Tag Archives: Jobs

I Love This Place

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By Courtney Roberts

Walking around campus these past few weeks, I’ve been stopping more than usual -stopping to take it all in, talk to passing friends and enjoy the warmer weather. I’m becoming quite sappy. When I think about everything that has happened during my Baylor years, I’m caught up in a wave of emotion. I feel happy, blessed, thankful, proud and overjoyed at the friends and memories I’ve made. I always seem to think, “I love this place!”

These past two weeks have been especially wonderful. As school winds down, I’ve gotten to spend more time with friends, wander through Cameron Park and goof off more than usual. I celebrated my 22nd birthday, went to numerous end of the year parties and attended my last class ever. It’s going by much faster than I thought, and I’ve found myself taking quick pictures of things on campus in a bout of nostalgia. If I could take a picture of the Pat Neff bells playing “That Good Old Baylor Line” one last time, I would!

It’s funny to look back at where I was four years ago, experiencing major senioritis as I was about to graduate high school and not giving much thought to what my life would look like at Baylor. To be honest, I almost didn’t go to Baylor. I was torn between the University of Oklahoma and Baylor, and I didn’t make a decision until April 30, a.k.a the day before I had to make a decision. I was definitely throwing caution to the wind.

But, I’m glad I didn’t have many expectations going in. Baylor blew me away. I was amazed at how easy the transition to Baylor was, and I frequently called my mom to tell her about all the things I was doing and how I was never coming home. Before long, I had a big group of friends that I hung out with most of my waking hours. We did all kinds of shenanigans together, from sneakily climbing into Pat Neff’s bell tower in the middle of the day to hanging a 15-foot-long balloon arch between the outside of our friends’ windows at Penland. Eventually, I buckled down and learned how to study, but that is a different story.

To make a long story short, there is no way to succinctly tell you what an impact Baylor has made on my life. I’ve made friends and memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime, and I know so many of my peers will tell you the same. It’s been a crazy adventure, and I’m confident that this is just the beginning!

Below are a few pictures of my favorite Baylor memories.

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Celebrating my birthday with some friends from church!

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Kappa Alpha Theta’s member class of 2011. These four years have been such a blast with them!

 

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By far one of my favorite Baylor memories was getting to study abroad in Florence, Italy, with the Baylor journalism department. You can read about it here!

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After graduation, I will be working in the Texas Capitol as a legislative aid for a state representative. I’m thrilled to be working in such a fun place. I have no clue what life will look like in this next season, but God has provided so much already. Finding this job and finding a place to live in Austin just seemed to fall into my lap. I consider myself abundantly blessed when I look at all that has happened this year, let alone these last four years. But, I know that I’ll be back for football games in the new McLane Stadium, and I’ll make it a point to stop by campus when I pass through Waco.

I love this place, but “the old has gone, and the new is here!” So goodbye, Waco. Hello, Austin!

Building Your Future

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By Avery Jackson

One really cool thing about being in college (and specifically Baylor) is that you learn how to be prepared for the job search when you graduate. I still have one more year of school, but I have already built my online portfolio in addition to two different printed versions. A portfolio is something you put together that shows your graphic design skills, your writing skills, photography work and YouTube videos you have created, no matter if it was for work or for fun. You can also show what you did for a summer internships or other jobs to give a potential boss an idea of what you can do. You package this up with your resume and cover letter, as well as letters of recommendation, and take it with you to a job interview.

In two of my classes this semester, this was my final exam. Both classes were simply there to help me build up my portfolio and learn how to put it together. I have already gotten a summer internship in Valparaiso, Indiana, with Kids Alive International as a communications/marketing intern, and it is a full-time paid position! I was able to send them to my online site to see some of my skills in writing and design, and it impressed them enough to hire me as their first intern!

Once you start at Baylor, a majority of your classes will have projects or papers you can include in your own professional portfolio, and who know, you might just land your dream job because of a project you did in your first couple years in school!

Check out some of the pages of my portfolio!

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To Work or Not to Work?

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By Brooks Goodwin

A big decision I had coming into Baylor was choosing whether or not to work while I was in school. I qualified for work-study and could have definitely used the extra money to put towards paying for tuition, room, books, etc. However, I ultimately decided to wait on getting a job during my freshman year and focus solely on my classwork. This worked well for me, and I had a successful first year in college. But, at the end of the year, I decided that I would make the change and get a job during my sophomore year.

