Post Citadel Transition. How to prepare for life after The Citadel

Transcription

1 Post Citadel Transition How to prepare for life after The Citadel

2 Training Objectives Task: Establish a career path following graduation Condition: Given instructions from the Career Center staff Standard: Students will make an educated decision about the best steps to take in order to be successful after graduation

3 Life Beyond Lesesne Gates You have the ring! You are ready to make your move! Or are you?

4 You have three hurdles to consider before you are ready to leave Lesesne gates: 1. Decisions 2. The Job 3. The Finances

5 Hurdle #1: Have you decided which direction to choose after graduation? Job Graduate School Military

6 Gainful employment a job I will go anywhere is not an effective job search strategy What is your target area? Pick 3 geographic locations and multiple organizations within those locations Look up alumni using LinkedIn or Citadel Alumni Association Do you have the correct documents to apply for jobs? Resume, cover letter, references, business cards Network Apply Interview Follow up Repeat Over prepare for your interview

7 Graduate School There are good and bad reasons for wanting to go to graduate school Good You need more education to move up in your field law, healthcare, higher education, social services, education It helps your professional prospects i.e. specialized certifications courses May help you increase your responsibility or income i.e. MBA You are focused on this field and know you will stay in it Increase financial prospects Pursue your interests more in depth i.e. school counseling Bad You do not know what you want to do with your life Since you went to The Citadel you would like a taste of real college life You cannot find a job You hated your major so you would like to try something else You THINK a graduate degree is necessary You have always wanted to live in (where graduate school is located)

8 Make sure you are making the right decision before committing to more school

9 If you are confused about the direction you want to go do not immediately commit to graduate school Get experience instead! Hands-on experience could be more crucial in the long run and make you more valuable Grad school may not diminish feelings of uncertainty but it WILL increase debt

10 The Military You will probably be in a leadership role but ask advice from military personnel, NCO s and fellow officers Leadership roles require planning, directing operations and making critical decisions Officer positions also include civilian careers that require advanced degrees, such as law and medicine As with any career path, do your research to find what your next steps are

11 Hurdle #2: Details of a Job Offer Things to consider when negotiating job offers. Understand it is a process Will you like the job? Salary Benefits Work schedule

12 Will you like the job? Do you think you will like the job? Why? Are there other offers you want to consider? Why? Are you desperate? Do you like the work environment and/or culture? What does your gut feeling tell you about the job?

13 Salary You may be in a position to negotiate Never assume salary and/or benefits are set in stone. After the 2 nd or 3 rd round of interviews (if salary and/or benefits have not been discussed) ask, Would now be a good time to talk about salary and benefits? Do research Glassdoor is a great resource to research comparable salaries Be prepared! Whether you bring it up or they do, be prepared with a monetary answer or range! What do you NEED to make in order to live? Use that as a good starting point Don t be afraid to put it back on them by asking, What type of salary does this position offer?

14 Benefits What are benefits? Paid time off like vacation and sick days Health/dental/vision insurance Paid prescriptions 401(k) retirement options Life insurance Long term/short term disability insurance Professional development

15 Work Schedule Will you be working 8:00 5:00, Monday Friday? Will you have a flexible schedule as long as you get your work responsibilities done? Do you have the option to work remotely? Will you be off on weekends and holidays? If you do not ask it is assumed you know What is the weekly schedule for this position?

16 If you dislike your first job: Try to stick it out for at least a year. Think about what it is about the job you dislike and try to resolve the issue rather than running for the door Speak with your supervisor to see if a solution can be reached Research opportunities within the organization It is easier to find a job when you are gainfully employed BUT do not look for a new job while you are at work The job search process can be lengthy so start using networking tools or ask for advice or direction about transitioning The grass is not always greener on the other side so be sure of your decision before leaving

17 Obstacle 3: The Finances Understand your personal finances What is your monthly gross income? Now subtract the following from that number: Housing rent or mortgage will vary greatly Utilities (electric, gas, water, heating & air, etc.) Food (at home and away) Transportation (car payment, gas) Debt repayment (credit cards, student loan) Insurance (car, renter, home) Saving Entertainment (shopping, going to the movies, etc.)

18 Next stop - success "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." Colin Powell Prepare for your career path (job, graduate school, military) by exploring your options and engaging others Do not be afraid to ask questions Be diligent in finding the correct path for YOU!

19 Citadel Career Center 573 Huger St. outside of Sophomore gate Drop in hours Monday Thursday, 1:00 4:00; no appointment necessary Phone: