Rockhurst University Career Services

April Fools ... I Don't Think So!!!

2011-03-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

"The economy is turning around and there are employment opportunities coming into Career Services each day." Is this an April Fools joke, no way! Over the past months, we have seen a spike in the number of positions posted through the RU Career Account system. During the same timeframe of the past academic year, we are up 30% in the number of posted opportunities. And it is not just a numbers game ... there are many high quality, desirable career positions. Many of the name employers from across the region have ramped up their recruiting efforts and are hitting the college campuses. OK, these employers will not come up and knock on your door. You need to get out there and make yourself known. Set up and utilize your RU Career Account. Directly contact any employers of interest. Complete a self evaluation and have a clear understanding of who you are and what you want to do. Put all of these ideas together and you can achieve career satisfaction. Remember, Career Services can assist you with each step of the process. Do not hesitate to call (816.501.4861) or stop by Massman 3 and see what we have for you. Good luck! Mike

Spring is here ... hopefully!

2011-02-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hello all and thanks for reading. Hopefully you made it safe and sound through all of the winter weather.

Things are picking up here in Career Services with the employers contacting our office and positions posted through the RU Career Account system. We are up 30% from last year!!!

That being said, you still need to be proactive with your career search/transition. Use all the resources available to you. Network with family and friends. Attend our events. Check your RU Career Account on a regular basis. Contact potential employers directly.

Remember, if you have any questions, contact Anne or myself here in Career Services. Thanks and let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

Thanksgiving is Almost Here

2010-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hello again all. It is almost that time again for Thanksgiving Break. If you are like me, the fall semester flew by.

As I have mentioned during class presentations and individual appointments, we have seen an increase in the number of positions coming through the office. I am not an economic advisor at the White House, but things have picked up around here.

That being said, you still need to be proactive when searching for a career change or that first career position. Explore your interests, identify your taret employers, sharpen your resume, practice your interview skills and seek out your career future.

If you have any success stories, make sure and pass them on. Make yourself available for others and their networks. The favor can come back around to you again one day.

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Mike

Success Stories

2010-08-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again all. Classes stared yesterday and campus is jumping. Good to see all the students return and welcome a new class of freshmen.

If you have a story that you want to share, feel free to add to this site. A success story. What you learned about yourself, the job search process, what not to do, etc. There are definate do's and dont's, but I think we learn best when listening and sharing with each other.

Career Services has a variety of programs and services available for your use as we start another year. Make sure and check out our web page (www.rockhurst.edu/career) and let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck with the start of the year!

Mike Theobald
RU Career Services

Welcome to the 2010-2011 Academic Year

2010-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello again all and welcome to the 2010-2011 academic year. I know everyone on the Rockhurst University campus, faculty and staff, are looking forward to the start of the year!

We in Career Services have a wide variety of programs and services available to assist you on your career journey. Make sure and let us know if you have any questions.

When you begin to explore employment opportunities, internship/full-time, make sure and begin thinking six to nine months in advance of an intended start date. Many employers do their recruiting in the fall months for their summer hiring classes. Make sure your resume is sharp and you present yourself positively in an interview setting. We can do resume reviews and practice interviews. Call ext. 4061 to set an appointment.

One key resource is to establish your RU Career Account with Career Services. Weekly registration workshops are held in Massman 3 and take no more than 30 minutes. Sessions are held Tuesdays @ 3:30 p.m.; Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m.; Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required.

Even with the slow economy, there are positions available. Start early, be persistent, follow your passion and the rewards will follow! Once again, welcome back and we look forward to working with you.

Mike

Summer 2010

2010-06-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well the summer heat is here and life on campus is much more quiet. I hope that all of you are enjoying some quality family time or exciting summer adventures.

Remember to keep this in mind.

If you are an alum of Rockhurst and are searching for other employment opportunities, Career Services is here to help.

If you are a recent graduate and have started your career .... good luck with your new career!!!

If you are a recent graduate and have not obtained employment .... we are here to help. Be persistent, there are opportunities available.

If you are a Rockhurst student completing a summer internship, be a sponge and soak up all you see and hear. It will pay off in the long run.

If you are a Rockhurst student traveling and enjoying the summer months .... see you back here in August.

If you are a new student entering Rockhurst for the first time .... see you in August!!!

