"In August, CNNMoney asked nine recent grads about their job search. Six months after graduation, all of them are working at least part-time. "
Friday, December 4, 2009
Work for the Governor
Incoming Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is accepting applications for positions in his administration.
Simply submit your resume and application online:
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
2009 National Internship Study
Washington and Lee University
2009 National Internship Study
(The link to this survey is at the BOTTOM of this message.)
Washington and Lee University have been asked to participate in a national research study of internships and related experienced-based opportunities.
The purpose of this national survey is to gain an understanding of your expectations when participating in an internship or experiential program. The results of the survey will be shared with tens of thousands of employers throughout the country to help improve internship and co-op programs and recruiting practices.
Everyone’s opinion is needed!
Whether or not you have had an internship, summer job, or other experience-base opportunity, all W&L undergraduate students are asked to participate. Help build better internship programs by giving feedback.
THANK YOU GIFTS: ALL SURVEY TAKERS WILL RECEIVE A $25 TRAVEL COUPON TO STUDENT UNIVERSE AND BE ENTERED TO RECEIVE A $500 SPRING BREAK TRAVEL VOUCHER!
BONUS gifts for W&L students: send an email to cspt@wlu.edu With Subject: took the survey upon completion of the survey and you have a chance to win one of four $25 Itunes gift certificates.
Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. As a participant, you may discontinue the survey at any time.
· There are no risks associated with completing this survey.
· Participants have the right to not answer questions they might feel uncomfortable answering.
· Your information will be treated with strict confidence.
· Intern Bridge will never release information as it relates directly to your individual submission, contact information, or Washington and Lee University.
· The survey takes only about 25 minutes to complete.
Only group data will be used in our reports and your confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent allowed by law. Reports will be available at either www.InternBridge.com or www.ceri.msu.edu. All data will be retained for a minimum of three years following closure of the research. Data will be stored on secure computers of the principal investigators and the Institutional Review Board at Michigan State University will also have access to the research data.
If at any time you have questions regarding this research or your participation, contact the campus investigator, (Beverly T. Lorig, Director, W&L Career Services, 540-458-8595), or IRB chair, Wythe Whiting, Professor of Psychology at W&L, whitingw@wlu.edu or the primary researcher Richard Bottner, nationalstudy@internbridge.com., Intern Bridge, Inc., 19 Railroad Street, 3B, Acton, MA 01720; telephone: 617-764-2352.You may print a copy of this consent form or obtain a copy in W&L Career Services, Room 301, University Commons.
You indicate your voluntary agreement to participate in this research by completing this survey.
Beverly T. Lorig, Director, Career Services, Washington and Lee University,
Signature of Investigator
Date: October 26, 2009
W&L NATIONAL INTERNSHIP SURVEY
2009 National Internship Study
(The link to this survey is at the BOTTOM of this message.)
Washington and Lee University have been asked to participate in a national research study of internships and related experienced-based opportunities.
The purpose of this national survey is to gain an understanding of your expectations when participating in an internship or experiential program. The results of the survey will be shared with tens of thousands of employers throughout the country to help improve internship and co-op programs and recruiting practices.
Everyone’s opinion is needed!
Whether or not you have had an internship, summer job, or other experience-base opportunity, all W&L undergraduate students are asked to participate. Help build better internship programs by giving feedback.
THANK YOU GIFTS: ALL SURVEY TAKERS WILL RECEIVE A $25 TRAVEL COUPON TO STUDENT UNIVERSE AND BE ENTERED TO RECEIVE A $500 SPRING BREAK TRAVEL VOUCHER!
BONUS gifts for W&L students: send an email to cspt@wlu.edu With Subject: took the survey upon completion of the survey and you have a chance to win one of four $25 Itunes gift certificates.
Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. As a participant, you may discontinue the survey at any time.
· There are no risks associated with completing this survey.
· Participants have the right to not answer questions they might feel uncomfortable answering.
· Your information will be treated with strict confidence.
· Intern Bridge will never release information as it relates directly to your individual submission, contact information, or Washington and Lee University.
· The survey takes only about 25 minutes to complete.
Only group data will be used in our reports and your confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent allowed by law. Reports will be available at either www.InternBridge.com or www.ceri.msu.edu. All data will be retained for a minimum of three years following closure of the research. Data will be stored on secure computers of the principal investigators and the Institutional Review Board at Michigan State University will also have access to the research data.
If at any time you have questions regarding this research or your participation, contact the campus investigator, (Beverly T. Lorig, Director, W&L Career Services, 540-458-8595), or IRB chair, Wythe Whiting, Professor of Psychology at W&L, whitingw@wlu.edu or the primary researcher Richard Bottner, nationalstudy@internbridge.com., Intern Bridge, Inc., 19 Railroad Street, 3B, Acton, MA 01720; telephone: 617-764-2352.You may print a copy of this consent form or obtain a copy in W&L Career Services, Room 301, University Commons.
