A great time for food, family and football. (Wooo!) But before we go, your friends in Hogan 203 have some news to share concerning our old buddy Thomas the turkey.
For those who have never met Thomas, he’s a professional Turkey who comes out every November to remind students to use their break by applying to jobs & internships!
Thomas has applied to his one big gig of the year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Check out his cover letter below and be sure to check out how it matches up with the resume he made last using this link –> http://careerplanning.me.holycross.edu/2012/11/
So in the spirit of the holiday, take a look at Thomas Turkey’s resume and see how yours shapes up in comparison!
Thomas Turkey
1843 Your Dinner Table Road
Plymouth,MA
tomturkeytastebetter@gmail.com
11/22/13
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Inc.
Float Model Manager
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2013
New York, NY
10475
Dear Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Inc.:
Ever since I was a younger turk, my family praised the joy of Thanksgiving. Having the opportunity to be out on the float and share that experience with viewers all around the world is a task I would be honored to do. Timmy Turkey, Director of Turkey Relations suggested that I contact you regarding the open Float Model position available at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2013. My educational background at Holy Cross, along with my professional experience as a Turkey, makes me an excellent candidate for this position.
I have more than 5 years of experience in the field of float modeling . My resume shows that I have been consistently volunteering at Big Turkey, Little Turkey since 2009. While volunteering there I mentored young turkeys and last year I lead an entire 5K race right down Madison Ave for underprivileged turkeys and raised $2000. The experience of planning such a successful and charitable event was a direct result of my commitment to professional excellence . In my spare time while at Holy Cross, I was editor of the weekly newspaper titled, The Crusader. I created a “Vegan Corner” column in the paper for students to participate in healthier eating choices while at the college. This healthy lifestyle column reflects my passion for maintaining a nice figure around the holidays. I do not want this position solely due to my ability to look good on a dinner plate. My years of experience coupled with my passion for exuding thanksgiving culture well qualify me for the float model position in the Macy’s parade.
I look forward to meeting you to further discuss employment opportunities with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2013. If you have questions, or if you want to schedule an interview, please contact me at tomturkeytastebetter@gmail.com.
Welcome back to this week’s Career Planning blog sponsored by your friends in Hogan 203. As you may be aware, we are looooong past the Jurassic age when people used the yellow pages to search for things and carried around beepers. We are right in the mist of the booming tech era and if you haven’t noticed EVERYONE NOW HAS A SMARTPHONE! So why not use this “smart” phone to make smart decisions regarding your career search? Today’s job seeker must be on the hunt for new opportunities 24/7 to maintain a competitive advantage over other candidates. But to do so successfully, job seekers must have constant access, both at home and on the go…To help you ready your device, we have compiled a short list of FREE apps that may be worth installing if you want to get a job or internship in this century.
Job Search Apps
1 CareerBuilder AppJobs by CareerBuilder.com (FREE): This free app brings the power of CareerBuilder.com straight to your mobile device, giving you instant access to search and apply to nearly 2 million job postings on CareerBuilder.com, the largest job site in the US.
2 Monster Jobs AppMonster.com Jobs (FREE): In addition to feeding the latest job postings from Monster.com, this free app lets you take your Monster.com account with you on the go so that you can apply directly to new listings right from your mobile device.
3 Indeed Jobs AppJob Search by Indeed.com (FREE): Indeed is a powerful job search aggregator that collects job listings from all the major job search engines and job boards into one convenient location for you to review.
4 LinkUp AppJob Search Engine by LinkUp.com (FREE): LinkUp’s unique search engine, updated daily, lists only jobs that are found on company and employer websites. This helps you uncover the hidden job market of opportunities not publicly advertised on the major job search engines.
5 SimplyHired AppSimply Hired (FREE): Simply Hired is one of the largest job search engines, aggregating job postings from across the web, including major job search engines, online newspapers, company websites and more.
6SnagaJob AppSnagAJob (FREE): SnagAJob is a top-ranked search engine for full-time and part-time hourly positions throughout the US. This free app provides you immediate access to their database of new job listings.
