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Hot Jobs
Find details on these
opportunities on our web
site under Grand Avenues.
Research Analyst
Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media
St. Paul , MN
Full-Time - Deadline: 4/22/07
This position presents an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to goal setting, performance analysis, program development and brand marketing of American Public Media's and Minnesota Public Radio's wide-ranging activities. The Research team monitors the performance of 40 radio stations in the upper Midwest and Los Angeles, a rapidly growing online service, and more than 20 national programs and program services, including A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Speaking of Faith, Saint Paul Sunday and many others. Collectively these programs and services reach more than 14 million people each week.
QA Analyst
Environmental Data Resources Inc.
Millford , CT
Full Time - Deadline: 4/16/07
The QA Analyst will work closely with Project Managers and the Development team to plan, schedule and test developed products to ensure that design specifications are within quality management limits and standards.
Program Assistant
Colgate University
Hamilton , NY
Full Time, Ten Month Program - Deadline: 4/15/07
The Africana and Latin American Studies Program sponsors cultural and educational events throughout the year. This job is to plan and oversee these initiatives, to assist the Director of the Program in the administration of its academic activities, and to maintain contact with all associated students and faculty members. Fluency in Spanish, with excellent speaking and writing skills is essential.
Youth Minister
Lyndale United Church of Christ
Minneapolis , MN
Full Time - Deadline: 4/15/07
To create a youth program by planning, coordinating and participating in activities for youth 13-19 years old at Lyndale and its partner congregations. Provide a consistent and continuing ministering presence for youth in the program, advocating for their role in the Christian community. To provide leadership consistent with the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ Mission.
Community Development Intern
City of New Hope
New Hope , MN
Full Time (May or June start) and Part Time during school year
Minimum one year employment
Deadline: 4/16/07
Perform duties for the Director and other Community Development staff. Responsibilities will include assisting with planning activities, redevelopment, housing, business retention, grant administration, and inspections.
Summer Internships - 2007
Midwest Coalition for Human Rights
Minneapolis , MN ; Chicago , IL ; Lincoln , NE
Full Time - Summer
Deadline: 4/15/07
Intern will maintain communication with other national and regional NGO's. Participate in telephone conferences to strategize and develop a plan of action. Conduct research for the report. Assist in drafting the report.
Multiple Summer Opportunities
Farm in the City
St. Paul , MN - Deadline: 4/20/07
Seasonal - Part Time
Assistant Summer Program Manager - Registration, management of teen leaders and apprentices, collaborate with Garden/CSA Manager on teen enrichment opportunities
Children's Culinary Teacher - Develop and teach a garden-based culinary curriculum for 7-12 year olds with emphasis on world cultures.
Children's Culinary Assistant - Assist lead teacher in teaching a garden-based culinary curriculum for 7-12 year olds with emphasis on world cultures.
Horticulture - Teacher Assistant - Develop and teach a garden-based curriculum w/emphasis on world cultures to 7-12 year olds. Assist lead teacher in developing curricula for each week of camp. Create garden based games and activities.
Creative Aftercare Teacher - Develop child-directed creative activities including games, yoga, cooking, urban bird-watching, gardening and art projects.
Youth Physical Activities and Nutrition Teacher-Games of the World Fridays - Develop and teach a sports and game-based curriculum with emphasis on world cultures to 7-12 year olds. Willing to excite children about the wonder of playing outdoors and in a garden. Integrate nutrition concepts and healthy snack development into curriculum.
Upcoming Events
For a complete list of upcoming CDC programs and events, be sure to check out:
http://www.macalester.edu/
cdc/events/index.html
Beyond the Piggy Bank
Suggestion Box
BE A FIXER, NOT A FINGER-POINTER
Since problems are the natural offspring of change, you may see plenty of them in the years to come. Build a name for yourself as a problem-solver, and you'll be a valuable person to have around. Organizations need people who can take care of problems, not merely point them out. Too many employees get this confused; they're keen on identifying all the problems, but contribute little toward improving things. Instead of being a finger-pointer, and rather than trying to single out someone to blame, assume ownership of problems. Let the solutions start with you. You will increase your odds of career success.
