Career Resource Library 2009-11-18T13:50:59Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22 Movable Type Copyright (c) 2009, msLibraries Graduate School: Options, Benefits, & Planning 2009-11-18T13:50:59Z 2009-11-16T18:44:11Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11438 2009-11-16T18:44:11Z Now nearing the graduate school application season, many, soon-to-be undergraduate alums are considering the prospect of seeking yet another degree. Choosing graduate school as a next step allows students to put off entrance into the job market during a tight economy, while expanding their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Not to mention the fact that, in most fields, advanced degrees are key to reaching a higher pay grade. It would seem that graduate school is the perfect cocoon from which to emerge a more tempting hire; remaining safe from the financial woes of the real world, but there are a number of factors to consider before sidling swiftly into advanced academia, high paying careers, and your cozy, tweed bound future. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Now nearing the graduate school application season, many, soon-to-be undergraduate alums are considering the prospect of seeking yet another degree. Choosing graduate school as a next step allows students to put off entrance into the job market during a tight economy, while expanding their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Not to mention the fact that, in most fields, advanced degrees are key to reaching a higher pay grade. It would seem that graduate school is the perfect cocoon from which to emerge a more tempting hire; remaining safe from the financial woes of the real world, but there are a number of factors to consider before sidling swiftly into advanced academia, high paying careers, and your cozy, tweed bound future.

For some, graduate school is the obvious choice. Some students are self-aware, easily recognizing the wants that ail them well enough to prescribe an extension in their intellectual internment. These individuals maintain momentum, moving from one degree to the next, never losing hold of the skills that carry them through from one term to the next. Unbound by other obligations, they are free to indulge academic pursuits. Here, graduate school isn’t an option, but a stepping stone toward a calling.

Still, there are many students who would benefit from time away from school. Many students pause for reflection between degrees. Time spent working or traveling, may allow some to better understand their path in life; better informing their choice and chances at attaining the academic program of their dreams.

Once a career path has been chosen, students are faced with the daunting task of determining how much time they are willing to spend in training for it and most importantly, where they will take their degree. Finding the right program takes time and research. Consider such factors as available resources needed for the program, professionally active faculty members, program reputation, class size, and practicum components. At a college such as Simmons, some students will consider staying on for their second degree. If your school supports your area of study and you are wary of engaging a new academic environment, then it may be wise to stay on. Of course, staying put may seem safe, but taking on a new environment offers new experiences and new challenges. Remember that personal growth is just as important as professional growth. The high cost of graduate school necessitates a well informed choice.

Graduate school may take two to ten years, depending on your field and level of commitment. The cost of such a path may be prohibitive for some. Others will throw caution to the wind and loan away their future labors to private and public creditors. Still others will find scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support them as pour through the ancient tomes of the nearest academic library. Fortunate few, usually PhD. students, will be supported in full by their institutions; their time seated at the back of the classroom exchanged for time spent teaching at its head. There are many options available, should the student be daring enough to take them on.

If you are thinking about pursuing a graduate degree, take a moment to visit the CRL’s Graduate Planning Career Guide, where we link you to expert sources on finding, applying, and paying for your next degree:

Keep us in mind for every step in your career, from undergrad, to intern, to first rate employee; we have the resources to help you succeed in your professional life.

blogged by Dana Keith Dana

]]> Research Internships as National Career Development Month Continues! 2009-11-13T15:12:29Z 2009-11-13T14:31:21Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11437 2009-11-13T14:31:21Z How does your resume look these days? Is it a little scant for content? Well, one way to beef up a somewhat weak resume is to carry out an internship. Internships can be paid, unpaid, or for academic credit. And remember, not all internship opportunities are equal. This is why you want look into internships early, making sure you get one, first of all, and making sure you get something that’s really going to help with your career development. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu What's New Career Development Month!

How does your resume look these days? Is it a little scant for content? Well, one way to beef up a somewhat weak resume is to carry out an internship. Internships can be paid, unpaid, or for academic credit. And remember, not all internship opportunities are equal. This is why you want look into internships early, making sure you get one, first of all, and making sure you get something that’s really going to help with your career development.

Internships can be a good source of experience, and most importantly, a good source of that valuable resource – connections! Please don’t let another National Career Development Month pass you by. Come on down to the Career Resource Library (CRL) and work on that thing that needs worked on. And if it happens to be internships that you’re after, here are some things to get you started:

Internship Career Guide: This is chalk full of internship-finding resources and advice.

