Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Diversity in the Workplace
Happy New Year!!! Classes are almost ready to begin again...Are you ready? At Career Services, we thought we would dive into the new year by discussing diversity in the workplace!
When most people hear the word "Diversity", they think of ethnicity and race. However, workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity includes race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more.
Valuing diversity means acknowledging that other people, other races, other voices, and other cultures have as much integrity and as much claim on the world as you do. It is the recognition that there are other ways of seeing the world, solving problems, and working together. If you think about it, you deal with diversity every single day in your daily life or part time job!
Managing diversity means promoting inclusion, creating an environment where all differences are valued, and in which each employee can develop to her or his full potential. From a business perspective, managing diversity is valuable because it means an organization gets the most from its employees. Companies that effectively manage diversity recognize that it is not enough to hire employees from underrepresented groups; they must also provide an environment where all employees are supported and valued.
***Check back for more benefits of diversity in the workplace, possible diversity issues in the career world and of course possible solutions.***
Hmmm...I wonder what Dwight would say about diversity in the workplace....Stay tuned for advice from the one and only, Mr. Dwight K. Schrute!
When most people hear the word "Diversity", they think of ethnicity and race. However, workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity includes race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more.
Valuing diversity means acknowledging that other people, other races, other voices, and other cultures have as much integrity and as much claim on the world as you do. It is the recognition that there are other ways of seeing the world, solving problems, and working together. If you think about it, you deal with diversity every single day in your daily life or part time job!
Managing diversity means promoting inclusion, creating an environment where all differences are valued, and in which each employee can develop to her or his full potential. From a business perspective, managing diversity is valuable because it means an organization gets the most from its employees. Companies that effectively manage diversity recognize that it is not enough to hire employees from underrepresented groups; they must also provide an environment where all employees are supported and valued.
***Check back for more benefits of diversity in the workplace, possible diversity issues in the career world and of course possible solutions.***
Hmmm...I wonder what Dwight would say about diversity in the workplace....Stay tuned for advice from the one and only, Mr. Dwight K. Schrute!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas!!
Hello everyone! I am sure most of you are already headed out to see the fam and spend some time at home. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
*Check back after the new year for more blog postings featuring topics such as diveristy in the workplace, resume building, networking, etc. See you next year!*
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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
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
Monday, November 26, 2007
Career Portfolios...continued....
Welcome back! Did you all have a great Thanksgiving weekend and partake in all the weekend festivities such as eating too much, laying around, watching football, taking a nap, waking up early Friday morning, tackling fellow shoppers...ya know-the good stuff!?
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Creating a Career Portfolio
What is an Impressive Portfolio?
A Career portfolio is designed to "flaunt your stuff" like Dwight is here in this picture! I can just see him using this in his career portfolio. 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.
A Career portfolio is designed to "flaunt your stuff" like Dwight is here in this picture! I can just see him using this in his career portfolio. 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!
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!*
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