7 JobAware AppJobAware (FREE): JobAware app allows you to search jobs in cities near you leveraging the iPhone’s GPS and helps you organize and track your progress throughout the job application process. It also offers salary comparisons for hundreds of occupations, LinkedIn account integration to help you take advantage of your network and job search advice from top career experts.
8 JobCompass AppJobCompass (FREE): JobCompass uses the iPhone’s GPS to find open positions within a given radius of the area you are in. In addition to providing job description information, this app also allows you to apply directly from your phone.
9 SnapDat Digital Business Cards (FREE): SnapDat is the #1 app for designing and sending digital business cards directly from your iPhone! You can create unlimited digital business cards with a provided template or picture and can email it instantly to your contact’s address
10 Interview Prep Questions App (FREE): Interview Prep is a fully-featured flash card app that prepares you for dozens of job interview questions. Each question is accompanied by suggestions that will help you answer these tough questions.
Remember to stop by the Career Planning Center’s Drop-In hours, M-F between 1-4pm if you find a job or internship and have questions or concerns before applying.
Now there are HUNDREDS of apps that can help you and you’re encouraged to look at all of them. We know that you’re all busy being Holy Cross students and all so if you only have time to search ten, then these are the ones you’ll want to search. Now you can take your career search mobile by using these incredible apps anywhere!…Except during class! Now GO!
Welcome Crusaders to this week’s Career Planning Blog Post…hosted by yours truly in the office of Hogan 203.
This week we are excited to introduce you to the new Passport Careerprogram—your online career resource that will help you to explore opportunities around the world! Yes… THE WORLD!
Whether you’re looking to get away from the cold New England winters or just curious of the wonderful experience interning or working abroad might bring check out PASSPORT CAREER!
Around this time you may be seeking a job, internship, volunteer work, or are studying abroad. In any situation, Passport Career provides extensive resources, guidance, strategies, tools and support to help you make your career move!
Here we have outlined 5 easy tips to getting started with Passport Career:
b. Click on Have a Registration Key? on the upper right corner of the homepage –>
c. Enter this Registration Key (notice: all lowercase & only 1 “s”): HOLYCROS
d. Fill out the brief registration form. Use your school email address (except alumni) to create your login/password for future use and you’re ready to roll!
e. Use your email/password to login in the future.
2.CHECK OUT THE TOOLS
On the menu bar, you will find quick access to several of the tools available, including the H1B Employer Database for non-Americans seeking jobs or internships in the USA. You will also find a direct link to the International Jobs/Intern Portal, which is updated daily with more than 1,000,000 jobs/internships in 203 countries.
JOIN THE INTRODUCTORY WEBINAR
To maximize the benefits of Passport Career, we suggest you immediately sign up for the webinar, called Using Passport Career Strategically. This webinar is offered monthly at different times and is an excellent way to help you take advantage of all the Passport Career system has to offer you. Click on Webinarsat the top of the page.
GLOBAL OVERVIEW
We suggest that you begin by reviewing the guidance and strategies relevant to your situation in My Global Career Briefcase. Click on the My Briefcase link at the top of the page.
3. AVOID THE “ONE-VISIT” TRAP
In order to be successful with your exploration and/or transition, you need to think of Passport Career as your personal career assistant. We suggest that you schedule 15-30 minutes each week to explore further the content, resources and tools. People who use Passport Career regularly have the greatest chance of success with their career goals!
4. EXPLORE THE COUNTRIES & CITIES
There are many amazing photos and videos of the countries & cities featured throughout Passport Career. There are also more than 15,000 pages of expert career content! Take the time to learn about other places—especially their business culture, which is key (along with strategic networking) to successfully transitioning your career to a new location.
5. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN’T FIND?
Click on the “HELP” link at the top of the page and fill out the form to send to your request or question OR, you can always send an email to info@passportcareer.com.
We want to hear from you!
Let us know how your job/internship search and career transition are moving along. What is working for you? Where do you need more help? What questions do you have? We are here to help you, so be sure to stay in communication with the Career Planning Center, Hogan 203.
Muhahahahaaa!It is the week of Halloween and all across the hill students may hear the cry’s from the ghost of “What Not To Wear”...who Howls in the night at the thought of Holy Cross students wearing ridiculous outfits to professional events.
