Tufts University Musical 3: Senior Year

Welcome back to campus everyone! Summer has flown by once again, and I'm truly sad to see this one go. Between concerts and comedy shows, 4 AM wasp collections and 2 AM laughs with old friends, a trip to LA and a trip to NYC, and countless days of reading, sleeping, running, and beach-going, summer 2016 was one of the best of my life. With the bar set high, I'm planning on an unforgettable school year.

Me on Hollywood Boulevard, during a family vacation to Los Angeles in July. As you can see, I fit right in.

For some of us - myself included - it's our last time around the carousel, which feels surreal. It's hard to believe that this is my last year at Tufts, and in nine short months I'll be leaving the campus I've come to call home. At the same time, though, I'm craving new experiences in new places, and some days I can't wait until Commencement 2017.

These conflicting feelings, combined with a healthy dose of procrastinatory tendencies, are embodied by an acronym that I've come to embrace in the past few weeks: SWUG. If you ask the internet, 'SWUG' stands for 'Senior Washed-Up Girl' (or guy, or whatever noun you choose to identify with; if college has taught me anything, it is most certainly that gender is a social construct). Essentially, a SWUG is basically someone who's lost the motivation to be the typical high-achieving, high-energy college student that he or she was as an underlcassman; social outings lack the appeal they once held, and even the most basic homework seems impossible to complete. The days of being a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshman are far behind us, and now we pretty much just walk around the quad like zombies until the next time we can be home in bed again.

Our SWUG crew - we've come a long way since Hill Hall 2013.

But for me, the SWUG life doesn't mean washing up or losing drive. It means living in the moment, not caring about other people's expectations of you, and above all, doing what makes you happy. Whether it's joining the burlesque dance team or running through campus in a banana suit (both of which are items on my college bucket list), being a SWUG is about having the best senior year I can, before I leave an environment where society expects me to be ridiculous and irresponsible.

This summer, my friend Helen and I bought matching "Lettuce Be Friends" shirts and held a photoshoot throughout the Tufts campus. This is how SWUGs spend their free time.

Now, here comes the million-dollar question: how can we balance our in-the-moment, non-commital SWUG identities with the overriding need to have a plan after the caps are thrown? I'm not going to be unreasonable and suggest that you spontaneously critique your resume or change out of your sweatpants for a half-hour interview, but I do have a few ideas about what a SWUG can do in between naps and on-campus events that provide free food to start career planning:

Attend the Career Fair. Every year it seems to sneak up on us, but the Fall Career Fair is THIS FRIDAY, 11:30-2:30 in GANTCHER. There will be over 180 employers there looking specifically to recruit Tufts seniors for post-grad jobs. It's a few hours out of your Friday - you can do this. Even if you don't find the perfect job for you, attending the fair will give you an idea of what is out there, and what you can look for.

Explore your options. This goes hand in hand with attending the Career Fair. Before entering the workforce, you should try to inform yourself about the different paths you can take with your degree. This can be done simply by browsing the Internet, or by meeting with a Career Advisor. 

Me, looking for (a mind at) work. (I kind of got obsessed with Hamilton this summer. And I couldn't post a picture of LA and snub NYC, which in Angelica Schuyler's and my opinion is the greatest city in the world.)

Talk to people. Another great way to explore job opportunities is to put yourself out there and talk to professionals with careers that interest you. It can be anyone - your professor, your friend's mom, your mom's friend, your professor's mom... the list goes on.

Apply, apply, apply. One of my clearest memories from the college application process is something my best friend told me after her tour at a highly prestigious university. When she asked the tour guide what she could do to increase her chances of getting in, the tour guide responded, "Apply." This is true of the job search as well: by applying to as many positions as you can, you'll increase your chances of finding a great opportunity.

I know I just threw a lot of information at you, and for my fellow seniors currently reading this, it's okay to be completely overwhelmed (that's sort of how I feel all the time lately). But if you just start by doing one of these suggestions, you'll already be making progress towards your career goals,

It's going to be an amazing year, and before we know it, it's going to be over. Let's look out for each other, and make sure we all have a next step after we walk off the stage in May.

Until next time,
Sean Boyden
Class of 2017

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What are you doing after graduation?

It seems for many Tufts seniors the same question keeps popping up. While our lucky friends who aren't seniors get to answer fun questions like, "What were you for Halloween?" or "What's your spirit carb?" (I kid you not), seniors are usually asked, "What are you doing after graduation?" If you're a senior and that question doesn't make you nervous or weigh on your mind, congratulations. However, for some seniors, this first job search is taking up ample amounts of time whether it's identifying interesting positions, filling out applications, preparing for interviews, or sending follow up emails.

The job search can be especially stressful and time consuming, as graduation gets closer and closer (lol guys, it's in May). When we entered college, getting a job after graduation was daunting as the recession suppressed many companies' abilities to hire entry-level employees. However, according to USA Today there are some promising statistics about the job search for the class of 2016. So, have no fear! In this post I will focus on tips that will make the job search easier, as well as resources that are available to help you know what to expect and get fully prepared.

Source
"Jumbo Jobs, Jumbo Jobs, Jumbo Jobs"

Jumbo Jobs
I'm declaring this the greatest resource for any Tufts student, especially since you can access Jumbo Jobs from the comfort of your bed. Before you start binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the fifth time, you should definitely check out Jumbo Jobs. I could dedicate a three-part series to all the features of this great resource, but for now I'm just going to list some specifics that will especially help seniors in the job hunt:

1. Job postings- Of course, we all know that there are job and internship postings on Jumbo Jobs. An overlooked detail within the postings is that the recruiter/contact for Tufts students is listed in the job description in Jumbo Jobs. So when you are writing cover letters, or would like to get in touch with someone at the company, feel free to use this information to reach out. You should always try to address your cover letter to someone specific at the company. Even if you aren't interested in the position posted, you could still contact the recruiter for an informational interview about the company and other roles that exist. Usually this contact is the person responsible for recruiting Tufts students, so it's a great way to network.
2. Update your Jumbo Jobs profile- If you allow for recruiters to view you through Jumbo Jobs they can invite you to resume drops and recruiting events. Make sure to upload your resume and list your activities and interests for recruiters to view! You can even view which recruiters are looking at you, and if you're interested in them, reach out.
3. Use the favorite and saved search features- Favoriting jobs that you're interested in or marking them for later is useful.  And, if you don't want to keep logging in to conduct a search, create saved searches so that results will appear in your email inbox.

