Liberal Arts Voices

Read the perspectives of our current students

How to Succeed at Penn State Workshop Series is Back! First Workshop, Wed. January 21st!

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shutterstock_175340078Being an international student can be challenging, but the College of the Liberal Arts is here to support you  and prepare you for a successful career!

With these goals in mind, the college has continued the How to Succeed at Penn State Workshop Series for the Spring Semester.

The first session is scheduled for Wednesday January 21st from 12:15 pm- 1:15 pm in 309 Sparks and will focus on internships and career development!

The spring semester has already started, and that means summer will be here before you know it! It is already time to start thinking about internships!

During this session you will get an introduction to the Career Enrichment Network, and learn why an internship is so important and how you can start applying! Other resources that the office offers will also be introduced such as, the Alumni- Mentor Program, Self-Assessments and Enrichment Funding!

 

You’re Invited! Liberal Arts Etiquette Dinner

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Ever find yourself in a formal dining situation and realize you’re not sure which bread plate or glass is yours?  Or which is the right fork to use?  Or with a dining etiquette question?

Join Tammy Miller, international speaker, author, and presentation skills coach for a fun and educational dinner that covers basic dining etiquette so you will be prepared for future interview lunches and/or dinners.

Thursday, January 29, 2015
7:00-8:30PM
Nittany Lion Inn Fireside Lounge

Attire is business casual.  The cost for the speaker and the meal is free to Liberal Arts students and is sponsored by a generous donation from CRM manager.

RSVP at:  http://goo.gl/mhetkn

Please note:   If you RSVP and do not attend, you will be charged the $30 cost of your meal.

Calling all Freshmen and Sophomores in Search of an Amazing (fully-funded) Summer in the United Kingdom!

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Have at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete? Interested in spending three to six weeks in an academic and cultural summer program in the UK?

This opportunity is for you! 

The nine Summer Programs available for US students in 2015 are:

Applications due February 26th

Applications due March 5th

The US-UK Fulbright Commission funds first and second year American students to take part in one of nine summer institutes in the UK. This includes airfare, accommodation, tuition and fees, meals and could also include a small daily stipend. Applications are due February 26th and March 5th depending on which program you choose.

With nine programs to choose from, there is a topic for every liberal arts student!

For more information visit the University Fellowships Office.

Any questions can be directed to Jacqueline Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu).

Student Spotlight: Rachel and her International Internship

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Rachel Yee is an international student from Singapore majoring in Sociology. She is currently completing a semester long international internship in England. Rachel is an ambitious and motivated liberal arts student who knows the importance of global experiences. She answered some questions about her experiences of living and working in the UK.

Why an international internship?

I’ve always loved travelling and decided very early on that during my 4 years at college, since I was already away from home (I’m from Singapore), I would travel as much as I could. I wanted to make use of the opportunities offered by Penn State to gain as many new experiences as possible. So when it came time to do an internship, it was only natural for me to do it abroad.

How did you find your internship? 

I googled and then contacted many advertising companies in the US, UK and France. I spread my net wide and eventually managed to secure an internship in the UK. It took quite a bit of researching on VISA requirements needed for each country. Fortunately, there are some government programs that allow Americans or students with American study visas to do internships abroad. I found the Penn State Study Abroad Program Search to be very helpful since some study abroad programs have internships available; if you hit the “Advanced Search” tab and under “Parameters” open the “internship available” drop-down menu and select “yes” you will get a list of all those programs.

If you’re interested in getting research experience abroad this might interest you. The liberal arts website also has some helpful information on gaining global experience.

After all that internet searching, I still found that nothing beat talking to a real person. It is good to go to them prepared though, just so that you know what questions to ask. I spoke to several study abroad advisors and professors before I made my decision. My advice would be to do as much research as possible because there are many opportunities available.

Going to your department’s (eg. Sociology), or even other departments’ (Communications) to see what they put on their notice boards might be worth a look too. Not all the programs advertised might be suitable, but a lot of programs might be interesting to you. I like to look for different experiences so I don’t limit myself to looking just at Sociology-specific experiences. I’ve found that employers value a diverse background. It makes you stand out from the other candidates.

Why should students take part in an International Internship?

If you’re considering doing an international internship, Hurray! It’s going to be an adventure. Not only will it look good on your CV (so I’m told) but it will “open your eyes and broaden your horizons” and all that. Do your research and make it easy for the company to employ you as an intern. It’s good to keep in mind that companies don’t have to hire you and it might be easier for them to hire someone from their own country. However, if you show them your passion and drive, people are likely to be more receptive. Expect lots of rejections from potential employers; I talked to an intern who emailed 100 companies and only got 10 replies. Don’t take it personally and don’t let it get you down- It’s worth it!

What has your internship been like?

