Ready for Launch: Notes from the Young Alumni Panel

Earlier this month, I went to the last installment of the Senior Launch Lunch Series, and it may have been my favorite of them all. The event featured a panel of recent Tufts graduates offering advice to the current senior class as they (we) prepare for the big post-graduation leap. While the panelists had so many incredible pieces of advice to offer us, I took away some key themes common to all of their post-Tufts experiences, and I think that these themes are important for any Tufts senior to hear.

My thoughts on graduation.

Don't stress. Of the four panelists in attendance, only one of them had a job the March before their graduation date. They all reassured us not to panic at this point - there is still plenty of time to find a job, get into grad school, or make a plan. All of the panelists expressed that regret over worrying away weeks of their senior year, only to have it all come together in the end (for one of the panelists, on the day of graduation). The effect of this message was like a collective sigh of relief from the entire room - let's try to keep that sigh going throughout the next few weeks.

Life after Tufts - there's a learning curve. One of my favorite questions that the panelists answered had to do with the transition from college student to full-time worker. To my surprise, everyone seemed to agree that working 40 hours a week is far less stressful than the college lifestyle. It's easier to leave work at work, to come home and relax without the constant specter of papers, exams, and assignments with fast-approaching deadlines. However, the panelists also agreed that too much free time can be a bad thing. They recommended finding some hobbies to ground your daily life in - whether it's running, regular meetings with old friends, or volunteering at a charity on the weekends. Being the overachieving Tufts students we are, it can feel uncomfortable to slow down sometimes - but there's more to do out there if you go looking.

Don't be a Patrick. Find some hobbies.

Your first job is temporary. Two of the four panelists had graduated last May, and already were into their second or third job. They both took jobs out of college that they thought would be exciting, or would lead to new skill development and networking connections, and realized that it wasn't what they wanted to do. But this wasn't a mistake in their eyes - they did learn a lot from the experience, and overall they felt that they needed to take that first step to know for sure that they wanted to do something different. We may feel like the next step is the endpoint, but really, it's just the beginning.

Maintain your connections to Tufts. One of my biggest fears about leaving Tufts is the imminent isolation - once college ends, we'll no longer be surrounded by people in our age group at all times, with friends whose schedules are as flexible as ours to enable frequent hang-outs. But, as the panelists so eloquently put it, you'll maintain the connections that you're committed to keeping. One panelist still contacts her professors regularly, and has frequently relied on them for recommendation letters and career advice. Another lives with a former Jumbo, who has since become a close friend."You may not miss everything about Tufts," one panelist explained, "but you will definitely miss the people you met and the friendships you made while you were here." So to all my friends and professors who think they'll finally be rid of me after May 2017 - you're dead wrong.

Sorry for all the Spongebob references - all this talk of the future has me nostalgic.

With less than 100 days to go, the launch into the "real world' is closer than ever. If anyone can prove that it's possible, however, it's those who have gone before us. If you know of any recent grads, reach out to them to learn any sage advice, or to reconnect with old friends. And, be sure to stop in the Career Center if you're still unsure of what the future holds!

Until next time,
Sean Boyden
Class of 2017

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The Real Deal: Why I Attended the Career Fair as a Senior, and Why You (Really) Should Too

For those of you who have faithfully followed my meteoric rise to blog fame from my humble beginnings as a sophomore, you may recall one of the first posts I ever wrote: it dealt with my first Career Fair, which I attended in the fall of my freshman year. Reading through that post, I can sense the anxiety and general confusion that pretty much characterized my first few years at Tufts when it came to career planning and general thoughts about the future. A lot has changed since then, and while my future is still not entirely defined, I like to think that I've gained a little bit more expertise when it comes to Career Fairs - especially when it comes to unfolding those plastic tablecloths (working for the Career Center will give you all kinds of weird skills).

This week, having just attended the 2017 Spring Career Fair last Friday, I thought I'd pay homage to that post I wrote back in 2014, not only in the title of this post but in a similar Q&A format as well. While my old post featured more "nuts and bolts" questions for a Career Fair rookie, I think I'll dedicate this one to future seniors who attend the Career Fair, with the hopes of gaining some networking connections or even a full-time job. Here's a true-to-life account of my last Tufts Career Fair.

Older me (right) looking at younger me (left). (All this reminiscing has got me nostalgic, which is probably why I've been watching so much season 1 Glee lately.)

Who should I talk to?

