Job search
- 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?
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The Career Center can work with you individually to devise a job
search strategy specific to your interests, skills, and career
goals. The Career Center offers numerous special events designed to
prepare you for your job search such as the fall Career Fair,
Summer Internship Fair, Career Week, TechConnect, Government and
Non-profit Fair, Fuqua to Duke, and other programs that are
specific to industries
- If I’m a little late, what should I do now?
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Don’t panic…it’s never too late, but you may have some catching up
to do. 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.
- Is it ever too late to start the job search?
-
You are never too late to start preparing and developing a strategy
for the job search. However, the answer to this question can depend
upon the type of field you are interested in entering and where you
currently are in the process. If you started a little late, the
more flexible you are the more opportunities there will be. Don’t
give up! Visit the Career Center to begin devising a strategy with
a career counselor in order to get started.
- 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 if I don’t have any experience?
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You may be surprised at the amount of experience that you have.
Talk with a career counselor to discuss your background and how
this may apply to relevant experience.
- How do I research specific jobs or fields?
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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?
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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?
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According to current research sited by NACE (National Association
of Colleges and Employers) in the Job Outlook 2005, communication
skills have topped the list of the qualities and skills employers
deem important in job candidates. The other items that top the list
are honesty/integrity, interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic,
and teamwork skills.
- 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?
-
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.
- How important is my GPA?
-
It depends on the industry and employer. According to current
research sited by NACE (National Association of Colleges and
Employers) in the Job Outlook 2005 stated while employers placed
GPA toward the lower end of their wish list, that does not
mean GPA doesn’t count. In fact, roughly 7 out of 10 employers
(69.6 percent) reported that they screen candidates based on GPA.
If you have questions regarding your GPA, schedule an appointment
with the Career Center at 660-1051 to meet with a career counselor
to discuss your specific situation.
- When should I start?
-
It’s 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?
-
All industries do not recruit in the same way; therefore, you need
to understand your particular field of interest. Some companies
prefer to recruit on campus; some rely on their internship program
to fill vacancies while others may post job openings on their
website or through professional organizations. Some companies don’t
actively recruit at all, but instead, will fill a vacancy when one
opens. Working with a career counselor to put together a job-search
strategy specific to your needs will be helpful as you move forward
with the process.
- 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 periodically are 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.