Congratulations to our Career Kickoff Carnival prize winners:
Tess Staley ’15 (Bookstore gift card)
Elizabeth McManus ’13 (Sahara Cafe)
Lauren Breen ’13 (Tortilla Sam’s)
Paige Tortorelli ’16 (Leo’s Ristorante).
Many thanks to all attendees! Best of luck with the Fall semester.
A look at the Report on the Class of 2011 shows that Holy Cross students follow many different post-grad paths. The Report provides a basic overview of the professional lives of young alumni in various industries, graduate school and volunteer opportunities. For underclassmen, seeing the range of opportunities available after college can help inspire one’s own professional discernment. For seniors, it’s just nice to know that the majority of young alumni turn out alright. =)
Hopefully for everyone, the Report makes it clear that the Holy Cross liberal arts education is pertinent to pretty much anything and everything!
Interested what your former classmates are up to? Some highlights…
1. Employment by Industry: 2011 Crusaders are working in a variety of industries. Financial Services is the most popular industry, representing nearly 20% of the class; Health Care and Education represent sizable portions as well. What does this mean for you? There are young alumni in almost every field who you could use as resources for networking and gathering more information about potential careers.
>> Looking for a job? Check Crusader Connections often to see what new opportunities may be available. And don’t forget about the Career Advisory Network and the Holy Cross Alumni Community to connect with alumni to learn more about their positions and how you can succeed in them as well. <<
2. Starting Salary Profile: Worried about paying back student loans, affording rent and paying for groceries? The average salary for the class of 2011 was $46,652, up from $44,140 the previous year, representing a 5.4% increase. Likely it is a sign of a recovering economy, which is good for you! Additionally, Holy Cross has a lead on the national averages.
3. Graduate School: Looking to advance your education? 15.2% of the class of 2011 enrolled in graduate school full time, down from 26% in 2010. (This is likely due to the growth in the economy, allowing more people to enter the workforce.) The most popular programs of study are Law School and Professional Masters.
>> Interested in graduate school? Visit the Office of Distinguished Fellowships and Graduate Studies or speak with a graduate studies adviser in your department (each department has one!). Career Planning can still assist you in preparing a cover letter and resume or helping you with interview preparation.<<
4. Volunteer Programs: Holy Cross students try to live out the mission of “Men and Women for Others” even after college. In 2011, 7.4% of the class participated in full-time volunteer programs, the most popular of which was the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
>>Looking to volunteer? The Chaplain’s Office and some of the Career Planning’s online resources like Indeed.com<<
5. Post-Graduate Fellowships & Awards: 3.4% of the class of 2011 were awarded post-graduate fellowships.
>> Interested in applying for a fellowship or grant? Visit the Office of Distinguished Fellowships and Graduate Studies. Career Planning can still assist you in preparing a cover letter and resume or helping you with interview preparation.<<
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Bottom line? Holy Cross students are talented, and no matter which post-grad path(s) you decide to take, there are resources at the College to prepare you to be your most successful.
Today’s Alumni Guest Post comes from Kevin Leggio ’11, who, from his work in Human Resources has some tips for successful interviewing.
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Kevin Leggio ’11
Major: Psychology; Italian; Pre-Business
Industry: Human Resources/Organizational Development
Congratulations! You are now entering into one of the more challenging aspects of the “real world” and you aren’t even in it yet: getting an entry-level job.
Not to fear. Getting an entry-level job isn’t the easiest thing, but it’s not impossible either. Even if you feel you don’t have the “E word” (Experience), you would be surprised at how relevant and transferable your Holy Cross education is when it comes to finding a job.
In my current entry-level job, I interview candidates for various positions and work directly with a corporate recruitment department, giving me some insight into the do’s and dont’s of interviewing for jobs.
