Summer Internships

The school year is finally coming to a close and for many of you, the next big thing on your calendar is starting your summer internship. Whether this is your first experience interning or you've become a seasoned pro, we found some useful articles that will help keep both the professional and fun sides of your intern experience in perspective. From the attitudes you should have to the initiative you should be taking, these articles aim to boost up your confidence and give you the inside scoop on how to really impress your employers and maximize your time while interning. And of course, we cannot let you go out into the world without emphasizing the importance of networking during this time. We hope this will shed some light and remember, we at the Career Services office are rooting for you! So, make yourself, and us, look good. ;-)

Related Articles:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/internships-guide-advice_n_1607683.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/11/advice-to-crush-your-internship_n_5568495.html

Happy Thanksgiving from UTK Career Services!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from the Peer Career Advisers of UTK!! We hope everyone has safe travels and a happy holiday! Eat lots of delicious food and rest up so you will be well-prepared for finals week! Also, included: some one-line, table talk jokes to share with the family :) Enjoy and have an amazing break!

What's the key to a great Thanksgiving dinner?

The turKEY!

Why was the Thanksgiving soup so expensive?

It had 24 carrots!

Why did they let the turkey join the band?

Because he had the drumsticks!

5 things to do over winter break

The weather outside is getting frightful as are all of the end of semester projects, and papers--not to mention the dreaded finals week coming up!  With so much going on, it's hard to even think about our plans are for winter break.  The truth of the matter is though, our 1 month break will be upon us in a few short weeks and there is a lot to do.  Here's a quick run down of things that you should try to accomplish:

1.  Get started on that summer internship/job
I know, I know it seems so far away right now but spring will sneak up on you.  Start researching internships and jobs now because a lot of them will start conducting their interviews early spring.  Allow yourself time to prepare and research so that you can really nail that interview.  To see who will be interviewing on campus this spring, check out Hire-A-Vol.

2.  Get caught up on current events
And no, I'm not talking about Kim and Kanye's engagement--real stuff, people! With so much going on in school, it's hard to keep up with what's going on in the world.  Research the Health Reform, read about what's going on around the world.  You'd be surprised to learn how many interviewers ask questions about current events!

3.  Study for graduate school entrance exams
Winter break is a great time to study for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or any other test that you have to take.  Make sure to take advantage of this time off and focus on making the best score possible.  Also, if you need to take one of these exams but haven't yet, make sure you schedule one pronto!

4.  Build your professional wardrobe
Make sure you ask Santa for a suit (or at least buy one with your Christmas money).  With interview season coming up, you want to make sure that you have all of the proper attire to wow your interviewers.  Sure they're expensive, but think of it as an investment--how you present yourself can make or break your interview.  This doesn't just apply for job interviews either, remember grad school interviews are just around the corner!

5.  Relax!
It's been a long, rough semester so much sure you kick back, relax and have some fun--you earned it!

Upcoming Event: Sophomore Boot Camp

Calling all Sophomores! Sophomore Boot Camp is a mini-conference exclusively for second year students held the day before classes start on January 7, 2014.  Registering allows you to access to sophomore-specific programming including searching for internships, studying abroad, writing resumes, and preparing for graduate school.

FREEBIE ALERT: Refreshments, professional portfolio, and an etiquette luncheon are provided!

Dress is business casual.  Not sure what that means? Read this post, click here or here to check out our Pinterest page on interview/work attire.

When: January 7, 2014, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where: University Center

To register, log in to Hire-A-Vol and search for Career Services Workshops!

Need help with Hire-A-Vol? Check out our tutorial video!

Company Highlight: 21st Mortgage

21st Mortgage Corporation specializes in providing financing to manufactured home buyers. The company originates and services loans in 48 states, predominately in the Southeast and Southwest. Loans are originated through relationships with manufactured home retailer organizations, direct mail solicitation, and referrals from brokers. 21st Mortgage offers conforming loan products through FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other conforming lenders. 21st Mortgage also makes loans directly to manufactured home owners who are buying a manufactured home or refinancing a home they already own.

Here at UT, they gladly welcome ANY major to join their team. Applicants have the possibility of staying local or going to another location. For more information, check out 21^st Mortgage’s profile on Hire-A-Vol or the company’s website!

This is not an advertisement--we simply want to inform you on awesome job opportunities that are out there!

When Should I Start Looking for a Job

The most common mistake made during your college career is starting preparation too late for your actual career. Career exploration should start almost as soon as you start college. Think that’s too early? Ask some random seniors on campus and see how many of them know what they will be doing after graduation and when they started looking. The correlation is scary. Here are few tips on what you can be doing throughout your career.

Sophomore Year

Find out what you really want to do. Partake in job shadowing and informational interviewing. This is the time to start evaluation your own strengths, weaknesses, and interests to decide what you want to do. Remember not to limit yourself to one field!

Junior Year

Use this time to get as much field experience as you can. Volunteer or get a part-time job that lets you gain experience in your field of choice. Begin narrowing your choices down and start developing a network of people as well as experiences. 

Summer after Junior Year

Internships before senior year are crucial in landing your first job. Try to land an internship that will help advance your career. Make sure that it is relevant to your post-college choices and not just an internship for the sake of having one. Make sure to be an overachiever at during your internship experience. Some students may get a job offer at the company where they served their summer internship. 

Senior Year

Continue to network and build connections during your last year. Keeping up with potential employers means you will be the first to know about opportunities and will have a “leg up” on the competition. 

After Graduation

Tap into the network that you’ve been building through not only previous internships, but professors and even classmates. It is important to follow up on job leads as soon as possible.

 

Reminder: PCA Applications Due Today!