Soooo to avoid having the ghost of “What Not To Wear” haunt you in
your dreams, let’s use this opportunity to have a refresher on the basics of dressing to impress.
First things first…the Ghost has something major to say “NOOO jeans, NO sneakers, NO flip-flops, NO excessive jewelry and NOOOO bodily piercings or marks are recommended for dressing for success. You’re welcome to dress in these articles before and after the interview/event but absolutely not during!”
For an interview, the ghost has a general rule of thumb “you can never be overdressed.” You only have a short period of time to be assessed by the potential employer and you best make it work! Important to remember that you’re being assess on more than just your outfit. While you want to convey professionalism through your dress, you don’t want to be remembered for having spent too long putting together an outfit but being under qualified for the job.
Here are the basics for putting together your wardrobe before an occasion.
(If you already own these items, GREAT!…If not, you may want to make some effort to at least have one set of professional clothes in you closet just in case you are ever asked to throw it on.)
Men: (Fairly Simple)
1 Basic suit with neutral color and white button down shirt.
Simple Tie neutral colored
DARK colored socks (Don’t Let the Ghost catch you wearing WHITE)
Leather dress shoes
PRESS EVERYTHING! NOOOOO WRINKLES
Women:
Conservative Dress/skirt (Knee-Length) or ironed business slacks with a blouse
NO LOUD colors! (this includes any jewelry, nails and hair)
Limit the perfume & amount of jewelry on hands/neck
Simple hairstyle (Nooo fixing hair during interview!)
Simple heels or flats (No dancing heels!)
Outside of an interview setting, it is very important to remain professionally dressed in the workplace. You may see the term “Business Casual” in some places as the desired attire for a particular event or occasion. It is important to also understand what this means so you’re not too casual.
Though business casual does blend the personal with the professional it really exists to make people feel more comfortable and be their most productive!
For Men: business casual usually means skipping the suit jacket and tie for a simple look that consist of a pressed collared shirt, usually tucked in a pair of dress pants all complemented nicely with a belt.
For Women: generally women can wear any type of skirt or dress with a hem that is past the knee or a tailored pair of dress pants with a blouse that isn’t too revealing. Closed-toed shoes are recommended, though heels and flats are always acceptable.
Although it may seem like we are trying to quash your self-expression…Were not! There are many ways to dress professionally and still incorporate your own style. Remember that dressing conservatively does not mean you cannot be stylish! You just want to make sure that the interviews remember you because of you r great answers,not your weird appearance. We gave you the basics now go out there and put it all together in a way that best represents who you are to your potential employer!
Here at Holy Cross, you’ve probably been encouraged to take advantage of college resources on many different occasions, whether it be using the online Moodle site for class or the SaderLink site for groups & organizations. However, this post is here to inform you about another great online resource worth taking advantage of… the Career Planning site!
This post is meant to reacquaint you step by step with the services and resources offered virtually by the Career Planning site.
Step 2: Click “Online Resources“. You should see ->
First on the top left corner, you will find our “Self-Help Guides.“ These packets will take you step-by-step through the process of developing your resume, writing a cover letter and learning skills to help you score a dream internship or job. This is the place to start learning how to develop your professional profile!
All of these guides plus more are also offered in print at the Career Planning Center in Hogan 203
“Online Workshops”are in the top right corner.Here you’ll find Powerpoints that deal with specific situations such as the different types of interviews you may encounter. While the first section centers on more general advice, this is the place to look for tips when you’ve narrowed down the companies you’re applying for.
Step 3: External Links
Now it’s time to tackle the bottom section of “External Links.” All of these links provide helpful information about potential career paths or current internship/job opportunities. Yes! ALL of these links are here to guide you in your job search whether it be in the states or abroad, in your major or something you’ve never thought of…Trust me!
They’re worth checking out!
Still not sure where your career path is heading? (P.S. No one really is)
Now that you know the basics…Here’s the inside scoop on how to navigate Crusader Connnections
There are dozens of internships and jobs available on Crusader Connections for students of all class years and majors. While some positions are restricted to specific class years or to the Summer Internship Program, many are not. Search the site to see what opportunities may be of interest to you!