Thanks.

Mike

Graduation 2010

2010-05-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations 2010 graduates!!! This is an exciting time for you as all of the dedication and effort pays off. Remember, as alumni of Rockhurst University, you have access to the resources provided through Career Services. Keep that in mind as your begin your career journey.

During the past few months, we have seen an increase in employer activity with position listings. Make sure to regularly check your RU Career Account to see what is available. Let me know if you have any questions on anything you see posted or if you have questions on other employers.

Once again, congratulations!!!

Mike

Rockhurst University Career Fair - April 21st

2010-04-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

Good day all. The purpose of this post is to update you on the Rockhurst University Career Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, April 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Massman Hall Rockroom. We expect to have 25-30 employers in attendance. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes.

The following is a list of those currently registered. Cerner Corporation Commerce Bank DH Pace Company DST Systems Enterprise Rent-A-Car Farmers Insurance Federal Reserve Bank of KC Federated Insurance Hyatt Regency Crown Center Mutual of Omaha Northwestern Mutual Quintiles Renaissance Financial Service Management Group Social Security Administration US Marine Corp Officer Programs Vector Marketing

Let me know if you have any questions or require additional information. Thanks.

Mike

Spring 2010

2010-03-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all and welcome to Spring 2010!!!! Well hopefully it is here and the snow is finally gone for the year.

The fall semester was one of the more quiet times in Career Services, but the start of the year has seen a positive change in the activity levels from employers. Make sure and check your RU Career Accounts for the current job listings. Take a look at the specific listings and/or the contact names. Use these to your advantage and be proactive with your search. This is one of the best things you can do to create opportunities for yourself.

Also, check out the Heart of America Employer Fair at UMKC on April 7th and the Rockhurst University Career Fair on April 21st. These two events are designed to allow you to make face to face connections with local, regional and national employers. See the main page of our web page for more details.

As always, make sure and let me know if you have any questions or require additional information. Thanks and good luck.

Mike

Spring Semester

2010-02-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

Well here we are, a couple weeks into the Spring semester and still battling the elements. Cold, wind, sleet, etc. What fun. Hopefully the employment opportunities will warm up as the weather begins to change for the better.

We have scheduled a series of events to assist you with your search. These include Mock Interview Day, COSMC, Spotlight on Teaching, Health Services Fair, Non-Profit Fair, Heart of America Employer Fair, etc. For more details, go to www.rockhurst.edu/career.

Over the past few months, many alumni of Rockhurst have visited Career Services asking for assistance with their career direction. The change in career path was initiated internally or by external forces (layoffs!). You are never too old to explore different career options or assess your skills and interests. Charting a different path, returning to school, confirming your current choice, all are valid options to consider. Let us know if you have any questions or want to schedule a time to meet and review your career options.

Thanks and stay warm!

Tis the Season!!!

2009-12-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello all and welcome to the Holiday Season!!! Well at least the weather is cooperating now with the snow and blustery winds. Hope all is well with you and yours.

As we approach this time of the year, employers typically begin to wind down and cut back on any hiring initiatives. They take their vacations too. That does not mean you should cut back on your efforts. Make sure and stay the course, continue to make contacts, follow through on leads, etc. Each day can present opportunities regardless of what time of the year.

While at a conference last month, I heard one of the keynote speakers (economist) speak on the job projection. He mentioned that GDP rose during the third quarter and expects hiring to pick back up within the next four to six months. At least there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep thinking positive, keep me posted on your progress and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.

Mike

Be Persistent!!!

2009-11-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all. The weeks are flying by and Thanksgiving will be here soon. Anyone want to help me rake leaves? :)

I constantly hear stories from HR professionals about the number of applicants they receive for one position. Everything from 200, 300, 400 .... up to 900!!! Can you imagine that? From the perspective of the HR folks, how do you sort through all the resumes? From the candidate perspective, how do you get yourself to the top of the pile? There is no easy answer but through a series of strategies, you can make yourself more of a known commodity.

Networking is the key. Make sure and take every opportunity to meet other professionals through conferences, business associations, career fairs, direct contacts, etc. Develop a list of all the folks you know in the work place. Send them a note, drop by their office or take them to lunch. Let people know you are looking for employment ... if you do not say anything, they will never know.