For example, the guide refers you to the Vault Internship Database: This database allows you to specify by industry, state, education level, and type of compensation sought.

Here are a few of the many Internship Books we have:

The intern insider : the guidebook for finding and landing great internships, by Laura Szadvari, 2009.

The intern insider_the guidebook for finding and landing great internships

The intern files : how to get, keep, and make the most of your internship, by Jamie Fedorko, 2006.

The intern files_how to get, keep, and make the most of your internship

The insider’s guide to political internships : what to do once you’re in the door, Westview Press, 2002.

The insider's guide to political internships_what to do once you're in the door

Gardner’s guide to internships @ multimedia & animation studios, by Garth Gardner, 2001.

Gardner's guide to internships @ multimedia & animation studios

And don’t forget about the Career Education Center (CEC): The Career Counselors are here to help you track down internship opportunities and help you improve your chances of being selected for that dream internship.

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie magazines

The Career Resource Library is located at One Palace Road, Room P304E. Come by for career information, or to make use of our computers and beautiful study space. For Reference Appointments, give us a call at 617-521-2515, or email us as crl@simmons.edu. We’ll be happy to set up a session for you.

]]> Non-Traditional Librarianship for Non-Traditional Librarians 2009-11-09T15:02:16Z 2009-11-09T14:42:33Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11436 2009-11-09T14:42:33Z Library students walk away from their Master's programs with certain essential attributes, including a healthy respect for the AACR2 (or loathing, as the case may be) and slightly dimmer eyesight (probably a product of time spent with AACR2). Given the current job market, you might not see how these translate into steady employment. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Economic Trends Library students walk away from their Master’s programs with certain essential attributes, including a healthy respect for the AACR2 (or loathing, as the case may be) and slightly dimmer eyesight (probably a product of time spent with AACR2). Given the current job market, you might not see how these translate into steady employment.

But don’t discount your time spent in cataloging class quite yet. The skills you learned there, along with your research skills, reference interview abilities, and web development techniques will carry over into a variety of work environments outside of the library.

Katherine Dugarm from Special Library Association’s publication Information Outlook highlights the experiences of a few former, traditional librarians who used their skill sets to build new careers.

Lynn coupled her anthropology background with her LIS degree, in the process turning herself into an independent, consumer behavior consultant. Applying electronic research skills and a passion for understanding human behavior allowed her to become an information broker to the commercial sector.

Michele used her understanding of database management and sleuthing skills to become a patent examiner and later an intellectual property information specialist.

Ann acts as a web consultant. Using her LIS skills to organize websites and train her clients in metatag use, search engine optimization and keyword ads.

You too, can apply your library skills in non-traditional setting. Visit the Special Library Association’s website for more information on non-traditional library employment.

And don’t forget to check out the CRL’s website of eResources and the LIS Career Guide to develop your understanding of the LIS job world.

blogged by Dana Keith Dana

]]> November is National Career Development Month! 2009-11-02T15:38:17Z 2009-11-02T15:14:28Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11433 2009-11-02T15:14:28Z Have you been meaning to update your resume or search for a job or internship, but haven’t gotten around to it? Then November is the perfect month to cross those things off your to do list, with National Career Development Month, celebrated through the National Career Development Association. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Job Search Process Have you been meaning to update your resume or search for a job or internship, but haven’t gotten around to it? Then November is the perfect month to cross those things off your to do list, with National Career Development Month, celebrated through the National Career Development Association.

The Career Education Center and Career Resource Library are your go to places for your career needs and are your one stop career solution.

The Career Education Center (CEC) has knowledgeable career counselors who you can schedule appointments with for resume and cover letter tips, or to practice your interview skills. The CEC also provides valuable workshops and career events as well as job and internship listing resources such as CareerLink and CA$H. A new feature the CEC recently added to their website is the TypeFocus Careers Self Assessment Tool which assesses the careers that best match your personality type.

The Career Resource Library (CRL) offers reference appointments as well as provides numerous print and online career resources. There is an online Career Guide aimed for every major offered at Simmons, as well as guides for Career Exploration, graduate school planning, internships, job search tools, and resumes and cover letters.

