CollegeSurfing Insider

This week, the CS Insider answers one of your questions! This comes from a 27-year-old MBA who is an accountant at a securities services company. He doesn’t think he can advance his career in his current position and is looking to find another job, but is unsure of how to approach the situation, especially since many of his requests have gone unanswered. “I know it helps to know people,” he says, “but in the event that you don’t, any tips?” Take a look at five…

Tip 1: Don’t get discouraged. You may be applying to jobs like it is your full-time job and you may not be leaving any stone unturned, but you just can’t seem to get a callback. Definitely stay positive because giving up will not yield the results you expect. Go into the search thinking that you’re the best person for the job and if a company doesn’t get back to you, it’s certainly their loss. But remember not to be cocky about it either.

Tip 2: Perfect your resume and cover letter. Since this is the first and perhaps only thing a potential employer can initially see about you, you’ll need to make an impression. Make sure that you reflect your skills that are specifically necessary for the job. This may mean tweaking your resume a bit, depending on the job description. The cover letter is especially important because this will hook the reader. Just think about it: you wouldn’t continue reading something that didn’t interest you. Constantly fine-tune and perfect.

Tip 3: Attend networking events. If you Google your field, there are sure to be networking events or job fairs in your area. It’s always a good idea to go to these because you never know whom you can meet. Though you may not know anyone now, you can meet people who you can leave an impression on. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and become more than just that piece of paper. You can also look into associations or groups that are specifically designed to support people in your profession and sign up for their listserves that might send you a list of jobs periodically.

Tip 4: Take advantage of your current position. If you’re already working, but seeking something more, be sure to get all you can out of your current position. These skills can prove very helpful in landing your next job. You’re already there so you might as well make the best of it until you’re able to move on to greener pastures, so to speak. And be sure to keep good relationships with those you already work with because you never know when they might be able to help you in the future.

Tip 5: Research. Take the time to learn all things you can about the company and positions you apply for. Call out those details in your resume and cover letter to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Also, check out who’s in charge and who might be the best person to send your info to. If you send it to the wrong person, it’ll take longer to get where it needs to be or may not get there at all. Be proactive in your search and follow up to make sure your resume was received. The one who is most likely to get a job is the one who leaves an impression.

Good luck in your search! And check out some stories of real career individuals at CollegeSurfing. Thanks for your question - keep ‘em coming!

-Amanda Fornecker

I just did a coffee run. I was crashing. It’s almost Friday, what can I say? When we got there the girl behind the cash register was fighting with another worker about someone who hadn’t cleaned something. Then the guy that was making the drinks started freaking out on another employee and screaming about how much he hated his job.

Now, while I realize it may not have been his childhood dream to make coffee for other people, there’s no reason to yell at anyone, especially in front of customers. Perhaps he was holding the job to pay for his expenses from school or something. Whatever the reason, he really did not need to get so upset. Everyone stopped what they were doing and just stared at him.

Here’s the thing - if you’re that unhappy with your job, why not look for another way to get other work? I know that this is not the easiest of things. Jobs aren’t just always available and transitions are certainly not easy. But people do it all the time. From career switchers to career enhancers you can really be anything you want nowadays. You don’t need to go back and get a whole new degree - go back and get a certificate. Some of those programs are really short. And you’ll have more experience and the backing of your school’s career services on your side.

Think about these factors:

1. Your likes. What interests you? Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like to write? Maybe work on music? Get involved somehow in something you like because it will give you something to look forward to every day.

2. Your dislikes. What do you absolutely hate, besides your current job? What bores you? If you get queasy at the sight of blood then being a nurse or phlebotomist may not be for you. But maybe you want to work in the medical field somehow. Perhaps you’ll look into medical billing and coding. Try to think outside of the box.

3. Your environment. Does the thought of a nine to five cubicle job drive you crazy? Maybe you need to interact with people regularly or maybe you like to work with a computer all day. Think about what kind of environment best suits you. Who knows you better than yourself? Not many people I’d say.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: make a pros and cons list. You’ll see everything you’ve been thinking right in front of you, on one piece of paper. And you’ll be able to assess the situation for what it is and make an informed decision.

Check out the best schools for you and different occupations you may never have even thought of before. Talk to admissions officers and get a sense of where you may belong in the future…

Good luck!

-Amanda Fornecker

Well, now you can… Each week CollegeSurfing.com profiles a different school to inform students of what they have to offer. Because with so many schools out there, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Let us do what we do best and give you the inside scoop on programs, offerings, and school-cool tidbits that’ll help you in choosing a college or university right for you.

Take a look, and then take a moment to view all our past Featured School sneak peeks. Reading. It does a body good.

ITT Technical Institutes
Students interested in a technology-based career are in the right place at the ITT Technical Institutes, which boasts more than 90 campuses throughout 30 states in the U.S. The technological advances are limitless here.

Milan Institute
The Milan Institute has many campuses in the western part of the U.S. and online to enhance your career and the appearances of others within cosmetology programs.

Arizona Culinary Institute
Arizona Culinary Institute has been helping students mix up a great education since 2001. The culinary school offers many different programs in culinary arts, baking, and restaurant management.

