Attention Bridgewater College Students!

Get a Head Start: Career Exploration Day 2012

By: Kathleen Herring, Career Services

                Are you starting to wonder what you will do after graduation?  Now’s the time to meet alumni and business professionals and discover your options!  The Office of Career Services has its annual Career Exploration Day on Tuesday, October 30^th from 9am to noon in Nininger Hall.  Speak with graduates in your major to hear about their experiences during the transition from college to career, make important networking connections for your future job search, and practice your professional manner in a stress-free environment.

                Justin Pruett, from the class of 2005, shares his experience from last year’s event: “Any time I can have a chance to come back to Bridgewater and talk to students about what I’ve been able to do with my Bridgewater College degree, it’s always a benefit to me.”  His advice to this year’s attendees: don’t be afraid to talk about your college experience.  These are BC alumni, so it will give you a connecting point and tell them something about you as a person and not just your academic record.

                There will be over fifty BC alumni at this year’s event, including employees from Rockingham County Public schools, Augusta Health, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and many more!  Come and explore opportunities for job contacts, internships and career advice and play the Networking Game for a chance to win great prizes, including a Kindle!

                Erin Pampe, from the class of 2012, says “I think everyone should come to career exploration day, whether you’re a freshman or a senior getting ready to graduate, because you don’t really know what’s out there until you go look for yourself.  It’s an easy way to see how Bridgewater College can impact [your] career.”

                When choosing to attend this event, it’s important to dress professionally and bring a winning attitude and a few copies of your resume.  You never know when you might make the connection that will lead to your future career, so it’s always best to be prepared and to put your best foot forward.  In today’s difficult job market, many believe that networking is the key to success.  Kristin Young, from the class of 2005, explains: “Definitely Networking… that’s the key to getting that job and getting into the position or area that you need to go to.  Meet the people who are already in those positions.  Getting your name out there and meeting people is the best thing to do this day.”

                Come on out on October 30^th for networking opportunities, games, prizes, and Convocation credit!  For more information, please contact Sherry Talbott in the office of Career Services (stalbott@bridgewater.edu).

Diversity Career Day 2012

Getting Started on the Path to Success:

Attend Diversity Career Day at UVA!

By: Kathleen Herring, Career Services

                Every fall, the University of Virginia hosts its Diversity Career Day to help Virginia college students network with potential job contacts and employers.  With over 150 corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies represented, there is no better opportunity to meet and talk with employers in person, learn about different organizations and positions, and make meaningful networking connections for your future job search!

                Not sure what you want to do after graduation?  No problem.  Career fairs are a perfect way to explore career options, learn about the types of jobs and companies that are out there, and clarify your personal goals in terms of what skills and experiences could best help you reach your ideal career path.  The fair is also a perfect place to practice your networking, interviewing and self-marketing skills, which will help you in whatever career path you intend to pursue in the future.  It is never too early to start thinking about your career, and all students are invited to attend this event.              

Carmen Moyer, who attended last year’s fair as a senior and is now working on her Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at East Carolina University, had the following to say about the experience:  “I really feel like today has been a great opportunity and would be a great opportunity for any student who’s looking for a future career or options within their major choice for future careers.  Even if you don’t have things that you’re specifically looking for, you can just gain information and find out what these companies are all about, which could help you down the road to furthering your career.”

You may prepare for this career fair in many ways.  Possibly the most important thing to consider when attending any networking function is making a good first impression – this includes dressing professionally and bringing copies of your resume.  There are many helpful resources on the event’s website, including a searchable list of attending employers, a useful flyer on how to navigate the fair, sample questions to ask recruiters, and tips on how to act and dress for the day to look your best.  One recommendation is to prepare a 30-second personal introduction that highlights your skills, knowledge and areas of interest.  This is the best way to appear prepared in front of any potential employers or networking contacts and to make a lasting first impression.  The website can be found here: http://www.career.virginia.edu/students/events/dcd.php.

Anthony Hammer, who attended last year’s fair as a Junior, said that “Coming here, I didn’t know what to expect… Looking at all the options that are available was good because that is what’s going to help you find a job.  Come here, see what’s available, and broaden your horizons – you never know what’s going to happen past college and this is a great way to open those doors for you.”

[Bridgewater College students at the 2011 Diversity Career Day]

                This year’s Diversity Career Day will take place on Wednesday, October 24^th from 10am to 3pm at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville.  If you would like to attend and want to take advantage of our free shuttle service, please contact the Office of Career Services (ocs@bridgewater.edu) to reserve a spot in the shuttle (which will be leaving from the KCC at 9:00am).  There will also be a Career Services “Chomp-N-Chat” the day before (Tuesday, October 23^rd from 12-2pm in Flory 14) where you can ask Sherry questions about the fair, bring a copy of your resume for review, and enjoy some free pizza!  We hope to see you there!