Home > Newsletter > Volume 4, Issue 1 (August/September 2004)

Volume 4, Issue 1 (August/September 2004)

Brave Opportunities
Where Today’s Braves Look to the Future

Volume 4, Issue 1
August/September 2004

Inside this issue:
Career of the Month: Graphic Artist
From the Director’s Desk
Cool Jobs Listings
Alumni Spotlight: Ron Gaskins
In Every Issue: Career Bloopers, Job Search Tips, Ask Zelda, Little Known Facts, & Upcoming Events

Career Center Info:
Location
University Center, Suite. 210, 521-6270, cs@uncp.edu, www.uncp.edu/cs
Hours
M-F, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Appointments may be made for Career Consulting, DISCOVER, Resume Critiques, Mock Interviews, etc.
Staff
Dr. Denisha Sanders, Director
Lori Bumgarner, M.Ed., Assistant Director
Brenda C. Jacobs, Student Services Assistant

Volunteer & Internship Fair

Looking for an internship to build your skills and your resume? Community service opportunities can also help you hone the many skills employers look for. You’ll find both at the 7th Annual Volunteer & Internship Fair, co-sponsored by Student Activities, LSOP and the Career Services Center.

Representatives from over 40 agencies and companies will be on campus October 6th at 10:00 am in the UC Lounge to discuss with you a variety of internships and ways you can get involved in your community. The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, the National Climatic Data Center, Special Olympics, and Walgreens are just a few organizations that will be attending.

Opportunities abound at the Volunteer & Internship Fair for you to explore career options, find practical work experience, build your network of contacts, improve your skills, develop your resume, and give back to your community.

Lori Bumgarner

Career Council: Students Wanted!

Do you want to have a say-so in the career services provided to you and your classmates? Now’s your chance to provide input to the Career Council on services and resources that will help you land a job! Join Career Services professionals, employers, and faculty and staff in their efforts to enhance the services and delivery of services of the UNCP Career Center.

As a student member of the Career Council, you will receive Leadership and Service Opportunities Program (LSOP) credit, first priority to the latest job search publications, Career Center updates on events, job search information and tips, and the latest job market information from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). You will also be featured in Brave Opportunities.

The Career Council meets only once a semester. This fall’s meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 1st at 2:00 pm in the Career Center. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Career Council, please contact Lori in the Career Center for more information.

Lori Bumgarner

From the Director’s Desk

Welcome back for fall 2004! As you begin the new semester, please spend some time learning about the programs and events that we have planned for you in the Career Center. We have workshops, employer visits, career fairs, job postings, print and web resources, and other services to help you with all phases of your career planning.

The schedule for our events can be found on UNCP’s online University Calendar at www.uncp.edu/calendar. Click on the “Student Life” or “Master” calendar links to find all of our events and other events going on all around campus. This calendar will be a vital resource for you throughout the year, so bookmark the site and check it frequently!

Our first big event of the semester is for students who are planning to graduate in December 2004, May 2005, or August 2005. If this applies to you, then you should plan to attend Graduation Orientation on Wednesday, September 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in GPAC. This will be your opportunity to learn everything you need to know to be ready for graduation. Representatives from the Bookstore will be on hand to talk about Grad Finale, caps and gowns, graduation announcements, and class rings. The Registrar will be there to tell you about registering for graduation and getting your Commencement tickets. In addition, we will tell you about the services offered in the Career Center to help you with your job search or with graduate school planning. If you are planning for graduation, your first step is to attend Graduation Orientation!

If you have questions about any of the programs and services offered by the Career Center, please call us or send us an email. Have a great semester!

Denisha Sanders

Career of the Month: Graphic Artist

Graphic artists use computers to create art and designs for software and Internet websites that meet client needs. They design and execute graphic-art work for communications, marketing, advertising, information, training, and entertainment purposes.

Graphic artists consult with clients to determine their needs. Then, using their knowledge and training, they determine the format, approach, and content which will be the most effective, meet objectives, and stay within budget restrictions. Graphic artists may develop a complete visual identity for a company, their products, and their website. They may also design and develop larger items for the company such as marketing campaigns and website layout; as well as designing smaller graphic elements such as logos, product icons, and web navigation buttons. Graphic artists also develop the graphics and layout for computer games. They additionally produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

Graphic artists work for many different industries, including:
· advertising agencies
· publishing houses
· commercial art firms
· design firms
· manufacturing firms
· department stores
· the motion picture industry
· government agencies

Most employers prefer to hire graphic artists with a degree in graphic design, art, multimedia design, or a related field. Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to a bachelor's or master's degree in the arts. Art schools also offer post-secondary studio training in art. Formal educational programs in art and design also provide training in computer techniques. No special licensing or certification is required for graphic artists. The following majors could help you prepare for this occupation:
· Design and Applied Art
· Fine Arts and Art Studies

Salary
Starting Salary: $31,000 ($15/hr); Average Salary: $42,500 ($20.50/hr)

What graphic artists like:
· being creative
· the chance to work independently
· pleasant working conditions

What graphic artists dislike:
· having their work rejected
· working overtime to meet deadlines
· dealing with hard to please clients
· the time it takes to build a reputation
· the time and effort to sell their services to potential customers

For more information, contact:
American Institute of Graphic Arts
164 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010-5900
http://www.aiga.org/

Graphic Artists Guild National
90 John Street
Suite 403
New York, NY 10038-3202
http://www.gag.org/

Source: DISCOVER Online. To learn about thousands of other occupations, you can access DISCOVER via our website.

Alumni Spotlight: Ron Gaskins

With the help of Career Services, Ron Gaskins landed a hospital fellowship that pays competitive wages and benefits. The May 2004 MPA graduate utilized the Career Services Center when applying for numerous fellowships.

When asked what was the most difficult part of his search for a fellowship, Gaskins said it was having to narrow down his 100 choices of fellowships to about fifty. “I also found the waiting game to be extremely stressful in determining if I got the fellowship or not,” he said. So how did he get through the waiting game? “By Dr. Sanders telling me on a daily basis that I would get a fellowship and not to worry about it. I also came to realize that if God wants me to get one I will and worrying about it was pointless.”

But Gaskins knew that, in addition to trusting in God, he had to take advantage of the services available to him. In conducting his search for a fellowship, he used services in the Career Center such as resume critiques, mock interviews, interview guidelines, resume workshops, the business etiquette dinner, and tips on interview attire. “I found the resume critiques to be very useful and the mock interview to be most useful in getting my fellowship in Chicago, Illinois,” he said.

After his success with landing the position he wanted, Gaskins offered advice for other students in their job search. “Get your resume critiqued well before your job hunting search begins and take advantage of all the interesting workshops that the Career Center offers. Also, make sure that you participate in a mock interview in order to prepare yourself to the fullest. And try not to worry!”

Lori Bumgarner

Considering Graduate School?
Plan to attend the 2004 Graduate & Professional School Day
October 20th, 10:00 am, UC Lounge

Get your copy of the 2005 edition of Job Choices
Now available in the Career Center

This Month’s Cool Jobs Listing

Fisheries Observers. Collect and record sea data and biological samples aboard commercial fishing vessels. Woods Hole, MA

Educator of Living History. Manage the daily operations of the original colonial tavern, town house and foursquare garden, conduct costumed tours, manage volunteers, oversee the junior docent program, assist w/educational camps. York, PA

Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Coordinate educational programs for members of the fraternity and sorority communities, provide guidance and support for chapters. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Contemporary Worship Director/Pastor. Design and implement worship services, train the volunteer worship team and technical ministry. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Mammal Keeper. Provide care for mammals and other members of the animal collection, assist with training, interact with guests. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, Columbia, SC

Adventurous Biologist. Identify fish, maintain related statistical records, document sightings of marine mammals, birdlife and leatherback sea turtles. Talent, OR

Sports Intern. Compile statistics, assist with administrative duties. San Mateo, CA

Photographer/Editor. Travel solo to remote villages across the state of Alaska, documenting the lifestyles of the native people for ongoing weekly TV programs. Anchorage, AK

Habitat Restoration Manager. 12-16 month position. Protect and restore rare species and natural communities in the Potomac River Gorge, conduct field assessments of ecological problems, recruit volunteers. Bethesda, MD

Contact the Career Center to access full job descriptions and application procedures.

Brave Ideas

“I can’t believe you did that!” and Other Career Mishaps
During the interview, the candidate looked out the window the entire time.

CSC Career Unscripted Workshop Guide
Fall 2004
(every Wednesday @ 3:30 pm in the Career Services Library, UC Ste. 210)
9/1 CSI: Career Search Investigation
9/8 Career and the City (Job Search)
9/15 Career as Folk (Networking)
9/22 Extreme Resume Makeover (Resume writing skills)
9/29 The Apprentice & What Not to Wear (Interviewing)
10/6 Fear is Not a Factor (Getting Into Graduate School)
10/13 Career Eye for the Late Guy (Late Job Search)
10/22 Trading Spaces: From Classroom to Office (School to Work Transition)
10/27 Ask Dr. Deal (Career Q & A)
10/29 “SIX FEET OVER” HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE
11/1-11/5 CAREER DEVELOPMENT WEEK (check website for times):
11/1 The OC (Outrageous Careers)
11/1 CSI
11/2 Extreme Resume Makeover
11/2 Resume Bar
11/3 Fall Teacher Education Fair
11/3 The Apprentice & What Not to Wear
11/3 Style & Grace (Business Etiquette)
11/4 Career and the City
11/4 Career as Folk
11/4 My Big Fat Portfolio (Portfolio Development & Presentation)
11/5 Individual Appointments
11/10 Career Eye for the Late Guy
11/17 Extreme Resume Makeover
12/1 Trading Spaces

Dear Zelda,
Since I am a journalism major, I work as a volunteer at a newspaper, but it isn’t considered community service. Can I still include it on my resume and, if so, where should I include it?
Will Work for Free

Dear Will Work for Free,
Since the purpose of your experience is to gain knowledge in your chosen field/major, you should include it under the “Experience” section of your resume instead of the “Community Service” section. For your job title, use the term “Volunteer.” This will tell the reader that you are committed to learning the skills necessary to succeed in your field and that you’re not just in it for the money.
Zelda

Got a career or job search question? Ask Zelda at cs@uncp.edu

This month’s job search tip:
Participating in community service and volunteer work will help you build your resume. For information on volunteer opportunities, come to the Volunteer & Internship Fair on October 6th at 10:00 am in the UC Lounge.

Little Known Facts:
Studies have shown that students who complete an internship have a higher GPA than those who do not complete an internship. Also, students who complete an internship are more likely to have a job by graduation than those who don’t complete an internship. (Journal of Employment Counseling, 1999)

Upcoming Events

CSC Career Unscripted workshops
Every Wednesday, 3:30 pm, UC Suite 210

Graduation Orientation
Wednesday, 9/22, 10 am, GPAC
All students with 70+ hours must RSVP by 9/10

Volunteer & Internship Fair
Wednesday, 10/6, 10 am, UC Lounge

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