An Easy Way to Make a Big Impression: Skill Up!

Interested in applying for a position that requires more skills or knowledge than you currently have? Check out our tools for skill building - then market your new knowledge in your application. We've recently added a new section in the Tools file of the DartBoard Resource Library. Check out our tip sheet on tools you can use to "Explore Interests, Build Skills & Showcase What You Know." The tip sheet includes free resources available to Dartmouth students to learn more about a range of applications and systems including Microsoft Excel (SkillsX), Bloomberg Terminal (Tuck) and Lynda.com.

Got a question? Contact Chandlee Bryan at the Center for Professional Development.

Using LinkedIn to Plan Your Career

As an intern for the Center for Professional Development (formerly Career Services when I worked there),  I discovered the power of LinkedIn in helping to brainstorm my career progression and the skills needed for the careers I desire. Here are the 3 simple steps that I followed using LinkedIn to network, discover opportunities, and plan out my career: 1. Research before you write or connect.

Increase the relevancy of your search by making use of the advanced search tool (pictured above). Try using specific keywords that might highlight the people who share your interests. Always look for those who are members of the Dartmouth College Alumni Group, as they specifically chose to be a member and would likely be the most receptive to your inquiries. Be sure to also reference the Dartmouth Career Network, which contains over 23,000 alumni who have each volunteered to help. Check out our suggestions on how to best contact and start a conversation with alumni here.

Need help optimizing your professional presence? Don’t forget to sign up for the LinkedIn workshops to get a better idea of how you can use LinkedIn to better tell your story. The workshops highlight the differences between LinkedIn and traditional media and will empower you to both assess and showcase your skills and interests using LinkedIn's tools.  We'll teach you how to best structure your profile and how you can then use it to network and have conversations with either alumni or potential employers that go beyond the basics.

2. Investigate career paths of others with your interests.

One of LinkedIn’s most powerful uses—and probably its most basic one—is to simply gauge how others have both built upon and progressed in their experiences. Using the methods of research discussed above, locate potential new connections who share your interests and check out the track of their professional career path. This information will not only allow you to detect a shared interest between yourself and this person for a potential conversation starter but will also allow you to make more informed decisions about the companies to which you will apply.

3.Spot trends in these paths.

Let LinkedIn be an additional career consultant. When looking at the trajectory of someone’s career, be sure to make note of how his or her career has grown and notice any trends within the career path of this person you chose on the basis of mutual interest. In tracking his/her career progression, notice how he/she was able to use the skills he/she developed from one position in order to progress into another position. With this information, you will get a better idea of what types of skills will enable you to move toward your desired role.

How can I tell you this? I used this exact framework when I got the chicken pox during one of my off-terms. I used LinkedIn as a resource to find and reach out to people for informational interviews.

I then sent applications for approximately 20 listings I found both on DartBoard and other websites. I had many interviews, some rejections, and ultimately selected the internship that was right for me.

Tips for the Transition going from Student to Staff: #MentorMonday

This is the fourth in a five part series that provides a tip about the transition from college student to full time employee. Having a mentor is like having a more mature and experienced version of your conscious telling you what does and doesn't work well in a particular industry or career.

Finding an office mentor is critical! You are going through an incredible amount of change and development during this time and it is important to find someone that you can look up to in the career field.

Have a boss that you admire? See if they will take you under their wing. Have a co-worker that does some amazing work? Schedule a lunch or dinner with them.

A job isn't just a place to meet people and do work, it is a space of learning and growth. Find someone that you look up to and can get pointers and tips from as you grow in the position. Friendship and admiration can go a long way!

In admiration,

Jennifer McGrew ’13

#youngalumnichronicles

Tips for the Transition going from Student to Staff: Who, What, When, Where, Why?

This is the second in a five part series that provides a tip about the transition from college student to full time employee. You know that age old saying, there's no such thing as a dumb question? Well there isn't. In order to make yourself not look dumb it is best to ask questions and ask a lot of them.

