Career Development Center

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Hot Jobs

Find details on these
opportunities on our web
site under Grand Avenues.

Public Relations Coordinator
Mall of America
Bloomington , MN
Full Time – Deadline: 3/6/08
Research, write and coordinate distribution of all event media materials; manage the clipping service; document, summarize and distribute circulation and ad value information; assist Media Relations Specialist in pitching new stories and events at MOA; assist in coordinating live media coverage in MOA. Your BA/BS degree should have an emphasis in Public Relations and/or Journalism – including background in writing press materials and pitching stories to the media.

Summer Staff
Youth Farm and Market Project
Minneapolis , MN
Part Time Summer – Deadline: 3/6/08
Summer Staff: oversee a garden and a themed activity group working with kids.
Farm Camp : A week-long adventure, with 15 kids, experience work on a farm.

Connect Multicultural Internship
Chicago Advertising Federation
Chicago , IL
Full Time – Deadline: 3/7/08
This program provides bright, young, and diverse students the opportunity to gain work experience and inside exposure to the ad industry in Chicago . 10-15 students will actively participate in internships that range across a variety of advertising disciplines including Creative, Account Service, Media, Account Planning, Print Production and more.

Program Assistant, Office of the President
Inter-American Dialogue
Washington , DC
Full Time – Deadline: 3/8/08
The Inter-American Dialogue is Washington 's leading forum for exchange among opinion leaders of the Western Hemisphere and an independent, nonpartisan center for policy analysis on economic and political relations in the Americas . The Dialogue regularly brings together public and private leaders from across the Americas to build cooperation among Western Hemisphere nations and advance a regional agenda of democratic governance, social equity, and economic growth.

The Program Assistant provides program and institutional support to the President. The range of projects over the first two years would likely be in the areas of energy, drug and social policy, inter-American institutions, and remittances and migration. The undergraduate degree in social sciences, excellent writing and speaking skills; organizational skills; knowledge of issues confronting Latin America and U.S.-Latin American relations and fluency in both Spanish and English.

Multimedia/Flash Developer
RWD Technologies
Troy , MI
Full Time – Deadline: 3/11/08
RWD is a leading human performance and process improvement company that enables sustainable business transformation. RWD delivers value to clients and partners through expertise in the areas of Strategic Consulting, Managed Learning Services, Technology Implementation & Integration, Organizational Change Management, Learning Performance & Support and Lean Process Improvement. RWD is privately held, has annual revenues in excess of $180 million, and more than 1,000 employees in offices in the United States, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Kazakhstan. The person selected for this position will be responsible for the generation and manipulation of static, web, and multimedia-based content.

Social Investment Research Associate, Asia-Pacific Equities
Domini Social Investments LLC
New York , NY
Full Time – Deadline: 3/12/08
This position will be responsible for conducting social and environmental research on companies in Domini's investment universe. Tasks will include reading and analyzing company documents, press articles, and third-party reports in order to evaluate companies according to Domini's standards regarding environmental management, product quality, and corporate relations with customers, employees, investors, and communities. Associates will also assist Lead Analysts in conducting industry and country-related research. Must have fluency in Japanese, including the ability to read and translate corporate publications, and to write occasional business correspondence. Knowledge of another Asian foreign language is a plus.

Watercraft Inspector Intern
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Location: numerous throughout MN
Full Time – Deadline: 3/14/08
Must work weekends and some holidays from 4/18-10/31. Start and end dates are flexible based on school schedules. The Watercraft Inspector serves to inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota 's waters. Inspectors work at public water access sites educating the public by providing information to watercraft users and conducting a brief survey while inspecting watercraft for exotic species. Other duties include assisting the coordinator with access postings, assisting Conservation Officers with access checks, aquatic plant removal, and other natural resource projects.

Summer Institute Coordinator
Will Steger Foundation
Minneapolis , MN
Full Time, 4 month contract (April-August 15, 2008)
Deadline: 3/15/08
The primary purpose of this position is to support the Will Steger Foundation's Education program by coordinating the annual Summer Institute for Global Warming Education, held in August at the Science Museum of MN. The coordinator will gain hands-on experience in the non-profit sector and with planning and executing a 3-day educator conference. Interact with leaders in global warming education, climate science and policy.

