Students

Career Development Guidebook



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Introduction

Members of the New York University Community,

I am pleased to present the Wasserman Center for Career Development Guidebook. In order to provide students and alumni with a step-by-step process to continue life-long learning and to reach their professional goals, the staff members of the Wasserman Center have worked together to prepare this comprehensive manual. This publication will serve as an invaluable resource to both students just beginning to explore career options, as well as those who are already actively involved in the job search process.

At the Wasserman Center for Career Development we strive to create an environment that facilitates opportunities that are limitless for our students and alumni. Our mission is to empower NYU students and alumni to succeed at every stage of their professional development. We create an innovative and supportive environment in which our students develop essential skills for a lifetime of rewarding careers. We are committed to providing the highest quality, personalized career development programs and services that prepare NYU students and alumni to compete successfully in a global economy.

The Career Guidebook offers:

  • An in-depth look at the many services and programs provided by our office and articles and resources to assist
    students in finding the right job or internship opportunity
  • Important information on NYU CareerNet, an on-line database that provides a diverse selection of job choices,
    and NYU InterviewNet, which allows students to schedule and manage on-campus interviews online
  • Information about many of our innovative new programs such as:
    1. The Boot Camp Series
      1. Business Boot Camp for Liberal Arts Students, an exciting two-day business career workshop designed to give liberal arts students a concrete business knowledge base, and to provide a forum for experiential learning including teamwork and leadership
      2. Boot Camp: Skills to Change the World, a comprehensive two-day non- profit career exploration workshop
    2. Job and Internship Career Fairs, where students can meet with hundreds of employers to explore opportunities in a diverse range of industries including business, engineering, technology, communications, non-profit, health care, education, hospitality and real estate, among others
    3. Graduate Speaker Series and Programs, featuring academic and non-academic experts from various disciplines
    4. NYUeVita: a new e-portfolio system that allows all students to capture their experiences and activities in and out of the classroom

The New York University Wasserman Center for Career Development is fully committed to developing and nurturing innovative and outstanding programs. We take great pride in our efforts to utilize advancing technology as an integral part of our services. Our responsive approach has consistently benefited NYU students. This past year over 91% of NYU students were working at internships or career-related part-time jobs, and 90.5% were placed or attending graduate or professional school within four months of graduation. Starting salaries for NYU graduates, in all majors, continue to be amongst the highest in the nation. We feel confident that this coming year will be an exciting year that allows us to build upon our programs, services, and traditions, and where the possibilities will be limitless.

Best regards,

Trudy Steinfeld
Executive Director

NYUeVita - What is NYUeVita?

  • NYUeVita is your own personal online database where you document and archive your outstanding academic and co-curricular experiences at NYU in a professional and organized format.
  • Using NYUeVita's basic template you can build a personalized comprehensive e-portfolio in just a few minutes, update your e-portfolio at your convenience, and create and share customized e-portfolios with employers, graduate and professional admissions offices, and service organizations.

How Do You Activate NYUeVita?

  • Activating your NYUeVita e-portfolio is quick and easy. Simply log in to your NYU Home Account and select the "NYU Life" tab and click on "NYUeVita Login" within the NYUeVita channel. A new window will open, allowing you to enter your NetID and password for access to your e-portfolio.
    (Please note that by creating an e-portfolio through NYUeVita you are agreeing to abide by the NYU Integrity Statement.)
  • You can also find links to video tutorials and sample e-portfolios in the NYUeVita website which can assist you in building your e-portfolio. Information sessions are also available to provide you with more detailed information on NYUeVita's purpose, benefits, how to use the system, and tips on how to maintain your e-portfolio.

Career Fairs

The Wasserman Center coordinates a number of career fairs each academic year, providing students with an excellent opportunity to meet employers who are looking to hire students for part-time, full-time, and internship opportunities.

To see a list of our up-coming career fairs, Click Here

How To Make The Most Of Career Fairs

Employers are very interested in finding out about you and your career interests. They also want to share important information about their organization and available opportunities. Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. Here is how you can maximize your experience.

  • Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, make good eye contact, and smile. You will make a strong first impression and help convey to the employer that you are a serious candidate.
  • Ask the employer about the types of positions for which they are recruiting. Let the employer know what areas interest you and that you are exploring various opportunities.
  • Make a positive impression by asking questions. For example:
    – Can you please tell me a little about your organization?
    – What majors and experiences interest you the most?
    – What opportunities or internships are available in your organization?
    – Do you provide any specialized training?
  • If an organization or position interests you, offer the employer a copy of your resume. If you do not have a resume, find out to whom and where you can send one.
  • Ask for a business card from every representative to whom you speak. This is an excellent way to develop your own personal list of contacts. Keep a record of everyone you meet.
  • Take any available brochures and employer literature. This information will assist you to better prepare for interviews and identify additional opportunities.
  • Do not rule out an employer because of the industry it represents. For example, a publishing company may have opportunities in other areas besides writing and editing. Find out what kinds of positions are available.
  • Do not underestimate yourself. Employers are open to all kinds of interests, backgrounds, majors, extra-curricular activities, community service, and experience.
  • Good luck with your job search!

 

INTRODUCTION TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Welcome to The Wasserman Center for Career Development!

Our mission is to assist students with making sound career decisions and to help them explore employment opportunities. The office is open to all New York University undergraduate and graduate degree candidates, and alumni from the College of Arts and Science, Stern School of Business (undergraduates only), Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Silver School of Social Work, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, Tisch School of the Arts, Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Graduate School of Arts and Science, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and College of Nursing; Stern School of Business (MBA/doctoral), School of Law, School of Medicine, and College of Dentistry students are eligible for assistance with alternative careers. All students are encouraged to begin utilizing our services early in their academic careers.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor: Long before technology allowed you to conduct career research on-line and surf for jobs and internships, career counselors were helping people learn about themselves, identify and explore career options, target jobs, create a job search plan, and find satisfying careers. Counselors can give you an interest assessment, help you narrow your options, and formulate your goals. They also might recommend that you attend important seminars or programs. When you are ready to explore your options, they can refer you to mentors for informational interviews and suggest career books and Web sites for career research. Career counselors can also suggest resources for great internships or jobs. Sure, technology like NYU CareerNet and the Career Development Web site are great sources for opportunities, but you may need someone to critique your cover letter and resume before you apply for that position. Counselors can also help you develop an effective resume for the first-time job or internship seeker.

Career Development career counselors will work with you to help plan your full job-search strategy. This might include developing your network for job leads, identifying job sources, organizing your search, practicing interview techniques, and evaluating your plan. They can also clarify the details about the On-Campus Recruitment Program before you embark on your search.

Career counselors may suggest that you take advantage of the many services, programs, and special events listed below.

SEMINARS

Seminars are offered on the following topics: Resumes and Cover Letters that Work, Acing the Interview, Maximizing Your Job Search, On-Campus Recruitment Orientation, and Work Abroad Orientation.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Career Week: Special programs, site visits, and presentations by guest speakers on a wide variety of career-related issues. This program is offered in the spring semester. For more information, Click Here

First Steps Program: This program engages students in early career planning by involving them in comprehensive and innovative career programs which serve to enhance students' academic experiences.

Mentor Network: This program helps students explore their career interests by linking them with experienced professionals. Over 1000 mentors from leading organizations and diverse fields are available.

Boot Camps: Boot Camps are targeted career exploration events in a mini-conference format. Through keynote speakers, networking events, leadership and team building exercises, and presentations by industry professionals, students are exposed to various career fields of interest to acquire knowledge, learn industry terminology, and gain a better understanding of their marketability and inside perspectives on the job search. Business Boot Camp for Liberal Arts Students and Boot Camp: Skills to Change the World are two examples of these special programs.

Services for Graduate Students: By recognizing the diversity of the professional goals of the graduate student body, Career Development provides everything from individual career counseling to resume and curriculum vitae advisement to a "Job Expo" targeted to specifically introduce this population to employers. Career Development also provides several career planning and job hunting seminars each month, videotaped mock interviews, and a Mentor Network, which enables students to obtain information about careers in various fields or industries. These services are specifically designed to suit the unique needs of graduate students at both the master's and doctoral level.

"Get Your Career in Gear Speaker Series for Graduate Students" is a series of events whereby graduate students are invited to hear discussions by academic and non-academic experts in various disciplines, such as cultural and performing arts, consulting and management, education and human services, and media and communications. Students are given the opportunity to network and socialize over wine and cheese in this informal evening speaker series that takes place during the fall
and spring semesters.

