Part Time jobs anyone?!?!?!?!

So classes are back in full swing and your pocketbook is empty from that pesky fee payment and bookstore. Need some cash?? How about a PT job??? Check out http://www.departments.dsu.edu/career/ for the newest job openings in the area.

What can I do with my major?

Do you have a major already picked out? Are you still looking for what you want to do for the rest of your life...or at least the next few years?Now that you're taking all these classes pertaining to your major, what can you do with it anyways?Do these questions sound familiar?Check out this site below to view detailed information about your major!This page gives information about everything you want to know about your major, plus it gives extra links and sources where you can find even more fun stuff about your future career! Check it out!http://www.careers.siue.edu/majors/majors/default.html

Career Portfolios...Continued

Now that you have the basics of a Career Portfolio (look below), let's look at what else is included in a Career Portfolio.
Here are some great tips!
- Make it stand out!- Use a dark-colored binder. (Professional looking)
- Your name should be easily found on or in it.
- Use page protectors on all or none of the pages. (don't pick and choose which pages get protected...just cover them all or nothing)
- Your resume and other documents that you create should be printed on bond, watermarked paper.
- Remember, details matter! (Employers notice the little things!!)Inclusions:What else should be included in a Career Portfolio?
- Award certificates, participatory certificates, newspaper clippings in which you are featured, samples of your best work, letters of appreciation, letters of thanks, etc. (remember not to over do it...the employer doesn' t need EVERY newspaper article or certificate you have. Save the Kindergarten Student of the Week award for something else)
- Anything that highlights your character, involvement, or skill should be included in your portfolio.- Mini portfolios can include items that pertain to a theme.
For example, a management student's portfolio may include items from management classes, activities, events, etc.
- A master portfolio should include everything you would ever want to show someone. You might choose to just use pieces of it for meetings with potential employers.When should I present my portfolio?In an interview, you can mention it during the conversation, or the interviewer might ask if you have one. If not, take a few minutes to spotlight it. Don't be shy!Once again, back to the rules of networking: honk your own horn because if you don't, chances are no one else will!
And finally...Be Creative!- Put some of your work on the web! This makes it easy for a hiring manager to quickly review your work.- Include pieces of your written work in your portfolio. Many times, employers will want to see how well you communicate in writing.
- You might consider having a few photocopies of the important pieces of your portfolio to leave with the interviewer.
- The format of a portfolio varies by industry. For example, a CIS student may need an electronic portfolio to showcase some of his or her abilities.
- The only rule about portfolios is to make your portfolio work for you and for the position you're seeking. Include only information relevant to the position you are seeking and to what the company is looking for in a new hire.
Now you are ready to shine!!! Be proud of your accomplishments and make your Career Portfolio show off your strengths & achievements!! Good Luck!

Impressive Career Portfolios

What is an Impressive Portfolio?
A Career portfolio is designed to "flaunt your stuff." An impressive portfolio catches the eye and helps the viewer form a good impression of you in their mind. It showcases your style and your personaility and an impressive portfolio can help you get an intervew, a job, and recognition.

Where do I begin?
To begin your Career Portfolio, here are the essentials you will need: Resume, Transcripts, & Letters of Recommendation.

Resume:
1) Do not title it "Resume." Obviously, it is a resume!
2) Feature your name in bold or make it stand out in some way. Your address and phone number should be easy to find.
3) Highlight your long-term career goals, your educational level and institutions attended, your relevant employment experiences, and other activities.

*Put down what you think the employer wants to see...and what pertains to the job you want
*Transcript:A potential employer views your transcript as an indication of your efforts to learn presented material. (yes, your grades in college DO matter) If it does not portray a positive image of you, consider leaving it out of your portfolio.

Letters of Recommendation:
Obtain the most impressive letters you can. Request letters from people who are able to comment positively on your character, scholastic ability, extra-curricular activities, and professionalism. Allow ample time for your references to write quality letters; do not ask someone to write a letter over the weekend or even in one week. Give your reference a date in which you need it by..and don't make that date the same as the application deadline!Send thank you notes to your references and maintain between three and seven letters of recommendation so you can pick and choose!

