You're a Scientist...Maybe You Should Blog About It

So, you're a scientist. You have a degree in biochemistry, but no clue what to do with your life. You're interested in medicine, but don't want to go through the rigors of med school. You're bored to tears by the thought of being cramped in a laboratory all day. Being a science technician has its musings and financial potential, but it could be tedious after a few years. Basically, you're burning through your career options and its not looking so hot.

Maybe you should become a science writer. Think about it this way. You know the science lingo, you can interpret science to your non-scientist friends, and you'll probably be ahead of all your science friends in terms of staying up to date with trends and research findings.

Getting started is easy. Create a blog and write about the science that interests you. You can write for non-scientists, science geeks, or both! Keep up with it and try to write daily. Read about blogging, read about journalism and science interpretation, take ownership of the fate of your blog. If you keep at it, you can put it on your resume and if you're good at it, you might just get some paying gigs.

Once you get some freelance experience under your belt, you can start applying to staff writer positions at major publications such as Discover, Scientific American, or SEED Magazine. Then one day, when you're accepting your Science in Society Journalism Award, you can look back and see that it all started with a blog.

Government Job Opportunities

Some jobs are just plain better. They look better on a resume, they give you better experience, and they can link you to very important people. The jobs I'm talking about are government jobs. This sector is experiencing tremendous growth and will continue to grow throughout the next presidential administration.

To find government jobs you can do several things. Here are a couple:

1. All States and Commonwealths have a website with all their important links and job openings. For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, you could check out the Official Pennsylvania Government job site to look for open positions.

2. If you're not tied down to a specific area, State, etc, check out USAJOBS to get listings for all types of jobs in a wide range of places.

Government jobs, don't just improve your resume, they allow you to work for the betterment of your nation and fellow citizens. They also pay well, come with great benefits, and most employees get all federal holidays off!

Take a minute to be patriotic and apply to a few government jobs today!

Extraneousn Post: Finding Opportunities

Where do you go when you want to get your science fix? Here are some suggestions:

Science News

Live Science

Cosmic Variance

Real Climate

Scientific Activist

Check these websites out and if you find things that interest you, think about how you can turn that into a career or think about job opportunities in those areas. In fact, try doing this whenever you read anything. Always look for opportunities and you will be better prepared to take advantage of them.

Entrepreneurship for Scientists

As a scientist, you are the pioneer taking man to new intellectual frontiers. Think about anything in the world and it was most likely a scientist who discovered it (or its basic functional principles) or invented it. The scientist, who dedicates his life to the expansion of knowledge and being reasonable in the face of populist ignorance, has become something of a zeitgeist (for more information on science as culture see www.SEEDmagazine.com or turn on the Colbert Report, which is frequented by guests from the sciences).

Science jobs are on the rise in the US and according to a study done by the National Science Foundation, science and engineering jobs have risen by 2.1 million in the last decade. But where are these jobs? Are Universities the largest employer of scientists?

The answer may surprise you: of all science and engineering degrees, only 9% work for Universities. Meanwhile, 59% work in the for-profit (corporate) setting and 13% work for the government. Only 44% of researchers with a PhD work in Universities.

Estimated corporate expenditures for 2007 were $219 billion, a 3.4% increase over the last year (according to the WSJ). Moreover, total R&D spending in the US was nearly $338 billion. This means that there is a significant demand for science and technology students that have the entrepreneurial drive to be a part of research and commercialization projects in the for-profit sector.

Think about advances in metamaterials, synthetic biology, and especially information technology. These industries owe a great deal of their advancements to for-profit, independent labs and governmental agencies that devote large amounts of budgetary spending to R&D.

Based on this, spend some time making a list of companies with R&D divisions that you might want to work for. Then, after you've made a list, polish your resume at the Career Center, and submit your application for an internship or entry-level position at one of them.

Confidence

Unfortunately, not all of us are born with limitless confidence and charisma. We all know that one girl or guy that seems perfect, exceedingly intelligent and breathtaking in appearance. Those perfect people are far and few between...and this post isn't for them. It's for everybody else who needs a confidence boost every now and then.