Short answer: as many people as you can. Longer, more realistic answer: do your research beforehand to figure this out. Look on Jumbo Jobs or download the "Tufts Career Fair Plus" smartphone app to get a list of companies in attendance - you can even search by position type, field of industry, or desired majors. Narrow down a list of companies you're interested in, and try to hit as many of their tables as you can. A frequent comment I get when talking to students in the Career Center is that "there's no one at the Career Fair who I'd be interested in working for." Don't be took quick to assume this, however. Last week at the Fair, I started a conversation with a representative from Harvard Medical School, and when I told her I was interested in clinical research positions, her first response was "Oh, I don't know if we have any of those." At first I was disappointed, but immediately after that she offered to take a copy of resume and pass it on to other recruiters in clinical research departments. You never know how a conversation will go until you actually have it.

What should I say?

At every Career Fair before this most recent one, I had a pretty similar elevator pitch. It went something like, "Hi, I'm Sean, I'm a freshman/sophomore/junior majoring Biopsychology and Community Health, I'm interested in exploring research in a public health or biomedical setting, are there any internships available that I should look into?" Now that my internship search days are behind me, I've had to modify this script a little bit. Years of working Career Fairs, and speaking unofficially with lots of employers, has taught me a lot about the ideal Career Fair student. In general, I've come to find that recruiters are looking for articulate, personable people with a pretty clear idea of what they want to do both short-term and long-term. This can be a daunting thought for some seniors (myself included), but there are ways to express your goals while also conveying your uncertainty. Last week, I found myself saying something like this: "Hi, I'm Sean, I'm a senior majoring in Biopsychology and Community Health. I'm interested in going to graduate school someday, but I really want to gain experience in clinical research before pursuing a higher degree. Do you know of any openings that could be of interest to me?" I like to think this is a little more polished, but remains true to my interests and plans for the future.

Channel your inner Rachel when it comes to Career Fair preparation.

But really, will I actually get a job out of this?

In true SWUG fashion, I find myself embracing cynicism more and more every day. So I totally get this question. But, then I remind myself that I'd never actually applied to one of those internship postings I got in an email blast before I got my internship at Brigham and Women's. Working in the Career Center, I hear from both students and employers about lots of internships and jobs that came from a visit to the Career Fair! So, I need to remember not to discount the Career Fair before I've really given it a chance. The only way you'll get a job out of the Career Fair is if you go and give it your all. (*leads team in morale-boosting locker room chant*)

So, it's with a single tear rolling down my cheek and a craving for coffee and sandwiches from Dave's Fresh Pasta that I bid farewell to the Tufts Career Fairs. Realistically, I will probably be back, because the Career Center is never ever ever getting rid of me (pardon the musical reference, but I saw Waitress on Broadway last weekend and couldn't not incorporate it into a post). To the future seniors reading this, I hope you attend the Career Fair this fall and/or next spring, and make the most out of one of the Career Center's biggest and best resources for Tufts students every semester. And if nothing else, you'll get tons of free water bottles and key chains.

Seriously, go see Waitress. It'll change you.

Until next time,
Sean Boyden
Class of 2017

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Tips for One Last Winter Break

As the fall semester comes to an end, I'm reminded once again of just how much of a senior I am. I'm not just talking about my lack of motivation or crippling need for sleep (for once). I'm also referring to the latest in a string of "lasts" that began recently and will continue until graduation: last fall gala, last college football game, and now last winter break. The idea of one final month-long break before I say goodbye to the sweetness that is the college calendar is enough to send me off a cliff of emotion. But, I'm instead going to remain calm and try to make the most of break, with a specific focus on preparation for life after Tufts, a reality that is approaching far too quickly for my liking. Outlined below is my plan for winter break, senior year edition:

First and foremost, get all of the sleep. ALL OF IT. This semester has been ridiculously busy for me - between two jobs, an internship, a full course load, and trying to juggle homework, clubs, friends and relationships, and my own personal happiness, I've been just a liiiiiittle bit completely overwhelmed. At some point, I just put my head down and barreled through the weeks, like a Greek soldier who fearlessly charges into the enemy's phalanx. Now that I've emerged from the fray, bruised and in extreme pain but somehow still alive, I am going to celebrate my survival by slipping into the state that most closely resembles death: sleep. (I should probably be concerned by how great that sounds right about now, but instead I think I'll just make another cup of coffee.)

Liz Lemon continues to inspire me.