Don't feel limited by Jumbo Jobs if you don't find postings for positions that you are interested in. Be sure to look at LACN (Liberal Arts Career Network), Careers A-Z, and other resources on the Tufts Career Center website. Here is list of resources other than Jumbo Jobs that will help you research and find potential job opportunities.

Source
"Don't mind me, just looking for a job"

Campus Events
Career Center events (we're already scheduling spring events - the Spring Career Fair is Wednesday, February 10 in Gantcher!) and other events sponsored by departments provide places for networking and resources for the job search. Be sure to stay in the loop by subscribing to the Career Center's enews to get the update for events coming up each week. You can also stay in the loop by following the Career Center on Twitter and Facebook. Staying informed is a great way to learn about positions you might be interested in, or what it's like to work at companies in industries of your choice. Campus events are especially great because much of the time the people speaking are Tufts alumni. Jumbos always want to help Jumbos!  So, go out and network and learn more about the post-grad life to understand how people's career paths have led to where they are today.

The November 14 Senior Career Launch was a great event that I knew about from reading Career Center enews.  The Center hosted alumni and guest speakers who discussed how to navigate life after college.  There was advice on entering the work force, personal finance, and simple ways to negotiate a salary that will help you go a long way after graduation.

Master Excel Sheet
Every senior before us has gone through this same exact process. After speaking to a few recent grads they all recommended using an Excel spreadsheet to track applications for multiple jobs. Excel is great for recording contacts at different companies, viewing deadlines at a glance, and tracking interview rounds. Make your job search easier by having all the details and contacts for your job search in one place that is easily accessible and organized. Since finals are coming up, it might be a useful project to implement over winter break. Oh, and remember that the Career Center is open during break!  If you haven't scheduled an appointment with a career advisor, break is a great time. Even if you aren't around Tufts you can schedule a phone, Skype or email appointment!

Alright seniors, don't let "senioritis" take over. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Each week, take steps to advance your job search. This can range from baby steps such as updating your LinkedIn profile or bigger steps such as contacting recruiters and alumni at companies that interest you. Be sure to figure out when the companies you are interested in are hiring because it can differ from field to field!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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How To Get A Job As A Liberal Arts Major With "Fluffy" Skills

Help, liberal arts majors don't have any hard skills!

My sophomore year, I knew that I had things to offer, but I didn't really know what I wanted as a career. I knew I should be getting internships, but I didn't know what I was looking for, and that really freaked me out.

And it made me really nervous that my resume said things like "critical thinking" and "analysis" that can't be measured or proven and may be perceived as "fluffy." How is anyone supposed to hire me just because I say I know how to think critically? I also had my parents' voices echoing in my head telling me that sociology "isn't a practical major." But you know what, lots of people major in the liberal arts in college and still get jobs. So how are they doing it?

Here's the good news: Soft skills are real skills that employers want, and they're broad enough that you can use them anywhere. But that begs the question, where exactly should you look for jobs?

This blog post will cover: 

1. What liberal arts majors have to offer
2. Who's a good fit for the standard business departments in any company
3. How to stand out and get a job

In February, I attended an all-day Business Boot Camp for liberal arts majors hosted by Hubspot, a Boston company that makes a software platform for inbound marketing. They started this boot camp because tech companies actually need the skills offered by liberal arts majors, but liberal arts majors don’t often know where they fit in a tech company. There are a lot of generic business positions you could be qualified for, but do you know what all the different departments of a business actually do and which one is best for you?

For this blog post, I’ve selected the parts of my notes with broad applicability across businesses, but if you want to know more about Hubspot specifically feel free to email me for those notes. The rest of the presentation included things like an intro to the Software as a Service business model (SaaS) and Inbound Marketing. You can sign up to get notified when next fall's Boot Camp applications open.

What do liberal arts majors have to offer?

Michael Redbord is a Tufts grad who majored in international relations and philosophy, now working in Support at Hubspot. He gave this breakdown of how a liberal arts education can be your launching pad:

What do you have that hiring managers actually care about?

1. You can ask "Why?" (critical approach)
2. You can communicate clearly and within context.
3. You can use frameworks to learn new skills faster.
4. You work well alone, in pairs, and with groups (flexible working style)
5. You know how to spin things ("sales and consulting skills")

Okay, but these skill sets are really broad. So...

Where do I fit in business?

Operations 

Operations is exactly the kind of vague business title that Boot Camp helped me appreciate. The way that I understand it, Operations is like internal consulting - you’re constantly analyzing the company’s processes from the inside, making sure that the machine works effectively and trying to improve it. Operations is one of those quiet backbones that nobody really notices as long as it’s functioning well - but when it’s not working, you suddenly realize just how crucial it is. When Operations does its job well, your business operates very smoothly and efficiently, which allows the company to pivot quickly and get first mover advantage.

As an example of the kind of projects Operations works on, the Operations presenter (Liz) told us about the Hubspot wiki - a giant collection of all knowledge in the company. Operations analyzes the wiki’s performance by asking questions like “Who looks at the wiki? How do they navigate the space? If people aren’t engaging with it, why not?” Or, a more generic example of a problem Operations looks at is “How do we source candidates most effectively?” That includes looking at things like the rate of hire for candidates sourced from online portals vs. recommendations from current employees.

