There are better ways to decide

Summer Issue 2009

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pg3 Big Decision

pg5 Freshman Year

pg7 Add color to your resume

pg9 Jobs forCats

pg10 Summer Fashion

Choosing a major can be a hard decision but a very important one as well. Some students will change their major several times before they make their choice. Whether you think you want to be a doctor or a teacher, it is important to set goals and treat the process as a deadline. One of the first steps in picking a major is looking at Texas State’s undergraduate list of majors. This will allow you to see the vast amount of possibilities and narrow them down into catego-ries. For example, if you are dreading your next history course, you will probably completely rule out a history major. By organizing the list, you will be able to explore the different majors more easily without being as overwelmed. After you have compiled a smaller list, you can then research the majors to get a better understanding of those fields of work. Rather than just searching the internet, go to the Career Services office on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center and use the Career Resoure Library. They provide a variety of resources on all the majors which will help in the process of elimination. From books to handouts on information of majors and career opportunities within each field of study, there will be helpful information with many options. Although researching the majors is a great starting point, sometimes students are still unsure what they want to do in life. Another option available is taking career assessments. These assessments will help you explore your interests and hopefully help you find a field you would enjoy. Even though an assessment won’t make a deci-sion for you, it is an excellent way to learn more about yourself and interests and a way to narrow your search. The next step in the process will be meeting with a Career Counselor at Career Services.

They will be able to guide you in the right direction once you have an idea of what you would like to major in. The Career Counslors can provide you with insightful information on career options within a major, career paths and much more. We then recommend you set up appointments with the advisors of the undergraduate majors you want more information on. By doing so, you will learn more about the major itself as well as degree requirements and much more. When if comes to finding a major, there is a wealth of information and it's free! All you have to do is take the time to do the research and talk to other people. You can even ask your family, friends, and faculty how they made their decision. It's important to start your search early on in your college career to allow yourself to change your mind and take advantage of all the opportunities available.

Resources for students:

1. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor for assistance or to take a free assessment. Call 512.245.2645

2. Take Sigi3 - a free online assessment on the Career Services website. www.careerservices.txstate.edu

3. Participate in the JobShadowing program during the winter break.

4. Schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor for the specific major you’re interested in.

5. Check out the “Career Exploration” page under the students menu on the Career Services website for information on Majors and career options.

BIGBIGBIGBIGA BIG Decision

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Get Organized. In the past, teachers tended to lead you through all the homework and due dates. In college, the professors post the assignments and expect you to be prepared. Buy an organizer or a big wall calendar -- what-ever it takes for you to know when assignments are due.

Go to class. Obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8 am class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation. Besides learning the material by attending classes, you'll also receive vital information from the profes-sors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc.

Become an expert on course requirements and due dates. Professors spend hours and hours preparing course syllabi and calendars so that you will know exactly what is expected of you -- and when. One of the lamest excuses a student can give a professor: "I didn't know it was due today."

Meet with your professors. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students -- take advantage of that time.

Get to know your academic adviser. This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semes-ters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you

Seek a balance. College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don't tip the balance too far in either direction.

Get involved on campus. A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a student organization, club, or sports teams. You'll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.

Strive for good grades. Another obvious one here, right? Remember the words of the opening paragraph; while good grades could have come naturally to you in high school, you will have to earn them in college -- and that means setting some goals for yourself and then making sure you work as hard as you can to achieve them.

Take advantage of the study resources on campus. If you're having some troubles, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea: form study groups.

Find the Career Services Office. Regardless of whether you are entering college as undeclared or have your entire future mapped out, seek out the wonderful professionals in the career services office on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center and get started on planning, prepar-ing, and acting on your future.

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1. Career Services 2. Career Counseling 3. Career Month 4. Career Library 5. Jobs4Cats 6. Assessments 7. On Campus Interviewing 8. Mock Interviews 9. 48hr Resume Critique 10. Speed Interviewing 11. Careers in the Federal Govt. presentation 12. Rock Your Resume 13. Careers in Pharmaceutical Sales presentation 14. Careers in Retail presentation 15. Job Shadowing 16. Health Professions Job Fair 17. Construction Job Fair 18. MassComm Career Fair 19.Fall Job and Internship Fair 20. Walk in Career Coaching

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Internships are a huge part of a student's college career. Not only do you gain experience, but you get a foot in the door that can be vital to landing your dream job after graduation. Along with internships comes networking. Not only are you gaining new resources but you are gaining con-tacts. By keeping contact with an organization you interned with thoughout your college career, you may even have contacts at other places because one contact transferred. It is important to make an effort to meet as many of the employees as you can. That way, you will have more opportunities available in the future. Don't forget: the majority of the value you receive from an internship is with the people you work with. Having a college degree may not be enough. You can take all the high level courses you want but without expe-rience you won't get hired. Employers want to see that you have had hands on experience, not just from lecture time in class. Therefore, having an internship in college will greatly increase your chances of being hired. There was a study done by CareerBuilder to show what employers seek in hiring candidates and there are five attributes: motivation, leadership, oral communication skills, experience, and interpersonal skills. The majority of employers won't even con-sider a candidate unless they have had career-related experience. Another important factor you need to consider is that by interning you are developing a realistic view of the work world. Many students make the mistake of thinking they know how the real professional world works. They think that because they are a full-time student, working a part-time job and involved in various organizations they know what a full work day feels like. Therefore, interning is important because you will get a preview of exactly what it will be like to work there. Interning teaches you a lot about yourself and what kind of work environment you work best in. That's why it is best to intern at various types of companies so that you can determine which you like best. Overall, internships are the beginning of successful career preparation for students. You can intern for academic credits or just for the experience, either way, it's never too early to intern and gain valuable experience that may last a lifetime!