I kept looking at the student employment job listings over the summer before my sophomore year and found one position that sounded like something I would like to do. The Baylor Admissions office had an opening for a data processor. Basically, I would deal with processing the transcripts from high school students who were applying for admission. I applied, got an interview, and ended up getting the job! I started the first week of classes and worked nine hours per week, which was very manageable. After working for a while, I found that I became a lot better at prioritizing things and staying on top of my schoolwork. Knowing that I had work made me take advantage of free time I had earlier in the week to get things done that weren’t necessarily due right away. This prevented me from scrambling to finish them the night before, after I finished work.

This semester, I have even added an extra shift at work and feel confident that I will still be able to manage my time well. If you are thinking about working during the school year but are not sure how you will handle it, let me tell you that it is very possible. You might want to take a semester or two like I did to adjust to college and see what your workload will be, but don’t let the fear of having too much schoolwork keep you from getting a job if you want or need one. You will be more than capable of handling it and find that your time-management skills will improve greatly!

In conclusion, I would highly recommend trying to find an on-campus job if you are thinking about working during your time here. If you qualify for work-study, you get first priority when it comes to these jobs. Even if you don’t qualify, there are usually spots left over. You can find more info about all of that on Baylor’s student employment website. Working an on-campus job is great, because the hours you can work are limited, which leaves you with plenty of time for studying or socializing while also providing you with a steady paycheck. This might be a little more difficult if you were to look for a retail or restaurant job, even if the pay might be a little more. Just a friendly tip!

Meeting Future Bears

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By Mary Margaret Hambuchen

I love meeting prospective Baylor students. Watching their eyes light up as we wander through Founder’s Mall and as they meet Judge Baylor for the first time makes me happier than coffee or chocolate (which is a big deal if you know me). Listening to a mother tell me with tears in her eyes that she has never felt as peaceful about her student growing up and moving off to college as she has on Baylor’s campus makes sunshine beam right out of my face. There is simply nothing better.

I have been working at Campus Visits as a tour guide for almost a year. Growing up, I was always the kid who loved being a leader more than a participant and would spend more time figuring out how to explain the activity to someone else than doing it myself. So when my mom suggested I apply for a job as a campus tour guide, I knew without a doubt it would be right up my alley.

From walking families around campus to explaining the hundreds of student organizations on campus to convincing students that community bathrooms aren’t all that bad (because they aren’t…trust me, I used one all freshman year), my job is the best one on Baylor’s campus.

Several months ago, I was walking with a senior in high school down Fifth Street when she stopped suddenly and said, “I finally figured it out. My visit today has been awesome because no one has tried to “sell” Baylor to me. You guys simply share with us your love for this place and let the campus do the rest.” She couldn’t have said it any better.

Baylor is impressive on its own. Simply wandering around for an hour or two will convince students of that. My job, in its core, is to share my heart for the awesome work being done here and to show my gratitude for the person Baylor has helped me become. The joy that I feel deep in my heart when talking about the hundreds of blessings I have received while enrolled at Baylor only makes me more and more thankful for the opportunities I have here. From studying with friends in the Baylor Sciences Building to grabbing a bite to eat in the Student Union Building to introducing this awesome place to prospective students—these things have all allowed me to call Baylor my home. And, when you visit Baylor, I hope to help you feel the same.

If you ever want to drop by campus, come find me in the Weithorn Visitors Center. One talk with me and you will doing Sic ‘Ems in your sleep. I guarantee it.

Finding the Perfect Job

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By Courtney Roberts

“So what are you doing after graduation?”

That dreaded question. Now that I’m in my last semester at Baylor, this seems to be the burning question for every senior. To be honest, I still don’t know. I have applied for a few public relations jobs in Dallas and Washington, D.C., but I haven’t heard much back yet. I’ve reached out to old supervisors, networking contacts and friends who might know of any potential jobs, but it’s terrifying! No one likes rejection. And, I know I’ll probably get rejected plenty of times before I land my first job.

Thankfully, Baylor has great career resources. This week, I made a stop in to Career & Professional Development to get my resume reviewed and to get some advice on where to find viable jobs. Baylor has a website called Hire-A-Bear that lists hundreds of companies looking to hire Baylor grads. You can search by city, company, major, etc. It also includes links to other job search sites that are great resources.

Career & Professional Development (CPD) also holds mock interviews and provides us with tons of interviewing tips. They also have booklets on writing resumes and cover letters. It’s a lifesaver. Now instead of running to my roommates’ rooms at midnight to have them proofread my emails and cover letters, I can keep meeting with Kat at CPD to help me increase my chances of getting the job.

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When I get anxious, I remember that God is in control, and it will all work out. I like to tell myself that I’m smart, accomplished and have something of value to offer potential employers. Don’t give up, friends!