Directions for using Crusader Connections [Updated from previous years]
How many times have you heard the expression: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?
Well the age old expression comes from the basic premise that Networking is key to landing a solid career!
When asked the best way for someone to break into a given career, the typical response deals with an old friend or family member, ex boyfriend, or co-worker who graciously passed an opportunity along.
Knowing someone who knows someone is undoubtedly central to success. So learning the tools necessary to land a list of contacts who are working in the fields we are pursuing is very important.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
What does it mean?
Normally when people think of networking, it’s all about business cards and shaking hands…and though that is true, networking is not a mere exchange of business cards at a career fair nor is it begging for jobs from people you barely know. The WASHINGTON POST defines networking as, “building relationships on the basis of trust that involves a give and take.”
More simply put, networking means reaching out to people you already know AND forming new connections with various professionals.
Why is it important to network?
As my high school counselor famously said: Networking is not optional…Networking is not optional!!
And she was correct. Networking is not optional… anymore… it is crucial to reaching success in any field.
In today’s workforce finding a job is not as simple as attending a job fair or sending out a killer resume. The job market is VERY competitive and people who know people in the right positions are going to get jobs.
It is possible to get entry level positions by going through the normal application process, but very often when it comes to landing higher level positions, having an inside contact will make all the difference.
Ways to Start
One very simple way of networking is developing a professional online presence through sites like LinkedIn,SimplyHired, or any other career recruitment website. Social media provides a space for you to showcase your experiences/accomplishments with potential employers without meeting face to face.
{Although some websites may advertise job recruitment, be aware of which sites you are giving personal information to}
#DoYourReseach
Before applying to any job posting/internship/career fair/program look up as much information as you can on the company or organization. You should be familiar with companies that peak your interest and answer basic questions like: What are they about? What is their mission? Were they recently in the news? How can you impact this company in a positive way?
#BringMaterials
Once you do land an interview or meeting with a potential employer, be sure to have the necessary materials…think about it as your CAREER UTILITY BELT.
Have business cards printed with your information as well as hard copies of your resume and cover letters handy in case employers ask.
By now most of us have already got into the busy regimen that Holy Cross students live for; balancing our work from class, managing groups and orgs as well as participating in athletics while also trying to maintain a social life…TOUGH STUFF! However we’re here at the Career Planning Centerto help you with one of the most IMPORTANT task during your time here at Holy Cross and that’s figuring out what that NEXT journey is once school is over. . . . . .
Don’t Panic! Don’t Worry! There’s a lot to do but there’s a few ways the Career Planning Center can help!
THE FIRST!: You must know whats in HOGAN 203!
So many of us may walk right past it everyday on the way in & out of Hogan but the home of Career Planning sits comfortably in H O G A N 203!
Here lies the home of the Career Counselors! (These are the people you want to get to know)
Amy Murphy
Maura Hume’07
Pam Ahearn
Megan Chester
Melisa Jaquez’06
Julie Draczynski
Angela Barnes
These are the wonderful people who are trained to help Holy Cross students identify their career interest and objectives as we navigate securing jobs/internships over our years on the hill…and after!
To set up an appointment with one of the Career Counselors, stop by Hogan 203 or give us a call at 508-793-3880. There are also Drop-in hours everyday from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Now here’s a Career Horoscope by class year so you are aware of some things you might want to pay attention to…
FRESHMAN (1st yr): GET ACTIVE & GET INVOLVED!
This is your FIRST semester at HC! Congrats and Welcome!! As a newly arrived student, you truly have a “fresh” start at finding what your interests are and learning a great deal about yourself. Though you are just arriving and my not be as concerned with getting a head start on what your’e going to do 3 to 4 years from now, there are a few ways to set yourself up for a superb first year!
GET Involved: Join at least 2 clubs or organizations. Get interested in what they’re promoting to the campus and become an advocate. Why do you support them and where does this interest come from/where can it lead you? This is also a triple bonus because not only do you learn about yourself, you meet awesome people and its looks great to show you’ve been devoted to something outside of academics when its time to work on you resume!
SOPHOMORES:FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!
