Gonzaga University Career Center Blog

Curious what the Treks are all about? Want to know exactly what the corporate visits entail? Or how to prepare for visiting headquarters?

Come join us for a Trek 4-1-1 Session allowing you to get all of your questions answered regarding the upcoming Portland & Seattle Treks.

Ask all your Trek questions while enjoying FREE PIZZA!

Tags: Portland, Seattle, Trek

Going to tomorrow’s Career Fair could be a first meeting with a future employer and you have to treat it that way! Just as you wouldn’t sit down to an interview chewing a fresh piece of Big Red, there are some big taboos that must be avoided!

Here are a few of our personal favorite:

• Wearing your backpack: Pulling your resume out of your Jansport that’s been crushed between your planner and math book is not acceptable! Drop it off in the coatroom, please.
• Don’t come a few minutes before the Fair ends because some employers may have to leave early.
• Don’t bring the whole floor of your dorm with you. The employers want to meet you, not your whole entourage.
• Don’t walk up to a booth and as “So what do you guys do?” Do your homework and know about the employers you are interested in.

Going in with a professional mindset will definitely equip you to present employers with your best non-flip flopped foot forward.

Written by: Courtney Jacobsen, Class of 2011

Tags: Career Center Service, Career Development, Career Expo, Career Fair, Computer Science, Engineering, Event, internship, Job Search, Success in Economy, What not to do at Career Fair

Are you struggling with polishing your resume after your summer internship? Are you at a loss for how to even begin drafting a cover letter?  Well, you’re in luck!

The Career Center is having our first of the year Resume & Cover Letter Workshop on Tuesday, September 22nd at 3pm. Come to second floor Crosby, Road to Utopia to learn more about how to make your resume and cover letter stand out from the pack.

For the best workshop experience, we ask you bring your current resume and cover letter (no matter how it looks!) with you.  That way, we can assist you throughout the presentation.

If you can’t join us for this workshop consider swinging by for one of Drop-In Hours, every Tuesday from 12-1pm.

Tags: Career Center Service, Career Development, Coaching, Cover Letters, Coverletter, Event, Presentation, Resume, Workshop

Junior Achievement – Columbia Empire boasts a history of six consecutive decades of operation in Oregon and SW Washington, and enjoys well-established relationships with hundreds of local businesses and schools.   In the 2009-2010 school year, Junior Achievement will serve more than 37,000 K-12 students in 1,500 classrooms at public and private schools throughout Oregon and SW Washington.  An estimated 3,230 volunteers from business and industry will give an average of 10 hours each in an effort to reach these students.

JA BizTown Program Manager

1. Assists in implementation of program growth strategic plan.
2. Recruits and renews commitments of schools/teachers. Develops and delivers presentations to schools/teachers.
3. Assures program quality through phone calls, classroom visits, evaluation instruments and other communications. Continually provides feedback, program materials and resources to volunteers and teachers.
4. Assists in training program volunteers.
5. Ensures accuracy of program information in Raiser’s Edge database.
6. Communicating with volunteers, teachers, school administrators and business executives.

Responsible for JA BizTown program space; space configuration, partnering with business sponsors, leading operation days, and resetting of student materials.

Required:
Associates degree or equivalent.  Evidence of strong oral/written communication, interpersonal and organization planning skills. Computer literacy.  Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality. Self motivation in a fast paced environment.

To Apply

Send resume with cover letter to:

Barbara Smith, Director of Programs at bsmith@ja-pdx.org (submission via e-mail welcome)

Application Deadline: September 19, 2009

For more information check out Junior Achievement’s Site at:  http://portland.ja.org

In just a handful of days Gonzaga University will be offically welcoming the incoming Class of 2013!  Comprised  of  students from different backgrounds we know that this group of students will be an excellent addition to our Gonzaga community.

Did you know that career development can actually start your freshman year of college?  Yes, I know that you have four long years here at Gonzaga, but it is never too early to start the exploration process to help define future goals.   Whenever you are ready to dive into exploring your potential career paths, the Career Center is here for you.  We are located on the 2nd Floor of Crosby from 8-4:30 M-F.  From Drop in Hours to Resume Reviews, our friendly Career Center staff can coach you every step of the way.

Here are some tips for creating an explorative first year at Gonzaga:

Freshman Year: be Aware

• Visit the Gonzaga Career Center second floor of Crosby or call ext. 4234 for an appointment.
• Create a résumé or re-vamp your high school résumé.  Find yourself getting stuck? Attend a résumé workshop, e-mail careercenter@gonzaga.edu for event details or to RSVP.
• Get involved in campus activities and clubs or volunteer.
• Contact the Office of Clubs & Organizations at ext. 6123 or click here.
• Contact Center for Community Action & Service Learning (CCASL) at ext. 6824 for volunteer opportunities.
• Visit the Student Employment Office and talk with staff to get acquainted with what jobs are available on campus and for which you are eligible (either FWS or Institutional). Even freshmen can handle working 10-12 hours per week.
• Attend a retreat through University Ministry and use time to reflect on values and interests.  Contact University Ministry ext. 4242 or tranq@gonzaga.edu.
• Meet with Academic Advisor to explore possible academic path, while getting to know other faculty, counselors and administrators.
• Browse “What Can I Do With this Major” to view options, types of industries and strategies you can use in preparation for career field.
• If you are unsure of your career path, make an appointment with the Counseling Center at ext. 4054 to begin the self-assessment process.

