A R E E R CWHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN AMERICAN STUDIES? You’ve decided on a major and are not sure what career path to follow after college. To help you out, we asked three Barnard alumnae who majored in american studies to share their career experiences with you!

Jane Tobey Momo,’73, U.S. Department of Education, Senior AttorneyI chose American Studies because it was a compendium of all of the courses I loved: American history, art, literature, and politics. Prof. Annette Baxter was so encouraging that I felt empowered. After graduation I worked for a year as an assistant to the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Water Resources -- part of the City's DEP. I then married and went to law school and when I graduated began a long career in public service. I worked for the U.S. Department of Energy as a regional attorney doing price control enforcement during the energy crises of the 80's. I began work again after having a child, at first part-time, at the NYC Law Department (Corp.Counsel) in what turned out to be a nearly 25 year stretch. While at Corp.Counsel I prosecuted juveniles in the Family Court Division for three years, litigated construction and contract cases in the Commercial Lit Division, and had a second child. Cont’d on pg. 6

Martha Schlitt ’84, San Francisco Art Institute, Director of Registration and RecordsI majored in American Studies in 1984 soon after the program was established, writing my thesis on the work of Ralph Ellison. After Barnard I worked at a gallery in Soho and took classes at the Art Students League. Five years later I pursued a MFA, submitting an admissions essay that referred directly back to my experience in the American Studies program at Barnard. Having begun as a painter, I was moving towards sculpture but wanted something that was not confined to just one medium. My work moved naturally into installation and took on a more conceptual bent – a place I was comfortable with I think because of the hybrid nature of my experience in American Studies. Cont’d on pg. 6

Jessica Kasten ’85, Thomson Reuters, Senior Research LeaderI became interested in American Studies because it made sense to approach American culture through multiple disciplines: history, literature, art, sociology, etc. After graduation I tried to find a job working on child care policy, soon finding out that there were virtually no jobs in the field. Through happenstance, I ended up in health care financing at what was then Beth Israel Hospital helping patients apply for Medicaid coverage and Social Security Disability. After 7 years there, I decided to take my interest in health policy to the next level, receiving an MA from the University of Wisconsin in public policy. Since then, I have had a number of jobs related to Medicaid and Medicare. I have worked for the state of Wisconsin, a think tank in DC, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and currently at Thomson Reuters. Cont’d on pg. 6

April 1, 2012

PHONE NUMBER: 212 854-2033EMAIL: ocd@barnard.edu

STAFF

Robert Earl, Jr.Director

Alexandra Nestoras Senior Associate Director

Won Kang Associate Director / Student Employment

Rachel TannenbaumAssociate Director

Valerie ChowProgram Director / Internship Programs & Civic Engagement

Purnima TaylorProgram Director / Employer Relations & Campus Recruitment

Victoria PassarellaCareer Counselor

Sarah NoelAlumnae Counselor

Katherine Hendry Assistant Director

Lindsey AllenAssistant to the Director

Hiraida Crespo Office Assistant

Bruce RossAdministrative Assistant

Nancy Ferro Recruiting Program Assistant

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O N N E C T I O N SBarnard CollegeCareer DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Students have been one of the primary priorities of Quintessential Careers since their founding in 1996, offering a large number of resources, tools, and articles to assist you in achieving your educational goals.

Quintessential Careers is the ultimate career, job, and college site, offering comprehensive free expert career and job-hunting advice (through articles, tools, tips, samples, and tutorials), as well as serving as a directory of links to all the best job sites. Special sections for teens, college students, and all other job-seekers (by industry, geography, and job-seeker type) make this site a comprehensive resource for all.

INFORMATION: http://www.quintcareers.com/student.html

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TEN CAREERS FOR AN AMERICAN STUDIES MAJOR1. Archive/Information Management: collect, organize, and maintain control

over a wide range of information for permanent safekeeping. This information takes many forms: photographs, films, video and sound recordings, and electronic data.

2. Public Administration: analyze information, oversee expenditures, draft and implement governmental and public policy, manage people and resources, conduct safety inspections, investigate suspected criminal activity, serve as consultants, and in general act as stewards of public interest.  

