Week 2
Topic 2:
This topic will cover 3 subjects; coverletters, resumes, and the modern job search.
Mentoring Topic:
Students will gather more insight into the scope of searching for employment in the modern age by utilizing school resources.
Activity to be Assigned:
Provide a link to your dream job or graduate program. Create and post your best coverletter ideas for that posting. Grad School or Job:Review the Career Services website and what is offered there to help students (note links for Undergraduate Students and Non-Traditional Knights)OR Review information on UCF Plan for Graduate School share your experiences (if any) with the process of grad school application (or even entertaining the thought of grad school).
Talking Points:
• What should you include/exclude in a cover letter?
• Is sending a coverletter via email enough?
• When do you call, email, stop-in, or stalk (just kidding) for an interview?
• What are some ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
• How do you conduct a job search (or graduate school search) in our modern climate of internet and email?
• What have you done or are you doing for your search? What do you need to do?
• What tools can you use, or have you used, to help in your search? (Think outside of the box, beyond Monster.com)
• Were there any resources at the UCF Career Services website that could help you prepare? How helpful did you find their site?
• How is your search different from your non-interdisciplinary peers?Share your experiences (if any) with the process of grad school application (or even entertaining the thought of grad school).
328 W Montrose St
ReplyDeleteClermont, Florida 34711
H-352-243-3977
February 14, 2012
Disney-MGM Studios
Personnel Manager
P.O. Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in a professional position or internship in one of the art departments at Walt Disney World Florida. I have been working in and around Disney for many years working with various contractors from on stage portrait artist to mold making and character design.
I have recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies that included engineering and studio art. I am well versed in and have won awards for fine art pastels and vehicle airbrushing. I am also comfortable working with computer programs such as Photoshop and Corel Draw. I have won awards for my realistic wildlife murals and I am extremely adept at conveying 2D artwork into three-dimensional sculpture.
I would very much like to speak to someone regarding artistic opportunities in any of the theme parks or departments. I know my talents would an asset to your great Corporation.
Sincerely,
Brian Keith Myers
I went to the career services site here at UCF and found several tools for helping to write cover letters and resumes including samples of each. I was not necessarily impressed with the tools for non-traditional knights. I don’t think that part of the site is completed, especially for returning knights. I did find that you should leave out your job history, your education history like your GPA although I think one site said to include it. I don’t think it’s a good idea. In the Disney job search I did, there was no email address to send resumes to. They want them in letter format. I think though I would follow up with a phone conversation but I don’t think I would stop in without an appointment. I think my interdisciplinarity can be highlighted by my career history. I read that almost 80% of all jobs are found through networking not through traditional job sites or ads. Even Craig’s list has a large, well subdivided job search. Our interdisciplinarity allows us to widen our scope of job possibilities versus our traditional peers who will be looking in a much narrower market.
Good job Brian on finding critical information about the resources UCF has to offer and how they can benefit you best on a personal level. I wasn't surprised at the statistic you found about job placement. Because in reality, networking is not only how you get your foot in the door but it's also how you continue to progress. Do you feel that this exercise has helped you find better tools to use finding a job with Disney?
DeleteWhat I am finding with Disney is that they are very much about networking. Who you know or hiring from within. I found an interview with several Disney/Universal insiders who all came up through the regular casting system. They all moved up from within the system.
DeleteI like how you want to be apart of a big organization like disney and it seems like you are on the right track to do that. it may be hard in the beginning but it will get easier. Im sure you will strive to be at the top and show them your skills.
DeleteWorking for Disney would be so exciting and I think it's great that you want to pursue a job like that. As nadean said, it might be difficult in the beginning. But after a few years, I'm sure you'll get to the point you want to be at.
Delete2105 Irise court apt 303
ReplyDeleteOrlando, Florida 32807
February 14, 2012
Jackson Middle School
600 Stonewall Jackson Rd
Orlando, Florida 32807
Dear Mr. Ruiz:
I am contacting you to show my interest in the seventh grade mathematics position that is advertised through the school districts website. In December 2012 I will be graduating fro the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Education.
My education experience includes lesson development, assertive discipline techniques, student tutoring and student performance evaluations. Through my 60 hours of service learning with the AVID program at your school I am confident that I can meet the requirements of a demanding teaching position and contribute in a positive manner to your scholastic objectives.