*Check back for more information about Career Portfolios!*

Career Development Checklist

Happy Wednesday everyone! To boost your Career Development, here is a link for checklists of each year of college. Your first year checklist should include assessment and major exploration while the sophomore year focuses on career exploration. Third year focuses on gaining experience so you know what to do in the working world and the last year of college is all about JOB SEARCHING and landing that awesome first job!! Follow this link to find a Career Development checklist for your year in college and get on the right path to a great career! Remember that DSU Career Services has great job fair opportunities and oncampus interview for all of our students seeking full time jobs or interships. Again, let us know if you have any questions or require any assistance!http://www.heidelberg.edu/studentlife/careerdevelopment/students

Yay for Transferable Skills

As you begin your job search, it is important that you know your own qualifications. Over the years you have developed many skills from coursework, extracurricular activities and your total life experiences. All this time you were building job skills!!...Who knew?! A prospective employer expects you to be able to apply the skills you have learned in college (except the possible "inappropriate skills") to the work environment.This online quiz has a list of five broad skill areas which are divided into more specific, skills. You need to rate the skills indicating your ability in each area. It then gives you detailed results about the five categories. Ready to check it out...
Here you go... http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/career_transfer_survey.html

When Your Interviewer is a Freak...

What do you do if you end up seated across the desk from an eccentric person? You may feel a bit uncomfortable with his or her unorthodox approach. While your first instinct is to think that you don't want the job if this person is representative of the company, give the firm the benefit of the doubt and focus on yourself, not the interviewer. Just be yourself and say what you came to say.The mute.This is the person who doesn't seem to know what to ask you. He or she looks at your resume and can't formulate any questions or reach any conclusions. You get very short responses to any questions you ask. It's clear that you are going to have to help this person through the interview. Break the silence by saying "Why don't I start by giving you an overview of my experience?" Then head into your core messages.The chatterbox.This person runs on and on, busily talking about what she does, what the company does, the corporate climate, his life history, blah, blah, blah. The good news is that you are learning some things about the company and the work environment; the bad news is that the person is learning nothing about you. While it's best to let this person blab on, when he or she takes a breath, be prepared to inject your key messages. You might say, "This is great information, I see where my experience as a brand manager at XYZ can help the company reposition its product. For instance..." Now, you can become the chatterbox.The quirky questioner.This person goes beyond the expected questions such as: tell me about yourself, what are your strengths and weaknesses, where do you see yourself in five years. He or she may ask something completely out of left field like: "Did you buy that suit just for this interview?" "Do you like clowns?" "Do you think women make good managers?" "If you were a cloud, what kind would you be?" If you think the recruiter is just odd but harmless, dodge the question with a laugh and bridge to a point you want to make about yourself. You could say, "That's an interesting question, when I think of clouds it reminds me of dealing with corporate change. In my previous position I spearheaded a task force to ?" If the question is simply inappropriate, it's OK to say so.The close talker.Straight out of Seinfeld, this person has a different idea of how much space to leave between the two of you. If it's making you crazy, fake a cough and back up your chair. Try to find an excuse to adjust your seat by dropping your pencil or getting up for a minute to look for something in your briefcase. When you return, re-adjust your chair. If this isn't possible, try leaning into the interviewer's space. Sometimes this will cause the person to back away. If you can't create a buffer zone, don't let it bother you, consider the closeness as intense interest in you and stay focused on your key messages.Whatever screwball behavior you encounter, take charge of theinterview. Put the question you want to answer on the table thenanswer it. You came to talk about yourself. If you can relate atleast one interesting example of how you solved a problem, achieveda goal or contributed to a team, you may actually engage theinterviewer in a dialog about you. After the interview, follow up with a brief thank-you letter that reiterates the key messages your intergalactic interviewer may or may not have heard.

Phone Interviews!!!

Phone interviewing has become increasingly popular over the past few years. For applicants, the goal of a phone interview is to secure an in-person meeting. For recruiters, it's to narrow their list of prospects. You can increase the odds of passing this initial screening if you follow our advice:

DO:

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.

Do know what job you are interviewing for.

Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone. When being interviewed by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate. If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It’s often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.

Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don’t want your responses to sound scripted, but you don’t want to fumble for important points either.

Do also have your resume in front of you so you can remember highlights of your experience and accomplishments.Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.

Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair.

Do consider dressing nicely for the phone interview. It may sound silly since the interviewer can’t see you, but you really will project a more professional image if you’re dressed for the part instead of wearing, for example, a ratty bathrobe.