Grad School Notes
RANKINGS AND GRADUATE SCHOOL DECISIONS
In late March 2007, a new Ph.D program ranking system was released by PhDs.org. Most of us recognize U.S. News & World Report as a primary source for obtaining information about graduate programs. Although they are in good standing, U.S. News & World Report, according to Inside Higher Ed.com, is based primarily on reputation rather than particular facets of programming for individual student needs. PhDs.org offers graduate school seekers an opportunity to input certain demographics and needs and view a customized outcome of possible institutions.
The website was created by Geoff Davis, Ph.D in mathematics and former instructor at Dartmouth College. The website's database has been designed by a team of scholars and experts on graduate academia such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Although the creators recommend the site, they share that one source alone shouldn't make a student's decision on graduate school. Davis commented, " Nobody should take these rankings, or any rankings, as be all and end all."
For more information, review http://insidehighered.com/ and http://www.phds.org/
Contributing Writer: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor
What is the CDC?
The Career Development Center is here to assist students in planning, articulating and applying their educational experience to meet their future goals. The office is located on the first floor in Kagin Commons, and offers individual counseling sessions with a career counselor, an extensive career resource library, job/internship listings and opportunities from around the globe. The CDC resource library features: Information about Fellowships,
Internships and Job Postings; information on Companies and Government Opportunities; pamphlets and materials on resume and cover letter writing; books on etiquette, interviewing, grad school and the job search process; and an
extensive alumni directory, sorted by career.
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HOURS
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
(Daily Drop-ins between 2 - 4 p.m.)
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Macalester College
Career Development Center
Kagin Commons
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
(651) 696-6384
Fax: 651-696-6131
cdc@macalester.edu
http://www.macalester.edu/cdc
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Counselor's Corner
EMPLOYMENT GAFFES
Have you had dreadfully embarrassing moments in your employment life? Any gaffes during an interview? Unprofessional occurrences on the job?
If not, you are very fortunate. And you are likely an accident waiting to happen. It is a rare individual who is able to completely escape employment fiascos at some point in time. Read on for a few tips and rescue strategies:
TYPOS. Even spell-check cannot save us from ourselves. I once read a resume and the applicant was interested in Public Health. Sadly, a key letter was omitted from the word "public" and the application took on a whole new meaning. Needless to say, the resume was passed around the office (not here at Macalester!) and an offer for an interview was not forthcoming. Your best bet, should you be fortunate enough to spot a typo, whether it is on your resume or a Power Point presentation, is to fess up. Acknowledge it, without dwelling excessively. If your communication has been only email thus far, send revised copies of your correspondence.
MISSED APPOINTMENTS. Yikes. You look at your calendar and realize that the interview you are suiting up for was, in fact, yesterday. Mea Culpa. Again, apologize and do not blame a death in the family, a delayed flight or a weather-related disaster. Employers have little tolerance for rationalization and excuses. You missed it. You're sorry. It is not your usual style. Could you please have a chance to re-schedule? And then, camp out over night in the parking lot if that is what it takes to be there in a timely manner.
UNPROFESSIONAL EMAIL. You receive a hilarious and wildly inappropriate UTube clip from a friend. Your inclination? Send it to everyone you know. Oops. Unfortunately you supervisor's email address slipped into the mix. What do you do? Common sense dictates an email that cannot be seen by all should not be sent, but let's get real. Everyone has forwarded on a questionable email from time to time. What should you do? Acknowledge the error. Apologize. Tell your supervisor you have learned a very valuable lesson and move forward. Even if you have an open and informal relationship with your boss, it is better to err on the side of discretion in this situation.
NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT A CO-WORKER ARE UNKNOWINGLY MADE IN HIS/HER PRESENCE. See example above. Didn't your mother tell you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all? This was never truer in a work setting. Also, never more rare. Most people (honest people) will admit to making an occasional disparaging remark about a boss, co-worker, client, vendor - etc. When one is caught in the act, it can make for a disaster. Hurt feelings, uncomfortable environments, even dismissal can result from an event such as this. You know the drill. Acknowledge. Apologize. If possible, try to show willingness to learn and grow from this unfortunate incident and work on conflict resolution. Show that you are willing to go the extra mile to make amends.
