Student Success Stories

This week’s success story: Ashley Fontenot

What CCD resources have you used that may have led to an internship, co-op, or part/full - time job opportunity?

Hire-a-Vol

Career Consultation

BUAD: 320

Erin Bennett
Mary Mahoney

Danny Pape

How have these resources prepared you for the internship, co-op, or part/full - time search process?

Freshman year I needed a part-time job, and I found that job through Hire-A-Vol. Through BUAD: 320 with Erin, I chose my major - Public Relations. After almost a year with my first job, they had to cut the secretary position. They gave me a two-week notice, and within that I found a job at 21st Mortgage. I was promoted to Social Media Coordinator there, and after a year and three months, I needed more experience in PR, so I attended the Communications Job Fair and met Sophie with Ackermann PR. I have held an intern position with them for two semesters. Within that time, I spoke with Mary Mahoney about working in Athletics and she connected me with my now boss.

What organization have you worked for or will you be working for and where?

During college, I've worked for Smee+Busby Architects downtown in Market Square, 21st Mortgage also downtown - two blocks from market square, Ackermann PR off of Northshore, and the athletic department.

What was your most enjoyable experience or what are most you looking forward to?

I can't say that I've had one amazing experience. I think all of my experiences have led me to where I am today. I still haven't chosen the industry I want to work in, but I definitely have options because of all the experience I have. Pretty much any success in job hunting I've had, the Center for Career Development has had a huge part. The most enjoyable people I've met are Erin and Mary. They've been two beacons of light in my professional journey. 

Keep up the great work, Ashley! 

ATTENTION: If you have any great internship/ job experiences that UT Center for Career Development played a role in helping you score and you would like to share, we would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at utcareerpeers@utk.edu for more information if you would like to be featured in our Student Success Stories segment of Big Orange Briefcase.

Yours Truly, 

Upcoming Events

We've got a couple of great opportunities approaching this week and we look forward to everyone coming out to participate and take advantage of this week's events. 

Communication Job & Internship Fair

October 21, 2015 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Thompson Boling Arena

The Communication Job & Internship Fair typically brings in over 50+ employers who are seeking students/alumni for full-time entry-level positions and/or internships. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with so many potential employers at one time.

Dress professionally and bring multiple copies of your resume. Visit the Center for Career Development website for resume assistance.

For a list of employers attending visit http://bit.ly/Communications2015

Career Conversations: Law Enforcement and Forensics

October 21, 2015 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, Center for Career Development (Student Union Room 225)

Join us for Law & Order and CSI in Real Life: Careers in Law Enforcement and Forensics . This event is part of the Career Conversations for Arts and Sciences series, and it will feature a panel of individuals working in these fields. Explore real-world options via a facilitated panel discussion and questions and answer session.

Yours truly,

Upcoming Events

What’s coming up soon in the Center for Career Development? We’ve got the next big job and internship fair right around the corner, so we hope you’re preparing to network and walk through a few doors of opportunity!

Communication Job & Internship Fair

October 21, 2015 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Thompson Boling 

The Communication Job & Internship Fair typically brings in over 50+ employers who are seeking students/alumni for full-time entry-level positions and/or internships. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with so many potential employers at one time.

Dress professionally and bring multiple copies of your resume. Visit the Center for Career Development website for resume assistance.

For a list of employers attending visit http://bit.ly/Communications2015

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Walk-In hours at the Center for Career Development with our PCA’s are held every Monday- Thursday from 1pm- 4pm and on Wednesdays 9am- 4pm. Stop by and see us for a resume critique, practice interview, job search help, or just to say hello!

Yours Truly, 

Missions Expo

Looking for...

...Look no further! Attend the Missions Expo on Thursday, February 26th from 1-4 in the University Center Ballroom!

Dress Casual.

Come and Network.

See what opportunities are available!

Register at: Tiny.utk.edu/Missions

Any Questions? Contact Ty at: Tyler@Willingham.net

Myth Buster Monday: Internships

Why didn’t the little skeleton go to see a scary movie?

He didn’t have the guts!

Myth: You should only apply for positions that have your field of study in the title.

Be open to all opportunities! Some companies may be recruiting for only one or two positions but you could find that your skills can be very useful in those open jobs. Always give a job a chance. Work with a recruiter to see how your skills and needs can fit into the job/internship that they’re hiring for. Many internships can be tailored to what the student is hoping to gain from the experience.

Do not judge a company by its name. It may be hard to see the value of working at a smaller company when there are so many large companies out there but you should really give them a chance. Always except an offer to interview unless you have previously committed yourself to another employer. You can practice your interview skills and who knows, maybe they will describe your ideal job or offer you an opportunity that you cannot refuse!

Students seem to get hung up on their major and finish their time at UT without internship experience or a full-time job offer. Worry less about the job title and more about how your skills can be utilized in the position you’re applying or interviewing for. If you take part in an internship that you do not enjoy, you have still learned a lot and therefore, have a better idea of what you’re looking for in a future position. Do you best in your interviews and receive an offer, then decline if you feel the position is not right for you.

Good luck this recruiting season!