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Job search

I am looking for a scholarship, fellowship or grant. Where do I go?
What are my options?
How can the Career Center hellp me in the job search?
If I'm a little late, what should I do now?
Is it ever too late to start the job search?
I am looking for a scholarship, fellowship or grant? Where do I go? Scholarships, fellowships or grants are a great way to get financial assistance for A few options to explore include: - Visiting undergraduate research support office to review onl
What if I don't have any experience?
How do I research specific jobs or fields?
What experience counts?
What skills do employers seek?
What if I only want a job for a year before going on to graduate school?
What if I only want a job for a year before going on to graduate school?
How important is my GPA?
When should I start?
Where should I look?
What is the process for getting recommendations?
How do I find a job on campus?

I am looking for a scholarship, fellowship or grant. Where do I go?

A few options to explore include visiting the undergraduate research support office at http//:www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/research and review online research tools through the library.

What are my options?

Your options are not limited, but can be dependent on your interests, skills, and goals. The Career Center has a multitude of resources available to you. Visit the Career Center’s Resource Room in the Page Building and/or schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

How can the Career Center help me in the job search and what are my options?

Your options are not limited, but can be dependent on your interests, skills, and goals. The Career Center has a multitude of resources available to you!

A few highlights include:

-Assessment tools to give you a better understanding of how your interests intersect with your personality and the implications on your career development

-Individual 30 minute counseling sessions, 1 hour group counseling sessions

- Career Fair, Summer Internship Fair, Career Week, TechConnect, Government and Non-profit Fair, Fuqua to Duke, entrepreneurship week, YouTube Videos

-Workshops preparing for: Networking, Job Search, Career Fair , Resume Writing, Cover Letter, to name a few.

For an overview of all resources, please watch this video: www.youtube.com/dukecareercenter and follow up with a visit to the career center website’s calendar to see what is happening when!

If I’m a little late, what should I do now?

Don’t panic…it’s never too late, everyone does things at their own pace and we can certainly help you get to where you’d like to be. The best approach is to contact the Career Center to schedule an appointment with your career counselor to figure out where you are in the job search process and options for next steps—remember, we are here to help you come up with a strategic and unique plan specific you.

Is it ever too late to start the job search?

Essentially, there are two approaches to the job search: the on campus job search and the off-campus job search.

If you participate in on-campus research, you are adhering to certain industry cycles and often times are looking at dealing with certain deadlines given the nature of companies coming to campus to interview for a specific number of positions open. The best place to keep track of everything related to the on-campus job search is by creating an eRecruting account and logging in frequently. To find out more about eRecruiting, watch the video and the tutorial.

On the other hand, many students engage in an off-campus job search, meaning they target companies that don’t interview students on campus. This job approach proves to be more flexible, as each company adheres to its own hiring schedule, allowing for the job search to span anywhere from September of the current well through July and August of the following year.

The best way to find out more information regarding these two different approaches is to talk with a counselor by making an appointment (call 919 660 1050). Whether you decide to engage in one or the other or both, we’ll help you maximize your search, come see us!

I am looking for a scholarship, fellowship or grant. Where do I go?

Scholarships, fellowships or grants are a great way to get financial assistance for A few options to explore include:
- Visiting Undergraduate Research Support Office to review online research tools through the library.
-Visiting the Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows to review scholarship,
and fellowship opportunities both domestic and international.
-US Government Scholarships and Grants database to learn more about opportunities offered through the government and government
-Come into the Career Center and speak to a counselor about finding specific fellowships suited for your field of interest and about how to apply.

What if I don’t have any experience?

You may be surprised at the amount of experience that you have!

Worked at a coffee shop?
Shadowed a professional?
Volunteered at a summer camp?
Participated in a sport or club?
Studied abroad?

These are ALL relevant experiences to apply to your resume and your interview, believe it or not! Come in and see a career counselor so we can help you translate whatever experience you have!

How do I research specific jobs or fields?

There are several ways in which you can research jobs and fields within your area of interest. Printed and online resources are available that a career counselor can assist you with. Visit the Career Center to talk with a counselor on specific resources that the Career Center offer based on the industry you are interested in researching. Each career counselor is an expert in particular disciplines and industries.

What experience counts?

All experience counts. Keep in mind that experience does not have to be paid experience. Some examples include: internships, part-time and summer jobs, involvement in student organizations, leadership experience, class projects, research, community involvement, and volunteer work.

What skills do employers seek?

The skills an employer will seek from candidates will differ somewhat based upon its industry and organizational needs. However, there are certain fundamental skills that ALL employers are looking for, regardless of industry. In fact, according to current research sited by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) in the Job Outlook 2005, the top 10 skills employers are looking for include: 1) Communication Skills, 2) Honesty/Integrity, 3) Interpersonal skills, 4) Motivation, 5) Strong Work Ethic, 6) Team work skills, 7) Computer skills, 8) Analytical Skills, 9) Flexibility, 10) Detail-oriented.

What if I only want a job for a year before going on to graduate school?

There may be several options for you depending on the type of experience in which you are interested in acquiring. Popular options include volunteering in an area of interest, seeking temporary employment, traveling abroad, or fellowship opportunities. Visit the Career Center and make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your options based on your specific situation.

What if I only want a job for a year before going on to graduate school?

How important is my GPA?

It depends on the industry and employer. Most employers do screen candidates based upon GPA. In fact, according to current research sited by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) in the Job Outlook 2005, roughly 7 out of 10 employers (69.6 percent) reported that they screen candidates based on GPA. That being said, the same employer survey reported that employers place GPA towards the bottom of their wish list. Ultimately, this data tells us that, while GPA is important, employers will consider many other factors, such as work experience, leadership activities, character, etc. before making their hiring decision. If you have questions regarding your GPA, schedule an appointment with the Career Center at 660-1050 to meet with a career counselor to discuss your specific situation.

When should I start?

It is never too early to begin your job search. Contact the Career Center to schedule an appointment with a career counselor specific to your area of interest to begin developing a job search strategy.

Where should I look?

Insert after last line of existing message – “That being said - on the home page, there are several resources that will help you get started: 1) Duke E-Recruiting, 2) Employer Spotlights, and 3) Career Fair Link. Duke E-Recruiting is the resource that most of our employer partners use to post their job opportunities. Our Employer Spotlight link will help you identify employers and opportunities that you may not have considered before. The Career Fair link will allow you to access the list of employers who will be attending/have attended the career fair this year.

What is the process for getting recommendations?

Select people who can say good things about you and who know your skills as they relate to your target job. Ask your references for permission and let them know that you have listed them. Prepare your references by providing them with an updated copy of your resume and the job description of any position in which you are a finalist. Prepare a list of your references and bring it with you to the interviews. Typically, three recommendations are requested by an employer. Be sure to thank your references and keep them posted on the outcome of your job search.

How do I find a job on campus?

Positions are periodically listed through the eRecruiting system, but you may also want to supplement your search by visiting the financial aid website to find opportunities for campus employment.