Apps on apps on apps. After I wake from my week-long slumber, my top priority will be to fill out some job applications. I've tried to deny it until now, but there's no running from the fact that I'll be graduating in just about 5 months, and I should probably find something to do after they kick me off of this campus. What exactly will I do? Well, I could tell you, but I think instead I'll give the answer that I gave all of my relatives over Thanksgiving: "it's a surprise!" (Stay tuned for an actual answer to what I'm planning to do after graduation!) Jumbo Jobs is a great place to start.

Get all dressed up and talk about myself. The annual CIC Career Fairs - held in Boston, NYC, and DC - are coming up! These great events have a Career Fair in the morning and pre-scheduled interviews in the afternoon. The DC and NYC events will also lead into a Tufts Alumni networking event, featuring Jumbos who relocated to each city. I'll be at the Boston and NYC Fairs, and I'll hopefully see a few fellow Jumbos at these events. Interview pre-select deadline has passed, but you can still register for the morning career fairs where you may even land an afternoon interview! Be sure to check out these events if you're an underclassman interested in working in Boston, NYC, or DC!

Finals week spirit animal.

Need even more ways to fill up your winter break? Check out the Career Center's winter guides for all class years (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) for inspiration. The Career Center will also be open over break! Drop-ins are on hold, but you can make an in-person, phone, or Skype appointment 9-5 on weekdays.

Now is the time to not only take a break from school, but to focus on your long-term plans while you're not bogged down with homework. Get lots of rest, and I'll see you next year for one final semester of blogging! (*sheds first of many tears*)

Until next time,
Sean Boyden
Class of 2017

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SMFA & Tufts: Art Resources for Creative Careers - PART 3 - Arts Education

SMFA Joining Tufts: Combine Art and Education

Thank you to those who have been following the past two blogs for The SMFA Joining Tufts.

This is the last blog of the three-series blog posts. As a recap, our first blog was on Job and Internship Resources for the Creative Industries, and our second post in the series was on Residences. This last blog is on Jobs and Internships for Arts in Education and in Museums. Besides these wonderful resources, the Tufts Career Center can be another useful tool in your career development. Just call to schedule an appointment with an advisor to work on your resume, cover letter, interviewing preparation or networking skills! Learn more about upcoming career fairs. Drop-in hours will become available again when the fall semester starts.

For those who are looking into education with your arts major, use the job search tool in the resources below. Read about the research performed on the impact of arts on education.


Arts in Education Resources
Arts Education Partnership
Arts-in-Education Research
K-12 jobs
SchoolSpring

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Museum curators obtain artifacts and organize exhibitions. They also plan events, tours and workshops. If you’re interested, check out this resource: The Association of Art Museum Curators. In addition, you can find more art education, arts administration, and museum career resources such as Careers A -Z, Spotlight on Careers, and What Can I Do With This Major, on our website, under "Resources Especially for Jumbos".

The Tufts Career Center is here to provide you with the support to succeed! We will help you identify your career goals and gain the skills, resources, contacts, and tools necessary to achieve them. Whether you are deciding on a major or career, looking for an internship or job, or considering graduate school, we can help. Stop by the Career Center on the Somerville/Medford Campus in Dowling Hall, or visit our website!

Authors: 
Anna Wang, Tufts '17

Kristin Casasanto, Assistant Director, Tufts Career Center

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SMFA & Tufts: Art Resources for Creative Careers - PART 2 - Artists' Residencies

Hello again!

For starters, if anyone is new to this series of Creative Career Resources, I just wanted to let you know that our previous blog was on the Creative Job Search. This time, this blog features resources for Residencies.

Artists' residencies provide time and space for creative work. They foster diverse, creative communities through different styles of support. Residencies can be rural or urban, international or national, and can range from serving one person to fifty!

Here are just some of the resources available on residencies. Make an appointment with an advisor to learn more and prepare your application materials. 

International Residencies

AIR-J (Artist-in-Residence Programs in Japan)

Air Sandnes Norway

English Harbour Association Newfoundland Residencies

Frans Masereel Centre- Printmaking Residency-Belgium

Hill End Artist in Residence Program- Australia

International Residence at Recollets- France

Proyecto Ace- Argentina

The Banff Centre

The British School at Rome

Trans Artists

Mapping Residencies

Rate My Artist Residency

Res Artis

Residency Unlimited

National Residencies

Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts

Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts

Mildred's Lane

Santa Fe Art Institute Residency Program

Skowheagan

Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program

Zelený Les Artist Residency

Alliance of Artist Communities

Rate My Artist Residency

Residency Unlimited

Stay tuned for the final blog post in our Creative Career Resource Series: Arts Education Careers!

