Success Stories « The Career Development Center Blog

My name is Zack Sperow and I am going to graduate in the next few months. I am starting to get nervous about graduation – I have already had a 2 job offers but denied them both because they did not feel like the right fit, and currently I am working on 3 more job offers with some pretty awesome companies. My friends wonder how I am able to get so many interviews and offers with so many great employers. I always tell them that I act as my own sales representative to help me get recruited. Here are 4 tips to help you become your own sales rep while on your road to a job after graduation:

1. Lead Generation: Researching and finding companies is actually harder than you may think. Just like a salesperson might look for qualified leads to make a potential sale, you will need to see if the company fits the culture, job, location, and pay you are looking for.

2. It’s a Numbers Game: Much like Sales Reps need to meet with many prospective customers to make a sale; You will need to meet with many employers to find the right one. Look at your industry and know if it is in demand or not and then start making educated guesses. In example I apply to 10 jobs, get 3 interviews, and in the end receive one job offer. If I want 3 job offers then I will need to apply to 30 jobs. (It’s a lot of work!)

3. Sales is a Relationship: Sales people constantly need to be in contact with their customers and building relationships with potential customers. You will need to build relationships in your network to help you find the best jobs. Figure out how to connect to people on a professional level and get them to like you.

4. Close The Deal: Sometimes a sale won’t happen unless you ask the question. This is really a delicate dance when you are the job seeker. You do not want to offend the employer but at the same time, you want to know if they are already thinking you are a good fit. When closing the deal remember not to be in a rush, if you have other opportunities try negotiating your pay. Be willing to walk away from the deal if the employer cannot reach your needs.

Wish you all the best,

Zack

Here at Career Services, we definitely encourage students to complete at least one internship before they graduate. But what if you’re interested in study abroad as well? Of course, you could always do a study abroad and an internship at different times, but another great option is to do an internship abroad! OSU’s Study Abroad office works with a program called IE3 Global Internships that aims to place students in an internship position in another country. Students can also receive academic credit for their internship. For more information check out this link: http://ie3global.ous.edu/campus/osu/

Read a firsthand account of a student’s experience in an IE3 internship. Ben Spearing recently returned from an internship in Namibia, where he was working at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and you can read about it at his blog http://benspearing1.blogspot.com/

Note: This post is linked to a external blog and the content for the post approved by Oregon State University Career Services. We are not responsible for the content on the guest blogger’s personal website and do not endorse their site.

posted by Deirdre Newton, Career Assistant

Erica Evans, one of Career Services very own Career Assistants was a part of the Disney College Program experience in Florida this past Spring term and Summer. I had the pleasure of talking with Erica about her experience and here are some of the details she gladly shared with me:

How did you find the opportunity to apply for an internship with Disney?

I found out about the internship at the Career Services office. Sometimes we have flyers or other resources for internships and jobs that may not be posted on Beaver Jobnet . . . and that’s exactly how I found mine! After that I did a little more research and read A LOT about the program to see if it was really something I would want to do. I read blogs from students who had done/were doing the internship, and I also connected with the Disney College Program Facebook, Twitter, and website so I could get updates on application deadlines and other cool tips and information about the program.

How did your Disney College Program internship help with your career development?

It gave me transferable skills for after college such as communication skills, team work, exceptional work ethic, it’s a good resume builder, and working for such a huge company like Disney shows commitment and dedication.

What kind of work did you do? How did it apply to your education?

I was assigned different roles based on my experience. I used to be a manager at Jamba Juice so I was assigned to outdoor foods where I worked at food carts during different times of the day. Working at these carts pushed me to use my communication skills that I study while pursuing my degree to make “magic” for all the guests! I worked 40-50 hours a week with 10-12 hour shifts so it was exhausting, but well worth it in the long run.

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to your peers?

YES! I enjoy talking to students that come into Career Services as well as friends about the experiences I had in Florida. It’s a great resume builder, like I said earlier, as well as a good life experience because I got to go away and live at Disney World! Really, how many people can say they got to do that?

How did you work it out with your college to receive credits for this internship?

I started by talking with my advisor in speech communications and she had me write an internship proposal on the internship and how related to my academic goals. In my proposal I described areas of my internship where I would be encountering different communication theories. My advisor set it up to where I wrote journal reflections while I was there and at the end I submitted a term paper. I also received an evaluation from my manager at Disney which I also gave to my advisor.

In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently to prepare for or use the internship experience?

I think I would have liked to network a little bit more and take advantage of more career development offerings while I was there. Disney offered different courses, much like the things we do in our office, like writing resumes, interviewing tips, professionalism, etc., as well as guest speakers from different top-level positions at Disney. I would have liked to have attended more of those, because, looking back now, I feel it would have been an opportunity to network with those outside of my Outdoor Foods area.