Upcoming Events

HUMANITARIAN AID AND THE DARFUR CRISIS
Tyler Beckelman ('03), United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
4:30-6 PM - Olin Rice 150

PSCYHOLOGY CAREER NIGHT
Thursday, March 27, 2008
7-8:30 PM - Harmon Room, Library

For a complete list of upcoming CDC programs and events, be sure to check out:

http://www.macalester.edu/cdc/events
/index.html

On-Campus Recruiting

To access a list of the most
current on-campus employer presentations, information tables, resume deadlines and interview dates go to:

http://www.macalester.edu
/cdc/recruitcurrent.pdf

Beyond the Piggy Bank

In this section, the CDC provides you with links to information on managing your personal finances. We hope you find this useful. This newsletter’s topic is:

"Stash or Trash? Get a Grip on Important Docs"

Suggestion Box

HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN 90 SECONDS OR LESS

People decide if they like you within two seconds of meeting you. Here is how to make sure your first impression is a good one.

Notice eye color. This ensures that you are meeting the other person's gaze. Poor eye contact suggests you have something to hide. But don't stare - it may make him/her uncomfortable. Oddly enough, occasionally looking at your hands conveys the impression of active listening.
Use "open" body language. Keep your arms uncrossed and hands unclenched. If you are unsure of what to do with your hands, put them in your back pockets or at your sides.
Mirror the other person's gestures and body language. People take an instant liking to those who are similar to themselves.
Ask open-ended questions. Who, what, where, when, why and how questions are conversation starters. Questions beginning with Have you...? Are you...? and Do you...? are conversation killers. They can be answered with one word - yes or no.
Relax. A Princeton University study found that trying too hard to be liked is a big turnoff in first encounters. Before meeting someone, take a few deep abdominal breaths to relax. Deep breaths make your voice richer and more confident.
Smile. Don't worry that you smile doesn't look natural. The more you practice, the more easily a natural smile will form.

(Source:Bottom Line "How to Get the Best Out of Life" - pg. 50-53).

Web Watch

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad
/rankings/rankindex_brief.php

The U.S. News and World Report provide an annual ranking of America's best graduate schools for 2008. The ranking is subdivided into categories based on school types, dividing them into law schools, medical schools, education schools, and several others. Topping the lists for 2008 are schools such as Yale(1), Harvard(2), and NYU(3) for law schools, and MIT(1), Stanford(2), and UC-Berkley(3) for Engineering. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities ranked in the top 25 for Engineering, Business, Law, and Education schools, and in the top 50 for Medical schools.

Additionally, the website has profiles for most graduate schools, however, only limited information can be accessed unless you upgrade to the “premium online edition” for a price that most students are not interested in paying. One downfall of the top 50 list is that lesser known programs that offer quality education opportunities are often overlooked. Students should not take these lists to mean that other graduate programs are not worthwhile.

Besides the top 50 lists, the U.S. News and World Report website also boasts some interesting articles relating to hot topics in graduate studies. Topics include new innovative programs, how to handle debt from school, and the updates on the GRE. Many of these articles are intended to give stressed out students a sigh of relief by offering them useful advice and dispelling some rumors and myths about grad school. This website is recommended for students who are interested in seeing how programs compare, or want a brief bio, along with links, for a school of interest.

Grad School Notes

GRADUATE SCHOOL INTERVIEWS

Graduate committees often require interviews before they make final decisions on applicants. The interview can be a major factor in the committee's decision, so it's important to approach the graduate school interview that same way you would a professional job interview. Remember to dress professionally and study possible interview questions. The interview is also a great way for you, as the applicant, to decide if the program is a good match for you, so prepare questions you might have for faculty and current students.

Before your interview, consider the following:

What interview format should I expect?

The format of graduate school interviews will vary from one-on-one interviews with a faculty member, telephone interviews, or panels that include several committee members. Events may be scheduled where applicants will get the chance to talk with several faculty members, current students, and other applicants to the program.

How should I prepare for the interview?

Take time to research the college, the graduate program, and the faculty. Know the research focus of the faculty members and be prepared to discuss your own areas of interest regarding research specialization. Be prepared to answer questions about how you can contribute to the program and why this specific program would be a good match for you. Practice possible interview questions by making an appointment for a mock interview at the Career Development Center.

What are some possible interview questions?

Why did you choose to apply to our program?
What are your career goals?
How will this program help you achieve your career goals?
What do you have to contribute to the program?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Describe your past work or research experiences and how those experiences have prepared you for graduate school.

Good luck! Don't forget to make an appointment to practice your interviewing skills at the Career Development Center.

Contributor: Maureen Mahoney, Graduate Intern, CDC

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.
------------------------
HOURS
8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
(Daily Drop-ins between 2 to 4 PM)
-----------------------
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

Counselor's Corner

REJECTION

A Google search for dating rejection turned up 535,000 hits, while job rejection garnered a whopping 1,860,000. Most of us remember our relationship woes far longer than job search angst. Nonetheless, the reaction to being turned down for a job may involve a range of emotions including relief, amazement, anger, bewilderment, and sadness. It is usually not a terribly pleasant occurrence.