Do mimimize distractions. Flushing toilets, clamoring dishes and barking dogs sometimes interrupt phone interviews, recruiters report. Some experts recommend not using a cellphone.

Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions

Do followup with a thank-you letter.

Don't

Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If you’ve completed a response, but the interviewer hasn’t asked his or her next question, don’t start babbling just to fill in airtime. Instead, ask a question of your own related to your last response.

Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.

Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisyWhen in job-hunting mode, don't have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/phone_interviewing-dos-donts.html

Interviewing, Interviewing, Interviewing!!!

Get VERY helpful interviewing information here...http://www.rileyguide.com/interview.htmlThe above website touches on the below interviewing subjects:Interviewing Advice Addressing Problems Improper Interview Questions After the Interview Variations on the Job Interview Interviewing via Video ConferenceHappy Interviewing!!

Informative Fun Videos

Check out these videos I found on CollegeGrad.com...
http://www.collegegrad.com/job-search-videos/

Do's & Don'ts of Interview Silence

You're at a meeting or job interview. You've just answered a difficult question or made an important point and are met with an unmovable silence. Oh geez!! You wait, growing a bit uneasy, but the room remains deafeningly still. What would you do? Don't panic!! Remember, some people use silence as a test to see how you respond under stress. And if you actually did goof, remaining calm will do more to defuse the situation than a stream of chatter.
Knowing what to say is important. Knowing when to stop is vital.

To keep from talking yourself out of a job remember these Do's and Don'ts...

Do your homework beforehand. Anticipate questions that are likely to be asked and prepare brief (two minutes or less) compelling answers to each.

Don't spend time talking about dates, chronology or other information readily available on your resume unless asked to do so. (The employer can read...he/she will probably find it annoying that you keep talking about things they can see right in front of them)

Do pause briefly before answering a difficult question to gather your thoughts. It not only helps you organize what you want to say, but will make you appear more sincere. (Answering too eagerly or soon can make you sound fake or insincere. Make your answers stellar by taking a few seconds to ponder what you want to say)

Do pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues from the others in the room to gauge their reaction and adjust your responses accordingly.(If everyone is looking at you funny, you might want to redirect your answer...)

Do bring along a portfolio of successful projects (if applicable to your line of work) so that the interviewer can see and get a feel for what you can do and ask about the projects which interest him or her.

Become comfortable with silence. Sometimes silence is golden. Remember, eloquence is saying the proper thing... And then stopping! from careerbuilder.com

What NOT to do in an Interview

Please don't do this in an interivew. Check out this link and you will see why this lady did not get a call back from her interviewer. Not impressed.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EOJRuMQs7k

10 Nightmarish Handshakes to Avoid

To avoid making a bad first impression, losing a business deal or simply embarrassing yourself, take advice from careerbuilder.com's 10 terrible grips to avoid:

1. The “macho cowboy”… is the almost bone-crunching clasp many businessmen use to shake hands. What are they trying to prove, anyway? There’s no need to demonstrate your physical strength when shaking another person’s hand.

2.The wimp… is usually delivered by men who are afraid to “hurt the little lady” when shaking women’s hands. Modern female professionals expect their male counterparts to convey the same respect they’d show their male colleagues.

3.The “dead fish”… conveys no power. While there’s no need to revert to the macho cowboy death grip, a firm clasp is more powerful than one that barely grabs the hand.

4. The “four finger”… is when the person’s hand never meets your palm, and instead clasps all four fingers, crushing them together.

5.The "cold and clammy"… feels like you’re shaking hands with a snake. Warm up your hand first before grabbing someone else’s.

6. The sweaty palm… is pretty self-explanatory, and pretty gross. Talcum powder to the rescue.

7. The “I’ve got you covered” grip… happens when the other person covers your hand with his or her left hand as if your shake is secretive.

8.The “I won’t let go”… seems to go on for eternity because the other person won’t drop his or her hand. After two or three pumps, it’s time to let go. “It’s a lot like a kiss – you know when it’s over,”

9. The “southpaw”… happens when the person uses the left hand to shake because the right hand has food or a drink. Always carry your drink and plate with your left hand to keep your right one free for meet and greets.