Work Abroad Program: An opportunity to work overseas is an incredible experience. Some of the benefits include learning about other cultures or languages, building a global network of contacts, and gaining valuable international experience that can enhance one's qualifications for competitive positions. Our program provides students with information and resources about overseas opportunities, including short-term paid and volunteer positions, internships, teaching jobs, or long-term employment. Students can access our Web site for immediate information about available programs via Internet links, visit Career Development, which provides additional up-to-date information, and attend our annual "Work Abroad Week," held each fall.

Services for International Students: International students should take advantage of a special career panel, "Realities of Finding Work in the U.S.," held annually. Among the topics discussed are the H1-B Visa process, how and when to apply for optional practical training (OPT), and job search techniques. Additionally, resource handouts and directories which list organizations that may be of interest to international students are available.

Diversity Internship & Career Prep Program: This program, which is co-sponsored by The Wasserman Center for Career Development and The Center for Multicultural Education and Programs, introduces sophomores and juniors to the many services provided by both of these offices, and prepares them for productive and successful internship experiences. This rigorous internship training program enables students from diverse ethnic backgrounds to explore career options and develop career potential and marketable professional skills. Program highlights include seminar participation, panel discussions, resume, interviewing, and job-hunting skills building, employer site visits, mentoring and individualized counseling. Candidates who complete the program requirements are recommended and referred to numerous paid summer internship positions.

Dining for Success: This program introduces students to mastering the lunch and dinner interview. It is a comprehensive program designed to train juniors, seniors, and graduate students on dining etiquette and appropriate professional behavior through a simulated business lunch/dinner experience. This workshop addresses interactions that occur during mixers, mealtime interviews, and when dining with or entertaining clients.

Industry Networking Forums: These events provide students with the opportunity to gain career advice from professionals, meet and network with people in the industry, and learn about potential employment opportunities in fields such as publishing, entertainment, real estate, hospitality, advertising, public relations, and marketing.

 

THE CAREER RESOURCE CENTER

An excellent place to begin your career research is The Wasserman Center for Career Development Career Resource Center.

The Center houses both printed and visual materials that provide helpful information on career planning, hundreds of occupations, and on-campus recruitment. Staff members are available in the center to assist you with your research.

The Center's resources include career guides; employer directories; literature on private, public, and non-profit organizations; Internet resources; and computers and laser printers for resume and cover letter preparation. And for your convenience, a fax machine is available free of charge.


EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Student Employment and Internships: Career Development is a comprehensive facility designed to give NYU students a decisive edge in securing a part-time, full-time, or internship position. These positions are either on- or off-campus. The facility also helps coordinate the Federal Work Study Program.

NYU CareerNet: Students with a valid NYU ID and who are registered with Career Development have 24-hour Web access to this on-line database (www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment) of internships, summer, part-time, and full-time jobs. Students can visit Career Development facilities to search for specific or general types of jobs.

On-Campus Recruitment: Recruiters from over 600 major organizations representing private industry, government, and the nonprofit sector interview graduating students for full-time employment opportunities. Initial interviews are held on campus, at Career Development.

SPECIAL PARTNERSHIPS

In an effort to reach out to undergraduate and graduate students earlier in their academic career and make services more accessible to the NYU community, Career Development has established liaison relationships and special partnerships in conjunction with several NYU schools and offices. Call 212-998-4730 for more information.

College of Arts and Science: Silver Center, Room 901, Pre-Professional Advising Office, Career Assistance Program. Career Development staff provide scheduled career counseling appointments, information sessions specifically geared for liberal arts students, and career-related seminars. There is a career resource center with career publications and handouts, and computers with Internet access, which can used for job searching and research.

Silver School of Social Work: Career Development staff provide targeted handouts plus extensive seminars on resume/cover letter writing and interviewing, as well as panel presentations on the job search for Social Work students.

Gallatin School of Individualized Study: Career Development staff provide special workshops and career counseling hours for Gallatin students.

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development: Pless Building, 2nd Floor. Career Development staff provide weekly career counseling hours and special career-related seminars.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies: Evening and morning appointments, seminars, and the "Job Expo" are geared to SCPS students.

Graduate School of Arts and Science: Career Development staff provide targeted seminars, handouts, resume/curriculum vitae critiques, and interview coaching. The "Job Expo" is also designed to directly introduce GSAS students to employers.