Rasmussen College
There are many different programs in different schools that are offered in different states at Rasmussen College. Students can find many different opportunities at this career school.

I have a friend who’s not too sure what she wants to do with her life. She graduated from a top-notch school with a liberal arts degree and really doesn’t know what she’d be good at doing. My suggestion: attend a certificate program.

I think certificate programs are so cool. They’re a great way to hone your skills or learn specific things in a short period of time. Whether you’re a recent grad, a longtime grad, or a career switcher looking for something more, certificate programs can be the extra boost you need to get that job you’ve been eyeing.

The options seem endless with certificates. Most programs last a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the curriculum. Once you complete the prescribed course of study, you’ll have an additional piece of paper that will prove your worth; not to mention the support you’ll gain from the school you attend. Many career schools and community colleges offer programs, as do traditional colleges.

Some schools offer the opportunity of completing a certificate program completely online. This way, you’ll be able to complete the requirements at your own pace and convenience of your own home. Though it may not seem credible (I’ve had many people express excessive doubt on the whole online arena), it’s becoming more and more commonplace as time goes on. You’ll also be able to keep up with your current schedule and complete your course on evenings and weekends.

In addition to all this, certificate programs are so affordable. They typically cost less than a regular degree, mainly because they are for a shorter period of time, making it more cost- and time-efficient than a degree.

I’m certainly not suggesting that a certificate program can take the place of a bachelor’s degree, but I do think that it’s a great supplemental idea or way of trying out another field. Four-year degrees are also not always for everyone. What I do suggest is checking into them. You never know what you may come up with. Just another way of leaving no stone unturned…

-Amanda Fornecker

Why do you think most people leave their jobs? You might think it would be to escape a flesh-eating virus of a boss. Or it could be boredom or wanting to try something new. Others may jump on job opportunities that come out of nowhere. But surprisingly (to me at least), none of those are the most popular reason.

For the majority of employees recently surveyed by BelssingWhite, a consultant and training firm, it’s the lack of advancement opportunities that motivate them to leave. A whopping 29 percent say they want to grow, advance, and learn, but feel their current place of work is holding them back.

Here’s how BlessingWhite CEO Christopher Rice puts it: “They want to pursue their interests and goals, but aren’t dissatisfied enough to take action. From a practical standpoint employees can often satisfy their need for career growth, change or better use their talents with a current employer, but it’s not always obvious to them how they might do so.”

So what’s the best way to take action when your current job just isn’t doing it for you? Well, I’ve said it before, dear bloggers, but it merits repeating — you won’t get ahead unless you take your knowledge to the next level. Whether that’s by volunteering to take on new assignments, going back to school, or shadowing a higher up who’s willing to train you in a new skill, it all equates to continuing your work education.

Is your company big on education? For starters, take the initiative to see if there are any employer-sponsored training classes or tuition reimbursement programs you can sign up for. If not, do some research to find a class in your field you’d like to take, and talk to your supervisor about how you think it can help improve your productivity. If he or she agrees, you just might have earned a fat tuition check.

Still, your skills are your responsibility. If the boss won’t pay, so what? That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Decide what you’re willing to invest in terms of time and money and seek out a program of study that can put you in line for the next promotion, or if you’d prefer, help you qualify for a position in a different department or new company altogether.

Why not give it a try? Then if things remain stagnant, you’ll know your employer is a dud and ultimately may decide it’s time to move on — only now, you’ll be packing a shiny new set of skills.

I wasn’t sure where I’d end up. I was so nervous that the end of the semester was quickly approaching. And the looming question of what I planned to do with my life after college hit me from all directions as if I had been whacked in the face with a baseball bat. I was scared. But I had to get things done and move forward.

That’s basically how I felt before I was hired for my full-time position as a writer (and I can’t believe it’s been a year since I felt that way!). I began applying for entry-level jobs with various companies. It becomes monotonous and very frustrating after a while when you feel like you’re sending out cover letters and resumes for no reason whatsoever. At least tell me that you’re not hiring or maybe tell me that you’ve found a candidate better suited for the job. It’s so discouraging, however, when you feel like you’ve done so much and it really hasn’t amounted to anything.

Those feelings are completely normal. I know that my friends feel that way a lot and this is what I tell them: you have to apply for everything. Even if you think the job is a bit over your head - apply! You never know what kinds of callbacks or jobs may come out of it. Maybe your interview will go well. Employers want the most experienced workers, but if they see potential in you they might be willing to take a chance. Who knows, right? There’s no real formula. It’s like when you apply to college and you ask an admissions officer what formula they used to decide a student was right for their school. It’s always a combination of factors.

But they won’t hire me if I don’t have an in.

OK, you don’t specifically know that. And although I’ve discussed the grave importance of networking, it’s not the only way to land a job. Not everyone gets their job because they know someone. But because you don’t know someone - that should fuel your desire even more when it comes to perfecting your resume, cover letter, and interviewing strategies. You may need to work that much harder but you need to at least believe that you’ll be able to get a job. I always say, if you don’t believe in yourself, then who else can actually believe in you? Start your job and college search by believing in yourself.