Building confidence is a matter of time and perseverance for most people. It is not like an on/off switch, it is a process of internal achievements and realizations. This may sound tough, but its actually not.

1. Enrich yourself by spending time pursuing what makes you happy. If your hobby is to build replicas of battleships, then become very good at building replicas of battleships. If your hobby is to learn about something, learn as much as you can about it. This will then become a source of confidence, because it is something you have excelled in. From there, you can think about other areas where you are confident: sports, humor, etc. List them all and you'll see you're pretty great!

2. Help your community by volunteering, recycling and reducing your consumption of resources, etc. These are great ways to feel like you are a part of something bigger and volunteering is a great way to make friends. Confidence springs from knowing that you are accepted and you serve a purpose.

3. Never be discouraged, no matter what happens. When times get tough, do something practical. Think about where you want to be in one year or five and then write a list of things you need to get there. Take on the list one item at a time. In this time of financial crisis, don't be afraid. Fear is the enemy of rational thought...and as a science & technology major, rationality is your bread and butter. Remember to think about things procedurally and objectively. This will keep you calm and collected even in the worst situations.

4. Fake it. When all else fails, pretend that you're confident by smiling, moving with ease, and keeping a cool posture. Sit in the front row. Wear clothes that make you feel powerful. Ask questions and listen intently to the answers, this is a big sign of conversational confidence. Eventually, your brain will catch up with your body.

Where are the best job listings posted?

If Craigslist.org is your quintessential job search tool, then you've got a long way to go. Don't get me wrong, Craisglist is a great resource, but most jobs never make it to craigslist.org, newspapers, or other postings. The best jobs are usually filled before they need to be published.

Now you're probably asking yourself, "If these jobs never get published, how can I apply to them?"

My reply is simple: Networking. Its a long-term investment, but it always has great returns.

It is in your best self-interest to join associations, organizations, etc and go to events where you will meet people in your industry. When you mingle, you can talk about your career interests and experiences.

Now, you may ask, "How do I start conversations with people?"

Just walk up and introduce yourself, this is a signal of your confidence. This is not dating, this is business. At these events, think with your wallet and have plenty of business cards. Ask questions and listen to the answer closely, because you may hear something that sounds like an opportunity. Even if you don't hear anything right away, keep at it. Always try to make at least one new connection at each event. The more connections you have, the more information (i.e. job openings) that crosses your inbox.

Even still, you may meet someone who is a nobody right now, but that person may move up to become a VP or C-level manager that can hire you or even create a position for you. The goal of networking in this context is to get a job. Stay focused on professional interests, make connections with as many people as possible, and form alliances with those people you think have potential.

Think about it this way: You have a position to fill. What do you do? Do you spend money advertising the job opening? Or do you offer it to someone you know who would be a great fit?

Your Passport to a Better Career

Studying abroad is becoming increasingly important in a modern world connected by faster planes, the internet, and increasing trade between nations. Studying abroad gives college students a chance to experience the world and participate in a culture that is often very different from their own. At Universities such as St Olaf, Dickinson and Colby, nearly 80% of students study outside the US at least one semester.

What Employers Want

But how do employers feel about a candidate who spent a semester or year living and learning overseas. According to recent studies, employers had a lot to say about students with an international education. A report by Robert Domingo, a Penn State research associate, shows that employers prefer to hire people that are not judgmental of other cultures and who take risks. According to a study by HR Global News, fluency in a foreign language, independence and problem-solving were all mentioned as important implications of studying abroad.

On your Resume

A study abroad experience on your resume can change your candidacy from average to outstanding. It is another way to stand taller than other candidates. Remember, a resume is a list of experienced used by potential employers to compare you to other applicants. What you have that others don’t will always make you more impressive. A degree over a non-degree, an international education over a single-nation education, volunteer and internship experience over retail; this is how the HR manager will sort through resumes: the haves and have-nots.