Tisch School of the Arts: Career Development provides individual career counseling hours, resources, and special seminars for TSOA students.

Stern School of Business: Special seminars, career presentations, and individual career counseling are available.

Henry & Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities: 240 Greene St. 2nd Floor. Special seminars, career counseling, interview coaching, and job hunt assistance are available for students with disabilities.

Alumni Relations: Career Development staff provide individual career counseling and targeted seminars for alumni. Alumni are also invited to the "Job Expo," an event that offers them the opportunity to speak with employer representatives from a variety of fields, submit resumes, and network with other professionals who have valuable work experience.


THE NYU WASSERMAN CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT FUNDED INTERNSHIP AWARD

The Funded Internship Award, which is comprised of private donations, allows us to sponsor a select number of sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students in unpaid non-profit* internships. If funding is available, The Wasserman Center for Career Development offers this award during the fall and spring semesters. To apply, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a sophomore, junior, or graduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Already have secured an unpaid internship with a non-profit organization* for the semester, working a minimum of 7 hours per week over at least 10 weeks
  • Demonstrate financial need

*Note: Non-profit organizations are defined as organizations not conducted or maintained for profit, whose net earnings are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes.

Career Development Listservs

STAY INFORMED!

Career Development listservs help students get a jumpstart on their careers by keeping them informed about all of the programs and services offered by the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development. Students can join Career Development listervs according to their graduation year and programmatic area of interest. To join a listserv, one needs an activated “nyu.edu” email address. To activate one’s email address, visit www.nyu.edu/its/students/internet and follow the on-screen instructions.

To subscribe to Career Development listserv(s), send a blank email from an “nyu.edu” email address to:

Class of 2013: join-career-2013@lists.nyu.edu

Class of 2014: join-career-2014@lists.nyu.edu

Class of 2015: join-career-2015@lists.nyu.edu

Class of 2016: join-career-2016@lists.nyu.edu


Graduate Students: join-career-grad-students@lists.nyu.edu

Alumni: join-career-alumni@lists.nyu.edu

Diversity Programs: join-career-diversity@lists.nyu.edu

Work Abroad: join-career-work-abroad@lists.nyu.edu

International Students: join-career-international-students@lists.nyu.edu

Seminars

Resume & Cover Letters that Work. Learn how to construct an effective resume and cover letter that best reflects your qualifications. Topics discussed include advice about formatting, content, and layout. Variants of this seminar include Resumes for Master's Students, CVs for Academic Jobs (for PhDs), and the Non-Academic Resume (for PhDs).

Acing the Interview. Topics include interview preparation, proper attire, and how to respond to difficult questions. Perfect your interviewing style through role playing. Videotaped individual mock interviews are also available by meeting with a career counselor.

Maximizing Your Job Search. Acquire new techniques for identifying job openings, making contacts, and implementing appropriate follow-up strategies. Use the Internet in all phases of the job search, including finding job listings, researching organizations, and networking.

On-Campus Recruitment Orientation(OCR). Learn how to make the most of the On-Campus Recruitment Program and manage NYU InterviewNet. Topics iscussed include important recruitment dates, ways to obtain interviews, and information about additional employment services. Attendance is mandatory for OCR participants.

Orientation for Graduate Students. This orientation provides an overview of the services and programs that are specifically geared toward graduate students. A graduate checklist is provided to assist in your career planning and to how best utilize Career Development throughout your education.

Work Abroad Orientation. This seminar provides an overview of the Work Abroad resources available at Career Development. Learn about the types of opportunities that are available abroad, and the challenges when searching for a position.

Realities of Finding Work in the U.S. This is a special seminar for international students that provides practical information about the H1-B visa process from an immigration attorney, job search techniques, and how to handle the visa question during a job interview.

Please check with The Wasserman Center for Career Development or visit our Web site for times and locations of all seminars.

Student Employment and Internships

The Wasserman Center for Career Development assists New York University students in securing internships, part-time jobs (both on- and off-campus), and full-time summer positions. The services are designed to help NYU students gain valuable work experience while earning money that can help defray college expenses.

Since there are so many on- and off-campus jobs available, NYU students can select from an array of demanding internships that provide great career-related work experience to less pressured jobs that give them a chance to make money, while still allowing them time to study and participate in other activities.