3. Policymaker: influence or determine policies and practices at an international, national, regional, or local level. Government policymakers study historical and statistical data to decide what types of legal changes are most needed and will be the most effective.

4. Attorney: significant numbers of attorneys are employed at the various levels of government working for State attorneys general, prosecutors, and public defenders in criminal courts. Government lawyers also help develop programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, establish enforcement procedures, and argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government.

5. Grantmaker: review applications and requests for proposals, create policy and guidelines for grant awards, conduct site visits and building relationships with grantee partners. Grantmakers vary in size and scope from large, national corporate giving programs to small, local family foundations.

6. Education Administration: set educational standards and goals and establish the policies and procedures required to achieve them. Administrators supervise and support teachers and other employees, develop academic programs, monitor students’ progress, manage record-keeping, and prepare budgets.

7. Editor: review, and edit the work of writers. Editors also may do original writing themselves. An editor's responsibilities vary with the employer and type and level of position held. Editorial duties may include planning the content of books, journals, magazines, and other general-interest publications.

8. Product Management: make tactical decisions on developing products, pricing, and promoting and distributing a particular product or line of products. Product management is similar to brand management when it comes to consumer products, however those in product management are likely to have to deal with more technical goods like software or electronics.

9. Public Historian: mediate between the academic practice of history and other various interests in society that seek to create historical understanding. Public history practitioners include museum professionals, government and business historians, historical consultants, archivists, teachers, cultural resource managers, curators, film and media producers, oral historians, etc.

10. Researcher: evaluate and analyze documentary evidence. Researchers take on the role as policy advisors and policy analysts for state, local, and federal governments. Many researchers also work in museums and historical organizations, or pursue additional training to become professionals in cultural resources management and historic preservation.

Sources: http://www.bls.gov/ http://myfootpath.com/careers/ http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82414.html http://ncph.org/cms/what-is-public-history/

April 1, 2012

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PEER CAREER ADVISOR BUZZSleep On It!We can all benefit from fighting the urge to press send on that important e-mail or to print the final version of a resume, cover letter, or paper mere seconds after writing it. “Sleeping” on what you write can provide some much needed distance and can help you to catch mistakes. It might sound extreme, but a resume or cover letter with typos can make or break an application. If you write in haste - either due to anger or excitement - you may forget important points you should have included and you may miss the chance to dial down (or up) your tone. We all know the importance of asking a friend to read over something, but why not ask your friend the next day, after you have had the chance to read your work again? In addition, clarity is of upmost importance, especially with regard to job and internship applications. What you thought was self-evident might not be so the next day! Sometimes it is best to use colloquial language so that the recipient will know exactly what you mean.Below is an excerpt from a memo entitled “How to Write” that David Ogilvy, founder of the advertising, marketing and PR firm Ogilvy & Mather, sent his staff in 1982.

Good writing is not a natural gift. You have to learn to write well. Here are 10 hints: 1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times. 2. Write the way you talk. Naturally. 3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs. 4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally.They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass. 5. Never write more than two pages on any subject. 6. Check your quotations. 7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it. 8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it. 9. Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do. 10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.

By Lianna W. Fox '12, PCA

DROP-IN HOURS

Peer Career AdvisorsMonday - Friday10 AM - 5 PM

THE PCA’S

Kate Bergin

Geraldine Cheung

Lianna Fox

Lily Icangelo

Jenny Lyubomudrova

Jaqueline (Jackie) Rossiter

Sylvia Scodro

Michelle Yip

Margaret Yukins

SOURCE: http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Fielding-this-is-not-what-I-meant-when-I-asked-you-to-sleep-on-it-Cartoon-Prints_i8638671_.htm

INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT:

By Noemi Schor ‘12Major: American Studies

When I saw the Barnard Nacelink posting for a PBS series called "American Masters" I was immediately intrigued. Having nurtured equal passions for American culture and television practically since birth, I figured that the opportunity to intern for a TV show that produces documentaries about formative individuals in the country's cultural history was the logical counterpart to my academic agenda. The semester that I spent as an intern at "American Masters" taught me as much as any syllabus has. I not only benefitted from exposure to the internal operations of a national television station, but I also watched episode after episode that spotlighted the diverse contributors to the fabric of our culture.

