“FALL” into Your Career- Plan for Success

By: Chaundra Daniels, M.S.Ed

Career Coach, Zarb Graduate Business Career Services

It’s that time of year again. As we enter the Autumn season, colloquially known as “Fall”, we are reminded of the transitions of work/life events.  For some, the Fall is the beginning of a new journey as a Graduate student. For others, it is a time of preparation for the end of their graduate careers. Whichever group you fall into, ALL students should be actively involved in planning their career journey.

Graduate Business Career Services (GBCS) at the Zarb School of Business is here to help students plan their careers. One of the misconceptions about Career Services is that we are only here for students who are about to graduate. This is incorrect. We are here to help students at all points in their graduate careers, as well as alumni who are looking for a career change or a position at a new company!

Let’s explore some of the reasons it is imperative to get involved and plan with GBCS at the onset of your graduate studies. One way GBCS can be helpful is that we have in-depth knowledge of what employers are looking for in job candidates. Hofstra Graduate Business students can gain a competitive advantage by accessing this knowledge base by utilizing our services. Secondly, GBCS can provide practical advice on the application process, resume critiques, interview strategies, company culture, and other factors that assist with the transition from student to employee. If you aren't sure which position might be right for you, Graduate Business Career Services also offers the Career Leader assessment, which can help alleviate these concerns and assist you in making the best career choice.

Here are some practical first steps you can take right now to start your career planning:

1.   Visit Our Website - Become familiar with the services and resources  provided for Zarb Graduate Students. 

2.   Schedule a Career Coaching Session-Appointments with a Zarb Career Coach are available Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. To schedule an appointment, please follow the link on Handshake or call (516) 463-6259. 

3.   Develop Your Career Skills- Attending career workshops can help you learn valuable interviewing skills and strategies. Our workshops can teach you how to best present yourself to employers at career fairs or give you an overview of action steps needed to begin an effective job or internship search. Learn how to leverage LinkedIn to increase your chances of finding employment through effective networking techniques, or how to conduct a virtual interview with the right amount of confidence and professionalism.
4.   Connect with Employers and Alumni-Attend networking events to form connections with employers and alumni. To RSVP for events, please go to hofstra.edu/careerhub and log in with your ID and password.

5.   Stay Connected- Check your email daily to see what’s happening at GBCS.

6.   Get Involved- Join a Zarb Graduate Student Organization to meet new people and receive top-notch leadership training and mentorship.

7.   Schedule Accordingly- Use your calendar to keep track of events, workshops, and appointments to ensure that they don't conflict with your busy class and study schedule.

In addition to the above steps, it helps to have a solid plan when you begin your job search. Consider the suggestions below, and tailor your strategies toward entering a field of work that suits your strengths.

ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT

·      Pursue academic success.

·      Work closely with your faculty advisor and mentors.

·      Participate in research/career enhancing experiences.

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY  

·      Join professional associations.

·      Explore varied work cultures and settings.

·      Increase your visibility in your desired field through attending conferences, doing extracurricular projects, and targeted networking.

JOB SEARCH (You can access the resources listed below through hofstra.edu/careerhub)

·      Refine your professional resume and LinkedIn profile.

·      Connect with Zarb alumni and network in your field.

·      Fine-tune your interviewing skills.

Students who use Graduate Business Career Services benefit from increased career awareness and advanced job-search skills. Early career planning leads to career success! Start today!