For all career fields, Career Development has the services and resources to help students prepare for and obtain the job that is right for them.

The Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) provides opportunities for students to work on-campus or in community service projects in surrounding neighborhoods close to NYU. Such projects may include those affiliated with the Silver School of Social Work, the America Reads/America Counts Program, and the FACT$ (Financial Aid for College and Technical Schools) Program. All students who are interested in working on-campus, including the FWSP, must visit Career Development in order to complete the appropriate registration forms. Jobs at NYU also afford students the opportunity of working close to classes, the library, and other university facilities. Working on-campus is also a great way to get "connected" to NYU and to make new friends.

Part-time, summer job, and internship openings are available through NYU CareerNet, an on-line computerized job listing service. After registering with Career Development, a valid student ID number (the "N" number) provides access to hundreds of on-campus and off-campus listings that are updated daily. Career Development houses Macintosh/PC computers and printers for students to prepare resumes, cover letters, and related job materials. Students can also upload their resume to their NYU CareerNet student record and send employers a copy via e-mail. In addition, Career Development computers allow access to the World Wide Web. A fax machine for local faxes (free of charge) is available to allow students to apply for positions and get the "jump" on the competition. Directories and other career-related resources are also available.

The Fall Job & Internship Fair held in September and the Summer, Full-time, & Diversity Fair held in February allow NYU students to meet with employers with available positions. Special Internship Resume Collections are another helpful resource for students looking for internships. This service enables employers to recruit students for internships and conduct the interviews at the Career Development site. Announcements of these collections are advertised on NYU CareerNet and bulletin boards. Overall, these are all great ways to find an internship or a part-time or summer job, on- or off-campus. Students have a variety of opportunities to choose from when seeking part-time jobs or internships. NYU's New York City location provides access to thousands of part-time jobs and internships in the arts, business, government, law, health, and the media. Career Development staff are available to assist students with all aspects of the job-search process.

Remember, knowing what you are good at (your skills), what gives you satisfaction (your values), and what you enjoy (your interests) are the first steps to discovering a satisfying career.

The Job: An Effective Career Development Tool
Take a closer look at your current job. Try to notice aspects that are positive and negative. You can use this information later when you are evaluating your career choices. Ask yourself the following: Does this field interest me at all? Do I see individuals in positions at work that I find interesting? Request an informational interview with a professional to learn more about a particular job or field that interests you. Pay attention to the skills and qualities that are valued by the organization. Evaluate the skills you possess and those you would like to develop.

Tips for a Successful Part-time Job or Internship

A new position can be quite exciting and challenging. The anxiety and nervousness you feel is common, especially for new employees. Whether your position is a part-time job or internship, preparing yourself for a new work environment, new supervisors, and co-workers will require that you conduct yourself in a manner that will ensure your success. Knowing a few strategies for the “world of work” can help you set the ground work for making the most of yourpart-time job or internship. Here's how:


Employer Standards: Each organization presents its own standards of conduct and behavior. Workplace standards can be formally discussed during employee orientations or they may be learned informally, as new employees listen and ask questions about the overall operation. The key is to recognize that professional standards always exist and that your supervisor expects you to adjust and adhere to them quickly.

Professionalism and Attitude: How an employer views your work performance will determine your working relationship. It is your responsibility to bring a “ready to work” attitude to the job daily. This will add value to the workplace as well as create the right conditions for you to gain the confidence of your employer. Once this happens, the possibilities for new opportunities, projects, and promotions are greatly enhanced. Developing a professional and positive work attitude is essential to your overall success on the job.

What are the characteristics of a true professional? Enthusiasm, a positive and team-oriented attitude, motivated behavior, good communication skills, loyalty to employer/organization, and a sense of responsibility are all qualities that can take you far on the job.


Other Helpful Hints for Success:

  • Show willingness to learn.
  • Be flexible, supportive, and dependable.
  • Maintain a professional attitude.
  • Work cooperatively with others. Keep pace with co-workers and make sure the entire team receives credit for its accomplishments.

    Employer Expectations: Supervisors should conduct business in an appropriate manner. As an employee, there are tasks you should expect to perform because they fall in the range of “work-related activities and responsibilities.” There are also duties that you should not be expected to perform. If you are asked to complete a task that you have doubts about (e.g., personal errands, baby-sitting), express your concern and explain to your supervisor why you are uncomfortable.