What should you do when this happens? It is important to take care of yourself and address the situation from two perspectives: professionally and emotionally. Let's look at the steps you can take.

Professional Responses to a Job Rejection:

Call your company contact. Some employers are willing to share their feedback about your interview and/or written materials.
Send a letter thanking the employer for their time and attention AFTER you receive the rejection letter. Stress your continued interest in the position.
Stay in touch. Make a note to call the “rejecting company” in two months. Employment searches are costly and time consuming for organizations. Often two or more applicants would be a good fit for the posted position and the decision may come down to a coin toss.

Emotional Response to a Job Rejection/Coping Mechanisms:

Use humor to cope. My brother taped his rejection letters on his bedroom wall. This sheer expanse motivated him to apply for jobs for which he was not qualified, just to increase coverage. Obviously this is not a career counselor-recommended approach. It does illustrate, however, that many letter must be sent out before the dynamite interview and outstanding job offer are forthcoming. One statistic stated that you must send out 200 resumes to get ten interviews to get one job offer. This seems inflated, but you get the idea.
Focus on your strengths and keep things in perspective. Yes, it would have been preferable to receive the job offer, but many factors that go into the employer's decision are beyond your control.
Take care of yourself. Physical activity will help you look and feel sharp – a definite advantage in the interview process.
Don't compare yourself to others. If friends are getting offers, review ways in which your search may differ from theirs.

And finally, to cover both aspects of your reaction, talk with a career counselor. We are quite accustomed to helping people vent, berate themselves, and dismiss the employer. A career counselor can help you review your job search. Are things breaking down with your written materials? Or is it perhaps your interviewing skills. Would your job search benefit from a shift in focus and in the types of jobs or organizations you are pursuing?

In closing we include a sample letter, discovered on the web. Disclaimer: We do NOT recommend using this as a template.

The Ultimate Rejection Letter

Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall,
Whitson University
College Hill , MA 34109

Dear Professor Millington,

Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department. This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,

Chris L. Jensen

Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director , CDC

Mac Movies, Books & More

FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT

http://www.ioscar.org/tx/oscar.asp

This issue's feature is called OSCAR: The Occupational and Skill Computer-Assisted Researcher. The Riley Guide describes it as a “friendly self-assessment tool designed to help you find a good occupational match based on your interests and skills”.

OSCAR is a product of the Texas Workforce Commission/Career Development Resources (TWR/CDR) and was originally developed under a grant from the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

The owl and tree graphics would appeal to my second grader and I was initially skeptical about this site. Upon investigation, the simplicity is appealing and I even grew to like the cute little owl.

The tool is divided into two sections: The Quick Trip or The Full Flight. Depending on the time and attention span you have to spare, both are good options. An examination of work values, and interests was particularly helpful. The skills you have honed playing solitaire online will come in handy when you explore the work value card sort!

All in all, a good way to take a crisp look at information that often feels very muddled. And while I have yet to meet with a student asking about relocation to Texas after graduation, OSCAR has links to many Texas job sources.

Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director , CDC

Senior S.L.A.M.
(Seeking Life After Macalester)

JUST FOR SENIORS

Career counseling costs can run $159 per hour out in the “real world”. Wouldn't it make sense to take advantage of this perk right now?

We are aware that demands on your time are sizeable, both academically and personally. Cognizant of this fact, we are offering a series of events to assist with your transition from student to ??? Knowing that there are as many different types of plans being made as there are students, we would like to tell you about some opportunities that will be as one-size-fits-all as possible. You will receive more specific information in your SPO and email box, but here is an overview.

THE SENIOR PUNCHCARD

Caribou and Breadsmith have nothing on us. You will soon receive a punch card that qualifies you for a free cup of coffee and muffin and many other great items. All that is required is attendance at one of our events or utilization of CDC services

DROP-IN DAYS FOR SENIORS

Back by popular demand, we will offer three days in the CDC, from 10AM to 4 PM when you can swing by for cover letter advice, interview coaching, or resume critique. Be sure to put March 27, April 8 and April 15 on your calendar.

SPECIAL TOPIC SEMINARS

We will share information with you about taking a Gap Year (or two) as well as preparing for the financial reality of student loans kicking in, moving into an apartment (or home with Mom and Dad!) and the importance of having health insurance, even if you are young and healthy.

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS

Way too busy to fit in these activities? Our staff is always available for individual meetings to address a wide range of topics. Just ask!