Authors: 
Anna Wang, Tufts '17
Kristin Casasanto, Assistant Director, Tufts Career Center

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SMFA & Tufts: Art Resources for Creative Careers - PART 1 - Job Search Resources

As you may have heard, it’s official: the School of the Museum of Fine Arts is now part of Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences. The Tufts Career Center is thrilled to welcome the SMFA faculty and staff and students to Tufts.

The Career Center at Tufts will continue to ensure that all Tufts students at the Somerville/Medford campus as well as the School of the Museum of Fines Arts at Tufts in Boston have the necessary career services support to navigate their evolving path from an art student to a creative professional. Students from the Museum School and in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering can visit the Tufts Career Center for career development, graduate school advising, and more.

Come by during daily drop-in hours this fall, or schedule an appointment to speak to an advisor- we’re open all summer! We can help you with your cover letters, resumes, networking, internship search, job search, and more. The Tufts Career Center offers career resources specific to SMFA students, including information on art careers, residencies, and the creative job search. Come in and see how we can help you identify your career goals and gain the skills, resources, contacts, and tools necessary to achieve them. Whether you are deciding on a major, exploring careers, looking for an internship or job, or considering graduate school, we can help.

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This is part 1 of a 3-part series featuring creative career resources for students. In this series, we will review the following art career topics:

1.   Job Search Resources in Creative Industries
2.   Residencies
3.   Careers in Education and in Museum

For now, start out by learning about job search resources in creative industries.

SMFA and Tufts: Creative Career Resources

The Career Center provides resources for job and internships in many creative fields including advertising, graphic design, fine art, museums, art administration, and more. SpotlightOnCareers can help you explore more career options, offering a deep dive into many career paths and industries. In addition, you can meet with a career advisor at the Tufts Career Center to learn about more specialized resources. Advice on resumes, cover letters, and career exploration is also available through appointments as well as on our website. And daily drop-in hours start again in the fall semester!

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If you’ve just graduated and need some inspirational stories from other artists, check out our Creative Futures Blog and our SMFA Internships Blog. Read about how other artists got their internships and rose to their current positions. Not only do they feature current and past projects, but also provide useful advice for career development. Be sure to check out the current events, job fairs and spotlight internships!

If you’re looking for a job, the creative industries offer a wide range of options for students from any major. You can find creative jobs in the music, arts, design, architecture, theater, and fashion industries. Whether you’re looking for an internship, full-time job, part-time job or freelance opportunities, these resources can help you get started! You will also find resume and cover letter tips, galleries, and exciting events!

Here are additional Creative Career Resources:American Association of Museums
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Americans for the Arts Job Bank
Animation Blog (SMFA)
Art Deadline
Art Libraries of North America
Artinfo
Behance Network: The Creative Professional Platform
Chicago Artist's Resource
College Art Association
Creative Hotlist
Creative Pool (UK)
CreativeHeads
Elance
Fashion Net
Film and TV Jobs
Freelanced
Glassdoor
HireCulture
HireMinds
Massachsetts Film Office
Massachusetts Production Coalition
MA Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX)-Career Exchange
Museum Employment Resource Center
National Art Education Association
New England Film
NYFA Source (New York Foundation for the Arts)
Student Conservation Association
The Institute of Conservation
Tip Top Jobs
Worldwide Internships


Reminder: Stay tuned this week for the next blog in our Creative Career Resource Series: Art Residencies!

Authors: 
Anna Wang, Tufts '17
Kristin Casasanto, Assistant Director, Tufts Career Center

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9 Jobs in STEM Available Right Now on Jumbo Jobs

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With all the wonderful science, technology, and engineering majors offered at Tufts, our student body consists of a plethora of qualified analytical thinkers ready to enter the work force. However, it’s not always easy to find the right fit when looking for a job. That’s where Jumbo Jobs comes in.

The Tufts University Career Center has a massive amount of employers looking to hire Tufts graduates as well as current students, and you can find all their postings on Jumbo Jobs. Here are a few highlights to get you started.