Based on my experience, here are some helpful tips for landing a good entry-level job and for being successful in the “real world” after Holy Cross:
1. Network. I know you hear this all the time, but trust me, successful networking can do wonders for you personally and professionally. You have a sea of alumni who are willing and able to lend a helping hand and seemingly unlimited resources to connect you to people all over the world. Whether it’s looking up alumni in a particular field and finding out what entry-level compensation is for that position, or setting up an informational lunch to discuss how an alum got into their field and advanced their career, you can’t go wrong with simple networking. It’s not always going to result in a job, but understanding the field can sure can help you get ahead. (Plus, a free lunch doesn’t hurt here and there… especially when first starting out.) Moreover, you never know when your network will give back to you. (Spoiler alert: see #5.)
2. Sell yourself. The job market is still pretty competitive and although many companies are hiring, they are looking for someone who can come in, learn fast, and be a team player. What better than a Holy Cross student?! Coming from an institution that embraces these key elements, you have an advantage… so use it! When interviewing, make sure that you highlight experiences in your Holy Cross education and elsewhere that show these qualities.
3. You don’t always have to know everything. Specific job knowledge is not always expected in an entry-level position—you are not required to be a subject matter expert. However, the potential and capacity to learn the job over time is important.
Although it can be difficult to start at the bottom again, help yourself out by researching the fields and companies that you are interested in to find out as much about the industry as you can. Look into educational resources, get some books (the “Dummies” series are like Spark-notes for the real world) and tap into any alumni resources that you can to get internal information (again, networking!).
4. Use your “non-negotiables.” Employers look for prospects who have not only the intellectual bandwidth to learn the job, but the interpersonal skills to be a successful and invaluable member of the team. Employers sometimes call these “non-negotiables,” or soft skills that are expected and required for new employees and can’t always be taught on the job. Some employers don’t mind the time investment that it takes to train a new employee on job knowledge, but it is difficult to teach soft skills in the work place. Luckily for you, with an average class size of about twenty, Holy Cross has pretty much conditioned you to speak in public and interact with others… so make sure you emphasize these talents.
5. Never burn a bridge. This goes back to networking. Landing interviews is not always an easy task. However, when you do have an interview, make sure that you always get contact information and follow up. Also, even if you don’t get the job or a call back, treat your interviwers as part of your network. Don’t do anything that can hinder you from using them as a contact in the future.
I’m where I’m at today because I was referred to an agency by an employer who rejected me. I 
inquired with the first employer as to why I didn’t get the position and asked if they had suggestions or resources that they could provide me with so that I could pursue an entry role in that field—and they did.
Finally….
6. You are the interviewer too. When you are interviewing you are not only being interviewed by you are doing the interviewing. You are trying to see if the company would be a good place for you. If it seems like you’d be happy and can grow there, then it’s probably a pretty good place to start gathering some of the “E word.”
Happy Job Searching!
Looking for a job or internship? Your first place to look should be Crusader Connections, the Career Center’s online recruiting portal. Students may use this system to apply for full-time employment and internship opportunities.
There are dozens of internships and jobs available on Crusader Connections for students of all class years and majors. According to Pamela Ahearn, Director of the Summer Internship Program, “Employers are reaching out to our office daily to advertise their open positions. They are specifically targeting Holy Cross students for these opportunities.” 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!
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The URL for Crusader Connections is:
https://holycross-csm.symplicity.com/students/
Note: Your password to log in to Crusader Connections is not the same as your Holy Cross Novell password. When you log in for the first time you will need to use the password automatically generated by the system and sent to your email. If you forgot this password or require a new one, send the Career Center an email at careers@holycross.edu and we can provide you with one.
– Click on My Profile tab in top navigation bar, complete required fields, and choose Save Changes & Continue
– Click on Personal and update contact information, class year, etc . Save changes.
– Click on Academic and update. Save changes.
– Click on Privacy Settings and update (Choose ‘yes’ for faster notifications of job postings.)