If you’re interested in getting more information about the program you can access this website (http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/default/?ss=paid) or contact Erica via her e-mail, evanser@onid.ost.edu, or here at Career Services, (541-737-4085) to ask her any questions!

posted by Carly Larson, Career Assistant

Freshman year caused drastic alterations in my life. Being away from my home of 18 years, including all family, most of my friends, my loving Great Dane/Pit Bull…it was difficult for me. I spent my four years of high school involved in a variety of volunteer activities, ranging from being a member of the PAL’s program at the Southern Oregon Humane Society to enrolling in the Buddy Program which entails interacting and becoming a helping friend to an elementary school student throughout the Springtime. When I transferred to the college setting, I had to depart from all of my old responsibilities and begin new ones. The best way I discovered to find a range of volunteer opportunities was being involved in the Civic Engagement Club. This club sends out weekly emails that include multiple different opportunities to get involved in the community. Since it was only the first few weeks of school, I was still very new to everything so I ended up spending hours skimming through each opportunity that was presented. I came across a volunteer abroad opportunity, titled Public Health Global Brigade, which immediately struck my interest.

First of all, I love traveling. Studying abroad has been my dream ever since I was old enough to understand what it even meant! I signed up and began going to the meetings to get further knowledge about the program. Knowing I would have to set myself back financially made me want to rethink if it was really worth it or not, but my heart quickly trumped the thoughts. After going to the first few meetings, I could not come up with any potential negative consequences that would make me regret the experience so I stayed committed and it eventually led me to the Darien region of Panama.

Our mission was to improve the overall health of the communities we visit by building/completing latrines. From this, children and adults will have better access to a clean bathroom which will help reduce the chance of obtaining diseases that can lead to a serious illness or even death. Alongside 23 other women and 1 man, all from OSU, we spent seven days rebuilding ten latrines that were not finished by previous Public Health Brigades and started and completed one main latrine at an Elementary school outside the Darien region.

We assisted and worked with certified Panamanian contractors so we weren’t completely clueless as to how to build the structures. We worked through 90% humidity, through the downpour of rain (and “downpour” is an understatement), through pools of perspiration, through laughs, jokes, smiles and committed dedication. All of this led up to an everlasting bond between the student volunteers, the Panamanian contractors, the Panamanian directors in charge of the Global Brigade program in Panama, and the families in each of the communities we visited.

Returning home was saddening, but also reviving. I learned a tremendous amount of culture differences and experienced what life is like outside the US. It is true when American travelers of the world say “be thankful for what we have here in the US.” Every single one of us volunteers came back thankful, inspired and lively. You honestly can’t get that sensation from anything else. As a volunteer abroad student, I now have an expanded heart and more of a passion to make a difference here in this world. I hope others will take a chance, open themselves to “one-time” opportunities so they will one day achieve the same experience and awareness as I have.

Have you had a memorable volunteer or volunteer abroad experience? Tell us about it!

posted by Whitney Cordes, Career Assistant

Beavers Beyond OSU is an opportunity for students and alumni to share a successful internship, career related experience, project or study abroad opportunity. Perhaps you’ve discovered a new passion or created a start-up. Or you’ve had a meaningful experience that can inspire and educate others on ways to find intentional careers. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you.

To share your story, please submit your interest below.

Name: Leah Anderson

Majors: Merchandising Management and Fine Arts

Year: Senior

What are your plans after graduation? I secured a full-time job at Kohl’s Department Store.

Congratulations!

When will you start? Two days after graduation

What will be your title? Management-in-Training (MIT), which would prepare me for an assistant management position at the conclusion of the summer

How did you hear about your job opportunity? At Career Services Career Fair

What did you do to prepare for your job search? Before attending the career fair, I researched which companies were planning on attending the fair and targeted those who met my career goals. My goal was to work for a large retail company who could offer me corporate advancement opportunities. Then, I worked on customizing my resume to the company’s needs (as found on their website) and even ordered myself some flashy new business cards (courtesy of Vistaprint). I also invested time to pick out a business outfit and was ready to network.

Tell us about your experience networking with the recruiters/employers. I connected with three of the four representatives –one of them was my former sorority sister (score!). They were very easy to talk to, very informed about the opportunities available, and super enthusiastic about me (and those business cards).

What was the result of networking with the recruiters/employers? I was invited for an on-campus interview a few days later.