In an Interview

Also, in an interview, it is a great talking-point/conversation starter to break the ice and build rapport with the interviewer (especially if they studied abroad in their academic career). You can use the study abroad experience to show situations in which you learned from mistakes, managed time/finances, and developed your sense of self-awareness. If it took a great deal of discipline and motivation to find funding or get into a study abroad program, you can capitalize on your struggle in an interview to show your perseverance and willfulness, two very strong characteristics.

Another Job Fair and the New Internships Website

If you missed the Science & Technology Job Fair last month or you didn't get the responses you hoped for, don't panic! There will be another S&T Job Fair in March, 2009 that looks to be bigger and better than the last. There aren't many other details as of right now, but keep an eye on the blog for updates on details.

In other job-related news: the College of Science and Technology has put an internships page on their website! I know, the good news keeps on coming, right?

Take time to visit the website and check it often, because new internships are added all the time.

Incredible Internship Workshop Tonight!!

So, its the end of the Fall semester and you're starting to worry about finding an internship for the Summer break. Check out the "Landing a Summer Internship" workshop tonight December 3rd in Beury Hall room 160 from 5-6:30pm, facilitated by Dr Jackie Tanaka.

This is an essential event, because:

1. the workshop will showcase companies that are hiring right now
2. a vast majority of those who attended last year got great, paid internships
3. internships strengthen your candidacy for medical, pharmacy or graduate school
4. you will learn how to find and be the winning applicant for internships

So, take time to go to this critical event if you're planning on seeking an internship or research opportunity this summer!

After the Job Fair

The Science & Technology Job Fair was a great success! If you didn't get to go, here's a few things you missed.

Beginning at 8:30 representatives from Career Services lead a Last-Minute Resume Clinic to help attendees perfect their resumes before meeting employers. At 9:00 the breakout sessions started with talks about how to make the most of a job fair and an introduction to the workforce for career newbies.

At 11:00 the Job Fair started and it picked up quickly. With employers from many different industries such as: R&D, pharmaceuticals, IT, teaching, health care, and academia, this Job Fair drew in hundreds of Temple students and even a handful of students from other schools in the area. Throughout the Job Fair, workshops covered topics that would help attendees make the most of their time and efforts at the Job Fair, such as: making a good first impression, resume writing, tactics for tech professionals, and internship ideas. After the first set of workshops there was a Career Options and Opportunities Panel that included CST alumni and CST faculty and staff. Following the panel, the workshops resumed to conclude with discussions about job search tactics, interviewing skills, working in high-tech environments and volunteering opportunities.


After the Job Fair, now is not only the time for reviewing, but also looking forward to next year. Preparations for next year's Science & Technology Job Fair have already begun. Keep an eye on this blog for updates about updcoming events and more tips to help you get the job you want.

Imagine you're in an elevator...

What would you say if you were in an elevator with the CEO of the company you've dreamed of working at since you were a kid? You only have 30 seconds and you only have one chance to tell him why you're an outstanding candidate for a position in his company.

This 30 second introduction is called the Elevator Pitch. You're pitching yourself in the most cogent and succinct way possible. If you don't have an Elevator Pitch, you should, because you'll be introducing yourself to a lot of recruiters at the S&T Job Fair. Here are some things to consider to get you started:

1. State your name, major and year of expected graduation
2. Tell them your work, volunteer, research experience
3. Why you are a great candidate
4. Why you're interested in the company, position, industry

Example:
Hello my name is Joe B Senior, I'm a biochemistry major and I will graduate in Spring of 2009. I've been doing research in cellular structure with Dr Professor for 2 semesters. I am looking to continue doing research and I think that I could bring a solid background in laboratory research and I have highly developed problem-solving skills. I think I would fit in well with your company because I have a strong sense of ethics and I keep myself up to date on trends in cellular structure journals.

Remember to keep it short and don't use too much jargon. Use words that convey broad themes such as experience, laboratory, problem-solving. When you get the hang of this you're on your on your way to becoming an expert in marketing yourself and your ideas.

Check out this website and google "elevator pitch" to find out more.

What to wear to the Science & Technology Job Fair

So, you've registered for the S&T Job Fair but you don't know what to wear. Here's some info that may help you dress for the occasion.