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

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By Parmida Schahhosseini

Never have I been more excited to begin a new semester. It’s not because it’s my last semester of college, but because it’s a chance to start fresh. Last semester, as much as it pushed me, was overwhelming. I worked for more than 40 hours a week while taking 18 hours of class (most of them junior/senior level classes at that) in addition to serving in three leadership positions.

As I began applying for jobs and preparing for graduation, I realized that I needed to lighten my load and enjoy life. It’s not that I wasn’t enjoying life last semester; I just didn’t have time to take anything in. Everything felt rushed, and while it was exhilarating and pushed me to greater limits, I realized that I was too consumed in my work. I had teachers telling me to get a social life. Yes, it was that bad. I did quit one of my jobs (one of three) and while I miss it, I’ve felt more relieved than ever. I miss the job, but not the long hours.

However, through it all I became stronger. I’ve learned more about myself last semester than I had during my previous existence. Despite the circumstances, my GPA didn’t suffer, and I have great job interview material to work with. The point of this story is not to brag about myself, but to remind you all not to get discouraged during the tough stretches of college. Yes, it will be stressful and sometimes you may have to sacrifice things, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that there is nothing that God puts before you that you and God cannot handle. Many people ask me how I survived last semester, and it all goes back to God. I will brag about God because He continues to test us to make us well-rounded individuals. While this semester may present challenges, I will always remember how I came out stronger after my previous challenge. These experiences happen to teach us more about life, ourselves and God.

This semester as I focus on the job hunt, there will be different things I have to deal with such as rejection or having to make choices between multiple offers (if that were to happen). It may require me to take a leap of faith and have faith that the Lord has great plans for me. While it’s exciting, it’s stressful because I don’t want to be unemployed, living with my parents. The thought of unemployment has crossed my mind, but I just to remember that God will deliver us. He only wants the best for us.

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Goodbye Baylor, Hello World

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By Valonia Walker

December graduation is approaching quickly. Originally, I had planned on graduating in May, but I found out I could graduate a semester early! So now, I am super excited and anxious.

Being told you can graduate a month and a half before graduation is actually very scary. But, it was definitely a blessing. After finding out this news, I scrambled to create the best looking resume, online portfolio and LinkedIn account. With the support of my parents, professors and peers, I started to feel calmer about what was to come next.

I applied for about 30-40 jobs and internships in the Houston area where I want to live, and it seemed to be the only thing I did on the weekends and in my free time. I even gave up opportunities to hang out with my friends because REAL LIFE was happening, and it was happening fast.

After weeks of filling out job applications, I finally started to hear back from places I applied to. I ended up accepting a paid public relations internship back home in a school district. I am excited about all of the learning opportunities I will have and the items I will be able to add to my portfolio.

If you ever miraculously get the opportunity to graduate early by surprise like I am, here are some things to remember:

  • Do not become overwhelmed.
  • Visit the Career Center in the Sid Richardson Building – they have great resources.
  • Start researching jobs and companies you would want to work for.
  • Talk to your professors – they might have connections to past students who can help you land an awesome job.
  • Remember you do not have to take the first job you are offered.
  • It is going to work out! Just have faith.

Serving the Community

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By Valonia Walker

I have the awesome opportunity to work where I live. For a year and a half now, I have been a Community Leader­ here at Baylor. Other schools would call me a Residential Assistant, but Community Leader sounds so much better!  When you come into Baylor as a freshman or transfer student your Community Leader (CL) is one of the first people you will meet.

Campus Living & Learning’s definition of a CL is, “a person who serves students in one of Baylor’s residential communities by exemplifying and implementing the policies and values of Campus Living & Learning. The CL provides leadership by fostering community and cultivating relationships, mentoring residents, and facilitating learning through efforts that integrate aspects of diversity, faith development, academics and relationships.”

I have always been very passionate about building relationships with people, and that is the reason I became a Community Leader. College is the best time to meet new people and create meaningful relationships. Since I have been at Baylor, I have had two other work-study jobs, and I think this is by far the best position to have at Baylor.

Even with a full school schedule, I still make time to hang out with my residents. Whether it is having lunch at one of the dining halls or watching The Walking Dead with a few residents on Sundays. Being a CL is much more than “leading the community.” It is being available to your residents when they need you, even if it is 2 a.m. when they are locked out of their bedrooms or 10 p.m. when they want to come over to your apartment to study. Being a community leader has helped me in so many ways. It has helped me grow as a leader, given me practice working with a large staff, forced me to manage my time and allowed me be more intentional with my relationships.  All of which are very important in college and in life.

Becoming a CL is probably one of the best opportunities that I have had at Baylor, and I have had some of the best residents. I am sad that this will be my last semester as a CL, but my position has taught me many things that I can take into the real world. And, I am grateful for that.

 

So You Don’t Have a Job…Yet!

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By TJ Partida

Well, I don’t have one…and I’m graduating in a couple of months! Originally, I had been planning on staying for the academic year, but I decided it would be best just to graduate in December and use the spring to figure myself out. I’m really hoping to become an admissions counselor for Baylor, which happens through the human resources portion of Baylor’s website. Unfortunately hiring for Admissions doesn’t happen till mid-spring…so I’ve got some time.

I just want to list a few things to help you out, even if you are a prospective student! Not being employed is nothing to freak out about. While we all want to achieve success in the job hunt, it’s not always easy to get a job. Fortunately, Baylor has some resources to help you out and get you ready for the real world.

  1. Join an organization. We have more than 190 organizations to choose from, so get involved ASAP! You can go Greek like I mentioned in one of my past posts or maybe run for an office in Student Government. There are tons of options like the Driving Club, Hispanic Student Association or even a martial arts club. Make sure to start by going to Late Night, which is the first Friday night of every school year. After you join an organization, take up responsibilities you think can get you ready for the real world.
  2. Get a job. Now, I’m talking about something part time that you can manage with your schoolwork. I currently work two jobs, one off-campus and one on-campus, which I don’t recommend to students with harder majors than mine. Showing recruiters that you have work experience is going to give you a better chance at positions, even if it is just waiting tables or working a front desk. On our website, there are a bunch of postings for on-campus positions as well.
  3. Write a resume. The sooner you write one the better! Try to avoid including high school stuff unless you held a job for at least a year before coming to college. Try to keep it to one page; most employers won’t look at it if it’s longer. This is your opportunity to categorize everything important you’ve done to get you ready for the workforce. Take advantage of the Office of Career and Professional Development, who can help set up mock interviews and resume-writing information sessions!
  4. Make a website. For journalism students, creating an online portfolio is mandatory, but I think it’s one of the most creative ways to showcase work you’ve done or just a little about you. You can include links to social media and your resume, post pictures and videos and even add a contact box so employers can shoot you a quick email! Here’s my website just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about.

These are just a few things you can do while as undergrad or as a high school student. By starting early and keeping with the end in mind, you will set yourself apart from everyone else! I love helping friends out, so if you have any questions, definitely let me know. Have a great week guys!

Going Greek (by Kristen Ritch)

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I kicked off my spring semester a week early with Panhellenic recruitment, allowing me to join my wonderful new sisters as a member of my sorority. For those student and parents who are worried about the Greek process, put your minds at ease:

  1. Recruitment, or “rush,” happens in the spring at Baylor, allowing students to make friends outside of Greek life and to be able to make an informed decision as to which sorority or fraternity to join after a semester.
  2. There is no Greek housing at Baylor. This lets students make friends in the residence halls and room with people outside of their Greek organization.
  3. Philanthropy is a huge component of Greek life. We donate thousands of dollars and volunteer hours each year to our individual philanthropies.
  4. It looks fantastic on resumes. Since being in a sorority is such a huge time commitment, employers will know that you were able to handle the time obligations while maintaining a good GPA, as all Greek organizations have a minimum GPA requirement and have the highest average GPA of any group on campus.
  5. There is a strict no hazing policy at Baylor, so the horror stories you hear about are not going to happen to Baylor students.
  6. Also, it’s important not to listen to stereotypes of sororities or fraternities, because each one has something to offer and the Lord will place you wherever you need to be. It’s based on personalities and a good fit as well as merit.
  7. If you are worried about the financial obligations, there are scholarships available for each sorority and from Panhellenic; and I’m sure it is the same way for fraternities and the IFC (Interfraternity Counsel).
  8. Becoming a Greek gives you the ability to participate in All-University Sing, which was explained last week, and in the annual Homecoming parade—the oldest one in the nation! There are plenty of other organizations that participate in Sing and Parade that aren’t Greek, though.
  9. Despite Greek life being a huge time commitment, leaders understand that grades should be first, and are sympathetic if you cannot attend an event for school, work, or family reasons. This means that you are able to maintain a good balance.
  10. Going Greek isn’t for everyone. By the time the first semester is winding down, most people have a good idea as to whether or not they wish to be in a sorority or fraternity.

I can’t wait to see all of you new Baylor freshman on campus next year!

Sic ’em!