You indicate your voluntary agreement to participate in this research by completing this survey.
Beverly T. Lorig, Director, Career Services, Washington and Lee University,
Signature of Investigator
Date: October 26, 2009
W&L NATIONAL INTERNSHIP SURVEY
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
JD/MEng - Dual Degree in Law and Engineering
The dual degree program in engineering and law is designed for law students who are interested in pursuing careers in areas such as patent, environmental, telecommunications, or similar law specialties.
Schools with JD/MEng Program:
Ave Maria School of Law
Boston College Law School
Duke University School of Law
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
George Mason University School of Law
University of Idaho College of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Stanford University Law School
Syracuse University College of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
The University of Toledo College of Law
Boston College Law School
Duke University School of Law
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
George Mason University School of Law
University of Idaho College of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Stanford University Law School
Syracuse University College of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
The University of Toledo College of Law
Monday, October 12, 2009
JD/MD Programs
The JD/MD program is a combined six-year program in legal and medical education.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law
Ave Maria School of Law
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Creighton University School of Law
Duke University School of Law
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
University of Maryland School of Law
Michigan State University College of Law
Northeastern University School of Law
University of Pennsylvania Law School
University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey—School of Law—Camden
Rutgers University School of Law—Newark
Seton Hall University School of Law
University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Tulane University Law School
Ave Maria School of Law
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Creighton University School of Law
Duke University School of Law
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
University of Maryland School of Law
Michigan State University College of Law
Northeastern University School of Law
University of Pennsylvania Law School
University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey—School of Law—Camden
Rutgers University School of Law—Newark
Seton Hall University School of Law
University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Tulane University Law School
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Summer Profiles: John Skolnik '10
John Skolnik
Business Administration and East Asian Languages and Literatures: Chinese
Where did you intern this summer?
This summer I interned at a large light manufacturing company outside Shanghai China. The name of the company is Yaming Lighting, and I worked in the International Sales and Marketing department.
How would your typical day go?
My typical day consisted of waking up in the morning and commuting to work. My work day consisted usually of working on one large project per week. Although most of my coworkers spoke almost fluent English, I tried my best to speak with them in Chinese. After work, I would usually come home and relax before going out for dinner and drinks with the other people in my program. All the other members were also American college students working in different fields.
What was your most interesting project?
The company I worked with wanted to design a new logo for their developing branches. They gave me a general idea of what they wanted and let me run with it. I spent an entire week fooling around with graphics on the computer and running ideas by my supervisor. As a business student particularly interested in marketing, I especially enjoyed trying my hand at the design aspect of the field.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Finding an internship can be fairly difficult, especially now. My advice would be if you can’t land your dream job for the summer, try something different. Take the opportunity to experience something you otherwise may not have had the chance to. If you speak another language, or are studying another language, search for internships abroad. The main goal is to gain not only work experience, but life experience as well.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
Overall the summer abroad was a great experience. Apart from the great friends I made over the summer, and the experience I gained from working for a large manufacturing company, there were other things that made the trip unforgettable. Some highlights include the weekend trips to other cities including Qingdao and Hangzhou, heckling with Chinese women over the price of fake Gucci bags and Rolex watches, and standing at the window of the highest bar in the world watching as Shanghai rapidly expands.
Business Administration and East Asian Languages and Literatures: Chinese
Where did you intern this summer?
This summer I interned at a large light manufacturing company outside Shanghai China. The name of the company is Yaming Lighting, and I worked in the International Sales and Marketing department.
How did you find this internship?
I found the internship through a program listed on the career services website. The program name is Abroad China. I was accepted to the Summer Study/Intern program for 8 weeks during the summer. It included assistance in finding an internship in my desired field of study, as well as complementary language classes. My week consisted of Chinese language classes on Mondays and Fridays, and interning at my company Tuesday through Thursday.
I found the internship through a program listed on the career services website. The program name is Abroad China. I was accepted to the Summer Study/Intern program for 8 weeks during the summer. It included assistance in finding an internship in my desired field of study, as well as complementary language classes. My week consisted of Chinese language classes on Mondays and Fridays, and interning at my company Tuesday through Thursday.
How would your typical day go?
My typical day consisted of waking up in the morning and commuting to work. My work day consisted usually of working on one large project per week. Although most of my coworkers spoke almost fluent English, I tried my best to speak with them in Chinese. After work, I would usually come home and relax before going out for dinner and drinks with the other people in my program. All the other members were also American college students working in different fields.
What was your most interesting project?