Interning in the UK has been nothing short of amazing, definitely humbling. The learning curve is steep- you’re thrown in the deep end and you have to swim; but don’t worry. It’s an internship and people are normally quite understanding and know that you are still a student and are learning. Give yourself a break and just do your best.

I work as a junior-level designer and more recently, a motion graphics artist. I started off doing internal jobs for them to test out my skill-levels and gradually got given real work for clients. The daily practice of the Adobe Creative Suite has been essential in my growth as a designer. I knew the basics when I came in but anytime I had questions, I googled them and if I couldn’t figure it out on my own, I asked for help.

I’m sure you already know this but it’s worth mentioning anyway- don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there. Make known all your skills and be willing to help. Always be doing something, if not, ask if anyone needs help. It’s okay to do the unglamorous jobs, you are an intern. Best not to think too highly of ourselves. If they see you can be trusted with little, they will be more confident in trusting you with more responsibilities. Be willing to try new things but be honest about your skills. The way I’ve learnt is by saying yes to jobs I’d never done before but felt I could probably figure it out. I would make sure to say that I didn’t know if I could do it but if they were willing to let me try, I could figure it out. That way, they knew I might not be able to do it but I was willing to try. You know yourself and your skills well enough to be able to gauge what you should be able to handle, so play it by ear and don’t be afraid.

My experience has been very diverse, which isn’t always the case; I just started working in HR once a week which has taught me about how companies are run and has given me insight into what employers look for in potential employees. I think this knowledge of what to do and not to do will be very helpful when I’m applying for jobs in the future. My colleagues have also been really helpful and supportive. The professional experience and connections I have gained have been invaluable and will undoubtedly be beneficial when I’m applying for jobs after I graduate.

Thanks for making it this far (or fast-forwarding to the last paragraph)! I wish you all the best with your internships, international or not, be proud of yourself for looking for ways to enrich your education. Here are some words of encouragement that helped me on my journey – Don’t be afraid to fail & you will never feel ready. Don’t worry! No one ever does. if you need a confidence boost / a picker-upper, I recommend watching an inspirational TED talk. Oh! One more thing, always carry a notebook & pen. Always as in always. Believe me, it will come in handy.

Have fun!

 

Thanks to Rachel Yee for contributing this blog post. 

Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program- Spring 2015 Applications Available Now!

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Interested in networking with Liberal Arts alumni? Want to receive assistance on your job and internship searches? Hoping to get advice about the future?

Apply to the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program! Students are matched with alumni in a field related to their major and/or their career interests. Mentors work with students to reflect on their experiences and goals, develop new skills, and network for the future.

Applications are available here: http://laus.la.psu.edu/network/mentoring. The application deadline is December 15.

Direct any questions to Heather Baruch-Bueter at hzb100@psu.edu.

Application Twitter Post

Graduating Seniors – Make the Most of Life after Graduation

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After you graduate…

May is just around the corner, and with a new spring season comes the real world! Are you ready for 40-hour work weeks and being a young professional? If you’re still unsure of your future career in May, or even in years to come, don’t forget to refer back to the many services offered by Penn State to help you on your way.

Alumni Career Services

Alumni Career Services provides many of the same opportunities as undergraduate Career Services yet they take advantage of the wide geographical ranges of their alumni and provide services accordingly. They offer individual counseling, resume reviews, and career resources.

  • Nittany lion Alumni Career Network: An online job board that allows alumni to post resumes and search for job openings.
  • On-Campus Interviewing: Employers are brought to campus to conduct information sessions and hold interviews for entry-level positions.
  • Career Events: Throughout the year in-person and online networking events are held to connect alumni from across the country to help advance or change their careers.
  • Recent Graduate Events: Throughout the summer, Alumni Chapters throughout the country host welcome home events for recent graduates. It is a great way to network in a relaxed environment. Dates will be released soon.

LinkedIn

Make sure to update your LinkedIn profile and join The Penn State Alumni Association’s page. This will connect you with other alums throughout the world that you can network with, ask advice, and learn about new career opportunities.

Alumni JOBSearch Webinar

This four-session JOBSearch Webinar program helps Penn State alumni gain the tools they need to search for new jobs. Information includes resume writing, interviewing, and networking.

LionLink

Now that you’ve graduated, you can register as an alumnus on the online networking site LionLink. Career Coaches on the site provide valuable information and advice on jobs and careers.

And don’t forget, if you still haven’t filled out your Graduating Senior Survey, do so as soon as possible!

Careers for the Humanities: Elevator Speech Preparation

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At Careers for the Humanities, you will have the opportunity to speak with alumni panelists to learn more about various careers available for Liberal Arts majors. Last week, you learned about networking tips and how to effectively network. Another major component of networking is your “elevator pitch.” An elevator pitch is a brief, 60 second introduction that you will give when meeting the alumni panelists. This is your chance to make a great first impression so you want your pitch to be informative and concise. The tips below will help you create the perfect elevator pitch.

