careers , Career & Academic Advice
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Career & Academic Advice

Master of Education, BA Social Work.
Program Manager of Career Services at Seattle Central Community College


Recent posts

  • Tips for first real job search?
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    Follow all the advice given and if you can swing it, land an internship! If in fact you are at the UW or WSU or even SU, you will have a great opportunity through internships (you have an internship coordinator on your campus- this I am sure of). Most larger firms will recruit on campus and hire interns. If you do well in your internship you will most likely be given a conditional job offer after you graduate. Having a degree plus some real life experience will make you oh so much more marketable!
    Do it Now!

  • Resources for people who don't want to retire.
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    Gary,
    setting up a blog is fairly easy. I have used Blogger.com in the past, but there are many free sites for setting up a personal blog. I will warn you that unless you are prepared to comment on other blogs and spend a lot of energy with social networking, your blogging efforts can feel lonely.
    If you truly have the time, passion and energy to keep a blog going, it can be very worthwhile. Sharing your experience and insight about your work and life experiences with others can be theraputic for you and for your blog followers.

  • How to explain a weird education issue on resume?
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    I agree with Dan's answer. List the years you attended college and that your degree is in progress. Often it will say BA, BA means 4 years of college, which you have. Also list your GPA;and major if it is relevant to your job search.

  • Quit a Job, due to a hostile work environment. recourse?
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    There may not be anything your friend can do as you have described the events that led to her quitting. If your friend had filed some kind of harrassment charges then she may have some legal ground.
    Doesn't sound like unemployment benefits are an option, but just in case, your friend can always try through the ESD (Employment Security Department). All they can do is say No.

    Best Wishes to your Friend!

  • How to find a Small Business Mentor?
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    You may want to contact the seattle chapter of the SBA.gov (small business association). They have lots of resources and training available for business owners. Additionally, if you are women in business, check out their section of the Women's Business Association. Also join your local Chamber of Commerce.

  • Feeling conflicted about having a job I hate in a poor economy...
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    This is a tough spot to be in. Don't quit your job until you land another job! Being employed makes you more marketable currently.
    Evaluate what it is that is making you so unhappy in your current position.
    Is is the job? Is it the current work environment you are in? Is it the service or product you are currently providing? Ask yourself whether you can see yourself doing the same job in another environment or providing a different service or product.
    OR is it the Career that has left you unfulfilled? Have you ever taken the time to think about your interests, skills, personality and values and what types of careers would compliment them?

    If you do in fact decide to change careers, these are all things to consider before you spend time, energy and money towards another career path and possible retraining or educational path.

    focusing on the solution may eliminate some of your misery and get you to the action and self reflection you will need in order to resolve your unhappiness.

    Also in this economy I think everyone is feeling a bit off kilter and apprehensive, communication with friends, family and loved ones will help too.

  • What are the best ways to prompt for a raise negotiation?
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    Data. Data that supports your getting a raise. In this economic climate you will have to have data on the outcomes and contributions of your employ there. How have you increased their bottom line, partnerships, client base, developed new 'successful' programs, etc...? Professional development efforts to increase your capacity and skill set also can be used as a justification for a raise.

    Is your job description and responsiblities the same as when you were hired or have they expanded substantially?

    Take a look back to your personnel files if you have a copy of your original job description. Have you taken on a lot more since your hiring? During your annual evaluation is a great time to review your job description and make changes and discuss compensation with your boss.

  • I've been looking for almost a year, what am I doing wrong?
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    The economy is tough right now. Having said that I would like to have a look at your resume to see how you have organized it, experience, key terms, etc...
    And, are you changing it to match the job descriptions for each position you are applying for? With applications being submitted online, businesses are increasingly using software that searches resumes by key word searches that match the skill sets, experience, education that is in the original job posting. You want to be honest, but there are many synonyms for the same skill sets and abilities.

    Using Craigslist and Worksource is a good start, but have you thought about directing your online search directly at businesses and non-profit websites? With most businesses having a website and online presence, many have gone to posting employment opportunities directly on their sites through their own internal HR departments. This saves money, time and resources for them.

    We have created a list of online links to local businesses, non-profits, medical facilities, etc...

    It is organized by category as mentioned above.

    http://seattlecentral.edu/careercenter/links.php

    Check it out!

  • How should I handle "why did you leave your last job" when the reason is unethical behavior by the employer?
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    Regardless of why you left, don't badmouth your employer or boss. Possibilities: " I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past."

    Think about what you would like to do in your future employment and irregardless of your last experience: was there something that was lacking or that you would have loved to have the capacity to do? Focus on that and create a POSITIVE response to the question, " Why did you leave your last position?"

  • Is PMI certification valuable?
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    A Project Management Cert. would definately be a bonus to add to your resume. "Project Management" is one of the top key search terms for employers on sites like Monster and Career Planner.

    On another note- if your current employer will pay for professional development, take advantage of this benefit while you are employed there! You can never have too many tools in your tool bag.

    It sounds like you know where your passions and skills are and this puts you ahead of the game as far as focusing on future employment. Project Management will benefit you and put you in the running for more jobs.

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