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FEATURED INTERNSHIPSFor these and other great opportunities, check out NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd.

Bloomingdale’s/Macy’s - Executive Development Program. Trainees will be given the opportunity to experience three rotations within the career path of accounting or finance. As a part of the program, interns will have exposure to all levels of management and operational regions and a variety of professional development activities. Formal and informal training will top off this program and will help ensure that the experience is well rounded.

The Washington Spectator - Circulation/Development Intern. The Circulation/Development intern assists the Associate Publisher in all facets of circulation, marketing, and development. Responsibilities include: subscription customer service, interacting with fulfillment house, assisting in generating and providing first drafts of subscription, website promotions, generating and updating promotion spreadsheets, donor research and cultivation, and researching new business sources.

Brooklyn Public Library - Strategic Planning Intern. Brooklyn Public Library is seeking a summer intern within the strategic planning department. The intern will take an active role in all aspects of strategic planning and will have broad exposure to the executive leadership team and other strategic thinkers in the company.

Random House Inc. - Editorial Intern. Random House Children’s Books seeks an undergraduate student to work closely with an associate editor. Duties will include running the Facebook page for Bluefire fantasy imprint, reading and evaluating manuscripts, writing cover copy and rejection letters, submitting cataloging data to the Library of Congress, researching comparative titles and market trends, attending staff meetings, and performing administrative tasks..

Office of Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh - Intern. New York State Assembly member Brian Kavanagh seeks interns to participate in the full range of activities of a busy district office. Interns will assist in meeting with community and advocacy groups; researching and responding to correspondence; drafting testimony and talking points; working on community based projects, events, and initiatives; assisting and organizing press conferences, and attending events and meetings.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America - Communications Intern. IAVA is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization and has more than 200,000 active Member Veterans and supporters in all 50 states. Founded in 2004 by Iraq veteran Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA is staffed by both veterans and non-veterans. The Communications intern will: learn how to craft messaging to a broad range of audiences, focusing on military/veterans issues and policies, learn protocols for crisis communications strategy, and aid in the development and distribution of Daily News Brief, distributed to supporters at the start of each day.

CITYarts Inc. - Intern. The organization is looking for interns is several departments, including: development/fundraising, PR/marketing, projects/artists assistants, and graphic/web design.

Brant Publications - MODERN Editorial Intern . MODERN is a quarterly publication that examines 20th-and 21st- century decorative arts, design and architecture. This internship will combine educational opportunities with the experience of working with knowledgeable editors in a professional publishing environment. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills and have an interest in design, art history, and publishing.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESSUMMER ALUMNAE & DONOR SPONSORED INTERNSHIP GRANTBarnard College offers funding for unpaid internships through alumnae and donor sponsored grants. The maximum award is $2000 and college-subsidized housing may be available for students interning in the NYC area. NO late or incomplete applications will be accepted. Grantees are expected to have secured internships by the application date. Additional requirements include participating in an online discussion community, submitting a learning action plan, and attending a professional development event.Workshops will be offered prior to the application deadline to review the entire application process as well as the do’s and don’ts of writing an effective grant application. INFORMATION: www.barnard.edu/cdDEADLINE: Wednesday, 4/4 at 11:59 PM

NEW YORK CARES VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONNew York Cares is NYC’s largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,200 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools. All new volunteers with New York Cares need to attend a quick and easy orientation session that will introduce them to New York Carers’ year-round volunteer opportunities. Attend an orientation session right on Barnard’s campus!Create an account and pre-register for the orientation session. (Students should enter their school name under the “Company” box in the volunteer information form and pic “Student” as their occupation). DATE: Friday, 4/27, 12 PM - 1 PMLOCATION: Held Auditorium, 304 BarnardREGISTRATION: www.nycares.org

VOLUNTEER FOCUS: HOUSING WORKSHousing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization’s mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain Housing Works’ efforts.