Basics:
Khaki pants, neatly pressed, and a pressed long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt are safe for both men and women. Polo/golf shirts, unwrinkled, are an appropriate choice if you know the environment will be quite casual, outdoors or in a very hot location. This may not seem like terribly exciting attire, but you are not trying to stand out for your cutting edge look, but for your good judgment in a business environment.

Shoes / belt:
Wear a leather belt and leather shoes. Athletic shoes are inappropriate.

Cost / quality:
You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. However, do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job for a business casual environment or occasions.

Ties:
Ties are generally not necessary for business casual, but if you are in doubt, you can wear a tie. It never hurts to slightly overdress; by dressing nicely, you pay a compliment to your host. You can always wear the tie and discreetly walk by the room where the function is held; if no one else is wearing a tie, you can discreetly remove yours.

Pants / skirts:
Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.

Padfolios:
Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate, but if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.

The point is to look smart and groomed. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, but you do need to look organized and accomplished. Below are some examples of what to wear:

Recession-proof Yourself

During these difficult economic times, it helps to do three things when looking for a job:

1. Don't panic! Remember to breathe and be optimistic about your search, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will be your career. Panic is also an attribute of downtime, when you're being productive your much less likely to experience stress about your job search. Take this time to work on your resume or develop your interview skills.

2. Acquire new skills. While you're job searching, sign up to get certified in Microsoft Office or an industry-specific application you might need to know for work. These extras on your resume can also show that you acquire skills quickly and that you can think procedurally. If you don't want to learn a new software, take language classes (always a bonus in globalization) or get a certification in something that could complement your industry knowledge-base.

3. Volunteer in your community. Doing volunteer work for a cause you believe in is good for your spirits and gold on your resume. It is one of the best things you can do to show dedication, the merits of your character, and show that you keep yourself busy during downtime.

The underlying theme is to remain productive and focused on the end result: getting a great job because you are expertly qualified.

A Freshman's Resume

Below is a sample resume. Yours may not look exactly like it, but you can use this as a reference.You may also want to ask yourself: How do my experiences shape my resume?

Do you have volunteer experience? What does volunteer experience say about your character? Local volunteering opportunities can be found here.

What are your employable skills? What experiences and skills do you have that you could contribute to an organization? Whether its software skills, writing a blog, etc, you have a lot to offer a potential employer. If you don't think that you have much to offer, maybe you should look here and do a self assessment in Focus-2.

Are you a member of a professional organization? In a recent post, I explained the benefits and advantages of being in a professional organization. Reread the post here.

What are your relevant areas of interest? Areas of Interest show employers the breadth of your personality. They will help your potential employers think about how you connect things, as well.

HIRE A. FRESHMAN

Street Address • City, State Zip • (215) 204-XXXX • yourname@temple.edu

Education

Temple University, College of Science & Technology

Program of Study (or Major): Biochemistry, B.S. (or simply say "Undeclared")

Expected Graduation: Month 20XX GPA (if available): 1.23

Related Coursework

Course Name

Relevant class topics, assignment, experiment, lab report

Work Experience (include volunteering and internship experience)

Describe yourself and/or your experience in one sentence. If you need ideas, use themes and noteworthy examples from your admission essay.

Organization Name (City, State)

Position or Title (Month 20XX - present)

List projects or tasks: start your sentences with words that describe your actions and imply successful results (implemented, designed, increased, accomplished, contributed, conducted, supervised).

Employable Skills

Computer: Windows, Cadkey, Microsoft Word & Excel, HTML, Java

Languages: Fluent in German

Technical: Soldering, familiar with operation of lathes and milling machines

Teamwork: Leadership and cooperative abilities

Professional Membership, Committees, and Awards (include scholarships)

Secretary, Organization/Group name, Month 20XX - present

Member, Organization/Group name, Month 20XX - present

Dean's List, School name, Year

Third place, Forensics Speech League, Year

Semifinals Qualifier, USTA Traveling Team, Year

Areas of Interest

Healthcare, Technology, Chemistry

iTouch Fantastic!

The day after the USA chose her new President and direction, CST is pleased to announce that an iTouch will be raffled at the CST Science & Technology Job Fair!