The company I worked with wanted to design a new logo for their developing branches. They gave me a general idea of what they wanted and let me run with it. I spent an entire week fooling around with graphics on the computer and running ideas by my supervisor. As a business student particularly interested in marketing, I especially enjoyed trying my hand at the design aspect of the field.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Finding an internship can be fairly difficult, especially now. My advice would be if you can’t land your dream job for the summer, try something different. Take the opportunity to experience something you otherwise may not have had the chance to. If you speak another language, or are studying another language, search for internships abroad. The main goal is to gain not only work experience, but life experience as well.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
Overall the summer abroad was a great experience. Apart from the great friends I made over the summer, and the experience I gained from working for a large manufacturing company, there were other things that made the trip unforgettable. Some highlights include the weekend trips to other cities including Qingdao and Hangzhou, heckling with Chinese women over the price of fake Gucci bags and Rolex watches, and standing at the window of the highest bar in the world watching as Shanghai rapidly expands.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
List of Law Schools with a Dual JD/MBA Program
JD/MBA programs require four years of study to earn both a Juris Doctorate degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. Graduates typically practice law or enter the business world. The dual degree program is completed a year earlier than if both degrees were persued separately.
The University of Alabama School of Law
American University, Washington College of Law
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Arizona State University—Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
University of Arkansas School of Law
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law
University of Baltimore School of Law
Baylor University School of Law
Boston University School of Law
University of California, Davis School of Law (King Hall)
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law
California Western School of Law
Chapman University School of Law
The University of Chicago Law School
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Cleveland State University—Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
University of Colorado Law School
Cornell Law School
Creighton University School of Law
DePaul University College of Law
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Duke University School of Law
Duquesne University School of Law
University of Georgia School of Law
Golden Gate University School of Law
Gonzaga University School of Law
Hofstra University School of Law
Howard University School of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law—Bloomington
Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis
The John Marshall Law School
University of Kentucky College of Law
University of La Verne College of Law
Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
University of Maine School of Law
Marquette University Law School
The University of Memphis—Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Mercer University—Walter F. George School of Law
University of Missouri School of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law
The University of New Mexico School of Law
University of North Carolina School of Law
North Carolina Central University School of Law
University of North Dakota School of Law
Northeastern University School of Law
Northern Kentucky University—Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Northwestern University School of Law
Oklahoma City University School of Law
University of Oregon School of Law
Pace University School of Law
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Pepperdine University School of Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Quinnipiac University School of Law
Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey—School of Law—Camden
Saint Louis University School of Law
University of St. Thomas School of Law—Minneapolis
St. Thomas University School of Law
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
University of San Diego—School of Law
University of San Francisco School of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law
Seton Hall University School of Law
SMU Dedman School of Law
South Texas College of Law
Southwestern Law School
Stetson University College of Law
Suffolk University Law School
Temple University—James E. Beasley School of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
The University of Texas School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law
Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Tulane University Law School
The University of Tulsa College of Law
University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
Valparaiso University School of Law
Vanderbilt University Law School
University of Virginia School of Law
Wake Forest University School of Law
Washington University School of Law
Western New England College School of Law
Widener University School of Law
Willamette University College of Law William & Mary Law School
American University, Washington College of Law
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Arizona State University—Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
University of Arkansas School of Law
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law
University of Baltimore School of Law
Baylor University School of Law
Boston University School of Law
University of California, Davis School of Law (King Hall)
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law
California Western School of Law
Chapman University School of Law
The University of Chicago Law School
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Cleveland State University—Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
University of Colorado Law School
Cornell Law School
Creighton University School of Law
DePaul University College of Law
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Duke University School of Law
Duquesne University School of Law
University of Georgia School of Law
Golden Gate University School of Law
Gonzaga University School of Law
Hofstra University School of Law
Howard University School of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law—Bloomington
Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis
The John Marshall Law School
University of Kentucky College of Law
University of La Verne College of Law
Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
University of Maine School of Law
Marquette University Law School
The University of Memphis—Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Mercer University—Walter F. George School of Law
University of Missouri School of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law
The University of New Mexico School of Law
University of North Carolina School of Law
North Carolina Central University School of Law
University of North Dakota School of Law
Northeastern University School of Law
Northern Kentucky University—Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Northwestern University School of Law
Oklahoma City University School of Law
University of Oregon School of Law
Pace University School of Law
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Pepperdine University School of Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Quinnipiac University School of Law
Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey—School of Law—Camden
Saint Louis University School of Law
University of St. Thomas School of Law—Minneapolis
St. Thomas University School of Law
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
University of San Diego—School of Law
University of San Francisco School of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law
Seton Hall University School of Law
SMU Dedman School of Law
South Texas College of Law
Southwestern Law School
Stetson University College of Law
Suffolk University Law School
Temple University—James E. Beasley School of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law
The University of Texas School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law
Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Tulane University Law School
The University of Tulsa College of Law
University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
Valparaiso University School of Law
Vanderbilt University Law School
University of Virginia School of Law
Wake Forest University School of Law
Washington University School of Law
Western New England College School of Law
Widener University School of Law
Willamette University College of Law William & Mary Law School
Monday, September 28, 2009
Summer Profiles: Dalton Harris '10
Dalton Harris '10
Accounting & Business Administration, American History
Where did you intern this summer?