1. Domeyard LP – C++ Gateway Developer

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Location: Boston, MA

Domeyard LP is a hedge fund focused on high-frequency trading, leveraging advances in high-performance computing and data analysis to implement trading algorithms across a diverse range of assets, including equities, futures, fixed income, energy and commodities. They are currently hiring a C++ Gateway Developer to work with them on the cutting edge of low latency trading technologies. See more here: Jumbo Jobs

2. Yelp – Associate Product Manager

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Location: San Francisco, CA

Since 2004, Yelp has been connecting people with great local businesses, and they’re looking to grow their team with folks who are passionate about that mission. They’ve got offices across the country, as well as a few in Europe, and have been rated a top employer by the San Francisco Business Journal. Yelp is looking for an Associate Product Manager to think creatively about how to make Yelp a more useful and fun place to be. This job combines techie credentials with design chops, and Yelp is looking for someone with the whole package. See more: Jumbo Jobs

3. BlazeTech – R&D Engineer

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Location: Woburn, MA

Blazetech is a leader in providing R&D, product development and computational services in environmental safety and energy for civilian and military applications.  Over the years, BlazeTech has developed innovative and cost-effective solutions for many problems of national importance. Now BlazeTech is looking to hire a Tufts students as an R&D Engineer in Mechanical or Aerospace Systems; they would work with prototype development of technologies developed in-house by BlazeTech. See more here: Jumbo Jobs

4. Sam’s Club – Decision Sciences Manager

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Location: Bentonville, AR

Since 1962, Sam’s Club has been dedicated to helping people in their communities save money so they can live better. As Sam Walton once said, “Our people make the difference.” Sam’s Club has been consistently redefining the industry, and they rely on their employees to do so. Sam’s Club is looking for a Decision Sciences Manager who will analyze and interpret data, consult on business strategies, participate in cross-functional collaboration, and provide and support the implementation of business solutions. See more: Jumbo Jobs

5. CareDash – Quantitative Data Analyst

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Location: Cambridge, MA

CareDash is a rapidly growing, cash-flow positive, venture-backed startup focused in the health and family services spaces. They apply cutting edge data analysis to the health and fitness marketing space and publish their own websites. Now CareDash is looking for a Quantitative Data Analyst to apply sophisticated analytical techniques – the days of manipulating boring Excel spreadsheets are over if you join the CareDash team. See more here: Jumbo Jobs

6. iZotope, Inc. – Software Engineer

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Location: Cambridge, MA

iZotope is a research-driven audio technology company whose products and audio technology are used by millions of people in over 50 countries. iZotope focuses on developing innovative audio technology for professional and consumer applications. They are looking to hire a Tufts student as a Software Engineer, in charge of developing, monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing their top quality automated build and release system. See more: Jumbo Jobs

7. Starwood Capital Group – Summer Internship Program

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Location: Greenwich, CT

Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with 11 offices around the world. Its primary focus is on global real estate and energy. Since its inception in 1991, the firm has raised more than $31 billion of equity capital and currently has $42 billion in assets under management. Now they are looking for a Tufts student with superior analytical, quantitative, and technical skills for their 2017 Summer Acquisitions and Asset Management Internship Program. See more here: Jumbo Jobs

8. Museum of Science – Interpretation Presenter

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Location: Boston, MA

Or maybe you just want to play with spiders and frogs and get paid for it? The Museum of Science in Boston is looking for someone to provide hands-on, inquiry and design-based learning experiences for museum visitors in the exhibit halls and the Spiders and Frogs temporary exhibits. See more: Jumbo Jobs

9. A123 Systems - MotorSports Development Engineer (New Grad)

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Location: Waltham, MA

A123 Systems, LLC develops and manufactures advanced Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate batteries and energy storage systems. From motorsports to mainstream, A123 provides high power and high energy cells that perform at world class levels. The Porsche 919 Hybrid above, which recently won the 83rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is powered by A123’s custom engineered batteries. A123 is hiring for several entry-level positions, including this one for a MotorSports Development Engineer (New Grad), who will focus on process improvements on several cells for the Motorsports division.  See job listing in Jumbo Jobs

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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.

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"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.

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"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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Age of Social Media: Connecting with Recruiters

Remember the beginning days of social media - when it was claimed to be the future? The rise of Mark Zuckerberg's "The Facebook", friends in high school urging me to get on Twitter, and explaining to my parents why I really needed Facebook. It wasn't too long ago that we were teaching different generations about up and coming social media platforms, and how to connect and engage with people across the Internet. Now, mostly everyone has caught up. Companies and recruiters (and parents) are on social media.

In my Fall Cleaning post last year I covered some tips to ensure your social media presence is blemish free. In this post I want to highlight some ways you can use social media to your advantage in the job and internship search. What's particularly interesting about today's social media is the creative ways that you can not only express yourself, but reach out and connect with other people. Connect with companies and recruiters on a professional account, not a personal account. You don't want to seem creepy (Check out this video by Relationship Science). 

"Remember: don't connect with recruiters unless you've actually had a substantive conversation (in person or via email) with them!"

LinkedIn
This is the main social media professional platform for recruiters to learn about you and for you to learn about them. What I love about LinkedIn, unlike other platforms, is that you can tell who is looking at your page. Many recruiters have Premium accounts which allow them to browse accounts anonymously, leaving you wondering who is looking at your account. Having a LinkedIn presence is one of the more important things you can do to move beyond your conventional resume.  Here are some tips to leverage LinkedIn to connect with companies and recruiters:

• Look at recruiters' profiles
• Research their background, maybe you have a connection with them through their education or work
• They can see you're looking at them, and it's not creepy! It actually shows that you prepared before meeting them
• Follow the company
• Following the company you want to work for is a no-brainer.  It also puts you in the know for what's going on with that company
• Looking at a company's page will help you identify connections through your LinkedIn network. This could help in getting an informational interview with someone who works or worked at the company, and this "someone" could offer you next steps in your job/internship search
• Find the job/internship listing you're applying for
• Locating a job listing on LinkedIn could help you identify the recruiter's contact information, allowing you to address your cover letter to this person and follow up directly.  Too often, there is no name or contact information on job listings that you find on search engines or even on company websites
• Connect with the recruiter
• Only connect with the recruiter after you've had a substantive conversation through email or in person.  Recruiters often have several connections because of the nature of their job, but don't think that just because a recruiter agrees to connect that it's an indication you've got the job. It's only the first step to proving to them that you are a worthy candidate for their company

To keep this list balanced, here are some tips for How NOT to Contact Recruiters on LinkedIn in a great post by the Undercover Recruiter.

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Twitter
Twitter is great. To me it's a real indication of where the world is going, as it continues to provide real time updates to billions of people across the world, connecting them through 140 characters (and maybe more). Many people have Twitter handles - some are personal and some professional, so you have to decide where your Twitter account falls. If you decide that your Twitter account is personal, I highly recommend having a private account. If you want to use it to attract recruiters, have a public account so it's easy for them to follow and see your tweets. The Muse's post on 5 Proven Ways to Attract Recruiters is a great source for those looking to leverage tweeting in the job search. Here are some interesting ways to connect:

• Twitter Bio (Personal Branding)
• Make sure your personal brand is clearly communicated in your Twitter Bio. But be sure to mix in some personality
• Professional headshot and backdrop
• Use an "avi" or avatar photo that clearly shows that it's you. This is important so the recruiter can actually tell that it's you
• Follow companies and influencers
• Twitter is a great place to be in the know, especially in fields that pertain to your interests. Follow influencers, businesses, and news handles that cover your field of interest. This can reinforce to recruiters how much you want to work in that industry
• Keep it clean!
• This goes without saying, no one wants a cursing maniac in their office. Twitter is a great place for recruiters to find your voice, and also a further indicator of character when you're not in front of the recruiter directly. So remember to be professional in every tweet.
• Also make sure you're using proper grammar, for the most part! Abbreviations are welcomed on Twitter, if they are clear.
• Watch out for retweets
• Retweets are great, especially for sharing articles about topics that you think are important. However, you can get into trouble if you retweet someone who isn't professional or who tweets information that isn't factual
• If you want to be super safe, leave space in your bio that says Retweet ≠ Endorsements so you're clear to the world. Check out Mashable's perspective on retweeting!
• Mention people you've met!
• After I meet someone at an info session or talk, I mention them on Twitter. It's a great way to follow up if it was a large session or you want to reveal the events you've attended without just frankly stating it
• It may also encourage that person to follow you or retweet you, which would give you even more page views

Each social media platform is it's own animal, but what remains constant is what I call the classy rule. If you're unsure whether something is inappropriate or unprofessional, ask yourself if you'd mind your grandmother reading it. It is a surefire way to determine the class of your post.  Keep tweeting and connecting online!  Hope everyone is enjoying fall!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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A Letter to the Class of 2015

Dear Class of 2015,

We made it. After a few trips on the Struggle Bus, we've finally arrived at the end of our senior year at Tufts University. If you're like me, you probably thought everyone was exaggerating when they said it would go by so quickly. Looks like they were right to warn us. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a bit taken aback that this experience is almost over. Submitting my last exam was quite surreal... Now that Commencement is so close the sentimental feelings have quickly escalated.

