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Careers Archives - 2004 March

Beat Out Experienced Competition
Explores the topic and offers how-to information and advice on competing for positions against more experienced applicants. Offers strategies you can use to beat out your nonentry-level competitors and win the job.
Don't Burn Your Bridges and Avoid Wearing Blueberry Underwear
Closing doors shut behind you could cause problems later in your personal life or on the job.
Why To Fire Your Flaky Friends
A successful businessman explains the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in both your professional and private life.
Are You Interested in Everything? You Can Still Pick a Major or Career
Offers tips and advice on choosing the career that is right for you. Includes strategies to help prioritize and narrow your focus when choosing a career field.

Career Testing: Direction for the Directionless
Explores the various types of career tests and counseling available for helping those undecided in choosing a career. Career tests can often help evaluate one's basic skills to help decide which professional path to pursue.

Dealing with the Quarterlife Crisis
Describes the unique feelings and stress of the twenty-something group. Young adults frequently deal with unique career decision making during this age coined the "quarterlife crisis"?.
Don't Know What You Want? Then Explore the Opposite
Explores the strategy of choosing the opposite approach to choosing a career. Includes examples and offers career advice based upon identifying the different personality types.
Extracurriculars Mean Extra Points Toward Your Career
Provides advice and information related to extracurricular activities and how these memberships can help bolster your résumé. Includes specifics of how to maximize your involvement in clubs and organizations to hone your career skills.
Find Your Future: Treat Career Exploration Like a Trip to the Toy Store
Includes a light-hearted and fresh approach in researching and choosing your career path and academic major.
First Things First: Passion or Practicality?
Explores the common questions of passion over practicality when choosing your career path. Sites specific examples and offers tips, advice and how-to information for research and decision making on choosing a profession you enjoy.
Five Signs You Should Change Your Major
Provides statistical data and discusses some of the popular reasons students change their college major of study. Offers advice and inspiration to those contemplating changing their college major.
I Have to Pick a Major — Now What?
Provides how-to advice, tips and information on choosing your college major. Includes references and links to research your college major interests.
I'm Graduating with the Wrong Degree — Now What?
Offers advice, tips, and ideas for focusing your transferable skills on your career. Includes information for applying the "wrong" degree to the "right" career.
Put a New-Fashioned Spin on Networking
Discover a new way of networking using research and electronic mail. Describes one persons success in using email to contact valuable networking resources.
So Whose Life Is It?
Parents often choose their children's career paths or college major. Includes a self-assessment test for students to gain valuable insight in keeping control of the decision making process.
The Skills You Have and the Skills They Want
Explores the trends of employer desired skill sets. Specific skill topics include critical thinking, communication, visionary qualities, teamwork, and self-motivation.

VGM's Careers for You Series
Provides links to some of the more than 40 book titles in the "Careers For You Series". Each book in the series describes a number of career options that might appeal to someone for whom the title rings true.
"What Can I Do with a Major in ________?"
Examples to career resources for the aspiring college student. Tips and advice include seeking guidance through campus career counseling, professors, and alumni resources.
What Should I Do? Three Steps to Choosing a Career
A step-by-step guide to choosing a career. Includes three major steps in the decision making process including learning your career options and sorting your priorities when seeking a career path.
Four-Year Career Checklist for College Students
Year by year guide for four year college students. Discusses goals and achievements for freshman, sophomore, junior, and seniors.
The Worse You Feel About Yourself, the Harder Career Issues Become
Discusses the topics of self esteem and its effects on your career. Offers tips and advice on recognizing and boosting your self esteem.
MBA vs. CPA
The alphabet soup of finance credentials and degrees causes plenty of folks to agonize over pursuing an MBA or CPA. Both the master of business administration degree and the certified public accountant designation may appeal to those who have not yet found their finance niche.

Ask the Career Expert: Will Having a Tattoo/Piercing Cost Me My Job?
A professional job trainer and image expert shares her opinions on body art and how it impacts your job search.
9/11 Alters Students' Career Strategy
Due to post-September hiring freezes, layoffs and a decrease in employment of new college graduates, students are changing their career strategies before starting to job hunt.
Grads Have Hard Time Finding Jobs That Pay
College graduates and seniors are finding other alternatives to entering the job market since employers have cut back on college recruitment.
Graduate Degrees Pay Off In Higher Salaries
Students who continue their education after their undergraduate degree is completed typically end up with higher salaries in the long run.