I love teaching young children and I feel they respond well to me. My file is complete with the school district and enclosed is my resume for your review. I would like to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and to schedule an interview time convenient for your hiring committee.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Enclosed: Resume
The career services website and office is very helpful to students. I have been on there before looking through it and stumbled on the “what can I do with my major,” page and found that interesting but not very helpful for my major. I have found that my search will begin with getting into contact with the school administrators that I have worked with while doing my minor. Networking is a fantastic way to find employment. I found that career services website was/is informative and will be using in the future. The Non-Traditional Knights seems geared for current students transitioning back into school. Just doesn’t provide much information for the NTK who are close to graduation. I will be keeping up with all the workshops and career fairs that career services provide on campus. The resume building workshops and tools is a helpful tool that I will be using. Non-interdisciplinary students have to focus their search to very specific fields and careers which makes it a little easier and more difficult as the same time. Easier because you know what your searching for and more difficult because you are only searching for one thing. As for interdisciplinary we can search for numerous fields within our realm of education and not have to focus on certain careers.
They used to say "it's not what you know but who you know". Now we call it networking. Either way it means you have to get your foot in the door. It sounds like you have gone a long way in that direction by working with the AVID program in the school.
DeleteI agree with Brian's reply and think your on the right track. Continue to do what your doing and hopefully UCF provides some additional assistance wither through job fairs or career services.
Deleteits great that you have done all these programs to network with different people. Im sure you will get the oppurtunity to show yours skills and become the teacher you want to be. keep up the good work.
DeleteI agree with Brian as well. I have been volunteering at a middle school for months because I know I need to get to know the principal, assistant principal and the staff. I know that me graduating is not enough to lock a job for the next school year. My principal has asked me to become a substitute teacher so that she can see me in action! I believe who you know has a lot to do with getting a job in certain fields.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNadean Richards
ReplyDelete11703 Jefferson Commons Circle
Orlando, FL 32826
To whom this may concern:
I am interested in becoming an intern at your facility because this job is exactly what I would like to do in the future. This pediatric office will give me the tools and experiences I need to get further in my career. I am currently a junior in college in the process of finishing my Bachelors of Science degree.
My current major is Interdisciplinary studies and I plan on pursuing nursing afterwards. I recently received my Associates of Arts Degree and took all the pre requisites I need for the nursing program. I have been working for many years and I have great customer service skills. I love children as well and want to help them be healthy in any way possible.
Children are very fragile when they are first born so they need all the care and attention they can get. I will provide the best service I can and make a difference in your facility. I hope I get the opportunity to show you my skills and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Nadean Richards
I am personally curious as to your reason as why you chose an IDS major before entering nursing school. I wonder if they will as well. But I think it gives you an advantage over just a nursing degree. It sets you apart and makes you more diverse. Good luck with your endeavors!
DeleteI agree with Jaime. I feel like going for the nursing program with an interdisciplinary studies major gives you an advantage over those with just a nursing major.
DeleteInterdisciplinary or nursing major, keep it up. We need passionate people in that area and that sounds like you.
Delete1234 Awesome Avenue
ReplyDeleteSmileville, FL 32771
February 15, 2012
Seminole High School
2701 Ridgewood Avenue
Sanford, FL 32773
To Whom It May Concern:
I am contacting you to show my interest for two positions that are currently avaiable. I will be graduating from UCF in six months with a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Math Education. I have taken the state subject area exams and are certified to teach 5-12th grade mathematics. I am also a certified substitute teacher and have been subbing at Markham Woods Middle for a few months in Math classes for grades 6-8. I am interested in your posotion for the eighth grade mathematics teacher at Seminole High School. I feel I would make a great assest to your Math Department as well as bring a positive attitude to both the classroom and the school as a whole.
I am also interested in applying for your dance team coach at Seminole High School. I have been a competitive dancer all of my life. I formerly was the owner of a dance studio for five years and was a former professional dancer for a few years as well. I have the knowledge, experience and professionalism to make a great dance team coach here at Seminole High School.
Not only am I flexible in all aspects of my career but I am great at multi-tasking. Throughtout my years in college I have always carried a full-time job as well as being a parent of two beautiful children. I have drive in life and see the positive in everything I do. I would make a great asset to your staff, given the opportunity. I have been teaching dance and math to students for many years and it is my passion in life to make a difference in childrens' lives.
Attached you will find both my education and professional resume. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jaime Bralts
When filling out a professional resume for the type of job I will be looking for, it is important that I minimize it to one page. Being that I am goping for a teaching position it would behove me to include my education and certifications dealing with teaching. I feel my work experience regarding teaching is also inportant to include in my resume. For me, this includes both my classroom experience as well as my dance teaching experience. I know I should not include my age, gender or GPA. I also would put any former insignificant jobs. I would also follow up after sending my resume via e-mail. An employer should know you are not only interested in the job but persistant to get the job as well. I would not however, just walk in and ask to speak to the principle. I would wait for a return e-mail to set up an appointment at his/her convenience. Being that I am an IDS major, it gives me the opportunity to show my strengths in many areas. It wil show that I am a well-rounded individual that it great at multi-tasking. For my particular job search, I will be looking on the Seminole County Public Schools website for job postings for a math teacher position. The dance team coach would just be a plus since that is my number one passion in life. I did look at the UCF Career Services website for helpful tools to build a resume. Being that I use the Seminole COunty Public Schools official website for job opportunities, the helpful tools for me were ones that involved building my resume. Being that I am an IDS major with a specific field in mind, my diverse education is a plus for many jobs as well as showing my future employer that I am a well-rounded employee open to all jobs that are handed to me.
