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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

Once again Careerzing interviews Andrew Horner now that he has completed his third academic year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.  Since our last visit, AT&T curtailed their co-op program due to the economic downturn.  Andrew worked with Georgia Tech’s co-op advisors – ranked the best in the country year after year – to help him get set up for the second leg of his co-op program - this time with Enercon in Atlanta.   This update with Andrew took place July 3, 2009.

Describe what you have been doing this summer?

I have been working in a co-op assignment for Enercon, a company that designs the structures and equipment required for nuclear power plants.

I am assigned to the civil engineering group, which is responsible for all structural design, drainage and transportation planning, and coolant pipe systems, among other things, for the company’s clients. I have been working on hand-drafting pipes, reinforcement walls and reinforced concrete. I have also been learning and working with basic functions in the computer program GTSTRUDL, which performs structural calculations. I have updated structural calculation reports, which are used to qualify structural designs for emergency and seismic loads in a nuclear plant.

How has your work helped you solidify your career interests?

My work has been focused on structural engineering, which is what I hope to specialize in during school for my career. The work that I have been doing has linked very directly to the schoolwork that I have done this year, as well as the classes that I will be taking in the fall semester in structures and fluids. This is very exciting to me, and the fact that I am enjoying my summer work so much encourages me that I am making good career decisions.

Now that you are almost done with two co-op segments (another one to go), what is your opinion on co-op programs and their impact on your overall education?

The co-op program is a valuable tool to enhance a college education, especially for engineering majors, because it provides practical and productive experience in a specific major that often directly relates to college classes. In effect, a good co-op experience will reinforce classes already taken and give advanced preparation for classes that will be taken in the future. Employers also intend co-op assignments to be a precursor for permanent employment with them, guaranteeing a job after graduation. It also serves as a great professional reference, so even if the student cannot take the job, they will find their resumes much more attractive to other employers, a valuable advantage in this tough economy.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews
bio-medical-3
Careerzing has had many questions about the new field of Biotechnology. Here are a few websites to help you explore this exciting and varied field. Biotech Resource Web Sites Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative – colleges and co...
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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

Careerzing interviewed Robbie Kleinberg – a music major from Indiana University who participated in some great programs and activities over the summer to explore and fine tune his career interests.

Robbie-musicmajorfindsinspirationWhere do you attend school? When did you start and what is your major?

I attend school at Indiana University and I am currently studying music education. I recently completed my freshman year.

What made you decide to study music? And, why did you choose the education aspect of the music field?

I first became interested in music when I picked up my first brass instrument in 6th grade and played in band at Omni Middle School. I got a great education from my middle school band director and was encouraged when I was accepted into the all-state band in 7th and 8th grade.

As I continued into high school, I realized how much of an impact my middle school director had on me. In high school it was a time of self-motivation and discovery. I became more interested in classical literature and playing my horn. It wasn't until my junior year when I received great accolades at a state solo competition from one of the top euphonium players in the world that I realized that this was what gave me the greatest joy.

Although I loved to play, a director at a local college began to inspire me to teach as I became more involved in his ensembles and summer camps. I said to myself, "I want to be in his shoes when I am his age." He already had made such a great impact on my life that I thought that I could do the same for a young person when I am a teacher.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

AboutUsCarolBy Carol Horner

Students who enter college have one goal in mind – well aside from partying, they want to get through the vast amount of credits needed to graduate and get on with life. It’s understandable that students want to get to the other side of what feels like endless studying. The classroom is an ideal way to get a foundation of knowledge, but add practical work experience and you accomplish two things: knowledge that you can’t get from a lecture or book; and an opportunity to “test drive” a career. In other words you are able to evaluate how you fit into the environment and decide if it’s the place you want to spend what might be a lifetime in a career.

So maybe you’re still in high school and wonder how to get work related to your career of interest so early. Often the big scare for students is that no employer wants to hire someone without experience. This is a reasonable fear but it doesn’t have to stop you from looking for an employer who is willing to welcome a new comer. As long as you bring with you a great attitude and willingness to learn even you can offer value as a newbie.

First of all, you may ask “When is a good time to get work in my field of interest”? Your summer breaks during high school are a good time to start. Breaks from college are the ideal. Corporations, universities and small businesses know they have a gold mine of students ready to find employment and often open up summer positions specifically for kids on break. They set aside tasks ideal for learning and doing at an entry level. This is a fertile place to not only get experience at doing tasks in the field, but it’s a great time to watch and learn what others at higher levels do. Employers do not expect students to carry out complex tasks or take on big responsibility. It’s common for them to pair you with someone who will teach you and demonstrate how things are done. Take advantage of being in this learning mode. Once you get out of college with the big degree, the expectations will be much higher.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

AboutUsCarolBy Carol Horner

My son graduated from Spanish River last year in the top 10 of his class with amazing SAT scores and academic awards. Yet he asked the same burning question all high school seniors ponder – “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” It is hard to believe that he spent four years at what colleges view as one of Florida’s best schools, had the benefit of skilled guidance counselors and faculty but still felt that free-floating sensation well known to his classmates of not knowing his direction after saying goodbye to his high school days.

findyourdirection-mapCan you relate? All our lives we ask, and are asked by others: “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Why is it so hard to answer and why is there a sense of panic at high school graduation and – even more frightening – after beginning the college journey?