Graduate School Degrees Help Grads Make More Money
Graduate programs see increased demand as college graduates confront tight job market. College students are pursuing advanced degrees and vocational careers.
In Shaky Economy, Grads Turn To Teaching
Teach for America is a national corps of college graduates devoted to teaching underprivileged children.
Job Shortages Force Grads To School
The economic downturn has caused a shortage of jobs and has forced college graduates to pursue additional degrees in order to stay competitive in the job market.
Number of Students With Jobs Rising
An increasing number of college students have jobs to help pay for school, bills, and still have some cash leftover for the weekends.
Study: Jobs Come Before School Work
Rising cost of college education forces students to spend time working to pay bills not studying for classes. Survey suggests higher priority on funding college students.
'03 Grads Must Look Harder for an Edge
Offers advice, statistics, and information on the career outlook of recently or soon to be college grads. Topics include strategies to optimize your job search and recent statistical data.
Invasion of the College Grads
Offers college graduation statistics involving average starting salary with a clear perspective on the job opportunity outlook.
Get Paid To Go On Vacation
Opportunities exist for college students looking for summer jobs that offer excitement, entertainment, experience and spending money.
Holiday Jobs: Five Ways To Make Extra Cash
Check out these great ideas for earning money for holiday gifts.
How To Get a Cool Internship
A former Today show intern reveals how he got the highly coveted job.
Making Extra Cash: College Students Are Putting the "Odd" Back in Jobs
Some students will do almost any type of job for quick money to pay their bills.
Students Take Stabs at Big Profits Through Knife Sales
Selling knives is a huge draw among college students because the job fits into a busy schedule, and it brings in the cash.
Summer Internship Programs Pay Off for College Students
Summer internships can help college students gain work experience, especially if the company matches your intern job to your college major.
Summer Sales Jobs: 'You Get What You Put Into It'
Door-to-door retail sales have now become one of the most lucrative summer employment opportunities for students.
The All American Internship
A number of programs in Washington, D.C. cater to students of all interests and majors who are looking for a semester with a twist.
Tips for Finding Internships
College students can access our list of resources for finding internships and career information.
Internships Can Give You a Competitive Advantage
Discusses the competitive advantages of entering an internship while attending college. Specific discussions and examples of the benefits internships can bring upon graduation.
Find a Tech Internship
An internship is a virtual necessity when seeking a position as a technology professional. Explores resources and offers information of finding an internship in the tech industry.
Internships Are About People, Too
Offers information and advice on creating relationships with people with whom you work with in your internship. Relationships should include coworkers, supervisors and colleagues outside the organization.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Internships
Describes some of the internships available to more unusual college major students.
Seven Ways to Land a Great Internship
Explores creative ways to find internships. Includes advice, information, and examples.
Students Describe the Benefits of Interning
Offers unique insight of internships as described by students. Includes examples and information related to the benefits of internships.
Turning International Internships Into Interviews
Many students are taking advantage of the international internship option and gaining global experience in the process. Offers tips, advice, and information on the benefits of international internships.
Successful Internships Are Like Good Broadway Productions
Comparing and managing the internship to a Broadway production. Topics include knowing the players and their roles, and advice on what to do when it is over.
Look Professional For Your Job Interview
Choosing the right clothing is an important part of every job interview. Dress like a professional in order to make a strong first impression.
What To Wear for Job Interviews
An image expert offers wardrobe tips that will help you land the job you want.
Common Courtesy Often Exceeds Employers' Expectations
Explores the topic of common courtesy and the profound effect it can have on employers and co-workers. Specific examples are included.
Examples Beat Mere Words in Job Interviews
Explains productive ways to show personal and professional skills to employers and prospective employers instead of simply speaking about them.
Informational Interviewing - Why?
Offers tips and advice on why to interview those involved in the career field of your choice for information. Includes examples of questions and related information.
Interview Dining Etiquette
Etiquette guidelines for conducting a job interview while dining. Includes a step-by-step guide.
Interview Prep Checklist
Explores the job interview process and related information for advanced preparation. Includes links to resources.
What to Wear for Job Interviews
Explores the proper attire for job interviews and offers tips and advice for smart shopping.
Winning Interviews: How To Prep For an On-Campus Interview
On-campus job interviews are opportunities to land positions if you know what employers are looking for and prepare in advance. Includes examples and information for job interview preparation.
Dreaming of a Big Paycheck? Know What Skills Employers Look For
Getting hired by a top employer requires much more than just a fancy college degree.