However, the CRL also has a wide selection of print career resources, some of which include:

What Color is Your Parachute, R.N. Bolles

What color is your Parachute? 2009

Résumé writing made easy: a practical guide to résumé preparation and job search, L. Brown

Résumé writing made easy a practical guide to résumé preparation and job search

10 Best College Majors for Your Personality, L. Shatkin

10 Best College Majors for your Personality

You can make an appointment with the Career Education Center by calling 617-521-2488 or emailing careers@simmons.edu.

You can make an appointment with one of the reference assistants at the Career Resource Library by calling 617-521-2510 or emailing crl@simmons.edu

Or, come stop by and visit us in the P304 Suite! Happy Career Development Month!

blogged by Tracy Vingo Tracy

]]> Optimism for the Current Upturn in the Economy 2009-10-26T15:22:33Z 2009-10-26T15:09:40Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11429 2009-10-26T15:09:40Z We have been told that the Recession is over, but unemployment levels are still holding at about 10%. NPR's "All Things Considered" takes a moment to discuss why soaring stocks don't translate to immediate job recovery. As it stands, the stock market is up 50% from March. Yet unemployment is growing and small business loans are a thing of the past. Lakshman Achuthan, Managing Director of the Economic Cycle Researh Institute, notes that the stock market is not a measure of economic activity. Growth in the stock market anticipates an upturn in the economy, months, if not a quarter or two, ahead of the impact of that growth is felt by the average person. Credit lending will take longer to return, following catastrophic events in the banking industry. Achuthan suggests it may take upward of three quarters for loan growth to return. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Employment Outlook We have been told that the Recession is over, but unemployment levels are still holding at about 10%. NPR’s “All Things Considered” takes a moment to discuss why soaring stocks don’t translate to immediate job recovery.

As it stands, the stock market is up 50% from March. Yet unemployment is growing and small business loans are a thing of the past. Lakshman Achuthan, Managing Director of the Economic Cycle Researh Institute, notes that the stock market is not a measure of economic activity. Growth in the stock market anticipates an upturn in the economy, months, if not a quarter or two, ahead of the impact of that growth is felt by the average person. Credit lending will take longer to return, following catastrophic events in the banking industry. Achuthan suggests it may take upward of three quarters for loan growth to return.

He seems optimistic for the current upturn in the economy, noting that unemployment was a full percentage point worse during the recession of the early 1980’s. Right now, production, sales, and profit are all moving up. It’s also important to note that our population is growing with the economy and it will take time for the availability of jobs to overgrow the availability of workers.

Taken together, these economic indicators suggest the economy is in a standard recovery phase, slowly pushing forward toward job recovery and a return to lending.

In preparation for an impending economic upswing, take a moment to visit the CRL’s Career Guides when beginning your next job search.

blogged by Dana Keith Dana

]]> 100 Best Companies for Working Moms 2009-10-20T13:48:25Z 2009-10-20T13:36:42Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11428 2009-10-20T13:36:42Z Even in challenging times some companies remain determined to maintain their support for working families. There are even a few out there that have actually increased spending on family programs! “Working Mother” magazine has kept an eye on these and has come up with their yearly ranking of the most mom-friendly companies to work for. Based largely on factors such as health care, child care, and work/life benefits, these rankings reveal some good players. These companies are not so much concerned about punching time cards as they are about good quality work which is why flextime, job sharing, and compressed workweeks make their way as workable options. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Women and Careers Even in challenging times some companies remain determined to maintain their support for working families. There are even a few out there that have actually increased spending on family programs! “Working Mother” magazine has kept an eye on these and has come up with their yearly ranking of the most mom-friendly companies to work for. Based largely on factors such as health care, child care, and work/life benefits, these rankings reveal some good players. These companies are not so much concerned about punching time cards as they are about good quality work which is why flextime, job sharing, and compressed workweeks make their way as workable options.

While on this topic, I imagine there are many readers who have a special interest in career issues pertaining to women. Well, this describes us at the CRL too! We keep a storehouse of books on women and careers that includes everything from business skills to breastfeeding (yes, we have one on that). Visit our ‘Women and Careers’ book collection:

The third shift : managing hard choices in our careers, homes, and lives as women, by Michele Kremen Bolton, 2000.

