South Dakota State University

It may be a little later than usual, but I didn't forget SDSU!

Providing Access to the Future

South Dakota State University is committed to providing quality education no matter where our students live.  Just because you can’t attend classes at SDSU’s main campus in Brookings, SD doesn’t mean you can’t receive the benefits of an SDSU education and be a Jackrabbit.

By offering programs at University Center Rapid City, SDSU extends the same quality education to students who want to earn their degree while living and working in their home community.  Simply put, SDSU is here to accommodate lives already full of responsibilities.  We provide access to change the future.  Your future. The next step is yours. 

Here is a list of programs offered by SDSU at University Center Rapid City:

• Associate of Science in General Agriculture (Hybrid Delivery)
• Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture (Courses towards this degree)
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Range Science (Courses towards this degree)
• Master of Education in Educational Administration
• Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development
• Master of Education in Counseling and Human Resource Development

University of South Dakota

Just a bit of background information to get you started before the overview of the University of South Dakota.  The University Center Rapid City offers students the ability to receive degrees from five state institutions.  One area of confusion for the students taking classes or interested in classes at the University Center is that they are enrolled in the University Center, when in reality they are enrolled in one of the five institutions offering degrees here.  So, these students are University of South Dakota (or one of the other four schools) students at the University Center Rapid City.  Clear as mud or does it make sense?  If not, just let us know, we are more than happy to answer questions.

Now, on to the profile of the University of South Dakota!

The University of South Dakota (USD) is an academic leader in the state and region.  USD is South Dakota's designated liberal arts institution and its flagship university.  It offers more than 115 majors through its eight schools and colleges.  USD is home to the state's only Law School, Medical School, School of Health Sciences, and College of Fine Arts.  The Beacom School of Business is South Dakota's only AACSB-accredited business school, and the College of Arts & Sciences is the regional center for liberal arts education.  The University has been continuously accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913.

The University of South Dakota, through University Center Rapid City, provides undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities in Rapid City.  At University Center Rapid City, USD offers programs and classes designed to meet the needs of non-traditional students in Rapid City and the surrounding area.

USD offers the following degrees at University Center Rapid City:

• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Master of Science in Administration, with specializations in:
• Alcohol and Drug Studies (online)
• Criminal Justice
• Health Services Administration (online)
• Human Resources
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Long-Term Care Administration (online)
• Organizational Leadership
• Educational Doctorate in Educational Administrations with specializations in:
• Adult and Higher Education
• Pre-K-12 Principal

For more information about USD at University Center Rapid City, please contact Ben Krush or Frank Arpan at 605-718-4112.

What would you like to hear about?

If I had my way, this blog would just consist of ramblings of whatever comes to my mind that day, however...the purpose of this blog is to talk about the University Center Rapid City and the services it offers to our students.  So with that in mind, what do you want to know and read about?  Please comment and let me know what information you want.

Until I get some comments, I will embark on a profile of the programs and degrees offered at the University Center.  I will be starting that series on Monday, giving all our readers something to look forward to.  In an effort not to show favoritism to one school over another, I will be going in reverse alphabetical order.  That means the schedule will be as follows:

• Monday:  University of South Dakota
• Tuesday:  South Dakota State University
• Wednesday:  Northern State University
• Thursday:  Dakota State University
• Friday:  Black Hills State University

UCRC Job Fair

One of the top things students at the University Center have requested is Career Services.  Well we have listened and would like to announce the 1st Annual Fall Job Fair.  This fair will be held on Thursday, September 6th running from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.  The fair will be held in the University Center Rotunda.

If you are a student at the University Center, no matter which school you are enrolled in, you can attend this fair FREE of charge.  If you are looking for a part-time job, a full-time job, a different job or an internship then this fair is for you!  Make sure you come prepared to impress your potential new employer.  That means:

• Update and proof your resume.
• Develop a 30-second introduction of yourself and practice it!
• Dress appropriately
• Make a good first impression: smile, make eye contact, use a firm handshake and introduce yourself in a friendly manner
• Remember body language, don't chew gum, fidget or look around while the employer is talking to you
• Request a business card from the employer for later follow up

If you are a potential employer who would like to potentially hire some of the students at the University Center, this is the best deal you can find.  This fair is FREE to attend, you just need to register in advance.  Due to space constraints, we are limited to only 30 employers.  To register, log in to Jacket Job Link or contact Susie Leahy directly at 605-718-4142.  Please note that employers will be strictly limited to only half of an 8 foot table for their booth.  If your business has a large floor display, please contact Susie as alternate arrangements can be made.