10. The “ringed torture”… occurs when the person’s rings hurt your hand. Try to limit the number of rings you wear on the right hand to only one or two and be mindful of any that have large stones.

INSTEAD....Here are three steps to a proper handshake:

1.As you’re approaching someone, extend your right arm when you’re about three feet away.

2.Slightly angle your arm across your chest, with your thumb pointing up.

3.Lock hands, thumb joint to thumb joint. Then, firmly clasp the other person’s hand – without any bone crushing or macho posturing. Pump the other person’s hand two to three times and let go.

Top 20 Wardrove Malfunctions

*I'm not sure what these boys are trying to do in these pictures but...it's definately NOT working...and they won't be either if they wear this to an interview!*No one needs 'Queer Eye's' Carson Kressley to tell them that wearing shoes to an interview is a good idea, but could you be guilty of one of these top 20 fashion faux pas?

1. Carrying a backpack or fannypack instead of a briefcase or portfolio: Some image consultants suggest women ditch their purse, too! (umm...were fanny packs ever cool?)

2. Sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck: Be sure to remove all your "transit gear" and tuck it in your briefcase before entering the lobby (don't forget to remove all your Madison Metro transit gear before heading into Heston Hall)

3. Too-short skirts: Forget what some of those gals on 'The Apprentice' are wearing. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.

4. The wrong tie: Ties should be made of silk, no less than three and a quarter inches wide with a conservative pattern. Image consultants say the best colors are red or burgundy. (leave the Vikings tie at home buddy...save if for Sunday)

5. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing: With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising or computer programming, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray.

6. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man) (umm...is make up on a man an issue?? ahh....)

7. Earrings on men: In fact, men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch. (save the bling bling for later)

8. More than one set of earrings on women...

9. Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos (you might think that giant tatoo of a scorpion is pretty sweet...but trust me...no one else does...especially your employer!)

10. Ill-fitting clothes. Few people can wear things straight off the rack. Spending a little extra to have your garments tailored is a worthwhile investment.

11. Long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself. (ewwww....)

12. Unnatural hair colors or styles. Remember, Donald Trump was a billionaire well before he began wearing a comb-over. If you're balding, try a close-cropped cut like Bruce Willis or Matt Lauer. (agreed...comb-overs are never cool)

13. Short-sleeved shirts, even worse when worn with a tie

14. Fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Women should stick with neutral color hosiery that complements their suit. (save the fishnets for the club...wait...who wears fishnets anyways???)

15. Men whose socks don't match their shoes, or whose socks are too short and leave a gap of flesh when they are seated (guys...this fashion error screams DORKY!!! please match your socks...we'll be more than glad to help if you find you need assitance in this area)

16. Rumpled or stained clothing: If interviewing late in the day, try to change to a fresh suit beforehand.

17. Scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals (save the flip flops for the beach)

18. Strong aftershaves, perfumes or colognes: Many people are allergic to certain scents. For a subtle fragrance, use a good quality bath soap. (believe me...no one wants to remember you by the way you left their office smelling)

19. Belts and shoes that don't match: Shoes and belts should be made of leather or leather-like materials and the best colors for men are black or cordovan. (its kind of like the socks...they should match)

20. Telltale signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed! ( oh geez...just make sure you look good!)Don't be a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. (Remember what happened to Janet Jackson??? Do I need to replay the event?) Plan and lay out what you're going to wear several days before the interview, so you'll have time to shop or get garments pressed and cleaned.Save "innovative" or revealing garb for the club (or your couch) and strive for crisp, clean and professional. Remember, you want the interviewer to be listening to what you're saying, not critiquing what you're wearing.

Can you talk the talk?

I know...I know....Everyone hates quizzes. However, here's one that will actually be useful! With all the interviews taking place in our office (and off campus for those of you pursuing part time employment) we want you to be prepared. Take this quiz and see if you know what to say to impress you potential future employer! The best thing about this quiz....It's not graded!! What more could you ask for? :)http://resources.monster.com/tools/quizport.asp?file=admin_support_virtual_interview

Advice from Mona

We have the opportunity to have an intern in our office for two weeks during this Fall semester. Her name is Mona Singer and she is working on her Masters degree at SDSU; she received her Bachelors degree from DSU. She began her college experience at DSU as a non-trad student and wanted to offer some insight to those of you who are non-trads or transfer students to DSU. You will see periodic postings written by her. ENJOY!! NOW for the first one....

