Internships & Jobs
Sometimes I like to think about Eeyore. Seriously, he's an amusing little guy, is he not? And I think Eeyore's important to remember in this economy. Why, you might ask? Well let me play out a little scenario below.
Eeyore: good morning. If it is, which I doubt. Of course I'll never be able to find a job in this economy, so I should probably just stay inside and eat cookies and watch Tool Academy on Vh1. And maybe I'll stay at UW a couple extra quarters so I can delay the inevitable rejection that awaits me in the great big world beyond UW.
Savvy UW job seeker's reponse: Eeyore, lose the 'tude! Didn't you know that pursuing an internship is a great way to improve your employment chances, according to research done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers? That experience outside the classroom can lead to more success after graduation? Get on HuskyJobs, you cranky creature you, find that internship, and take a step towards securing meaningful employment.
Questions on the internship process, or how to land one? Visit us online at http://careers.washington.edu/Students/Find-Jobs-and-Internships , and don't let Eeyore get you down.
You are not alone. You can find work. You can find meaningful work. Job searching takes time, strategy, optimism, organization and luck. Part time / contract / seasonal / internship / co-op positions often lead to full time, career roles. Find your foot-in-the-door, do great work, develop a rock-solid reputation and be kind to others.
The Seattle Times just posted about the job market, Fortune magazine shares some useful info, One Day One Job has a super duper article for new grads, Reuters highlights using the web to mix it up, and the [free] daily updates of the Puget Sound Business Journal are key for keeping up with the Northwest economy & job market.
Some jobs are advertised. Most jobs are hidden, not visible to the public. Tapping into the hidden job market takes strategy. Network, ask for advice, meet as many people as you can, share stories & promote your strengths. Luck may play a part in your search … be open to that intangible & keep your eyes & ears open for situations and opportunities which may boost your luck. UW students & alumni can use HuskyJobs for free, year round. If you want to work on campus, go directly to the units & departments that interest you and stay in touch with their key decision makers. Other ideas are to embrace professional & alumni associations [advice & contacts!], vary up your search strategies, be patient [yet persistent!] and … surround yourself with positive supporters who can help you through this transition / potentially tough time. Believe in yourself. Go for it! Check these other posts I’ve made if needing a boost. If looking for a laugh, check out Chris Rock on Youtube and his thoughts on jobs vs careers.
Not sure what networking is all 'bout? Check this short clip out:
Excellent tips, words of encouragement and strategies from some experts:
Want to make a difference? Inspired by one's ability to affect change globally, by acting locally?
Not sure what microfinance is all about? Check out this clip:
The Career Center is thrilled to partner with some dedicated UW colleagues and Seattle organizations, to host a brand new event, which we hope you consider attending. I personally want to give a big shout-out / thank you to Emma in the Career Center and Wren in the Global Business Center, for a lot of hard work putting this event on.
Consider coming to this event!
Poverty and Opportunity: Microfinance + People-Powered Development
The Global Business Center, SeaMo, and the UW Social Entrepreneurship Club will bring world-changing organizations to UW for an exclusive look at how social businesses fosters sustainable development.
Internship Open House; October 15th, 2009; 2:30 to 5:30pm, Mary Gates Hall Commons
The first-ever Microfinance Internship Open House at UW! All current students are invited to learn about internships with leading social businesses and non-profits that improve the lives of people around the world.
Bring copies of your resumes and your passion to make a difference!
Featured organizations include:
Agros International; Esperanza;Gates Foundation;Global Partnerships;Jolkona;Kiva;Lumana;Lumana Credit;MicroEnergy Credits;Oikocredit USA;Re-Vision Labs;Save Together;SeaMo;Unitus;Vittana;Washington CASH
Co-sponsored by the UW Career Center
Also be sure to check out the awesome keynote speaker in Kane Hall!
How many times have you heard the saying "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know"? It’s true! You might think that building a list of acquaintances is trivial or snobbish—I mean, who makes fake friends, right? Don’t think that way! It’s becoming more and more important to know the right people if you want to land a job.
Remember 2nd grade? All your friends had the same friends as you did. You ignored or teased people you didn’t like. Ring any bells? Well if you haven’t entirely given that up yet, forget all that now. It’s time to get to know everyone and get everyone to know you. Put your face out there in the wide world of professionals. Network. Smile. Talk about yourself and what your goals are. Ask for help in finding information on job leads. You can get started doing this at school events, career events, with your neighbors, and even with the friends you already have. The sooner you get started doing this, the sooner you’ll see that your friends and acquaintances will connect you to exciting opportunities.