It takes time to be able to adjust to a new position. Not only are you learning the ropes of the job, but you are also trying to get into the groove of being a young adult as well. This tacked on being in a new environment and possibly a new location can lead to high stress and anxiety. Don't be afraid to ask for help! When you didn't understand something during your lecture you raised your hand or spoke to the professor afterwards to ensure you knew the information for the upcoming test. Though there will probably not be any tests at work, you want to make sure that you know the information. You never know when you will be asked to give a presentation or explain your project to someone else.

Your new job is just that, new. You don't know the lay of the land. You don't know the social norms. Sometimes you don't understand the protocol for a certain task in the office. Sometimes you don't know what to do about a issue with a client. Sometimes you can't get the job done on time. ASK FOR HELP! Easier sad than done, I know, but in the long run it will make your job a whole lot easier if you find a way to do it better and more effective.

The people that you work with understand that you are new to the job and they are there to help you! Feel comfortable being able to go and ask them for assistance if need be.

Are there any questions?

Jennifer McGrew ’13

#youngalumnichronicles

Tips for the Transition going from Student to Staff: Rockabye Baby

This is the first in a five part series that provides a tip about the transition from college student to full time employee.

Going from school to work is no small task. No longer can you rely on your 30 minute power nap after lunch or drop everything to grab a cup of coffee with a buddy. A job is 8 straight hours (ok minus the one we get for lunch) of work. Non stop work. It's the kind of work that you have to constantly use your brain and your energy in order to succeed. I have found these few tips to have helped me out TREMENDOUSLY during my transition from student to full time worker.

Get sleep! That can literally never been said enough, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep... you get my point.

That may be one of the most overrated things ever, SLEEP. As a college student I prided myself on being able to run off of 3 hours of sleep. Now, 3 hours won't get me out of bed in the morning. It is important that you realize that sleep really is a necessity. During school I could take a 30 minute power nap if need be to refuel for the rest of my day.When at my job I don't have such opportunities to take breaks. I am constantly going from the time I step in the door till the moment I leave (and sometimes even after that).

There have even been studies that document just how crucial sleep is to be able to create a productive career in any field!

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2013/10/energy-industry-sleep-more-increase-your-workday-productivity.html

Sleep time is important and it is crucial for you to be able to put your best foot forward with all tasks that you do. Getting into a sleep schedule and keeping that schedule (even on the weekends!) is critical to feeling rested and restored for the day at work ahead of you.

Eyes wide shut until next time,

Jennifer McGrew '13

#youngalumnichronicles

October 3: Engineering Career Fair at Thayer School

The 17th Annual Thayer School of Engineering Career Fair is TODAY, October 3 (1pm-5pm) in the GlycoFi Atrium & The Great Hall at Thayer.

Can you attend if you are not an Engineering Sciences major? Yes! Companies that attend frequently offer internships and rotational training programs outside of Engineering and Computer Science.

The event is open to all Dartmouth students and alumni are welcome to attend.

There are 49 organizations attending, to view a list of participating organizations, visit: http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/images/uploads/FinalPrintDirectory2013.pdf

Participating employers include General Mills, Medtronic, Trinity Partners, Trip Advisor, Oracle and VistaPrint.

Interviewing Mistakes You'll Want to Avoid!

Is there an interview in your future?

Check out this infographic on the most common mistakes made at job interviews. Here are three of the most frequent mistakes:

• Lack of eye contact (67%)
• Having little or no knowledge of the company (47%)
• Forgetting to smile (38%)

Notice anything? Good news! All of these are mistakes you can easily avoid -- and practice.

For the rest of the tips -- as well as good tips to prepare for an interview, click here.

How to Prepare for Career Fair (Tuesday & Wednesday)

We're looking forward to seeing you this week at the Employer Connections Fair at the Top of The Hop, from noon to 4 pm. Over 100 organizations will be attending to scout for potential employees. We encourage you to research organizations participating in the fair before you go. You can access the fair directory here. We also recommend using the Library's recommended resources to study up on organizations that are coming to the fair. Marketline Advantage is especially useful for researching for-profit organizations; check out the library's non-profit research guide to prepare for meeting with employers in the non-profit room on Tuesday.