You have some experience under your belt and you are ready to hone in your skills and piece together your achievements.
Now is the time to…
Work on your Resume: Now is the time to either create or refine your resume as you begin building your professional profile. Remember to schedule time to come in and meet the Career Counselors for help with perfecting your resume!
APPLY to SIP: As a sophomore you can now apply to HC’s Summer Internship Program and benefit from its resources. This is a great chance to work on your resume, cover letter and interview skills.
JUNIORS:THE JOURNEY BEGINS!
Juniors the time has come for you to start the search for your future career! Get your feet wet with internships!!!
If you haven’t already done so,APPLY TO SIP: The summer internship program gives qualified students a helpful “foot in the doors” to the amazing internships that Holy Cross and its alumni may offer.
Early Bird gets the JOB!: Start browsing different company websites for internship opportunities. Many companies set their deadlines in the fall, so have your updated resumes and cover letters ready!
SENIORS:“NETWORK,NETWORK, NEEEETWORK!”
Senior year may be daunting, might seem a little overwhelming.. but don’t fret! Senior Year is the inevitable prelude to the notorious “real world” that you’ve been hearing about for years. Best way to set yourself up for success is through networking and speaking with people who can grant you opportunities.
Stay in Touch: If you had a summer internship or job during the summer, stay in touch with the managers, supervisors, employers you’ve met! Maintaining a dialogue keeps you fresh in their minds and helps for recommendations later down the road.
Use ALL Resources: There will be a ton of opportunities either on campus or off for you to network or learn more about the job force…USE THEM! The Career Planning Center puts on a bunch of events for students to get the right information you need to do what ever it is you want after college. Be sure to use BOTH Crusader Connections and Career Advisors Network to reach out to alums in career fields you’re interested in. Also, keep an eye out for the invitation from the Alumni office to join the Alumni Online Community where you can search for additional contacts.
Always remember to Sell Yourself!: Use events like the Holy Cross Career Fair or Career Info Sessions to meet new contacts and demonstrate your professionalism. Having a stand out personality will land you so many opportunities to connect with employers.
Have questions or want help with these quick tips? Come to Career Planning in Hogan 203 for Drop-In hours (1-4pm everyday) or set up an appointment to meet with one of our amazing Career Counselors!
As scary as it may seem, the 2012-2013 academic year is already coming to an end! Since next week is crunch time for most Crusaders, we thought a little pre-Spring Weekend/Finals Week motivation would be nice to help you power through those papers, exams and applications. Whether you need some inspiration in your academic work or job search, we present to you our favorite quotes from Forbes’ list of “30 Motivational Quotes for Job Seekers.”
Spring Time at HC!
“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” –Thomas Jefferson
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”–Norman Vincent Peale
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”–Wayne Gretzky
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
“Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.” –Brian Tracy
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” –Alexander Graham Bell
“Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.” –Marva Collins
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” –Robert F. Kennedy
“Never tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” –Author Unknown
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” –George Eliot
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” –Thomas Jefferson
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.” –Calvin Coolidge
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” –Maya Angelou
“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” –Theodore Roosevelt
To round out our Alumni Guest Posts for the 2012-13 year, we’re happy to present Tricia Dunn ’12, former HC Career Planning Marketing Intern (& Blogger!) and current member of the Human Resources team at Hanover Insurance Group.
Check out more about her job & advice for students pursuing a career at Hanover or in HR! __________________________________________________________________________
Hi Crusaders! It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I graduated. And yet, while it
Tricia Dunn ’12
seems like just yesterday I was enjoying Cape Week and pre-graduation celebrations at the Pub, so much has happened since then that I can’t believe college was only a year ago.
I’m currently going on a year at The Hanover Insurance Group, where I work in the Human Resources department and am part of the company’s Future Leader’s Program. I’ve been lucky to try a variety of projects during this year here and am learning a lot. While I have enjoyed this past year and the growth and change it has brought, I will admit I do get a little nostalgic for HC sometimes. So, in that spirit, let’s pretend we’re meeting up in the pub for a $2 beer (side note: do any of you realize how great this is?!) and I’ll share what I’ve been up to over the past few months.
How did I end up at Hanover?
