How to Market Yourself for Success

Presented by: Nicolyn HernandezSHPE Professional Development Committee

Chair

Personal Experience

Nicolyn HernandezB.S., Civil Engineering 2003Pacific Gas & Electric – IT Project Manager Other Experience – Quad Knopf, Inc., Civil Engineer & Project ManagerSHPE Professional Development Chair

Today’s Agenda Why We’re Here?

First Impressions

The Do’s & Don’ts

What Can you Tell me about You

Your Brand

How to Use your College Experience

Questions/Comments

Why are We Here?

Prepare you for the SHPE Conference Create or Sharpen your ResumePrepare you to answer those tough questions.Prepare you to get the Job!Network

First Impressions

Be on TimeIntroduce YourselfBe ConfidentBody LanguageFirm Hand ShakeLook the PartSpeak clearly and slowlyProper Etiquette & Manners

The Do’s

Be PreparedAttire

Men: Collared Shirts, Slacks, Dress Shoes, Clean Saved Women: Blouse, Business Skirts, Business Slacks, Comfortable Shoes.

Know Your Surroundings at All TimesMake Eye ContactUse truthful, accurate descriptions to describe youBe proud of what you’ve accomplished

The Don’tsDress for Men: White Socks, Tennis Shoes, Flip Flops, Spiked Hair, Jeans, Excessive CologneDress for Women: Fitted clothes, Flip Flops, Jeans, Excessive Perfume, Excessive Make-UpChew GumCollect all the goodies at each booth…wait.Exaggerate your abilities.Interrupt

What Can you Tell me About You?

Don’t stumbleBe ConfidentChoose Words WiselyKeep it short, sweet, and concise.

Your Brand

Have you Googled or 123People yourself?

What do you find?

Email Address: nicolynh@gmail.comPhone #’s Provided – no songs, unpleasant messages. Social Network – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn.

No Experience? Not True!

“I don’t really have any”Use your SHPE ExperienceUse Project/Lab ExperienceLeadership RolesVolunteeringIntramural Sports/Clubs/ Teams

Exercise…Separate the COMPETENCY from the CONTEXT

List activitiesStrip away CONTEXT (circumstances, environment)Look at COMPETENCIES (skills, abilities KnowledgeWhich are PORTABLE (can take with you)

Elevator Speech

Always be prepared to sell yourself 20 – 30 seconds longExtract competenciesDon’t come across rehearsedThe best sales pitch are short, sweet, and leave you wanting to hear more.

REMEMBER…

Although there is nothing better than

diverse resume from a college graduate, there is no replacement for

GOOD GRADES.

HAPPY STUDYING!

www.shpe.org/shpe2011

See you in Anaheim

SHPE Conference 2011October 26th – 30th

Questions/Comments