Find details on these opportunities on our web site under Grand Avenues.
Minnesota's Future Doctors & You
Minnesota 's Future Doctors
Minneapolis, MN
Summer – Deadline: 2/14/08
Minnesota's Future Doctors targets college freshmen from communities that are historically underrepresented in medicine: African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, African immigrants, Hmong, other immigrants, individuals from rural areas with limited health care facilities, individuals who are first generation college students, and those who are economically disadvantaged.
The program works with them throughout their undergraduate career to develop academic skills, a pathway toward completion of a bachelors degree in science (or related), an action plan for successfully preparing for and applying to medical school, and an appreciation for serving within underserved communities. The program is three summers in length. Students receive free room and board and a stipend of approximately $1650 each year. The programs last approximately six weeks per summer.
Project Coordinator
Sonoma County Economic Development Board
Santa Rosa , CA
Full Time – Deadline: 2/15/08
The Economic Development Project Coordinator will be responsible for developing and managing programs that support the local economic and employment bases. Work includes researching, surveying, and developing reports and databases on Sonoma County 's various economic sectors. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for coordinating advisory groups and taskforces comprised of leaders from local businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community groups. Current and past programs include: Economic Research, Hospitality Sector Research and Program Development (wine, tourism, food); Creative Cluster Research and Program Development, Environmentally Sustainable Business Practices, Energy and Water Conservation, Health Policy, the Hispanic Community, Workforce Development, Film Program, and Agricultural Programs and Policies.
Trainer/Organizer
Community Stabilization Project
St. Paul, MN
Full Time – Deadline: 2/15/08
Work directly with tenants who need assistance in maintaining their housing, including resolution of issues that threaten a households' tenancy. Provide guidance and day-to-day support for residents in need of housing. Facilitate monthly tenant trainings for residents of local transitional housing programs and shelters. Also, run CSP's tenant landlord dispute resolution program and maintain community partnerships to facilitate referrals to and support for CSP programs.
Research and Administrative Assistant
Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media
St. Paul , MN
Part Time – Deadline: 2/15/08
Provide administrative assistance to the host of The Splendid Table. Provide research assistance for show-related topics. Support the show and assist other Splendid Table employees as needed.
Researcher/Writer, Writer's Almanac
Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media
St. Paul , MN
Part Time – Deadline: 2/15/08
Part time writer/researcher for radio. Must have good narrative writing skills, ability to write for radio, general familiarity with American and English literature and history, and love of poetry. For the right person, the job could become full-time with benefits. Writing samples upon request.
Membership Coordinator I
Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media
Pasadena , CA
Full Time – Deadline: 2/15/08
As an integral part of the membership team, the Membership Assistant I is responsible for managing the member services and benefits and volunteer programs. The position is part of the pledge drive team functioning as a producer and working with drive management on other parts of the drive.
Youth Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach , FL
Full Time – Deadline: 2/16/08
Create a vision for 6th through 12th grade youth and their families in collaboration with the youth committee and volunteers, while under the direction of the Senior Pastor. Supervise youth programs – Sunday School, Evening Fellowship, Confirmation Class, Youth Conference, Mission Trips and more. Be a spiritual leader. Serve on the Youth and Christian Education Committee. Assist in worship, have regular office hours and limited hospital visitation. Pursue continuing education opportunities related to youth culture.
Upcoming Events
Minnesota's Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair 2008 Prep Session
Wed., February 6
5-6 p.m. - Carnegie 06
Minnesota's Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair 2008 Prep Session
Fri., February 8
12-1 p.m. - Carnegie 06
Minnesota's Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair 2008
Tue. and Wed., February 19-20
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center,
Minneapolis, MN
Career Fair: Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity
Thu., February 21
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
RiverCentre - 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN
(Visit http://www.stthomas.edu/mcf/ for information.)
Call for Career & Casual Clothes
Ongoing through March 3
Kagin Room 103
All clothes will be donated to the Jeremiah Program, whose mission is to help single mothers and children break the cycle of poverty by providing safe affordable housing, life skills education, empowerment training and early childhood education. There is a special need for plus size clothing, but all donations are appreciated. Please drop off donations at Kagin Room 103. Sponsored by WHM and hosted by the CEC and CDC.
