Husky Career Blog

100 Things to do Before You Die

Cara — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:15:37 -0700

Dave Freeman, co-author of "100 Things to Do Before You Die," passed away at his Venice home on August 17^th after falling and hitting his head. He was just 47 years old.

"He didn't have enough days, but he lived them like he should have," his co-author Neil Teplica said.

While Freeman and Teplica’s book is centered on travel, Freeman’s death (and the motorcycle accident I witnessed on I-5 last week) got me thinking about the 100 things I want to do before I die.

Do you have a list? I encourage you to make one with your most dreamy and impractical goals and hopes for your life. And that doesn’t necessarily mean “become the first female referee in the NFL” or “spend a night in jail” (both of which are on my list, but will undoubtedly never happen)—it could be as simple as “learn to play the cello”, “get a tattoo”, or “become a parent”—pretty admirable goals if you ask me.

Try creating a list of your own, and check out Freeman’s book if travel is a big part of your plans. And if "find my dream job" is pivotal, but seems unattainable or out of reach, or if you just don’t know where to start, know that the UW Career Center is here to help you with all your questions and concerns.

We’d love to hear something from your list—post a comment here!

Interviewing Strategy & Tips!

Patrick — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:41:46 -0700

Ok, you’ve worked hard on resumes, online applications, workin’ your network, spent some time on your cover letters, played phone tag with the hiring manager trying to set up a time to talk, and now… the all important interview is right around the corner. What to do, what to do. Try to wing it? Good luck with that. Most of us think we can just jump into an interview without much prep and knock it out of the park. That may happen. Maybe not.

There are many keys to successful interviewing – 3 of them include preparation/practice [mock interviews!], knowing yourself [strengths, goals, past & current accomplishments, areas of improvement] and knowing your audience [understanding the position/unit/employer].

Many more useful tips, strategies & tools for successful interviewing found here, and found here for graduate students applying for faculty gigs & found here for positions outside of higher ed.

If you click on ‘read more’ [see below] or the title of this blog post, you’ll find 10 excellent tips we found online that will help you become an interviewing superstar and land that job or internship.

Will the next Marc Jacobs please stand up?

Emma — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:24:15 -0700

Do you dream in tulle? Fantastize about the perfect stitch, the perfect fabric or the pounding of a soundtrack as models walk down a runway, decked out in your fashion visions? Then you might want to consider checking out UW Extension's new certificate program, titled "Developing an Independent Fashion Line".

Want to learn more? Check out one of their information meetings, or drop them a line

Or maybe you'd like to be the first Husky on Project Runway...which is now accepting applications for Season 6.....

R.I.P. LeRoi Moore, 1961-2008

Patrick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:56:39 -0700

Many of us are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of LeRoi Moore, one of the founding members of the Dave Matthews Band. This is a huge loss to the broader music community, and more specifically, to JAZZ and to the legions of DMB fans and DMB family. It’s been incredible catchin’ one of the Labor Day weekend Gorge shows [usually Saturday night!] with friends & family, for many many years now. Roi & his sax have always been a core part of the magic. I am inspired not just by his talent, but lifelong focus on his strengths & passion. LeRoi built a career in music…over time. Like many artists & musicians, ‘success’ came after years and years of practice, risk taking & dedication. Many important themes we can all learn from via Roi’s story.

To see LeRoi in action & a nice tribute, click here.

Informational interviewing: It's so hot right now

Emma — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:33:47 -0700

Interested in talking with a University of Washington alum who's working in your field/career of interest? Curious about a particular field? Job type? Employer? Then check out the Alumni Association's Husky Career Network.

Over 5,000 UW alumni have volunteered to be contacted in their professional capacity by YOU -- so drop them a line! Ask some questions! Offer to take them to coffee and chat. Many an informational interview has been conducted in the cozy confines of a Starbucks, my friends. And let me tell you, informational interviews are one of the best possible ways to learn more about a field, industry, company or job type -- both the good/fulfilling/exciting and the bad/challenging/drawbacks.

Want to know more about what informational interviewing's all about? How to prepare? What to ask? Check out our Career Guide , and then get on out there and get your informational interview on!

Employment law update

Patrick — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

This new ruling out of California, affects all of us worker-bees. I’m no lawyer, but do assume this ruling would be cited in any employment contract disputes outside of the state of CA.

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The California State Supreme Court has ruled that non-compete clauses in employment contracts are not enforceable in California.

Note that none of this invalidates confidentiality agreements -- you're still not allowed to disclose secrets -- but you're allowed to work for whomever will hire you, without the hand of your last boss tugging on your belt.

Californians have the right to move from one company to another or start their own business and can't be prohibited by their employer from working for a competitor in their next job, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

In a unanimous decision, the justices said state law since 1872 has forbidden what are called noncompete clauses that restrict management employees' options after they leave a company.

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Click here for more information.

Cool website alert! * informational interviewing *

Patrick — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:36:31 -0700

Hello everyone – hope your summer is super duper!

I know I’m being a lazy blogger here and not writin’ much, but hey … it’s the summer, the sun is actually out in Seattle, and all I can really focus on is being outside, concerts [Tom Petty at The Gorge this weekend!] and vacation. I also just climbed Mt. St. Helens this week, so I think I’m still mentally at the top of that amazing/huge volcano.

Just found out about this great website & resource – check it out if you are in an career-exploration type mode.

Owlnotes.com - "informational interviews"

More about informational interviewing via our Gold Career Guide, RoadTrip Nation, Pursue The Passion and the UWAA. In my many years of working in career services, informational interviewing has been one of the top top top strageties I've recommended to students & alumni I've worked with. Go for it, you won't regret it.

Cheers!

Summertime Strengths Exploration

kellerb — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:47:32 -0700

Wondering what to do with your time as summer session wraps up? Want something you can do outside that doesn't require much physical exertion? Or maybe you just like taking inventories and learning more about yourself. Whatever the case may be, check out a book called StrengthsQuest: Discover and Develop Your Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond.

It's The Final Countdown (to Fall)

Cara — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:24:56 -0700

Excuse me, but does anyone know how it got to be August? In just a few short weeks, students will be returning to campus with new textbooks to go with their new school clothes, and homework and rain will infiltrate the UW campus once again.

But don’t run for the hills just yet. There are a good seven weeks left before the 2008-2009 academic year really gets started, and that’s plenty of time to complete some of those summer goals that you haven’t checked off your list yet. Are you looking to get a jump on a job for Fall? Check out the website of the department in which you’re interested—lots of offices on campus are hiring for the Fall. And don’t forget HuskyJobs—your source for internships, part-time positions, and full-time career positions. Even during summer, our office receives 50-70 new jobs postings each and every day—can you afford not to take a look? And what’s even better, HuskyJobs is always free for students, and free for alumni through September 18th.

Maybe you aren’t looking for employment, but still want to take a few steps to further your career exploration? Consider using the last few weeks of summer to conduct an informational interview with someone whose job interests you (check out the Alumni Association’s Husky Career Network if you’d like to get in touch with UWalumni who work in your field of interest.) Stop by our office for a one-on-one counseling appointment to discuss your ideas and get a game plan for this school year (206.543.0535.) Or simply check out the inspirational stories of your fellow UW students and alum in The myStory Project.

Need help? We’re open all summer, 8-5, Monday through Friday. We’re here for you!

My, Oh My! Looking for a career in minor league baseball?

Emma — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:03:15 -0700

Husky Blog faithful, as you might have noticed, I love baseball. When I think March, I think shivery-cold nights at Husky Ballpark . When I think summer, I think balmy nights at Safeco. When I think October, I think the rush and excitement of the playoffs, despite the noticeable absence of the M's most years. When I think November, I think of dark days, empty without the crack of the bat (for those football fans gasping in disbelief, don't you worry....I'm learning to love our Hawks, too, and hope to catch a couple Husky football games this Fall :))

If you're interested in working in professional baseball, I sure don't blame you - it's a fast-paced, exciting, hardworking world. But a love of the game and a half-hearted interest just plain aren't enough for this growing and competetive industry. Networking, gaining experience, and knowing your stuff are key.