Five Ways to Beat the Low GPA Blues
Employers judge job candidates by their grade point average. Students with a low GPA should strategize before seeking a job or internship.
Job Hunting Tips For Recent Graduates
College graduates in search of jobs should know where to start looking, the power of networking, and how to be proactive about landing the job you really want.
Need A Job? Learn To Network
Networking is a vital part of gathering contacts and making job connections, which you will probably use for the rest of your life.
What To Do Before and After You Lose a Job
A financial planner offers advice on changing jobs, handling lay offs and managing your budget during difficult times.
A Passport to the World of Business: Accounting Career Paths
Concise information to help in choosing an accounting profession upon college graduation. Describes accounting careers in both private, public, non-profit, and government.
Accounting: Myth vs. Reality
Clar Rosso, director of public relations for the California Society of Certified Public Accountants provides information on the exciting and diverse careers available in the accounting field.
Find Jobs in Your Liberal Arts Field
Discusses the possibilities of turning your passion of the liberal arts field of study into a career. Offers specific career field examples including publishing, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, consulting and self-employment.
Forensic Accountants
Explores the career options of forensic accounting careers by becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner. Discusses opportunities available in both the private and government sectors.
A Guided Tour of MonsterTRAK
Offers a concise description of services and links to resources available through MonsterTRAK.
A Winning Strategy: Tactics for an Effective Job Search
Offers winning strategies and tactics used in making an effective job search. Provides eight tactics you can put to use now.
Ask the Right Questions to Start Your Career
Explores these uncertain times in the world of work, both for employers and recent graduates starting their careers. Poses questions and offers advice on a range of topics including job training and career development.
Brand Yourself in Your Networking Contacts' Minds
Offers advice and tips on your internship or job-hunting efforts by networking with people on an ongoing basis.
College Students' Top 10 Job Search Mistakes
Provides job searchers a step-by-step guide on avoiding the top 10 job searching mistakes. Includes information on methods and resources.
Evaluating a Job Offer
Offers tips and information on properly evaluating a job offer. Topics include salary and benefits, job duties, company culture, growth opportunities, and company location.
The Geography of Career Decision Making
Evaluates the importance of company location and its importance in the career making decision.
Conducting an Ethical Job Search
Includes specific advice on topics related to conducting yourself ethically before, during, and after your job search. Points of interest include the act of honesty, securing the position, and withdrawing from a position.
Cultivate Your Contacts
Offers advice on networking by talking with those around you, using the contacts you already have, and developing and nurturing new relationships. Includes five steps to successful networking.
Don't Just Tell Employers You're Motivated - Show Them
Includes college student and employee tips and advice on actions to reflect self motivation to your employer. Ideas discussed include joining a professional organization and doing something out of the ordinary.
Don't Take Your Average Computer Skills for Granted
Includes helpful advice on presenting computer skills to prospective employers. Skills discussed include Internet related, specific applications, and general operating systems.
Expert Advice for You: A Q&A with What Color Is Your Parachute? Author Richard Bolles
Richard Bolles is considered the world's top expert on the topic of job searching. This article includes an interview with Richard on some of the most popular questions and his answers.

Factors Affecting Job Search Success
Discusses some of the top issues that will affect job search success. Topics include the current job market and economy and your education and skills.
Five Innocent Ways to Say, "I'm Unprofessional"
Offers examples of common mistakes made by job and internship seekers. Includes failure to proofread resumes and cover letters, and failure to send thank-you notes.
Get Creative to Land a Job with Your Dream Company
In a tight job market, landing an entry-level position is tough and getting into the company of your dreams takes work. This article describes creative ways to obtain your career objectives.
'Give Me a Chance' Will Give You No Chance
Employers aren't in business to give job candidates a chance. Show companies what you offer for a better shot at a job.
Go Guerrilla to Beat a Tough Job Market
Offers statistical data, advice, and how-to information for college grads on obtaining a position in a slow economy.
I'm Not Stalking You, I'm Shadowing!
Many of today's college students follow people around, look over their shoulders and eavesdrop on their conversations. But nobody seems to mind – it's called “shadowing".
It's Never Too Early to Start Your Job Hunt
It's never too soon to begin working on your job search. Start by talking to people in the know and reading about career possibilities.
Job Seekers' Bill of Rights and Wrongs
MIT's Jason Wall covers the rights and wrongs of career minded job seekers.
Learn to Work a Career Fair - Before, During and After
Includes how-to information, tips, and advice on using job fairs effectively to secure your position. Topics are divided into before, during, and after the job fair.
