Five Things To Know About Being An Incoming Freshman

1.) You don’t need to have a major picked out

- I know what you’re thinking,  “I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MY LIFE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO MAJOR IN HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GO ANYWHERE IN LIFE?”

Dear Incoming Freshmen,

I’d like to start off by saying congratulations to you all! You’ve come a long way to get here today, and I’m sure you’ve all worked very hard. USF St. Pete is a great school, and a wonderful place to spend four years learning, living, and growing up. I can imagine that the majority of you are going through a large influx of emotions, realizing that you’re about to take a big step on your journey of life. Some of you may be excited and ready to get started on this new chapter of life.

We’re Here For You!

If you’re reading this, then let me start off by saying thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to keep informed and up-to-date with all the latest career snuff and blogging. Here at the Career Center, we’ve been keeping busy. Many of you may not realize that we’re open during the summer semester, but let me tell you, we are indeed open. We are still here 12 – 5 Monday through Friday to help you with any and all your career related questions and predicaments. I know that the majority of you are either enjoying your summer vacation at the beach, taking some courses, working, or even doing all three. If there is anyone currently looking for a job, we’re there for you! If you’ve been looking and still can’t find employment, don’t you worry, you will find work.

Not Getting Hired: Rejection, Heartbreak, and Ultimate Recovery

Getting a job can be analogous to dating, but what may be surprising is the amount of despair that can accompany getting rejected from a wanted position. Luckily, many of us have experienced the similar feeling before. So as you move on to “other fish in the sea”, pursuing an alternative job after rejection may not be as hard as you think.

Know Your Resources!

The Career Center is full of all sorts of knowledge! Not only is our office stocked with information, but our website has many valuable resources as well. We have all you ever needed to know about finding jobs and internships, writing resumes and cover letters
and career exploration.

How can you look for jobs online using our resources?

Let’s say, for example, it’s the weekend, and you wanted to search for a job off campus near school.

But wait! The Career Center is closed on the weekends…what can you do now?! No worries, our website can help you find jobs (and internships) both on and off campus! Here’s how:

The Life of a Career Assistant

Have you ever had a question about a potential internship, how to write a resume/cover letter, or just needed some advice about your current career path? Do you find yourself agonizing over who to talk to or where to look for these answers? From personal experience, I know it can be frustrating. Luckily for you, all you have to do is come in to the Career Center during our CareerNow Hours, and our friendly career assistants will assist you right away. Easy as pie. It really is that simple, and no appointments necessary!

Show Me the Money!!!! What To Do When an Employer Asks for a Salary Request

When an employer requests a salary history, many job seekers find themselves at a loss. You don’t want to price-yourself out of a job, but you don’t want the employer to offer less than the going rate for the position.

So what’s the right answer?

• Don’t include salary history on your resume.
Handle the request at the end of your cover letter. First, highlight your skills, experience, and interest
in the position-information that is far more important to your consideration as a candidate.
•Respond to the question positively without giving a specific amount. (Example: “I’m earning in the mid-
30s.”)
•Say “salary is negotiable.”

•If you know the market value for the position and for someone with your skills and background, give a
$3,000-$5,000 range. (Use the free NACE Salary Calculator to find an appropriate range.)
•Be prepared to respond to this question in an interview. Carry a list of your positions in reverse
chronological order, including the name of the company, your title, a synopsis of your duties, and,
lastly, a general compensation amount (e.g. mid-30s).
• Don’t lie about your salary history. Employers may verify salary history through reference checks.
Salary requests are difficult for all job searchers to handle, not just new college grads. The key is to shift the focus,
politely but firmly, from what you made in the past to competitive compensation for the position you want.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder, http://www.naceweb.org.