This Week in Career Services

For questions about events or deadlines, please contact Career Services, 540-458-8595.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• May 19 - 25, 10:00 AM:
  Senior Cap and Gown Pick-Up
• May 3 - 26:
  Senior Survey: Win $100
• May 26, 9:30 AM:
  New Jersey Collegiate Career Day
• May 10 - June 4:
  Summer Experience Survey: Win $100

For more information about each event, click on the links above.

UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES:

· May 19

o Summer Intern, Virginia Sustainable Building Network: Arlington, VA

· May 21

o Manager of Digital Marketing, Buddy Media: New York City, NY

o Project Assistant, Vinson & Elkins LLP: Washington, DC

o Research Associate, Princeton Economics Group: Princeton, NJ

· May 22

o Google Apps Deployment Engineer/Developer, SADA Systems: Los Angeles, CA

· May 24

o Chemistry Teacher, Norfolk Academy: Norfolk, VA

o Summer Associate, Champion Recruiting Associates: Bethesda, MD

Go to https://wlu-csm.symplicity.com/students to access your W&L JobLink account to apply for these and other positions.

You can also find W&L JobLink and other resources at careers.wlu.edu.

2011 SPRING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM-U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE:

Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Department of State's 2011 Spring Student Internship Program.

Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html#SIP) for more information and to start the online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 01, 2010.

You must be a U.S. Citizen and a student (a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student - including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school) to be eligible. Please read the program description and vacancy announcement for more information.

CAREER TIP OF THE WEEK:

Do not include references on your resume. Have a list of three or four references including name, job title, company, phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers if requested. Always notify those individuals in advance that they may be contacted by a potential employer. Use references who you know will give you a positive recommendation.

This Week in Career Services (29 March)

For questions about events or deadlines, please contact Career Services, 540-458-8595.

SLAC COAST-TO-COAST VIRTUAL FAIR

The Selective Liberal Arts Consortium is hosting a virtual career fair open only to the students of the 14 SLAC schools. 29 available positions are currently listed.

Go to http://www.slaconsortium.org/stu/#Coast_to_Coast_Virtual_Fair_Ma for more information about submitting your resume.

Deadline is April 5.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 25, 8:00 PM: Cookies, Coffee & Careers
March 29: Application Deadline: CAREER 15 Key Employer Panel
April 1, 12:15 PM: Ultimate Money Skills
April 6, 12:00 PM: Live Discussion with GEICO
April 7, 10:00 AM: Live Discussion with Ferguson Enterprises

For more information about each event, click on the links above.

UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES

March 29
+ Admissions Counselor, Washington and Lee University: Lexington, VA
+ VFIC Key Employer Panel Student Representatives, W&L Career Services: Charlottesville, VA
March 31
+ Associate Director, Georgetown Learning Centers: Washington, DC
+ Financial Advisor, Virginia Asset Management LLC: Richmond, VA
+ Summer Intern, SNL Financial: Charlottesville, VA
April 1
+ Elementary Faculty, St. Paul Christian Academy: Nashville, TN
April 2
+ Associate, Fortress Group Inc: Atlanta, GA
April 3
+ Camp Counselor, Camp Easter Seals: New Castle, VA
+ Editorial Intern/ New Media Intern, The Chronicle of the Horse: Middleburg, VA
+ Urban Education Fellowship, The Match School: Boston, MA
April 4
+ Commercial Real Estate Investment Sales Intern, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services: New York City, NY
+ April 5
Camp Counselor, Camp Horizons: Harrisonburg, VA

Go to https://wlu-csm.symplicity.com/students to access your W&L JobLink account to apply for these and other positions.

You can also find W&L JobLink and other resources at careers.wlu.edu.

VFIC CAREER 15: NEW JOB POSTINGS

+ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): 5 open positions located in Washington, D.C.
+ The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond: 6 open internships, with application deadlines ranging from March 31st to April 9th.

Go to www.career15.org to create an account and view these positions.

This Week in Career Services (22 March)

For questions about events or deadlines, please contact Career Services, 540-458-859.

SLAC Coast-to-Coast Virtual Fair
The Selective Liberal Arts Consortium is hosting a virtual career fair open only to the students of the 14 SLAC schools. 26 available positions are currently listed. Go to http://www.slaconsortium.org/stu/#Coast_to_Coast_Virtual_Fair_Ma for more information about submitting your resume.