Make the Grade: Five Ways to Beat the Low GPA Blues
Describes how to market yourself, retake college courses, and information to remove emphasis on GPA when seeking a job or position.
Money Isn't the Only Way to Get Paid on the Job
Explores other "pay" besides salary when accepting or working in a position. Topics include security, opportunity, flexibility, and creative freedom.
Network with the Well-Connected for Faster Results
Offer examples, advice, and how-to information on targeting the well-connected professionals for using networking strategies in your career search.
Networking Doesn't Have to Be Cheesy
Explores a positive view on the benefits of networking. Includes examples of contacts to and professions to network with.
Play to Win the Salary Requirements Game
Offers advice and information on the topic of salary requirements. Offers example responses to give a potential employer.
Procrastinating About Your Job Search?
How to avoid procrastinating in your job search. Offers advice and information on identifying job search procrastination.
Sincere Interest Will Take You Far in Your Career
Offers information and advice on joining groups, organizations, or volunteering to meet people with similar interests when job searching.
Take Control of Your Finances And Take Some Stress Out of Your Job Search
Discusses the financial aspect of living expenses upon college graduation. Includes money saving tips, advice, and information for the college graduate.
Tap Your School's Alums for Resources
Provides information and links to resources on how to contact your college alumni for job search and networking. Resources include campus career centers and campus career centers.
The Hidden Value of Hourly Jobs
Discusses the value of past hourly job experience when seeking a new career. Examples and topics include restaurants, child care, and retail sales.
What's Next? Job hunting Tips For New Graduates
Discusses post graduation decision making for career success. Includes examples and information to help college graduates in this decision making process.
A Look at Four Careers and What They Do!
A doctor, photographer, musician and computer specialist talk about their careers.
Can't We All Just Get Along (at Work)?
The key to dealing with difficult people at work is understanding basic human nature.
Surviving the First Day at Work
Many new college graduates - and interns - enter the workforce without a clue of what to expect during their first day on the job.
Avoid These First-Job Traps
Offers tips and advice on avoiding the common pitfalls of your first job. Topics include office gossip and political battles.
Fly Under the Radar to Absorb Delicate Office Politics
Discusses office politics and offers advice on how to observe but not be enthralled by them. Includes examples of everyday instances one might face and how to deal with them.
Are You Ready for the Real World?
Steps, advice, and information focused on graduating student entering life after college. Topics include common courtesy, manners, and proper use of technology are crucial.
Build Your Skills and Your Bank Account with a Holiday Retail Job
Explores the retail job opportunities available during the holiday season. Offers fields available, statistics, and links to resources.
Make the Most of Your First Job
Offers advice and information on getting the most out of your first job experience. Topics include building your skills, and keeping a good attitude.
Managing Your Boss: How to Play Your Cards Right
Explores the topic of managing your boss. Includes information and examples of how to handle sometimes difficult situations.
Temp Work Often Leads to Permanent Career Benefits
Provides advice, information, and resources on temporary positions. Includes the benefits and potential downsides to accepting temporary jobs.
You've Got the Job! What's Next?
Offers a step-by-step guide on what to do after accepting a position. Topics discussed include staying in touch with your employer, brushing up on skills, and organizing your life.
Former College Athlete Scores Points in Sales Job
Some ex-athletes are finding that their physical and mental toughness is well suited for a career in sales.
Resume Tips, Do's & Don'ts
A career expert offers résumé tips for job hunters.
Avoid the Top Ten Resume Mistakes
Includes how-to tips, advice, and information related to avoiding top ten resume mistakes. Includes links to other frequently made resume mistakes.
Don't Let Poor Writing Sabotage Your Job Search
Explores common mistakes and offers tips and advice on avoiding the common mistakes made in cover letter and resumes.
Making the Most of Your Professional References
Offers tips, advice, and how-to information for making the most of your professional references. Professional references include professors, current and past employers, professors, and advisors.
Prove Your Resume Claims with a Career Performance Portfolio
Offers tips, information and advice on how to create a career performance portfolio. Includes links to resources.
References Without Work
Explores the topic of job searchers without work experience. Includes information and examples to provide references without employment history.
Start Your Resume with an Attention-Grabbing Profile
Offers tips, advice, and how-to information on creating a personal profile within your resume. Includes examples of how to outline your skills, traits and accomplishments.
The One-Size-Fits-All Resume Usually Fits Nothing
Explores the value of creating a resume geared specifically towards the position. Offers tips, advice, and information to tailor your resume to the position offered.