Keep watching this page as we get closer to the fair.  All employers participating will be listed so job seekers can research the companies and come prepared!

3 Recommended Posts

As I was surfing the web, looking for a specific article, I came across several interesting articles to share, all pertaining in some way to higher education and/or careers.

First is an article done by WFTX-TV in Naples, FL.  This article is talking about the higher numbers of people who are going "under the laser" to have their tattoos removed as part of their job search.  One of the main things referenced is that because the numbers of people getting tattoos is rising, it only makes sense that laser removal is rising.  To read the whole story, click HERE. 

I don't know about all of you readers out there, but I will proudly admit that I am one of the millions sporting some ink.  I have never once considered getting it removed as part of my job search, however it is a small design that is on the inside of one ankle.  It isn't very noticeable and has a very special meaning to me.  However, I understand why some people think it might up their chances of landing a job if they have it removed.  It is a personal choice and really, there is no wrong decision.

Second, I found a video on CNN.com about how college can be more affordable.  One of the suggestions offered by the experts is to attend a state supported college.  Of course, as an employee at a state supported institution, I found this advice to be priceless.  Not to brag, but public higher education in SD provides an amazing return on what is comparably a small investment.  Check out this video HERE. 

Finally, an article from Huffington Post.  This article runs down the 10 most awesome classes offered at colleges and universities from around the country.  A couple of them include:  The Philosopher's Stone: Alchemy from Antiquity to Harry Potter and Stupidity.  Yes, you read that correctly, there is a class offered from Occidental College titled "Stupidity."  It is a fun and light hearted read, so if you need a break from whatever you're working on, check it out HERE.

7 Career Mistakes

Happy Monday!  For your reading pleasure today, I have found an article from MSN Careers, talking about 7 common career mistakes people are making, and need to quit doing!  In short, here are the mistakes:

1. Not making yourself indespensible.
2. Not maintaining your network.
3. Not increasing your marketability.
4. Being too humble.
5. Not keeping track of your career accomplishments.
6. Not being opportunistic.
7. Burying your head in the sand

Read the full article for tips on how to avoid these mistakes or how to correct them if you are currently doing them.  It can be found HERE.

Hope you all have a great Monday!

Happy Friday!

The University Center is a hopping place today!  We have two groups visiting this morning on top of the classes that are going on, not to mention a New Student Registration Day for Black Hills State University students this afternoon.  While I wait for my next appointment to arrive, I figured I would jot off a quick note to wish all our readers "Happy Friday!"

As one of the editor of this blog, I occasionally surf through the statistics on how many people are reading this, how they found us and what country they are from.  I was happy and pleased to see readers from several different European countries!  So for all of you, WELCOME!  If you have any questions about the University Center, Rapid City or the Black Hills; please do not hesitate to contact us.

Anyone have any wild weekend plans?  I know I will spend it driving back and forth across the state, again, but it is all for a good cause.  First though, my Corvette loving husband will be taking me to Spearfish tonight to stare at all the 'Vettes parked on Main Street for the annual Corvette Rally.

From all of us at the University Center, have a great weekend!  Try to stay cool and safe with the heat and wildfires happening out there.

Is college a good investment?

There was an interesting article posted on msnbc.com today.  The headline is "Fewer people see college as a good financial investment" and if you want to read it, click HERE.

Personally, I believe my college degrees were the best investment I could have made, hands down.  While the financial and employment benefits are the most tangible results of my investment, I would like to offer just a few other benefits that may not be so noticeable but are a HUGE part of what has made me into who I am today.

• A vast majority of my closest friends, I met in the hallways and classroom of my alma mater, they are the ones that I depend and rely on for wisdom, counsel, advice, stress relief, a good laugh or a good cry.
• Confidence in myself and my abilities.  Going in to college I had a small level of confidence, but there is no way the high school graduate me would ever believe that the college graduate me would be doing the things I am doing.  I chalk that up to the "college experience."
• Egotistically, I like to believe that I had very good writing, speaking, reasoning and thinking skills when I entered college, however through my classes and two degrees, I developed some amazing critical thinking skills and the ability to see big picture ideas.
• Acquiring an understanding of just how small the world really is and how hard people should work to understand one another.  This was probably the most difficult lesson I learned in college, and 95% of it happened outside the classroom but in the academic environment

I have an AMAZING job because of my college degree and it isn't one I could have gotten without it.  So if you ask me, yes, college is the best investment I have ever and will ever make in my lifetime (unless someone gives me a super hot stock tip and I end up making millions in the stock market, although that doesn't seem likely, so I'll stick with my original claim.)

I'd love to hear your feedback, what do you think about investing in college?

What your digital profile says about you...

Almost everyone entering the professional job market today posses some sort of digital profile.  What is a digital profile you may ask?  Essentially a digital profile it is your presence on the web.  Most job searches begin by someone with that company going to Google, Facebook or LinkedIn and typing your name in.  What comes up has the potential to make or break your quest to find that perfect job.

So, what should you do?  Tom Searcy, writing for CBS Money Watch recommends three steps to maintaining your digital profile:

1. Know your digital twin
2. Manage your digital win
3. Work on the digital twins of your team members

His whole article and tips can be found HERE.

Another article dealing with how to make your digital profile work for you was written by Steve Buttry,  Director of Community Engagement & Social Media, Digital First Media.  He talks from the point of view of a journalist, however the tips are applicable across the board.  It is a great read and can be found HERE.

Finally for your reading pleasure, I present a web page whose sole purpose of existence is to broadcast on the web people's various posts from Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, Yahoo, Google and other social media sources.  Read the fine print at the bottom of the page if you are wondering how they collect this information.  The moral of this site is "We know what you're going...and we think you should stop."
http://weknowwhatyouredoing.com/

Happy Monday all!

Full and Part-Time Positions Available in Rapid City

Fastenal in Rapid City has two positions open.

The first position is a part-time Sales Support position.

Position Overview
Working as a part-time Sales Support employee, you must have a strong interest in sales and enjoy working in a fast-paced challenging environment.  This is an entry level position that offers a flexible schedule, working daytime hours Mon-Fri, and providing assistance to our customers from our store located at 1550 Samco Road, Rapid City.

The duties and responsibilities of this position are service-based and will present new and diverse challenges daily.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with sales/customer service
• Managing inventory
• Placing and fulfilling orders
• Receiving and shipping inventory
• Performing local sales calls and deliveries with company vehicle

The second position is a full-time Sales Trainee/Outside Sales position.

Position Overview
Workin in the role of full-time Sales Trainee/Outside Sales, you will have the opportunity to learn and grow with a leading industrial and supplies distributor.  This position will be located in our store locate at 1550 Samco Road, Rapid City.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and executing a sales plan in the local territory to meet/exceed goals
• Selling industrial and construction supplies business to business
• Conducting cold calls with manufacturing, maintenance, construction, job sites and other industrial accounts
• Maintaining and growing the existing customer base
• Managing account collections for assigned accounts
• Maintaining and growing customer inventory programs
• Completing required training within the training period

Training Program:  The training experience includes hands-on, on-line, and classroom training offered through our corporate university.  External candidates hired for this position will begin their career in a Sales Trainee program.  The training program for current employees who are promoted into these positions will vary based on prior experience with the company.

Position Qualifications
The skills and qualifications for both positions include: (* indicates qualifications for full time position only)

• 18 years of age or older
• Able to work up to 50 hours per week (overtime eligible for Sales Trainee position)*
• A strong aptitude for sales and desire to earn salary plus commission after the training period*
• A valid driver's license and the ability to meet our driving record requirements
• The abiltiy to demonstrate Company values of Innovation, Teamwork, Ambition, and Integrity
• Strong computer skills and math aptitude
• The ability to life, slide and lower packages that typically weigh 25lbs-50lbs and may weigh up to 75 lbs
• Possess or are working towards and Associates Degree in Business/Marketing OR have equivalent industry experience and knowledge of the local market
• Ability to pass the required drug tes (applicable in the US, Puerto Rico, and Guam ONLY)

To Apply
Please click HERE for the Part-Time Position.
Please click HERE for the Full-Time Position.
Both applications are due by Sunday, July 22nd, 2012

Welcome to the University Center Rapid City

Hello all and welcome to everything wonderful and exciting about the University Center Rapid City!  Through this blog we will be posting information for current students, prospective students, community members, and others who may be interesed in just who we are and what we do. 

Here are just some of the topic you have to look forward to:

• Guest posts from all of the partner institutions
• Messages from the Dean
• Exciting career opportunities
• Study tips and trick
• Upcoming University Center events
• Upcoming Community Events
• Guest blogs
• Random things that the staff finds interesting and wants to share

Enjoy your visit to our blog and if you want more information about the University Center Rapid City, please contact Susie Leahy, Student Support Specialist, at 605.718.4142 or via e-mail at susie.leahy@bhsu.edu.  Yuu can also check out our webpage or Facebook page!