Free Grad School Practice Tests on Saturday!!

Image courtesy of khunaspix / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of khunaspix / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you preparing to take an entrance exam for graduate school?  If so, Kaplan is offering free practice exams this Saturday, March 1st , at 10 am in the Baylor Science Building.  Sign up for a spot here.  They also offer signups for additional practice exams online at the same link.  Let us know if we can help with other grad school prep resources.

Graduate School Workshop Series Begins Next Week

BlogImage GradSchoolWkshpOverviewA high percentage of Baylor undergraduates indicate that they have plans to attend graduate school.  If you fit into this category, how much do you know about the process of applying to graduate school?  Career and Professional Development is excited to present a new, four-part workshop series on this topic.  Students can choose to attend as many or as few of the workshops as they would prefer.  Students of any classification who are interested in graduate study in humanities, social sciences, public health, education, theology, social work, life sciences, or physical sciences are encouraged to attend.  Below is a schedule of the workshops:

1.  Is Graduate School Right for Me and How Do I Choose a Program?

Tuesday, March 4th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Morrison 120

Speakers:  Emily Corntassel, Baylor Graduate School; Kat Evans, Career and Professional Development; Stephanie Peek, Doctoral Candidate in Religion; Emily Riley, Master’s Candidate in Higher Education & Student Affairs

  • Admissions criteria
  • How to select a program
  • Navigating online resources

2.  How Do I Pay for Graduate School?

Tuesday, March 18th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Morrison 100

Speaker:  Amine Qourzal, Student Financial Aid Office

  • Assessing financial costs
  • Loans
  • Making smart financial decisions

3.  How Do I Apply to Graduate School and What Makes a Strong Application?

Tuesday, March 25th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Morrison 120

Panel members: Dr. George Cobb, Chair of the Department of Environmental Science; Dr. Eva Doyle, Director of the MPH in Community Health Education; Dr. Julie Holcomb, Director of the MA in Museum Studies; Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, Director of the MA in American Studies, MIJ in International Journalism, and MA in Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media; and Dr. Melanie Nogalski, Program and Admissions Manager for the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core

  • Requesting letters of recommendation
  • Writing personal statements
  • Identifying prospective faculty research mentors

4.  How Do I Prepare for the GRE?

Tuesday, April 1st, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Morrison 120

Speakers: Karl Utz, Kaplan Elite Instructor; Christopher Bissex, Doctoral Candidate in Political Science; Megan Haggard, Doctoral Candidate in Psychology

  • Sections of the GRE
  • How to access sample questions and practice tests
  • GRE Prep Courses- pros and cons

Pre-Health Opportunities!

Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gaining valuable experience through internships is critical in just about every facet of the working world and no less in the competitive field of healthcare.  Did you know that applications for research and internship opportunities are due on March 1st for a variety of programs?  Click here to explore the options and apply.

Internship and Career Fair Tomorrow!

InternCareerFairTableTent ONEIt’s Career Fair Eve!  Time to iron your shirt, print off copies of your resume, and practice your handshake.  On Wednesday, February 19th, Career and Professional Development will be hosting the Internship and Career Fair from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center.  You can prepare by reviewing the list of employers who will be attending the fair.  Don’t forget to dress professionally.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Where the Jobs Are

Image courtesy of t0zz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of t0zz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

College is an amazing time in life.  You are learning so much about who you are as an individual as well as absorbing a vast expanse of knowledge in your chosen field of study.  Add to all that meaningful relationships and bonds you are forming as well as tons of lasting memories and we might wonder why we would ever want to leave!  Although entering the workforce can be a scary prospect, it is inevitable that one day (hopefully at the end of 4 years!) you will don your cap and gown and meet Judge Starr on the Ferrell Center stage to receive your diploma.  For some of you that day may seem far away, but it is closer than you think.  The truth is that there is never a time too early to begin planning for your career.

CNN.com has put together a list of the “Best Jobs in America“.  Feel free to click the link and explore.  I know I like looking through lists like these because I always learn something new.  Many times I see careers I have never even heard of before and also, I like that this list gives the big picture view of different careers.  It tells about multiple aspects of work that might help with decision-making like pros and cons, work tasks, pathways to the field and a “quality of life rating”.   This list offers a brief snapshot of careers and if you find a few that pique your interest, you might want to visit O*NET and Occupation Outlook Handbook for some more information.

However, did you know that many careers that will be trending in the near future haven’t even been created yet?  These lists are great to look at for ideas, but the job market changes so quickly that one way you can better your chances for careers we don’t even know about yet is focusing on developing transferable skills in college.  Dig deep in your course work and really think about what all you are learning.  Critical thinking?  Analysis?  Writing?  Communication?  Problem solving?  Team Work?  Seriously, take a minute and think about all your classes so far and name 2 or 3 skills you have developed in each.  You may notice skill crossover!  Then, think about which skills you like the most and are most natural for you.  Those skill sets may help you as you explore career opportunities that fit you best and may allow you to transition in the future if a new job is created that seems to fit you really well.

Also, don’t forget that we are here to help you navigate your journey!  Feel free to make an appointment with Career and Professional Development for personalized assistance.

 

Using LinkedIn to Identify Volunteer Opportunities

Post by Mandi Canuteson

VolunteerAlthough classes just started up again, summer will be approaching before you know it. What better way to spend your summer than gaining valuable experience in the world of work? Our Internship and Career Fair is coming up on February 19th and would be a perfect way to secure a spot for the summer. However, if you aren’t able to find an internship or summer job that meets your career interests, volunteering could be your next best bet. LinkedIn has launched a new microsite just for this:  the Volunteer Marketplace!  From the site, you can search volunteer opportunities at businesses and non-profits world-wide.  Check them out at http://volunteer.linkedin.com/!

What About Internships?

Have you ever wondered why you should get an internship?  Check out this infographic from internships.com.

internship1

 

Did you know that Baylor provides students specific internship focused guidance?

internship2

Heather Wheeler is our Assistant Director of Internships in Career and Professional Development and she wants to help you find the internship that will help you to be most successful in your career quest!

Here’s a video she put together telling about what she does and here is some information she wants you to know:

Students who completed an internship have been shown to:

1)      Get job offers sooner

2)      Get more job offers

3)      Get higher starting salaries (courtesy of NACE’s 2011 Student Survey Report)

Contact Heather Wheeler, Assistant Director of Internships, at Heather_R_Wheeler@baylor.edu to get started with your search today!

Improve Your Interviewing Skills with a Mock Interview

Interview3The Internship & Career Fair is coming up soon, and many of you will be searching for an internship or full-time employment.  In case your conversations at the fair lead to an interview, make sure you are well-prepared to make a stellar impression.  One of the best ways to do this is by participating in a mock interview.  This is an opportunity to practice with an actual interviewer who will provide you feedback at the conclusion of the interview.  You can sign up for this opportunity in Hire a Bear.  If the available interview times do not work with your schedule, you can always practice independently using InterviewStream.  Best wishes in your job search!