UPCOMING EVENTS
March 23, 12:30 PM:
Health Lawyer: First Do No Harm
March 25, 8:00 PM:
Cookies, Coffee & Careers
April 1, 12:15 PM:
Ultimate Money Skills

UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES
March 24
+ Executive Assistant, DRS Technologies: Various Locations Nationwide
+ Public Relations and Event Planning Internship, Brotman-Winter-Fried Communications: Falls Church, VA
March 25
+ Full-time Analyst, MCG Capital: Arlington, VA *The employer will select students for on-campus interviews taking place April 5.*
March 26
+ IT Specialist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Washington, DC
March 29
+ Admissions Counselor, Washington and Lee University: Lexington, VA
+ VFIC Career 15 Key Employer Panel Student Representatives, Boar’s Head Inn: Charlottesville, VA
April/May
+ Stockbroker- Account Executive, DMG Securities: Great Falls, VA
+ Go to https://wlu-csm.symplicity.com/students to access your W&L JobLink account to apply for these and other positions.
+ You can also find W&L JobLink and other resources at careers.wlu.edu

Complete Online Survey for a Chance to Win $250 Amazon Gift Card
Even if you're not interested in financial services, J.P. Morgan is interested in hearing from you and invites you to fill out a brief survey – it should take no more than 10 minutes. By completing this survey, you will be eligible to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

Please note that responses will not be considered at an individual level and will not impact the application process or your relationship with J.P. Morgan. All responses are collated anonymously.

Please go to http://www.workcomms.com/surveys/jpmorgan/march2010-2/ to complete this survey by March 26, 2010.

Review of LinkUP Job Search Engine: Google for Jobs

The general impression one gets after visiting LinkUP follows the website's own self-description: 'Google for jobs.' Submitting a search can yield an enormous volume of results. Consequently, a good portion of those results will be superfluous, but there are many diamonds to be found in the rough.

As far as its usefulness for Washington and Lee students, LinkUP offers both disadvantages and advantages. Unfortunately, the searches reveal many positions that are out of graduating students’ range. There are many positions offered as Vice-Presidents, Managers, and Directors of departments or offices; these positions typically require sufficient work experience that graduating college students do not have. Nonetheless, the searches do pick up some good jobs that graduating seniors can compete for. Graduates’ jobs are not the central focus of this website, but they are there. Additionally, many internship opportunities appear on the website. While searches generate many job results, students can find this search engine helpful in finding summer or future employment.

Another benefit of the website is the great range of searchable locations and employment areas. The website allows students to confine their job searches to any number of specific cities or states, whereas other search websites such as SLAC confine their positions to a few large, metropolitan cities. Another benefit of so many search results is that a wide array of interests are represented, and students of any major and any career path will likely find some opportunities in their searches. The website is not as formal as most job websites, but it is also less confined; it allows students to make a more exhaustive search of the job market.

This Week in Career Services (15 March)

For questions about events or deadlines, please contact Career Services, 540-458-8595.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 16, 10:00 AM: Intelligence Community Virtual Career Fair
March 16, 11:30 AM: Quick Questions in the Marketplace
March 16, 9:00 AM: Open House for Hertz Corporation
March 17, 12:30 PM: Chairman and CEO of The Martin Agency Visits W&L

For more information about each event, click on the links above.

UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES:

March 15:
- JPMorgan Launching Leaders Experience 2010: New York City, NY
- JPMorgan Winning Women Experience 2010: New York City, NY
March 17:
- Secondary School Teachers, The Field School: Washington, DC
- Summer Leadership Program, Ernst & Young
March 18:
- Account Manager, Kforce Professional Staffing: Reston, VA
March 19:
- External Relations Intern, National Children’s Museum: Washington, DC
- Summer Intern, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): New York/ Washington, DC
March 20:
- Business Internship, AH&T Insurance: Leesburg, VA
- Financial Representative Intern, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network: Various Virginia Locations

Go to https://bl2prd0102.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=3975ba76bed24407865376413bd7839c&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwlu-csm.symplicity.com%2fstudents to access your W&L JobLink account to apply for these and other positions.

You can also find W&L JobLink and other resources at careers.wlu.edu.

Events for 11 March

March 11, 11:00 AM: Finding Work with the Federal Government
http://newcalendar.wlu.edu/detail.asp?EventID=5681

March 11, 5:00 PM: The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree: Spotlight on History
http://newcalendar.wlu.edu/detail.asp?EventID=5746

March 11, 8:00 PM: Cookies, Coffee, and Careers
http://newcalendar.wlu.edu/detail.asp?EventID=5795

From the Alumni Office Blog: "A warm fuzzy on a chill day"

On 9 February 2010, the Washington and Lee Alumni Office the below e-mail accounting one alum's networking experiences (this should be useful advice for anyone currently searching for employment):

http://alumniwlu.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/a-warm-fuzzy-on-a-chilly-day/

“'Just wanted to send you a quick email about how great the alumni network has been for me so far. Internships are terrible to find for the summer after 1L year especially in this economy. I sent some letters to a bunch of firms in January and went through career services here at Wake some. Just about everyone has sent me back letters saying that they don’t take 1Ls. Which, let me tell you, is very stressful.

Then I decided I’d go through Colonnade Connections and email W&L alums in different areas with my resume to see if they had anything. They have been WONDERFUL! People have either called me about interning for them, emailed me about it or sent my resume to their career department. Even those who are in firms that aren’t taking summer interns have been great and said they would pass around my resume at other places or have offered to call to discuss the legal field in their area or take me to lunch when I came through. I’m just really impressed with W&L and how helpful colonnade connections has been and with the alums. It’s just made this entire internship experience so much better. Where before it was faceless firms, this has made me feel cared about. I just wanted to say thanks for making the alunni network great and yay for Washington and Lee. Best school EVER.'