Housing Works is seeking volunteers for the Design on a Dime interior design benefit event on April 26. Design on a Dime features more than 50 of the world’s top interior designers, who create room vignettes with new merchandise which is donated and then sold for 50 to 70 percent off retail pricing.

INFORMATION: www.housingworks.org/volunteer

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GET VOLUNTEER AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT RELATED INTERNSHIP AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR E-MAIL!

Sign up for the New York City Civic Engagement Program e-mail listserv. You will receive weekly announcements of newly posted civic engagement-related opportunities.

SIGN-UP: www.barnard.edu/nyccep

RACHEL’S CORNER

WRITING TO THE TOP There are so many perks in counseling and working with Barnard students, yet the one that stands out most to me is the strong writing skills that you all bring to your resumes, cover letters and personal statements. As a counselor in the Barnard Career Development Office, I am not alone in my noticing. Here are some reasons employers value your liberal arts education - and more specifically, your grasp of the written word.

Companies are less cohesiveAs companies experience significant domestic and international growth, the ability to work closely and in-person decreases. Being able to communicate via e-mail to your time and other constituencies is crucial, and in many cases, the main vehicle in which you collaborate.

You save your company moneyAccording to a report by the National Commission on Writing, one-third of financially high performing and stable companies can’t write well, and businesses spend billions annually on remedial training to improve their workers’ skills.

You uphold quality Regardless of the industry you work in, and whether writing is a large part of the job description, chances are you will have to report on your projects and work. The written materials you send can bring your projects the credibility they deserve, but if not strong, lower their value. You se the bar high when your communicated outcomes are clear, succinct and technically correct.

By Rachel Tannenbaum, Associate Director

SOURCE: “Why Employers Like Liberal Arts Grads” from careerbuilder.com

WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN AMERICAN STUDIES?Jane Tobey Momo,’73, U.S. Department of Education, Senior AttorneyI  then was a senior litigator in the General Litigation Division where I defended NYC in impact litigation -- cases involving issues including access to health care by homeless children, and immigrant entitlement to benefits. In 2009 I began work as a Senior Attorney doing civil rights enforcement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, in NY. It is my new career and my dream job.  I can't thank Barnard enough for all of the support and encouragement that helped make all of this possible. That kind of support is certainly unique and special at a college for women.

Martha Schlitt ’84, San Francisco Art Institute, Director of Registration and RecordsAfter graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago, I moved to San Francisco where I continued my art practice and took a job in the records office of the San Francisco Art Institute. I am now the Registrar and am about to move to Portland, Oregon where I will continue the balancing act of art, work and family.

Jessica Kasten ’85, Thomson Reuters, Senior Research LeaderI enjoy the fact that I’m never doing the same thing and can use my quantitative, qualitative and “people” skills. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have this job.

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPSAll workshops are held in the BCD Seminar Room. For more information, visit NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd

EMPLOYER FOCUS: BLOOMINGDALE’S/MACY’SMacy's, Inc. is one of the nation's premier retailers, with fiscal 2011 sales of $26.4 billion. The Macy's brand includes about 800 Macy's department stores and furniture galleries in 45 states.

The Bloomingdale's brand includes 37 department stores and home stores in 11 states.

Macy's, established in 1858, is the Great American Department Store - an iconic retailing brand with about 810 stores operating coast-to-coast and online at macys.com. Macy's offers powerful assortments and the best brands, tailored to each and every customer with obvious value, engaging service and unforgettable moments.

Bloomingdale’s, America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store, is recognized for its originality, innovation and fashion leadership. It truly is “Like no other store in the world.” In fact, Bloomingdale’s is a leading attraction for visitors and tourists coming to the United States from around the globe. This brand includes 41 stores, bloomingdales.com and four Bloomingdale’s Outlet locations.