Contributor: Mary Emanuelson, Assistant Director, CDC

Junior Jumpstart

THE NECESSARY TOOL:
THE MENTOR

There are many resources you will find as you move through your higher ed journey. But there is one that will be critical during the stress, successes, and bouts of confusion---a mentor. A mentor is a person (often at least 7 years older than you) that coaches you throughout your experiences; helping you to grow professionally and personally. During the relationship you can discover more about your career objectives and goals. In addition, knowledge of your academic field will potentially increase exponentially.

Most students are automatically assigned a advisor their first year of college who at times takes on the role of mentor. If you find that you do not have this kind of relationship with your advisor, then research if there is a student services program operating on campus that can assist you or locate one yourself. Mentors can be found in the classroom, your community, and even in your family! Consider the following questions when selecting a mentor:

Does the mentor have time to take you on as a mentee?

Does the mentor have a background in your field of study?

Does you mentor have resources or links to those in your field of study?

Do you feel comfortable with your mentor? Do they listen to you? Is it a mutually respectful relationship?

If you can answer "yes" to these, then politely request your prospective mentor if they would not mind mentoring you on a monthly basis. Mentors are a valued resource during the higher ed process and sometimes a lifeline to success during stressful times. Remember to locate one once you have a moment to breathe and thank your mentor with a card each semester!

Contributor: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor, CDC

Sophomore Syllabus

NETWORKING...
IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE PAINFUL

Networking is one of those things you know you need to do, but it is so easy to put off. How many times have you said “I should really call that person”, or “Yeah, she would be a great contact for me.” We are all guilty of not being as proactive as we could, but the beauty of networking is you can start anytime and there is no one keeping score of how little you have done in the past. The only fact that matters is that you do start!

The reason networking is so important, is that a significant percentage of internships/jobs are never advertised using the conventional means of newspapers, internet postings, etc. While networking might not get you the position, it will generally get you in the door, or open another door that can lead to a great experience.

Another common apprehension about networking is a feeling of “using” a contact to get what you want. The reality is that for many positions you would never hear about the opening without a connection. Secondly, it might feel like you are on the “taking” side of the networking relationship now, but you will have the rest of your life to provide other people with connections to hopefully help them get to where they want to go. Almost all the people you will contact remember when they were your age and in the same situation. They appreciate the contacts they received then, and are more than willing to help.

It is also important to think of potential networking contacts from a very broad perspective. Even though at first a person might not seem to be a good connection for you, you never know who that person knows, works with, is friends with, is a neighbor of, etc. This does not mean that you have to be constantly giving your sales pitch to everyone you meet, but it is important to think about how would you answer the common question of “what are you thinking of doing this summer?” Having even a general answer to that question can be extremely helpful in expanding your current network.

There are many people that might be extremely helpful to contact as you explore your next steps. Some of them include:

Family/Friends
Alumni
Former and Current Employers
Professors
National/Regional associations related to your interests
CDC counselors

There are no points taken off for what you haven't done in the past, the key is what you do now. With Spring Break coming up, a little effort today can have a huge impact down the road. Contact the CDC at x6384 today to set up an appointment or stop by during drop-in hours (2-4 pm Monday through Friday) to discuss how you can use networking to help you open a door or two.

Contributor: John Mountain, Associate Director, CDC

First Year Focus

WHAT DOES A FIRST YEAR RESUME LOOK LIKE?

Resumes can differ depending on your experiences, but generally first resumes struggle to make the one-page requirement. The following are 10 frequently asked questions by first years and responses given by our counselors.

1. How long should it be? 1 page
2. Can I add high school experiences? Yes
3. Should I list my high school class rank? Yes, but it's not necessary
4. Should I list honors and awards? Yes
5. Should I use an objective? Yes, if you need a space filler
6. Should I list travel experiences if they are within a program? Yes
7. Should I list hobbies and interests? Yes, if there is space
8. Should I list my permanent and current address? List the address where employers can contact you presently and within the next 60 days.
9. Should I list languages and computer skills? Yes
10. Should I list most current work at Macalester? Yes, and your resume should be in reverse chronological order in reference to work and extracurricular experiences.

For more details, check out our link at:

http://www.macalester.edu/cdc/
careersandjobs/jobsearchskills/
resumes/index.html.

Contributor: Christina Cowens Gholson, Career Counselor, CDC

Macalester at Work

Vendela Engblom
Macalester Class of 2007

Recent alum, Vendela Engblom, shared with us her thoughts on her transition to Macalester as an international student, wanting to become a writer since childhood, working for a national jewelry company, and her ongoing work as a freelance writer and translator.

CDC: Where are you originally from and how did you find your way to Macalester?