Wachovia Bank NA, Raleigh, NC
How did you find this internship?
I contacted a family friend in Raleigh early in my internship search. I heard about the opportunity, and I sent my resume in.
How would your typical day go?
Arrive at 7:30-8 AM, and since very little of my job description was set in stone, I would essentially wait for instructions for my project(s) of the day. When projects were larger in scale, I would resume them when I got to work in the morning. About 2 days a week I would work on college campuses at orientation events signing up incoming students for Wachovia accounts.
What was your most interesting project?
An “Own the Downtown” Project in which I compiled a comprehensive list of businesses within a 4 block radius of our building in downtown Raleigh and then assigned Relationship Managers, Business, and Small Business bankers to each company depending on their size, industry, and previous relationships. Once a bank representative was assigned we attempted to gain as much business as possible from each of these companies surrounding us, ie to “Own the Downtown.”
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Get your name out there to as many people as you can. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets heard.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
I was lucky enough to attend a few “young professionals” networking events in Raleigh as well as some regional Wachovia quarterly meetings and a Raleigh board meeting.
Accounting & Business Administration, American History
Where did you intern this summer?
Wachovia Bank NA, Raleigh, NC
How did you find this internship?
I contacted a family friend in Raleigh early in my internship search. I heard about the opportunity, and I sent my resume in.
How would your typical day go?
Arrive at 7:30-8 AM, and since very little of my job description was set in stone, I would essentially wait for instructions for my project(s) of the day. When projects were larger in scale, I would resume them when I got to work in the morning. About 2 days a week I would work on college campuses at orientation events signing up incoming students for Wachovia accounts.
What was your most interesting project?
An “Own the Downtown” Project in which I compiled a comprehensive list of businesses within a 4 block radius of our building in downtown Raleigh and then assigned Relationship Managers, Business, and Small Business bankers to each company depending on their size, industry, and previous relationships. Once a bank representative was assigned we attempted to gain as much business as possible from each of these companies surrounding us, ie to “Own the Downtown.”
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Get your name out there to as many people as you can. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets heard.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
I was lucky enough to attend a few “young professionals” networking events in Raleigh as well as some regional Wachovia quarterly meetings and a Raleigh board meeting.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Summer Profiles: Sarah Robertson '10
Sarah Robertson ‘10
Math and Pre-Med
Where did you intern this summer?
This summer I worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA.
How did you find this internship?
I knew a few family friends who worked there. I spoke with them about their work, and I asked if they had any positions. I sent my resume in, and after answering a few of their questions they searched for an opening in my interest. They had a position, and I started working at the CDC.
How would your typical day go?
I would get in at 9 AM and go through security. In the morning I would work on my own projects. After lunch, we would have a group meeting where we discussed world events, their possible impact on public health, their prevalence to CDC, and if they should appear in our daily report. After these meetings I would either help compile the information from the meeting’s discussion into the next day’s report, or I would continue work on my projects.
What was your most interesting project?
I ran statistical analysis to determine the sound level differences in calls to the CDC. I found a correlation between the mainstream media reporting of a possible health emergency to the hotline traffic and caller noise level; one such example was the Tollhouse Cookie Dough incident over the summer. The mainstream media tended to be 2-3 days behind reporting on the incident than when our group in CDC became aware of the incident. I also helped to create a prediction of the number of H1N1 calls for this fall.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Use whatever connections you have. Be polite and professional in any and all correspondence and answer emails promptly.
What were the other highlights of your summer experiences?
I had the opportunity to tour the Emergency Operation Center at the CDC’s main campus. I was also allowed to sit in on, via video feed, the CDC director’s weekly briefing of H1N1.
Math and Pre-Med
Where did you intern this summer?
This summer I worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA.
How did you find this internship?
I knew a few family friends who worked there. I spoke with them about their work, and I asked if they had any positions. I sent my resume in, and after answering a few of their questions they searched for an opening in my interest. They had a position, and I started working at the CDC.
How would your typical day go?
I would get in at 9 AM and go through security. In the morning I would work on my own projects. After lunch, we would have a group meeting where we discussed world events, their possible impact on public health, their prevalence to CDC, and if they should appear in our daily report. After these meetings I would either help compile the information from the meeting’s discussion into the next day’s report, or I would continue work on my projects.