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
SENSE OF HUMOR
Almost nothing is more helpful in dealing with people than a sense of humor. Now, a sense of humor doesn't necessarily mean a knack for telling jokes. Rather, it means the ability to take some setbacks and still see that the world has not come to an end.
If you can keep from taking a situation or yourself too seriously, you'll get much better results, If you don't take yourself too seriously, there are always things in any situation that are still amusing that you can still smile about. And a smiling, cheerful leader invariably wins more cooperation than a grim or gloomy one.
If all you do in a crisis is add to the heat and confusion, people will soon lose respect for your abilities under pressure. But if you can maintain your sense of proportion and humor when the world seems to be falling apart, people who rely on you will show their appreciation in better work and greater loyalty.
Yes, some problems are serious - but there's nothing to be gained by exaggerating their importance. Get in the habit of taking yourself and your problems less seriously. Learn to smile at yourself and the world as well. You'll get better results - and actually have more good things to smile about - when you do.
(Source: Bits & Pieces on Leadership.)
Grad School Notes
WHAT IS A CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)?
A CV is often submitted when applying for graduate school admission or graduate assistantships. A curriculum vitae, or CV, provides a detailed description of academic achievements and experiences. While a resume often describes job experiences and skills in a short, concise format, a CV is slightly longer and emphasizes academic achievements, publications, research, awards, and teaching experience.
What is the typical length of a CV?
A CV varies in length, with a recommended length of 2-4 pages for undergraduates and recent graduates. However, CV's may range from 5 or more pages for more experienced candidates, especially those with a Master's or PhD.
What should I include in my CV?
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Name, address, phone number, and email address
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Education: include degrees, institutions, and dates, majors/minors, and GPA
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Certificates, licensures, and special training
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Areas of academic concentration/interest
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Publications and presentations
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Teaching and research experience
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Awards, fellowships, and grants
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Membership in professional organizations or committee leadership positions
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Conferences attended
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Thesis title or dissertation
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Related professional experience
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Language, technical skills, and extracurricular activities
What should NOT be included in my CV?
How should I format the CV?
Similar to resumes, subject headings (Education, Honors, Research Experience, etc) can help organize the CV into clear categories. Important information can be highlighted by placing it first on the page. For recent graduates, educational degrees will likely be placed at the top of the page. Also, remember to keep location of names and dates, punctuation, and font consistent throughout the entire document. The career counselors at the CDC are happy to help review your CV, so make an appointment or stop in during drop-in hours!
Contributor: Maureen Mahoney, Graduate Intern, CDC
The Bookshelf
 EARTH WORK -- Resource Guide to Nationwide Green Jobs, The Student Conservation Association.
Edited by Joan Moody and Richard Wizansky, HarperCollins West, New York, NY, 1994.
Earth Work, written by the Student Conservation Association (SCA), is a savvy resource guide to nationwide green jobs. This is a great reference that would be useful especially to Environmental Studies majors, or any Mac student interested or considering an environmental career. The book contains helpful chapters such as the job hunt in green, how to build a green network, green graduate schools, surveying the field and salaries, government green jobs, working for nonprofit organizations, jobs in environmental management, "Green-hot" jobs, and change and diversity in the green workplace. I would advise interested readers to pick up the book to read one, two, or all of the informative chapters.
In the first chapter, “The Job Hunt in Green,” the SCA focuses on ten trends to keep your eye on that show how natural resources and environmental careers are changing (examples: emphasis on environmental education, competition for natural resources), and additionally answers six common questions from job seekers (examples: Can I work in the environmental field and make a living at the same time? What are the hottest environmental professions? What kind of college degree is best?).
