Liz Paley and four other UVM alums spoke to a crowd of nearly 100 students, parents and faculty Friday afternoon in Kalkin Hall. The five panelists are also members of the School of Business Administration’s Board of Advisors. The goal of the talk was to give students advice on how to land their first job during these tough economic times, and in most cases, networking is key.
“Use and reach out to as many resources as you can,” said Jeff Steinhorn, class of 1985 and chief information officer for the Hess Corporation.
“You need to be smarter and more creative than the other people out there,” said Steve Ifshin, class of 1958 and chairman of DLC Management Corporation.
Some students asked for advice on interviewing. Ged Deming, the CFO of the Methodist Hospital Foundation in Philadelphia, told the students to leave the electronic devices at home.
“Don’t bring a blackberry or telephone, that will turn off the interviewer,” he explained. “Also, a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eyes.”
“Do research on the company and if possible, the person who will do your interview,” said Jim Schaefer, of UBS Investment Bank.
Also, be confident. Many young graduates will find themselves competing against seasoned workers who are now unemployed, but Deming says that does not necessarily mean they are the best candidate.
“Be willing to move or start at any level of the company,” Deming advised.
Also while in an interview, prepare a list of questions.
“Never end an interview without some questions,” Paley said.
Paley recommends coming up with what she calls an “elevator speech” – a crisp and elegant synopsis of why you are the best candidate for the job and practice how you will say it. Also, a handwritten thank you note goes a long way.
All of the panelists say it is never too early to add to your resume. They recommend volunteering or participating in internships to make yourself more marketable. And if you can’t find a job right away, don’t panic.
“Failure is only a way to learn from your mistakes, it is not the end of the world” Ifshin said. “You can use failure to help yourself when you get back on your feet.”
Read excerpts from the career panel online:
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991003004
http://www.fox44now.com/Global/story.asp?S=11250147&nav=menu660_2
Release Date: 10-06-2009
Author: Beth Parent
Email: elparent@basd.uvm.edu
Phone: 802/656-3177