These are but a few of the "difficulties" that can arise while on the job. You may have deduced that we are, indeed, our own worst enemies in these situations. Be prudent and ethical. Be professional. Do what needs to be done to avoid these and other pratfalls.
Should you encounter a difficult employment situation, we at the CDC are happy to coach you and work through some problem solving options. Call us!
Contributing Writer: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director , CDC
Mac Movies & More
 BOOK & MOVIE CORNER
The movie critic offers this miscellaneous formation for your perusal, on the outside chance that you may take a study break once or twice in upcoming weeks.
QUIZZES
Many of our notions about life in the world of work are, right or (often) wrong, shaped by books and movies. The movie critic has discovered a web site with several quizzes pertaining to occupations. Go to www.funtrivia.com/quizzes . Type in occupations. Test your knowledge on key facts: What was Mary's (Cameron Diaz) occupation in "There's Something About Mary"? (orthopedic surgeon - very believable). Use these quizzes to boost your confidence before "real" exams, because you are likely to score quite high.
FILM FESTIVALS
While your schedule and budget may not allow for a trip to New York or Buenos Aires , you can make a cyber visit. Visit www.britfilms.com/festivals . Then, rent the DVDs, throw on popcorn, and pretend you're there. The quality of the films screened and featured at these festivals will all too often eclipse movies in general release.
Here are two very different films featured in the Tribeca Film Festival in Manhattan .
2 Days in Paris
[ PARIS ] Spotlight
2007, 96 mins
Interests: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Actors Behind the Camera, Female Directors
Actress Julie Delpy ( Before Sunrise ) writes, directs, edits, produces, stars in and even composes music for her crowd-pleasing directorial debut. With a snappy comic edge, the story revolves around Marion bringing her American boyfriend Jack (Adam Goldberg) on a visit to Paris . Between clashes of culture, language and flirtatious ex-boyfriends, their relationship is tested in this charming, smart gem. In English and French. A Samuel Goldwyn Films Release
Alexis Arquette: She's my Brother
[ARQUE] Discovery
2007, 70 mins
Interests: Documentary, LGBT, Sexual Politics, Sex, Social Issues, Female Directors
An intriguing look at sex and celebrity, this richly textured documentary, filled with drag queens and Hollywood glitterati, is actually a serious movie about transgendered life. In this unique and candid documentary, Alexis reveals a more private side as she grapples with the process of sex reassignment surgery.
SUMMER RELEASES
Harry Potter. Will Harry survive? Pirates of the Caribbean : At World's End. Did Captain Jack, in fact, meet an untimely demise when we last saw him battling the Kraken? (Shockingly, no. I just saw the trailer last night.) Your statistics class is discombobulating. Your capstone has brought you to tears. You have reached the breaking point with your roommate. At those times, think of sitting in an air-conditioned theater, large popcorn in hand, mindlessly drifting away while watching a (usually) over-rated summer blockbuster. There is no shame in watching an over-hyped movie once in a while.
Contributing Writer: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director , CDC
Featured Article
STUDENT ATHLETES:
THE BALANCING ACT
College sport has become exceedingly competitive over the last few decades. It is no wonder that many are driven to all manner of tactics to maintain their place among their sporting peers. However, what is often not seen in the public arena is the toll that this takes on their physical and emotional health.
Ideally college athletes should seek out a responsible mentor. This is available at some colleges. This should be someone who will be responsible for their academic and personal development and not just their sporting achievements. If such a person is not readily available in their college, look elsewhere. You may find similar persons at your church or local sports club.
Make sure to maintain a positive group of friends. A significant part of the stress that these athletes face comes from peer pressure. Pressure to perform, to maintain their profile and to be the typical jock. For many, though they would never admit it, this wears them down. They are always under scrutiny, with an image to uphold that eventually is more of a burden than a source of pride. Having a core of authentic friends is vital here. They will be your mirror to reflect your indiscretions. They will also be your shelter when the going gets rough and in whose company you can just be yourself.
Being a college athlete will also place extra burdens on you in terms of time management. You will have to juggle academics as well as your sport. Poor academic performance is a major stressor for many athletes. Your mentor will be important here. However, you could also link up with study groups that will help to support more balance. This will help you to improve how you partition and mange your time. Maintaining decent grades will do wonders for your self-esteem and general emotional state. It might very well boost your performance on the field as well.
On a more personal note, time is likely to be a scarce commodity for a college athlete. This can interfere with social and personal relationships. The problem here is that most will probably fulfill their social commitments at the cost of academic requirements. You will have to communicate your needs in a tactful but firm way. Those who fault you for it are probably not your best support and you may do better to find more thoughtful company.
In terms of physical stress, when one looks at the work rate required by some coaches it is not hard to understand why some athletes burn out or suffer injuries. If you have a choice, try to look around in terms of coaches. Look for one that is serious about their task but is also committed to the overall health of his or her athletes. If you are interested in and good at more than one sport, pursue the one with the coach that follows this approach.
Remember at the end of the day, you have to take responsibility for yourself. True health is a multifaceted state. It comprises physical, mental, social and emotional aspects. As one who is under significant pressure it would be a good idea to get into the habit of getting regular medical checks. Also, if there is any doubt never hesitate to seek advice or other assistance for a doctor (preferably your regular physician who know your history) or counselor.
Source: Helium http://corp.helium.com/About/about.aspx
Web Watch
GRE.org
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) program by regularly visiting the web site at www.gre.org. This quick link will take you directly to the information you need. Keep up with the latest newsworthy events and developments pertaining to GRE tests and services.
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The Bookshelf
 "The Business School Buzz Book 2007" - Vault Inc., New York, NY; 2007.
In the third edition of Vault's Business School Buzz Book, you will find extended excerpts from surveys of students and alumni at more than 150 MBA programs. Areas covered include admissions, academics, employment prospects, quality of life, and social life. The guide is intended to serve as a complement to other references to business schools currently available that utilize school-reported data.
The MBA degree opens up worlds of opportunity for its bearers Many business positions require an MBA for advancement. In other industries, such as media and entertainment and the federal government, while the MBA isn't necessary for advancement, it is increasingly becoming a major asset. Knowing that business school students are getting their MBAs specifically to enhance their career opportunities, Vault has made a special point of surveying students about employment prospects. Their comments in this area concern their perception of the relative prestige of the business school in different industries, the strength of on-campus recruiting (including what specific companies recruit at the school) and the alumni network, as well as other important considerations concerning employment prospects.
This book can be found in the Graduate School section in the CDC resource Library located on the first floor in Kagin Commons.
Senior S.L.A.M.
(Seeking Life After Macalester)
FEAR OF COMMITMENT: A Staffing Firm Might Be A Great Way To Find The Right Job Match
Not sure you want to commit to years of working for an organization just yet? Wish you could see what it would be like to work for an organization before you accept a full-time position? Only want to work for a few months before or after traveling abroad? Well, working with a staffing firm might be a good option. It used to be that staffing firms were thought of only for administrative positions that would help with filing and making copies. Now, organizations have partnered with staffing firms to bring in high level candidates for a wide variety of positions that also could lead to full-time employment. This arraignment not only works great for the candidate, but the organization as well. They get to see how well you work on their team and what level of contribution you can make. Before you start with any staffing firm, here are a few things to think about.
Research the firm: Find out what organizations/industries they have a relationship with. Do they have an exclusive partnership with these firms, where they are the only ones providing candidates for position openings?
Never pay a fee: You should never have to pay a fee. The staffing firm will be receiving a fee from the organization, so you should not have to pay.
Stay in control of the process: Remember you control what positions/organizations you want to work for. Don't be pressured by the staffing firm to select an organization you are not comfortable with.
There are numerous staffing firms out there. Make sure you interview them thoroughly to be comfortable you are selecting the right one. Here is a sample of firms that have a focus on recent graduates.
Grad Staff- wide variety of entry level positions
Aerotek - focuses mainly on scientific/research positions
Career Professionals - Focuses on mainly business careers
Professional Alternatives- Focuses on HR related positions
Contributing Writer: John Mountain, Associate Director, CDC
Junior Jumpstart
2007 JOB OUTLOOK SURVEY
The National Association of Colleges and Employers released their 2007 Job Outlook Survey of major employers, including hiring projections.