The book goes on to explain the best jobs (examples: environmental scientist, natural resource specialist, forester, etc.), where they are, what skills you will need, the benefits and downsides, and of course, how to get them. The authors create a refreshing and honest tone that makes the book a pleasurable and easy read. Special features of the book include the hiring procedures at state and federal agencies, a full directory of organizations offering green jobs, profiles of earth workers, summaries of graduate schools, and more.
"Earth Work guides green hearts to the best match of their skills and interests with the world's deep need for more earth workers,” in addition to providing tools and information for entering the environmental field. The information from this book is not only important, but it is constructive and valuable as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is remotely interested or curious in the environmental field. “In a world in which environmental challenges seem ever greater and ever more complex, Earth Work charts the territory, laying out a practical and positive map that shows many, many paths to a greener, better world.” This book was written in 1994, so some of the information, although still applicable, is outdated.
This book can be found in the Environmental section in the CDC resource Library.
Contributor: Lisa Herndon, Student Staff, 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.
------------------------
HOURS
8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
(Daily Drop-ins between 2 to 4 PM)
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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
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR 24 HOUR CAREER COUNSELING ASSISTANCE?
The website www.careeronestop.org is sponsored by the US Department of Labor. While Idealist.org may sound like a more logical site to feature for Mac students, this resource has much to offer. The CDC does not yet offer 24/7 service to students. This would not be healthy for you or for us! However, CareerOneStop will allow you to gather general occupational industry information as well as utilize hands-on assessment tools at a time convenient for you.
Topics range from personal development concerns such as skills examination to specific information including salary range and relocation facts. Links to job services in all 50 states are another resource on this page..
Some of the activities include:
Skills Profiler – Helps you identify your skills and match them to jobs.
Work Importance Locator – Measure six different work values.
Resume advice, samples and templates
HUGE disclaimer: This is not a substitute for talking with living breathing human beings. Most of us have been in the black hole of internet research, only to end with a concise “Huh?”, and crippling information overload. It is still important to process with friends, family, professors, employers, alumni and last, but not least – CDC staff. The CDC homepage has links to many other similar sites.
Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director , CDC
Featured Fellowship
Alliance for Conflict Transformation
Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (IPCR)
June 14 - July 12, 2008
Santa Cruz and La Paz, Bolivia
The Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT), in partnership with Nur University, is pleased to announce the Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (IPCR). IPCR is an intensive 4-week, 6-credit residential program intended to build the capacity of current and future professionals in a variety of fields to make a critical difference in furthering peaceful relations in the world. IPCR will be held in Santa Cruz , Bolivia , with one week travel to La Paz and surrounding communities.
We are currently accepting applications for participation from English speaking professionals, graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in peace and conflict resolution, international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, anthropology, development and related fields.
AT IPCR, students enjoy a supportive learning environment where experienced trainers and faculty combine brief lectures, case studies, field trips, role-plays, and simulations, with the experiences of local and international
peacebuilding practitioners.
IPCR offers a stimulating integration of theory and practice, bringing
together innovative academic analysis with practical, hands-on training and skills development. Participants will learn about these topics and more:
* Conflict analysis & assessment
* Conflict resolution and peacebuilding practices
* Cross-sectoral approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution (i.e.,
with development, human rights, etc)
* Post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation
* Skills development in negotiation
* Case studies - community, intra-state and international conflict
* Career opportunities in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
“In addition to gaining a basic understanding of conflict analysis and a set of practical skills applicable to a variety of fields, I truly benefited
from having access to real-world practitioners and the exposure to an
insider's view of regional conflicts. IPCR is practical, hands-on, and
highly recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a professional career in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or related fields.” Michael Pankow, employed at Human Rights Watch.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
* Early-bird Deadline to receive $250 discount – March 15, 2008
* Final Deadline – April 16, 2008
To see the complete program description, visit the ACT website:
http://conflicttransformation.org
For more information contact:
Nike Carstarphen, Ph.D.
Co-Founder/Senior Partner
Alliance for Conflict Transformation
PO Box 9117, Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (703) 461-3650
For further information on fellowships, please visit the CDC website: http://www.macalester.edu/cdc/
graduateschool/financing
/fellowships.html
Senior S.L.A.M.