Written by Mona Singer

Here in this small part of cyber space I would like to offer you the transfer or non-traditional student an opportunity for finding tips on finding careers and perhaps share an embarrassing story that could lead to advice.First things first; do you realize that there really is a difference between a job and a career? Think about it:A career is something that you want to do, that you can not wait to get up in the morning and get to, it challenges you and excites you. It is something that you have planned for, studied for, and strengthened your skills for.A job is only working to receive a paycheck; and while it does involve having skills, knowledge and promotions often times you find yourself looking in the mirror and realizing that it is only a job and that at least it does pay the bills, right?So, obviously if you are reading this blog and you are taking classes here at DSU than you are on the path towards obtaining your goal of having a career. Congratulations!You are now finally on the right path and doesn’t it feel exciting knowing that sooner rather than later you will have the career you have dreamed of?Here are a couple of tips I would love to share with you, these are tips that I have learned as I have walked that same path you’re on…Use this time here at DSU as more than a learning tool; take advantage of your professors and actually learn from them. Now hold on, what I am referring to is watch how they conduct themselves professionally. You have to be able to speak professionally, not with a ‘whole bunch a slang’, carry yourself professionally, no slouching! You have to be professional and what better place to learn this than in your classes?Learn to take criticism because at your chosen career you will receive criticism. Criticism is not meant to harm you but rather to correct and build your strengths. As your writing your papers and you are proof-reading learn to walk away from the paper...to give yourself a break of an hour and come back clear-minded, this will allow you to find the mistakes you may have missed if you had done the proof-reading right away.What does all of this have to do with Career Services and Internships? Simple. Each tip is meant to lead you towards success the same as the Career Services and Internship office. By utilizing your every minute here on campus and than utilizing the Career Services and Internship office you will be more than prepared to have your career.

How Tech Savy are you??

All work and no play? No way! Take a break from your day and see how tech savvy you are!!..."How tech savvy are you?" QUIZhttp://www.verybestcoffee.com/smooth/quiz2.aspx

What's in Heston Hall Room 206????

...IT'S THE CAREER SERVICES RESOURCE ROOM!!! Exciting, huh?!?!? So what exactly is in the Resource Room you ask?....
1. VIDEOS...We even have a TV/VCR combo...ready to go back to the VHS era?!?!?"How To Make a Job Fair Work For You""Telephone Courtesy Pays""The Career Connection""Interviewing"
2. BOOKS....YES, the Resource Room is a cool place to hang out and read!!Topics include:ResumesCover LettersInterviewingSalary NegotiatingTips for the 1st Job
3. MAGAZINES...You are free to take one with you or stay and relax while you read!!Job Choice Magazines:For Science, Engineering & Technology StudentsFor Business, Liberal Arts StudentsDiversity Edition
4. LOTS OF COMPANY INFORMATION...Learn about the company before you interview!...It will knock their socks off!!
5. SEVERAL PAMPHLETS6. GRADUATE SCHOOL INFORMATION...Just Do It - Take the next step!!!!!!COME VISIT MONDAY - FRIDAY BETWEEN 8-5PLEASE stop into Room 206C FIRST to let us know you are here to explore!! THANKS!!

Madison's Major Attractions

So now that school has officially consumed your life for a couple weeks, let Dwight offer you some more ideas of fun things to do around Madison. Here are some of Madison's "major atrractions."
*Prairie Village: Located a couple miles west of Madison, Prairie Village is a living history museum created from turn-of-the-century buildings moved from around the state to create a community that never was. You can take your friends camping and tour the village and go back to the"good old days." You’ll also find a gift shop, daily carousel rides (yay!) and train rides (sweet! train rides) during special events. From the Steam Threshing Jamboree to Railroad Days, Prairie Village has some pretty cool stuff to keep you occupied and away from your homework. Sound interesting? Check out their website at http://www.prairievillage.org/.
*Smith-Zimmermann Museum: Bored during your break from classes. Take some time to venture into the Smith-Zimmerman Museum located right on DSU's campus! And...admission is FREE!
*Lake County Speedway is just a few minutes south of Madison on Hwy 19. Race fans can head out to the track every Saturday night at 8 p.m. for the excitement. Bored on Saturday night? Head on out to the races and hang out with your friends. Pick your favorite car and see if they win! Want more information, visit the website at http://www.husets-speedway.com/lakecounty/index.htm.
* The "Giant Buffalo."He has a mullet and he's probably the biggest buffalo you'll ever see!! The super cool buffalo is located on the intersection of HWY 34 Bypass and Washington Ave. Getting your picture taken by the buffalo is a must for all college students. :)
Did we miss any "major attractions" in Madison? Let us know!

