CORC Blog

This Psychology Today article might be a useful read for us free-thinking liberal-arts Hampshire people – Though the (job) opportunities may seem limitless after graduation… it’s important to know your strengths (and weaknesses)…

“Working with liberal arts students and graduates, I constantly hear the positive refrain that a “liberal arts major can do anything.” While on the surface this seems to be a comforting thought, it’s unfortunately also an inaccurate thought which can torpedo a job search and ultimately lead employers to think the opposite: liberal arts majors can’t do anything. I’m a liberal arts grad myself, but don’t hire me to fix your car or your computer, or write a document in Swedish. In the words of the immortal Clint Eastwood character, Harry Callahan, aka Dirty Harry,”A man’s got to know his limitations.”

Read the full article here:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/career-transitions/200912/can-liberal-arts-majors-really-do-anything

Written by current student and CORC student worker, Brigid Pasco

Hampshire students like to think of themselves as trailblazers, always doing things in new ways. Oftentimes this means that there aren’t that many jobs or internships pre-designed to fit their needs. There are, however, very many artists, social justice organizations, scientists, documentarists, and others who could definitely use some Hampshire-style help.

Most likely, the people you are going to be interning for will not be able to pay you. But that doesn’t mean your work has no worth! What you do will (hopefully) provide very useful services and you will gain skills and glowing references (as well as potential school credit and, oftentimes, tons of NETWORKING opportunities)… When I worked as an artist’s assistant for a Hampshire alum in Berlin (a position I created for myself), my research work was repaid with free meals, entry to art openings, and introductions to some very successful art dealers, gallery owners, artists, and the like.

So how do you go about designing a successful internship? Every situation is going to be different, but here are some helpful suggestions (hint: the first step is to get off your butt, use your networking skills, and make yourself known to those you wish to know):

-        Think of a way that you can help the person/organization you wish to work for. Obviously, this should be something that interests you as well as being invaluable to the people you wish to work for.

-        Approach the desired employer with your ideas

-        Meet with them to solidify a plan

-        Do an awesome job, meet new people, gain new skills, and stick in their minds as a potential future paid employee

-        Get them to write you an evaluation – your ticket to future opportunities of all sorts

Tailor these steps to your individual style and needs, use your people skills, and, hopefully, you’ll be in the door and interning in no time!

For more info on how to find and/or design your own internship opportunities, stop by CORC to make an appointment with our “internship specialist” Sharón Friedner (sfriedner@hampshire.edu). Or, attend one of our great “Planning an Internship” Workshops (see our calendar for dates).

Written by current student and CORC student worker, Brigid Pasco

Transferrable skills are the skill sets you develop from previous jobs, hobbies, sports, and other activities, that can be utilized in a workplace setting. Everyone has them, but not everyone knows how to pitch them to a potential employer.

To start, you must recognize what transferrable skills you have. Maybe you are good at communicating and solving problems because you worked in customer service at your last job. Or perhaps you have directed a play or taught a class – this is proof of your leadership abilities and capacity to express your thoughts clearly. If you’ve ever participated in sports, you are surely a team player, and committed to getting the job done. For every life experience you have had, there’s a skill you’ve learned… and that skill is exactly what employers are looking for. You may be more qualified for a job than you think!

Once you have recognized what your transferrable skills are, you’ve got to show them off to potential employers. The first place to do this is in your resume and cover letter. Mention previous experiences you have had, and state how they will help you fulfill the job you are applying for. This will hopefully land you an interview. The interview is your chance to state, once and for all, exactly how equipped you are to handle the challenges of your future job. When asked in an interview how you would respond to a certain scenario, answer by giving an example of how you have dealt with a similar problem in the past. For example if an employer asks you how you would respond to an argument in the workplace, give an example of a time when you previously resolved a problem: “I would try to pinpoint the source of the disagreement, and, having examined all sides of the story, work with those concerned to come to some sort of consensus. When I worked as the ombudsperson for Hasbro Games, Ltd, I was in charge of negotiation complaints and solving conflicts, so I feel well equipped to handle and resolve problems.”

If you let your prospective employer know that you have had relevant experience in the past, they will be more likely to hire you than if you just state your past positions on your resume, and never say anything more about them. You can talk the talk, but you also need to let them know that you can walk the walk.

Would you like some help with a resume or cover letter, or anything else career-related?  Email, call x5445, or stop by to set up an appointment with one of our counselors!