Am I a good fit for Operations? 
Liz characterizes working in Operations as kind of a hybrid job.

• Scientist: You like research and analysis - breaking down problems and measuring change. 
• Politician: You can’t just say “my way is better” and steamroll your agenda through. People are already accustomed to their way of doing things, and they don’t enjoy being told that their process is flawed. You have to persuade and cajole people into doing things differently. 
• Inventor: You’re creative and you enjoy problem solving, like figuring out how to measure things that aren’t easily measured. 

Sales & Services

There’s a common misconception that being a good salesman is all about making a convincing pitch. But there’s a lot more to it than just presentation. The presenter, Mark, argues that it’s about building trust and understanding the prospective client’s problem. Different people want different things - so don’t just pitch your product to them without learning any context first.

Instead, you start by asking questions about the prospect’s situation - their problems, their goals, what they want from this kind of product. Build trust and focus on helping the prospect, not talking about how great your product is. Once you understand what they need, then talk about how your product solves that problem, using the same language that the prospect uses. Working in sales teaches you a skill that you’ll use for the rest of your life and could apply across many industries and positions: 83% of Fortune 500 CEOs came up through sales. 

You’re a good fit for Sales if: 

• you like working with people 
• you like the chase and the satisfaction of closing a deal 
• performance-based pay according to your output sounds exciting, not stressful 

What employers look for when hiring for Sales:
Mark says that if you don’t have any prior experience in sales or retail, he looks for coachability and a record of excellence in whatever you’ve done. For example, one of their salespeople is a former Olympic athlete - and from that, you can tell that he’s really driven and willing to work hard to improve. Obviously they don’t expect everyone to have Olympian-level credentials, but you get the point, right?

Sales might not be right for you if:

• A quota hanging overhead and the possibility of being demoted due to poor performance would stress you out 
• Constant rejection gets you down (the majority of people you pitch to will say no)

Services is comprised of Consultants (who work with customers for 4-6 months at the beginning of their time with HubSpot) and Account Managers (who are responsible for revenue among the customer base). Together with Support and a few other teams, that's the bulk of the Services team.The primary difference between Sales and Services is that Services people work with customers to make them successful and keep them as customers, and Sales aims to acquire new customers by working with non-customers (prospects) and explaining the value of what we sell.

You might be a better fit for Services if:

• you’d like getting close to the product, learning all the ins and outs 
• you want to build relationships working with people, without the stress of sales 
• you find it gratifying (not frustrating) to help people with their problems 

Marketing

86% of people skip TV ads, 91% unsubscribe from email, 44% of direct mail is never opened, 200M(illion) on the Do Not Call list.

Every company divides up marketing differently, so the names and responsibilities will differ by company. I lunched with an employee from the marketing side who provided a breakdown about how the department is organized at Hubspot and who’s a good fit for each department.

Brand & Buzz: 

• it’s all about Hubspot’s own brand 
• this is what people generally think of when someone says “marketing” - public relations, graphic design, events 
• good fit if you have that creative flair 

Product marketing: 

• it’s all about the product itself  - market research
• product launch intersects with engineering: translates tech functions into everyday language 
• good fit if you like writing, technology, and storytelling 

Funnel:

• it’s all about getting leads and converting them to customers 
• lead generation, conversion, landing pages 
• intersects with sales 
• good fit if you like analytics and problem solving 

Content production:

• it’s all about how to market (in general) 
• blog, ebooks, webinars, videos, etc. on marketing 
• good fit if you like writing and learning about marketing 

Support

Support is one department where you probably already know what they do. The presenter, Michael, says that typically Support people are more technical and more problem-solving focused, as opposed to consultative or revenue focused. As part of the Support team, you:

• solve customer problems 
• empower customers and employees to do more 
• create the best SaaS (Software as a Service) customer experience 

What he looks for when hiring for Support: 

• Initiative - you got it or you don’t 
• Customer mindset - empathy and/or retail experience 
• Technical knowledge/capacity - experience (or Code Academy + a blog) 
• Culture fit - you got it or you don’t 

Okay, I think I know where to aim. How do I get hired?

Michael Redbord, the presenter on Support, has an entire blog post on how to get a first job as a liberal arts graduate. Everything below is excerpted from his blog post, sometimes paraphrased/reordered for brevity.

GPAs and credentials are mostly uninteresting outside of academia, finance, and consulting unless they're truly, remarkably exceptional. It's experience that sets candidates who get jobs apart from those that don't. It has everything to do with hiring managers who are willing to take calculated risks and read through the lines on a resume to understand the narrative of a person's life. 

Here are some examples of hypothetical applicants who have done something that shows potential:

• A Cum Laude Psychology major who also has a totally tricked out blog on their cat? They probably picked up some HTML/CSS along the way to make that blog and can learn new tech skills quickly.

• A captain of a field hockey team who did Teach for America on math? That's a good promise of a future leader with ability to learn smoothly and work with all sorts of clients and situations.

• A current Apple Store employee who also does some video editing for walking around money? That's a self-motivated learner who understands technology and can work with people.

Everyone can look like they have potential, but not everyone can take action to show their potential. Remember when I was worried because "How is anyone supposed to hire me just because I say I know how to think critically?" Well the answer is, they won't. The mantra you need is: Show, don't tell. 

Mike says: "Personally, I interview about a dozen entry-level candidates a week, and no more than 25% have taken that mantra from their successful term papers and turned 'potential' into action. Businesses care about action. Find that one extra step that 75% of your peers aren't doing, and do it." 

(If you still feel not quite ready, check out Mike's full post. It includes things like "The 9 Steps to show your potential + skill, and get an outstanding entry-level job.")