Just a friendly reminder--Peer Career Advisor applications are due today at 5 p.m.!  Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to become a PCA and help other students!

Also, don't forget to sign up for Networking at Neyland on Hire-A-Vol! It's filling up fast so make sure to claim your spot.

Lastly, remember to set your clock back an hour Sunday night and get that extra hour of sleep!

Why I Became a PCA: Helene

One day last year, one of my friends in the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering department sent me an email he had received about Peer Career Advisor applications. He said that I would be great for the position and recommended that I apply. As an engineering student, I needed a change of pace from the typical technical work I was doing.


Career Services gives me the opportunity to reach out and help students from all corners of campus as a Peer Career Advisor. It is a breath of fresh air for me and maintains my sanity! In the future, I know I don't want to do hands-on engineering work, and one day I hope to integrate my skills obtained here into my career. If you enjoy helping students and dedicated to professionalism, this position is for you! 

Why I Became a PCA: Josh

Being a PCA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. I am entering my third year as a PCA. I became a PCA because I really wanted to work for Career Services. I understood what an important role Career Services played in students’ lives after graduating college, and I wanted to be a part of that. When I learned of the Peer Career Advisor position, I knew it was perfect for me.

The most rewarding part of being a PCA is the positive feedback I have received from students.  Students are mostly thankful after I have helped them perfect their resume or polish their interviewing skills. It has been truly rewarding getting to help students build the foundations for their professional career. I would recommend the Peer Career Advisor position to anyone who communicates well and wants to help others to build professional skills needed to join the workforce. 

Why I Became a PCA: Patrice

If you didn't already know, PCA applications are due this Friday, November 1.  We encourage everyone to apply!  We all love working at Career Services, and we know you would too!  This week we will share our stories about why we chose to become PCAs. (Click here to read Shell's story from last week!)

I choose to become a Peer Career Advisor because I wanted an experience on campus that would help me become more involved and meet new people. I was a Junior in the College of Business anticipating on graduating in two and a half years and I was already a member of a prominent business organization and an avid member of UniTe.

Becoming a PCA was one of the greatest collegiate choices I have made.  I applied to meet new people, but I learned so much about my field and about myself.  As a Human Resource Management major I now have the skills of resume writing and interviewing – two skills professionals struggle with years within their field.  I have met peers from ALL walks of life and have learned how to professionally communicate and network with them.  I feel a bit of satisfaction when I help one of my peers, also.  Career Services is definitely a gem many UT students overlook! 

Guest Blogger: Stephanie Kit

Today's Post comes from Stephanie Kit, the Associate Director of Career Services and Career Counselor.  Enjoy!

If you’re thinking about changing your major or still haven’t chosen one, you are not alone. Everyday our career counselors encounter students who visit Career Services because they are questioning their majors. You may find that an intro class for your intended major just isn’t as interesting as you had hoped or maybe you were planning on a pre-health major to prepare for a medical career and now realize that science isn’t your strongest subject. Sometimes students come to UT and discover a whole range of majors they weren’t previously aware of. 

Whatever the case may be, we can help!  We have a number of assessments available to help you consider your interests, personality, values and skills. Our trained career counselors can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your ideas related to majors and careers and direct you to a wealth of resources.  Take the first step and call Career Services at 865-974-5435 or stop by 100 Dunford Hall. Our staff will help you get started!

Why I Became a PCA: Shell

When I first heard about the PCA position I was very excited for a number of reasons. I knew that a position such as this would be very beneficial to me in a variety of ways. After looking into the job responsibilities I realized how that by serving in this role I would also be gaining skills not only to help other students in need, but that I would need as well. 

As a result of the PCA training I learned what employers look for in a resume, how to conduct myself during interviews, and also how to effectively job search. Along with these valuable skills working in an office that is a huge resource on campus would help me develop my transferable skills that would come in handy in any field. 

Finally this position appealed to me is because it would help me with my future career goals of working in higher education.

What in the world is Career Services?

Well we are glad you asked!

The University of Tennessee Career Services is your first stop for all things career-related! From trying to find a major to getting that first full-time job after you graduate, we provide the resources to help students every step of the way! Career Services provides resume help, workshops, campus job fairs, graduate school admissions assistance and more!

So then, who are the Peer Career Advisors?

There are 5 of  us Peer Career Advisors (or PCAs) who were trained to provide career development assistance on a peer to peer level through UT Career Services. We staff the resume walk-in hours, conduct mock interviews, assist with workshops and presentations and help promote all Career Services programs. In other words, we are here to help YOU!

Let us introduce ourselves: 

Courtney Holder- Senior in Communication Studies

Fun fact: "I went skydiving last summer and loved it!"
   

LaRonda Jones- Senior in Electrical Engineering 

Fun fact: "I'm from Georgia but I've never eaten a peach!"

David Lepard- Senior in Political Science

Rebekah Linn- Junior in Child and Family Studies
Fun fact: "One of my favorite things to eat for dinner is pancakes."

Neeley Polka- Senior in Marketing/International Business

Where is Career Services?

We get this question a lot! And since we would love to have you come visit, make an appointment with a career consultant in your field and check out our resource center- we will make it as easy as possible to find us! Our office is located in 100 Dunford Hall, right in front of Greve and Massey Halls. If you are coming around "the horseshoe" and are facing Greve, we are the building on the left. You will see our sign out front!

How can I find out more information?

Our website (career.utk.edu) has TONS of guides and tools to help you get started with any part of the major and career exploration process. You can also call our office at 865-974-5435 to schedule an appointment with a staff member. Now, you can even be a fan on our Facebook page (UT Knoxville Career Services) and follow us on Twitter (VolCareers)!