~ by Washington and Lee Alumni Office on February 9, 2010.
Posted in Alumni Office."

Lessons to be gleamed from a college job fair...

More and more graduating seniors look at their graduation prospects without any sense of hope. The state of the economy is poor, and it appears as though no one is hiring. With such dim prospects, there seems little incentive in networking, interviewing, applying, or even considering work life after graduation. Still, graduation is approaching, and at the end of the school year seniors who have not found jobs will either have to go to graduate school or else return home to sit on the couch.

A recent article on an Ithaca job fair detailed a similar attitude among its graduating class (http://theithacan.org/am/publish/news/201003_College_hosts_job_and_internship_fair.shtml). Yet jobs are available, and those in the know are imploring graduating seniors to put in the extra effort and find work:

John Fracchia, associate director of Career Services, said the employer turnout was
“average” compared to other years but still large considering the state of the economy.

“One of the things we’re trying to get students to understand, particularly seniors and
graduating students, is that there are still jobs,” he said. “You [have to] use your networking
resources, but the economy hasn’t ground to a halt.”

It is extremely rare for a job to fall into your lap. Finding employment requires time, committment, research, networking, and an unrelenting seach. Applying to one or two positions will not do, and students must apply to numerous firms, for numerous jobs if they are serious about finding work. The job market is not doing well now, and it is a difficult task to find work, but idleness only makes the task more difficult. Further, resignation to failure or hopelessness conveys a negative attitude that will repulse employers. Maintain a positive, forward thinking attitude, and do what needs to be done to secure your future.

The FBI is Hiring

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is hiring. Please check the FBI Jobs website (http://www.fbijobs.gov/) or USA Jobs (see last blog entry). Seniors should not be deterred by the current job market - the government is hiring.

USAJobs.gov - "Working for America"

More and more commentators are reporting that it's a good time to work for Uncle Sam:

• http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/12/business/econwatch/entry5007862.shtml
• http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2006/st0713.htm
• http://www.maggiemistal.com/blog/ready-work-uncle-sam-government-careers-and-how-land-them.htm

The government is hiring (with a surge in employment of workers in their 20's), and these jobs hold important future potential as 44% of the civil service looks set to retire in the next five years.

USAJobs.gov offers a very easy setup to find and land these government jobs. The website offers an easy-to-use search feature, detailed job descriptions and qualifications, and resources for application. Additionally, you can post your resume to USAJobs.gov, and it will show up in government agencies' search results - offering another way for employers to find you. There are many openings, and application deadlines close all the time, so be punctual and get those applications in.

Apply for Positions at the CIA

The Central Intelligence Agency offers a number of very interesting and demanding positions that offer great experience and quick advancement. These positions demand strong integrity of character, analytical skills, and leadership qualities.

These positions offer a very rewarding and unique experience serving our nation. The background check is exhaustive, and it can take anywhere from several months to two years. Those interested are encouraged to apply now while continuing with other endeavors until they hear back from the Agency.

To find out more about available positions at the CIA and the CIA's application process, please visit the Agency's career website at https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html .

More Women Going to Business School

" ... As women reach parity with men in law and medical schools, their enrollment rates at business schools remain stubbornly low. The Graduate Management Admissions Council, which administers the GMAT entrance exam, said 39 percent of its test-takers in December were women. That's an improvement of two percentage points since 2002.

The reasons aren't surprising. At a recent recruitment event in New York for prospective female MBAs, members of an alumnae panel said they faced the same challenges in business school that they later faced in the corporate world: outsider status, difficulties balancing career goals and family and pressure to prove themselves.

Women are enrolling in medical and law schools in much greater numbers: 47 percent of law school students are women and they now make up 49 percent of medical school students... "

From http://www.womensradio.com/articles/Business-Schools-Sweeten-Lures-for-Women-/4355.html

Questioning Grad School...

Seniors with uncertain futures in the job market have likely grown weary of hearing the phrase, "well, there's always grad school." As students complete their GRE's, LSAT's, MCAT's, CPA's, and so on, they should consider whether or not grad school will really pay off in the long-run.

For more, please read the linked article:

http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2010/01/19/News/Grad-School.May.Not.Be.Best.Option-3854521.shtml

Changing Student Loans

Federal Government to Cut Private Lenders out of Student Loans

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/60074

CNN Money: "They got jobs!"

"In August, CNNMoney asked nine recent grads about their job search. Six months after graduation, all of them are working at least part-time. "

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/news/0912/gallery.class_of_2009_jobs/index.html

Work for the Governor

Incoming Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is accepting applications for positions in his administration.

Simply submit your resume and application online:

http://www.mcdonnelltransition.com/jobs.php

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

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

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

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 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.

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.