Engage, give a warm smile, engage – no need to sound rehearsed, as if you’re reading from a script, but do come up with an opening statement that lets the representative know that you’re not just simply milling around, waiting for someone to come to you and do all the talking.

“Hello. My name is Jane, and I’m a studio art major. I read an article in the Brazen Careerist recently about your graphic design internship being one of the best in the country. Can you tell me a little more about what you look for in an intern?”

Even if you don't know as much as you should about a company, use openness and enthusiasm to spin a conversation in your favor.

"I understand you are hiring Analysts; what's a typical day look like for an Analyst?"

Be bold and pull at common threads. From your research, find things you have in common - maybe the employer is a Dartmouth Alum, or perhaps community leader of an organization you're a member of in college. If you can connect on a deeper level with an employer, they will see you as a person with a vested interested in their company, rather than just another resume in a stack of applications.

Good luck!

How to be a leader at your new job

So you’re the youngest staff member or intern working at your dream company and you want contribute to your professional team, impress your boss and make friendly connections with your colleagues by the end of week one.  Well, how to get started? Here are  8 Quick Tips for becoming a leader in a new office setting:

1. Do your homework

Make sure you understand the goals of your employer, general trends in the field and basic terminology associated with industry. Talk to friends who worked for similar employers, family friends familiar with the area and alumni on Dartmouth’s career network for advice.

2. Listen and learn

Especially in your first week on the job, be a sponge.  Take in the office environment and ask questions of your colleagues about expectations for your work. Try to avoid bothering your boss with small questions that you could ask someone else or figure out on your own.

3. Lean in

As you start to settle into your routine, continue to look for ways to be an asset to your employer. Offer to learn additional professional skills or tasks around the office.  Look for which managers in your subfield seem to be busiest and offer to assist them with their work if you feel under-tasked.

4. Speak up

Especially as a relative outsider, your feedback may be especially valuable to an employer.  Listen and learn about a company’s practices and goals, but have a critical eye.  Even though a company is used to performing a task one way, there may be a better way to accomplish the same goal. Speak up with a suggestion if you think you see room for improvement.

5. Articulate your needs

Overworked with mounting deadlines?  Speak up about what you can and cannot do and check in with your employer about which work you should prioritize.  Reach out to colleagues for assistance with balancing work if they seem under-tasked.  That said, try to arrive to work early or on time and do not be the first one to leave, especially as a new member of the office.

6. Don’t forget to say thanks

If you work on a project in a team, don’t forget to give credit where credit is due.  Your colleagues will be more willing to work with you in the future if you do.

7. Look for a mentor

Really respect someone higher up at your new company? Offer to take them out to lunch to learn more about their career trajectory to reaching that position. Ask them about skills and insights that have helped them along the way.

8. Pursue leadership opportunities outside the office

The best way to learn leadership skills is to practice them. Whether competing on a team, participating in community service initiatives or guiding hiking trips, look for ways to practice management and leadership skills in settings outside the office.

Adapted from "10 Steps You Can Take to Become a Successful Young Leader at Work" on Forbes.com.

Alumni Stories: Maurissa Horwitz '98, Sony Pictures Animation Editor

Maurissa Horwitz '98, associate editor for Sony Pictures animation, has spent the last 15 years building up her experience editing film in Los Angeles.  She entered the field as an apprentice, worked on some television projects, and now edits full-length animation films. Some recent titles she has worked on include "Over the Hedge" (2006), "Monsters vs Aliens" (2009), "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010), and "Gnomeo & Juliet" (2011).

Position: Associate editor  for Sony Pictures Animation

Please provide a two sentence description of what you do:

I edit animated feature films, which includes cutting together storyboards and editing the various stages of animation with dialogue, sound effects and music.

What is most satisfying about your current work?

Honestly, I find a lot of satisfaction just in having a small part of bringing a movie to life. The cherry on top is that, since I work mostly in animation, my projects are family-oriented and I can encourage absolutely everyone to see them.

