The University of South Carolina's Career Center in my personal opinion is one of the best career centers I have seen offered by a university. From job placement assistance for current students and graduates, to a top notch resume builder called Optimal Resume, portfolio management, interview assistance and numerous career fairs often specific to areas of interest like Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Careerfest, and assistance with individual college fairs. The Career Center is a bevy of resources for all students, faculty and staff to better themselves professionally.
I met with Viki Fecas, Jan. 26 and will be meeting with Vicky Hamby in the coming weeks. This wasn't the first time I met Viki but this was the first "official" meeting. I sat in on her presentation on the millennial generation entering the workplace during the Students in Transition Conference last semester. Then there was that time in Which Wich, and again when I was in the Career Center for some bulletin board information...or was it when I was getting my resume chopped and screwed. Speaking of resumes...The career center is divided up into two very distinct components Employer Relations and Career Development. Viki was my career development person. She is like a walking USC Rolodex. She has been at USC about as long as I have been in existence. She has done her undergrad, grad and doctoral studies at USC.
The conversation was very informative, first a overview of the career development services the career center offers to her professional advice for me as a future higher ed/ student affairs person. Reaching walking Rolodex status is not achieved by simply waking up and deciding to meet lots of people, but taking the time to establish those connections and relationships and following up with them. Viki shared with me that many of the opportunities that have become available to her were not only because she was qualified, but because someone knew who she was, her capabilities and their was a working relationship there. Being in the right place at the right time doesn't hurt either.
From my chat with Viki I learned that great networks don't just happen. They take work, follow through and asking is there ever something, someone needs help with. By asking to help it not only makes you look like a go-getter but it establishes you as a reliable person. I have worked hard to meet a new person every single day since coming to USC. Initially it was because I didn't know anyone, but at the close of my four year career at USC I can honestly say that everything Viki said about making yourself available to help others puts you in a position to meet others and have influence.
Next note is my reflection on my USC experience...stay tuned.
Thanks Viki... I will be "networking" with you on furthering the millennial research.
No comments:
Post a Comment