(Seeking Life After Macalester)
THE BEST FOUR YEARS OF YOUR LIFE?
Most student development professionals, committed as they are to walking with students through their four years at Macalester, would not agree with the above statement. While well-intentioned family and friends may tell you, as commencement draws near, “Reality stinks” and “It's all down hill from here”, it just isn't so. College provides abundant growth opportunities, and we all know that growth can be painful. (A recent informal/unscientific poll of adults in the St. Paul area indicates that many of us view our twenties as times of huge change, accompanied at times by confusion and turmoil, and not our “best” years.)
Nevertheless, the time remaining at Mac is dwindling. You will find closure on this chapter of your life in many different ways. The CDC would like to offer you an early graduation gift.
Beginning in March, we will have a series of programs geared towards helping seniors move towards the next leg of their journey. (We will avoid designating your destination as the “real world”!) The topics will include, but not be limited to: Your Senior Resume, Interviewing, Gap Year, and Planning a Budget.
Watch your email, SPO and the next edition of the CDC CareerStreets newsletter for more information.
Suggestions of topics or specific topics are gratefully accepted. We want this to be helpful to you ! Please send comments and questions to Mary at emanuelson@macalester.edu.
NOTE: It is not recommended that you wait until March to address your post-Mac life. Schedule an appointment with a counselor or come to our drop in hours, available daily from 2 to 4 p.m. in the CDC.
Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director, CDC
Junior Jumpstart
WHY ME?
The Minnesota's Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair 2008 is right around the corner and you may be asking yourself, " What's this have to do with me and why?"
There is a one-word response to that question - opportunity.
The Fair will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center February 19th and 20th, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the 20th will be solely for interviews).
As a junior, you will have the opportunity to meet prospective post-grad employers and summer internship employers. More important, you will further build your networking skills and in effect build your confidence for meeting organizational representatives.
Have you been moved to the point of persuasion? Fantastic! Here are some tips to assist you in making the most of the Fair:
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Register for the Fair with the Internship Program by February 6, 2008.
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Review the Fair website before you attend so that you can determine which employers to network.
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Practice introducing yourself in the mirror before you arrive and shaking hands with others.
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Be dressed to impress in a suit...that fits.
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Have 20 copies of your resume and cover letter.
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Eat breakfast so that you can be energized, less nervous, and avoid high-cost snacks on site.
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Arrive on time and sign in.
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Smile and look pleasant (piece of cake right?).
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Send thank you letters to employers you met post-Fair (make sure to collect business cards after each networking experience).
Why you? Why not? This is your time to build you skills and prepare for the next step in your life. Best of luck!
Contributor: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor, CDC
Sophomore Syllabus
THINK SUMMER - THINK INTERNSHIPS
While the weather outside may not make you think of summer, or spring for that matter, it's a great time to think about a summer internship. Many organizations are just starting to think about their needs for summer, so it can be the perfect time to be looking. The key is for you to be able to articulate what skills you could bring to the position and what you are hoping to get out of your summer experience. A lot of times an organization may be able to have some flexibility in the details of the position to help better meet your interests.
To get started on your search it is critical that you utilize all the resources available to you. That includes networking with a wide variety of people/groups:
The CDC has access to the alumni directory which can be a great tool for finding people that are currently working in the field you are pursuing. In addition, you can narrow your alumni search to one city or numerous cities, depending on your interests. The other groups listed above can also be a great way to not only find a summer job/internship, but also gather additional information that can be helpful in determining what area/field might be most interesting to you. You never know where the right opportunity will come from, so it is critical that you network extensively to maximize your chances of finding the right fit. Many positions are never advertised, so unless you have people looking out for you, you might miss some really interesting opportunities.
The CDC can help you develop networking options and discuss additional alternatives as well. Call the CDC today at 696-6384 to make an appointment. We also have drop-in hours from 2–4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contributor: John Mountain, Associate Director, CDC
First Year Focus
DOES PICKING A MAJOR EQUAL A MAJOR PAIN?
