Session 3

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WiR-resume2-5.png Preparing for Face-to-Face Networking Events and Job Applications

 

Networking in General

Networking is how we engage people in conversation for the purposes of exchanging information and developing contacts to further career opportunities. The vast majority of jobs are obtained this way.

Quick tips: 

  • Start small. Reach out to family and relatives rather than cold call people you do not know. The next step could be getting in touch with a JSG alum. The JSG Student/Alumni Mentor Group exists for networking and these are great people to reach out to with career questions. 
  • Do not apologize when asking for help. Think of networking not as an imposition but a relationship building opportunity. 
  • Smile. People will respond more openly to a warm smile and want to further a conversation. 
  • Ask questions and listen. Take note of what is important to your new contact. Are you still interested after this information exchange? It’s okay if you are not. Be courteous.  
  • Exchange/ collect business cards and follow up with a thank you email. When writing a thank you message incorporate anything overlooked in your face-to-face conversation. 

Further networking resources:

Career fairs

Career fairs (or job fairs) are events in which employers, recruiters, and schools give information to potential employees. How you approach a career fair will determine how successful you are at getting an interview and potentially landing a job. There are several career fairs held across UT campus throughout the year. In most cases, students from the Jackson School may attend any of these fairs, if they are appropriate to your career goals. Every fall the Jackson School of Geosciences hosts a career fair for JSG students. 

Tips for attending career fairs and networking events:  Download Career Fair and Networking Preparation.pptx

Best Career Fairs and Professional Networking Events for JSG Students to attend in 2017: 

  • Jackson School Geosciences Career Fair, Fall 
  • Engineering Expo - Fall, Spring 
  • CNS Technology & Science Career Fair - Fall, Spring  
  • Graduate School Fair - Fall 
  • 2017 Fall Career & Internship Fair 
  • Employer Palooza - networking reception with employers the evening before JSG Fall Career Fair
  • Spring Employer Spotlight Days - employers feature opportunities to students in the student center 
  • Alumni Receptions - held during professional conferences such as GSA, AAPG, etc. 
  • JSG Undergraduate Externships - happen over academic breaks (winter/ spring break) 

Academic and industry conferences and meetings

Academic and industry conferences are also important places to grow your network and identify career opportunities.  Here are a few tips from the American Geosciences Institute on networking. Links to an external site.  Links to an external site.Here is a more comprehensive guide Links to an external site. which does a good job of discussing social media.  Here is advice specifically for those who are on the academic path Links to an external site..

Have a plan and set of goals before you go to the conference

Events:

  • Masters Saturday
  • AGU
  • GSA

 See also: Key Professional and Academic Networks for JSG Students on Social Media Links to an external site.

How to package the elements of your professional portfolio

  • Link across elements
    • Include your LinkedIn page and online profile on your resume
    • Include a basic or short version of your resume or CV on LinkedIn or your online profile
      • consider deleting personal contact info
      • consider using an abbreviated version
  • Get a business card and include you LinkedIn page and/or online profile

Effective Resume Writing

A resume is the best marketing tool you have to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. It can also be used to obtain an internship, scholarship, graduate school admission or assist someone when they are preparing a reference letter you have requested.

Many employers may only glance at your resume for 30 seconds, so the content must catch their attention by being concise, direct, and organized. Including only relevant information is the key to an effective resume. Due to this, you may have a couple of resume versions that target different industries; for example one might be geared toward environmental consulting and one for the oil and gas industry. 

Cover Letters
Writing a strong cover letter is as important as a strong resume. Employers highly value one that is well written to the position with related experience, skills and education. A cover letter is not a document that restates your resume or academic CV. It is a written introduction of who you are, why you are applying and what attributes you could contribute to the employer. 

Academic CVs

 

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