Tag: alumni

Networking with Alumni

The Lawrence alumni network is one of the university’s greatest assets. Unfortunately, it also seems to be one of the best-kept secrets. I say “unfortunately” because it shouldn’t be a secret! We have alumni in almost any field and location you can think of. This provides an amazing resource for current students who would like to learn more about a specific industry or hear how past LU students have used their liberal arts degree.

Okay, you might be thinking, I agree having an active alumni network is great, but how do I get in touch with alumni that are doing something I’m interested in?

There are two primary ways of getting in touch with alumni: reaching out via email, or meeting face-to-face at an alumni networking reception or similar event hosted by Lawrence.

Here are some tips that will help make your alumni interactions successful in each situation:

Continue reading Networking with Alumni

How to Prepare for the Job Market NOW

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article providing ten steps college students should be taking to prepare for the job market while still in school.

This is an article summary. The original article can be read here.

The ten pieces of advice are:

1. Start looking for a job early now, while you’re still in school.

2. Network with professionals while in college. Alumni are a great resource.

3. While is college, work part-time or take an internship. It’s very important to gain experience.

4. Get involved with career-related clubs and activities.

5. Apply for many jobs, but make sure you’re qualified for them.

6. Be professional while in still school. This means do things like dress well, create a LinkedIn account, clean up your online presence, and make business cards.

7. Set career goals. They can always change (and probably will), but think about specific goals and how you will achieve them.

8. Go to the college career center. It’s never too early or too late to make an appointment.

9. Keep track of your achievements and activities. Doing so in a public setting (like LinkedIn lets other people know what you’ve done.

10. Develop relevant skills. Having an awareness of industry-specific skills as well as broad, transferable ones is a way to really stand out.

Learn More About LUworks

Have you created your LUworks profile yet?

Created with you in mind, LUworks will help you find a job or internship by enabling you to:

  • Manage multiple resumes, cover letters, and other employment related documents
  • Search for and apply for employment opportunities online
  • View and RSVP for career events
  • Maintain an online Personal Calendar

For easy access to the website, click the picture to the left and then the “LUworks Student/Alum Login” logo.

Questions? Please contact Career Services at (920) 832-6561 or email careercenter@lawrence.edu.

Informational Interviews

Conducting informational interviews can be a helpful step for students to take when they want to learn more about a career area of interest or to increase their contacts within a field.

How do you arrange an informational interview?

There are lots of places to look for people who are willing to talk with you. Lawrence alumni are very willing to participate in an informational interview. The LU Career Center can connect students with alums through the Alumni database. They can help you search for alums by major, geographic location or employer. You can also ask professors if they have contacts in their discipline or you can try contacting organizations that employ people with similar career interests.

There are basically three ways of making contact with people: telephoning, writing a letter or email, or by referral. Whichever method you choose, make sure to explain the purpose of requesting an interview and remember this is not an opportunity to ask for a job or internship. Rather, it should be considered an opportunity to gather information and to speak to a professional in a field of interest to you for 20 to 30 minutes (but don’t be surprised if the interview lasts longer). Continue reading Informational Interviews

10 Quick Tips for a Phone Interview

Quick Tips for a Phone Interview

 phone interview

In my personal experience with interviews, a clean, crisp appearance and a bit of background research never hurts to make a good first impression.  However, on my first phone interview I was at a bit of a loss; my entire qualification was being judged on my voice! If the prospect of not meeting an employer in person makes you even more nervous than an actual interview, here are some quick tips for phone interview strategies.

Continue reading 10 Quick Tips for a Phone Interview