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LinkedIn: Your New Favorite Networking Tool

By now, you've at least heard about LinkedIn, the largest online professional networking site... And perhaps you've already made a LinkedIn profile to market your skills and make you look really good when people Google-search your name-- great!

...But now what? Now that you've created your LinkedIn profile, what are the best ways to use it?

You'll be happy to learn-- LinkedIn is far more than just a marketing tool: It's also a networking and research tool that really can, through harvesting valuable connections and focusing your job search, help you get hired.

Here's HOW:

Make *Meaningful* Connections
You always want to connect with people you know (otherwise it's a little creepy [just a little]), so maybe start with your family and friends! Best practice is to delete the "I'd like to add you to my professional network," and replace it with a personal message about how you know your connection, including their name and the words "thank you." LinkedIn is not like Twitter, where it's socially acceptable to follow anyone, or like Facebook where you can friend everyone you met once and their dog (if ONLY puppies had social networking sites!). With LinkedIn you need to be both professional and personable--so channel that deep-seated anxiety you have about your Twitter and Facebook profiles possibly preventing you from getting a job into the idea that maybe LinkedIn will!

Research Companies

There's a "Search Companies" function on LinkedIn where you can search companies by size, location, industry, or keyword. This is great for narrowing your job search or researching a company you're applying to. LinkedIn also shows you if there's anyone in your network employed at the organization. 

Prepare for Interviews

Before an interview, you should definitely look over the company's LinkedIn Page, as well as your interviewer's profile. Pay close attention to the company's values and culture, as well as the skills and job functions utilized by its employees. Think about way you have exhibited the same traits and used the same skills.

Join Tufts Groups
There are over 100 Tufts groups on LinkedIn--many of which are career-specific--so join as many Tufts groups as you find intriguing. Looking for a good place to start? The two largest Tufts groups on LinkedIn: Tufts University Professional Network and Tufts University Alumni are must-joins.

Gather Networking Contacts 

In Your Groups

Search your groups for potential networking contacts. Anyone doing anything you'd like to be doing? Anyone working for a company you'd like to work for? 

Using the "Find Alumni" Tool

Under the "Network" tab, LinkedIn has this AWESOME "Find Alumni" tool that can help you search your alma mater's alumni (THOUSANDS OF JUMBOS!) by keyword, company, location, major, activity, or field! Look for people whose career path is relevant to your interests, and then...

Network with Contacts!

Even if you're not connected, LinkedIn allows group members to message each other. So no need to pay money for InMail--Just search a contact's name in the group to send them a message... But not just any message:

THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

This is essentially the meat (or tofu, if you're vegetarian) of LinkedIn networking. This is what you need to do to get you a job. I strongly suggest reading through this link, especially page 4 on Informational Interviews. In the meantime, here is a sample LinkedIn message:

Subject line: Tufts IR major seeking career advice 

Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name),

I’m a senior IR major at Tufts and I found your name 

through the Tufts International Relations Program group 

on LinkedIn. From your LinkedIn profile, I see that you’ve 

worked at a variety of NGOs, most recently in Syria.

As I’ve focused my own studies on the Middle East, 

including time spent studying abroad in Cairo, I’d like to 

return to the region after college. I’d love to hear about 

your own experiences living and working in the region, as 

well as any advice you might have for me as I begin an 

international job search.

I wonder if you might have 20 minutes to speak, at your 

convenience, on the phone or via Skype. Thank you for 

considering my request.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Tufts University, Class of XXXX

Perfecting Your Profile
Before you begin using LinkedIn to network, you'll want to make sure your profile says everything you want it to say and is ready to go! Here are some of my favorite Career Center tips:

• Fill in your experience; don't be shy. Your resume should only be one page, so here is the place to show off what you've accomplished in detail. Use targeted keywords and don't forget about any projects, organizations, volunteer work, and causes you've been involved with.
• Update your headline. "Graduating Economics major seeking financial analyst position"--be direct and simple, but also engaging and meaningful.
• Upload a professional photo. You wouldn't trust someone without a profile photo--Adding a face to your profile breeds familiarity, which breeds trust, which is essential to networking.
• Tell your story. The section that says "Summary" is where you can write about what you do and why--or what you'd like to do and why! Write your summary in first person to add a voice to your profile, include targeted words, and keep it career-oriented.
• Market your skills. Give yourself credit for your areas of expertise-- What languages do you speak? Which computer programs or websites can you use proficiently? Are there any skills that you picked up while working in the lab?
• Pick a location and industry--any location and industry! It doesn't have to be "Higher Education in the Greater Boston Area" just because we're Tufts students on the Medford campus. Gives some thought to where you want to be.
• Include all of your links. Have a blog or Twitter that you're looking to show off to a potential employer? Link away! You can also link from your blog/Twitter to your LinkedIn.
• Don't forget to proofread. Because your skills should never be upstaged by the wrong "your" or "there." Because you care.
• Personalize your URL. So that when you include your LinkedIn address on your resume and emails, you won't have to remember: LinkedIn.com/abcdefg983745905820917452334.
• Publicize your profile! Your LinkedIn is one of the few things about you on the internet that you want everyone to see. That being said, it's best to update your privacy settings so you are in fact visible to "everyone."

If you found these tips helpful and want to learn more, call the Tufts Career Center at (617) 627-3299 to pre-register for our next LinkedIn Lab on Wednesday, October 23rd, 12-1pm in Eaton 208.

Until next time,
Best regards,
Nirvanna

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Show Me the Money: Notes from the Salary Negotiation Panel

By Angela Sun

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend the Salary Negotiation Workshop hosted by Tufts Career Center in Dowling Hall.

(If you're thinking, "Who? What? How wasn't I there?" Then remember to regularly check our e-calendar for our upcoming events!)