It sounds like you have done all the networking necessary to get the education job.
DeleteI know from experience that at schools you still have to be interviewed, even when they know you. There is a hierarchical structure in education that demands they hire from within first. Therefore, you may have to start at a school you don't want. Once in the system, it is easier to see when openings come up at the school you want.
I agree that your work history is very tricky to add or not to add. But in your case having the multi-tasking and organization skills you gained by doing event planning will help you tremendously in the classroom. I also would like to teach middle school math in either orange or seminole county. For us the most important thing we must do is show how our past experience and education routes are significant in the classroom.
DeleteYou have a good amount of references! That you include them in your cover definitely makes them more impressive than just listing them as a bullet point on a resume. My brother went to Markham woods last year too, he graduated :)
Delete1234 Shepard Place
ReplyDeleteOrlando, FL 33826
February 16, 2012
I am interested in pursuing and internship at your facility. I feel as if working with actual orthodontics would greatly further my experience in the field and help me with learning everything. I attend UCF and am going for an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a minor in business.My prospective graduation date is in May of 2014.
I plan on attending a dental graduate program after receiving my bachelors degree from here. I am currently taking classes to finish my prerequisites so that I will be more than qualified to succeed in a graduate school and in an internship.
Ever since I was younger, I have always been fascinated with the whole dental scene. Being that I had braces for 6 years, I am very familiar with the atmosphere and I know that I will be able to adapt well to actually working in this industry.
Sincerely,
Ashley Smith
The career services website and office is very helpful to students. I found several tools for helping to write cover letters and resumes including samples of each. Networking is a fantastic way to find employment. The saying "it's not always what you know, but who you know" really does apply to finding a job or internship or even applying to a graduate school. Networking really does play a big role. Along with correctly making a cover letter and resume.
In todays market it is very important to somehow get your foot in the door and one of the best ways is by networking. It's amazing how things work and the person you least expect could be the one person that could help you the most in finding a job or internship.
DeleteOne thing that I have learned is that experience matters. When you have been around a certain enviroment for an extended period of time, it is easy to learn what is going on around you. All this being said, I belive that your experience will pay off. Keep networking.
Delete2508 Reed Ave
ReplyDeleteMelbourne, Fl 32901
February 16, 2012
To the A21 Campaign,
I am very interested in the internship position that opened up for the summer. I am sophomore at the University of Central Florida and I don't want to have a lazy summer at home. One career goal would to be a professional speaker and travel around the world fighting for human trafficking. I believe spending this upcoming summer working with your organization would be the best next step.
Ever since I was younger I knew I wasn't going to have a normal job. Right now I am currently in a major called Interdisciplinary Studies. In simple terms, I take classes on the communication process, important teaching skills, and multiple leadership classes. I believe these will all mixed together along with my passion for your organization would be a great fit for the internship. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Ellen Moore
Honestly, I had never been to the Career Services on the UCF website. I was pleasantly surprised and the amount of information they offered. I want to make sure I take advantage of all the benefits of being a student before I graduate. Over my life time, I have learned that communication skills and networking with others pays off. Knowing the right people really does make a difference.
I like that you personalized the cover letter, being completely honest is a good trait. Although, I don't think that it would be wise to say "I don't want to have a lazy summer at home" because it makes it seem like if they don't choose you, then you'll stop being active at all. Just an opinion.
Delete123 Fake Street
ReplyDeleteOrlando, FL
Pixar Animation Studios
Attn: Story Internship
1200 Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA 94608
To whoever it may concern,
I have followed the history and development of your company since I was a child. I recall hearing about your company from newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and many other media outlets. For someone who has dreamed to create images and emotions through story and animation, I have wanted to work for Pixar almost all my life. I studied digital media through community college with an A.S. Degree. I am currently at the University of Central Florida and will hopefully graduate in one year with a B.S. Degree in Interdisplinary Studies with tracks in Art and Education and a minor in Hospitality Management. It would be a great privilege to work for the company that inspired me to study Animation and Story.
Sincerely,
Diego Sanchez
Resume Included.
I was surprised by how helpful the website was. I felt that there was a lot of material that could serve the basis for networking as well what employers were looking for. I enjoyed looking through the many options.