October 11–13, 2012

College Study Hall: Access Mentors, Build Resumes, Get Academic

Support and Guidance

Speakers

• Antoinette Lewis

University Relations & Recruiting Representative, Northrop Grumman Corporation

• Lakeshia Neerhof

CRAM Contractor Manning Force Readiness Deputy, Northrop Grumman Corporation

At the end of this presentation, you will be able to…

• Talk to potential mentors or coaches

• Work on resume building strategies

• Access support for navigating academic pressures, schedules, and choices

• Explore plans and “to do” items for the graduate school application process

• Share personal school and career game plan

Access Mentors

• What is a mentor?

– Counselor, Guide, Tutor, Coach

• Characteristics of a mentor?

– Knowledgeable, Trusted, Successful, Communicative

• Who has a mentor?

Access Mentors cont’d• How can a mentor help me?

– Be specific about goals– Detailed what you need help with

• Where can I find a mentor?– Current/Former professor– Manager/Supervisor– School organized mentorship program– On/Off-campus professional organizations– Alumni database

• How can I ask someone to mentor me?– “Will you be my mentor?”– Ask for advice

How to Find a Mentor in College, Huffington Post, March 6, 2012

Build Resumes

• Take advantage of your Career Services Center– Their services are designed for you

• List courses you have or are currently taking that are relevant to your desired job

• Demonstrate Leadership: Obtain officer positions and chair committees in student organizations

• Volunteer somewhere you can utilize your skills• List all projects – you may have personal projects done

on your own that utilized your skills

Get Academic Support and Guidance

• What pressures are you facing in school?

– GPA requirements, graduation date, course load, extracurricular activities

• Seek tutoring support

• Work closely with your academic advisor

Develop School and Career Plan

• Create your academic plan for each semester– Consider a minor

• Develop contingencies to accommodate Co-Ops and Internships– Diversify your experience with different

types of internships/co-ops

• Research industries and companies that hire your major

Prepare for Graduate School

• Decide if you want to go to graduate school immediately– Cost/Benefit analysis

• Decide if you want to gain industry/work experience first– Tuition assistance offered by many companies

• Research your options– Choose a school– What entrance exams are required– Letters of recommendation

• Start early – KNOW THE DEADLINES

Making the Right Choices

• Social Media

– There are no secrets on the internet

• Financial/Credit

– Resist temptations of credit card companies

– Use financial aid responsibly

• Extracurricular activities

Summary

• Find a good mentor

• Sharpen your resume

• Balance extracurricular and schoolwork

• Prepare early for graduate school

• Manage school and career plans

Questions