You are reaching the peak of your first year experience and your community is asking, "So, What is you major?"
Suddenly you feel the walls closing in around you and experience shortness of breath. Fortunately, there are solutions.
One balm for this is a visit to the Career Development Center. We offer individual career counseling, drop-in hours, and comprehensive career assessments. More frequently, we offer social events where students and alumni can network. In addition, we have a database of alumni that desire to mentor and share their experiences in various fields.
An alternative solution, is meeting with professors in departments of interest to inquire more about careers in the field.
Lastly, consider volunteering and interning in fields of interest during the summer to explore and deduce your passions.
Choosing a major doesn't have to be the kiss of death. In fact, it can be the kiss of life if you honor who you are and do a bit of exploration along the way.
Contributor: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor, CDC
Featured Article
HELP WANTED: UNCLE SAM WANTS WHO?
In July, the Partnership for Public Service released Where the Jobs Are: Mission Critical Opportunities for America, which outlines government-wide projected hiring needs through 2009 and is based on a survey of 34 federal agencies representing nearly 99 percent of the federal workforce.
According to the report, two key factors are driving the federal government's hiring projections for the next two years: the need to keep Americans safe and the need to replace hundreds of thousands of retiring federal workers. "Our federal government faces a hiring crunch, but this challenge for agencies presents opportunities for job seekers," said Max Stier, present of the Partnership for Public Service. "To ensure the well-being of the American people, our government will need to recruit aggressively to hire talented new workers to address virtually every issue you can imagine - from homeland security to homelessness."
The following occupations will be in high demand in the federal government during the next two years:
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More than 23,000 nurses, along with physicians, pharmacists and occupational therapists to fill 35,350 medical and public health jobs.
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Biological scientists to address the threat of bioterrorism. The Department of Agriculture projects 2,462 hires and the Department of Homeland Security expects to hire nearly 1,000 scientists.
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Transportation Security Officers for 22,329 jobs at the Department of Homeland Security.
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More than 8,300 contracting experts at the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and other agencies.
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Accountants, tax examiners, auditors, and budget and financial analysts to fill 21,248 jobs at the IRS, Department of Treasury and other agencies.
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11,573 IT experts across all agencies.
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Attorneys and paralegals for 9,691 jobs at the Department of Treasury and other agencies.
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Air traffic controllers to fill 15,004 jobs at the Department of Transporation over the next 10 years.
(Source: The Partnership Press, Summer 2007, Vol. 6, Issue 3).
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Macalester at Work
Anna Kläppe
Macalester Class of 2005
Anna Kläppe '05, returned to Sweden after Macalester to pursue a Masters degree in International Studies/Peace and Conflict Studies. She discusses her Macalester experience, what it was like to participate in a panel discussion with Kofi Annan, and her current position with Save the Children Sweden.
CDC: You chose to go to college in a different country – why and how is that decision influencing your career?
AK: Beyond the fact that an international degree makes my CV stand out in a big pile of applications, I also feel that my choice to study in the United States in general, and at a Liberal Arts College in particular, has strengthened my sense of versatility. Thanks to my four years at Macalester, I now have the advantage of being able to approach a problem from a multidisciplinary perspective, and that in turn has fostered a strong sense of security in an ever-changing and globalizing job market. The tools I acquired at Macalester prepared me for work in a multitude of settings, and I have felt comfortable doing so, both at my internship at the United Nations, at a Swedish scholarship foundation, and at my current employer, Save the Children Sweden.
CDC: You were very involved in your academic department while at Macalester – what was your favorite activity, involvement, project outside of International Studies and why?
AK: When I explain to friends why I chose to spend four years at a small Liberal Arts college in Minnesota, I often return to one of my favorite activities outside the regular curriculum: that of grabbing a cup of coffee at the cafeteria and picking up an issue of the Today. Scanning the newsletter for interesting lectures, debates, performances and plays symbolizes to me the energetic and charismatic atmosphere of the campus. I absolutely loved going to all those lectures and performances, especially if the topic was new to me.