The third shift_managing hard choices in our careers, homes, and lives as women

Women don’t ask : the high cost of avoiding negotiation— and positive strategies for change, by Linda Babcock, 2007.

Women don't ask_the high cost of avoiding negotiation-- and positive strategies for change

Comeback moms : how to leave work, raise children, and restart your career even if you haven’t worked in years, by Monica Samuels, 2006.

Comeback moms_how to leave work, raise children, and restart your career even if you haven't worked in years

How to succeed in business without a penis : secrets and strategies for the working woman, by Karen Salmansohn, 2006.

How to succeed in business without a penis_secrets and strategies for the working woman

The Career Resource Library is located at One Palace Road, Room P304E. Come by for career information, or to make use of our computers and beautiful study space.
For Reference Appointments, give us a call at 617-521-2515, or email us as crl@simmons.edu. We’ll be happy to set up a session for you.

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie smile!

]]> October 10-16 is National Networking Week 2009-10-15T13:53:10Z 2009-10-15T13:38:17Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11426 2009-10-15T13:38:17Z Are you having troubles making connections? When it comes to your career, and for that matter, almost anything in life, it’s really important to develop a solid support network. These are the people who will go to bat for you, sing your praises, and root for your success. They are also the more distant folks who are impressed enough to mention your name to the right person. Or the casual acquaintances who happen to tip you off with the right information during a chit chat. Whatever the case, we gain so much by using our social resources, and I hope this will be the year you decide to spiff up your networking skills. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Networking Are you having troubles making connections? When it comes to your career, and for that matter, almost anything in life, it’s really important to develop a solid support network. These are the people who will go to bat for you, sing your praises, and root for your success. They are also the more distant folks who are impressed enough to mention your name to the right person. Or the casual acquaintances who happen to tip you off with the right information during a chit chat. Whatever the case, we gain so much by using our social resources, and I hope this will be the year you decide to spiff up your networking skills.

While potential networking situations exist all the time, you might also consider a more formal arrangement. Look for professional groups within your industry or check out a general networking club. For example, the Boston Networking Club hosts monthly business and social networking events.

And of course, why not benefit from the many networking books and online guides that the Career Resource Library has to offer? We have resources for all forms of networking including social networking web 2.0 style, career fair schmoozing, mentoring, informational interviewing, and more.

Networking Guide Career Guide

Web 2.0 Resources Career Guide

Here are just a few of the books we have:

The social media bible : tactics, tools, and strategies for business success, by Lon Safko

The social media bible_tactics, tools, and strategies for business success

Some assembly required : a networking guide for women, by Marny Lifshen

Some assembly required_a networking guide for women

Seven days to online networking : make connections to advance your career and business quickly, by Ellen Sautter

Seven days to online networking_make connections to advance your career and business quickly

Hope to see you at the CRL!

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie w/ plant :D

]]> Latina Heritage Month! Celebrate with the CRL and CEC! 2009-10-14T17:37:30Z 2009-10-14T13:36:27Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11425 2009-10-14T13:36:27Z Simmons College is celebrating ‘Latina Heritage Month’, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Latinas have a lot to celebrate this year! For one thing, Sonia Sotomayor was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court on August 08, making her the first Latina to serve in this position. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Diversity and Careers Simmons College is celebrating ‘Latina Heritage Month’, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Latinas have a lot to celebrate this year! For one thing, Sonia Sotomayor was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court on August 08, making her the first Latina to serve in this position.

And in general, Latinas are becoming a force to be reckoned with. We see successful Latina entrepreneurs, humanitarians, CEO’s, business owners, and professionals in every field. The Career Resource Library would love to help the Latinas of Simmons College achieve their career dreams. Please check us out online or talk to the librarians.

In the meantime, here are a few things to look at: Career Resources for ALANA (African, Latina, Asian, Native American) Jobseekers Career Guide. This online guide provides many career resources especially tailored for job seekers of color. We’ve included many useful resources, job banks, internship programs, and associations.

In addition to our online collection, we also have books to choose from:

La vida rica : the Latina’s guide to success, by Yrma Rico, 2004.

La vida rica

The complete job search guide for Latinos, by Murray A. Mann.

The complete job search guide for Latinos

Latino culture : a dynamic force in the changing American workplace, by Nilda Chong, 2005.

Latino culture_a dynamic force in the changing American workplace

The Latino advantage in the workplace : use who you are to get where you want to be, by Mariela Dabbah, 2006.