– Click on My Documents tab in top navigation bar
– Click on Add New at the bottom of the page
– Enter a document title in the Label field
– Click on Browse button, select a file to upload and then click the Submit button
– Repeat steps 1-3 for over documents
– Click on Jobs/Internships tab or the Employers tab in the top navigation bar. (For fewer results, choose Crusader Connections Jobs)
– Use the Keyword search
– Click on the Apply button
– You will be directed to find your Necessary Documents in the drop-down
– Highlight the appropriate name and Submit the required documents
– A green screen will appear to indicate that you have successfully applied to the job.
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Interested in applying for a position you found? Stop by the Career Planning Center‘s drop in hours, M-F 1-4pm to have your required documents checked out!
Easter break is one of gems of Holy Cross: how many other schools do you know which get almost a whole week off? The weather is finally good (usually), the semester is almost over (finally), and it’s the perfect opportunity to start advancing your career (say what?!).
That’s right.
Think about it, none of your friends will be home for the week and there’s a finite number of times exploding Marshmallow Peeps in the microwave is exciting (approximately the same number as Peeps you have). Take advantage of this free time to do a little career advancement!
Some ideas:
Search: Still no internship or job? There are dozens of internships available on Crusader Connections right now waiting for you! According to Pamela Ahearn, Director of the Summer Internship Program, “Employers are reaching out to our office daily to advertise their open positions. They are specifically targeting Holy Cross students for these opportunities.” While some internships are restricted to students in the Summer Internship Program, many are not. Search the site to see what opportunities may be of interest to you!
Job shadow: Real people don’t have the week off. Maybe you hit it off with a local HC alumnus you found in the Career Advisory Network or your mom’s coworker’s husband’s best friend has what sounds like your dream job–ask if you could shadow them for a day. There is no better way to learn if you’ll like a job than to try it out!
Volunteer: Still having withdrawal from your Spring Break Immersion Trip? Volunteering is a great way to spend your free time. Food pantries and soup kitchen always need extra help around the holidays, but think outside the box about opportunities which could play off your interests. Environmental Studies concentrator? Join in restoring a park for a day. Love to draw? Create some cards for a nursery home. Check out idealist.org for more ideas.
Clean up Your Resume: …You do have one, right? If so, take some time to edit it and make sure your most amazing achievements and interests are listed. Don’t have one? Write one! You’ll need it eventually. Use this easy-to-follow guide and don’t forget to bring it by Career Planning after break for some one-on-one advice.
Reward: After all of your hard work, you deserve to take a break with your family and to relax with some Cadberry Eggs, Starburst Jelly Beans or Marshmallow Peeps!
(Image via)
Interested in career in international affairs? Jump start your global career at the Foreign Policy Association University (FPA U).
According to the program website, FPA U “provides internationally minded individuals with the tools they need to realize successful careers in global affairs. Established by the renowned Foreign Policy Association, FPA U offers specialized seminars, networking opportunities and invaluable access to insider information for the next generation of global professionals.”
Seminars are offered in New York City, Washington D.C. and Boston. Register for seminars online (links provided below). Discounted packaging pricing available; please contact fpau@fpa.org for details.
Spring 2012 seminars include:
Global Careers Boot Camp
Landing a Job in International Development
NYC April 17 | DC May 1 | BOS May 15
Opportunities in International Exchange & Education
NYC April 24 | DC May 2 | BOS May 16
Breaking into Global Finance
All seminar attendees receive:
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Foreign Policy Association University FAQ’s:
Who should attend?
Professionals, recent graduates, and students considering or preparing for a global career, looking for the insider track on how to break into the field.
What will I learn?
Each specialized course explores career options, where the current jobs are, the hiring process, and how you can distinguish yourself within a competitive market.
Who are FPA U instructors?
Our courses are led by professionals from dynamic backgrounds who are experts in their field. They bring international experience, career development, recruiting know-how, and tailored guidance to each seminar.
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For more information or to apply for FPA U, please see visit www.fpau.org.
Have a question about a job or internship posting?
Looking to get your resume checked?
Need a cover letter critiqued?
Want to do it all from the comfort of your room?