CDC: Were there any moments or experiences that you can identify as “shaping” or “transformative” that made an impact on you, your decisions or direction because of your Macalester experience?
AK: Two experiences stand out, my semester-long tutorial on the United Nations with Professor Samatar in my junior year, and the Lilly Leadership Conference in my senior year. The tutorial because it pushed and challenged me like no other course I had ever experienced. I learned so much because I read, wrote and reported like a maniac. I had no one else to hide behind in class, and that was actually a positive motivator. It was a tough semester academically, but ultimately it gave me great confidence and now I look back upon it with pride. It also prepared me for writing my honors thesis and my graduate thesis.
The Lilly Leadership Conference, organized by Chaplain Lucy Forster-Smith, took place at Whidbey Island, Washington state, during my last semester at Macalester. It provided us seniors with some time and room to reflect on both the past and the future. Lucy prepared such a lovely and personal retreat; it was heaven for us stressed-out seniors. That is where I personally decided where to go next, and I decided to really just listen to my heart and return back to Sweden after graduation. It was not a simple decision, but in hindsight I am glad that I did.
CDC: How did you spend your first year out of college?
AK: I spent the first year working in central Stockholm at a scholarship foundation called The Sweden-America Foundation. Further, I took some time off to travel, and I prepared my applications for graduate school. I also spent a lot of time with my family, who I had missed dearly while away at college.
CDC: What influenced your decision to go to graduate school, and how did graduate school differ from your undergraduate experience?
AK: Going to graduate school was not an option for me. In order to qualify for interesting jobs in Sweden, I needed a second degree. I decided to attend an international Masters Degree program at Uppsala University in Sweden, where I majored in Peace and Conflict Studies. The biggest difference between undergraduate and graduate school was the amount of class time. In graduate school, I spent most of my time studying alone. It made me really value all the dynamic classroom discussions held at Macalester. My graduate school actually placed most of its emphasis on theory, pin-pointing research questions, and our final master thesis. Having already written an honors thesis, I felt more prepared than many of my peers. I ended up writing on norm theory and the institutionalization of protection norms at the United Nations, comparing Security Council resolutions focusing on children affected by armed conflict on the one hand, and women and international security on the other.
CDC: You were recently selected to represent Uppsala University in a panel discussion with Kofi Annan. Tell us what led up to your participation and how that experience influenced you.
AK: Kofi Annan visited Uppsala University in May 2007 to receive an honorary degree. In conjunction with his visit, the university organized a panel discussion on the future of the United Nations. The former Swedish foreign minister, Jan Eliasson, was the second panelist, and they needed a student to represent the university. I interviewed for the position, and I believe that my Macalester tutorial, and the internship at the United Nations that I completed while in graduate school, influenced the university's decision to choose me. My experience in speaking at the Macalester International Roundtable also ensured them that I was somewhat of an experienced panelist. The panel took place before 1,600 people. I felt very nervous beforehand, but because I knew the subject well I fell back on the security of my previous experiences. Consequently, I managed to relax a little and actually enjoy the multifaceted discussion. The experience is by far my proudest moment in graduate school. For years, I had wanted to meet and shake hands with Kofi Annan, and there I finally was, on stage, discussing world affairs with him for more than an hour!
CDC: Describe the type of work you are doing in your current position at Save the Children Sweden.
AK: In the fall, I was assisting Save the Children's international program section of Knowledge Management. At that time, I was working on matters related to Child Protection in Emergencies, including both armed conflict and natural disasters. Currently, I am working at the section for Advocacy and Coordination, still with a focus on Child Protection in Emergencies. At the moment, my focus is on a programmatic response called “Child Spaces” which is literally spaces where children can play and receive psycho-social support and forms of education during and after an emergency. I am learning a great deal about emergency education, child psychology and relief work.
CDC: What experiences during your time at Macalester best prepared you for what you are currently doing?