This is only available to those who register on-line, so go here and sign up!

*Please note you must be present at the time of the drawing to be eligible to win.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Today is election day and there are two things you can do to make your voice heard. The first thing you can do is vote. The second thing is joining a professional organization and participating in your industry's discourse. Whether you're a CIS student or a chemistry student, there are student organizations on campus and professional organizations in Greater Philadelphia, that you can join. These groups will provide you with opportunities to talk and network with colleagues, learn from people in your chosen field, and, just as important, let you share your questions and comments. Never underestimate the great resource available in the form of talking to people in your line of work!

Those of you interested in food and research, may wish to check out this opportunity posted on the CST website and graduating seniors who are going into research may want to check out this international opportunity.

After you check out those opportunities, if you have questions about resumes and your career trajectory, contact careers.cst@temple.edu for help.


Note: Career Services is only available to Temple University students. Go Owls!

Interview Tips That Win

Here are some tips that can help you make the best impression during an interview:

The Handshake: It's your first encounter with the interviewer. She holds out her hand and receives a limp, damp hand in return -- not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be firm -- not bone-crushing -- and your hand should be dry and warm. Try running cold water on your hands when you first arrive at the interview site. Run warm water if your hands tend to be cold. The insides of your wrists are especially sensitive to temperature control.

Your Posture: Stand and sit erect. We're not talking ramrod posture, but show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring. Check yourself out in a mirror or on videotape.

Eye Contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. You don't want to stare at her like you're trying to look into her soul, but be sure to make sure your eyes meet frequently. Avoid constantly looking around the room while you are talking, because that can convey nervousness or a lack of confidence with what is being discussed.

Your Hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural, but keep it in moderation. Getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting. Also, avoid touching your mouth while talking. Watch yourself in a mirror while talking on the phone. Chances are you are probably using some of the same gestures in an interview.

Don't Fidget: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body.

If you need more help with interviews, resumes, and job searching, check out some of these upcoming events!

The Italian Job

Buongiorno da Philadelphia!

Check out this job posting that just landed in my e-mail:

The Sbarro Health Research Organization announces the 3rd annual summer research fellowship in Siena, Italy.

The fellowship is open to juniors and seniors who speak/read Italian and are interested in pursuing biology/oncology research projects at the University of Siena for six weeks this summer.
Fellowships include airfare, housing, and a living stipend.

Application deadline: January 15th, 2009 with a 500-1000 word essay on why you would like to be considered and what you would like to study during your stay.

Applications can be mailed to the address below:

Summer Research Fellowship
Sbarro Health Research Organization
BioLife Science Bldg. Suite 333
1900 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Or emailed to: president@shro.org Please put: ‘Summer Research Fellowship’ in the subject line.

More information available at www.shro.org

For more job opportunities, both domestic and abroad, check out OwlNetwork! After you find some jobs you want to apply to, head down to Career Services and get some help with the application process!

Job Fair Registration is OPEN!

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Science & Technology Job Fair
November 18, 2008 Howard Gittis Student Center, 11am-2p
Participating Employers Over 25 Companies Small and Large Local, national, multi-national 100+ job opportunities For undergraduate and graduate students Entry-level to experienced Industries Research Education Government Biomedical Technology Information Technology Pharmaceuticals Management & Consulting	More than a Job Fair Apply Full-time or part-time jobs Paid and volunteer internships Fellowships and assistantships Participate Roundtable discussions Panel presentations Career workshops Network Other students CST and Temple Alumni Industry representatives and recruiters CST faculty and career services staff
REGISTER TODAY AT www.temple.edu/cst/jobfair
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | TEMPLE UNIVERSITY | careers.cst@temple.edu

Today is the day to...

...Start thinking about your career!

What are you doing now? Where will you be in five years? How will you get there?

Start making a plan that works from what's going on in your life today. Think about the courses you will need to take to graduate on time and getting an internship. Research companies you would want to work for after you graduate.