-Amanda Fornecker

The writer’s strike has really put a damper on television as of late. Luckily for me, I have a ton of DVDs to keep me busy in between work projects and until my shows return.

One of my all-time favorite shows is Friends. As I watched season nine last week, I came across an interesting episode. Chandler had been unemployed for a while and finally needed to get moving on some sort of job. He had been unhappy in his previous career (for which most of his friends did not even know what his actual job was). Finally, he secured a job at a marketing firm… as an intern. **Cue dramatic music… Of course, Chandler goes through some funny bouts, especially when on his first day an intern offers to get him coffee and calls him “sir”. He replies to this saying that he’s an intern too and that there’s no need for the formalities. The intern looks at him, laughs at him, and accuses him of being too old for an internship.

Now why would you need to be a certain age to complete an internship? Isn’t the actual definition of an intern, someone who is starting out and learning at a company? Oftentimes, career switching is thought of as not the best of ideas because it is a major life change. In fact, many people decide not to switch their career because it’s too much of a hassle and they have already settled nicely within another career. But why not take the plunge? There are many resources to help you through this venture.

You’re never too old. In fact, my mom was just telling me about a segment she had recently seen on the Oprah show. One woman never did anything in her life and just muddled through a mediocre existence. One day (in her fifties) she decided to start writing and turned into an instant success. She now owns her very own publishing company! Now, while this type of success may not be available to everyone, it doesn’t hurt just to try. What do you have to lose?

I always say that if you don’t have experience, interning is certainly the way to go. And while that may not pay that much or at all, it will give you the knowledge you need to go forward. Make something of your new passion or old interests. And no, interning does not necessarily need to include fetching coffee. So get out there, laugh with them, and make a better life for yourself!

-Amanda Fornecker

“Who are you wearing?”

It’s post-Oscar morning, and what’s everyone talking about? What the stars wore, of course. And their hair styles (or lack thereof — what was up with ready-to-workout ponytail look sported by Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Garner?). There was also that bit about the awards, but I suspect many like myself haven’t even seen any of the nominated films, let alone have a clue what they’re about.

Whether you remember who the top winners were or not, it’s a good day for the celeb fashion designers and stylists whose names were dropped on the red carpet. This was their big moment in the spotlight. And for those lesser known designers who were lucky enough to have a star wear their style, that alone can be a career launcher.

Of course, before making it to the big Hollywood stage, to be successful in the world of glamour, aspiring fashion designers need to develop skills in fashion design programs that teach them about fabrics, sewing, merchandising, marketing, and more.

I wonder if any schools offer a course in Award Fashion? Judging by some of the strange get-ups (Jessica Alba’s feathery gown and Diablo Cody’s animal print, for starters), perhaps they should.

Photo: Jeff Vespa, Wireimage.com

Sick of hearing about the impending recession? Just this morning there was yet another segment on The Today Show (check it out!) about how to recession-proof your job. But my feeling is that even in good economic times, it’s always smart to do a PR push — a public relations campaign, if you will — to promote why you’re an important asset to your company.

Of course, you may not always be able to control your fate when layoffs happen and new corporate visions don’t mesh with your skills, in which case, it might be a good time to assess if you want to make that career change you’ve always talked about. But if you’d like nothing more than to flourish at your current company, take the following tips from The Five O’Clock Club’s book, Navigating Your Career, to heart, you’ll become the kind of employee bosses want to take along for the bumpy ride:

Train your brain. When companies clean house, they first look to people whose skills are obsolete. Take classes, join trade organizations, stay in tune with the industry as a whole. Plus, doing so is good networking anyway in case tough times send you packing.

Take initiative. Don’t let choice assignments go to someone else. Volunteer for critical responsibilities, including tasks that will have you working more closely with higher-ups. Just doing your job well may not be enough if you want to make the cut.

Put on a happy face. Or as the Today Show experts say, “no drama, no diva, no complaining.” If you’re a problem child, a complainer, miss your deadlines, or gossip too much, a staff cut-back may be a good excuse to get rid of you. Work as if Big Brother is always watching, and be a source of support for your co-workers.

Become visible to those above you in the corporate pecking order. Make sure everyone knows about your great work and what you bring to the company. In other words, increase your emails to higher ups about project updates, ask questions, or offer encouragement about initiatives in other departments. Showing a genuine interest in the company as a whole will make you a more likely candidate for a lateral move should your department get the axe.

Keep an eye out. In unstable times, don’t feel like you’re being disloyal by keeping your resume current and your eye on job postings. You never know what tomorrow may bring, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Want to make some noise at next year’s GRAMMY awards? You can with a career in audio engineering, says a brand new article at CollegeSurfing.com.

Learn more about how to make (sound) waves in this tech-driven profession that’s expected to see lots of job growth in the coming decade. If you love the music biz, but have an American Idol-reject type singing voice, a behind-the-scenes audio engineering career may be the big break you’re looking for.

Thanks for listening (sorry — couldn’t resist!).

Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times