Most people don't immediately think of lawyers when discussing friendship, and this youtube clip is no exception. Watch this hysterical clip of Boston Legal, my all-time favorite show. Alen Shore and Melvin Palmer have a fabulously adversarial dynamic. Completely opposite to the spirit of making friends...
This summer I created and launched a new blog [ UW Making The Difference: Federal Careers Blog ], all 'bout jobs & internships & careers with the U.S. Federal Government.
UW staff, students, alumni and federal employees and recruiters will post to this shared blog, with the hopes of generating buzz / interest around students and alumni pursuing federal opportunities.
Below is a video you might enjoy, which I added to this new blog:
Bookmark this blog if interested in federal gigs, you'll want to stay in-the-loop with what's happenin' on campus & beyond. Cheers!
This week the UW Career Center was contacted by the head-blogger for the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show. They have an intern contest and want UW students to apply for it. Nope, you do NOT have to relocate for this. You can still live in Seattle, take classes @ UW AND do this internship.
Learn more about the contest via this blog post, check out the full contest page and complete contest rules.
Tell your friends & go for it!
* This internship is only open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. No entering freshman allowed, unfortunately. *
Contest ends on 08-21-09 so apply now!
Enjoy the Beastie Boys & The Roots, live on Jimmy Fallon:
If you are looking for internships & jobs beyond this one, use HuskyJobs!
I’m feelin’ extra happy/patriotic ‘bout the United States of America these days. Mostly because I’ve been thinking about what a privilege it is to live and work in this great country. I’m so thrilled to have President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama & Vice President Biden leading us through challenging [War & Foreign Affairs! Poverty! Economy & Jobs! Education! Health Care! Human Rights! Environment! Social Justice!] & dynamic times. I’m excited about the 4th also because I recently devoured HBO’s excellent DVD miniseries John Adams, and was reminded about our nation’s violent and fascinating birth. I’ve also been reflecting a lot lately on my years studying United States History as an undergrad, diving deep into important topics like the American Revolution, the Native American experience, the Civil War, slavery, the Vietnam War, 1960s, WWI & II, history of the conservation movement, civil rights & labor & suffrage moments & American feminist history. The United States is one young-huge-messy- complicated-country. One such country I’m proud to be a part of. One way I enjoy learning about different life experiences in the United States is via the popular This American Life series [Podcasts, radio show, Showtime series] – check it out!
Two powerful songs led by two American icons:
Neil Young & Choir – “America The Beautiful”
Tracy Chapman – “Talking ‘Bout a Revolution”
In terms of life & jobs & careers … if you are wanting to “make a difference” and incorporate service into your future, check out job & internship opportunities posted in HuskyJobs; check out this Careers with Social Impact handout … and … if you are wanting to impact change from within the system, and work for the largest employer in the United States [i.e the Federal Government], check out internships & jobs via Making The Difference, USAJOBS and this website relating to college majors & federal careers. Be on the lookout for an emerging campaign @ UW, focused on federal employment, including a new blog!
Since I have your attention, I just wanted to share an opinion. I’m concerned how these 5 particular forces are affecting our country: television; video games; big box retailers; hate groups; meth. To learn more about how meth is affecting the U.S.A, watch the documentary American Meth & movies Spun and The Salton Sea. I believe people should read more, watch less TV & put down the X-Box/Wii and go play outside. Are you not sure how big-box-retailers are impacting small businesses and communities? Watch Independent America: The Two Lane Search For Mom & Pop … and … Independent America: Rising From Ruins. In terms of hate-groups in the U.S., my hope is that education, empathy, activism and time will help curb hateful and divisive initiatives, organizations and beliefs. Time has already shown, and will continue to tell, how these 5 forces truly affect individuals, communities and our nation at large.
If you are the type not wanting to work for the government to influence change, but still want to make an impact and/or shake-up-the-system … I encourage you to explore the lyrics & activism & organizations promoted by several of my favorites: Rage Against The Machine; One Day As A Lion; Tool; System Of A Down; Axis of Justice; U2; Coldplay & Oxfam; Neil Young; Pearl Jam; Jack Johnson; The One Campaign; UW Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center; Tavis Smiley.