How did you prepare for the on-campus interview? Preparing for the interview was much more work. I read almost every page on Kohl’s website –about their philanthropic work, their celebrity endorsed brands, their high/low pricing strategy –everything. I wanted to know as much as possible, both to ensure I was impressive at the interview and to make sure this was in fact a company I wanted to work for. I also scheduled a mock interview at Career Services. This turned out to be incredibly helpful. They helped me organize my thoughts and experiences into answers that would help me market my skills and talents to the employer.

What happened after your on-campus interview? I was selected for a second interview. I credit my over-preparedness for my first successful interview. I totally would have cracked under the pressure if I hadn’t practiced my answers several times before hand.

Tell us about your second interview. What happened? Kohl’s offered me the MIT position during my second interview.

What skills and knowledge do you hope to learn while working at Kohl’s? I am definitely very excited about this opportunity. I would like to learn how to successfully merchandise store products, create sales projections and employee schedules, and explore the realms of Human Resources. I want to use these experiences to help me determine whether I want to manage a store, become a recruiter, work my way up the corporate ladder, etc. I am excited to apply my degrees to such a vast field. With so many retail-oriented jobs to choose from, this MIT program will bring me one step closer to finding my dream job.

How did your education/experiences help to prepare you for this type of job? My classes, volunteer and work experiences prepared me for this opportunity.

What information can you share with your peers who are preparing for the job search? I would definitely recommend having a mock interview to anyone who is serious about landing a particular job and to attend the career fairs.

Marian Moore, Career Development Coordinator/Career Counselor in Career Services at OSU is passionate about empowering others holistically to find meaningful and sustainable careers that promote lifestyle optimization. Interests: Career Coaching, Talent and Human Capital Management, Curriculum Design and Development, International Education, Personal Branding, Organizational Development, Entrepreneurship, Global Economic Development, Human Rights and Immigrant and Refugee advocacy.

Howdy, Career Beavers blog readers! Week 7 of spring term already, and the Career Changer is back to continue the story of her wavy career path. All school year, I’ve been writing the story of the shifts and changes on my professional path that got me here to OSU after graduating with my undergraduate degree twelve years ago. In my last post, I told the story of how I began working as a real estate office manager in Colorado, a totally new position in a totally new industry for me. While I was contributing to this office, I was also keeping my ears open about other opportunities. One arose about nine months later that could be a good fit for my skills, experience, and personal goals.

In the small town of Creede, the arts are very important. So important, in fact, that in addition to the Creede Repertory Theatre, there is a local nonprofit arts organization that sponsors gallery shows, arts education, art in public spaces, and other arts related events. The Creede Arts Council’s director was leaving after many years of building a set of programs that added value to the community, events that people had come to expect and count on to sustain them year after year. The Council needed a new Director.

With my background in writing and theatre and because I had completed an internship in nonprofit development while in graduate school, I was chosen to direct this organization of very dedicated volunteers as they worked hard to provide arts programming for their community. This opportunity may not have happened in a big city, but the available candidate pool was small, so I got lucky! Because it was part time, I continued working in the real estate office while taking on grant writing, volunteer organizing, event planning, and marketing.

Some of these tasks were brand new to me. Some of these tasks were new facets of skills I was already comfortable with. All of these tasks were a challenge, so I learned as I went, asked the board and the previous director lots of questions, and tried things out to see if they would work. I learned so many useful skills in this job that there isn’t the space to list them all. Looking back on it, I’m so glad I took a chance in applying, and they took a chance by hiring me!

The most valuable skills I cultivated regarded working on a team while leading that team. A volunteer board hired me to manage them but also to serve their needs. I needed to balance my leadership style with the goals and purpose of my position, supporting everyone’s ideas and acting as a facilitator for conversations to decide the direction of the organization. So, many of the skills I cultivated in that job are skills I use today and skills I will continue to use in the future. However, I still knew I wanted to work in higher education. In Week 9, I will tell you about my next steps in achieving that goal. Have a great week!

Jessica Baron is currently a Graduate Assistant in Career Services at OSU and a full time student in the College Student Services Administration Program. Before making her way to Oregon State, Jessica worked as an actor, waiter, online tutor, receptionist, college composition instructor, creative writer, gas station attendant, nonprofit program director, writing workshop leader, high school drama coach, Hallmark card straightener, substitute teacher, real estate office manager, and SAT tutor, not necessarily in that order. Her “Confessions of a Career Changer” will focus on her wavy career path and the challenges and joys of wanting to do everything.

To share your story, please submit your interest below.