Madison's Major Attractions

So now that school has officially consumed your life for a couple weeks, let Dwight offer you some more ideas of fun things to do around Madison. Here are some of Madison's "major atrractions."
*Prairie Village: Located a couple miles west of Madison, Prairie Village is a living history museum created from turn-of-the-century buildings moved from around the state to create a community that never was. You can take your friends camping and tour the village and go back to the"good old days." You’ll also find a gift shop, daily carousel rides (yay!) and train rides (sweet! train rides) during special events. From the Steam Threshing Jamboree to Railroad Days, Prairie Village has some pretty cool stuff to keep you occupied and away from your homework. Sound interesting? Check out their website at http://www.prairievillage.org/.
*Smith-Zimmermann Museum: Bored during your break from classes. Take some time to venture into the Smith-Zimmerman Museum located right on DSU's campus! And...admission is FREE!
*Lake County Speedway is just a few minutes south of Madison on Hwy 19. Race fans can head out to the track every Saturday night at 8 p.m. for the excitement. Bored on Saturday night? Head on out to the races and hang out with your friends. Pick your favorite car and see if they win! Want more information, visit the website at http://www.husets-speedway.com/lakecounty/index.htm.
* The "Giant Buffalo."He has a mullet and he's probably the biggest buffalo you'll ever see!! The super cool buffalo is located on the intersection of HWY 34 Bypass and Washington Ave. Getting your picture taken by the buffalo is a must for all college students. :)
Did we miss any "major attractions" in Madison? Let us know!

Loving your new "hometown"

When I moved into the dorms my freshman year of college, it was only the 2nd time I had ever been to Madison...and the only place I had been was on campus. So when I needed something, I had no idea what to do or where to go. And although I am embarrassed to admit this...I did get lost in Madison..but it only happened once! We advise that new students to DSU know where the local grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, and hospital(it's right by campus for those of you who aren't exactly aware of your surroounding) are located. Trust me, you will need all of these places sometime in your college career. And of course there are other important places to know about such as the "cool" places to eat/hangout, the coffeeshop, the dollar stores, etc. Here are some tips for getting to know Madison...*Ride your bike or walk around town to familiarize yourself with Madison street life (umm...but don't expect too much...we sometimes have to make our own street life).*Read the local papers and magazines to find out what's happening. You're an adult now so its okay to watch the news and see whats up in the world other than just DSU happenings. It's easy to get wrapped up in just your campus life....but be aware of what's going on in the world. (It will make you look smarter too)*Go to community events, concerts and sporting events. College towns love to see college students out and about supporting their community so check out some stuff going on in Madison....plus community events usually mean free or cheap food for college students.*Shop at the local stores. Downtown Madison has several shops that have almost anything you neeed. There are also stores such as Pamida, Lewis, Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc. if you feel the need for a shopping spree with your friends.*Visit places like coffee shops, the post office, breakfast joints and bars where the locals hang out. It's always fun to get to know the locals!*Get involved in the community....volunteer, join a sports league, music group, community organization or church, or just participate in random activities around the community. Getting involved around town helps you feel more "at home" while at college and those activities can really make your resume look stellar!

I Want a Part Time Job...

