Jump Start the Fall Season

Although January is traditionally the time for welcoming a new year, fall can also be a time for new beginnings. Whether you’re trying out a new kayak, getting to know a new roommate, shopping for school supplies, or taking a new history course, this season offers opportunities to try new things! If you’re a list-maker, like I am, consider adding something to your “to-do” list that includes something you’ve never done before.

Listen to a new genre of music, try a new food, or – shudder – skydive, stretch yourself a bit. NOTE: You don’t have to go white water rafting or expose yourself to danger! Learn something outside your major or enroll in a class to learn about something that interests you. If that seems too risky, audit the class for no credit or register for a one-shot introductory webinar, seminar, or short workshop!

As you get organized for your new beginnings this fall, I encourage college students to:

• Add important dates to your calendar (last day to add or drop classes, declare your major, and, of course, highlight holidays and vacations!)
• Confirm dates and register in advance for career fairs on your campus (more on career fairs below)
• Apply now for next summer’s internships and jobs
• Think about which professors you might want to use for job or school references
• Meet with your advisor for a curriculum and progress check

And in general, take care of YOU:

• Know where fire exits are, walk with a buddy, and pay attention to your surroundings
• Connect with people around you – let people hear your voice
• Ask for help – reach out to family, friends, and community resources if you feel rocky, are struggling in a class, or need a friend or a hug

Stay safe, stay well, and enjoy the ride!

THIS ISSUE'S FAQ

How can I maximize college career fairs to land a great internship or job?

Advance preparation is key! Research employers you're interested in, polish your resume and elevator pitch, prepare informed questions, and dress polished and put-together.

Engage in conversation during the fair - this is the place where you show that you are more than a resume!

Follow up with a thoughtful, personalized note to the representatives from companies, organizations, and potential employers of interest.

With planning, attending career fairs can help you discover areas of interest and find opportunities aligned with your goals.

Get more advice in the full article!

Client Spotlight

I’ve changed the name to protect my client’s privacy, but here is an example of someone who came to me with questions about their career:

Diane's Corner

Looking back for just a moment… The highlight of my summer was in June. My sister invited me to be her guest at the International Women’s Forum in Helsinki, where I heard world experts speak about sustainability, the transformation of our global diet, quantum computing (!!), and the how and why of happiness. Between Forum sessions and sightseeing, I met people from all over the world, interviewed many attendees about their career paths, and solicited advice for my clients.

I spent a weekend in July immersed in “Music at Menlo” – an annual summer festival event in its 21st year, visited art galleries, and toured Palo Alto’s “American Heritage Museum” where electrical and mechanical technology and inventions from the 1750s through the 1950s are displayed.

With each of the above adventures, I returned home refreshed and energized, happily back at my desk helping clients develop their elevator speeches, focus on describing their skills and interests, research occupations, and prepare for interviews.

I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful and full summer!

Stay well and stay in touch,

Diane

P.S. Embracing AI – I often juggle wanting to learn more about AI and wanting to ignore it. We’ll always need the human touch and understanding in our lives, so I'm reassured by this piece by Mark Perna, who writes that “leaning into professional skills and what makes us human is the secret to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence at work." I agree with him that employees with interpersonal, cognitive, and self-management skills are what human resources managers will be looking to hire. Let's explore how our humanity plays into the developing AI and embrace leaning into it rather than ignoring it. I rest my case for the ongoing importance of self-awareness, knowing our strengths and natural talents, as well as developing communication skills and the ability to work on a team!

​​

dianegeller@gmail.com
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​