Peace out!
Good morning, friends, and welcome to Summer Quarter!
The beginning of Summer Quarter means many things, but the thing that's most on my mind this morning is FREE HUSKYJOBS ACCESS FOR ALUMNI. Seriously. I wouldn't lie about this. If you're a UW alumni, you can have free access to HuskyJobs (normally a $60 quarterly fee) for the Summer months. All you have to do is fill out a quick online registration form, and your free access will be activated within two business days. Voila!
And while we're on the subject of HuskyJobs accounts, let's talk email addresses, Huskies. Just a friendly reminder that employers see your email address. And if it's "bigdaddy@u.washington.edu" or "justlukin4agoodtime@gmail.com", that might not be considered putting your best foot forward.
So if you have an email address that might fall a bit short of the 'professional' mark, consider creating a new, work-friendly email account for all your job search-related correspondence. You can score a free email account from Hotmail, Gmail, or any number of service providers. So don't let "Iheartbaddecisions@msn.com" make an employer's decision for them. Stay professional, and stay competitive in your job search. Good luck, and let us know if we can do anything to support you in this process! 206.543.0535 or ccs...@u.washington.edu
So maybe my first "spice up your job search" post didn't encourage you to log into HuskyJobs. That's alright - we all get busy. Sunshine, finals, papers, first dates, whatever. It happens. I understand :)
But here's the thing - you gotta get in there. Sooner rather than later. For 20 minutes or 2 hours - you've gotta check it out. HuskyJobs is a job and internship board exclusively for Huskies, which makes it way better than Monster.com or Craiglist, and which makes those sites shake in their boots. That's right - exclusively for you. And right now, in the midst of "none of us have a chance at landing jobs, let's just delay graduation or go crawl under a rock for 2.5 years", there are 1000s of jobs and internships posted to HuskyJobs. That's right. Thousands.
So what are you waiting for? Log in today - access to HuskyJobs is always free for matriculated students. And if you're graduating? Never fear, we've got you covered - this summer, new grads and experienced alums alike can access HuskyJobs for free. Register for free alumni access to HuskyJobs today (access period begins June 22nd).
Need even more incentive? Keep reading for examples of some of the great opportunities waiting for in HuskyJobs.
Unemployed? Never worked before? Freakin' out about how to spend your summer? Bored with your current job? Need to add a 2nd or 3rd job to your plate? Then this post is for you...
Themes in this post relate to ... summer jobs, random jobs, survival jobs, jobs-to-help-you-pay-the-bills-for-college-or-just-for-life. These jobs, may-or-may-not relate to an actual 'career' ...
I've had MANY jobs over the years, starting back with under-the-table jobs, then high school and college and pre-graduate school dayz. These gigs did help me make [some] cash, make friends, meet random people, build skills, build a work ethic, learn about different workplaces, pass the time. I believe all of these positions ... were stepping stones, leading me to this moment.
- Newspaper delivery route - Landscaping and mowing lawns - Washing dishes & bussin' tables - Short order cook - Car and truck detailing [cleaning] - Residential & commercial construction [i.e. grunt labor] - Video store clerk / customer service - Warehouse work [shipping and receiving] - Office assistant - Painting [buildings]
This list doesn't capture the many jobs I've worked in within higher education / student services / career services - roles which have helped shape me into the person I am today.
If you are a UW student or alumni looking for short term experiences, or even some career related opportunities, be sure to utilize our HuskyJobs [online] system.
If you are just not sure “how to find and get a job”, check out this how-to handout.
Article about "robust hiring" via the NY Times.
Summer and random jobs can also be found via our web resources page, diversity resources and via Cool Works and Back Door Jobs.
Back when I had cable, this show always cracked me up ... Dirty Jobs.
One of my favorite musicians, Craig Minowa of the Minnesota based, indie/uber-earthy band Cloud Cult, lists "36 different occupations in my life so far" - check it out, it's a fun list. Jobs, I'm sure, which occupied time while he got his degree in enviro. science & laid the foundation for his unique band, oddly-beautiful albums and non-profit record label, Earthology Records.
So my questions to ya'll are ... what kind of jobs have you had? any top memorable gigs? what's the 1st job you ever had? what's a dream job? if you could do one thing in the world and get PAID for it, what would it be and why?
Open to all
Grad Students
Alumni