Your chances of having a good job-maybe even the perfect entry-level job-are better than ever. According to Job Outlook 2007, employers plan to hire 17.4 percent more new college graduates from the class of 2007 than they did from the class of 2006.
"This marks the fourth straight year that employers have projected percentage increases in the double digits," says Marilyn Mackes, executive director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the organization that performs the annual survey.
Each year the survey is conducted, employers are asked to name the skills and qualities in the "ideal candidate." They also compare their desires to the skills and qualities the current crop of graduates actually possess. As a junior, you can identify areas that you will want to be sure to build before you enter the senior job search process.
The top 10 qualities/skills employers are looking for include:
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Communication skills
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Honesty/integrity
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Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
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Motivation/initiative
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Strong work ethic
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Teamwork skills (works well with others)
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Computer skills
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Analytical skills
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Flexibility/adaptability
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Detail-oriented
When choosing between two equally qualified candidates, employers rate the influence of attributes as shown below:
Has held leadership position |
4.0 |
Major |
4.0 |
High GPA (3.0 or above) |
3.7 |
Has been involved in extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.) |
3.7 |
Has done volunteer work |
3.2 |
School attended |
3.0 |
(5-point scale, where 1=no influence at all, 2=not much influence, 3=somewhat of an influence, 4=very much influence, and 5=extreme influence) |
For complete information,check out the web site at: http://www.jobweb.com/
joboutlook/2007/default.htm
Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
Sophomore Syllabus
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER JOB A SUCCESS
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Identify the decision-makers and approach one as a possible mentor.
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Learn the organization's culture.
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Learn about your position by reviewing previous employee's memos, files, etc.
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Meet your colleagues and remember that your support/administrative staff are crucial members of your team.
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If you don't know, ask.
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Thank people for their assistance.
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Keep up with current news, especially that which affects your organization.
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As you become acclimated to your position, seek new and diverse responsibilities.
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Do more than the minimum, and let your supervisor know that you aspire to move up in the organization.
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Refrain from gossip; you could hurt yourself and others.
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Communicate, communicate, communicate.
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Keep your sense of humor.
Contributing Writer: John Mountain, Associate Director, CDC
First Year Focus
POLITICS AND FIRST YEAR STUDENTS: What's War Got to Do With It?
According to insidehighered.com, researchers at UCLA are finding that first-year students are more political than in prior years. An annual survey of 270,000 at 400 colleges across the country indicated that 1 in 3 students reported discussing politics during their last year of high school. This is statistic is up 26 percent from 2004. Of those who are of voting age, 32 percent reported that they will vote in coming elections and 3 in 4 reported that would cast their ballot.
Here are some of the UCLA findings:
- 50% believed affirmative action should be eliminated
- 2 of 3 students had "major" concerns about paying for college
- 28% described themselves as liberal
- 24% described themselves as conservative
- fewer than half described themselves as "middle of the road"
What does this all mean? It means that college campus could be hearing and seeing more intense discussions on politics than in years past. It also means college students are taking stances on views. The hope is that students are accurately informed on the foundation of their views in the midst of political dialogue or action.
Contributing Writer: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor, CDC
Featured Fellowship
SUMMER 2007 HUMAN RIGHTS FELLOWSHIPS
Five paid fellowships are being offered by the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights for summer 2007. Each fellowship is open to upper
level undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as to qualified
community members. Each fellow will be paid a $3,000 stipend for their work.
The fellowships will be at the following member organizations:
Citizens Alert, Chicago
Coalition to Protect Public Housing, Chicago
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Minneapolis
Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, Lincoln
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights / Justice for Our
Neighbors - Iowa, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids
For questions regarding the fellowships or the process, please feel
free to contact Rochelle Hammer at 612-626-7947, rhammer@midwesthumanrights.org or
hrp@umn.edu .
Descriptions of the fellowships can also be found at:
http://www.midwesthumanrights.org/
documents/2007MCHRfellowships.pdf
For further information on fellowships, please visit the CDC web site: http://www.macalester.edu/cdc/
graduateschool/financing
/fellowships.html
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