What was your most interesting project?
I ran statistical analysis to determine the sound level differences in calls to the CDC. I found a correlation between the mainstream media reporting of a possible health emergency to the hotline traffic and caller noise level; one such example was the Tollhouse Cookie Dough incident over the summer. The mainstream media tended to be 2-3 days behind reporting on the incident than when our group in CDC became aware of the incident. I also helped to create a prediction of the number of H1N1 calls for this fall.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Use whatever connections you have. Be polite and professional in any and all correspondence and answer emails promptly.
What were the other highlights of your summer experiences?
I had the opportunity to tour the Emergency Operation Center at the CDC’s main campus. I was also allowed to sit in on, via video feed, the CDC director’s weekly briefing of H1N1.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Summer Profiles: Franny Couch ‘10
Franny Couch ‘10
Independent Major of Music Business
Where did you intern this summer?
I interned this summer with a start-up, non-profit organization called Alabama Lawyers for the Arts (ALAARTS). Founded in 2007, ALAARTS provides lawyer referral services for pro bono and reduced fee legal assistance to income eligible artists and arts organizations. It also presents educational workshops and seminars on a variety of topics such as copyright, contracts, and entity formation. ALAARTS is committed to protecting the legal rights of the arts community and to providing legal assistance and education to artists and arts organizations in all creative disciplines.
How did you find this internship?
I originally wanted an internship with an entertainment law firm in Nashville; however, with none of the law firms hiring undergrad students, I turned my focus on my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. I knew that it was a long shot to find an entertainment lawyer/law firm in Birmingham, but I decided to try my luck anyway. I emailed every lawyer in Birmingham that was listed as specializing in “Entertainment Law”. Most replied that they actually specialized in sports law, some claimed that their Nashville office was the only place that practiced entertainment law, and a few did not reply at all. Fortunately, one man, Marcus Hunt, emailed me back saying that he had recently started a non-profit dealing with law and the arts and that they might have room for an intern, provided that I was not expecting to get paid. The rest is history; I interviewed with program director, Neki Garrett, over Spring Break and we had our first ALAARTS meeting in early June.
What was your typical day like?
Working for ALAARTS, there was no such thing as a typical day. The organization was an infant, start-up non-profit. Consequently, we did not have office space, a board of directors, employees, computers, a database, a website, or any grant money. I worked from home and we had weekly progress meetings at the local Starbucks. Each week we had different individual projects ranging from researching art organizations in Alabama to creating the look for our marketing materials. For the most part, I was in charge of grant and art organization research and I would work for an hour or two a day. I also had another (paying) internship, and Marcus and Neki were great about letting me create my own hours and pace.
What was your most interesting project?
The most interesting project I worked on was writing the Market Analysis section of ALAART’s business plan. As a 21 year old, it was a worthwhile experience that I will carry with me in my future endeavors. I know it will come in handy in future job interviews to say that I have helped write a business plan for a start-up non-profit.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
The best advice I can give to others seeking internships is to never under-value the power of initiative or the importance of timing. Some people use the lack of contacts in an industry as an excuse for not entering it. However, in my experience, most businesses are more impressed with those that make their contacts than those that inherit them. It is also important to remember that timing is everything. When I first contacted Marcus, he forwarded my email to Neki. She quickly replied to him that ALAARTS did not have the resources or the time to train an intern. A few weeks later she went to a conference and the topic of the key-note speaker’s address was the importance of interns to a start-up company. I sent a follow up email the next Monday and, thankfully, she had changed her mind.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
Some other highlights of my summer experience were creating a MySpace page for ALAARTS and sitting in on a meeting with a potential member of the board of directors. I also enjoyed researching potential grants on both the local and federal level — during these depressing economic times, you have to get creative in order to find lucrative grant resources!
Independent Major of Music Business
Where did you intern this summer?
I interned this summer with a start-up, non-profit organization called Alabama Lawyers for the Arts (ALAARTS). Founded in 2007, ALAARTS provides lawyer referral services for pro bono and reduced fee legal assistance to income eligible artists and arts organizations. It also presents educational workshops and seminars on a variety of topics such as copyright, contracts, and entity formation. ALAARTS is committed to protecting the legal rights of the arts community and to providing legal assistance and education to artists and arts organizations in all creative disciplines.
How did you find this internship?
I originally wanted an internship with an entertainment law firm in Nashville; however, with none of the law firms hiring undergrad students, I turned my focus on my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. I knew that it was a long shot to find an entertainment lawyer/law firm in Birmingham, but I decided to try my luck anyway. I emailed every lawyer in Birmingham that was listed as specializing in “Entertainment Law”. Most replied that they actually specialized in sports law, some claimed that their Nashville office was the only place that practiced entertainment law, and a few did not reply at all. Fortunately, one man, Marcus Hunt, emailed me back saying that he had recently started a non-profit dealing with law and the arts and that they might have room for an intern, provided that I was not expecting to get paid. The rest is history; I interviewed with program director, Neki Garrett, over Spring Break and we had our first ALAARTS meeting in early June.