The workshop was in the form of a panel moderated by Bob Burdick of the UEP Program. Panelists included:

• Jennifer Antle, College Recruiter at Liberty Mutual,
• Lisa DiTullio, A11 (Psychology), Human Resources Associate at Reit Management & Research LLC
• John Hurley, Human Resources Business Partner at Americas Sales, and Formerly Talent Acquisition Manager and Worldwide College Relations Manager at Analog Devices,
• Jessica Yu, College Recruiting and Student Program Manager  at The MITRE Corporation.
• and Rachael Wolber, A12 (IR and Environmental Studies), Grant Writer at the Appalachian Mountain Club

In case you missed the event, here are my notes from the event. You know what they say, a dollar negotiated is a dollar earned. 

When should I negotiate my salary?

The answer is pretty much always... if the salary is negotiable that is. There may be situations in which salary is not negotiable. For example, one of the career center counselors mentioned that many recruiters from consulting firms do not negotiate entry-level salaries. So ask if the salary is negotiable first! 

Now if the salary is negotiable, you should always negotiate simply because if you don't, the chances of getting more money is zero, so you really have nothing to lose. For some organizations, your promotions will be a percentage increase on your starting salary, so this number could have implications beyond just your first year/ employment period. 

"Often times you can pick up cues from employers as to when to bring up salary negotiation"--Hurley. 

"Though I didn't, I probably should have negotiated for my first salary. I was an intern, I knew the people, knew the company, etc."--DiTullio.

How much should I ask for?

I would direct you first to this fantastic post on our blog about where to go to research salary ranges for a reasonable expectation. With websites like glassdoor.com etc., take everything you read with a grain of salt because the information on the site is not verified. In addition to the resources suggested in the post, I would add that networking with professionals in the field or even the firm is another great way to get reliable information!

"Rapport is really important, building a relationship with the HR recruiter through the interview process made the negotiation process much more comfortable and allowed me to get more information." -- Wolber.

"For most firms, there is in fact an approved 'range'. Look at what other people, with similar experiences as you, get in the company"--DiTullio.

How to negotiate?
You are much more likely to be successful if you can back up your number with why you should be paid that amount. Solid bargaining points include realistic costs like reallocation (not loans, those are your own responsibility!) or any special skills/ experiences to the table.

"We worked with a candidate because he had legitimate costs like reallocation to factor in. Though we did not change the initial offer, we made sure that the numbers made sense for him in terms of the full package, including compensation, etc."

"Solid work experience is an important bargaining chip. College graduates sometimes must be realistic about the fact that they might have less to work with, even if they did internships."-- Antle.

"Don't ask for money just because you 'want' more. If you are honest and confident, you will be heard out. But salary negotiation is different from shopping, it's important to stay reasonable, rather than throw out really high numbers in hope of being met in the middle."--Yu.

"I have never been offended by someone negotiating who could back up their number."--Hurley.

How much time do I have to negotiate?
This factor will range from firm to firm, depending on when you are given the offer. Most likely, you will not have a lot of time to respond, this could be only a few hours or a few days...so make sure you do your research prior to receiving an offer.

"If a candidate was hired in August the previous year, then I might give him or her a couple of months, but if the candidate was hired in May, the maybe only a couple of weeks."--Antle.

What are some pitfalls in the process?
Asking for way too much money is obviously a key one. But miscommunication can also result in an unpleasant experience!

"Sometimes a deal just doesn't happen because the gap in expectations is too great"--DiTullio.

"Be consistent in your communication. It's bad form if I don't hear from a candidate for a really long time, and then all of a sudden hear from them again." --Antle. 

"Have one point of contact only on the issue. Nothing is more frustrating if I am negotiating with you, and you go to another person in the company to try to play us against each other."--Hurley.

The last piece of advice I would offer you is to look at salary negotiation from the employers point of view. 

"We are not out to low ball you! If we bring you on board at a salary that is out of the norm, then we must also justify our decision to other employees. You were given an offer because we genuinely want to bring you on the team."--Yu

"Firm to firm is different. When I was at PwC, there wasn't much negotiation for starting salary because we hired a lot of college grads to do the same thing. But at a smaller company, that flexibility might exist."

"You tell me. How will you make an impact/ contribution to the team at my company? What are you trying to achieve? Start by being introspective."--Hurley.

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My Experience With the Job Hunt: The Interview

This is the second in a series of posts about my quest to find post-graduate employment.  For the first post in the series, please go here.

Begin the interview scene: as I rode up the elevator and entered the spacious office—a large, open space of cubicles, glass-windowed conference rooms, and hard-wood floors---I felt slightly more at ease. The office assistant with whom I’d been communicating quickly jumped to her feet, warmly introduced herself, and led me to the firm’s conference room. Glancing over my resume, she asked me a few general questions about my interest in the firm and my past work experiences. We spent the last half of the interview catching up about Tufts, senior pub nights, and NYC-life. I’d almost forgotten the conversation was part of an interview until she said that she would fetch the Managing Director—the main player in the interview process.

This more-formal interview tensed me up a little. At the start, The Managing Director temporarily confirmed my fear of being a young, inexperienced student by just ever-so-slightly flipping the way she asked questions. With my resume in hand, she commented on what she didn’t see on the list, asking me to explain why I wanted this industry—and firm in particular—versus other types of work experiences. I tried to swerve this round-about-approach by highlighting the important skills I took away from each work experience. I reinforced the fact that these diverse opportunities were critical to pinpointing what it is I want to do full-time. By the end of our 20-minute interview, I felt her confidence in me start to grow.

The last two interviews (more like laid-back, friendly discussions) only pumped me up more, each shedding light on the incredible potential to grow and thrive within the company. The second two employees I talked to were purposefully selected based on the skills and interests I highlighted in my resume, cover letter, and initial conversations.

