Professionalism Networking/Connecting
Internships
TWU Internships & Experiential Learning Pioneer Center for Student Excellence Blagg-Huey Library, Suite 220 Kurt Krause
[email protected] (940) 898-4105
Definition “The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person” (Merriam-Webster)
What is Professionalism? • Conduct –Honest, compassionate, helpful
• Communication –Appropriate, Respectful
• Character –Considerate of others
What is Professionalism? • Appearance –Proper attire, well-groomed, confident
• Competency –Prepared, knowledgeable
• Commitment –Accountable, responsible, reliable
What is Professionalism? • It is more than a “state of mind”! –Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Find a mentor! –People want to help . . .
• Lifelong Learning –Online, books, seminars, groups
Networking What percentage of job opportunities are ever posted before being filled? Only 20-30% of all jobs are ever posted!
Networking How much time does the average job seeker spend searching online? 70-80% of time spent online using Monster, Career Builder, Indeed, etc.
Networking
“Path of Least Resistance”
Networking “ Showing up is 80 percent of life.” “(Sometimes it’s easier to hide at home in bed.)”
--Woody Allen (1977 August 21, New York Times)
Networking On-campus (Student Life): – Student Organizations – Greek Life – Intramural Sports – Student Government Association – Career Events Volunteer
Networking (cont.) Off-campus: – Professional Organizations – Internships – Informational Interviews – Job Shadowing – Volunteer
LinkedIn World’s largest Professional Network – 313 million members worldwide – 100 million members in the U.S. – 39 million students and recent college graduates (fastest growing demographic)
LinkedIn World’s largest Professional Network – Executives from ALL Fortune 500 companies are members – U.S. Corporate Talent Solutions are used by 94 of the Fortune 100 companies https://www.linkedin.com
Internship WORK + ACADEMICS = INTERNSHIP •Related to your field of study •Supervised by a professional •About learning as well as doing •One or more semesters in length
Why do an Internship? It’s What Employers Want! • #1 Most Important Factor Considered!
Some Stats • 67% of new grads with internship experience get full-time offers (NACE)
• 42% offer higher salaries (internships.com) • 85% of companies use internships to recruit for full-time workers (Monster.com)
Career Clarity “Now that I’ve interned, I know I want to be a ___________!” “I thought I wanted to be a ___________, but now I know I don’t!”
Paid vs. Unpaid Although some internships are unpaid, TWU strives to promote paid opportunities for its students.
Obtaining an Internship • Begin looking early and often • Map out skills needed for your field of study • Consider multiple internships prior to graduation
Obtaining an Internship • Internship Websites—consider jobs outside of DFW • Informational Interviews/Job Shadowing • Federal Government: – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Hispanic Association of Colleges and Employers (HACU)
300+ positions posted!
Coming Soon! Searchable online database Easier application processes Email/Text alerts for postings On-campus recruitment Internship Workshops
http://www.twu.edu/pioneercenter/internships.asp
Starting Your Career Path Career Services (HDB 200): • Career Counseling and Testing • Resume Help • Cover Letter Help • Professional References • Interview Preparation • Career/Internship Fairs/Expos
Reference Letters • • • • • •
Provide plenty of time Offer to provide a draft Research sample reference letters Don’t be modest Don’t exaggerate Scan and email
TWU Internships & Experiential Learning Pioneer Center for Student Excellence Blagg-Huey Library, Suite 220 Kurt Krause
[email protected] (940) 898-4105