What was your typical day like?
Working for ALAARTS, there was no such thing as a typical day. The organization was an infant, start-up non-profit. Consequently, we did not have office space, a board of directors, employees, computers, a database, a website, or any grant money. I worked from home and we had weekly progress meetings at the local Starbucks. Each week we had different individual projects ranging from researching art organizations in Alabama to creating the look for our marketing materials. For the most part, I was in charge of grant and art organization research and I would work for an hour or two a day. I also had another (paying) internship, and Marcus and Neki were great about letting me create my own hours and pace.
What was your most interesting project?
The most interesting project I worked on was writing the Market Analysis section of ALAART’s business plan. As a 21 year old, it was a worthwhile experience that I will carry with me in my future endeavors. I know it will come in handy in future job interviews to say that I have helped write a business plan for a start-up non-profit.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
The best advice I can give to others seeking internships is to never under-value the power of initiative or the importance of timing. Some people use the lack of contacts in an industry as an excuse for not entering it. However, in my experience, most businesses are more impressed with those that make their contacts than those that inherit them. It is also important to remember that timing is everything. When I first contacted Marcus, he forwarded my email to Neki. She quickly replied to him that ALAARTS did not have the resources or the time to train an intern. A few weeks later she went to a conference and the topic of the key-note speaker’s address was the importance of interns to a start-up company. I sent a follow up email the next Monday and, thankfully, she had changed her mind.
What were the other highlights of your summer experience?
Some other highlights of my summer experience were creating a MySpace page for ALAARTS and sitting in on a meeting with a potential member of the board of directors. I also enjoyed researching potential grants on both the local and federal level — during these depressing economic times, you have to get creative in order to find lucrative grant resources!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Summer Profiles: Robert Claiborne '10
Robert Claiborne ‘10
BA History and Philosophy
Where did you intern this summer?
I split my summer interning at two law firms in Newport News, VA, and Birmingham, AL.
How did you find these internships?
I got a head start on my summer plans last year, and I put in a lot of work in Fall Term networking and improving my resume. I knew some alums and family friends who were attorneys; I went ahead and called them about their firms, talked to them about what they did, expressed my interest, and asked if they knew of any summer opportunities. I sent my resume to two of the firms, and they both offered me a 4-6 week internship over the summer. My uncle told me it would be best to do both, so I did.
What was your typical day like?
I would come into the office, check my e-mail, and get to work on any of the projects the attorneys assigned me. Of course, every day was different, so sometimes I would end up driving around picking up court documents or sitting in on depositions and civil trials. There was a good amount of work but also a lot of observation.
What was your most interesting project?
At one of the firms I had to prepare a notebook of evidence for the expert witness. The project was for a W&L alum, and it involved a lot of business documents. When I mentioned that I was a liberal arts major and not the biggest business expert, he simply replied “Well, most attorneys aren’t, and this project is going to require you to make some judgment calls. It’s all in English, though, so you can handle it.” I went back to work and completed the project. He was impressed with the work, and it turned out to be a great experience being given that kind of responsibility and judgment as an undergraduate intern.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Start early, and complete your search ahead of time; it’ll increase your chances of getting an internship, and it will make the process a bit saner.
What were the other highlights of your summer experiences?
While I was in Newport News I got to go sailing with a partner in the firm and a bunch of family friends each Wednesday and Sunday.
BA History and Philosophy
Where did you intern this summer?
I split my summer interning at two law firms in Newport News, VA, and Birmingham, AL.
How did you find these internships?
I got a head start on my summer plans last year, and I put in a lot of work in Fall Term networking and improving my resume. I knew some alums and family friends who were attorneys; I went ahead and called them about their firms, talked to them about what they did, expressed my interest, and asked if they knew of any summer opportunities. I sent my resume to two of the firms, and they both offered me a 4-6 week internship over the summer. My uncle told me it would be best to do both, so I did.
What was your typical day like?
I would come into the office, check my e-mail, and get to work on any of the projects the attorneys assigned me. Of course, every day was different, so sometimes I would end up driving around picking up court documents or sitting in on depositions and civil trials. There was a good amount of work but also a lot of observation.
What was your most interesting project?