The Latino advantage in the workplace_use who you are to get where you want to be

Latino wisdom : our stories of wisdom, courage, inspiration, and success, by Cathy Areu, 2006.

Latino wisdom_our stories of wisdom, courage, inspiration, and success

And please stop in and see us at the Career Resource Library! We’re at One Palace Road, Room P304E. Also, feel free to call at 617.521.2515 or email at crl@simmons.edu to make an appointment.

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie w/ plant :D

]]> Celebrate LGBT Week with Career Resources! 2009-10-05T16:59:00Z 2009-10-05T16:17:12Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11422 2009-10-05T16:17:12Z While you might be aware that October 7-14th is LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Week, did you know that the Career Resource Library (CRL) has an online LGBT Career Guide for Job Seekers as well as LGBT books? View some LGBT books below! msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Diversity and Careers While you might be aware that October 7-14th is LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Week, did you know that the Career Resource Library (CRL) has an online LGBT Career Guide for Job Seekers as well as LGBT books?

View some LGBT books below!

The G Quotient by Kirk Snyder in CRL Gay Lesbian Bisexual

The G Quotient

Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace by Liz Winfeld, in CRL Gay Lesbian Bisexual

Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace

Straight Jobs, Gay Lives by Annette Friskopp in CRL Gay Lesbian Bisexual

Straight Jobs, Gay Lives

Similar to most of our Career Guides, the LGBT Career Guide for Job Seekers contains sections on useful information and advice, job banks, directories, associations, and market trends.

Under the directories section, there is a list from Diversity Inc. of their 9th annual report on the top 50 companies that are LGBT friendly employers. The top five companies that made the list are Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Ernst & Young, Marriott International, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. This site is worth checking out because not only does it provide a list, but it also provides detailed profiles of each company.

For more information or resources visit the Career Resource Library at One Palace Road, Room P304E. For Reference Appointments, give us a call at 617-521-2515, or email us as crl@simmons.edu.

blogged by Tracy Vingo Tracy

]]> How to Overcome the ‘Curse of the Class of 2009’ 2009-09-30T14:37:45Z 2009-09-30T13:58:34Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11420 2009-09-30T13:58:34Z I hesitated to blog on this article for fear that its negative news might be too discouraging. This fascinating article by Sarah Murray was found in the Career section of the Wall Street Journal and its message on the career prospects of this year’s graduating class is not short of frightening. However, besides being really interesting, the article is worth the read for its positive spin and advice. Plus, it might be comforting to know that if you are caught struggling in this job market – it’s not you - things really are tough! msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu I hesitated to blog on this article for fear that its negative news might be too discouraging. This fascinating article by Sarah Murray was found in the Career section of the Wall Street Journal and its message on the career prospects of this year’s graduating class is not short of frightening. However, besides being really interesting, the article is worth the read for its positive spin and advice. Plus, it might be comforting to know that if you are caught struggling in this job market – it’s not you - things really are tough!

In a nutshell, this article reports on the career implications that are entailed when graduating during a recession. Research from the 1980s recession reveals that entering the workforce during a downturn can have lasting effects on your career. This is especially the case with regards to your expected wages. During an economic slump there tends to be fewer good opportunities and graduates end up accepting jobs with lesser pay, and less prestige. Sometimes this results in a decreased rate of skill attainment and a slower climb in salary for several years.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers report that they will hire 22% fewer college graduates this year. Meanwhile, colleges are expected to turn out the highest number of college graduates in 10 years.

All this being said, the reference assistants at the CRL have little time for doom and gloom. We have lots of creative tools for you to combat this supposed curse. And this is definitely the time to use them! For example, have you considered grad school? Perhaps entrepreneurship is a route you will take. And of course, mastering your networking skills and polishing up on your career etiquette are always highly recommended. So don’t be a fatalist – do what you can to steer your own future.

The Career Resource Library is located at One Palace Road, Room P304E. Come by for all sorts of career information. We have great books and lots of online material. For reference appointments, give us a call at 617-521-2515, or email us as crl@simmons.edu. We’ll be happy to set up a session for you.