After you've thought about these things, start setting goals. Examples-->

Goal #1: Work on my resume

Goal #2: Look on OwlNetwork for job openings

Goal #3: Take a workshop through Career Services

Do you see a pattern? Setting goals can turn into a step-by-step process of reaching long-term career success! But for now there is always something to be done when it comes to developing your career!

If you need help getting started, contact Career Services at careers.cst@temple.edu and we'll point you in the right direction.

End of October Events...So Helpful It's Scary

10/28 Workshop: Leadership is Everybody’s Business featuring Author Jim Kouzes (4:30pm Mitten Hall Great Court)

10/29 Mock Interview (9am, 2nd Floor Mitten Hall)

10/31 Workshop: Networking Your Way to a Job (2-3pm Career Center Conference Room)

10/31 Mock Interview (9am, 2nd Floor Mitten Hall)

Check details Below!

10/28 Workshop: Leadership is Everybody’s Business featuring Author Jim Kouzes (4:30pm Mitten Hall Great Court)

Award-winning and bestselling author, Jim Kouzes, has been investigating the practices of exemplary leadership for over twenty-five years. His, and coauthor Barry Posner's, extensive research has produced solid evidence, compelling case studies, and enduring insights on how exemplary leaders consistently get extraordinary things done in organizations. In his keynote on October 28, 2008 at Temple University Jim will present some of the enduring truths and sustainable lessons uncovered in his and Barry’s research.

What You Will Learn
As a result of participating in this program, you will learn:

• Why it is critical to our society that we develop student leaders now.
• The one fundamental that is the foundation of all leadership—something that has remained the same for that last 25 years and is not likely to change for the next 25 years.
• Why challenge is the opportunity for greatness.
• The glue that holds all leader and team relationships together.
• What it takes to become the best leader you can be, and why it isn’t talent.
• What's at the heart of all leadership.
• The secret to success in life – seriously.

Temple University LeaderShape Vision Showcase
Following Jim’s keynote address, he will be available for a book signing, and The Student Leadership Challenge will host a LeaderShape Vision Showcase, where 2008 LeaderShape graduates will share their visions for the future "in a world of possibility" created at the May LeaderShape Institute. This will enable students who attended the 2008 LeaderShape Institute to share their vision statements and build connections with the campus and surrounding community. Visions are big-picture ideas of what the student would like to see in the world. This event entire event includes the opportunity to mix and mingle with the LeaderShape graduates and the greater Temple community. Our hope is to connect students with faculty, staff and community members who can assist them in realizing their visions.

Jim Kouzes is the Dean's Executive Professor of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, and the coauthor with Barry Posner of a dozen leadership books, including the internationally acclaimed, The Leadership Challenge, now in it's 4th edition with over 1.5 million copies sold and available in sixteen languages.

10/29 Mock Interview (9am, 2nd Floor Mitten Hall)

Undergraduate and graduate students can participate in videotaped mock interview training to practice skills and receive feedback. Mock interviews are available by appointment; students can schedule an appointment by logging into their OWLNETWORK account; selecting jobs; and selecting Mock Interview.

Appointments are one hour in length and are available for graduate/professional school interviews as well as job interviews in business, industry, the not-for-profit sector, and education.

10/31 Workshop: Networking Your Way to a Job (2-3pm Career Center Conference Room)

80% OF JOBS ARE NEVER LISTED—that means they are found through personal connections and networking! While online job searches and newspaper want ads are important, they should only consume 20% of your job-seeking energy.

10/31 Mock Interview (9am, 2nd Floor Mitten Hall)

Undergraduate and graduate students can participate in videotaped mock interview training to practice skills and receive feedback. Mock interviews are available by appointment; students can schedule an appointment by logging into their OWLNETWORK account; selecting jobs; and selecting Mock Interview.

Appointments are one hour in length and are available for graduate/professional school interviews as well as job interviews in business, industry, the not-for-profit sector, and education.

For November events, check us out on the web!

Welcome to Career Services for the College of Science and Technology!

This blog and its feed will keep you up to date on workshops and events sponsored by CST Career Services and even some helpful hints to get you better prepared for your career, both during and after college.

Be sure to check our website and subscribe to our feed so you don't miss a thing!