At one of the firms I had to prepare a notebook of evidence for the expert witness. The project was for a W&L alum, and it involved a lot of business documents. When I mentioned that I was a liberal arts major and not the biggest business expert, he simply replied “Well, most attorneys aren’t, and this project is going to require you to make some judgment calls. It’s all in English, though, so you can handle it.” I went back to work and completed the project. He was impressed with the work, and it turned out to be a great experience being given that kind of responsibility and judgment as an undergraduate intern.
What advice do you have for others seeking internships?
Start early, and complete your search ahead of time; it’ll increase your chances of getting an internship, and it will make the process a bit saner.
What were the other highlights of your summer experiences?
While I was in Newport News I got to go sailing with a partner in the firm and a bunch of family friends each Wednesday and Sunday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Book Review: Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?
Caroline Head ‘10 Reviews Ellen Gordon Reeves’ Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?This should be the bible for college students preparing to enter the job market. Reeves’ book covers every topic imaginable, and leaves no questions unanswered. Published in 2009, the book is perfectly up-to-date (although I imagine new editions will be necessary as social norms evolve) and especially appropriate for young 20-year-olds. Reeves’ qualifications are exceptional, but her personal experience in the job search process is even more valuable; an eduaction and job in the Ivy Leagues does not prevent her from writing in a witty, understandable, and relatable language. Furthermore, Reeves does not simply offer general suggestions for dealing with searching, networking, resumes and cover letters, interviewing, etc. She provides speficic examples, templates, and phrasing that are realistic and practical, and is certainly a LOT of information packed into 200 pages, but the subject index in the back eliminates wasting time flipping through pages looking for a specific topic. I have not come across a better guide to tackling today’s intimidating job market and I would highly recommend the purchasing – and promotion – of thsi book for all W&L students!
“NASA’s Return to the Moon” with Dr. Christopher J. Wohl
Friday May 15, Dr. Christopher J. Wohl visited Washington and Lee students from the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Wohl gave a lecture with W&L science majors before attending a Career Services sponsored lunch with a group of students and professors. Afterward, Dr. Wohl made himself available for meetings with individual students in the Career Services office.
The sciences attracted Dr. Wohl’s curiosity from an early age. As a young child, he enjoyed mixing concoctions of juice together and seeing them separate and balance out over time. Upon graduating from high school, he attended a local community college before transferring to Virginia Tech. He recounted that the sciences were his clear strength, and he often encountered trouble in other disciplines. Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of interdisciplinary skills, namely writing, in his scientific work both as a student and as a professional. After graduating from Tech, he enrolled the PhD. program at Virginia Commonwealth University. There he exhibited an outstanding record, earning his Doctorate of Philosophy in three and a half years with a 4.0 GPA. This academic achievement far surpassed VCU’s averages for the PhD.
After completing his studies, Dr. Wohl took on a job at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. He noted that NASA’s most significant test right, with regard to space exploration, is economic efficiency and commerce. NASA is brainstorming possible ways that colonies or pit stops on the moon or Mars could make space exploration commercially profitable and more efficient. Launch sites with lower gravity and less atmosphere would save substantial rocket fuel. In addition, moon factories with low gravity could naturally do away with vastly expensive machines that replicate such gravitational conditions on Earth.
Dr. Wohl also spoke to many students’ the coming tests in the job search. He stressed communication in all forms. “In every position,” he said, “communication is key; if you can’t communicate your ideas correctly, you can’t get people to buy into your ideas.” Dr. Wohl especially stressed writing and public speaking. He offered several suggests for improving one’s public speaking abilities. Observation and imitation of skilled speakers provides a strong model. Practice develops one’s speaking skills. His best form of practice entails coming home from work and explaining his day at NASA to his wife. He believes that if he can make his wife (who has little background in science) understand what he’s working on, then he has done an effective job communicating.
Dr. Wohl provided an informative perspective for NASA’s move into the 21st Century and a great account of a student’s move into the job force.
The sciences attracted Dr. Wohl’s curiosity from an early age. As a young child, he enjoyed mixing concoctions of juice together and seeing them separate and balance out over time. Upon graduating from high school, he attended a local community college before transferring to Virginia Tech. He recounted that the sciences were his clear strength, and he often encountered trouble in other disciplines. Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of interdisciplinary skills, namely writing, in his scientific work both as a student and as a professional. After graduating from Tech, he enrolled the PhD. program at Virginia Commonwealth University. There he exhibited an outstanding record, earning his Doctorate of Philosophy in three and a half years with a 4.0 GPA. This academic achievement far surpassed VCU’s averages for the PhD.
After completing his studies, Dr. Wohl took on a job at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. He noted that NASA’s most significant test right, with regard to space exploration, is economic efficiency and commerce. NASA is brainstorming possible ways that colonies or pit stops on the moon or Mars could make space exploration commercially profitable and more efficient. Launch sites with lower gravity and less atmosphere would save substantial rocket fuel. In addition, moon factories with low gravity could naturally do away with vastly expensive machines that replicate such gravitational conditions on Earth.