The answer may be that as much as you would like help, this is a decision you must make. It was nice, in high school, not having to think seriously about the future, but now something that seemed so far off is suddenly upon you and weighing heavily. As daunting as this feels, this doesn’t have to be difficult if taken in steps.

Start As Soon As Possible: If you’re a high school senior or a college freshman, now is the time to discover your career interests. If you’re in middle school, now is the time to think about it too. It’s never too early to get in gear.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

AboutUsCarolBy Carol Horner

Feeling pressured to pick a college major? Even in high school, you’re likely feeling the push to find your destiny. It’s tough to do that when you are still discovering so much about yourself and the world around you. You may not be close to making a decision but, believe it or not, you can begin preparing yourself for getting into college and your career beyond even without knowing what road you’ll take.

Now is the time to develop transferable skills – these are skills that you will apply in every job you do. Every potential college admissions officer or employer will look for you to have these abilities. These skills will help you land that first job and continue to serve you well through your career. Here’s a list of what I consider to be the most critical transferable skills:

Be a Good Communicator: Even though we think of speaking abilities when we see the word “communication”, don’t forget writing and listening are essential elements too. No matter what the nature of your future job, you will always need to interact with people. Even those who sit behind a computer all day must communicate effectively. Your ability to convey a concise message, make eye contact, be an attentive listener and connect in a positive way with everyone you encounter will ensure your ultimate success. You can do this now: Take a public speaking class, take a writing assignment on your school newspaper, take an office in a club where you have to get up and address an audience, ask for feedback when you are talking with friends or family – ask them to give you their opinions about the effectiveness of your speaking and listening skills. Observe others who excel in communicating and read, read, read!

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews
career-optionsWhat is your current career and how long have you been working in it?

I'm currently working in finance at a small hedge fund of funds in New York City. I've held this position for one year. I wear a number of hats in my current role- assisting with operations, investor relations, and managing due diligence. Previously I worked as an equity research analyst at an investment bank.

How long have you worked in the financial field in total?

In total, I've spent about two years+ in the financial field. Prior to working as an equity research analyst, I spent a summer at the same company as an intern. This allowed me to gain exposure to the day-to-day roles/projects assumed by an equity research analyst.

What type of education and training did you obtain to do your current job?

As an undergraduate, I majored in economics. While my coursework in economics undoubtedly provided me with a framework by which to understand the hedge fund of funds industry, my previous on-the-job training (summer internship/role as an equity research analyst) helped me obtain my current role. My previous job gave me first-hand exposure to understanding the ins and outs of how financial markets work, along with the different roles within the financial sphere, and how I fit into the sphere. I learned how to effectively use Excel (probably the most common application used on Wall Street) to compile and analyze data. I learned how to write concisely and integrate financial nomenclature appropriately into my daily emails and reports.

What career are you transitioning to?

I'm transitioning into teaching, specifically high school math. I have been accepted to an alternative teacher certification program, which combines student teaching and graduate level education classes to prepare participants to teach on their own in a year's time.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

Cooperative Education and Internships

by J. Benton Howie

AboutUsBentonI want to preface this article by officially stating....I am a huge, seriously over-the-top, fan of pre-degree work experience.  This is my view, based on nearly forty years working with people entering a wide variety of professional, administrative and technical fields..and directing the recruiting of thousands of prospective employees for a number of domestic and international companies. 

Now that I have gotten that out of the way, as much as I tried to make this a short article, this is a big topic with lots of variables.  So, I hereby offer it in small bites. 

Cooperative Education and Internships...

  • What are they?  How are they similar..and how are they different?  

  • Why can they be beneficial?  Why should students consider participating in these programs..even if it might stretch out their graduation dates?  

  • What students should look for when evaluating prospective colleges and universities relative to their ability to offer cooperative education and internship programs?  

  • What students should expect from these programs? 

  • What should students do to get the most out of their internship and coop experiences?

Cooperative Education Programs...exactly what are they, and how do they work?

The important word here is "programs" not just assignments.  The best Cooperative Education Programs are formal programs managed and administered by the Universities. There are dedicated departments to administer the Coop Programs for the Universities or Colleges.  Some universities have multiple Coop Departments to support different Colleges within the universities...i.e. Engineering, Computer Science, Business/Finance, Medical..and in some cases Graduate Programs.   

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews

AboutUsCarolBy Carol Horner

On a recent visit, my husband’s college friend updated us on the latest of his ongoing successful career as an urban planner. I was always intrigued by his profession. It brings to mind the fun I’ve had with those computer games where you can build and plan your own community with playgrounds, schools and businesses – kind of like making your own make-believe world.

I asked him what he enjoyed about his work. He began to describe his office and the people he worked with. He told us about his schedule and the proximity of his office to his home complete with the big-city commute. Without my prompting, he went into an insightful body of advice on how important it is to determine what kind of environment you wish to work in before you make a final decision on your occupation. He asked: do you want to work in a corporate setting complete with hierarchies and procedures? Do you want to be in a small office setting where people are relaxed and operate with little structure? Do you want to travel, meeting new people every day?

His reflection reminded me of how important it is to define this for yourself as you identify what you want to do for a living. It also reminded me of how I made my own serious mistake in this arena.

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Posted by in Articles & Interviews
whynetwork
Questions for a professional in your field of interest How did you become interested in the field? What do you do on a typical day? How did you prepare for your career? What do you like best about your job? What do you dislik...
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