What’s the best way to enter your field? Any essential elements of preparation?

A film major isn't necessary, but a serious interest in animation or film is required. Since there is so much film and animation equipment available to Dartmouth students with the gorgeous, new Black Family Visual Arts Center, I would recommend trying to get as much time in there as you can.

What advice would you give to others seeking opportunities in this field?

Being a great editor requires someone who is extremely detail oriented (one frame at a time), but who can also step back and see how the whole narrative is working. It takes time to cultivate those skills, so be prepared to spend quite a few years as an apprentice and assistant editor when you enter the industry. These are mostly organizational (not creative) roles, but what you learn from the various editors you work with and their management styles will be invaluable for a long career ahead.

How has Dartmouth supported you in your career development?

I have Dartmouth to thank for many reasons. First, the fact that a well-rounded liberal arts education is stressed at Dartmouth meant that when I decided to change from a chemistry major to film major in the middle of my junior year, it was easy and I was still able to graduate on time.  I had taken my time making that decision so I knew it was right for me.

Second, I found Dartmouth very challenging n every way. I really had to work my butt off for both good grades and to make personal connections with students and professors. If you want to tackle the entertainment business, you have to be a self-starter, work really hard and play very nice. The challenges of Dartmouth made me strong enough to be successful in this industry.

Lastly, the film studies department was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and having brilliant people who believe in you (which includes my parents) can make all the difference. My first internship came via an outdated listing at the career center; even though the program listed wasn't offered any more, I kept calling and harassing the company and spent my first summer in LA working on a low budget sci-fi movie thanks to them. The apprentice editor I met that summer has been my mentor for 15 years.

Post-Graduate Fellowships

Unsure what you want to do after graduation? Not only are you in good company, but you are primed for a great opportunity!  A one to two-year post-graduate fellowship offers a chance to build professional skills..

Deadlines and application information are sent out to seniors through Career Services. If you are graduating in 2014, pay attention to your email in-box. Post-graduate fellowships have firm application deadlines so you need to be proactive in preparing your materials and requesting recommendations.

We'll be sending information about programs with September deadlines before school starts. You'll continue to receive information on additional programs throughout the year. Here is a sampling of post-graduate fellowships that are available.

Interested in traveling or working abroad?

Princeton in Asia: Fellowship opportunity in Asia

Founded by Princeton students in 1898, this non-profit offers 150 full-year fellowships in countries such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Nepal.  Participants can teach English at universities and high schools, or work in opportunities related to environmental protection, public health, community development and media.

World Bank: Research fellowship program

This two-year program gives fellows exposure to how the bank tackles challenges of development and poverty alleviation.  Candidates may work in U.S. or international offices, and fluency in multiple languages is a plus!

CIEE: Paid teaching positions abroad

CIEE offers paid teaching positions in Chile, China, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam for recent graduates looking to teach English abroad and gain knowledge of foreign communities.

How about a fellowship in common good or non-profit work?

Families USA: Villers fellowship

Participants in this one-year health care justice program will help produce analytic reports, build coalitions and organize e-advocacy, among other initiatives.

Congressional Hunger Center: Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program

Participants in this one-year social justice program fight hunger and poverty through placement in community organizations around the country and gain policy experience in Washington D.C.

Start-up accelerators for social good: The Hult Prize or IDEX:

These program help graduates interested in social entrepreneurs to build their own projects by providing funding, mentoring and advising. Hult, headquartered in Boston, has a partnership with the Clinton Global initiative and offers seed funding of up to $1 million. IDEX is partnered with the Middlebury College Monterey Institute of International Studies and offers participants hands-on experience as well as a Professional Certification from the Monterey Institute upon completion of the program.

Interested in arts, entertainment or stage management?

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Editorial and design Internship in educational media

This is a one-year opportunity for graduates interested in design, education, and art history.  Participants assist in the production of print and digital publications for Met visitors and gain editorial and design skills.

