Fall Break Focus: Strategic Steps to Advance Your Career as an Undergraduate

As the vibrant hues of autumn set in and the academic pace gives way to the respite of fall break, it’s an opportune time for undergraduate students to shift some of their focus to future career aspirations. Here’s how you can make the most of this season to plant seeds for your professional growth.

1. Reflect on Your Passions and Skills:
Use this quieter time to think deeply about what you love to do and where you excel.

Tip: Create a list of your interests and skills, and consider how they might translate into a career. This self-awareness will be crucial as you explore job options.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/career-prep/exploring-majors-careers

2. Update Your Professional Profiles:
In today’s digital world, your online presence is often your first impression.

Tip: Refresh your LinkedIn profile, polish your personal website, or build a digital portfolio showcasing your academic projects and extracurricular achievements.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/linkedin 

3. Network, Network, Network:
Networking isn’t just for business majors; it’s a valuable tool for everyone.

Tip: Reach out to alumni from your university, join professional groups on social media, or set up informational interviews with professionals in your field of interest.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/career-prep/networking

4. Research Internships and Jobs:
Dedicate time to search for internships or part-time jobs that align with your career path.

Tip: Many organizations start their recruitment early, so use this break to get ahead. Bookmark jobs to apply to and note any application deadlines.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/jobs

5. Attend Virtual Career Fairs and Workshops:
Many companies and career services host online events that you can attend from anywhere.

Tip: Register for virtual career fairs, workshops, or webinars to learn more about industries and job search strategies. The University Of Iowa uses Handshake, allowing students to access thousands of opportunities like these at no cost.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/handshake

6. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Your resume should be a living document, growing and changing as you do.

Tip: Tailor your resume for the jobs you’re interested in and craft a cover letter that tells your unique story. Need a little help? Come to the Career Center (C310 PC) between 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and get a free resume review by our Career Peer Advisors.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/resumes-cover-letters

7. Practice Your Interview Skills:
Use this downtime to refine your interview techniques.

Tip: Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to simulate the interview environment.
Career Center Resource: https://careers.uiowa.edu/interviews

Fall break is a gift of time. By directing some of that time towards your career development, you’re not only staying productive but also paving the way for a smoother transition from campus to career. Remember, the seeds you plant during this break can blossom into opportunities that will shape your professional journey. So, grab a spiced latte, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and take these steps to focus on your future. Your career will thank you for it!

What is AI Technology?!

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we understand and pursue research. The Pomerantz Business Library believes we can navigate through this by learning all we can about the new technology. These ideas improve equity and promote more diverse opportunities at the university, in the workforce and in the larger community.

Be sure to check out our AI & Generative Chat Tools guide for more information on how to cite, prompt and use generative AI tools!

This Week! Business Building Blocks: An Introduction to Market Research

On Tuesday, October 24 from 5-6 PM, investigate and research your market to become more informed and make better decisions for your business or service. This workshop will highlight databases and common themes that help entrepreneurs identify trends, key players and customers in your market.

Taught by Maddi Brenner, Business Outreach and Reference Librarian, Pomerantz Business Library.

Meet at the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL) or register online here: https://uiowa.libcal.com/event/10862779 

Career Related Courses

Have a SKELE-TON of Fun Taking these Career Center Courses!

Looking for a winter course?

The Pomerantz Career Center offers three 1 s.h. courses over winter term: CCP:3102 Job Search Essentials, CCP:3103 MoneyWise, and CCP:3105 Transitioning from Campus to Workplace. Sharpen your career prep through our online asynchronous career courses this winter!

 

Did you know you can pursue a Certificate in Leadership Studies?

This certificate could be a great addition to your program of study! Review the planning checklist for more information.

 

Planning your spring schedule?

Don’t miss out on our 1, 2, and 3 s.h. courses! Advance your career and leadership development. Search under CCP (Career Center Programs) and LS (Leadership Studies) in MyUI – we have in-person and online courses that range from 4 weeks to full-semester in length

Support Space-Impacted by Violence in Israel and Gaza

University Counseling Services (UCS) and International International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) will  co-facilitate two support groups for people impacted by the violence in Israel and Gaza. Any international or domestic students, staff, faculty who are affiliated or have ties with the region can come to the support groups.

Zoom Links:

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/99682824235-Israeli

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/95691707933-Palestinian

Do you LOVE competition, recognition, and prizes? — Consider Representing Tippie at an upcoming national case competition!

You may or may not know but the Tippie College of Business UPO sends representatives to national case competition every year all over the country! There is currently a team preparing for the Eller Ethics Case Competition in Arizona based on the themes of business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

ANNOUNCING the selection committee is now selecting students for the National Diversity Case Competition in Indiana! (More info below)

If you or students you know are interested in being considered for ANY national case competitions to represent Tippie, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/GsVFMiLdBi.