AK: The classes that I took from the International Studies department, especially the senior seminar, were significant. My work study position at the Career Development Center also prepared me for the administrative aspects. Most importantly though, I believe that the writing skills and the analytical skills that I acquired and fine-tuned while at Macalester have prepared me the best for this job, and each of the other jobs I have held since graduation. Writing skills are absolutely critical in most fields of work. The professors that taught me the most were actually the ones who commented most liberally with red ink on my papers.
CDC: How have your personal values impacted your career or your job directly?
AK: I would say that my values guided me very strongly when I was in the process of applying for work. I could never see myself working for an organization with which I fundamentally disagree. Fortunately, Save the Children's work is very much aligned with what I believe humanitarian work should be all about: they emphasize the importance of community-based approaches, and the starting point in all of their work is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
CDC: What would you like to see yourself doing ten years from now?
AK: Professionally, I would like to branch into the field of policy making, preferably with an international and humanitarian focus. I might have to grow a thicker skin first, but I am also starting to gravitate toward more political work. I feel that in the humanitarian field, most of the norm development is already in place. The focus has now shifted to application, advocacy and negotiation. I would want to play a role in ensuring that governments and other duty bearers honor the rights of individuals, especially children and other vulnerable groups, and that these commitments are visible in peace agreements, government budgets, and post conflict development plans. On a personal note, I hope that I am married to my
fiancé (Note: Anna is engaged to be married in Sweden, Summer 2009), that we have started a family, and that I have developed better stress-management skills.
CDC: If you were to offer any advice to current students, what would it be?
AK: Take some time off from school work once in a while. I used to try to take the whole Saturday off, and even though it was not always possible due to the academic workload, it really is the best advice I can offer. Get off campus, walk by the river, practice yoga, whatever makes you feel happy and centered. When you need a break from campus, I personally recommend Zeno Café in Uptown and the Saint Paul Farmers' Market. Life is busy enough at Macalester, sometimes you really need to stop, breathe and just enjoy the moment.
 Mac Movies, Books & More
 SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE
Pulitzer Prize winner, Anna Quindlen, is the bestselling author of four novels, four nonfiction books and two children's books. “A Short Guide to a Happy Life” is a simple and therapeutic break from required textbook reading and can be finished in one sitting. It will not tax your brain, but it may engage your heart. Some reviewers attached a “saccharine warning” and used words such as cloying to describe “Short Guide.” Others were much more complimentary.
Customer reviews include sentiments like the following: “A little story filled with tidbits worth remembering. People complain that it's too short. So what? I find that life's most valuable lessons are inversely proportional to the number of words spoken or written.”
The publishers notes say: “In this unusual and beautiful book, Quindlen reflects on what it takes to "get a life"--to live deeply and uniquely rather than to merely get through our days. Beautifully designed with evocative photos, the handbook offers guidance on how to live with awareness.”
This excerpt from the book is simple and does not mention grades, graduate school, study abroad or work study woes:
"A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house ... Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over the dunes, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over a pond and a stand of pines. Get a life in which you pay attention to the baby as she scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a Cheerio with her thumb and first finger," Quindlen writes.
You may want to check this out. Even if it just sits in the stack by your bed, at only 64 pages, it won't take up too much space.
Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director, CDC
Web Watch
INTEREXCHANGE
www.workingabroad.org
For those interested in working abroad for the summer or post-graduation, InterEexchange offers opportunities for Au Pair placement, international internships, language schools, teach English placement, international volunteering, and work and travel programs. The website has a changing database of listings, mostly in Europe, with some volunteer and teach English opportunities available in South American countries.
Detailed information about each program is included on the website, along with all the application materials. The application is short and simple, but requires a $75 application fee. A downfall of the site is that there are only a few listings for each opportunity posted at one time. As a result, a user might need to check the site often to find their desired program. Once the program is found, however, InterExchange makes it easy to complete the rest of the process.
This site is recommended for anyone interested in working abroad after graduation. Most of the programs offered require a substantial time commitment (9-12 months), so finding summer abroad work is difficult. Whether you want to learn more about what certain programs entail, or you already have abroad plans and want to apply, InterExchange is a helpful and user friendly website.
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