Walnut Street Theater: Professional apprenticeship program

Learn and practice theater operations, whether that means acting, audience services, carpentry, costumes, fundraising, crew and stage, or general management.  Participants gain experience during a regular theater season at the Philadelphia theater.

Disney & ABC: Writing fellowship

This opportunity offers workshops, seminars and mentoring with creative executives from ABC, ABC TV Studio, the Disney Channel, ABC Family, Lifetime and others.  The goal of the opportunity is to prepare writers to become television staffers.

Interested in communication and media?

Nielsen: Communications rotation program

Try out opportunities in client solutions, finance, global business services, human resources, professional services and advertisement. Participants rotate through different departments throughout the program.

NPR and The Washington Post: Combined 24-week program

Learn how to report for print, web and radio as a fellow with both prestigious companies.  Participants spend 12 weeks at The Washington Post and 12 weeks at NPR.

PBS Newshour: Broadcast desk assistant

Take on the position of desk assistant, a six-month entry-level position that provides practical experience for graduates interested in broadcast news.  Desk assistants are involved in all aspects of the nightly television news program and rotate among units.

How about public policy or policy advising?

Institute for Defense Analysis: Science and Technology fellowship

During this two-year fellowship, participants support federal government policy makers through science and engineering research.  Fellows coordinate with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and work with the National Institute of Health and National Sciences Foundation.

Herbert Scoville Peace Fellowship Program: Fellowship for peace studies

This full-time six to nine month fellowship in Washington D.C. caters to graduates interested in issues related to peace and security.  Applicants work with nonprofit and public-interest groups to perform research, writing and organizational tasks.

Venture for America: Urban planning entrepreneurship program

This two-year program helps to build start-up or emerging companies in low-cost cities such as Detroit, Providence and New Orleans. The program includes entrepreneurship summer classes at Brown University, a regular salary and a $100,000 for best fellowship project.

Stay tuned for more information about fellowship opportunities during the fall!

What You’re Doing Wrong at Your First Job

Employers are looking to hire talented and motivated students and new grads for internships and full-time careers, but they cringe when they see these common mistakes.  Avoid the five common errors listed below and make yourself more competitive among your peers! “Nobody asked me to do that”

Passing off blame is not a way to garner greater responsibility in your new position.  Instead, keep your head up and eyes open, and see how you can contribute, even if you are not explicitly asked to do so.  If you make a mistake, don’t waste time trying to justify it.  Correct your error, learn from the experience, and move on.

“I work best late at night”

Although it’s a good practice to not be the first one to leave, there’s no prize for being the last one at the office.  Studies show that people are most productive in the morning, so you’re not doing yourself or your company any favors by closing up shop at 3 a.m.  Instead, try arriving at the office earlier in the day when you are best able to complete complicated tasks!

“I emailed him, but I haven’t heard back”

If you want to talk to someone, pick up the phone!  It’s much easier to ignore an email, especially when studies show most people can only process 50 emails a day but receive an average of 150.

“I feel pretty confident about my career prospects”

No matter how talented you are, you can always learn new skills to make you more competitive in you field.  This may mean learning new technical skills like computer programming and web design through online programs, or buffering your analytical abilities by keeping up on the news and reading books for pleasure.

“I figure I’ll leave in a year or so anyway”

Jumping between short-term jobs puts you at a disadvantage for a number of reasons.  Not only are you less invested in building relationships with your colleagues or seeking out mentors in your field, you are neglecting valuable skill acquisition that experts say does not come until after two to three years on the job.  Future employers will also want to see that you can demonstrate loyalty to their company, which will be hard to do if you have a history of jumping between firms.

Adapted from "20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don't Get" by DocStoc founder Jason Nazar.

Alumni Story: S. Caroline Kerr '05, CEO for Joyce Ivy Foundation

S. Caroline Kerr ’05 is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Joyce Ivy Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers programs and scholarships to help young women from the Midwest attend college. At Dartmouth, Kerr majored in Sociology major modified with Women's and Gender Studies. She also earned a minor in Education. She was also a member of Palaeopitus senior society, competed on the women's crew team, and was Dartmouth Rainbow Alliance co-chair, among other activities.