Virtual Office Hours with Career Planning
Every Monday night, 7-9pm
April 16th – May 21st, 2012
How does it work?
Log on to Crusader Connections
Click on “Chat with an Adviser” on the home page
A box will pop up within which you should enter your
name & email along with your question
No advance sign up is necessary!
What do Lady Gaga, Steve Jobs and Warren Buffet have in common? Their success stories all contain wisdom for undergrads starting out in the real world! Read on for some best tips from some of the best success stories.
The following article is originally from HerCampus.com and has been modified for this blog.
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1. Steve Jobs: “You’ve got to find what you love.”
You’ve heard it time and again: find something you love and pursue it. Steve Jobs was taking a risk when he dropped out of Reed College and started Apple in his parents’ basement, but three decades later, he found himself at the top of a multi-billion dollar company that probably produced your computer screen. In his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford, Jobs didn’t speak so much about talent or resources or GPA, but instead told the graduates “to have the courage to follow your heart and intuition… everything else is secondary.”
2. Jennifer Hudson: Success is rarely instant.
Try to remember way back when American Idolactually mattered to the public and Jennifer Hudson was a contestant. She was eliminated before she even reached the top six singers of season 3—and yet, in the long run, she managed to outperform most of the show’s winners from every season. She’s won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Dreamgirls, released a Grammy-winning debut album and landed several more roles in movies like Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees. Learn from Hudson’s story and don’t give up just because you weren’t noticed right away; keep working hard and you’ll earn recognition.
3. Mark Zuckerberg: Build and keep a solid network.
Creator Mark Zuckerberg has not only created an extensive network for the world, but for himself as well. Soon after finishing his sophomore year of college, he made connections with technology moguls like Sean Parker of Napster, Peter Thiel of PayPal, and Steve Chen, who later co-founded YouTube. And while Facebook was a smart idea to begin with, these people gave Zuckerberg the tools to materialize it and build the entrepreneurial empire he has today. Keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to meet new people.
4. Barbara Walters: Keep your personal and professional lives separate.
Regarded today as a journalism icon and one of the world’s most influential women, Barbara Walters has dealt with the drama of marrying and divorcing four times, suffering three miscarriages, and raising a daughter off camera. Walters kept it classy and managed her personal life without letting it interfere with her professional life, a skill that can help anyone’s career.
5. Barack Obama: No barrier is unbreakable.
No matter your political standing, you’ve got to admit that President Obama has made history by breaking the race barrier in the White House. Take his story as proof that you can take your career as far as you’d like it to go—no matter who has or hasn’t done so before you.
6. Warren Buffett: Be modest.
Warren Buffett has bragging rights others can only dream of: a net worth upwards of 60 billion dollars, a position as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, and a standing as one of the wealthiest and most successful businessmen in the world. But despite his legendary status among investors, he is known and admired for his personal frugality, a career lesson we may not immediately consider but one to keep in mind. Buffett has nothing to prove and gets a lot of respect for his attitude. Celebrate your achievements, but skip the boasting. Your success will speak for itself.
7. Lady Gaga: Give back.
This year Lady Gaga topped Forbes’ Celebrity 100 and scored the eleventh spot in the magazine’s World’s Most Powerful Women list. Not only is she a favorite in the entertainment industry, but she is also quite the philanthropist. Gaga has become involved in various charities and benefits for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, HIV/AIDS, United States immigration laws, and LGBTQ discrimination. And while the main function of Gaga’s philanthropy is benevolence, she has also broadened her fan base and gained respect from the public for her generosity. What’s the lesson here? It’s okay to be ambitious, but don’t forget the human side of things. Keep others in mind and they’ll do the same for you, too.
Environmental Services is one of the most important and diverse industries in the employment market. Learn more about how you can make your passion for the environment not just a cause but a career. Four Holy Cross Alumni will return to discuss their experiences pursuing a career in the variety of job opportunities that exist in this important industry. Returning alumni include:
Pat Austin ’77
Engineer Supervisor – Division of Water Supply Protection, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Paul McManus ’81
President and Owner of EcoTec, Inc.
