2018–20 Career Guide - Northwestern University
2018–20CareerGuideCAREER ADVANCEMENTCAREER ADVANCEMENT
CONTENTS1 Career Planning2Strategy for undergraduates4Strategy for graduate students5 Networking: Connectingwith Others6Step by step8Informational interviews9 Résumés9Setting up your document10 Building better bullets10 Action verbs11 Transferable skills12 Putting it together14 Examples19 Résumé and CV Writingfor Graduate Students20 Examples24 Cover Letters26 Examples28 Interviewing31 Common interview questions32 Virtual and phone interviews33 Attire34 Thank-You Notes36 LinkedIn: Job Searchingand Networking38 Finding Job and InternshipOpportunities41 Career fairs42 Negotiating the offer44 Hiring activity by industrySEE AN NCA CAREER ADVISER FOR networking and job and internship search strategies interview preparation, including mock interviews résumé and cover letter reviews help with negotiating an offerSEE AN NCA CAREER COUNSELOR FOR HELP WITH deciding on a major exploring career paths and taking career assessments developing a career plan applying to graduate or professional schoolCAREER ADVANCEMENTCAREER ADVANCEMENT
CAREER PLANNINGCareerPlanningLAYING THE GROUNDWORKStart early. Career development is important atevery stage of your academic career, notjust at graduation. Beginning early allowsyou to build a wide range of experiencesand explore a variety of industries, andgives you time to change your mind alongthe way.Career planning involves assessingyourself, exploring your options, makingdecisions, and taking action to achieveyour career goals. The process will helpyou make well-informed decisions duringyour years at Northwestern and beyond.Know yourself. Take time to explore how your interestsand skills intersect with different careerpaths to help you communicate the valueyou can bring to employers.Although each person’s experiencewill be unique, these key points applyto everyone.Remember that your major does notdictate your career. All fields of study foster a broad rangeof skills that will equip you for a numberof occupations.Career Development ModelASSESS EXPLOREAnalyze your interests,values, and skills toidentify career fields, workenvironments, lifestyles,and job functions that youwant to explore.Research andinvestigate a range ofcareer options thatinterest you.ACTDECIDEObtain hands-onexperience throughinternships, full-timeand part-time positions,and campus orvolunteer activities.Evaluate your options andnarrow your selections tothe few that are the bestmatches for you. Don’t be afraid to change your path. Career development is a continual andflexible process that adapts to inevitablechanges in your interests and the workplace. No career decision is irreversible. REFLECT Plan ahead, but not too far. You might become overwhelmed whenconsidering your long-term career prospects. Think instead about what knowledge or skills you want to gain in the nextyear or two, and be open to new experiences that may pop up along the way.Meet with a career counselorearly in your first year. It will equipyou with knowledge about yourselfand resources available to you,setting you up to make the mostof your four years at Northwestern.”—Andrew ’191
CAREER GUIDECareer-planning strategy for undergraduatesWork with a Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) counselor or adviser to adapt the plan for your goals.Not every item will apply to your unique situation.First yearASSESSSophomore yearASSESS Reflect on what activities and experiences Reflect on your first year of college, specifically Identify your interests, values, and skills by taking the Meet with an NCA career counselor Learn about the many opportunities, programs, and Think about how your skills, values,you’ve enjoyed in the past and why.career and personality assessments offered at NCA.organizations Northwestern has to offer.EXPLOREon what you learned about yourself.to clarify your career interests.interests, and experiences intersect.EXPLORE Explore your interests by getting involved in one or two Use LinkedIn and Our Northwestern to view alumni Enroll in classes that allow you to try out fields that interest you. Conduct informational interviews each quarter withstudent organizations or volunteer opportunities. Research multiple careers and industries using resources on the NCAwebsite, including Vault and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Attend programs and events sponsored by NCA,academic departments, and student organizations. Prioritize your goals, time, and commitments asyou adjust to life as a first-year student.DECIDE Meet with an NCA career adviser to create a personalized career plan. Determine what skills you have to offer and which skills you wantto develop in your upcoming commitments and experiences.in your major or who work in an industry of interest.alumni, industry professionals, or personal contacts. Enhance your leadership experience in studentorganizations by chairing a committee, initiatinga project, or running for a position.DECIDE Narrow the types of opportunities you want to pursue. Develop a search strategy with an NCAcareer adviser and explore opportunities(internships, jobs, volunteering). Declare an academic major and meet with Consider opportunities to gain experience, such as research,your academic adviser if you’re consideringchanging your major or school. International students: Attend International Office walk-in hoursACTstudy abroad, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work.to understand Curricular Practical Training (CPT) procedures.ACT Convert your high school résumé into a professionaldocument and enhance it using VMock. Activate your Handshake account and choose your profile preferences. Create a LinkedIn profile and begin to build your network byconnecting with academic and personal contacts and joining groups. Request informational interviews with peopleyou know whose careers interest you. Pursue summer opportunities that align with your skillsand with experiences you want to explore. Talk with family and friends and keep theminformed of your experiences.2 Update your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and Handshakeaccount to include first- and second-year experiences. Establish new contacts using LinkedInand Our Northwestern. Participate in career fairs, career treks,and employer/alumni events to learn aboutdifferent industries, jobs, and internships. Apply for opportunities using targetedrésumés and cover letters. Seek guidance from family and friends asyou navigate the search process. If you’re considering graduate school, connect withyour professors to establish strong relationships.
CAREER PLANNINGJunior yearASSESSSenior yearASSESS Identify what you’ve learned from each internship, Reflect on how your values and interests might Enhance your awareness of your skills and values Think about your college experience—both the Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and If you don’t have a clear career focus, meetjob, and student experience thus far.by completing a Motivated Skills or Values CardSort with an NCA career counselor.how they impact your career goals.EXPLOREdetermine your choice of work setting.defining moments you’ve had and the additionalexperiences you want to gain before graduation.with an NCA career counselor.EXPLORE Research industries, positions, and employers of interest Research positions and employers of Identify the skills you want to develop and use Network at employer information sessions, alumniusing Vault, LinkedIn, and company websites.in your upcoming internships and jobs. Throughout the academic year and summer, connectwith an NCA career adviser to evaluateopportunities for gaining experience. Talk with alumni and other contacts to learn abouttheir career experiences and considerations.DECIDE Determine “must-haves” and “must-not-haves” asthey relate to opportunities you’re exploring. Select an experience that will provide relevant skilldevelopment for your desired career path. Identify two or three industries to consider for full-time employment after graduation and learn abouttheir recruiting timelines and processes. International students: Meet with an International Officeinterest in your target industries.events, coffee chats, and career fairs to expandyour knowledge of job opportunities. Talk with peers about how they are balancing their searchprocess with academics and extracurricular activities. Learn about and implement search techniques for yourindustry by meeting with an NCA career adviser.DECIDE Give yourself permission to pursue what most interests you. Narrow your employment pursuits to one or two industries. Reach out to alumni and your contacts to inform them of yoursearch, even if they work outside your target industries. Develop a list of alternatives should you need to consider optionsother than your top-choice career field or graduate program.ACTadviser to understand Optional Practical Training (OPT),the STEM extension, and H-1B visa considerations. Tailor your résumé and LinkedIn profile to theACT If you’re considering graduate school, complete required Continue to network with alumni via LinkedIn, Our Northwestern,and the Northwestern Alumni Association Mentoring Program. Contact the Office of Fellowships for informationabout career-related fellowships. Polish the professional introduction you plan to useduring events with employers and alumni. Prioritize your target industries and employers andconsider how to balance your other commitmentswith a job or internship search.industries and employers you’re considering.admissions tests and begin preparing applications. Apply for positions before their deadlines, and be preparedfor rejection—a common occurrence in the search process. Strengthen your interviewing skills through amock interview with an NCA career adviser. Identify references and request permission to use themin applications for jobs or graduate programs. Accept an offer for full-time employment or graduate school. Practice interviewing skills in a mock interviewwith an NCA career adviser.3
CAREER GUIDECareer-planning strategy for graduate studentsThis three-phase career-planning guide is tailored for master’s and PhD students to develop capacities through theirresearch, teaching, and leadership and program-specific internships.Master’sBeginning ofyour programKnowledge Learn about career resourcesat Northwestern Explore job and industryoptions for your degreeMidwaythrough yourprogramEngagement M eet with a career adviser orcounselor at NCA or the careercenter that aligns with your areaof study Determine whether aninternship works for yourprogram and schedule A ttend graduate-studentfocused career workshopsand events on such topics asnetworking, interviewing, andjob searching Explore alumni and networkingresources (e.g., NAA, NEXT,Mentoring Platform) A ttend recruiting events,employer information sessions,and career programs Review job descriptions ofpositions that interest youConclusion ofyour programPhDs Explore and researchemployers in your industry andconsider how they align withyour career goals and valuesKnowledge I dentify career pathsto pursue U nderstand recruitingtimelines based on yourexperience and industry S eek an internshipopportunity (depending onyour program duration) D etermine the gaps inyour skill set and pursueopportunities to build theskills needed for your industry C onnect with professionals andalumni in your fields of interestto better position yourself forthe job searchEngagement W ith an NCA adviser, developa plan to apply to jobs orpostdegree opportunities R evise and tailor your résuméStrategyBeginning ofyour program Develop a foundation indiscipline-specific researchskills and conventions throughgraduate curriculum A ttend discipline-specific paneldiscussions with faculty andvisiting experts I dentify potential mentors andresearch collaboratorsMidwaythrough yourprogram Master oral and writtengenres of your disciplinethrough seminar, group, andconference presentationsand written media D evelop and maintainrelationships with mentorsand peers Take advantage ofprofessional developmentcertifications and graduateassistantships Develop knowledge of careerfields by engaging with faculty,alumni, NCA programming, andcareer counselors and advisersConclusion ofyour program Gain in-depth, hands-onknowledge about specificcareers of interest throughon-campus opportunities orinternships Begin reviewing job postingsto help you articulate how yourresearch experiences alignwith positions of interest4Strategy E xplore leadership andengagement opportunities oncampus, including graduatestudent organizations andfellowships C onnect with alumni fromNorthwestern and previousinstitutions to learn more aboutthe job search process andopportunities for advanceddegree candidates P ursue outside fundingoptions for the secondthrough fifth year in order tohave flexibility to bank a sixthyear if necessary E nsure your professionalonline presence is up to date P repare field-specificapplication materials(e.g., CVs, résumés, coverletters, research statements,teaching philosophy, andsample syllabi)
NETWORKINGNetworking:Connectingwith OthersOne of the best ways to learn aboutyourself and your career interests isby speaking with people who work inyour fields of interest. Don’t let the termnetworking intimidate you—talking withothers is something you do every day.THE VALUE OF A CONVERSATIONThe type of conversation you have will be informedby where you are in your career exploration andplanning. Approaching each conversation with thegenuine intention of learning and connecting makesinteractions more effective to Explore careers and industries Gain specific insight and advice Establish long-term contactsNETWORKING IN ACTIONINFORMAL EXAMPLE: While flyinghome to visit his family, Tysonmentioned to a nearby passengerthat he was relieved to have a break from hisstudies. This remark launched a conversation.Tyson quickly learned that the passenger was ahospital administrator—a career option he wasWHAT DOES NETWORKING LOOK LIKE?Because networking is all about having a conversation, it can take place anywhere. Conversations can beinformal or structured exchanges and range from aone-minute elevator ride to a three-hour dinner. Theopportunity to connect is all around you.As a Northwestern student, you can participate in avariety of events and programs that provide an opportunity to connect with others. Most events are free toyou as a student; many programs with participationfees offer financial support or discounted rates.Possibilities for networking include alumni events,career fairs and treks, conferences, employer information sessions and site visits, externships, guestspeaker events, and industry panels.exploring—in a neighboring town.FORMAL EXAMPLE: While at aregional sorority conference, Mayawas assigned to a table with other student leadersand alumnae volunteers. During the conversation,she learned that one alumna worked at anorganization Maya had recently applied to for asummer internship. At the end of the session, shestayed to talk about this coincidence and thenasked for the alum’s contact information.5
CAREER GUIDESTEP 1STEP 3Find contactsPrepare for conversationYour list of contacts includes a broad range of people bothin and outside your field. Contacts fall into two categories:Good preparation will enhance your dialogue and helpyou leave a positive impression. Here are a few thingsyou can do in advance:People you know friends, family, neighbors,coworkers, professorsPeople you don’t know but connect with throughalumni groups, honor societies, professional organizations,employer-hosted events, social networking websitesAn easy way to expand your network is by asking peopleyou know to introduce you to people they know who workin your field.STEP 2Initiate contactEmail is the most common way to reach out. It allowsyou to be comprehensive yet concise and to edit whatyou say before sending. Your message should includethe following: Introduction Who referred you/how you found the contact What you have in common (if applicable) Why you’re reaching out/what you hope to learn A specific request (such as 20 to 30 minutesto meet or talk)INITIAL OUTREACHTo: Bennett Sanders Research the industry and company Determine what you want to learn anddevelop a list of questions to ask Review your academic, extracurricular,and work experiences Identify and be able to talk about yourcareer interests and skills Practice your introduction and talkingabout your experiencesOUTREACH AFTER REFERRALTo: Joseph GoldbergSubject: Contact Referral from William AllenDear Mr. Goldberg,My name is Grace Leonard and I am a sophomore atNorthwestern University. I hope you were expecting myemail, as my uncle William Allen had mentioned that hespoke with you regarding my engineering background.In my conversations with him, he suggested that youwould be a great person to talk with about my interestin supply chain. I’d love to meet in person at yourconvenience to gain more insight into the career pathand range of opportunities in the industry, as well as seekyour advice for my career planning. Please let me knowif you are available in the coming weeks. Thank you inadvance.Subject: Northwestern Student Seeking Career AdviceMr. Sanders,My name is Erika Liu and I am a first-year student atNorthwestern University pursuing a degree in biology, withlonger-term goals of a dual degree in law and medicine.After searching for Northwestern alumni on LinkedIn, Iwas excited to find your profile. It seems your career pathmirrors my plan, and I was especially interested to seethat you specialize in child-advocacy law. I am eager tolearn from your story and experiences as I plan for lifebeyond Northwestern. Please let me know if you arewilling to connect for 20 to 30 minutes in person at yourconvenience. Go ’Cats!6After sending an email, bepatient while waiting for aresponse. If you haven’t heardback after two weeks, you cansend a gentle follow-up. If yoursecond attempt is unsuccessful,move on to other contacts whomay be more receptive.
NETWORKINGPOSTINTRODUCTION OUTREACHTo: Jackie MorrisonSubject: Northwestern Career Panelist Follow-UpDear Jackie Morrison,It was a pleasure to meet you this past week at theNorthwestern career panel. I know you spoke withmany students so I wanted to reintroduce myself. I ama senior pursuing a degree in communication studieswith an interest in a career as a data analyst. In ourbrief conversation, you mentioned that although yourtraining wasn’t in data analysis, it’s a skill that you havedeveloped in your work. As someone with a similarbackground and career aspirations, I would value theopportunity to connect with you in person or by phoneto continue our conversation. I look forward to learningmore from you.STEP 5After the meetingReview highlights of your conversation—it’s helpful to takenotes about your exchanges so you can remember details andhave a point of reference later. Specifically, answer the following questions: What information did you gain and what is still missing? How did the exchange impact your overall career goals? What are the next steps in your preparation?Within two days, send a thank-you note highlighting thevalue of the meeting and explicitly stating what you learned.STEP 6Maintain contactSTEP 4EngageEven before the meeting starts, you can make apositive impression by dressing appropriately forthe industry and by arriving early for face-to-faceencounters. For phone or virtual meetings, securea quiet space with good internet service and waituntil the scheduled time to call.Start the conversation with your professional introduction and thank contacts for their willingness totalk with you. Use your prepared questions as a guideto let the dialogue progress naturally. Demonstratea genuine interest in what your contacts say and askrelevant follow-up
2 First year ASSESS Reflect on what activities and experiences you’ve enjoyed in the past and why. Identify your interests, values, and skills by taking the career and personality assessments offered at NCA. Learn about the many opportunities, programs, and organizations Northwestern has to offer.
Test Name Score Report Date March 5, 2018 thru April 1, 2018 April 20, 2018 April 2, 2018 thru April 29, 2018 May 18, 2018 April 30, 2018 thru May 27, 2018 June 15, 2018 May 28, 2018 thru June 24, 2018 July 13, 2018 June 25, 2018 thru July 22, 2018 August 10, 2018 July 23, 2018 thru August 19, 2018 September 7, 2018 August 20, 2018 thru September 1
Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management 2 Northwestern Pennsylvania Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management . This guide is intended to help property owners living in Northwestern Pennsylvania evaluate current runoff pathways and identify practices to better manage stormwater runoff on their properties.
Career Clusters . Career Clusters are broad occupational groupings based on a set of common knowledge and skills required for a specific career. Career Clusters provide opportunities for all students regardless of their career goals and interests. Career Pathways . Career Pathways are a sub-grouping of occupations and career specialties used .
Fall 2019 What: Northwestern State University Robotics Competition and Smart Structures Show (RC&S 3, Fall 2019) When: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Northwestern State University, Student Ballroom Contact: Ms. Erin Bates (batese@nsula.edu) or Dr. Jafar F. Al-Sharab (jafar@nsula.edu) - Northwestern State University
1 Fraser Stoddart 12-Page Curriculum Vitae Dr J Fraser Stoddart / Board of Trustees Professor of Chemistry / Northwestern University Born May 24, 1942, Edinburgh, Scotland Nationality US Email stoddart@northwestern.edu Telephone 847-491-3793 Fax 847-491-1009 Group Website stoddart.northwestern.edu Address Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan
Northwestern Undergraduate Catalog 2001-03 Volume XXIV, July 2001, Number 3 Northwestern (USPS 428-790) is published by Northwestern University, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, . Geography Program 84 Geological Sciences 85 German 87 Hispanic Studies 90 History 92 Humanities 96 Integrated Science Program 97
Career clusters are one way to group career paths. Careers with common features are in the same cluster. The 16 Career Clusters outlined in this Resource Guide can be used during career exploration as a way to find your best career match. Review the circular graphic on page 14 to see how the career fields, career clusters & pathways fit together.
The SSP is fully integrated with the Career Cruising career guidance system. Career Cruising is an internet-based career exploration and planning tool that students use to explore career and school options and develop a career plan. Career Cruising can be accessed from school, home, the library, or wherever your child has access to the internet.
