Sheila Curran talks to alumni about their careers
Sheila Curran is a former Fannie Mitchell Executive Director of the Duke Career Center. She is passionate about helping alumni and students pursue successful and satisfying careers. Frequently quoted in the national media on career issues, Sheila is the co-author of a book published in May 2006 by Ten Speed Press, titled Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career. [Smart Moves website]
In 2006, Sheila was asked to write a regular column in businessweek.com, titled Curran on Careers. This column addresses the needs of alumni at all stages of their careers.
Sheila also answers Duke alumni questions in Career Corner, a regular feature in Duke Magazine.
Publications
Special Report: Compensation Advice for New Grads
Don't be so focused on salary that you overlook key benefits like health insurance, retirement-plan contributions, and time off.
published in businessweek.com
Five Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads
Your path to the perfect career might not be obvious. Consider filling your competence gap and defining your "hook."
published in businessweek.com
Give Your Marketing Career a Makeover
published on Priority Publications.com
You'll find a white paper that links you to an exclusive podcast interview with Sheila Curran. In the podcast, Curran discusses the importance of evaluating your career course on a regular basis and tips for marketing yourself.
Leaping into New Waters
published in businessweek.com
You may have lots of experience in your old field, but it won't necessarily help you make a break. What you need: focus, preparation, and chutzpah.
Career Makeover—2007 style
published in businessweek.com
For both young grads and midcareer pros, here's a four-step approach to identifying and successfully pursuing a job that's a good fit for your skills
Discussing Weaknesses in the Interview
published in CareerQuest
Duke Magazine, Career Corner
Question: When I joined my company two years ago, I was told that a rotational program would be good for my career. Six departments, six bosses and six great evaluations later, I’ve discovered that more recent employees, who’ve worked in a single department, are to be promoted over me. Should I look for a new job outside the company?
Question: After ten years in business, I’ve acquired a reputation as a highly competent, workaholic leader. But now that I’m about to have my first child, I see the world differently. I want to take three years off before coming back in a role that better balances work and family. I have an open offer to return to my company. Should I accept?
Question: I have been laid off from my mid-level management position, and have been offered outplacement assistance or an extra month of salary. Which should I take?
Question: I’m a mid-level manager who has had five bosses in eight years, and an ever-changing set of goals. After seven years of stellar evaluations, I just received a review that convinces me I need to leave. How should I handle references?
Question: I graduated from Duke last year, and after many short term jobs, I’ve finally figured out what I really want to do: arts administration. Trouble is, my only relevant experience is from college. How do I get my foot in the door?
Question: I work in management for a nonprofit, and am interested in a similar job in the private sector. My potential new employers want to know my current salary. Should I give it to them?
Question: I’m a recent grad who has not yet found work. I’m looking for an event management position in New York, and employers seem interested, but I don’t get called back after the interview. What am I doing wrong?
Question: I’m a recent Duke grad who is actively seeking work. Over the past month, I’ve applied for over fifty jobs through on-line job posting sites. To date, I haven’t received any interviews, let alone job offers. What am I doing wrong?
Question: I'm a lawyer who's never taken to the legal profession. Can I look forward to other career options?
Question: After 2 years in banking, I’m looking to switch careers to something that involves more contact with people. How can I write a resume which doesn’t typecast me as “finance.”
Question: I took a year after college just to travel. Should I include that on my resume?
Question: I’m looking for increased responsibility and have been offered a job that sounds really interesting and pays more money. The trouble is, it’s in a city to which I don’t want to move. I’m also about to be interviewed for a job that has many of the same advantages but is in a better location. Since the first job is a definite, I’m thinking about accepting it, and subsequently turning it down if the second job comes through. What do you think?
Question: How important is a cover letter when you’re applying for jobs?
Question: I’ve just been told I won’t be hired for the sales and marketing position that I really wanted. When I asked the hiring manager why she didn’t hire me, she told me she didn’t think I was interested enough in the position. Since it was my ideal job, is there anything I can do?