasons for pursuing graduate education.
    • Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your statement.
  • Start with a Strong Opening:
    • Begin your personal statement with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention.
    • This could be a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a brief summary of your journey.
  • Discuss Your Academic Background:
    • Highlight your academic achievements, including relevant coursework, research projects, or honors.
    • Explain how your academic background has prepared you for the graduate program.
  • Showcase Your Relevant Experiences:
    • Discuss internships, research, work experience, or volunteer work that is relevant to your field of study.
    • Provide specific examples of how these experiences have shaped your goals and skills.
  • Explain Your Motivation and Goals:
    • Describe why you are passionate about the field and what motivates you to pursue graduate education.
    • Discuss your short-term and long-term career goals and how the program will help you achieve them.
  • Address Weaknesses (if necessary):
    • If you have any academic gaps or weaknesses, briefly address them and explain how you’ve overcome or learned from them.
  • Show Fit with the Program:
    • Explain why you believe the specific program is the right fit for you and how it will help you achieve your goals.
    • Mention faculty members or research opportunities that align with your interests.
  • Reflect on Personal Growth:
    • Share personal insights or transformative experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue graduate studies.
  • Conclude Strongly:
    • Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program.
    • End with a forward-looking statement about your potential contributions as a graduate student.
  • Edit and Proofread:
    • Revise your personal statement for clarity, grammar, and coherence.
    • Seek feedback from professors, mentors, or peers to ensure it’s well-polished.
  • Stay Within Word Limits:
    • Adhere to any word or page limits provided by the graduate program.
  • Tailor Your Statement:
    • Customize your personal statement for each program you apply to, emphasizing the aspects most relevant to each.
  • Review and Submit:
    • Review your application and personal statement thoroughly before submitting it by the deadline.

Remember that your personal statement should reflect your unique experiences, aspirations, and personality. Be honest, authentic, and enthusiastic throughout your writing, and make sure it conveys your genuine passion for your chosen field of study and the graduate program you’re applying to.

Navigating the World of Arts Administration

Crowd at a concert

What is Arts Administration?

Arts administration is a vibrant and essential field that bridges the gap between creativity and management in the arts and cultural sector. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that artistic endeavors thrive by handling the business, logistical, and organizational aspects of cultural institutions, performance spaces, museums, galleries, and more.

Often referred to as arts management, arts administration involves the management and coordination of artistic and cultural organizations. This field encompasses a wide range of roles, from managing budgets and fundraising to marketing, event planning, and curatorial work. Arts administrators act as the behind-the-scenes architects who make artistic visions come to life, ensuring that the arts are accessible and sustainable.

How to Prepare for a Career in Arts Administration

  1. Choose the Right Major and Courses

While arts administration programs exist, they are not the only path into the field. Many arts administrators have diverse educational backgrounds in areas such as arts management, business administration, nonprofit management, or even a specific artistic discipline like music, visual arts, or theater. To start, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but be sure to include coursework in business, finance, marketing, and nonprofit management to gain a well-rounded foundation.

  1. Gain Practical Experience

Getting hands-on experience is invaluable in arts administration. Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs at local arts organizations, museums, or cultural institutions. These experiences will give you a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations and challenges faced in the field. Additionally, they can help you build a network of contacts and references.

  1. Develop Strong Communication and Leadership Skills

Effective communication is essential in arts administration. Arts administrators often work with diverse groups of people, including artists, donors, board members, and the general public. Hone your communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey ideas, facilitate collaboration, and represent your organization professionally.

Leadership skills are equally important. Arts administrators must guide their teams, make critical decisions, and manage resources efficiently. Consider taking leadership courses or seeking leadership roles in student organizations to develop these skills.

  1. Embrace Technology

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in arts administration. Familiarize yourself with relevant software for budgeting, marketing, and database management. Proficiency in social media and online fundraising platforms can also be highly beneficial.

  1. Attend Networking Events and Conferences

Building a strong professional network is crucial for success in arts administration. Attend conferences, seminars, and industry events to meet fellow professionals, learn from experts, and stay updated on industry trends. Many organizations offer student discounts for these events.

  1. Pursue Advanced Education

Consider pursuing a master’s degree in arts administration or a related field. While not always required, it can provide you with a competitive edge in a competitive job market and open doors to higher-level positions.

Conclusion

Arts administration is a fulfilling career that allows you to combine your passion for the arts with your organizational and management skills. To prepare for a successful career in this field, focus on your education, gain practical experience, and develop strong communication and leadership abilities. With dedication and a commitment to the arts, you can play a vital role in supporting and advancing the cultural landscape for future generations.

Example Arts Administration Job Titles:

  • Arts Administrator: A general term that can refer to various administrative roles within arts organizations.
  • Executive Director: The top leadership position responsible for overall management and strategic direction of an arts organization.
  • Development Director or Fundraising Manager: Manages fundraising efforts, grant applications, donor relations, and development strategies.
  • Marketing and Communications Manager: Oversees promotional campaigns, advertising, social media, public relations, and communication efforts to attract audiences and patrons.
  • Program Manager or Curator: Responsible for planning, organizing, and curating exhibitions, performances, or educational programs.
  • Finance Manager or Controller: Handles budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and financial reporting for the organization.
  • Education Coordinator: Develops and manages educational programs and outreach initiatives, often in museums or arts education institutions.
  • Box Office Manager: Manages ticketing operations, customer service, and audience management for performing arts venues.
  • Gallery Manager or Curatorial Assistant: Assists in the management and curation of gallery exhibitions, collections, and installations.
  • Event Planner: Plans and coordinates special events, fundraisers, galas, and performances hosted by arts organizations.
  • Membership Manager: Oversees membership programs, recruitment, and engagement strategies to build a loyal supporter base.
  • Publications Manager or Editor: Manages the production of catalogs, brochures, and other printed materials related to exhibitions and events.
  • Human Resources Manager: Handles personnel matters, including hiring, staff development, and compliance with labor laws.
  • Facility Manager: Manages the maintenance and operation of the physical space, such as theaters, galleries, or museums.
  • Grant Writer: Specializes in writing grant proposals and securing funding from government agencies, foundations, and private donors.
  • Community Engagement Coordinator: Works on initiatives to engage the local community, foster partnerships, and promote cultural inclusion.
  • Legal Counsel: Provides legal guidance on contracts, intellectual property, and compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Technology and Digital Media Coordinator: Oversees digital platforms, website management, and online content development.
  • Archivist: Manages and preserves historical records, artifacts, or collections in cultural institutions like museums and libraries.
  • Visitor Services Manager: Focuses on providing an exceptional visitor experience, including ticketing, guest services, and information.