I first learned about The Hanover as a junior looking for internships. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and was applying to internships in a variety of fields and locations. Two young alumni had a lobby table in Hogan and were recruiting for The Hanover—with cupcakes. No joke, I first learned about The Hanover due to my insatiable hunger for baked goods. One of them asked me if I was interested in applying for the internship program. Since I wasn’t really thinking about insurance, I didn’t take it seriously at first, but their enthusiasm for the company took me aback and I found myself connecting with a lot of the things they mentioned. The more I learned about Hanover, the more it sounded like a place I could like.
Fast forward three months and I returned to Holy Cross having enjoyed my internship and with an offer in hand for a full time position as part of The Hanover’s Future Leaders Program. While it was a little nerve wracking to commit to a company so soon into senior year, I was excited to join the program. I liked the idea of joining a training program in which I would be given more growth opportunities, mentorship, and cross-functional training.
Through the program, I’ll get a certificate in Business Analysis, learn about other business functions and get more access to leadership and mentoring opportunities than I probably would have otherwise. Also, I started with 40 other people – many of which I’ve become great friends with!
What do you specifically do there?
This is tough for me to answer because I worked on a diverse set of projects. I am currently in HR Operations, which supports and designs tactical solutions to get done in our department. In essence, we’re the back end people, on the ground, making sure everything runs smoothly. For example, I manage our relocation program; so when the company hires a new employee who needs to move for the job, I help set them up with our relocation vendor. I consult with the HR recruiters who are making the offer, manage vendor to ensure that it is meeting our employee’s need, pay invoices and run financial reports for our finance department.
I have also done some process improvement work for our Learning & Development group, which hosts and manages all of the enterprise-wide classes and learning programs. I took a look at how the operational work was being accomplished: how the online class sign up system worked, how the classes were being set up and hosted, etc., and was able to identify issues and and make recommendations to improve the user experience and improve efficiency. This project was fun because I got to do a lot of consulting work and the impact of my work was noticeable right away!
I think Operations was a good place to start because it provided me with foundational knowledge about
Co-workers decorate Tricia’s office!
the department and exposed me to all of the different areas within it. However, as I approach my one year mark with the company, I’m looking forward to trying something new. As of June, I will still be in HR, but I’ll be working with our Community Relations & Employee Engagement group. I’ve already begun to take on some more work in this area and am really enjoying it! I am currently managing the redesign of our career site (stay tuned for improvements!), writing pieces for our internal company newsletter, and planning events with our community partners. I’m looking forward to taking on more roles with marketing and helping others.
While I’m still not exactly sure what I want to do long-term, I am really happy to be where I am today. As mentioned, I am happy for my year in Operations, but I’ve always known I wanted to get into something more community-focused and more creative. Thankfully, I have had a lot of advocates at The Hanover who have mentored me and helped me get into this new role. As for long-term plans, I think the next year will be telling. I plan to continue to take on a diversity of projects to stretch my skills and interests in new ways. I think by doing this I will discern the next step most clearly and with the experiences I’ve had at HC and The Hanover I believe I’ll be ready to take it on!
Any advice for college students?
Yes! I have three that alumni have passed on to me and that I have learned in my one year in the proverbial real world:
1. Focus on the job role, not the job title.
Titles can be misleading and box you in to a job search. While titles hint at hint at what a job entails, there is usually more than meets the eye. It’s more accurate to approach a job by thinking about what you want your daily life to look like – do you like working with people? Doing something creative? Analytical? Are you passionate about research? Whatever that be, focus on those descriptive words and the type of work which you are seeking – rather than a title.
2. Advocate for what you’re interested in…
As a political science major and a studio art minor, I knew that Excel spreadsheets all day were not going to be my jam. Early on at my time at Hanover, I found myself enjoying my projects which were more creative, solidifying my interest in that area. I made sure my manager, mentors and others knew about it. As a result, I’ve been given more creative opportunities in my current position and will be transitioning to a more creative role full-time as of June.
3. …But be open.
As a newbie to the workforce, you’re bound to be doing projects and tasks you never thought you’d be interested in. Yeah, some of those projects are going to suck as much as you expected them to, but guaranteed you will learn something—and maybe even develop new interests—if you are open to it.