Kerr is president of DGALA, Dartmouth's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender alumni association. She has previously worked in Dartmouth's admissions office and recently completed a master's degree at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Please provide a two sentence description of what you do.

I lead a non-profit organization that seeks to raise and broaden the college aspirations of talented female high schools students. The Joyce Ivy Foundation works with a variety of partner organizations across different sectors as we engage in our work.

What is most satisfying about your current work?

I believe in the mission of helping to connect talented youth with educational opportunities at highly selective colleges and universities (such as Dartmouth.) I enjoy the variety in my work: developing strategy, launching new initiatives, managing a team, and thinking creatively about how we contribute to the national landscape of college access.

What’s the best way to enter your field? Any essential elements of preparation?

The Joyce Ivy Foundation works specifically in the realm of college access, and I have previously worked in college admissions and college counseling. In an entrepreneurial setting, thinking creatively about partnerships and bringing an enthusiasm to relationships with potential partners, donors, and other supporters is invaluable.

What advice would you give to others seeking opportunities in this field?

Take advantage of volunteer or internship opportunities as a way to gain exposure to the field or work of interest, and use those opportunities to build your network.

How has Dartmouth supported you in your career development?

My undergraduate courses, jobs and internships, and involvement in student organizations prepared me to work effectively with a range of colleagues. I worked in the Undergraduate Admissions Office after college, and the work environment and mentoring I received prepared me well for graduate school and other professional roles. I have also been active in Dartmouth alumni leadership, such as the Alumni Council and affiliated groups, which has significantly contributed to my leadership development as well as provided me an opportunity to  stay engaged with Dartmouth.

Tips to Ace the Interview - Research, Research, Research

If you want to start a business, it's often said that the secret is "location, location, location." If you want to interview well, one of the best ways to prepare is to "research, research, research." When applying for positions, it is easy to forget that the process is always one of mutual selection: You choose where to apply, and the employer chooses a candidate to hire. Often, a key factor in the employer's decision is the answer to a simple question: How well does the candidate understand the position and the organization?

With a small investment of time, you can equip yourself with the knowledge you need to show you've done your homework on the role of the position, the industry, and the organization.

Here are a few recommended resources for your research.

1. The organization's website. Most organizations have an "About Us" section on their website that provide a quick overview of what they do and their history. In addition "News" or "Press" sections of sites often include information about events, partnerships, or new product features. This can provide you with a sentence or two in your cover letter. You can also use this information to formulate interview questions specific to the employer.
2. Vault Guides. Career Services subscribes to Vault, a provider of "in-depth intelligence on what it's really like to work in an industry, company or profession—and how to position yourself to land that job." You can access Vault through DartBoard's Resource Library. Once you log into Vault, visit the Guides in the right hand menu to see a range of resources ranging from how to handle a case interview to employer profiles and guides for careers in industries including energy, film and healthcare. .
3. Use databases available through the Dartmouth Library. From the library's homepage, search the Library Catalog for Databases.If you are applying for a position with a nonprofit organization, use GuideStar to search for information ranging from mission and impact programs to number of employees and financial health.If you are applying for a position with a for-profit organization, check out MarketLine Advantage, you can search for companies by name and industry. Results often include news updates, history, financial reporting, and listings of senior leadership.
4. Take notes on information you find, keeping a close eye on three areas.
   
   
   • Organizational culture: Do you have a feel for what the organization does and their general operating philosophy?
   • Fit: Do you understand the position that you've applied for? Can you see how your skills and experience would be a good fit for the organization?
   • Items of interest: Have you gathered any fun facts or information that you can use in an interview question -- or mention to demonstrate your interest in the organization?

   
   
   You are doing well if you emerge from your research with the ability to tell a friend, professor or your grandmother what the company does, what you'd be doing if hired, and what's exciting about the opportunity. You will also be ready to demonstrate your clear understanding of what the job is and why it is the right opportunity for you.
   Good luck!