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie magazines

]]> Using Social Media for the Job Hunt 2009-09-22T15:08:49Z 2009-09-21T23:47:04Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11415 2009-09-21T23:47:04Z When job boards and want ads fail you, Dan Schawbel BusinessWeek Online suggests that it may be time to turn to your friends or your friends’ friends and then their friends. In short; network! Jump on the bandwagon with one or more of the many, ubiquitous, social networking sites and use them a way to win your next job. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Job Hunting When job boards and want ads fail you, Dan Schawbel BusinessWeek Online suggests that it may be time to turn to your friends or your friends’ friends and then their friends. In short; network! Jump on the bandwagon with one or more of the many, ubiquitous, social networking sites and use them a way to win your next job.

Some recommendations include using Twitter to search for new job opportunities via twitterjobsearch.com, tweet your expert knowledge from the field, and connect to others working in your profession. Make it known that you are the person to hire for your field in 140 characters or less. Update often and choose your words carefully.

Or, if you’re feeling more verbose, blog it. Setting up your own professional blog is quick and easy. There exist a multitude of free blogging platforms from which you can proselytize, prognosticate, and pontificate on the state of your profession. This is your chance to make your voice heard. (Always remember, you can remind your tweeps to visit your blog fore more in-depth commentary.)

Further your chances at finding new employment by maintaining a well kept LinkedIn profile. Use who you know to unearth otherwise unpublished opportunities. The grapevine can be a powerful marketing tool. Follow up with a well edited Facebook profile for when those recruiters decide to run an impromptu background check. You may keep your personal and professional lives separate, but if you’re not careful one might undercut the other. Be aware of what should be kept private, but don’t hide from the world. Now is the time to replace your resume.

For more resources on social media, networking, and job sites, also check out our online Career Guides.

blogged by Dana Keith Dana

]]> Making Connections with LinkedIn 2009-09-14T19:10:11Z 2009-09-14T17:02:00Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11412 2009-09-14T17:02:00Z Whether you are currently job searching or have your dream job, LinkedIn is a social networking tool you should consider using. As Brian McClellan states in Sandra Beckwith's article, Getting Connected in Tough Times: LinkedIn Helps Members Tap into Their Professional Network “…using Linkedin successfully means rethinking how you network. This is not something for tech geeks or that you need only at a certain time in your career. It really should be a critical part of your career plan.” msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Networking Whether you are currently job searching or have your dream job, LinkedIn.com is a social networking tool you should consider using. As Brian McClellan states in Sandra Beckwith’s article, Getting Connected in Tough Times: LinkedIn Helps Members Tap into Their Professional Network, “…using Linkedin successfully means rethinking how you network. This is not something for tech geeks or that you need only at a certain time in your career. It really should be a critical part of your career plan.”

Beckwith explains that the way LinkedIn works is you create a profile that displays your professional experience “and you make ‘connections’ by inviting people you know to link to your profile.” From there, users can look at each other’s connections and make requests to introduce themselves to new people.

Steve Tylock, author of The Linkedin Personal Trainer booklet, provides the following suggestions:

  • Focus on your “headline”: Keep in mind that the information you supply as your “current position” becomes your default headline, which is what people will see next to your name when they search. While it is typical to include your job title here, it could be more beneficial and eye catching to instead provide a description of what makes you unique.

  • Strategize: Be cautious of how you network. Make sure you know and can trust those that you connect with, since you do not want to be associated with negative reputations or incidents.

  • Dig deeper: Once you become comfortable using LinkedIn, make sure you explore and take advantage of the extra features and options that it offers.

For more information on LinkedIn and other social networking resources visit the CRL eLibrary Networking Career Guide.

blogged by Tracy Vingo Tracy

]]> September is Update Your Resume Month 2009-09-08T21:35:31Z 2009-09-08T14:36:29Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11410 2009-09-08T14:36:29Z Well, August has come and gone and we’re all now (ever so slowly) starting to think about that new rhythm that comes with fall. Perhaps some of you will be looking for a new job, volunteer opportunity, or some part-time work to supplement your studies. This is a great time to finally whip that resume into shape, you know, the one that’s in such a sorry state. Please, don’t attempt this feat alone; experts are waiting to assist you! The CRL reference assistants can point you in the direction of resume resources for every need. So make an appointment or just stop by. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Resumes and Cover Letters Well, August has come and gone and we’re all now (ever so slowly) starting to think about that new rhythm that comes with fall. Perhaps some of you will be looking for a new job, volunteer opportunity, or some part-time work to supplement your studies. This is a great time to finally whip that resume into shape, you know, the one that’s in such a sorry state. Please, don’t attempt this feat alone; experts are waiting to assist you! The CRL reference assistants can point you in the direction of resume resources for every need. So make an appointment or just stop by.

