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.

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 .

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

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.