Christina Imrich ‘07
Program Officer, Conservation Leadership Programme Wildlife Conservation Society
Lindsey Konkel ’07
Worcester based environmental journalist. Published in Reuters, Environmental Health News, Scientific American, and OnEarth, the magazine of the Natural Resources Defense Council
It’s easy to get caught up in the doom & gloom outlook on the economy, especially without a job offer in hand. However, there are employment opportunities available across industry lines. Many companies are still hiring and some, like the 22 listed below, in large volumes.
This list was compiled from listings on careerpath.com. According to the site, they are all looking to hire now, so stop by drop-in hours to polish off that resume and cover letter soon!
1. Starbucks
Number of jobs: 13,000 (retail) 400+ (professional services)
Sample job titles: Retail, information technology, supply chain operations and finance
2. Amazon.com
Number of jobs: 3,000+
Sample job titles: Software development engineers, product managers, operations managers, and communications and product marketing managers
3. The Boeing Company
Number of jobs: More than 500; expects to onboard about 11,000 people
Sample job titles: Engineering, airplane manufacturing, cyber security and intelligence and business functions like finance
4. Citibank
Number of jobs: 2,500
Sample job titles: Customer service, personal banker, home lending specialist, business development officer — commercial banking
5. Adventist Health System
Number of jobs: 2,500+
Sample job titles: Allied health professionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, registered nurses
6. Time Warner Cable
Number of jobs: 500+
Sample job titles: Direct sales reps, customer service reps, technicians and IT and engineering
7. State Farm Insurance
Number of jobs: 2,600
Sample job titles: Actuarial, agency department, banking, claims, creative services, customer service, information technology/systems, legal/litigation, public relations/communications, underwriting
8. Deloitte
Number of jobs: 3,300
Sample job titles: Client service professionals in all business segments including accounting, assurance and advisory, risk, tax, strategy, financial, technology and human capital
9. URS
Number of jobs: 4,300
Sample job titles: Engineering, logistics/supply/procurement, business operations/admin/IT, construction, project/program management, aviation, environmental/sciences, health and safety/homeland security operations and maintenance
10. ADP
Number of jobs: 2,000+
Sample job titles: Sales, implementation, JAVA development, client services, HR
11. T-Mobile USA
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Retail sales, business sales, corporate and technology
12. Humana Inc.
Number of jobs: 2,200
Sample job titles: Various, including sales, pharmacy, nurses, physicians, service operations, IT
13. Bridgestone Retail Operations
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Retail sales managers, service managers, automotive technicians, master technicians
14. Universal Health Services
Number of jobs: 1,500+
Sample job titles: Accounting, allied health, education, executives (CEO, CFO, CNO, COO), food and nutritional services, healthcarerehab, ICU, IT, L&D, nursing and office/clerical
15. Koch Industries
Number of jobs: 1,000
Sample job titles: Engineers, IT, operations
16. Black and Veatch
Number of jobs: 500
Sample job titles: Mechanical and electrical engineers, project managers
17. Advanced Technology Services
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Manufacturing maintenance technicians — field service representatives
18. Burns & McDonnell
Number of jobs: 300
Sample job titles: Civil and environmental engineers, project managers
19. Gentiva Home Health and Hospice
Number of jobs: 1,800+
Sample job titles: Home health and hospice registered nurses, home health and hospice LPNs, nurse management, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, single site and multi-site operation management, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, sales executives
20. USA
Number of jobs: 320+
Sample job titles: Install technicians, customer service, IT tech
21. Certified Payment Processing
Number of jobs: 366
Sample job titles: Sales/account management
22. Bayada Home Health Care
Number of jobs: 300+
Sample job titles: Nursing, assistive care, therapies, medical social work, rehabilitation, hospice, non-clinical support and marketing/sales
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