Here’s a sample of what we’ve got on the shelves:

How to say it on your résumé : a top recruiting director’s guide to writing the perfect résumé for every job, by Brad Karsh, 2009

How to say it on your résumé a top recruiting director's guide to writing the perfect résumé for every job

Résumé writing made easy : a practical guide to résumé preparation and job search, by Lola Brown, 2007.

Résumé writing made easy a practical guide to résumé preparation and job search

We also have lots of discipline-specific resume books such as these:

Resumes for business management careers, 2007

Resumes for business management careers

Resumes for the health care professional, 2000

Resumes for the health care professional

For more resources on resume writing, also check out our eLibrary for Resumes and Cover Letters Career Guide and Career Resources by Discipline Career Guides, where you’ll find a resume section for every field.

For resume counseling and more career advice, contact the Career Education Center, visit their website, or call them at 617.521.2488.

We hope you’ve had a nice start to the new semester and don’t forget to visit the Career Resource Library soon!

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie smile!

]]> Women and Careers Display @ the Career Resource Library 2009-08-31T14:18:13Z 2009-08-31T13:56:25Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11405 2009-08-31T13:56:25Z Are you a woman who is interested in starting your own business, or who is ready for a change in your career and life to do something that you really enjoy or have always wanted to do? If yes, then come to the Career Resource Library and check out our most recent book display for women and careers. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Women and Careers Are you a woman who is interested in starting your own business, or who is ready for a change in your career and life to do something that you really enjoy or have always wanted to do? If yes, then come to the Career Resource Library and check out our most recent book display for women and careers.

Check out titles such as:

The Boss of You: Everything a Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business, by Lauren Bacon.

The Boss of You

The Anti 9 to 5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube, Michelle Goodman.

Anti 9 to 5 Guide

Pitch Like a Girl: Get Respect, Get Noticed, Get What You Want , by Ronna Lichtenberg.

Pitch like a girl_how a woman can be herself and still succeed

The Girl’s Guide to Kicking Your Career into Gear: Valuable Lessons, True stories, and Tips for Using What You’ve Got (a Brain!) to Make Your Worklife Work for You, by Caitlin Friedman.

the girl's guide to kicking your career into gear

Want more? Also check out our Career Guide on Women and Careers for online resources.

The Career Resource Library is located at One Palace Road, Room P304E. Besides our resources, come make use of our computers and study space. For Reference Appointments, we can be reached at 617-521-2515, or crl@simmons.edu.

blogged by Tracy Vingo Tracy

]]> The Next Generations’ Future Work World 2009-08-24T17:39:52Z 2009-08-24T16:03:08Z tag:my.simmons.edu,2009:/libraries/collections/career//22.11397 2009-08-24T16:03:08Z In the not-too-distant future, most of the work world is going to be comprised of Generation Xers (born between 1961 and 1980) and Generation Yers (born between 1980 and the early 1990s). It is anticipated that the next employment models are going to be very different than those that have been in place for decades. Well, we already see changes happening, don’t we? For example, do you know many people with a pension plan? Further down the road, it is expected that the landscape of the working world is going to change even more, with different skills valued and different ways of working. msLibraries megan.fox@simmons.edu Employment Outlook In the not-too-distant future, most of the work world is going to be comprised of Generation Xers (born between 1961 and 1980) and Generation Yers (born between 1980 and the early 1990s). It is anticipated that the next employment models are going to be very different than those that have been in place for decades. Well, we already see changes happening, don’t we? For example, do you know many people with a pension plan? Further down the road, it is expected that the landscape of the working world is going to change even more, with different skills valued and different ways of working.

Alexandra Levit, a Wall Street Journal columnist, attempts to paint a picture of what this new employment world will look like, she also thinks that there is a competitive benefit to keeping an eye to this future. Read more for her ideas on who we will be working with, who we will be working for, and where, how and what we will be working on.

For more career resources, visit your local Simmons College Career Resource Library!

blogged by Julie Waddick Julie w/ plant :D

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