We look forward to meeting you and your parents this weekend.  Welcome to the Gonzaga community!

This piece of advice came to me via Linkedin  through the Gonzaga University group where I posted information regarding our new Facebook group.  (Have you joined yet? If not, check it out here.) In my discussion post I asked fellow alumni to consider what advice or tips they would give to current students and recent grads in light of our current economic conditions.  

This was Matt’s reply:

I am a GU alumnist, class of 2006. My biggest advise for recent college grads is too exaust all outlets. What I mean by this, is too post your resumes on the Monster.com, careerbuilder.com kind of sites. Find local recruiters around your area that can help set up interviews for you. 

My biggest advise is too go on as many interviews as possible. Even though you may know the job is not for you going into the interview, the experience itself is worth the time. The more interviews you go on, the better in the long run. 

Thanks, 

Matt Fergen, Account Specialist at Guy Carpenter

 

Any other alumni out there who would like to share some advice or tips for current GU students or recent grads? I’d love to hear from you!  Comment here or e-mail me directly at bobko@gonzaga.edu.  

Thanks in advance for connecting with fellow Zags!

Tags: Advice, Alumni, Alumni Advice, Alumni Tips, Career Development, Helpful Links

Over the next two years, our largest federal agencies project that they will hire nearly 193,000 new workers for “mission-critical” jobs. These jobs cover almost every occupational field, will be available across the country and all of them advance the interests of the American people. This report confirms that no matter what your area of expertise, or where you live, if you are looking for a job where you can develop your professional skills and make a difference in the lives of others, the federal government has a job for you.
Go to: usajobs.gov or studentjobs.gov

Spokane United Methodist Homes, doing business as Rockwood Retirement Communities, is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to providing services and housing to older adults with a commitment to excellence in promoting independence, wellness and lifelong vitality.

The perfect volunteer will: 
• Enjoy working with older adults 
• Answer telephones in a professional and friendly manner 
• Meet and greet potential residents 
• Assemble marketing materials 
• Be able to work 20-40 hours per week from 8-4:30 p.m. beginning June 1st 
• Learn and network with professional marketing team members in a positive work environment 
• Be able to pass a Criminal Background Check/A Tuberculosis Test 
• Enjoy a complimentary meal when serving during a meal period 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for the right person! No sales experience is required. Training will be provided by our on-site marketing team. 

To apply submit cover letter and resume to or for more information: Monica@rockwoodretirement.org.  

Tags: Advertising, College of Arts and Science, Communication, internship, Marketing, Spokane, Summer

Are you a NEW Gonzaga Alumni looking for something great to put on your resume but you are torn to also spend time doing service while networking with fellow Zags?  I may have found the answer. 

 
This fall, September 20-25 to be exact, you can join fellow Zags on a trip to New Orleans for a week long Rebuilding Together Project.

WHAT : Rebuilding Together- New Orleans 2009 

WHO : All Gonzaga family and friends are invited to participate, either through your local chapter (bring a group!) or independently. ALL ARE WELCOME. 
Join the Zags as we travel to the Big Easy this fall for a one-week rebuilding effort to help bring a city that has suffered so much back to life. 

This is an amazing opportunity to help a community while working with fellow Zags for a common cause.   Meeting new people….building relationships all while helping others, what more do you need?

For more information and all of the details, click here.

Tags: Alumni, Alumni Service, Rebuilding Together, Volunteering

Another great opportunity at Spokane Firm Desautel Hege .  This Intnership seems to be a general PR internship with the agency.  Below you will find a partial listing of the internship…

Requirements:

·         Must possess strong writing, verbal and organizational skills

·         Must possess a positive attitude and exhibit professional behaviors

·         Requires knowledge and experience with standard Windows software (i.e., Power Point, Word, Excel and MS Outlook)

 Core Responsibilities:

·         Provide support on client account work

·         Assist in organizing office materials, files and client information

·         Provide front desk and phone coverage as needed (during staff meetings/trainings)

·         Provide excellent customer service

·         Work with Partners, Account Directors, Account Executives, and Account Coordinators to implement campaign elements

·         Assist with all aspects of account activities as required

·         Work independently and as a team member

·         Find ways to support the team

 For either positions, e-mail cover letter and resume to: stephanieb@desautelhege.com . 

Tags: Add new tag, Advertising, College of Arts and Science, Communication, Hot Lead, internship, Marketing, Public Relations, Spokane, Summer, Tech Savvy