Career Exploration

This section contains:

Overview

What is the difference between a job and a career?  At first this may seem like mere semantics but when you think about your future, the difference becomes clear.  A job is a way to earn a living.  Your summer employment at that convenience store or as a lifeguard is a job.  You receive a salary, enjoy the people you work with, but probably don’t want to do it the rest of your life.  In contrast, a career is a chosen field of work that has the potential for growth and advancement.  It incorporates your interests, values, skills and strengths to provide long term fulfillment.  A career may include different jobs over its span but it is the progression and satisfaction that separates it from just earning a living.  At the Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) we want you to think in terms of finding a career, not just a job when you graduate.

Drexel University has many resources available to help you begin exploring your career opportunities, some of which are listed here:

  • COOP 101: COOP 101 is a course designed, developed, and offered exclusively at Drexel for students about to begin the Cooperative Education experience.  This course is designed to teach critical skills and approaches for achieving success in finding and mastering your co-op and for conducting your job search after graduation.
  • Individual Career Advising: Your co-op coordinator is assigned to you by major.  They are a good resource for both co-op and career opportunities in your field.  Not sure about your major?  You can meet with the Career Counselor who can assist you not only with the selection of a major but also with setting appropriate educational and career goals.
  • Career Assessments: A number of assessments are available through the SCDC.  They include the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory, 16PF– Personal Career Development Profile, and Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. These assessments are administered and interpreted by a certified career counselor in the SCDC and can help you to clarify your interests as they relate to potential career choices.
  • Individual Pre-professional Advising: If you are interested in going into a career in medicine or the law, you may contact one of SCDC’s pre-professional advisors.
  • Career Services Library Assistant and the SCDC Resource Room: The SCDC has a dedicated Library Assistant who can help you with your career search. She can assist you with how to use library databases, effectively using the internet, researching the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and finding ASK JENNY – I CAN’T READ HER COMMENT.  In addition,  the SCDC has a resource room, currently housed in the Hagerty Library, that contains resources on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, job opportunities in  particular industries, career exploration, internship/co-op opportunities, what to do with a particular major or field of study, study guides for standardized tests, professional and graduate programs, and more.

 

Top 5 Myths in Career Exploration

Sometimes people are influenced by unfounded beliefs or myths as they proceed through the career decision-making process. These myths can hinder or slow down that process. In an effort to avoid these pitfalls, we encourage you to think through your own assumptions about your career choice. Which of the following myths have influenced you?

MYTH #1: “Somewhere there is an expert, book, or test that can tell me exactly what to do.”
FACT: There are approximately 80,000 occupations from which to choose in the U.S. today. Most interest inventories or tests include approximately 100 to 200 of these occupations. These tests can assess only selected aspects of you and your interests—thus giving you valid, but limited, information. Tests and books can promote self-examination and assist with career information, but they are only one part of the complex process of career exploration. Your co-op coordinator is another important part of the process. He or she can help guide you through the career decision-making process, providing valuable information and drawing focus on important pieces. But it is you and your involvement in the career exploration process that will tell you what career to enter.

MYTH #2: “Only unmotivated students are undecided about their college major or future career.”
FACT: Approximately one-half of all college students will change their major at least once. In fact, the average undergraduate student changes academic majors three times prior to graduation. Your college years are meant as a time for you to explore different career options and try new things - co-op is part of this.

MYTH #3: “There is only one right job for me.”
FACT: There are two important responses to this myth. You are a multifaceted individual with varying interests and abilities. You will not do a job exactly the same way, or follow the exact same career path, as anybody else. The key now is to take all of your strengths, talents, and abilities and turn them into a career that you’ll love. But that doesn’t mean you have to find that career this week. Within your overall plan it is wise to have short-term career goals and long-term career goals. Consider how your many attributes will fit into these plans, and gradually refine your career search. During this time, it’s also helpful to note what talents or skills you have that you won’t necessarily apply in the workplace, but will instead be reserved for your free time.

MYTH #4: “Once I enter my chosen career or profession, I will have to work in that career until I retire.”
FACT: The average person will change jobs, even careers, seven times in his or her lifetime. Economic growth, tremendous technological change, and increased mobility will cause even greater change possibilities. But even these factors aren’t the last word in career changes. If you have a change of interests, desire advancement, are looking for a new challenge, want to meet new people, or want to start own business, you can.

MYTH #5: “When considering careers, I should only consider those jobs that pay well and are readily available now.”
FACT: While it’s important to consider present labor market conditions and salaries, it is also important to consider future labor trends. Jobs that are plentiful now, may not be in the future. Consider the growing international and technical economic trends. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) annually publishes salaries received by graduating college seniors. This will give you some information about present salaries and labor supply and demand.

Getting Started on your own Career Exploration

Now that you’ve read about some of the myths around career exploration, it is time to consider some of the ways that you can reject the myths and start reaching your full career potential.  Career development is a process, a life-long process that will grow and change as you gain more experience and develop your interests.  It will also change as your chosen field advances.  To help you in this process it is important to remember what is most important to you, to research the opportunities, and to develop a way to evaluate your choices.

I. Get to Know Yourself

If you could go out right this minute and buy a car, what would it be?  SUV, sports car, pick-up truck?  What color would you get and what options would you order?  The answers to these questions reflect your personal likes and interests.  Would you get a standard or automatic?  That would depend on your skill at driving a stick.  Would cost be a consideration in your decision?  How about the miles per gallon rating, even a hybrid?  These questions reflect your personal values.  So in selecting the car that is the perfect fit for you, you need to consider your interests, skills, and values.

The first step in the career process is similar to buying that car.  What are your interests?  What are your skills and strengths?    What values are important to you in a work environment?  Unlike the car where you probably have some well-developed ideas, determining the career which is your perfect fit will take some reflection.  You can quickly identify your interests but are you as clear on your skills and strengths?  Hard skills are the easiest: good at math, whiz with computers, musically talented.  Have you identified your soft skills?  Attributes like leadership, problem solver, team player, and organized are valued by employers and can make you successful in your career.  What other things are important to you in a workplace?  You must consider things such as location, salary, potential for growth, the company’s mission, security, challenging work, and help to others and society.  These are your personal values.  Can you be happy and successful if the corporate culture is contrary to your personal values?  Probably not.

Self-assessment will help you to identify and prioritize your interests, values, abilities, skills and personality traits.  It will help establish that the components of a particular career are in sync with the components that make up you.  To help you get to know yourself, you can take advantage of the previously mentioned assessments administered by the SCDC.  Or you can try one of the many assessments that are available on the internet. In addition, there are also a number of good books that you may want to reference. Some of these include:

  • Do What You Are, by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger (New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 2007)
  • What Color is your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles (Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2007)
  • Kick Off Your Career by Kate Wendleton (Florence, KY: Thomas Delmar Learning, 2002)
  • The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success by Nicholas Lore (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1998)

II. Research your Opportunities

When you have a clearer picture of your interests and talents, you can start to match these to potential career fields. There are a number of resources that can get you started.  In addition to those listed in the Overview, you may want to explore some of the following:

  • Co-op and Career Guides : The SCDC has compiled a series of guides to provide information about academic majors and their prospective career paths. These guides include lists of employers who have hired Drexel students, job titles, and salary information.  These guides can be used by both co-op and graduating students to gather information in searching for jobs as well as declaring/changing majors.   They are available in the SCDC office.
  • Career Fairs: Drexel University hosts two major Career Fairs each year, in the fall and in the spring.  These are opportunities to see what companies are hiring for which majors.  You can talk to the employers to get a feel for the culture of the company and how it would fit your values and goals.  In addition to the two main career fairs, other major specific events are held on campus throughout the year.
  • On campus Networking Events: Throughout the year there are events organized by specific employers, the SCDC and the individual colleges.  They are often referred to as “meet and greets.”  The purpose is to meet representatives of a particular company, many of whom are Drexel Alumni, in a professional yet relaxed setting to learn more about the organization and potential careers.  It is an opportunity to network and develop contacts.
  • Informational Interviews: One of the best sources of information can be found by interviewing professionals in the field. This is called informational interviewing. Informational interviewing provides you with the opportunity to learn about specific jobs, careers, and companies. An informational interview is a chance for you to ask someone first-hand what it’s like to work in a particular field.  For detailed information on conducting an informational interview click on: (add link)
  • Professional Organizations: Join professional organizations in your field of interest or attend their networking events.  To find the names and contact information for relevant organizations try the Encyclopedia of Associations which you can access through Hagerty Library.
  • Online Resources:  There are many online resources that provide information about potential careers.  For example;
    • O*Net online Created by the U.S. Department of Labor, you can find occupations, browse job families, identify high growth industries, and search by skills.
    • Occupational Outlook Handbook   This resource from the U.S. Department of Labor includes the nature of the work, training required, projections of future job growth, salary averages, and related occupations.
    • America's Careerinfonet This site includes career information, employment trends and projections, general career sites, search engine career pages, and work and life issues.
    • Career Profiles Search (NACE) From the National Association of Colleges and Employers this site will allow you to search by major or job title.  It includes descriptions of the work, qualifications and skills needed, salary ranges, and types of employers.

There are also numerous resources listed on Drexel’s career library web site.

III. Get Experience

“Real Life” experience is a valuable way to focus your career goals and research possible career paths.  Here are some opportunities for you to examine your career options:

    • Co-op – One of the first opportunities to explore your career path is co-op. Whether you are clear about the industry in which you want to work or just starting to explore your options, co-op can be invaluable in making career choices.  Large or small company, public or non-profit, co-op will give you the opportunity to experience several different professional settings and help you determine the best overall fit for you. It can expose you to trends and issues within a given field, provide you with an idea of the different opportunities that are available, and expose you to networking connections that will benefit you long after your co-op is over. 
    • Co-op Abroad - Industry and commerce are becoming more global each year.  Co-op abroad offers the opportunity to gain international field experience while broadening your understanding of different cultures. Click on Co-op Abroad for more information about these programs.
    • Externships – An externship is a good way to experience first hand what the day to day operation of a career in a particular industry is like.  It is an opportunity to shadow a working professional.  It can last a day, a week, or longer.  It gives you a view into the real world and gives you the opportunity to make networking connections for the future.  Most externships are unpaid.
    • Volunteer – Look for opportunities to become involved with activities that are related to your field.  Check with local industry-related organizations for upcoming events.  Consider joining student organizations on campus related to your goals.
    • Part-time jobs – When pursuing a part-time or summer job, investigate those that will give you exposure to the field you are considering.
     

    Writing Your Resume

    This section contains:

    The Purpose of a Resume

    Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever prepare. It is a statement of your abilities, skills, achievements, and aspirations. Essentially, it is an advertisement where you are the product - your own personal marketing tool.

    While you are developing your resume, it is important to keep a few things in mind:

    • The average amount of time employers spend reviewing your resume is 30 seconds. That is not a lot of time to communicate your strengths, skills, and goals.  It is, therefore, important to clearly and concisely capture their attention.
    • Resumes are fluid, that is, they are never "done." You will be adding, editing, and reformatting throughout your working life. Sometimes you will need to tailor your resume to a specific field or even a particular job in a specific company. Resumes are also individualized. What works for your roommate will not necessarily work for you, and that's a good thing. You want your resume to reflect your unique abilities, skills, achievements, and aspirations.
    • A resume alone will never get you a job. The primary function of your resume is to convince an employer to interview you.  It is the interview that will, hopefully, lead you to the job offer.

    Resume Formats

    There are three basic resume formats that are standard. How you choose the appropriate one among them can depend on the amount of relevant experience you have and the sections of the resume that you wish to emphasize.

    Chronological Resume

    This is traditionally the most frequently used resume format. It provides a description of each job you have held, starting with the most recent and moving back in time. For co-op it can include relevant classes you have taken, your interests, academic honors, and special skills.

    Functional Resume

    This type of resume focuses on transferable skills, aptitudes, and qualities that were learned in one setting, but are useful in a variety of situations. This kind of resume is useful for someone whose background may not directly match the job for which they are applying. One drawback of this resume is that it can be difficult to follow the sequence of your work history.

    Combination Resume

    This resume format is used to emphasize skills acquired through past work experience. The primary difference between a chronological resume and the combination resume is the order in which that work experience appears. Instead of going in reverse chronological order, combination resumes group work experience according to the most important function of the job. On this resume format, the employer’s name, location, and position title are listed together with the job description. Alongside or just above the employment listing is a header that may say something like “communication,” “administrative,” or “technical.”

    Before You Get Started

    Your resume should demonstrate your value to a potential employer. Therefore, before you begin it is essential that you do some research. What kinds of skills, experience, and background are important to potential employers in your field? What attributes do you have that would be of interest to a potential employer? To find out, use the internet to research jobs that interest you. Look at the job requirements that occur most frequently. Hunt for key words and phrases that are common to the industry. Visit professional organization websites. Get to know what skills and attributes employers are looking for in a candidate. Then do some self-evaluation. What do you have to offer an employer? Highlight your skills, strengths, and accomplishments that fit the expectations and needs of jobs in your field. Remember to examine all facets of your life: work, volunteer, and activities. After all, managing the basketball team for four years might be more relevant than your paid job at the convenience store.

    Sections in a Resume

    There are 11 basic sections of a resume. You may or may not use all of them, and the SCDC encourages you to tailor your resume as much as possible to highlight your talents, strengths, and experiences.

    1. Contact Information

    Your full name, address, telephone number, and email address should appear at the top of the resume. You must decide if you want to include your local address, your home address, or both. It really depends on where you plan to send your resume and where you want to be contacted.

    2. Job Objective

    A job objective is not necessary when applying for co-op jobs, and, in fact, it may be limiting to co-op students who are trying to explore different career fields. For a student seeking a co-op job outside the SCDConline interviewing process, a goal can be stated in a cover letter. Job objectives are most appropriate for graduating students and post graduates who have become more focused in their career goals.

    3. Educational Background

    List your education in reverse chronological order. Include the degree you earned or are currently pursuing, your major(s), your date of graduation or anticipated graduation date, and the name and city of your school. Listing your high school is optional for co-op, but not recommended unless it is very prestigious or well-known high school or a field-related charter school. If you took college courses while in high school, that information can be included. Since in most cases you were not pursuing a specific degree you can just put "Major: General Studies." Transfer students should list previous schools.  See the example below.

    While there are no definitive rules, a 3.0 GPA and above is notable and should be mentioned in this section.

    Example:
    Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
    Bachelor of Science in English, Anticipated Graduation: June 20XX
    Cumulative GPA: 3.3
    My Previous University, Scranton, PA
    Major: English, September, 20XX - June 20XX
    Cumulative GPA: 3.8

    4. Honors/Awards

    List any honors (Dean’s List, honor societies, scholarships awarded, etc.) and the year in which you received them. It is acceptable to list honors and awards that you received both in high school and college. If the source of the award is not clear, spell it out (Community Service Corps versus CSC.) As you gain more honors at the college level, you can begin to eliminate your high school achievements, keeping those that are particularly unique.

    5. Computer Skills

    For majors where computer skills are a key component of a co-op job, you should create a separate section. For other majors, computer skills can be one of several items under a general Skills Section. (See item #8.)
    If you do have a Computer Section, be sure to list hardware, software, languages, and operating systems.
    Example:
    Computer Skills
    Hardware: IBM, Macintosh
    Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop
    Languages: C++, JavaScript, HTML
    Operating Systems: Windows NT, Mac OS X, DOS, UNIX

    6. Relevant Coursework

    List six to ten courses by name that relate specifically to your major or career goals. The purpose is to convince potential employers that you possess the fundamental skills for the position. When listing courses, write out the name of the course so that it is descriptive. For example, Economics I and II should be listed as Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Do not refer to courses as 101, 201, etc. Rather, use Roman numerals (Ex., Civil Engineering I, II, III) if necessary.
    For the majority of graduating seniors and professionals, it will not be necessary to include a listing of coursework. Instead, if you have acquired skills from coursework that you would like to emphasize consider adding to the resume a “Special Skills” or “Qualifications Statement” and then add in statements that highlight the specific skill or ability.

    7. Experience

    List all of those experiences which demonstrate your knowledge, accomplishments, skills, and strengths. It is important not to limit your experience to just "paid" jobs. Often your unpaid accomplishments (chaired the local cookie drive, developed a website for a recreational baseball league) are as important as your time spent working at the mall. Some examples of relevant experience are the Freshman Engineering Design Project, Interior Design projects, film/photo projects, volunteer experiences, and significant high school activities.

    It is important that you organize your experiences in the best possible order to highlight the skills and strengths relevant to a potential employer.  For example, you are applying for engineering jobs.  Currently you are delivering pizzas but last summer you worked for an engineering firm.  You would want to highlight your engineering experience so you might have two separate sections:  Related Experience and Other Experience.  Your engineering design project could be a third section.  This applies to all majors:  I am currently delivering pizzas but last summer I (fill in relevant experience here.)
    See “How to Write an Experience Description” at the end of this section for more detailed information.

    8. Special Skills

    This category can be used to note relevant skills that may be important to a potential employer. For example, experience with tax forms, computer languages, familiarity with laboratory equipment, technical knowledge of cameras/editing equipment, CPR and other certifications, and travel experience can be essential to some positions.

    Example:
    Skills
    Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Photoshop
    Certifications: CPR, First Aid
    Languages: Spanish (fluent), Mandarin Chinese (conversational)

    9. Activities or Professional Associations

    Your activities and volunteer experiences are a good way to highlight those skills that are difficult to quantify but still very important to potential employers, e.g. leadership, ability to work in a team, and time management. Organizational memberships and elected offices can also demonstrate those qualities. List the activity, your participation if significant, (e.g. president, group leader), and the dates that you participated.  Start with your most recent activities and moving in reverse chronological order.

    Example:
    Activities

    • Drexel University Yearbook, Activities Editor, September 20XX–Present
    • Drexel University Intramural Lacrosse, September 20XX–May 20XX
    • Walk for the Cure Volunteer Day, April 20XX

    10. Volunteer Experience

    Volunteer experience is important to list on a resume because employers are interested in learning about your contributions to your community. Depending upon the duration of your service, level of commitment, and relevance to your career field you may choose to list such experiences in different ways. You may choose to briefly mention an experience in the Activities Section (see Walk for the Cure example above.)  If there are skills which are important to a potential employer you may choose instead to expand the description of what you did into an Experience Section.

    Example:
    Junior Achievement Program
    West Philadelphia Elementary School, Philadelphia, PA
    Teaching Assistant, January 20XX– June 20XX

    • Supervised  class of 20 eight-year-olds
    • Assisted in preparation of lesson plans; implemented plans
    • Individually tutored children ages 8 - 12 after school hours in Math and Writing

    11. References

    Many first time co-op student resumes state, “References available upon request.” This statement is not necessary as it is usually understood that you will supply references if an employer requests them. Prepare a separate sheet that includes your contact information along with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of your professional and/or personal references. Generally, three references are sufficient. Make sure you gain permission from these people before supplying their names and determine where they would like to be contacted (home, work, school.).
    Click here for reference and resume samples.

    Additional Resume Guidelines

    • In general, limit your resume to one full page as a co-op student and even as a recent graduate. Experienced professionals or graduate level students may extend to two full pages.
    • Proofread your resume for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Then have another person proofread your resume for additional errors. Do not rely solely on a spell check program.
    • Be proud of your accomplishments but never exaggerate or falsify information (e.g., inflated GPA, fabricated work experience.) Employers will check your references and background information.
    • Do not list a desired salary or previous salary history.
    • Do not write the word “Resume” at the top or the date you wrote your resume.
    • Avoid abbreviations (State abbreviations are acceptable).
    • Never include personal information such as height, weight, eye/hair color, marital status, religious affiliation, social security number, or visa status/nationality.

    How to Write an Experience Description

    One of the most difficult parts in writing a resume is composing the descriptions of your jobs, volunteer, projects, and other relevant experiences. Each description should be clear and concise, yet descriptive. After reading your description, a prospective employer should know exactly what your responsibilities were, what skills you have developed, where your strengths lie, and what you have achieved.

    Here are some tips to help you write a concise and informative description:

    Begin each item by stating the name of the place, location, dates, and title (e.g. manager, volunteer.) List experiences in reverse chronological order.

    Describe your responsibilities in concise, abbreviated statements led by strong action verbs. Focus on those skills and strengths that you possess and that you have identified as being important to your field. Try to incorporate industry specific key words. Show potential employers exactly how you will fit their position and their company. Click here for Sample Action Words.

    Be sure to vary your action verbs. You do not want all your descriptions to sound the same. Use present tense for those activities which are ongoing and past tense for those with which you are no longer involved.

    Avoid using "I," "and," "the," and the use of any pronouns and prepositions.

    Whenever possible, quantify. That is, use numbers, amounts, dollar values, and percentages, (e.g., “Increased monthly sales by forty percent . . .”, “Supervised and trained five new employees . . .”, “Handled daily receipts totaling $3000 . . .”, "Designed 14 costumes for local production of ...")

    Limit your description to the three or four most important points.

    Example:
    The Swim Club, Anywhere, PA
    Assistant Manager/Head Lifeguard
    Summers 20XX-20XX

    • Ensured safety of patrons and guests; resolved patron concerns
    • Supervised and trained six lifeguards
    • Developed and maintained schedules for lifeguards, private swim lessons, and pool functions using Excel
    • Assisted manager in overall swim club operations

    Click here for resume samples.

    How to Write a Career Objective

    Writing a good career objective is important for graduating students because employers expect those candidates to be more focused then candidates in college. Evidence of this focus can be seen in a clear, explicit objective.

    A career objective statement, for a graduating student, can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your resume. Remember, you are not locked into one career objective forever. You are simply stating what you would like to do for your next career step. Some individuals even have duplicate resumes showing different objectives. If you are applying for jobs through the career services’ on-campus recruiting system, make sure your objective is appropriate for the recruiting employer.

    To write a meaningful objective, take note of these tips:

    Use specific job titles to describe what you want to do, e.g.: Software Engineer, Actuary, Chemist, Accountant, Administrator.  If you can’t think of an exact title, you can write something a bit more general, such as, “A position in systems analysis with a major telecommunications company.”

    Think about the kind of place you want to work. A public accounting firm? An advertising agency with a large non-profit clientele? A biomedical research lab? A large health care provider? Describe your ideal work situation.

    Use the fewest words possible. Avoid any phrases indicating job expectations (“with opportunity for advancement . . .”). You can cover your expectations in an interview. What the employer wants to see is whether the job offered matches the kind of job you want. If that seems to be the case, it can increase your chances of getting an interview.

    Introduction to Curriculum Vitae

    Students considering co-op or study abroad may be asked to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. After graduation, if you are interested in pursuing an academic position, fellowship, or research grant you will need a CV as well.

    There are several differences between a CV and a resume.  The CV will usually be longer (two or more pages.)  It will contain more detailed information about your experience and skills and some details not usually found on a resume.  You may have different versions of your curriculum vitae for different types of jobs.

    Some of the sections typically found on a curriculum vitae are: contact information (for an international CV you may be asked to include your date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, visa status, and gender), work experience, education (including high school), certifications, skills, awards and honors, presentations, publications, memberships, conferences attended, interests, languages with proficiency, and any foreign travel.

    For assistance converting your resume to a CV, contact your co-op coordinator, career services advisor, or a faculty member.

     

    Interviewing

    This section contains:

    Introduction

    A good resume will get you in the door with an employer, but it is the interview that determines whether or not you actually get the job.  The interview is your opportunity to convince an employer that you are the best candidate for the position – better than any of the countless other candidates being considered.  To stand out, you must communicate to the employer that you have the specific skills and qualities that he or she is seeking.  In order to accomplish this, you must be well prepared.  Researching the company, preparing your responses to commonly asked questions, and familiarizing yourself with the job description are essential to make your interview successful.  In this section, you will learn more about the interviewing process, the different types of interviews, the questions you may be asked, the proper way to behave during an interview, and how you can most effectively convey to your prospective employer how your many talents, strengths, and qualities can benefit his or her organization.

    10 Tips for Interviewing

    The following 10 tips will give you an overview of what you should do while preparing for an interview, during the interview, and after an interview is over.

    1. Research the Company:  Make a determined effort to secure information about the company before your interview.  Simply stated, be knowledgeable about the company when interviewing for a job.  This could mean going to the company’s website, researching the company in the Career Services Library in Hagerty Library, or even doing a Google search to find recent articles or press releases about your potential employer.Many employers will ask you specific questions about their company or generally ask you to share what you know about the organization.  Your ability to answer these questions will demonstrate your level of interest in the company and the effort that you put into preparing for the interview.  Also, be sure to review some of the current industry resources available and be familiar enough with the material to be able to discuss the latest industry issues or trends with your interviewer.
    1. Prepare Your Responses:  Prepare responses to frequently asked interview questions and participate in a mock interview to practice answering those questions.  The SCDC offers interview workshops on a regular basis, and you can also schedule a mock interview with your coordinator.  The more you practice, the more articulate and convincing your responses will be during the interview.  Being well prepared will also alleviate some of the uneasiness you may feel going into an interview.  You must also familiarize yourself with the job description so that you know what specific skills the employer is looking for in a candidate.  Be sure to prepare responses which clearly illustrate that you possess these required skills. In other words, match your skills to the employer's needs, thus convincing him or her that you are the perfect fit for the job.
    1. Dress for Success:  Put thought into selecting your interview wardrobe. If you want to convince the employer that you are a mature and responsible professional, then you must look the part.  Your clothing should be neat, clean and conservative.  A dark-colored suit is preferred for both men and women.  If you do not own a suit, there are other acceptable alternatives.  Men can wear a sport jacket, tie, and neatly pressed slacks. Women can wear a skirt with a blazer, sweater or blouse, but should avoid choosing anything clingy or revealing.  Both men and women should stay away from excessive jewelry, cologne/perfume, or make-up.  Some students resist this conservative style of dress because they prefer to express their individual style in order to set themselves apart from other candidates.  These students should be reminded, however, that it is their skills and qualifications that will most effectively enable them to stand out, not their attire.  If an interviewer is distracted by a candidate's unconventional hairstyle, wild tie, or short skirt, it is likely to draw attention away from what counts - the student's qualifications.  As a result, it is usually best to err on the side of being conservative.  If you are unsure whether the above guidelines apply to your specific major/industry, talk to your co-op coordinator.  He or she will be able to counsel you regarding appropriate interview attire in your field.   Please see the Dressed for Success section for more information.
    1. What to Bring:  Bring along 5-7 copies of your resume and your reference page printed on good quality paper, a notepad and pen to take notes, and a portfolio of your work (if necessary in your industry).  Remember that everything you are wearing makes an impression— carrying these items in a briefcase or a portfolio is much more professional than a backpack.  For women, bringing a purse is generally acceptable, provided that it is conservative and plain.  A briefcase can be a good choice to carry your resume and other documents, and most can fit personal items as well, negating the need to carry a separate purse.  If you choose to bring a cell phone, iPod or any other electronic devices with you, be sure that they are turned off and stored in your briefcase or purse for the duration of the interview.
    1. Arrive Early:  If you have any questions about where the interview site is located, request a map or written set of directions from the company.  Leave for your interview earlier than you think you need to, and be sure to have the company’s telephone number on hand in case you get lost.  It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before your interview; if you arrive too early the employer may feel pressured to begin the interview before he or she is ready.  On the other hand, arriving late (even by a few minutes) will make you appear unreliable and irresponsible, qualities that are very undesirable in an employee.  
    1. Meeting Interviewer(s):  Relax and remain confident and professional.  Remember to smile and be friendly, even if you are nervous.  You may be interviewed by several company employees, so be prepared.  Firmly shake hands and thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity that they are providing.  Be certain you get the names of all of your interviewers and refer to them during the interview by name.  Express 100% interest in the position for which you are applying.  Employers want to hire candidates who are enthusiastic about the position and company, so be sure to convey that you are eager to be a member of their team.
    1. Maintain Appropriate Body Language:  The way you present yourself physically in an interview can convey a lot about you.  Make sure you maintain eye contact with members of the interviewing team.  Eye contact conveys honesty and confidence so be careful not to stare into your lap or around the room.  Also be aware of your posture.  Sit straight in the chair with your hands on your lap or in another comfortable position.  Be relaxed and avoid nervous behaviors (finger tapping, leg shaking, fidgeting, excessive hand gestures, etc.).  One goal of interviewing is to convey confidence, and maintaining appropriate body language can help you accomplish that goal.
    1. Understand the Question and Organize Your Thoughts:  If you are not sure you heard the question properly or you are not sure of the question’s intent, ask for further explanation and clarification.  Before answering a question, organize your thoughts and formulate your response in sequential order.  A few seconds of deliberate thought is much better than 10 minutes of rambling.  Choose your words carefully and use proper grammar.  Avoid “um,” “ya know,” “well,” “like,” and other words that indicate nervousness, uncertainty, and a lack of professionalism.  Also keep in mind that you must always support your claims with concrete examples from your experience.  For instance, if you want to convey that you are a team player, prove it by sharing an anecdote about a specific time when you demonstrated your ability to work well with others.  Practicing speaking your answers to frequently asked interview questions prior to your interview will help you to successfully answer questions and make a great impression.
    1. Be Positive:  Always speak positively about your previous experiences.  Complaining about prior jobs, employers, classmates, professors, etc. can make you appear to have a bad attitude.  If you talk excessively about negative experiences, the employer will begin to wonder how much you contributed to these problems and whether you will create similar issues in their workplace.  Occasionally, employers will ask you questions deliberately designed to elicit a negative response ("Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with someone," "Describe your worst job," "What is your greatest weakness").  In these situations you must be honest and answer the question, but do not harp on the negative.  Instead briefly describe the issue or problem, then focus on how you resolved the situation.  This will enable you to showcase your problem solving skills and your ability to resolve conflict -- skills which any employer will find desirable.  Remember to choose your words carefully and use neutral language.  Stating that a group project was “challenging” is better than saying it was “horrible.”
    1. Say “Thank You:”  When the interview is complete, make sure you thank your interviewers and express your appreciation for their time.  Let them know that you will be looking forward to hearing from them.  Ask for a business card from each interviewer so that you have the correct contact information.  Within the next twenty-four hours, follow up with thank-you letters to each of your interviewers.

     Interview Styles

    Every employer has a preferred style of obtaining the information they need for their hiring decision.  These are some basic types of interview styles you may encounter.  Some employers may choose to utilize a combination of different styles, so be prepared for anything.

    Structured Interview

    An interviewer who has a more structured style will usually begin with what is known as an “icebreaker” question.  The icebreaker is used to relax you before the more serious questions are asked.  A discussion about the weather might be used or perhaps a question about the traffic on your way to the office.

    Next, the interviewer may talk for a few minutes about the company and the position.  During this time, the interviewer may describe the day-to-day work responsibilities and the general company philosophy.  He or she may then ask you a series of questions regarding your past educational, co-curricular, and work experiences.

    Finally, the interviewer may ask if you have questions for him or her.  You should always have several questions prepared.  This type of interview is structured and formal.

    Unstructured Interview

    The unstructured interview is what the name implies.  The only structure to the interview is the one that you provide.  Basically, the interviewer is interested in hearing from you, so you may be asked a variety of different open ended questions.

    You will find an unstructured interview to be more conversational and less formal in tone and than a structured interview. You may be asked questions about your hobbies, what you do on the weekends, or other casual questions designed to put you at ease.  Many students prefer this laid back style of interviewing, but you must be cautious.  Sometimes employers intentionally adopt this casual demeanor so that you feel comfortable enough to let down your guard and potentially reveal something that you normally would not.  If you find yourself in an unstructured interview, be friendly but maintain your professionalism.  Remember that you are there to showcase your best assets and to convince the employer that you are the most qualified candidate for the job.  Casual conversation is acceptable, and it can set a positive tone for the interview, but be sure to bring the conversation around to your skills and qualifications.

    Stress Interview

    This style is used primarily by interviewers who are hiring for positions where there is a high level of daily stress in the work environment (i.e., sales, stockbroker, etc.).

    The same questions that are asked during a structured or unstructured interview may be asked for a stress interview, however, there may be a difference in the behavior or demeanor of the interviewer.  The interviewer during a stress interview may appear distracted, contrary, or indifferent to you.  The idea behind this type of interview is to assess your reaction to the pressure of indifference, rejection, and overall stress.  To be successful in the stress interview, it is recommended that you focus on the question that is asked and not the manner in which it is asked.

    Another hallmark of a stress interview is the “strange question.”  For instance, some interviewers like to ask questions such as, “How many ping pong balls can fit in a 757 jet?”  To answer a question like this, break it down into smaller, more manageable components.  Verbally convey your decision making process.  The interviewer will be less focused on whether or not you came to the “right” answer and more focused on your ability to problem-solve and think logically.

    Sometimes in a stress interview, the interviewer will put candidates in an uncomfortable situation.  For instance, candidates may be given a test that takes two hours to complete, and are told to complete it in thirty minutes.  Remember to stay calm throughout a stress interview, because that is what the employer is looking for – a candidate who has the ability to remain cool, calm and collected. 

    Behavioral Interview

    Behavioral interviewing is a relatively new, but widely used method of job interviewing.  This approach is based on the belief that past performance is the best predictor of future behavior.  Therefore, behavioral interview questions are designed to probe your previous experiences in order to determine how you might behave in similar situations in the future.  In this type of interview, you will not be asked hypothetical questions about how you would handle a situation if confronted with it in the future.  Instead you will be asked how you did handle a specific situation when you encountered it in the past.  Keep in mind that employers are not interested in what you should have done, or what you will do next time...they want to know what you actually did.  Behavioral interview questions generally start with any one of the following phrases:

    • Tell me about a time when you...
    • Describe a circumstance when you were faced with a problem related to...
    • Tell me how you approached a situation where...
    • Share with me an instance in which you demonstrated...

    This type of question requires you to tell stories from your past.  These stories will be evaluated for evidence of your intellectual competence, leadership, teamwork, personal skills, adjustment and flexibility, motivation, communication skills, administrative skills, and technical abilities.

    To prepare for a behavioral interview, you must first identify the skills and strengths that the employer is seeking.  Next, reflect on your past experiences (educational, employment, extra-curricular, personal) in order to identify situations in which you clearly demonstrated the identified skills.  During the interview, you must be able to recount these circumstances articulately and in a manner which showcases your strengths.  A thorough answer should describe the Situation, the Tasks with which you were charged, the Action you took, and the Result of your action. We refer to this as the STAR Method of Responding to Behavioral Interviewing Questions.

    Problem Solving or Case Interview

    Employers utilize this style of questioning to test a candidate's analytical ability and communication skills.  In a problem solving or case interview, you will be presented with a real or simulated problem to consider and solve.  You are not necessarily expected to arrive at the "correct answer." What the interviewer is most concerned with is your thought process, so be sure to "think out loud" when responding to this type of question.  An effective answer is one which demonstrates your ability to break a problem down into manageable pieces and to think clearly under pressure.

    Panel Interview

    Employers often like to gather the opinions of several members of their staff prior to deciding which candidate to hire.  To save time, panel interviews are often used, where one candidate may be interviewed by a few people at once.  In a panel interview, take note of each interviewer’s name, and refer to them by their names.  When giving your answers, focus on the person who asked you the question, but make eye contact with the other members in the group from time to time. 

    Interview Questions

    Your goal during an interview is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.  In order to accomplish this, you must be able to clearly and articulately convey that you have the specific skills and strengths for which the employer is looking.  The best way to increase your likelihood of effectively responding to interview questions is through advanced preparation.  Before an interview you should prepare your responses to standard interview questions and practice speaking them out loud.  If you can, ask your coordinator, or a friend or family member give you a mock interview for some additional practice.  Below are some frequently asked interview questions that you can refer to while preparing for interviews.

    Sample Interview Questions

    Questions About You

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • What are your long-range career goals? Short-range goals?
    • What specific goals, other than those related to your career, have you established for yourself?
    • What do you really want to do in life?
    • Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
    • Would you prefer a large or a small company? Why?
    • What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
    • How do you spend your spare time?
    • In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable (structured, unstructured, etc.)?
    • Why did you select Drexel University?
    • Why did you choose your major field of study?
    • What courses do you like the best? The least? Why?
    • Do you think your grades are an accurate indication of your academic achievement ?
    • Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
    • Will you relocate?
    • Do you have plans for continued study and obtaining an advanced degree?

    Questions About Your Skills and Motivation

    • What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
    • Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
    • How is college preparing you for your career?
    • What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in your career?
    • Why should I hire you?
    • What do you hope to learn on this job?
    • What three things are most important to you in your job?
    • What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
    • What have you learned in your other jobs that you think will help you to do this job well?
    • Why did you apply for this job?
    • What do you know about our company?
    • Why are you interested in working for our company?
    • After reading the job description, what do you think will be the most challenging aspects of the job for you?
    • How do you think you can add to the company?
    • What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

    Questions About Your Experience

    • What have you learned from participation in co-curricular activities?
    • What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
    • Describe your most rewarding college experience.
    • Describe your most recent group effort.
    • Tell me about the time you met the most opposition when proposing a plan of action.
    • Describe a situation that best demonstrates your ability to get things done through others.
    • Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills.  What did you do?
    • Describe the most significant written document, report, or presentation that you’ve completed. Do you have an example of oral communication skills?
    • Describe a time when you were confronted by a difficult task-related problem and how you solved it.  Did you ever have to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done?
    • Give an example of a time when you did not have enough information to do your job.  What steps did you take?
    • Tell me about a specific occasion when you conformed to a policy even though you did not agree with it.
    • Give an example of when you were able to build motivation in your co-workers or subordinates.
    • Have you ever had a confrontation with someone?  How did you handle the situation?
    • Describe the most creative work-related project you have completed.
    • Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.

    Questions About Hypothetical Situations / Theoretical Questions

    • How would you describe the ideal job for you?
    • What have you learned from your mistakes?
    • Have you ever been in a leadership role?  Please explain the situation.
    • Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
    • How do you work under pressure?
    • What types of people seem to “rub you the wrong way?”
    • Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.
    • What type of supervisor would you like to have?
    • Give an example of an important goal you had to set and your process in meeting that goal.
    • If a friend or professor were asked to describe you, what would he/she say?
    • How do you define “success”?

    Legal vs. Illegal Areas of Inquiry

    While some information can be elicited once you have been hired, government legislation exists which discourages employers from asking certain questions during the interview process.  Technically, employers can ask any questions they want to, they just cannot use certain information in making hiring decisions.  In order to avoid potential problems, employers typically avoid certain topics.  Some of these discouraged areas of inquiry include:

    • Age
    • Race
    • Religion
    • National origin (an employer can, however, ask if you are legally able to work in the U.S.)
    • Sex and/or sexual preference
    • Marital status

    If you are asked one of these questions during an interview, very tactfully and professionally say that you are “confident that the area in question (e.g. sex, age, marital status, etc.) will not adversely affect my ability to do my job and fulfill my responsibilities.”  You may also choose to ask the interviewer to explain how the question pertains to the job and your ability to fulfill the responsibilities.  Most importantly, notify the SCDC immediately when you perceive that employer questions were not appropriate.
    Click here for further information regarding Legal/Illegal Areas of Inquiry

    Asking the Interviewer Questions

    Most interviewers will conclude by asking "Do you have any questions for me?"  The interviewer will expect you to have questions prepared and will use these questions to gauge your interest in and understanding of the job.  Asking thoughtful and specific questions about the job and company will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are serious about the position.  Conversely, if you do not ask questions you appear uninterested.

    Also keep in mind that the interview is your opportunity to learn more about the position in order to determine if it is a good fit for you.  Be sure to ask questions that will enable to you fully understand the scope of the job, so that you can make an informed decision about working for the company.

    Avoid asking questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation or anything else that makes you appear to be more interested in what you can get from the company than what you can offer them.  Also avoid questions whose answers you could have easily found for yourself if you had put any effort into researching the company.

    The following list contains appropriate questions for candidates to ask in the initial job interview.  This list is by no means exhaustive; you should certainly develop your own questions during the course of your research on the company.

    • What would my typical day look like in this position?
    • What type of training programs do you have?  How long is the training period?  What does the training consist of?
    • How and when will my performance be evaluated?
    • What can I do between now and the start of co-op so that I am prepared to hit the ground running?
    • What is unique about your company?  Can you describe the company’s basic management philosophy?  What is the organizational structure above and below this position?
    • Do you hire co-op students from cycle to cycle?  What percentage of your co-ops become full-time employees upon graduation?
    • In your opinion, why is this a good place to work?
    • What has your career progression been within this company?
    • If I excel in this job, would I have the opportunity to increase my job duties and responsibilities?
    • What would make an employee stand out as "exceptional" in this job?
    • Ask specific questions based on your research of the company: growth plans, competitors, new products and research, etc.

    Special Circumstances
    Some Drexel co-op students have special circumstances that they will need to inform employers of during their job interviews.  For instance, athletes, ROTC members and Residential Advisors may have already standing commitments that will infringe upon their time at work.  Students in this situation should bring their schedules with them to their interviews to inform potential employers.  Talk to your coordinator if you are unsure how to proceed in this situation.  Students who have disabilities or other circumstances which may make it difficult to interview should contact the Office of Disability Services and their co-op coordinator for assistance and advice.

    Behaviors to Avoid

    Below are some of the most common reasons why employers decide not to hire an interviewee.  Familiarize yourself with this list so that you know what to avoid during an interview.

    • Poor personal appearance
    • Overbearing, overaggressive or conceited
    • Inability to express self clearly – poor voice diction, grammar
    • Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
    • Lack of interest and enthusiasm
    • Lack of confidence and poise, overly nervous
    • Overemphasis on money
    • Unwilling to start at the bottom, expects too much too soon
    • Make excuses, is evasive, harps on trouble areas
    • Lack of maturity
    • Lack of courtesy
    • No demonstrated interest in company or industry
    • Too much “name-dropping” from the candidate, emphasizing who they know as opposed to what they can do
    • Portrayal of strong prejudices
    • Seemingly uninterested in gaining experience
    • Late to interview without good reason
    • Never heard of company
    • Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
    • Asks no questions about the job

    (*List compiled by recruiters at the University of Delaware based on research conducted by Frank S. Endicott at Northwestern University)

    Verbal Communication

    Many employers would tell you that if a worker cannot express him or herself verbally, he or she will serious difficulties working with colleagues and serving clients effectively. During the interviewing process, the interviewer may weigh verbal expression as heavily as academic credentials and preparation. That means that you should be expressing yourself as clearly and professionally as you do on your resume.

    Recruiters use the interview as a way to judge how you will perform in the work environment. So behind that infamous question, “Tell me about yourself,” the recruiter is evaluating your ability to structure a sentence and to think logically. Your ability to listen to your questioner, and respond appropriately, is also being tested.

    Ending an Interview

    At the end of the interview, you may be given the opportunity to make some final remarks.  Use this time to summarize your qualifications and reiterate your strong interest in the position.  Be sure the interviewer knows that you want this job!  You should also inquire as to what the next steps in the hiring process will be.  Will a decision be made imminently?  Will there be another round of interviews?  That way you will know when to follow up with the interviewer.  Finally, be sure to firmly shake hands, thank the interviewer for his or her time, and ask for a business card.

    Follow-Up with a Thank-You Note

    After your interview, always remember to send thank-you notes to those who interviewed you.  A thank-you note should convey your appreciation for the interviewer's time, reiterate your interest in the position, and highlight some of your qualifications again for the employer.  Try to mention something specific that you spoke about during the interview.  This will help the interviewer remember you and it will make the note more personal.  You may mail or email your thank-you letters, just be sure that they are professionally written.  Send your thank you letter within twenty-four hours of the interview.
    See sample letters here.

    Multiple Interviews

    Most co-op students will only go on one job interview per company.  However, it is possible for candidates to have to go to several interviews with the same company before a job offer is made, particularly for graduating seniors.  The good news is, multiple interviews give you the opportunity to get to know more about what kind of person your prospective employer is looking for, so you can prepare accordingly.  They can enable you to gain a better understanding of the company and whether or not it will be a good match for you.

    Phone Interviews

    Some employers prefer to conduct brief interviews via telephone with potential candidates.  Phone interviews are almost always screening interviews, intended to determine whether or not a candidate is a good fit before asking him or her to come to an in person interview.  Occasionally phone interviews are used to interview candidates who cannot travel to an interview due to distance.  Here are a few guidelines for a successful phone interview:

    • Prepare for a phone interview the same way you would prepare for an in person interview – research the company, practice answers to frequently asked questions and know the job description. 
    • Practice with someone ahead of time to make sure that your phone line has a clear reception and that you do not make any unnecessary sounds (breathing into the phone, etc.)
    • Make sure you are in a quiet place for the time of your interview.  If you live with roommates or family, choose a time when they will not be home or find a quiet location to conduct your interview.  Turn off your TV, radio and computer speakers.  If you have pets, conduct your interview in a separate room so that your interviewer does not hear barking, scratching, etc.
    • Be sure to have your resume, notepad and pen with you during the interview.  You can even write down answers to frequently asked questions and have them with you.
    • Stand up during the interview.  It will help you to project your voice better, and prevent you from getting overly comfortable.  Smile while you are talking.  Believe it or not, smiles can be heard in one’s tone of voice.
    • It can be difficult to build a rapport with the interviewer over the phone.  Focus on providing direct and clear answers to his or her questions, and emphasizing that you are a good fit for the job. 

    The First Interview

    The first interview can also be considered a screening interview, and its purpose is to assess your qualifications for the job.  On average, the interview may last for about 30 minutes, during which the interviewer will try to assess if you have appropriate skills and abilities to perform the job responsibilities required for the position.  Sometimes a phone interview will serve the purpose of the first interview.

    The Second and Third Interviews

    Once your interviewer has determined that you do indeed have the proper credentials, skills, and abilities for the position available, you may be invited back to the company location for the second and even a third interview.  The purpose of the second interview is to determine if there’s a good “fit” between you and the company.

    During the second interview you may expect to be asked more questions that will delve into those aspects of the job that will be rewarding and thus motivating to you.  You will be asked more questions about your likes and dislikes of past experiences.  You may also expect to be asked more “why?” types of questions such as “Why did you choose Drexel?” or “Why did you choose your major?”  In this way the employer will try to determine if the position will offer you responsibilities and assignments that you will find rewarding.  The other objective for the employer is to determine if you make good, educated decisions.  By asking the “why?” types of questions the employer will be listening to hear if you make decisions by thoroughly evaluating the various aspects of the question or haphazardly bringing closure to issues or problems.

    Prepare yourself for a long visit.  Your interview may last several hours and you might have several interviews during your visit to the company.  During the visit you might expect to meet with managers, top executives of the company, recent hires from your university, and prospective co-workers.  Throughout the visit your energy level should remain high.  With each interview keep in mind the agenda and ask questions prior to leaving, if not during the course of the conversation.

     

    Your Independent Job Search

    An independent job search is the process of looking for a co-op outside of SCDConline.  Independent job searches will also be utilized by graduating seniors looking for full time jobs and any students looking for part time jobs.  Some reasons for conducting an independent job search for co-op are as follows:

    • SCDConline has lots of great jobs, but it is no guarantee
    • You can address very specific career goals that may not be met through SCDConline
    • An independent job search allows you to search for jobs across many geographical areas, allowing for a national or international co-op

    This section describes three steps of conducting an independent job search:
    1.  Defining your job search
    2.  Identifying employment opportunities
    3.  Contacting companies and follow up

    1. Defining Your Job Search

    • What type of job do I want to do?
    • What type or size company do I want to work with?
    • Where (geographically) do I want to work?

    If you struggle answering these questions, it is time to do a self-assessment.  Exploring your interests, values, skills, likes and dislikes will give you a better idea of what you want in a career.  It will also enable you to set career goals.  Those goals will help you focus on the job opportunities that are right for you.

    To read more about Career Assessment go to the SCDC web site at: http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/resource.asp?Subject=r_CareerExploration.html.
    For information about Career Counseling available to students and alumni of Drexel visit: http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/counseling.asp.
    These books and online resources can help clarify your career goals:

    Assessing Your Interests

    Exploring Careers

    Another great resource for exploring careers is the Career Services Library located in Hagerty Library (Room 136).  The Career Services Library Assistant has a wide variety of books and online resources to help you explore careers, including The Vault Online Career Guide.  Please see the Career Services Library web site at http://www.library.drexel.edu/services/refcareers.html for more information and to schedule an appointment with the Career Services Library Assistant.

    When considering geographic location, do not limit yourself to one specific area.  Having a wide variety of experiences is a desirable trait in the professional community.  If you are looking for a co-op, consider searching in different parts of the country.  Some wonderful opportunities are available in California, Texas, New York and Washington DC.  Think about the career path that you have chosen, and the geographic concentration of companies in that field.  For instance, many technological companies are located in California, many fashion houses are located in New York and many pharmaceutical companies are located right here in the Philadelphia area. 

    The growth of electronic communication has made our world smaller and smaller.  More and more companies are doing business in countries around the world.  Therefore, employers value candidates who have some international experience.  Experiencing an international co-op would not only be a personally and professionally enriching experience, but it would also make you extremely competitive in the job market.  Consult the Manager of International Cooperative Education Programs at the SCDC for more information and assistance in procuring your international co-op.

    2. Identify Employment Opportunities

    How do people usually find employment opportunities?
    A. Networking
    B.  Identifying companies of interest
    C.  Posted positions (newspaper, online, etc.)

    A.  Networking

    Networking is the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that enrich your life and empower you to achieve your goals (Source: Nonstop Networking by Andrea R. Nierenberg).  Networking is the most effective way to get a job. 
    How to get started:

    Talk to People

    • Create a list of all the people you know in the following categories who would take your call if you got in touch with them today.

      Friends and classmates
      Family and extended family
      Neighbors and acquaintances
      Family friends
      Professors, coaches, counselors, former teachers
      Co-workers and supervisors

    • Contact everyone on your list and let them know what you are looking for (co-op, full time job, part time job). Use your 30 Second commercial to share your goals. You can ask them for names of people who might be able to help you since people on your list also know other people.  Most professionals are very willing to talk to and help college students.  Be sure to stay in touch with you contacts.
    • For more information on the 30 second commercial, see the SCDC website at : http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/resource.asp?Subject=r_Commercial.html

    Join a Professional Organization

    Professional organizations are groups of people who are in similar professions.  They get together on a regular basis to network, learn about recent developments in their field and share information.  Students are able to join professional organizations, usually for a discounted fee.  Some of the benefits of joining a professional organization are as follows:

    • Meeting people and expanding your professional network
    • Access to online resources, like job postings (for some organizations)
    • Invitations to events, workshops, conferences, etc.
    • Publications with industry-specific articles and resource

    Use The Encyclopedia of Associations - in print or online via Hagerty Library
    e-resources - to locate organizations relevant to your career.

    • Attend networking events, meetings, workshops and lectures – use your 30 Second commercial to introduce yourself to people.
    • Participate in volunteer, leadership, and/or committee positions.
    • Search for career opportunities on the organization’s web site.

    Conduct Informational Interviews

    One of the best sources of information can be found by interviewing professionals in the field.  This is called informational interviewing and it provides you with the opportunity to learn about specific jobs, careers, and companies.  This is NOT an interview for a position.  It is an opportunity to learn from a professional about what you want to do and how to actually go about doing it.  It is also an excellent method to meet more people in your field to expand your network of contacts.  Here are the steps you should take to conduct an informational interview:

    1.  Develop a Contact List

    Even if you do not know anyone who is working in your field of interest, someone in your network probably does.  Here are some ideas to select professionals to interview:

      • Start with people you already know who work in your field of interest.  You can ask your acquaintances if they know anyone else you could speak to.
      • Look at member lists from professional organizations in your field (usually you must be a member to access the lists).
      • Contact your school's Alumni Association and ask if there are any alumni in your field who would be willing to talk to students.
      • Look for people within companies you aspire to work for and contact the person who does what you want to do.

    2.  Schedule the Meeting

    Once you have a name, it is now time to schedule a meeting. It is recommended that you schedule a meeting for approximately 15-30 minutes. If time permits, arrange to meet face-to-face. However, be prepared for the individual to request that you conduct your interview over the phone. Arrange the interview and make it clear that you are simply looking for more information about his or her profession, not a job.

    3.  Prepare in Advance

    Whether conducting your informational interview in person or over the phone, you should always prepare in advance.  Prepare your resume and bring a copy of it to your informational interview.  Although it is not an interview for a specific position, the person you interview may want to have an idea of the experiences and education that you have had so far.  You can also ask for feedback on your resume.  Gather basic information about the career field, job or company by doing research in the library or online prior to speaking with the individual so that the questions you pose will have answers that cannot otherwise be obtained by simply reading a book.  Prepare questions that elicit the unique perspective of the individual.  Below are some questions you may want to ask:

    1. What are some of the most important skills utilized in this career field?
    2. What credentials, educational degrees, licenses, etc., are required for entry into this career field?
    3. Are there any undergraduate level courses, aside from major-specific courses, one can take to prepare for this career field?
    4. What are some extra curricular activities that employers may look for on entry level resumes?
    5. What is the labor market like for this career field?
    6. What are the future labor, technological and economic trends affecting this career field?
    7. What are typical paths of advancement or growth in this career field?
    8. Are skills learned in this field transferable to other career fields?
    9. How did you prepare yourself for this type of work?
    10. What was your career path like?
    11. What do you find most rewarding about the work itself?
    12. Describe how you occupy your time during a typical day?
    13. What other career fields are related to your work?
    14. What do you find frustrating about your work?
    15. What are the different settings in which people in this occupation may work (i.e. - educational institutions, businesses, etc.)?
    16. What types of technology are used in this field and how are they used?
    17. What are some things that you know now that you wish you had known in college?

    4.  Post-Meeting
    When you conclude the interview, it would be appropriate to ask the individual if he or she knows of anyone else with whom you could speak to gather more information.  After the interview, write a list of your “before and after” impressions of the job, career and company.  Go back over the questions you prepared and now write down the answers that you received from the contact person.  Record this information, as close to the interview as possible, while the information is still fresh in your mind.  Be sure to send a thank you note within 24 hours to thank the interviewee for his or her time.

    Additional resources for conducting informational interviews:
    http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/Informational_Interviews.htm

    Attend Career Fairs

    Career fairs are organized events in which interested employers come on campus (or another centralized location) to recruit full time and co-op employees and to provide information about career opportunities within their individual organizations.  Drexel hosts two large Career Fairs every year (fall and spring). There are also some smaller, industry-specific Career Fairs throughout the year.  Check the SCDC website at www.drexel.edu/SCDC for dates and a list of attendees.

    What to do at a Career Fair:

    • Decide which employers you want to talk to and research them ahead of time.
    • Wear your interview attire:
      • Employers will take you much more seriously if you wear a suit, especially since they will likely be wearing suits.
      • Gentlemen – make sure your suits are clean and pressed, and be sure to wear dress socks and shoes.
      • Ladies – choose a suit that is conservative (not too tight, short or low-cut), and wear dress shoes.
      • Before walking into a Career Fair, put away your cell phone, iPod and sunglasses.
      • Leave your backpack at home – use a briefcase, tote or nice folder instead.
      • Please consult “Dressed for Success” for more information.
    • Bring multiple copies of your resume, printed on good quality resume paper.
    • Use your 30 Second commercial to introduce yourself to prospective employers, ask questions about career opportunities.
    • Get business cards from recruiters.
    • Send thank you notes to the recruiters with whom you spoke.

    B. Identify Companies of Interest

    Career Library

    The Career Services Library Assistant at 3201 Arch Street (Suite 222) is an excellent resource to use for researching companies in your field.

    The library has access to databases that contain a plethora of company information, including the D&B Million Dollar Database, Hoover’s Online Database and The Vault Online Career Guide.  These databases are extremely helpful for locating companies based upon their line of business, location, size, etc.

    Also included in the Career Services Library are a variety of books about internships, careers, resume writing and cover letters.

    The Career Services Library Assistant holds Independent Job Search Workshops on a regular basis to teach students how to use the various library resources for their job searches, whether for co-op or full time jobs.

    Internet Research

    Locate web sites of companies that interest you (it is helpful if you already have a list of companies from utilizing the library’s databases).

    Apply directly to relevant positions:

    On company websites, look for links such as “Employment Opportunities,” “Internships,” “University Relations,” “Jobs,” etc.

    If you find an opening that seems to match your qualifications, you can usually apply directly through the company’s web site. 

    Even if none of the openings seems to match your qualifications, you could still contact the company – remember that not every opening is advertised to the general public.

    If possible, try to find the appropriate contact person in the department for which you are interested in working, in case you would like to contact the company at a later date.

     

    Other Resources

    • Yellow pages (look for companies in a specific industry).
    • ES&P Archives (see where other students in your major have worked for co-op).
    • Newspapers (old fashioned, but some companies still use them to post jobs).
    • If you are looking for a non co-op position (full time, part time, freelance, temporary, etc.) you can utilize the Direct Apply Job Board, provided by the SCDC.  For more information, please see the SCDC website: http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/direct_apply.asp

    Internet Job Postings

    Monster.com, one of the largest on-line job board sites, has more than 45 million registered users. The sites reports that on a typical Monday afternoon, from noon to 4 p.m., more than 6 million people are looking for work. (Source: Get Hired! by Donald J. Starnkowski)
    You will be competing with the masses!  You can certainly apply to jobs posted, but keep a few things in mind:

    • These sites are best used to find out about the positions that are available in your field.
    • Posting your resume may not produce any interviews.
    • Often these sites have jobs posted that are closed, old or have been already filled.

    Here are a few of the largest job search sites:

    3.  Contact Companies and Follow Up
    Now that you have a list of companies for which you are interested in working, the next step is to contact them directly.  You will either be applying to specific positions that are posted, or simply informing the company of your interest to work there and inquiring about any opportunities available.  Remember, not every job opening is posted to the general public.  Contact each company that interests you, whether or not you see a specific job opening.
    Call the Company

    • To find the right contact person in the company contact the Human Resources Department and / or the department in which you are interested. Explain who you are and that you are inquiring about career opportunities. Ask with whom you should speak about such opportunities, or to whom you should send your resume.
    • Think about what you will say BEFORE making the call.
    • Develop a phone script to help you prepare what you are going to say.  Your 30 second commercial may be useful here, especially if you directly to a hiring manager.
    • Practice with your friends and family to ensure a confident tone of voice.
    • Be sure that you have your resume, calendar, pen and paper before calling the company.  You will need to be prepared to write down the person’s name (with correct spelling), answer any questions about your qualifications and hopefully schedule an interview.
    • Send that person a cover letter and resume to follow up from your conversation.
    • Many job seekers choose not to call a company, so if you do, you will set yourself apart from the competition and showcase your confidence and communication skills.

    Send Cover Letter and Resume

    If you choose not to contact the company via telephone, you can contact them via mail using a cover letter and resume.  Even if you do speak to someone in the company over the phone, following up with a cover letter and resume is advisable.  Cover letters are important – they will connect you and your resume to the position that you are seeking, and provide a good opportunity for you to display your communication skills.

    • ALWAYS send your cover letter and resume to a person, hopefully the correct person who is responsible for hiring.
    • Make sure your cover letter explains the Drexel Co-op program, particularly the time frame in which you are available to work.
    • Target your cover letter to that specific company – research the company’s news and current events and use some of the information in your letter.
    • If you are responding to a specific job posting, be sure to draw parallels between the skills being described in the job description and your skills.
    • If you are not responding to a specific job posting, draft a “letter of inquiry.”  For more information, click here. 
    • For more information on how to write cover letters please visit http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/resource.asp?Subject=r_Correspondence.html and www.rileyguide.com

    Follow Up

    Whether you are applying for a position, sending letters to inquire about possible career opportunities or conducting informational interviews – YOU MUST FOLLOW UP – this will set you apart from the competition!  When writing a cover letter, you may want to indicate a timeframe for when you will call to follow up – usually ten days to two weeks after sending the letter is appropriate. 

    Two Options

    Call the person to whom you sent your cover letter and resume to check on the status of your application.  Know what you plan to say before placing the call.  This is an especially appropriate option if the position is a “strong lead”- something you heard about through a personal contact or networking.  Calling a company will set you apart from the competition, since most job seekers do not choose this option.

    Send a second cover letter and resume.  Reword your cover letter to indicate that this is the second time that you are contacting the company.  Reiterate your interest in the opportunity. 

    Of course, employers may choose to call you directly after receiving your application to schedule an interview.  Thus, it is important that the outgoing voicemail message on your phone reflects the most mature and professional side of your personality.When recording your voicemail message, keep in mind these tips:

    • Keep it short
    • Be polite
    • Speak clearly
    • Leave loud background music, slang, or inappropriate language off your message

    A good, general message to use is something like this: “Hello, you have reached 555-2222. We’re not available to answer the phone, but if you leave your name, the time you called, and a return number, we will return your call. Thank you.”

    If you are a person who is prone to talking on your cell phone while driving or walking, make sure you pull your car over to take the call or you go into a quiet area to speak to the employer.  If you do not know the number that the employer is calling from, it may be best to let the call go to voicemail then check it and return the call at a more convenient time.

    Ethics During the Job Search

    Recruiters are more scrupulous than ever about their investigation into academic records when hiring for co-op positions. Misrepresenting yourself in any way (exaggerated accomplishments, inflated GPAs, etc.) is a warning flag to employers, and some companies have even terminated new employees when a background check proves that the information supplied was false.

    In addition to academic misrepresentation, you should be aware that employers often pre-screen applicants by searching for any information that might be available on Internet social sites such as MySpace and Facebook.  Many companies have student employees who can access these sites and search for people as a fellow peer.  Some sites allow access for anyone to search regardless of their student status. If you have pictures, statements or other material that might cast you in a bad light, remove it while you are job hunting.  For example, if you are applying for a job as a counselor assistant at an alcohol rehab facility and you have pictures of yourself drinking and partying with a beer bong in hand, you will not be sending a very consistent message about yourself.  Here some other Internet items that you should consider removing from public viewing access while you are searching for a co-op:

    • Any material that shows you partially or fully undressed (except for baby pictures)
    • Any sexually explicit comments, blogs  jokes, or photos
    • Any strong or extreme statements or pictures that are derogatory to a certain group of people, beliefs, and/or lifestyle
    • Photos of you in an inebriated or drugged state

    Bottom line: When it comes to the Internet, it pays to present a professional at all times. . . before, during and after your job search. Your image and reputation speak volumes more than your resume.

    Suggestions

    • Keep track of the companies you contacted – this will help you organize your contacts and will help you determine when to follow up. Creating a simple log of your activity will give you insight on how your search is going.
    • Be persistent – understand that many companies take a long time to make hiring decisions.  Continue to follow up, but set limits on how often you will contact a company. 
    • If you are looking for a co-op position, remember to keep in touch with your coordinator.  He or she can help you track your progress and give you ideas.  If you are a graduating senior, contact the SCDC to set up an appointment with a member of the Career Services staff.
    • Take advantage of workshops provided by the SCDC.  For a list of current workshops, see the SCDC website: http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/resources.asp
    • DON’T GIVE UP!!

    Additional Resources

    • Bolles, Richard Nelson. What Color is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2006.
    • Tieger, Paul D and Barbara Barron. Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.
    • Lore, Nicholas. The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success. New York, NY: Fireside, 1998.
     

    Business Correspondence

    This section will cover:

     

    Cover Letters

    Writing to potential employers (either via the postal service, fax, or e-mail) is the method most frequently used by job seekers. During an independent job search, you’ll need a cover letter to send with your resume when writing to a prospective employer.  However, you will not need t o provide a cover letter for co-ops applied to through SCDCOnline. The cover letter provides a brief introduction to who you are, why you are interested in the company and/or its positions, and how you could benefit the organization.  In addition to these functions, the cover letter highlights explain the unique features of the Drexel co-op program to prospective employers.

    Instead of repeating the information found in your resume, your cover letter provides more of a synopsis of one or two key points that will be most helpful in demonstrating that you are the most qualified person for the position.  The cover letter should expand upon the experiences, skills, and strengths you have acquired that are listed on your accompanying resume.

    Approach the letter from the perspective of the employer. Take into consideration the skills and abilities that the employer most needs to know about you to determine if you are a viable candidate. As a rule, the cover letter should elaborate on the primary features of your background, but should not exceed one page.  It is best to tailor your letter to fit each specific company because employers value candidates that take the time to take a personal approach in the development of their letter.

    The first paragraph of the cover letter informs the employer of how you heard about the position (e.g. newspaper advertisement, colleague, website etc.)  If you were referred to the company or position by someone you know, be sure to provide the exact name of the referral and their relationship to the company (if any) in your introduction.  If you learned about the company’s opening through a newspaper or internet advertisement, include the name of the publication or site and the date it was printed/posted. Next, in one or two brief sentences, tell the employer why you are interested in being considered for the position. The first paragraph is also where you tell the employer that you are a Drexel co-op student and that your Co-op program allows you to work in your chosen field for a period of six months.  Some employers may be unfamiliar with Drexel Co-op so it is a good idea to stress the benefits of the program to these employers. Some benefits of Co-op are:

    • Available for 6 months of full-time employment
    • Combine classroom knowledge with real-life industry practice
    • Create a professional partnership between Drexel and employers

    You can also consider including a Drexel Co-op Brochure or a link to the SCDC website with your resume and cover letter. Keep in mind that some companies have internships that are similar in nature to the requirements of Drexel Co-op.  Be sure to check with your coordinator to make sure that the internship offered at a company is compatible with the requirements needed to fulfill Drexel’s Co-op program.

    The second paragraph demonstrates that you have researched the company’s products and/or services and that you have some knowledge about their mission.  In this paragraph, you can state why you are interested in working for them and how you believe you are a good fit for their team.

    The third paragraph of your cover letter provides an opportunity for you to match your skills, strengths, education, and experiences to what the employer needs.  You may want to mention other experiences or skills not included on your resume that match the ideal candidate’s role. Convince them why they should hire you. To determine what to write consider the following:

    • Based on the job description, what are some of the skills the employer needs?
      • Job-related skills (technical)
      • Transferable skills (skills needed in any job, such as communication, customer service etc.)
      • Adaptive skills (personality)

    Finally, in the last paragraph, thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the position, and let them know how you plan to follow up with them. You can choose to request that they call you to follow up.  You can also tell the employer that you will contact them to follow up on the status of your submission.  If you take this more assertive stance, be sure you follow up via a phone call or second letter in the time frame that you said you would.

    The format of a cover letter should follow the guidelines in the Cover Letter Worksheet . For sample cover letters, see the Samples page.

    Letters of Interest

    Cover letters are generally used to write to companies that have posted open positions.  However, if you want to submit your resume to a company that has not listed any openings, you can submit a Letter of Interest along with your resume.   As its name suggests, this type of correspondence expresses your interest in working for a particular company.  This type of letter requests that the employer review your credentials for consideration for any type of position for which you may qualify. This letter can also be used to signify your interest in a company that is opening a new market, division, or department in the near future and who may require additional staff and co-op students to meet their personnel needs.

    You can use the same format as the Cover Letter (see Cover Letter Worksheet); however you’ll want to focus a bit more on how your skills and/or experience can fit within different facets of the company or within a very specific division of the organization. If there is a particular department that you’d like to work for, you can indicate that in your opening paragraph; if not, you give a broad overview of your transferable skills and how you can contribute to any team that has an opening.  You can use the Sample Letter Samples page of Interest as a guide in creating your own letter.

    Thank You Letters

    After your interview, always remember to send a thank-you letter to each person who interviewed you. Collect the business cards of each person with whom you met so that you can be sure to spell their name correctly and include their title.

    Your letter should be short, polite, and highlight some of your qualifications again for the employer. Try to mention something that you spoke about during the interview. This will help the interviewer remember you and it will make the note more personal.  Send your letter within one day of your interview and type it on paper that has the same heading as your resume.  In this way, you are creating a very polished and professional image of yourself as a potential candidate.

    You can think of thank you letter as the cover letter written backwards.  It is made up of four paragraphs:

    • The first paragraph thanks them for their time and reiterates your interest in the position
    • In the second paragraph, you have a chance to address any unresolved issues:
      • Is there a question that you wish you had answered better?
      • Is there more information on a point that you forgot to bring up?
      • Did the employer request more information on anything?
    • The third paragraph reiterates your skills as they match the employer needs. Now you can clarify this based on additional information you learned at the interview
    • In the fourth paragraph, thank them again and let them know how and when you plan to follow up

    The format of a thank you letter should follow the guidelines in the Thank You Note Worksheet. For sample thank you letter, see the Samples page.

     

    Tips for On the Job Success

    This section contains:

    As a Drexel University Co-op student, you have the exciting opportunity to enjoy gaining valuable real-life work experience at a company within your major.  Co-op should be a time of learning, growing, and contributing with other colleagues in your industry.  There are a few practices and behaviors you want to consider adopting while on Co-op to ensure that you have a successful and meaningful experience that will make a lasting positive impression on your employer. 

    Email and Internet Usage

    More and more companies rely on email to connect with vendors, customers and staff.  As a co-op student, your job may involve emailing various internal and external parties to update them on projects, confirm the details of a design, or schedule a follow-up meeting with a buyer. The convenience, ease, and immediacy of email make it the ideal choice for communication in a global economy.  However, there are some guidelines that you should follow when emailing or responding to email from staff, clients, your supervisor, or colleagues:

    • Avoid abbreviations such as “u”, “ttyl”  “lol” etc.
    • Follow the same guidelines as your would with a traditional paper letter (use a greeting/salutation, informative paragraphs, concise ending)
    • If in doubt, ask a co-worker or your supervisor to review your email before you send it
    • Be sure to hit the correct button when replying to an email.  Consider when it is appropriate to reply to all recipients of an email and when it is not appropriate
    • Watch your tone and word choice when emailing.  Capitalization of all letters is actually perceived as “yelling.”   Read your email aloud as well as to yourself to see if you are getting your message across clearly
    • If you are unsure if your email is professional or you do not know how to reply to an email you received, ask your supervisor or colleague for advice.  Consider writing a draft and showing it for approval/revision before you send it to the recipient(s)
    • Always use professional language and proper grammar in email correspondence.
    • When writing professional emails, don't use any slang or abbreviations that you would use in your personal email to friends
    • Don’t use email or the Internet (or the phone, for that matter) for personal use
    • Don’t send out spam emails or forwarded emails unrelated to your job
    • Use common sense. If you’re considering using email or the Internet for anything that seems questionable, ask your boss if it’s okay. If you don’t want to ask your boss, than that’s a pretty good indication that it was an unacceptable use.

    Along with regulating your email, keep in mind that as a Co-op student you are expected to use company resources such as the Internet wisely.  Consider the following:

    • Your employer can record the amount of time you spend on the Internet.
    • The Internet web sites that you visit can be monitored.
    • Any e-mails you send or receive, even if deleted, can be retrieved by your employer.

    Regardless of what can be tracked, monitored, or recorded, you should treat electronic communications with the same seriousness that you apply to an email or a phone call from an important client.  If you have down time during your co-op, consider using the Internet to research industry issues, your company’s competitors or similar topics.

    Telephone

    If you have you ever dialed a doctor’s office, business, or even the telephone company and been shocked at the brusqueness of the person who answered, you know the importance of good phone etiquette. The telephone is the life-line of many offices, and you may be asked to receive and place calls on a regular basis. How you relate to people over the phone not only reflects on you, but on the organization you represent. According to Jeannie Davis’ book, Beyond “Hello”: A Practical Guide for Excellent Telephone Communication and Quality Customer Service, “People sense varying levels of anxiety, discomfort, indecisiveness, and insecurity through the sound of your voice. Your ability to represent your organization and yourself in the best possible way is important.” The following telephone courtesy tips should assist you:

    • Answer the telephone promptly
    • Answer with pertinent information (your company, department, and name)
    • If you have to place someone on hold, explain why (Ex., “I’m sorry, I do not handle that but I will transfer you to someone who can help”)
    • Be as helpful as you can be if the call is for someone who is not available (Ex., “Mr. Brown is out to lunch, but he is expected back around two o’clock. May he call you then, or is there something I can do for you?”)
    • If you do take a message, be sure it is accurate and includes the date, time, name (spelled correctly), and telephone number
    • If someone calls you, let them end the call when they are satisfied with the information you’ve provided
    • Always announce yourself professionally (Ex., “This is Miss Williams in the Credit Dept” or “This is Mr. Scott of MossRehab Hospital”)
    • Don’t eat while receiving or placing a call
    • Don’t keep people on hold for a long time —one or two minutes should be the maximum (when you return to the caller, apologize for the wait, no matter how long or short).
    • Never use the telephone for personal use

    Professional Behavior ~ On & Off-Site

    As an employee, you may have the opportunity to accompany your professional peers on business trips. You may possibly be sent alone to represent your company at one type of function or another. Your behavior reflects on the company’s image. It is therefore extremely important that you conduct yourself accordingly, in a professional and responsible manner. Do not overindulge in the occasional “perks” of business, which may include expensed meals (you pay up front and are reimbursed by your employer), car rentals, extra charges to hotel rooms, and social gatherings that include free alcoholic beverages.

    Ethics

    Every corporation, no matter how large or small is governed by a set of principles of professional conduct and expectations.  These principles or rules, also known as a code of ethics are important elements of a company’s mission, vision, and culture.  As a co-op student, it is important that you understand these rules and conduct yourself in an honest, ethical, and professional manner. Your reputation, like the reputations of many companies who have faced both internal and public scrutiny for unethical conduct, depends on you being ethical—during your job search, while working for a co-op employer, and after you graduate. At some time, however, you may find yourself in a workplace situation that creates an ethical dilemma for you.

    Ethics in the Workplace ~ The Bottom Line

    For you, there are some unethical behaviors that are never tolerated by the SCDC or by co-op employers. These include:

    • Abusing sick or vacation time
    • Abusing office resources (phone, e-mail, Internet usage, etc.)
    • Dishonesty on your time sheets
    • Falling asleep while at work
    • Failure to notify your employer in a timely manner of an emergency that prevents you from coming to work on time, or at all
    • Using the company’s clients, customers, or staff for your own personal gain or profit (i.e. soliciting)
    • Taking company supplies

    In addition to professional ethics, you should have a set of personal ethics that governs your actions on a personal or social level. Certain practices in the workplace may break your personal code of ethics, and it should not be tolerated. If you have such a situation in the workplace, contact your coordinator immediately. Here is an example of one student who faced an ethical dilemma at work:

    Selena was working for an insurance company. The job was to call potential clients to see what kind of coverage their company currently had, in o