INFORMATION: NACElink www.macyscollege.com/college/ http://www.bloomingdalesjobs.com/bloomingdales/career/

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April 1, 2012

Crafting a Cover Letter and ResumeMonday, 4/2 at 3:00 PMMonday, 4/9 at 10:30 AMWednesday, 4/18 at 2:00 PMThursday, 4/26 at 11:00 AM

Job and Internship SearchFriday, 4/13 at 1:00 PMTuesday, 4/17 at 1:00 PMMonday, 4/23 at 2:00 PM

Mastering the InterviewTuesday, 4/10 at 2:00 PMWednesday, 4/25 at 4:00 PM

The Ins & Outs of NetworkingWednesday, 4/4 at 2:00 PMFriday, 4/20 at 3:00 PM

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Global Health & Innovation ConferenceSaturday, 4/21 Yale University, New HavenJoin the world's largest global health and social entrepreneurship conference. INFO: NACElink

The Ins & Outs of NetworkingWednesday, 4/4 at 2:00 PMFriday, 4/20 at 3:00 PMBCD Seminar RoomFind out how to tap into the professional contacts you already have and those you have yet to meet.RSVP: NACElink

Job and Internship SearchFriday, 4/13 at 1:00 PMTuesday, 4/17 at 1:00 PMMonday, 4/23 at 2:00 PMBCD Seminar Room Maximize your job and internshipsearch by learning to use Career Development resources, networking opportunities and more.RSVP: NACElink

Mastering the InterviewTuesday, 4/10 at 2:00 PMWednesday, 4/25 at 4:00 PMBCD Seminar RoomGetting ready for a job interview? Learn how to answer questions, ask the right questions and make yourself shine.RSVP: NACElink

New York Cares Volunteer OrientationFriday, 4/27 at 12:00 PM304 Barnard HallNew York Cares will be hosting volunteer orientation sessions right on Barnard’s campus each month this Spring 2012 semester.

Summer Alumnae & Donor Sponsored Internship Grant WorkshopMonday, 4/2 at 11:00 AMTuesday, 4/3 at 2:00 PMBCD LibraryReview the entire application process as well as the do’s and don’ts of writing an effective grant application.

CAREER FAIRS:

The Winning Women Spring ExperienceFriday, 4/27 at 9:00 AMJ.P. Morgan New York City HeadquartersAPPLY: NACElink

NYC Startup Job FairFriday, 4/20 at 1:00 PM250 Greenwich StINFO: NACElink

New York Bilingual Professional Job FairWednesday, 4/11 at 10:00 AM110 W 19th StreetINFO: NACElink

NY Tech DayThursday, 4/19 at 10:00 AMOff-campusINFO: NACElink

DROP-IN HOURSProfessional Staff

Monday - Friday12 PM - 2 PM

Peer Career AdvisorsMonday - Friday10 AM - 5 PM

APRIL AT A GLANCEEvents are listed alphabetically.

America Reads Tutor MeetingWednesday, 4/18 at 12:30 PMThursday, 4/19 at 4:30 PMFriday, 4/20 at 12:30 PMFriday, 4/20 at 4:00 PMBCD Seminar RoomRSVP: NACElink

An Evening with Dr. Chrisomalis-Valasiadis: Helpful Advice for the Pre-Med StudentTuesday, 4/3 at 6:00 PMBCD LibraryJoin Dr. Chrisomalis-Valasiadis to learn what medical schools are looking for in an applicant, tips for your med school interview and how to plan for your gap year.RSVP: NACElink

Careers & Coffee: Women in PublishingTuesday, 4/10 at 6:00 PMElla Weed Room, 2nd Floor Milbank Join us for a discussion with Anna Davies ’05, Senior Editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Lani Oshima ’09, Rights Coordinator for HarperCollins, and Lauren Tarshis ’85 Group Editorial Director of Scholastic. RSVP: NACElink

City Year Tabling EventTuesday, 4/17 at 1:00 PMMain Level, The Diana CenterRSVP: NACElink

Crafting a Cover Letter and ResumeMonday, 4/2 at 3:00 PMMonday, 4/9 at 10:30 AMWednesday, 4/18 at 2:00 PMThursday, 4/26 at 11:00 AMBCD Seminar RoomLearn the basics of writing a resume and cover letter that helps you stand out in the job market.RSVP: NACElink