Vault: A Trove of Resources

Interested in off-campus opportunities in law, accounting, banking or consulting?  What about alternative energy, healthcare, biology and life sciences?  Deadlines for these opportunities are coming up, with the corporate recruitment deadlines now less than a week away (July 8 at midnight!).

Luckily Career Services subscribes to Vault, a leading online database with rankings and reviews of top employers that you can search by industry or location.  These resources can help you decide which company is right for you and tailor your cover letter. Vault also offers guides on specific industries, interviewing, and a host of other topics from grad school to corporate careers.

To access Vault, log into DartBoard, the Career Service’s platform to search and apply to job opportunities.  Once you are on your account homepage, click “Resource Library,” located in the tab on the left side of the page.  Click the “Vault Career Insider” link to access the Vault webpage and create an account to get started!

Once you are on the Vault website, you can click through the tabs on the top of the page to access reviews and rankings of specific firms or general information about industries and professions.  Vault also maintains a number of blogs about hot topics related to job search and interviewing that you can access here as well.

If You Are Graduating Sunday…A Short To-Do List

If you're receiving a diploma this weekend, here is a short to-do list from Career Services as we wish you well. Take a deep breath, and enjoy/celebrate your accomplishment.

Congratulations for a job well done! If you find yourself saying, "I could have," cast away the thought. There's a lot you have done – and you have done well.

Move forward; always look through the front windshield, not the rearview mirror.  What has happened is in the past – opportunity is in the future.  When you are looking back you will miss the opportunities ahead. Grasp the opportunities and see where the paths will lead you!

Pack up your stuff before your family arrives – and save your graded papers!

It's amazing how fast parents can transition from "I am so proud of you" to "I can't believe you haven't packed."  When you pack, save your favorite papers that have faculty comments on them – you can use them later to remind professors of your work when you need recommendations for graduate school.

Get ready for the "real world." (You've actually been there before.)

Not so long ago, Tom Brokaw shared the following words of wisdom on the green during Commencement:

You have been hearing all of your life about this moment - your first big step into what you have been called and told is the real world.  What, you may be asking yourself this morning, is this real life all about?  Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of 2005 at Dartmouth, it's not college - it's not high school... Real life is junior high.

The world you're about to enter is filled with adolescent pettiness, pubescent rivalries, the insecurities of 13-year-olds and the false bravado of 14-year-olds.  Forty years from now, I guarantee it, you'll still be making silly mistakes, you'll have a temper tantrum, you'll have your feelings hurt for some trivial slight, you'll say something dumb and at least once a week you'll wonder, "Will I ever grow up?"

You can change that.  In pursuit of passions, always be young.  In your relationship with others, always be a grown-up.  Set a standard and stay faithful to it.

Take the first step towards your future.

If you don't know what you are doing post-graduation, one of the hardest things about graduating can be leaving Dartmouth without a firm knowledge of what's next. It's okay. Your next step doesn't need to be perfect. You just need to make one. As Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu (604 BC – 531 BC) said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

If you are 22, you have approximately 45 years before you are eligible to collect Social Security. That's a very long time, and in that time it is quite likely that your interests will grow, evolve and change – just as they have at Dartmouth. That's natural and okay. The hill winds will know your name here. There are thousands of Dartmouth alumni standing by to share their experiences with you. We are confident that you will find your way in the world – after all, we too are in awe of much that you have accomplished so far.

Congratulations – and good luck!

Alumni Stories: Charlie Stoebe '08 on Entering the Media Industry

After graduating from Dartmouth in 2008 with a degree in Psychology, Charlie Stoebe immediately began a two-year Rotational Program at NBC Universal focused on digital media. Since completing the program, he's spent the past three years working in the sales and marketing side of NBC Sports. We asked him to tell us a little bit more about what it is like to work in Advertising and how to best enter the field: Position: Marketing Manager at NBC Universal (NBC Sports).