I spoke to a Senior Associate who heads the majority of the firm’s writing projects, including Op-ed articles, shareholder letters, speeches, and pitch letters to clients, journalists and media outlets. He said that he loved the idea of having another writer on staff. Overwhelmed as he was, I could assist him with his teeming amounts of writing projects and be a go-to editorial eye. My profuse number of head-nods and embarrassingly large grin revealed my excitement, perhaps a little too intensely.

Next, I spoke to another employee about her specific area of expertise: educational reform, an issue that has always deeply interested me. Having just returned from a national educational conference in Seattle, she had loads to say, and she feverishly spoke about her current projects, educational clients, and day-to-day routine.

From these two interviews, I realized that the assistant’s job is largely fluid, reflecting the relaxed, team-oriented culture of the entire firm. As all employers reinforced, they want to play into my personal skills and interests, to accommodate and comfort me. They treated me like more than a generic application but a unique candidate who could fit into the fabric of their firm. I left the interview feeling confident and self-assured, but even more so, I felt exhilarated. Every day at that firm would be diverse and challenging in a new way. I could really picture myself working there.

I had a mix of emotions when I received a follow-up email from the assistant; she invited me to move onto the next round (phew) by completing a 24-hour assignment that would test my ability to write and synthesize information (ah!). The test soared into my mailbox two days later, when I’d asked to complete the assignment. I prayed for the best.

I was dumbstruck at first. I anxiously scrolled through the pages upon pages of information and statistics, wondering how on earth I was going to send back a coherent press release by this time tomorrow. But then I realized how do-able it all was. The assignment presented a hypothetical announcement about a new mental health parity law. It required that I draft a media advisory and a follow-up press-release, offering only bare instructions for each, apart that they be compelling, catchy, and have a tangible hook. The test said we could incorporate “additional research,” which of course meant DO additional research. I was in Career Services when I received the test, and luckily I had Donna, a veteran PR-pro herself, to offer me some sound advice before I headed off to the confines of Tisch.

Aside from our writing skills, the point of the test was to gauge our ability to sift through large quantities of information and pinpoint what’s really important---what would seal the deal in a quick press release. I was used to writing concise news articles and conveying fact-based information; the hardest part would be determining what to write. And so, I spent the largest portion of that night simply researching. I read through the information the firm provided, highlighting what I discerned to be the most critical pieces. I also heavily researched mental health parity online, sifting through various news articles about mental health parity reforms in recent years—and issues that still need resolving. Bleary-eyed after hours of reading and research, I did the best I could to then draft the two separate documents, hoping that I conveyed the topic’s urgency and news-value. Exactly 24 hours later, I submitted the test, confident and overwhelmingly relieved that the stress was (temporarily) over.

So, that’s when the waiting game began. We all know it so well. If we’re lucky, employers will let us know when to expect a decision or response. If not, we’re left frantically checking computers and phones day-in-and-out, always convinced that the faint buzz from our cell-phones is the make-it-or-break-it news we’re waiting for. In my case, I was relatively lucky. A few days after receiving my test, the current assistant told me that she would contact me with a decision within two weeks. Relieved to have some sense of a timeline, I was able to enjoy the weeks that followed (including my spring break) without that lingering anxiety.

Check back next week for the third and final installment in this job hunt saga.

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My Experience With the Job Hunt: The Search Continues

For so many of us, spring is the season of job-applying overdrive. As summer inches closer and employers start to think-ahead, it feels like full-time job opportunities have slowly starting cropping up. Come March, my once-hopeless “writing/journalism” job search began generating more results. I started noticing more relevant and diversified listings featured on Tufts Career Connect. The best part? Hiring “now” could be loosely interpreted as “hiring in 3 months.”

In response to this promising upturn, (and my parent’s frequent “check-ins” on my struggling job hunt), I started taking my search more seriously than I had first semester. While doing so, I found that the “two-week-turnaround” reputation of media hiring isn’t so rigid. True, media employers are notoriously last minute, unable to afford the same early recruiting efforts as say finance, engineering, and accounting. But if you highlight the fact that you’re a graduating senior and willing to start work in just a few short months, employers might just give your application a careful glance.

While perusing Tufts Career Connect mid-February, I came across an opening that seemed, well, just about perfect. The job was for a Public Affair’s Assistant’s position at a NYC-based strategic communications firm that specialized in critical public issues like healthcare, education, sustainability, and international affairs. The job description involved a healthy mix of writing, editing, research, media relations, social media, and administrative support. I decided to look past the March hiring deadline, confident that May might just cut it. Inches away from uploading my resume, I then read the job qualifications: 1-2 years of experience. Uhhh..

So: the “1-2” years experience add-on. How does a seemingly straightforward phrase contain such muddled meaning? Does “1-2 years” include internships and relevant campus experience, or does it mandate full-time experience? (If so, why are you teasing me on my college career website?) Mulling over whether or not to invest time in a cover letter, I ultimately thought, why not? At the end of the day, we can’t exactly decode every ambiguity in the application process; what we can do is put our resumes in front of employers’ eyes and let them determine if we fit their mold.

It’s a good thing that I ignored that intimidating tidbit. Just a week later, I received an email from the current assistant, a Tufts alum and 1-year-veteran at the firm, who invited me to New York to interview with the firm’s Managing Director. In a one-two motion, I grabbed my cell-phone and dialed my mom, exclaiming multiple pieces of news in an incomprehensible jumble: I had an interview in a few weeks; that worrisome “1-2-years” piece didn’t matter; and (lucky for her) I’d soon be spending the weekend at home in New Jersey.