1. Start Out Strong: Shake the person’s hand and introduce yourself. Include basic information like your year, major, and minor here. Example: Hello, my name is Sam and I am a sophomore majoring in English with a minor in History.

2. Briefly explain your future plans/goals: Do you want to go to graduate school? Want to work for the government? Not exactly sure what you want to do? That’s okay!  This is the time to talk about your interests and plans. Example: I’m not sure of my future plans but I enjoy helping people and I am considering a career in the non-profit sector.

3. Talk about your experience: Did you have an awesome internship or study abroad experience? Do you hold a leadership position in an organization? Tell the alumni panelist about it! Be enthusiastic and sell yourself. Example: Last summer I interned with the American Red Cross coordinating supplies for earthquake relief in the Philippines. Or I am the President of the History Roundtable.

4. Highlight your skillset: This isn’t just limited to technical skills like computer software or languages but also soft skills as well such as problem solving, communication, and time management. Example: I am fluent in Spanish and I am comfortable working with the public in a professional office environment.

5. Finish on a high note: A little enthusiasm goes a long way. Ask the alumni professionals if they would like to learn more about you or tell them that would you like to learn more about them. Example: I would be thrilled to explain more about my background and interests. Or I see that you work at Twitter, would you mind telling me more about that as I am looking for a career involving social media?

Be sure to practice your elevator pitch in the mirror or with your roommates to make you present it smoothly and to work out the details. Check out this link with elevator pitch examples for more information. Remember to register for Careers for the Humanities on your Network Symplicity account, too! Check back next week to meet the alumni panelists.

“Reverse Career Fair” Leadership Networking Event: March 25

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Are you a member of a student organization looking to make meaningful corporate connections? Register your organization for the Leadership Networking Event at Pegula Ice Arena on March 25 from 3:30-7:00 pm.

This event is designed for student organizations to connect and network with employers attending the “Spring Career Days.”

Groups can register to have a booth space while recruiters can roam and network with organizations aligned with their missions. To register a student organization and to learn more, please visit http://careerfairs.psu.edu/spring/student/reverse.shtml

Careers for the Humanities: Networking Tips

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Networking is the process of developing professional relationships that help you as you explore your career goals.1 It is one of the most effective ways to gain career-related information and find internship opportunities. At Careers for the Humanities you will have the opportunity to network and talk with alumni professionals from various fields. To get the most from your networking experience, be prepared, ask the right questions, and follow these tips:

1. Don’t Be Shy: Although networking can be intimidating, don’t be afraid to approach someone. Politely introduce yourself and get the conservation started.  Don’t wait for an alumni professional to approach you. Take the initiative; the alumni are excited to share their experiences with you!

2. When in Doubt, Ask Questions:  To gain the most information and insight, ask the person a lot of questions. You don’t have to do all of the talking. Networking actually requires great listening skills. You probably will even want to jot down some notes after your conversation. Keep a few general questions in mind like “why did you choose Penn State” or “what were you involved in on campus” to get the conversation started and to keep it going.  Asking questions expresses genuine interest in a person which will reflect positively on you! Bonus: asking the other person questions prevents you from talking too much about yourself.

3. Don’t be Overbearing: Leave the sales pitch at home. Networking isn’t about shoving information about you down somebody’s throat. Networking should be a casual, light conversation to develop a relationship with someone. Smile and remember to keep it friendly. People are more likely to do business with those whose company they enjoy.

4. Get a Card and Follow Up: At the end of the conversation, remember to ask for a business card or jot down contact information. Send a follow-up email and let the person know you enjoyed talking with them and would like to keep in touch. It’s also a good idea to reference something specific you talked about during your conversation so the alumna/alumnus will remember you. It’s not successful networking if you don’t keep in contact!

If you are still unsure of your networking skills or want more information and tips for networking, check out this link. Remember to RSVP for Careers for the Humanities through your Network Symplicity account and check back next week for tips on how to prepare your “elevator speech.”

1 http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/pdf/CG/CG_Value_of_Networking.pdf

Careers for the Humanities, March 29th!

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Careers-in-the-Humanities-Email-Header2The Career Enrichment Network is proud to sponsor Careers for the Humanities!

This event is exclusively for Liberal Arts students to explore career options, network with alumni, and more!

This event will be taking place on March 29th, from 1:00-5:00PM on the first floor of Chambers building. Alumni panelists will be in attendance to answer all of your questions and give resume feedback. As the keynote speaker, David DeLong, author of Graduate to a Great Job, will discuss job search tips, the transferable skills Liberal Arts majors bring to the workplace, and steps Liberal Arts majors can take to identify their career path.

The agenda for this event, including information about the alumni panels, is now available on our website. Attending Careers for the Humanities is a great way to jump-start your internship and job search while making connections and exploring your options.

Visit our website for more information and make sure to RSVP through your Network Symplicity account using the “Events” tab.

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