VE: I was born in Stockholm, Sweden and I have lived in the city or just outside of it for most of my life. My mother, who is a nuclear physicist, brought us all with her for her post-doc at Indiana University Bloomington in 1997, and we stayed for two years. During our stay I became fluent in English, and eventually bilingual, and I suppose this must have been the first step of the process that would take me to Macalester.

When I was seventeen, I decided that I wanted to study English literature, and since I was bilingual, I began to look for U.S. colleges rather than Swedish universities. I found Macalester through a foundation called the Sweden-America Foundation, which used to have a college counseling program where they helped students from Sweden with solid academic credentials to apply to certain U.S. schools. Macalester came closest to what I wanted, with a strong English department, a small student body (essential for me, who came from a high school with only 51 students in the graduating class), and an international focus.

CDC: Can you tell us about your education and career background?

VE: My education at Macalester was as much about learning to learn/study as it was about studying literature, specifically. It was quite a transition to move from an, albeit English-language oriented, high school where I was the only bilingual student, to studying literature with highly intelligent, articulate U.S. students. The inherent challenge in this situation was the best thing that ever happened to me. By the last semester of my Junior year, when I was taking four writing/literature classes and constantly reading and writing, I was completely certain that I was at the right place.

During my senior year, I completed an honors thesis, which I continue to be very proud of. It was called "I am the Elements", and it was a translation of two poetry collections (87 poems) by a Swedish modernist poet (the first modernist writing in Swedish) named Edith Södergran. The process of writing it was fraught with frustration, but also with so much joy, when I caught a word or an expression and knew that somehow, I had gotten a poem 'right'. It was an enormously rewarding translation, particularly as Södergran deserves new readers so very much. The two English Senior Seminars that I participated in (taught by Wang Ping, my advisor on the project and Steve Burt, who was on my committee , were of great help. In addition to the professors and their invaluable help, the students provided important feedback.

Career-wise, my job as a Resident Advisor for my last two years at Macalester continues to be the work that has challenged me the most. My current work as a product manager's assistant at a nation-wide jewelry company involves creative aspects as well as calculating prognoses and ordering jewelry, so I do get to use some of the qualities that I cultivated during the years at college. However, it's difficult to find a job that provides more variety than the one where I could go from calling 911 for a student-related emergency, to counseling, to leading discussions, and organizing activities within a single week.

CDC: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

VE: I've known I wanted to be a writer since I was seven and wrote a play for the neighborhood children that I forced them to rehearse and then to perform it on my birthday. A more serious answer, perhaps, is that I find myself coming back to writing again and again, and doing it without even thinking. There's something very important in trusting the one thing that comes easy, without you asking for it, and that comes back and comes back.

CDC: How did you find your current position?

VE: My current position comes from a summer job I've had for years, which was very helpful. But it doesn't really provide a full picture of what I'm doing: I'm mainly a freelance writer and translator, and I do the "regular" job as a way of maintaining a steady income. My writing/translating work comes through contacts in both Sweden and the U.S., including professors and relatives and people I meet through networking. I worked for two poetry festivals during the fall of '07, translating for one and helping organize the other, and through this I met several poets and translators who since then have proved very helpful.

CDC: What does a typical day on the job look like for you?

VE: I work part-time, so I come in and do whatever they put in front of me, which recently included evaluating the performance of silver jewelry in the Christmas sales campaigns, organizing the samples that came in to the office, and sorting out discontinued pieces from the collection. In the past, I have reorganized the presentation of silver earrings in the 200 stores, put together images for the Harry Potter collection, and calculated orders for 200 stores from 70 manufacturers. In short, there is no typical day. My week also always includes working on writing, whether it is my own or translations of others'.

CDC: What are some of your interests outside of work?

VE: Well, literature, but I do manage to find enough writing work that I can't quite call it an outside interest. I love singing, and do it as often as I can.

CDC: How do you stay motivated?

VE: Motivation is not as simple as coming from one facto. It remains a mix of occasionally getting paid to do what I love, finding ways to keep working with interesting, intelligent people, and never abdicating responsibility for what happens in my own life. Also, family and friends are life-savers on a regular basis.

CDC: Who is your favorite author or what is your favorite book?

VE: Impossible question. Right now I'm reading Madeleine Albright's biography, which is very enjoyable and impressive, Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment, which continues to be a delight, and Moa Martinson, who is a fantastic Swedish writer.

CDC: What was your undergraduate experience like… any particularly memorable moments?

VE: Walking to the Academic Programs office carrying five printed copies of my thesis to get it bound was the moment I knew I was ready to graduate. I could never have accomplished anything better at Mac.