Still looking for a part time job? Are you still looking for that "perfect job" or maybe you found one but don't know how to apply or take the next step.
Step1. Decide on the type of job you want or need- consider the type of job, the location, the hours, and the pay. Remember that not all part time jobs are glamorous, but hey...they pay the bills, teach you transferrable skills (time management, customer service, etc.) and keep you looking forward to graduating and landing your dream job! :)
Step 2. Complete a self-analysis. What are you good at? (keep it professional) What skills do you have? What do you have to offer? And remember, employers don't care that you can play video games for 24hrs straight or drink two cases of...Mountain Dew (or your preferred choice of beverage) in one night. It's just not relevant in the job world. I recommend SIGI. It's an awesome program that helps you identify what you're good as well as strengths/weakness. The link is located on our website so check it out!!!!
Step 3. Create a resume. Resumes can be scary and confusing but it is always good to have one on hand! Need help with your resume?? WE CAN HELP!!! Stop in (Heston Hall 204) and we'll get you started!!
Step 4. Okay, you've found the job you want to apply for. Take all the appropriate application materials (this usually includes a general application, company application or resume-depending on the employer). Our office has applications for all the business in the Madison area as well as the General 510 Job Application. Stop in to grab whatever you need!When dropping off your application to the employer make sure to introduce yourself, shake the employer's hand, make eye contact and dress appropriately- sometimes employers like to interview applicants on the spot. Remember, first impressions are very important! I highly recommend not wearing your favorite pair of sweats and your ratty old baseball cap...and you should probably shower. (just a suggestion)
Step 5. You're done with that part. Now it's just waiting to hear back from the employer for an interview or to hear if you've received the position. If you haven't heard back from the employer for some time, don't be afraid to call and check on the status of the position you applied for. It shows that you are truly interested in the job.For a complete listing of open part time positions in the area visit our website at http://www.departments.dsu.edu/career/.

Sweet Website!!

I came across the following website today...'I Am Next'...where college and university students are going!http://www.iamnext.com/It has a channel specific to Careers and everything else from academics to dealing with issues in your personal life. I also recommend the Fun channel...The Question Lady definitely has an interesting job!! Not gonna lie...I was very anxious to find her answer to this question a student asked titled 'Belly Buttons'...submitted by Confused, "I have a horrible dilemma. My brother has an outie belly button. I have an inny, and so do both my parents. Is it possible that he's not really related to me?" ...LOLYou will also find our favorite University (DSU, duh!!) under American University Listings!!

BORED???? Let Dwight help you find something to do...

Looking for something to do??? Well, it looks like Dwight also needs something more fun to do as well... Here's some things around the Madison area that you (and Dwight) can try...
For the outdoorsman (or woman) there is a variety of things to do....
Visit the SD State Parks near Madison and visit Lake Madison or Lake Herman! Enjoy a weekend camping trip with friends or just hang out with the fishies for the afternoon and go canoeing, boating, or kayaking, skiing or swimming. Don't forget to show off your fishing skills and reel in a "big one!"
If you want to just hang out in Madison, try one of the several parks for a game of baseball, soccer, basketball or tennis. Up for a game of frisbee golf? West Side Park has a course for you to demonstrate your "mad" frisbee skills. Don't forget the skating rinks and picnic shelters too! For those true animal lovers, the Madison area is home to several bird species! So if you find you need a break from all the homework and computer games, Birdwatching is always an option! :)
If you're more of an Indoorsman (or woman) check out Cherry Lanes & the West Twin Theatres - they are located right next to each other on West Hwy 34. Take your pick between the two movies showing (Yup...that's right...two choices) and then bowl a few games right next door.
Check back for more information on the Madison area "attractions" in the future!

New to Madison

NEW TO MADISON?
Have you been wondering what the town of Madison has to offer? Here is the site for you...http://www.madison.sd.us/.It even has the current weather conditions!! EXCITING!In addition, National and Sports News! ......................Interesting National News for today...Boys set cockroaches on fire, Burn Down Grandparents' House! No worries...no one was hurt in the blaze EXCEPT the creepy cockroaches! RIP Cockroaches.Much better than what could have been listed.......Britney Spear's performance on the MTV VMA's. Ummmm.......????????

Hey! DSU Student Employment/Career Services would like to introduce our new Blog - DSU Career Central. The staff here at DSU Career Services are here to inform you on important employment/career information such as interviewing, resumes, and networking; basically EVERYTHING employment/career related. Not only are we going to inform you BUT we will put a fun and sometimes interactive twist on it!! Hope you are ready to learn AND have fun! We will have a "theme" each month and teach/entertain you as we go. BUT please feel free to ask any questions, at any time, that you may have regarding employment/careers, (our contact information is below). In addition, feel free to contact the rest of our Career Services "family" - Marie Lohsandt, Director of Career and Internship Services, and Janelle Nielsen, Career Services Senior Secretary, in Heston Hall - Room 206 or at 256-5122.