Student-Alumni Engagement Opportunity – Job Advisors Wanted

Alumni Volunteers Needed:
Job Search Advisor Program – Fall 2014

The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is seeking volunteers for the 3rd Annual “Alumni Job Search Advisor” program to answer questions for upcoming NSOE Masters of Environmental Management (M.E.M.) and Masters of Forestry (M.F.)graduates, who are graduating in December 2014 and May 2015.

How the Alumni Job Search Advisor Program Works
Alumni participating in the program as an Advisor agree to give NSOE students job search advice via telephone, video-chat or at an in person meeting, between October 20th and November 20th.  Advisors can be prepared to answer questions regarding the upcoming graduate’s job search, providing guidance and suggestions on job search strategies and best practices.  The student will be responsible for contacting you directly to arrange a mutually agreeable meeting time and will attach a copy of their resume for you to review prior to the meeting.

Anticipated Questions (from Alumni) About the Program and Answers
1.) I haven’t looked for a job in a while, how can I help?
Although you many not have filled out a job application, perhaps you have participated in the hiring process for your organization or have successfully coached a colleague or mentee in landing a new job.  These kinds of experiences provide you with valuable insights you can share with M.E.M. ’14 and M.E.M. ’15 graduate candidates.

2.) How many students will I be advising?
One student is assigned per volunteer.

3.) What kind of questions can I anticipate?
Students will want your input on things such as:- Is it okay to call and check on my application?
– What impresses you when reading a cover letter or resume?
– What’s the best way to convey the depth of my Master’s Project to employers?
– What are the best resources (i.e. websites, professional associations, etc…) to be “on-top” of “x, y, z” types of opportunities?
– What are good networking practices and mistakes not to make?
– How should I handle the “salary question” on the application and/or interview?

4.) My employer is not hiring right now, can I still participate as an Advisor?
Yes! The student will not ask you for a job.  This is a time for them to seek advice from a professional to help them in the job search process later on.

5.) How will the advising times be determined?
A student will contact you directly to arrange an agreeable time for a 45-minute meeting with you to take place between October 20th and November 20th.  The email subject line will be” “MEM (their graduation year) requests job search advising meeting.”

6.) What happens if I need to change the agreed upon time?
You will contact the student directly to work out another mutually agreeable advising time.

7.) How will I know about the student’s background and career interests?
The student will email you their resume when contacting you to schedule the meeting time.

8.) May I give the student feedback on their resume?
Yes! We welcome you to give the student feedback on any aspect of the job search process you believe would be helpful to them.

Ready to Assist?  Please complete this Volunteer Registration Form by AUGUST 29th.

Questions? Contact Glenda S. Lee, CPDC Associate Director, at gslee@duke.edu