4. Drink more $2 beer.
Just kidding. Sort of. Have fun and enjoy the heck out of your time at Holy Cross! It’s a great experience and I encourage you all to make the most of your time there, in the classrooms, on the fields, in extracurricular and yes, even socially.
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Connect with this story?
Learn more about the opportunities at Hanover Insurance group here.
Happy Earth Day, Crusaders! In the spirit of environmental sustainability, we decided to feature the top 5 environmental jobs in the current marketplace, some green trends in business and a couple of at home tips to show your Earth some love.
1.) Physicist: Work to improve green technology—especially solar panels. (Median Annual Wage: $106K)
2.) Engineer: This position can factor into a number of disciplines including civil, materials, chemical, industrial, electrical, mechanical and other engineers and revolves around green technology and the creation of green architectural structures. (Median Wage: $79-92K)
3.) Construction Manager: With the popularity of constructing green buildings, this position has the potential to rake in a greater income than some engineers. (Median Wage: $84K)
4.) Biochemist (or Biophysicist): As a broad field, this job can relate to many environmental agendas. As an example, a biochemist might look at the effects of environmental toxins and pollutants on human health. (Median Wage: $74K for Biochemist, $167K for Biophysicist)
5.) Geoscientist: As masters of the physical Earth, Geoscientists are key in locating natural resources and figuring out the most environmentally friendly ways to extract them. (Median Wage: $91K)
6.) Environmental Lawyer: As a growing field within the legal realm, environmental lawyers can work with a number of different clientele—including construction firm or businesses looking to adopt greener methods. (Median Wage: $93K)
LEED CERTIFICATION: Changing the Place of Business
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has been providing third-party certification to buildings shaped around green design, construction and everyday operation since its creation in 1993 by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
The Benefits of Businesses aiming for LEED Standards: [via USGBC]
1.) It’s Economically Savvy: Decreases in operating costs & increases in occupancy and rent… Music to business’ ears!
Operating costs
Building value
ROI
Occupancy
Rent
New construction
drop 13.6%
rises 10.9%
improves 9.9%
rises 6.4%
rises 6.1%
Existing building projects
drop 8.5%
rises 6.8%
improves 2.5%
rises 1%
rises 19.2%
2.) It reduces Risk: Certification requires standards above the minimum building code requirements, which may help decrease the chance of building quality problems and subsequent lawsuits in the long term.
3.) LEED attracts Customers: Going Green is trendy. It may sound like a lesser point for argument’s sake, but clients or tenants care about sustainability.
4.) It’s Cost Effective: “On average, an upfront investment of 2 percent in green building design results in life cycle savings of 20 percent of the total construction costs — more than 10 times the initial investment.”
The Empire State Building, a US cultural icon, is currently the largest LEED Gold certified building in the United States & Western Hemisphere!
As college students running on college budgets, I think it’s safe to say most don’t have the economic capital to construct a LEED skyscraper…at least right now. Although it’s important for us to see the movement of the corporate world towards more sustainable practice, some of you might ask “What can I do now to be more Green?” Your wish is my command….
1.) Reduce – Turn off the lights when you leave the room, Take shorter showers, Print Double-sided, Walk when you can, Drink more Tap water and less bottled etc.
2.) Unplug Unused Electronics – 25% of electricity used to power home electronics is consumed when the device is turned off
3.) Recycle – As of today, Holy Cross uses Single Stream Recycling … so now you don’t even have to sort!
4.) Look for the ENERGY STAR Label – If it has the label, the product has a few baseline energy efficiency standards.
5.) Used Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) – They use 75% less energy!
6.) Fix Leaks – A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day.
7.) Buy Recycled – Even some new school supply products derive from recycled materials
8.) Computer Power Management – Turn on Sleep Mode or turn off computers over night
9.) Properly Dispose Hazardous Waste – Don’t send old light bulbs, batteries etc. to the landfills… properly dispose of them at a local free collection box
10.) Fresh, Local, Organic – Support the local economy & eat healthier while helping the environment!
Lastly, here is this… just because it’s Earth Day:
