Resume/Cover Letter Workshop

There will be a workshop tonight to help students work on their resumes and cover letters.  If you need someone to look over your resume/cover letter then stop in anytime from 5-7 pm tonight, September 26th in room 211 of the University Center. 

Haven't started your resume yet and don't know where to begin?  Stop in and have one of the University Center staff members get you started.  Check out the Job Application Information Packet available on the UCRC website, otherwise a few printed copies will be available at the workshop for students to use and take.

Finally, there will also be representatives from the Veterans Upward Bound program on hand to assist our veteran students on many different topics.  Take advantage of these free opportunities!

If you cannot make it to the workshop but would like assistance with any job application materials, contact Career Services at the University Center at 605-718-4142 and ask for Susie.  Individual appointments are always available to assist you in your career search.

10 Things to do to Reach your Dreams

As we were searching for something profound to talk about on the blog today, I came across a list of 10 things successful people do to reach their dreams.  It is a great list of actions that is appropriate all across your life.

1. No ExcusesWe all have several voices in our minds that speak to us.  There is the voice that tells us to work hard, never quit and focus on the task that is presented to us.  It also pushes us to finish the task before we move on to the next and aspire towards our utmost potential.  On the contrary, we unfortunately also have a voice that tells us to take a break, procrastinate, be lazy or hang out on Facebook.
   
   Listen to your excuses.  Understand why you have them.  Then figure out how you can use them for good.  Excuses will only slow you down, making it imperative to find a way to erase them from your mind.
   
2. It's not just about materialism
   Materialistic items are surely a part of your motivation, but they should be a tiny part of the motivation within you.  The truly successful in life always get there because they created change in the lives of others, not just their own.
   
   Find the motivators besides materialistic objects that will drive you-more fundamental motivations instead of just objects that can just come and go.  It will be something within you that will trigger your ambition.
   
3. Early mornings and late nightsThe early bird gets the worm, as the saying goes.  Successful people didn't sleep in late or take days off.  They worked extremely hard and passionately every single day until they reached their goals.  Your personal life and social life will be toned down, but your focus will completely be on your goals with early mornings and late nights.
   
   Abraham Lincoln said, "Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."  If you want to be successful, you're going to have to out hustle everyone else.
   
4. The greatest commodityThe greatest commodity we all have is time, but energy is just as important as time.  The more energy we have within us, the easier it is to focus, and a higher quality of work is the result.  Your output equals your input.
   
   One of Richard Branson's "keys to success" is staying in great physical shape.  So would raised energy levels be the greatest benefit to working out?  It may be!
   
5. Principles
   Principles and morals are two things that are in-existent in our modern day society.  It has almost become a thing of the past.
   
   Take a look at Winston Churchill.  The man had principles like no other.  The difference between him and the general populace is that he stuck to his principles at all costs.  If you want to be successful, you will emulate Churchill and have faith in your ambitions.  Live your life by what you believe, don't just change because it's the cool thing to do.
   
6. Wavering and unbreakable faith
   It cannot be stressed how important it is to have unbreakable faith instilled within yourself and in your mind.  Many people question if their dream is going to come true.  The strong have unbreakable faith and believe what they are doing is right.
   
   Even if you have moments of doubt, take your unbreakable faith to defeat your self-doubt.  Have your moments, you are human.  Just don't let that doubt eat you up.  Instead let it motivate you to prove your optimism right.
   
7. A reasonYou would be surprised how insecure many successful people are.  What has motivated many of them to succeed is having something to prove to others to help alleviate their insecurities.  If you want to be successful you have to have that powerful driving force behind you to stay motivated.
   
   Understand why.  You have that reason to work when others sleep, to sacrifice a safe life for a risky one with no ceiling.  Find it by asking why, and not stopping until you hit your core, emotional reason for wanting to change your status, or the status of others.
   
8. Persevere when other don't
   Perseverance is one of the biggest tools to success.  Success can come tomorrow or 5 years from you, you truly never know.
   
   Quitting should never be an option or even a thought.  The only time you should stop is when you ultimately reach your goal and then create a new mission.  Don't guarantee your failure by quitting.  You can adapt, change and evolve, but never, ever quit!
   
9. Great people relentlessly studied their craftIf you know the system then you will understand how to beat it.  Our society downgrades how important it is to know the craft, but it is incredibly important.  Take hours of your time and study to perfection.  Be humble and know the craft better than anyone.
   
   Being a drone and simply going through the motions is no way to achieve greatness.  Assuming success is something you want, you have to study your craft.  Learn it inside and out.  Build a wealth of knowledge.  It'll help you create great, inspiring and unique work.
   
10. RiskAs the saying goes, with no risk comes no reward at all.  Those who achieved the most success have laid it all on the line for what they passionately believed in.  It truly takes guts to risk it all, but eventually that is what you are going to have to do.  Do you really want to sit there in regret with a bunch of "what ifs" in your mind?
    
    "The greatest tragedy in life is wasted talent"-A Bronx Tale.  Risk if you truly want to see the reward.  Find your dream.  Then risk everything to get it.  The world is yours, you just have to take it!

This article was originally found here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elite-daily/the-top-10-things-success_b_1874997.html?utm_hp_ref=college.  The information above is a portion of the full article, please read it for full information.  We thank them for the information.
 

Tips for the job search

Here is a brief overview of three different articles containing tips for job searching, extending your career "shelf-life" and a positive outlook for job growth!

First, here are 5 tips for recent college graduates who are currently searching for jobs.  As you read the article, yes it is based on information from Canada, however it is good advice for all job seekers.

1. Don't get discouraged
2. Job seeking is a full time job
3. Pound the pavement
4. Follow up
5. Use all resources

Speaking of using your resources, all students taking classes at the University Center in Rapid City have access to the job search websites appropriate to their home schools.  Also, just because you are a USD student, if you log onto Coyote Careers you have access to job listing not only across the state, but across the country and even internationally.  To link to your home school website, click HERE.  To read the full article mentioned above, click HERE.

Another area to think about is once you have landed a job, how do you stay current and fresh?  Here are six tips from MSN Careers on how to extend your career "shelf-life."

1. Show a willingness to embrace change.
2. Be easy to work with
3. Discover the ability to tab both sides of your brain
4. Develop cultural literacy
5. Embark on a quest for self-improvement
6. Versatility

To read the full article with more in-depth discussions of these tips, click HERE.

Finally, some good news for the Manufacturing Technology and Applied Technical Science majors.  According to THIS article on AOL Jobs, there has been a sharp increase in jobs for skilled factory workers and skilled laborers in the manufacturing field.

Job Fair Employer List

For those of you who are interested in knowing what companies will be on hand at the Job Fair on the 6th, here is a list:

• USD Nursing Program
• BHSU Project SELECT
• Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota
• Fastenal
• Comfort Keepers
• Waddell and Reed
• St. Martin Monastery
• State Farm Insurance-Dave Raml
• Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
• Behavior Management Systems
• Pennington County Sheriff's Office
• US Air Force
• Assurant
• Caterpillar, Inc

Links are included for as many of the businesses as possible.  This will allow you to research the organizations and companies before you arrive at the job fair.

Job Fair Tips

As you may have read already, the UCRC is holding their first ever job fair on September 6th, 3:30-6:30 pm.  If you plan on attending the job fair, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you talk with potential employers.

Before the Fair

1. Know what your goal is for attending the fair and design your entire effort around that aim.
2. Research companies, agencies, or organizations that will be attending the career fair.
3. Take steps towards making a good impression
• Think about your strong points, your goals, the company and where you want to go within the company.  Prepare a "one minute commercial" about yourself.
• Prepare your own job fair kit complete with resumes (enough for all employers you want to talk with) and other items which support your interests and abilities such as references, written works or a portfolio.
• Develop a list of questions to ask employers based on your research of their organization.
• Know what skills are needed for specific careers.
• Know how to relate your past work, academic and out-of-class experiences to the career field.
• Know how to express what you are looking for and what you want.

At the Fair

1. Dress professionally.  You want to present the best image possible.  Old jeans, sweats and tank tops won't cut it.  You will only have a few minutes to make an impression as a job candidate.  Positive first impressions are critical.
2. Smile, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly and confidently.  Introduce yourself with your full name, major and graduation date.
3. Do not bring drinks, food or chew gum.
4. Listen to what the recruiter has to say.
5. Don't ramble.  Provide a concise, well-prepared overall view of what you have to offer.
6. Network while in line, talk to other students about recruiters they have spoken to already.
7. Carry a pen and notepad to take notes that can help you recall conversations with recruiters.
8. Ask for the recruiter's business card for future follow up.

 After the Fair

1. Be patient, some organizations may be "long-term" leads.
2. Follow up with company representatives.
3. Mail a thank-you note as soon as possible to each organization you targeted for further interest to reinforce your good image and to "strike while the iron is still hot!"

If you have questions or concerns about the fair or need assistance with your resume, please do not hesitate to contact Career Services at UCRC, 605-718-4142. 

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!

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