A few days before heading home, I started to slowly research the firm and prepare for the approaching day-of. I meticulously read through the company’s homepage, familiarizing myself with its history, services, clients, strategies, and the complex issues they represent. I read bios on the company’s main stars, focusing my attention on the Managing Director I’d meet the next day. I read through the press releases posted to the company’s news section for the newest information on initiatives, campaigns, and mergers. I checked out Linkedin and Glassdoor for important company and employee statistics. Meanwhile, I prepped answers to interview questions (Career Services’ sample questions were a major help here), and I am fairly certain that I terrified my seatmate with my slew of creepy, under-the-breath mutters. The fact that I was heading to NYC for this interview—a total 8-hours of transportation---made this particular opportunity feel more real, urgent, and important. This was confirmed as my train slowly approached the vibrant, sparkling night skylights of NYC, where I’ve long dreamed of starting my career.

The next day, my morning jitters were reinforced thanks to the frustrating inconveniences of my town’s trainline. I had an 11 a.m. interview: my two options were to arrive in NYC at 10:45, insufficient time to cross the city, or 9:40 a.m., over an hour before the interview started; recognizing the importance of being on-time, I opted for the latter option. After reaching NYC and arriving at the firm’s offices after a relatively short trip, I spent the rest of the hour in a small, dimly lit coffee shop. Sipping on my signature vanilla latte, I rehearsed some answers, bothered my parents via text, and spent the rest of the hour listening to calming music. After an hour of agonizing waiting (and fierce coffee-slurping), I finally walked around the corner to the office, ready to tackle the interview.

Check back next week for the next installment in this job hunt saga, "The Interview."

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My Experience with the Job Hunt: Part 2

The fateful day of the final interview, it was pouring rain, of course. To save my direction-clueless self the trouble of navigating the city, I opted for a cab, which skidded on the flooding roads too many times for comfort. But when I arrived, dripping from head to toe, I immediately relaxed. A hiring coordinator—who I had met through Skype last week—greeted me and gave me a tour of their brightly-walled offices, featuring sprawling couches, a fitness center, and the latest modern décor.

I first spoke with a department head, who asked me to expand on my resume, explain how I measure “marketing success”, and show how I’d contribute to the firm’s campaigns. I then met with a human resources manager, who mainly asked about my background, including my abroad experience and hobbies, even touching on my long-forgotten piano days. Finally, I met once more with the hiring coordinator, who encouraged me to ask any additional questions before she led me out.

Ahhh, the questions. I’d have to say this was my one stumbling-block. I met with this same coordinator in-between each round, who encouraged me to ask any and all questions I had about the company. I’d already fired away my long question list on Skype the week before, when we had a similar question-answer session. I struggled to come up with something—anything---to ask her about, hoping to reinforce my interest. I wondered if I was being too repetitive, or if it was better to keep picking her brain rather than admit I was all set.

As it turns out, I still don’t have the answer. But what I did learn is that the tricky question-game isn’t so black and white; we just have to somehow strive to find that good balance. It’s important to have some intelligent questions on-hand, as well as follow-up with questions specific to the conversation. But at the same time, don’t force it. If you feel like you’re asking just to add to your precious question-count, your employer might sense it, too.

The hiring coordinator told me that she would have a decision for me by the following Monday. Turns out, I didn’t hear until that Wednesday afternoon, leading me to frantically check my phone each day until then, my heart racing as I saw the familiar red-blink in the corner---only to realize it was spam mail, or a friendly email from my grandpa.

As it turns out, I didn’t get the position. The hiring coordinator politely informed me that the company had decided to move forward with other candidates. She reinforced that it was a highly competitive program, and that I should continue to check out any available job openings on their website.

Predictably, I was bummed. But I had prepped myself for this likely possibility, and I bounced back fairly quickly. And of course, my friends and family helped. They told me something that should help all of us combat the feeling of rejection: if we don’t get the job, it probably wasn’t meant for us. Yes, we’re awesome, talented, intelligent, and totally competent. But, not every job is for us. If we get rejected, it’s not because we’re unqualified or unsuitable but because, for some reason or other, a hiring manager thought another candidate would be a better match. The dreaded rejection says nothing about us as job-competitors.

And, most importantly, these experiences---yes, even the rejections---are incredible learning experiences. The jittery nerves, the tricky questions, those awkward pauses—they all help in the long-run. Every experience pushes us to sharpen our interview skills and gain confidence in our professional interactions. And the more we practice, the better we get. We’ll look back on these rejections as necessary stepping stones in the job hunt, critical to landing the job truly right for us.

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My Experience with the Job Hunt: Part 1

I might seem like some slick career-expert, but I had entered this academic year—warned as the year for job-prowling and networking—entirely clueless. I had gone through the charade of internship-hunting before, but considering every position was for 2-3 months, it all felt much simpler. This was the first time I had experienced the full job process---the 6-person interviews, the carefully worded follows ups, the agonizing waiting game, and the constant ups and downs.

I thought I’d take the time to share a personal job-applying saga. Like so many, the experience was both exhilarating and nerve-wrecking, both inspiring and draining. And it was challenging, every step of the way. But more than anything, it was a tremendous learning experience, one that undoubtedly boosted my confidence and prepared me for what’s left to come.

This particular opportunity---an entry-level position at an online marketing company---came rather unexpectedly. The story harks back to the October Tufts Career Fair, where I had casually handed my resume to a number of attending employers. Eying the piles of resumes stacked on each booth, I hadn’t thought much of it. A few weeks later, I received a surprising email on my phone; my resume had been passed on to the marketing department, and I seemed like a good fit for its two-year rotational program. The hiring process started now.

This particular instance was rare in the sense that I didn’t technically apply. In an unexpected twist, my resume was sent out first, and the opportunity seemed to magically materialize right after. But it goes to show the benefits of just getting your name and resume out there, to as many people as possible. Somebody might just come upon your accomplishment list and present you with an opportunity.

The first step of this process was to complete an analytical exercise, due the following week. It required thinking analytically about online marketing rates and organizing data through excel. It took some time—I think it was my first time using a calculator in four years, embarrassingly—but the exercise soon became less daunting. I filled it out to the best of my ability and emailed it to the HR coordinator.