The Kelley School of Business (Indiana University) will host the 13th annual competition National Diversity Case Competition (NDCC) over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend January 12-13.

This is a premier event that brings together top-level, diverse talent from colleges and universities across the country for networking, a case competition, and workshops. The event will include 40+ teams from across the country as they compete for $22,000 in cash prizes and corporate partners will engage with participating students throughout the weekend!

This Week! Business Building Blocks: Intellectual Property

On Tuesday, September 26 from 5-6 PM, explore the hidden world of patents and trademarks. This workshop will feature a basic introduction to what a patents and trademarks are, the various types of patents in existence, and how to complete patents searches to begin the process. In addition to providing inventor exclusive rights to products, patents also give great detailed information on certain products and methods that can help you in the designing the development stages. Taught by Kari Kozak, Director, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.

Note: The presenter is not lawyer.  This session is for helping you learn the basics about intellectual property and search for patents and trademarks, legal advice will not be provided.

Meet at the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL)!

Don’t miss the Actuarial Science, Insurance, and Risk Management Career Fair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2023 Actuarial Science, Insurance & Risk Management Career Fair
October 12, 2023 • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm CDT

There are more than 30 different businesses that have registered to attend!

Registered employers:
Allianz Life
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
Aon
Assurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency
Athene USA
BITCO Insurance Companies
Captive Resources, LLC
Cottingham & Butler
Country Financial
Emergent Holdings
F&G Annuities & Life
Farm Bureau Financial Services
Fidelity Investments
Gallagher
Global Atlantic
Financial Group
Holmes Murphy & Associates
IMT Insurance
Kunkel & Associates, Inc.
Lockton
National Indemnity Company
New York Life Insurance Company
Northwestern Mutual – Eastern Iowa
Old Republic International
Pacific Life
Principal Financial Group- Corporate Headquarters
Sammons Financial Group
Sentry
Transamerica
TruStage
UFG Insurance
W. R Berkley

Top Tips to prepare:

  • Download the Handshake app to research employers and available positions and view employer map
  • Write down questions to ask representatives from your targeted organizations and print 5–10 copies of your resume
  • Have your resume reviewed during drop-in hours: Monday–Thursday, 10am–3pm, C310 PC
  • Do a mock interview or use Big Interview in advance to practice your skills
  • Dress for the fair is business/smart casual (or professional if you wish!), but you don’t need to drop a lot of cash to look profesh! Stop by the Clothing Closet for free gently-used professional attire, including shoes and accessories.

Please bring your student ID to make check in quick and easy.

More information – Click here

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa events. If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact the Pomerantz Career Center, (319) 335-1023.

TTI Tabling at Tippie

Techtronic Industries Company Limited (TTI) will be tabling at Tippie on Tuesday, Sep 26 in the W10 Atrium from 9am-2pm. Talk to Shelly, a Tippie alum (BBA19), about opportunities to join the TTI team! They are hiring NOW for both internships and LDP positions – take this opportunity to get to know the company!

Suicide Prevention Training-The Green Bandana Project

Tippie Thrive would like to invite you to attend the inaugural Suicide Prevention Training at Tippie College of Business.  At this training students will learn about warning signs, resources available, how to support a peer, and strategies to spread awareness. At the end of the training participants will have an opportunity to take the Green Bandana pledge and receive their green bandana to spread awareness and signify they are a trained resource available to peers.

Please join us on: 

Monday, Oct. 2nd

3:00-4:00 p.m.

W401 PBB

Chick-fil-a will be provided to those who register

To register:  https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2a192Lb38mMrEq 

Warning: This topic can be triggering for some individuals. If you feel triggered, please reach out to 24/7 UI Crisis Support Line at 844-461-5420.

If you have questions please contact Tippie-Thrive@uiowa.edu 

Job Fair Prep?

Job prepping for the All Majors Career Fair this Thursday, September 21 from 11-4 PM at the IMU? Check out some of our business databases and resources to get the leg up and find some information on your potential future employer!

  • Mergent Online — Source for global business and financial information
  • Nexis Uni — Researchers can quickly and easily search full-text documents from over 17,000 credible sources of information
  • PrivCo — Database on major privately-held companies

Study Abroad…Virtually!

Tippie is offering a  12-week virtual study abroad program during the spring 2024 semester. During this course students will complete FIN:4020 or the International Global Issues gen ed and Tippie RISE through a virtual study abroad program in Italy. Read more about the program here.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Friday, September 22 12:30 · Zoom https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/96840185212
Tuesday, September 26 12:30 · Zoom https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/93924337261