Dr. Wohl also spoke to many students’ the coming tests in the job search. He stressed communication in all forms. “In every position,” he said, “communication is key; if you can’t communicate your ideas correctly, you can’t get people to buy into your ideas.” Dr. Wohl especially stressed writing and public speaking. He offered several suggests for improving one’s public speaking abilities. Observation and imitation of skilled speakers provides a strong model. Practice develops one’s speaking skills. His best form of practice entails coming home from work and explaining his day at NASA to his wife. He believes that if he can make his wife (who has little background in science) understand what he’s working on, then he has done an effective job communicating.
Dr. Wohl provided an informative perspective for NASA’s move into the 21st Century and a great account of a student’s move into the job force.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dan Birdwhistell '01
Dan, who graduated from W&L in 2001 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Public Policy, participated in one of Career Services’ on-going Psychology Alumni-in-Residences lunches.
Dan has had a very dynamic experience since graduating from Washington and Lee.
After receiving an MA in Education and Philosophy at the University of Cambridge in 2002, Dan has traveled extensively and worked in in Belgium, Nasheville, and Los Angeles. Presently, he lives in Washington D.C., and he is the CEO of Bigsight Media Group.
A recent graduate himself, Dan has a lot of advice for W&L students about to enter the job market:
1) Take your time. Dan suggests that students should not take their new job prospects too seriously. Recent graduates can afford to take a few years pursuing different interests; they have a lot of time. Dan says, “Never be afraid to spend a couple of years just working at a surf shop if that’s something you want to do.”
2) Don’t worry too much about money. Dan admits that his personal finances have been through both the highs and the lows. But this isn’t a problem. Even if your pockets are empty, as long as you’re doing something productive and getting a good experience, you can ensure that you earn it back. Never be afraid to take a risk; it might be of benefit in the future.
3) Spend a few years away from W&L. It’s very tempting to graduate and move directly into one of the hotbeds of W&L alumni. Dan suggests students take a couple of years off before reimersing themselves in everything W&L. There are a lot of different people and different experiences out there. Plus, the move into the W&L alumni community is a much easier transition after being away from it for a few years.
Dan offers a great message that is sometimes lost in Washington and Lee’s highly competitive environment. You shouldn’t expect to have your entire life planned out when you graduate. Experiment, pursue your interests, and don’t try to stick to a highly specific plan. You’ll never know just quite where you’ll end up, or what you’ll end up doing. Follow your intersts, work, take risks, figure it out, and keep learning. And at the same time remember that you are you and that you do have a lot of time to figure things out.
For more info on Dan, check his website at http://bigsight.org/dan_birdwhistell.
Dan has had a very dynamic experience since graduating from Washington and Lee.
After receiving an MA in Education and Philosophy at the University of Cambridge in 2002, Dan has traveled extensively and worked in in Belgium, Nasheville, and Los Angeles. Presently, he lives in Washington D.C., and he is the CEO of Bigsight Media Group.
A recent graduate himself, Dan has a lot of advice for W&L students about to enter the job market:
1) Take your time. Dan suggests that students should not take their new job prospects too seriously. Recent graduates can afford to take a few years pursuing different interests; they have a lot of time. Dan says, “Never be afraid to spend a couple of years just working at a surf shop if that’s something you want to do.”
2) Don’t worry too much about money. Dan admits that his personal finances have been through both the highs and the lows. But this isn’t a problem. Even if your pockets are empty, as long as you’re doing something productive and getting a good experience, you can ensure that you earn it back. Never be afraid to take a risk; it might be of benefit in the future.
3) Spend a few years away from W&L. It’s very tempting to graduate and move directly into one of the hotbeds of W&L alumni. Dan suggests students take a couple of years off before reimersing themselves in everything W&L. There are a lot of different people and different experiences out there. Plus, the move into the W&L alumni community is a much easier transition after being away from it for a few years.
Dan offers a great message that is sometimes lost in Washington and Lee’s highly competitive environment. You shouldn’t expect to have your entire life planned out when you graduate. Experiment, pursue your interests, and don’t try to stick to a highly specific plan. You’ll never know just quite where you’ll end up, or what you’ll end up doing. Follow your intersts, work, take risks, figure it out, and keep learning. And at the same time remember that you are you and that you do have a lot of time to figure things out.
For more info on Dan, check his website at http://bigsight.org/dan_birdwhistell.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Welcome
Welcome to the Career Service Department’s new blog! In an attempt to share more information covering the everday workings of Career Services, we have decided to publish news about our speakers, events, and more for the Washington and Lee community. While we are still in the development stages of the project, be sure to check back frequently for more updates!
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