add color to your resume with an internship

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As an incoming fresh-man you might be terri�ed to leave home, or so thrilled about college that you don't have time to be nervous. These are both very common emotions when moving to college. If you are nervous about moving away, don't worry you will survive. Make it a point not to go home every weekend because you are homesick. You will miss out on many opportunities that you can't get back. This is a big step and it will allow you to learn a lot about yourself and have fun in the process. One mistake that many students make is spending too much money. If you received money for gradua-tion, save it! You will de�nitely need it.

This is Texas State's database for jobs, internships, and any events Career Services holds. Therefore, create an account and you will be able to search and apply for numerous kinds of jobs under categories such as: work study, part-time jobs on/o� campus, internships, and even full time jobs after graduation. Sometimes students hear the word "job" and may be completely against it because they would rather be going out with friends or going to the river. However, whether you are working at the student recre-ation center or in retail, having a job in college may be a very rewarding experience personally and �nancially.

Whether you are buying a new out�t that you "must have" or going out to eat, it's nice to have some extra cash around. Once you settle down and feel comfortable at Texas State, it can be a bene�t to �nd a part time job. Having a job can bene�t you in vari-ous ways. You will make money, meet new people, learn time management skills and gain valuable experience for your future career plan-ning. College can be fun as well as stressful and that's why learn-ing how to manage your obligations will help lessen some stressful times. There are various types of jobs available on and o� campus. As a freshman, one tool that is vital to your college career is Jobs4Cats.

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Wuring the warm months of summer, it can become more difficult to dress professionally for work. Although it would be great to wear shorts during the 105 degree summer, it is unacceptable in the work environment. People hear the phrase business casual and are not sure what to wear. There are three basic rules to live by when dressing for the office. First, you want your clothes to be made of a good quality material. Secondly, they should be constructed with great craftsmanship. Finally, they should fit appropri-ately and be clean. With this as the basis, below is a list of summer attire that is still considered profes-sional.

3/4 Sleeve CardigansNot only can you get away with wearing sleeveless shirts, you can still remain professional and stay cool.

Peep-toe Shoes Because they don't look as casual as open toe shoes, they are appropriate for the job setting during the summer.

Skirts Just as professional as wearing pants to work, but you won't be as hot. Try a high waist pencil skirt that is fashionable and acceptable/appropriate in length.

A White Blouse Hide the black clothing and switch to white. White has always been the perfect color for summer and other light colors will also keep you cool.

Cropped PantsMake sure they end below the knee to remain professional. Choose a pair with a cuff at the bottom to dress your outfit up.

Cropped Blazer or Jacket During the summer you can wear a jacket with cropped pants, a dress, or even suit pants for a nice look.

A Classic Wrap DressLike skirts, make sure the wrap dress is below the knee and conservative.

Mary Jane PlatformsAs long as they aren't too tall, they can add a feminine touch to your work attire while still looking professional.

Khaki SlacksA nice set of slacks can work with just about anything. If you pair them with a short sleeve top you will be dressed for the heat and not need a jacket for the office.

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WAYS TO DRESSPROFESSIONALLYIN THE BLISTERINGHOT SUMMER

VestsRather than wearing a suit jacket into work, wear a vest during the summer months. You will still look polished and professional and feel less stuffy.

Linen or Poplin SuitsIf it's required to wear a suit all year, these are great for summer and a lot cooler than wool in the blistering heat. Look for "Seasonless" on clothing to help distinguish between winter and summer wear.

Linen SocksTo go along with the linen suit, get the linen socks too. They allow more air flow compared to cotton socks.

Golf Shirt or Nice PoloMake sure they are nice fabrics and they are normally acceptable. Especially if they have the company logo.

Golf ShoesA nice pair of golf shoes to go along with your Polo will not only allow you to golf right after work, but also look more professional rather than wearing tennis shoes.

KhakisEven though jeans may sound more appealing, khakis are actually cooler during the summer.

A Button DownChoose a, short sleeve or even quarter length shirt. If you aren't allowed to wear short sleeve shirts, pick a long sleeve without overheating by choosing a light material.

Light ColorsDress in light colored clothing. Leave your blacks and dark navy in the closet. Wear light kaki and pastel colored shirts for a much cooler feel in the hot weather.

Cotton UndershirtThe right undershirt can work wonders in the heat. It will keep the space between your body and your clothes cool.

Light weight BlazerA blazer can be worn over nearly any shirt while still remaining cool. Wear it over a striped shirt to look more dressy for work.

Overall, by keeping the three main rules in mind and using these suggestions as your basis, you will be prepared to dress professional in the summer. Remember, if you have to question an outfit you’ve chosen, chances are it is not appropriate for the office.

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part time on-campus online job fair: june 1 - sept. 11 obs4CatsJ