Two sentence description of what you do: 

The role of the Sales Marketing group is to generate revenue for NBC Sports through advertising. My specific role on the Marketing side is to come up with custom solutions for brands to execute on NBC Sports properties.

What is most satisfying about your current work?

I love how challenging and different each day is. On Monday I'll be thinking of how to convince McDonald's to spend money within Sunday Night Football, and then on Tuesday I'm working on an idea for Allstate within Premier League soccer. It's the benefit of working in a fast paced environment for a large company.

What’s the best way to enter your field? Any essential elements of preparation?

I think the best way is to get a job within a large media company. I started in a rotational program where I got to see different sides of the organization (News Publishing, Ad Sales, & Digital Products) before settling down into my current role. Obviously that is not available everywhere but any exposure within a large media company will help you learn about the different skills needed within each department.

What advice would you give to others seeking opportunities in this field?

I think the most important thing for Sales Marketing is writing. I have always loved writing - whether it be ridiculous emails to my fraternity or the infinite-page Psych papers each term. My job at its core is creative writing so having any background where writing is key will be extremely helpful.

How has Dartmouth supported you in your career development?

The NBC rotational program I started in came to campus for the Employer Connections Fair and that's how I got my start. Luckily for me the head of the program was a Dartmouth '97 and he was intent on having someone from Dartmouth get into the program - forever grateful to have been that someone.

Is there anything that we haven't asked you that you think we should?

The media industry is definitely underrepresented at most (if not all) career fairs, but don't let that fool you - there is a job for every passion and major. Check the careers section of the websites of all the major networks (NBC, CBS, ESPN, MTV, etc.) to see what's available. There are an infinite number of entry-level jobs at these companies so just because they don't come to campus does not mean they are not hiring.

Use your time effectively and craft your personal pitch

Whether you're graduating or still seeking an internship, check out Miriam Salpeter’s 10 Tips for New Grads Hoping to Score a Job. She provides good advice on how to use your time effectively both in applying to jobs and delivering your personal pitch. For best results, apply to those jobs that best match your skills and interests. Use sites such as LinkedIn to learn more about the companies to which you are applying and the skills your desired position requires. You will then be able to better personalize and tailor each application and cover letter to the specific role you seek to fill.

Consider joining the Career Services LinkedIn Group and attending networking events to have conversations with those who can potentially refer you to an opportunity. When networking—and also during interviews—be sure to concisely tell the person what you’ve done and accomplished, what your interests are, and how these relate to your desired position. Practice focusing in on your most important and revealing interests and keep “your talking points down to a 30-second pitch.” Check out Arnie Fertig’s 7 Key Elements of a Great Personal Branding Statement for some tips on how to effectively communicate your pitch.

Stats on Job Hunting (& Why Networking is Important)

If you're heading out into the full-time job market, this infographic provides a quick overview of why networking -- and informational interviews -- are so important. If you'd like to learn some new networking strategies, sign up for our LinkedIn workshop series on April 30 and May 7th. Learn more about these and other programs from our website -- and please stop by for a Drop-In meeting with a career advisor, available Monday through Friday, 1:30 to 4:00 pm in Career Services.

Infographic courtesy of InterviewSuccessFormula.

Leave Term Housing Resources (Check 'em out at the CPD)

Finally landed that summer internship but now wondering how to go about finding a place to live? Come into the Center for Professional Development Office, located at 63 S. Main (2nd floor of the Bank of America building), and check out our housing binder for your all-inclusive guide to securing rental housing for your leave and/or summer term. The binder includes everything from approximate housing costs to the types of housing to consider to suggestions about how to find a roommate. It will also provide you with useful tips and resources for securing housing in specific cities and locations, including information on renting apartments abroad.

If your summer plans will bring you to New York City or Boston, make sure you check out options that will allow you to lease space without paying a broker's fee. One website that provides this information is Educational Housing Services; but you can find other good resources in our office.

Don't forget to reach out to family, friends, and alumni in your search for apartment rentals as well. Never hurts to say, "Hey, you were in Boston last summer? Where did you live and how did you find your place?"