Even as a writer, it's hard to find the words to describe what I'm feeling right now. Sadness? Fear? Excitement? Relief? Pride? A bit of each, probably. I can say that these past four years have been an important era in my life. They probably have been for you as well. Looking back, I'm sure you can't even count the ways you've changed and grown as a person. I hope that you can be proud in knowing that you have transformed into a better version of yourself, who is stronger and wiser than you have ever been. You deserve to feel accomplished.

"But I don't have a job yet, Kelly!!!", a purely hypothetical example of a panicked senior might exclaim in response.

They look exactly like this.
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First of all, hypothetical panicked senior, I want you to relax. Take a long, deep breath, okay? Everything will be alright. Not having a job by graduation is not the end of the world. In today's job market, finding a job at the drop of a hat isn't the easiest thing. Sometimes it's a matter of applying to the right job at the right time, and luck might play at least a small part. Your friends who do have jobs already are not somehow better than you, trust me. Don't feel like you're failing at some contest to see who can become employed first. You've already succeeded in so many other aspects at life! The diploma you're about to receive is proof.

Finding a job can be very stressful, but I encourage you to stay hopeful and continue your job search. Keep in mind that you never have to do it alone! The Career Center is here to help even after you graduate.

If this is you in a couple of months, the Career Center will not judge.
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Since this blog's foundation has been to share experiences and pass on advice, I will leave you with some bits of wisdom that I've managed to acquire over the past four years. Hopefully you can relate somehow. We'll start off with the biggest lesson I've learned in college. Time to get a little personal (not like I haven't already gone into TMI territory with this blog, let's be honest).

Before my junior year, I was doing a really bad job at treating myself with the same kindness I afford other people. I was --  and truthfully, still am -- my own biggest critic. I just didn't feel as successful as all the people around me. I fell into this deadly trap of constantly comparing myself, only to fall short of the ever-elusive perfection I sought. It took me a very long time to realize that perfection is not a destination that any person has ever arrived to. I learned, through a lot of struggle and reflection, that what I needed to focus on was steady improvement -- and not perfection.

I know from talking to peers that this challenge is one that many college/Tufts students face. Maybe you still feel this way from time to time, even as graduation looms. I definitely don't have a quick solution, as it's still a work in progress for me, but I believe that taking small steps can lead to big changes. I've become who I am now thanks to the little experiences I've had each day.

I'm choosing to look back at college as one really long transformation sequence.
Source (s/o to Sailor Moon fans)

Nowadays, I've dedicated myself to being my own biggest cheerleader. It's something that you can do, too! After all, you are the one who will always be there for yourself. Especially in this time of great change, it's important to value who you are. You've come such a long way since you arrived on campus. You are not who you were freshman year, and that's more than okay.

I also advise you all to take some time to reflect on these past four years. I know it's probably felt like an overwhelming whirlwind, but allow yourself to step back and re-examine. Beyond the loads of knowledge from the classroom, I'm sure that you've acquired skills that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Nurture those skills, and know that learning new things is not something that will end once you're handed a diploma.

Something that also won't end after graduation? Friendships. Sure, you might be moving away from a lot of the friends you've made here, but it's not like they'll disappear off the face of the Earth. We live in an age where you can talk to anyone at the tap of a button. Take advantage of that fact. We're digital natives after all, we shouldn't take our savvyness for granted. Keep those friendships alive, as I'm sure they've been meaningful. Skype dates galore!

Finally, I want to sincerely thank you all for reading my posts and joining me on the adventure that has been senior year at Tufts. I've learned a lot in terms of career development, but I've also improved in so many other ways.  Each day I try to become a little better than I was the day before, and I encourage you all to try and do the same. <3

Now, go and celebrate! We all deserve it.

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Signing off (and into post-grad life),

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

P.S. If you find yourself now invested in my life story (who knows), you can keep up with me on Twitter @Kelly_F_Vieira. Hopefully I'll remember to use it.

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