Name: Emily Berkey

Major: Double major in Sociology: Criminology and Penology & Human Development and Family Sciences

Year: Senior

Tell us about your national exchange experience? I attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, through the National Student Exchange Program. There, I was able to network with music industry booking agents and event coordinators and interview them about their careers. Additionally, I was able to link up with over 50 students from around the country, including the CEO of Royal Fam Entertainment in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What was your title? West Coast Director of Promotions for Royal Fam Entertainment

What did you do? I spread awareness and stimulated interest about Royal Fam amongst college aged students. I also gained more insight into the music industry. As a result of working promotions in Baton Rouge, I became the West Coast Director of Promotions for Royal Fam Entertainment.

How did you hear about this opportunity? Through a recommendation from a friend, followed by my own networking.

What did you gain personally and professionally from this experience? I gained a lot of lifelong friendships and connections, as well as insight into the music industry. Specifically, I solidified myself as a successful public relations assistant.

What did you learn about yourself? I learned that I am skilled in promotions and networking, and am able to translate ideas into action. I also learned that I’m a successful communicator with all groups of people and represented the message of the organization successfully.

What skills did you develop or learn? I learned the importance of networking and advocating for myself. Additionally, I was able to practice representing myself and others in a positive way, sharing my creativity to inspire others, as well as communicating ideas and strategies in a clear manner.

How did your education/experiences help to prepare you for this type of opportunity? I volunteered at the Pride Center on campus, currently work at the Writing Center, and volunteer at KBVR. My varied experiences have exposed me to very diverse groups of people. This, along with my sociology and human development and family sciences majors, has prepared me with both educational and real life experiences for working and communicating with diverse groups of people.

What information can you share with your peers or others interested in this field? Although National Student Exchange no longer exists at Oregon State, I suggest that students look for internships out of state in any field they’re interested in. By leaving your comfort zone and a town that you’re used to, you are really able to grow personally and professionally.

To share your story, please submit your interest below.

Name: Wenmin “Minnie” Wang

Major: MBA

Year: Graduate Student

Where do you work? International Living and Learning Center (ILLC)

What is your title? Receptionist Assistant

What do you do? My responsibilities include assisting customers, primarily INTO OSU international students who are taking language courses in the ILLC. I answer phone calls and questions, greet customers, and update our Facebook page.

How did you hear about your present job? I once served as a volunteer with the ILLC.

What did you gain personally and professionally from this experience? The importance of delivering good customer service.

How does this job relate to your career goals and plans? My dream job is to work in hospitality management, which requires good communication and customer service skills.

What skills did you develop or learn? I learned more about myself through my interactions with other students. I enhanced my English language skills and developed stronger communication and interpersonal skills.

How did your education/experiences help to prepare you for this type of job? I am currently working on my MBA and am able to apply concepts learned from my courses. Also, my previous experience and exposure working for the center was valuable.

What information can you share with your peers or others interested in finding a job or career? Volunteering is a good way to find a job opportunity. I received this job after volunteering in the ILLC. Grasp every opportunity no matter if it’s paid or unpaid. Every effort pays back!

To share your story, please submit your interest below.

Name: Andrew Sherman

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Year: Senior

Where did you do your internship? ATI Wah Chang in Albany, OR.

What was your title? Mechanical Project Engineer

What did you do? I worked on multiple projects that ranged from pump systems to process equipment design. I also developed and managed the scope, schedule, and budgets for equipment installation projects utilizing Contractors and Union maintenance personnel.

How did you hear about your internship? I learned about this opportunity through the School of Engineering, MECOP program. Continue reading →

A few times during the term we will highlight OSU alum who have been successful in the job search process and share their experience with you! They offer great tips and strategies that maybe you could implement as well.

Name: Loni Hartman

Major: English

Company: Consolidated Graphics/Bridgetown Printing

Position: Leadership Development Associate

How did you find out about the position?
I found my position by looking at the Career Services website before the Career Fair. I knew there were three employers I really wanted to talk to so I found them on the website, got the link to their company websites to research them, and then went into the Career Fair feeling great.

What does your job entail?
A Leadership Associate works through every part of a Consolidated Graphics Printing Company in order to understand the process before moving into a sales or management role. Currently I am learning how to estimate printing jobs in order to make sure our sales reps are competitive in getting jobs.

What advice do you have for others about the job search process?
Use your resources and ask questions. Knowing about the companies I was interested before I walked into the career fair made me feel confident when I walked through the career fair doors.

Posted by Loni Hartman, 2011 OSU Alum

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The Career Development Center Blog

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Category Archives: Success Stories

Getting Recruited Takes Becoming a “Sales Representative”

Global Internships

Disney College Program Experience: An interview with Erica Evans

Panama Experience: Volunteer Abroad

Beavers Beyond OSU

Confessions of a Career Changer: An Opportunity in the Arts

Beavers Beyond OSU

Beavers Beyond OSU

Beavers Beyond OSU

Career Fair Success

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