Soon after, I was asked to have a Skype interview, which would take place in January over winter break. I would meet with two employers for 15 minutes each. As so wisely instructed by Career Services, I researched the company online, parsed through its website, and did some behind-the-scenes employer research on Linkedin. This was my first Skype interview, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was worried about staticky connections, video malfunctions, and my forgetful family barging into my room. I imagined the staff judging me for my green-and-pink flowered wallpaper and stuffed-animal filled bed. Most of all, I was concerned that the employer might not get the same sense of me over a flat, impersonal computer screen.

My first Skype interview—like so many anticipated experiences—was more relaxed than I’d expected. The second employer couldn’t make it, so I talked to just one representative for 20 minutes. He asked me no trick questions, but instead went over my resume, asking me about my experience, interests, and education. I expanded on my relevant work experiences, praying they sounded impressive, and even spoke briefly about my favorite and least favorite classes. Considering it was my first “real” interview in a while, I had no idea how it went. I was delightfully surprised when I received a prompt email a few days later, inviting me to Skype with three more company reps a week later.

By the time next Friday rolled around, I felt more confident sitting in front of my computer. I had further explored the company and its high-tech website, expecting this round to be more challenging and analytical. And it many ways, it was. Each interviewer dived deeper into my background, pushing me to not only describe my experiences, but offer specific examples and scenarios. They wanted to know how I worked, both independently and in a team, and how I thought—creatively, strategically, and analytically. They asked me how I deal with stress, to share my most challenging experience, and to tell of a time I didn’t agree with a partner. I was also asked, surprisingly more than once, to talk about the work experience I found least rewarding. I had prepared a few answers for some thornier questions (eg. tell me about a time you solved a conflict), but many required me to think on my feet.

When I thought I was actually getting this whole Skype-thing, my video malfunctioned on my second interview. But I forced myself not to flip out. After repeatedly apologizing to the hiring coordinator (who could only hear my voice at that point, thank god), I ran out to the living-room and snatched my friend’s computer. And all was fine from there. In fact, the whole thing oddly eased me up, and the two of us had something to joke about (hopelessly unpredictable technology is apparently a good icebreaker).

That night, I was invited into the office for the final-round of the interview process. I would finally meet employers face-to-face, rather through my slowly malfunctioning computer, and I could finally show hirers my real, off-screen personality. I was incredibly excited to have come this far.

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The Ambassador's Top 5 Favorite Job Sites

To my fellow senior class, this is it. This is the last time we’ll be students before entering the career-world abyss, the one we keep hearing about, but never actually thought would come. But I swear, this isn’t meant to be a depressing,” let’s mourn the loss of our college-youth” post. Sure, we can’t help but think about everything in terms of “lasts”—our last first day of classes, our last winter bash, our last time(s) sprinting to the Joey. But there’s a whole lot of exciting perks about graduating and moving on, too, most of which we can’t even name yet.

For most of us, this semester will probably be focused on finding that coveted first job. The problem? There’s at least a zillion places to start. To prevent brain-overload, I find it helpful to hone in on a few particularly helpful career resources. Here’s a list of my top five favorite career sites:

1.Tufts Career Connect: Tufts Career Connect is valuable because it connects us to job listings, companies, and employers directly linked to the Tufts name. I’ve applied to my fair share of jobs through Tufts Career Connect—some I heard back from, some not—and each time, I felt comfortable in a way I couldn’t on a totally-random job site. I also suggest making a Job Agent, a handy feature that alerts you to new opportunities based on the qualifications you’ve selected. But it’s always wise to check out this website (updated daily) on your own, too.

2. Career Services introduces the Tufts Career Advisory Network, the revamped, new-and-improved version of its past Alumni resource. Along with mere lists of graduates, this resource offers detailed profiles of an alumni’s entire educational and career path. This new search engine is comprehensive and user-friendly, and it generates a much more satisfying feel of community. What’s more—students can shoot an email (professional and carefully worded, of course) to alumni directly through the site itself.

3. Glassdoor: For those of you that haven’t visited the ever-helpful Glassdoor, I recommend it. Search any company or employer, and you’ll be faced with an all-you-can-ask-for list of background information, statistics, salary trends, interview questions, and more. I’ve personally used Glassdoor to prepare for a few nerve-racking interviews. One of my friends darted the awkward “salary question” by skimming the site’s list of statistics. Whether you’re looking for a specific piece of information, or simply trying to familiarize yourself with a company and its trends, Glassdoor is probably the place for it.

4. Vault: I’d heard about this search engine before, but I had no idea how relevant it might be to the job-hunt until probably three days ago. When you think of the word vault, you probably think of some sort of big, endless, underground storage space; that’s what this is, really. Covering everything even remotely career-related, Vault is known for its seemingly limitless series of detailed profiles and guides—on companies, employers, job industries, everything. It combines up-to-the-minute facts with broader, well-researched information. You might visit Vault before an interview to familiarize yourself with a company and its industry-specific lingo. Or, you might want to get a panoramic feel for a less-familiar job sector. Or company. Or employer. Simply put, it has everything.

5. A final word of advice: As far as job search engines, I suggest sticking to industry-specific job sites, which I’ve found more helpful—and less daunting—than all-inclusive job aggregators. As an aspiring writer/editor/publisher, I trend toward ED 2010, which focuses on jobs in magazines, as well as bookjobs.com, geared towards book publishing. But for all those future engineers, financiers, lawyers, doctors, and save-the-world advocates out there, there are plenty more. Click here for our carefully-compiled list of industry-specific job-search sites. I promise you’ll find something there.

I hope you find this compact list of career resources helpful. With the overwhelming surplus of job sites out there, it’s often refreshing to relax, choose a few easy-to-navigate ones, and hone in on what’s really important.

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