SWAG��Ƶ

We offer career services to all SWAG��Ƶ students. There are things you can do each year you're on campus to ensure that by the time you graduate, you will be ready to begin a career or continue your education. Some of the things you can do include:

Choosing a Major

If you are trying to choose the right major, you are welcome to visit the Career Services Office for personalized help. Self-assessment is a critical first step.

You should also do an in-depth study of the majors available to you. The University catalog is a good place to start. Look at the criteria for entering the major, the course requirements, and the course descriptions. Are you eligible? Do you like the required courses? Look at all of your options before narrowing down your choice.

The next step would be to speak with faculty and students in the major. Ask questions — is this a major that you truly like and in which you feel you can be successful? Be sure to know all of the academic and experiential requirements for degree completion. What careers may be associated with various programs of study? Consider adding a minor to enhance your major, or explore another field of interest.

Taking the time and effort in making this decision will be worthwhile.

Self-Assessment and Career Exploration

Exploring Careers

After you have assessed your interests, values, skills, and personality (see self-assessment below), you may have new ideas about occupational choices.

The following are some helpful steps as you begin to gather information on a career choice. The staff in Career Services are available to explore options with you and provide resources and support.

• Begin with online research to become informed about fields of interest. 
• Get involved in career-related activities: job shadow, conduct informational interviews, volunteer, intern in your field, or find relevant employment.
• Participate in employer programs and career fairs.

Self Assessment

You need to know a lot about yourself in order to make good academic and career decisions. To begin, consider your:

To learn more about yourself, think about your answers to these questions and the possible connections to academic and career choices.

Standardized assessment tools such as the Strong Interest Inventory are available through Career Services. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) are available at the Student Academic Success Center.

Applying to Graduate/Professional School

We hope that you will engage in lifelong learning. Continuing formal education, however, may not be for everyone. Graduate and professional programs are worth exploring, especially if your career goals require additional education. When deciding what to study, follow a process similar to career planning. Be sure to continue to self-assess, explore all of your options, set goals according to established timetables, and make decisions based upon your individual circumstances.

Because requirements can vary considerably, be very careful to know what is expected.

If applying to medical school or other programs that require a committee letter, the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee has an established timetable for their procedures to obtain a committee reference letter. For details, go to the SWAG��Ƶ Pre-Health Advisory Committee site. If applying to law school, it is recommended that you speak to James Roche in the Department of Political Science.

Types of Graduate Admission Tests

•  (GRE) 
•  (MAT)
•  (GMAT) 
•  (LSAT)
•  (MCAT) 
•  (DAT) 
•  (OAT)

If entrance examinations are required, get information about what exam(s) you need, what is covered in the exam, when and where it is offered, and how much it will cost. Allow enough time to prepare for the exam. Contact the Student Academic Success Center for test-taking strategies.

Conducting a Job Search

Resume/Curriculum Vita (CV)

Everyone should have a current resume/CV. If you are in the health or educational fields, particularly at the experienced level, a CV would be appropriate. Typical headings would include education, experience, activities, community service and skills pertinent to your field. When describing your accomplishments, quantify when possible and cite results. Always keep your purpose and the reader in mind as you strive to represent your strengths. Be sure that the document is totally accurate, visually appealing, easy to read, error free, and if printed, on business quality stationery.

Employment Letters

Professional correspondence includes cover letters and thank you letters. Each document should be specific to the audience, well written, in letter writing format (i.e. full block), and error free. If mailing, use appropriate stationery and envelopes.

Interviewing

Preparation pays. You will be more confident if you know what to expect and how to best present yourself. Be professional and ethical. Employers want to get to know you — the most asked interview question is “Tell me about yourself.” Things to think about before interviewing include your strengths and weaknesses, accomplishments, goals, pros and cons of the field you wish to enter, and questions you would like, or need to have answered. Pay attention to your appearance and practice proper etiquette.

Videotaped mock interviews are available through Career Services as well as handouts and other resources. Programs on a wide range of topics including business/dining etiquette, are presented each year.

Research

This important element of the job search is often overlooked. Know yourself, your chosen field, and the organizations to which you apply. You can find relevant websites, read company literature, keep up with current events, talk to employees and attend career/job fairs. As a well-informed job applicant, you will be able to target your resume or CV, anticipate questions that may be asked, present realistic salary expectations, ask appropriate questions, and find the best possible organization and position to meet your needs.

Networking

Remember to speak to friends, family, faculty, peers, previous supervisors and colleagues, neighbors, mentors, and even total strangers — up to 80% of job seekers find employment through some form of networking. Consider joining a professional social networking site such as LinkedIn.

Job/Career Fairs

Each year we put on multiple Career Fairs. Consider attending fairs at other Maine schools in the statewide consortium of which SWAG��Ƶ is a member.