If you let one day slip by, that is one day lost. Each day you make connections is one day closer to obtaining your goals. This is where your persistence pays off.

Stay positive and let us know if you have questions.

Mike

October is here ...

2009-10-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

Hello all and welcome to the mid point of the Fall semester. The days keep passing by on the calendar.

It seems that more employer positions keep making their way to Career Services. Hopefully it is a good sign of things to come in the near future. With all that I read, and I am not an economist, business will need to kick back in before more positions are filled. Hopefully that is sooner than later.

Remember that we are here to assist you with all your career search needs. Make sure to continue your networking, use all resources at your disposal and stay positive.

Mike

Half Way Through September

2009-09-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well here we are ... half way through September. The days continue to roll by and now is the time to be pro-active with your career search.

The next big event is the Greater Kansas City Career Fair, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd in teh Swinney Rec Center on the UMKC campus from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Go to www.career.umkc.edu for more information.

Make sure and contact us here in Career Services with any questions you have regarding your career-related questions. Anne Skinner and I are here to assist you.

Thanks and good luck.

Mike

Campus Events

2009-08-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the year is off and running and Career Services has a full menu of events to assist you with all aspects of your search! Check these out.

Meet the Accounting Firms -- Public accounting firms seeking accounting candidates. September 8, 2009, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Conway Hall Lobby

Dining Etiquette Dinner, September 16, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Greater KC Employer Fair -- September 23, Swinney Rec Center - UMKC, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

RU Mock Interview Day, October 14, Massman 3

Let me know if you have any questions. Positions are tight so start looking early.

Mike

Opening Day

2009-08-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, OK ... the baseball fan in me is coming out. With the start of another academic year, it does seem like Opening Day to me. Let the games begin.

We in Career Services can't emphasize enough ... if you are looking to explore internship and/or full-time employment opportunities, you need to start looking NOW!!! Many of the employers we spoke with over the summer months mentioned they will be looking for candidates, can be very selective and will do most of their recruiting during the fall. If you wait until the last minute ... you will be left behind.

During a recent conversation with a local employer, they mentioned the number of applicants received for a recent administrative assistant position. The total pool climbed to over 800! One more reminder of how tight things are and if you are employed, count your blessings.

Good luck to all and keep reading.

Mike

Bring It On!

2009-08-07T11:19:00.001-07:00

Here we are ... one week from opening the residence halls and welcoming a new freshmen class. I believe the campus is ready, I know we are in Career Services.

Here are a few things to consider. Make sure to update the information on your RU Career Account OR establish an account with Career Services ASAP. Weekly registration workshops are available in Massman 3 on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. No need to sign up in advance, just show up. Will take approximately 20 minutes or so. This is your key to working with us here in Career Services.

If you are an accounting/finance student and want to explore opportunities with public accounting firms, make sure to attend "Meet the Firms" on Tuesday, September 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Conway Hall lobby. Public accounting firms, along with several area corporations, will be in attendance. Bring resumes and dress sharp!!!

With the tight economy, you MUST start early with your career search plans. Six to eight months in advance with your applications. Many employers recruit in the fall for their summer hires, both internship and full-time. Start now!!!

Stay positive!

Mike

End of July

2009-07-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Hello all. Well here we are ... ready to start another academic year. As we continue to read the news and listen to employment reports, the economy shows some signs of recovery but a complete turnaround seems far off in the distance.

That being said, RU Career Services has developed a comprehensive Fall '09 schedule of events to assist you with all aspects of your career transition/search. Take a look at our web page (www.rockhurst.edu/career) and let me know if you have any questions.

Also, if you have had success or tips you want to share with other folks, feel free to post here. I will write on a weekly basis and hopefully provide insight into a variety of career related topics.

Mike

Welcome to the RU Career Services Blog

2009-06-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hello all and welcome to the first posting of the Rockhurst University Career Services blog. Through this site, I hope to provide information on upcoming events sponsored by Career Services and create an ongoing conversation with Rockhurst University students and alumni regarding career issues.

As you know, the current economic conditions are challenging for all looking to change careers or those currently displaced. Always know that Career Services is here to assist you.

Check back regularly or feel free to add your thoughts and opinions. I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Mike Theobald
Rockhurst University Career Services