Congratulations new graduate: Sandro Giraldo!

It is with overwhelming excitement that I share the news about my baby brother's graduation!

Graduation date: May 18, 2011
School:  Mercy College, New York, NY
Degree: Bachelor of Science  Major: Business
Job prospects: Currently works as an Administrative Assistant for Consolidated Edison in New York.  Attended school while working full time.
Main job responsibility: Administrative services to the department of Electrical Engineering.
Tips to get an internship or job:  Read as much as possible about the company before going to the job interview.  Showing interest in what the company does can make you stand out from the competition.  Also this can help you understand better your future role within the company.
Anything else you would like to share:  I used to believe that getting a degree will help me get ahead in life.  Now that I have this degree, I realize that I have gained so much more.  I have learned from teachers and students alike, from their backgrounds, their aspirations, their fears.  I have happy memories which will stay with me and shape me until my last breath.  I have gained long lasting relationships; it’s a journey…..

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Congratulations new graduate: Jesica Orozco!

A big shout out to Jesica who will be starting her new job on Monday May 23 with Catholic Family & Child Services in Yakima, WA as the ILS (Independent Living Skills) Trainer.  Best of luck!

Graduation date:  May 8, 2011
School:  Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Degree:  Bachelor of Science, Major:  Psychology
Main job responsibility:  Helping foster teens transition smoothly out of the foster program into independent life.
Tips to get an internship or a job:  Prior to receiving an opportunity for employment or an internship make sure to follow these tips:
1.Networking is essential. Introduce yourself to people who are in positions that you are interested in. You never know who may be the one to aid in the process of securing a placement.
2. Community Service is a great way to gain experience without having employment.
3. Utilize your career center. They have many programs you may not be aware of.
In an interview:
1. Be prepared! Makes sure to review the job or internship duties and think of instances in which you have performed those duties.
2. Dress in proper attire. First impressions are key. Smile and have a firm hand shake when introducing yourself.
3. Emphasize your skills and encorporate any accomplishments that are relevant to the job duties.
4. Be yourself. Be confident, you have many amazing skills to offer.
5. DO NOT lie. If you you come across a question you do not understand, ask the interviewer to clarify or simply state you are not experienced in that area, but would love the opportunity to learn.
5. Thank the interviewer when leaving and ask for a time frame in which you will hear a response. Follow up with a thank you note and reaffirm your interest in the agency.
Anything you want to share:
Never allow anyone to discourage you from your dreams. Nothing is easy, but with hard work and dedication you can achieve greatness. Be strong, stick through the tough times, but know when to ask for help. There are many people in the world who would love to help you succeed.  Always remember:  "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm Possible!" -Audrey Hepburn

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Letters of recommendation 201

In my previous post I explained how to go about choosing someone to write you a letter of recommendation.  But what about if the person you want to ask is not in your immediate network?  Don't panic.  Let this be a lesson about networking, which is an art you must develop in order to be a successful professional. Back to the topic. How do you convince someone who does not know you well to say to others that you will be a great employee?

If your target is one of your professors, then you have won have the battle. You are on his radar because of taking his class or working on a project but perhaps he doesn't know you well enough.  At this point, ask yourself why do you want this person to write you a recommendation. Is it because you are certain you will get an A in his course? Is it because he is influential in the industry of your interest? It will be crucial to have this clear when you approach him.

Then, find out from his assistants (yes, plural) about his schedule and workload.  This information will tell you how busy he is and when there might be a window for you to ask him.  If you need a letter of recommendation from any of your professors within the next couple of weeks, timing is not on your side.  Between finals and grading, this is the worst time to ask any professor to help you out.  So, be ready to expect a flat, "sorry, I can't."

However, your chances could greatly improve if you come prepared with a script and offer some options.  For example, you could start the conversation by saying:

"Hi professor X, I am Y from your Z class.  I was wondering since (here goes the reason why you want his recommendation) 'I enjoyed your class so much and did really well' or 'my main interest after college is physics and your last article in ABC blew my away,' if you could consider writing a letter of recommendation for me." 

You can add that you are applying for a position in a particular function and company. You must do your homework and make sure that there is a direct relation between the job you are applying and the person who is recommending.  For instance, if you are asking your accounting professor to vouch for you, the job you are interested in better be in accounting and not marketing!  This connection needs to be obvious to the professor, so he will be more inclined to make time for you.

If he says no out flat, ask him if timing is the issue.  If he says yes and that he is too busy right now, do not back away.  Ask when it would be a better time and offer some dates.  And make sure to make an appointment to see him when he says he will be available.

Lastly, always have a back up plan particularly if you are in the last stages of interviewing.  If your professors are all busy right now, touch base with counselors or previous supervisors.  Or find someone who is close to the professor who said no and ask them to help expedite your request.  When there is a will, there is a way, right?

Best of luck!

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