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CAREER SERVICES AT ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | SANTA FE | APRIL 2012

Contact:Career Services 505-984-6066

Fax 505-984-6167

Web address: www.stjohnscollege.edu/admin/SF/career.shtml

AGORA:www.myinterfase.com/sjcsf/student

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjcsfcareerservices

Email: careerservices@sjcsf.edu

Office located in the basement of Weigle Hall, room 13

Office Hours:Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.or by appointment

Career Services Staff:Margaret Odell Director

Barbara Lucero Sand Assistant Director

Terrance Manning, II Internship Coordinator

Jillian BurgiePublications Editor

Melissa Latham-StevensArt Director

Inside You’ll Find

St. John’s Project for Peace

Jobs and Job-Hunting Hints

Graduate Programs with Upcoming Deadlines

LSAC Test Dates

Planting a Seed of Peace:St. John’s Students’ Project for Peace in Georgia

St. John’s College has once again received a $10,000 grant from the Davis Projects for Peace initiative.This funding will enable Elene Gvilia, Bilsana Bibic, and Noam Freshman to travel to the city of Zugdidi inthe Republic of Georgia to “Plant a Seed of Peace.” Their project entails working mainly with high-schoolaged youth whose families have been impacted by the political and armed unrest between their country andRussia throughout their lifetimes. The premise of our students’ project is that young Georgians would liketo believe that peace is more than just a time between two wars. Ms. Gvilia, Ms. Bibic, and Mr. Freshmanbelieve that “the choice of peace is a conscious one, informed by education and open dialogue.” Theirplan is to make this choice visible.

The students’ project is divided into three parts: education, health and politics. They will begin by con-ducting seminars based on the Oresteia, with the Georgian youth also rehearsing the play with a volunteertheatre director and presenting a performance for the Zugdidi community on World Refugee Day, June20, 2012. The education phase of the project will also encompass a survey of Georgian history, led by a native history teacher, using materials produced by both sides of the recent conflicts, so students can seehow events can be presented as “true” from radically different points of view. Finally, the Georgian youthwill receive instruction from the SJC team about conflict resolution. In the health phase, the SJC team,along with local Georgian doctors and the Georgian youth, will spend time at 2 nearby refugee camps. The doctors will do some basic diagnostics and provide medical supplies. The students will be assisting thedoctors, with the aim of allowing them to see firsthand what the refugees are facing on a daily basis andhopefully gaining a better understanding of the real face of war. Finally, the SJC team and the Georgianyouth will facilitate a political conference, inviting young Georgians who have been educated outside theircountry and former members of the Georgian government. In bringing together people representing thepast and future of Georgia’s government they are hoping to arrive at a pact and plans for “an ongoingmovement for conflict resolution and reconciliation in Georgia.”

The overall aim of this Project for Peace is to bring together young people who have grown up on varioussides of the conflicts in the Republic of Georgia, so that they can learn about each other as human beingsrather than life-long enemies.

Career Services Office

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Elene Gvilia, Bilsana Bibic, and Noam Freshman recently received a grant from the Davis Projects for Peace initiative for their project. Withthe help of Terry Manning, these students will travel to the Republic of Georgia to make a difference in education, health, and politics.

Jobs

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Congratulations to Ms. Gvilia, Ms. Bibic and Mr.Freshman, who will also be joined by Mr. TerranceManning, II, (MALA-SF’12) and current Intern-ship Coordinator. Watch for details about fundraising activities, including a “Georgian CulturalNight” with native food, planned for April 15th at 5p.m. in upstairs Peterson. For more information onthe project, visit www.peaceforgeorgia.weebly.com.

Enterprise Holdings is the largest rental car company in America, and is

looking for business-minded individuals to join their world-class team.

Every year, Enterprise hires over 8000 college graduates and helps them

get started on successful, rewarding careers. Enterprise offers employ-

ment positions, internships, and a management training program at over

7000 locations in the US, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. Enter-

prise also offers a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and

dental coverage, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. No

matter where you start in Enterprise, you’re joining a company that

Business Week called “one of the best places to launch your career.”

For more information visit www.go.enterprise.com

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Events & OpportunitiesApril 15 – Georgian Cultural Night 5 p.m., Junior Common Room and Great Hall

In order to cover the gap between the cost ofthe project and the Davis Projects for Peacegrant, we will be holding a fundraiser and cultural night. We welcome you to experienceGeorgian culture, history and traditions byjoining us for a soupra (traditional Georgianfeast). This feast will include a performance of aGeorgian national dance, polyphonic folksongs, and informative presentations about thisancient and beautiful European country.

April 17 – Graduate School Panel 12:15 p.m.– 1:30 p.m., Senior Common Room (SCR)

Tutors will share their experiences with choosingand applying for various graduate schools andwhat they actually experienced once they matric-ulated.

April 18 – Citizen Schools Recruiting 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Peterson StudentCenter, Great Hall

Citizen Schools is an organization that partnerswith middle schools to expand the learning dayfor children across the country. For graduatingseniors interested in teaching, Citizen School offers the two-year full time National TeachingFellowship.

April 21 – Health Sciences Career Day 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., UNM Health Sciences Center (Albuquerque)

For undergraduate students interested in healthcareers, Career Day offers breakout sessions,student panels, campus tours, and lots of infor-mation about medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, biomedicine, public health, and more!Sign up in Career Services.

A Great Opportunity for Johnnies! This job announcement was sent to usby Adam Braus SF08, calling formore Johnnies to join him at EPIC.

Trying to decide what to do after graduation? Don’tjust get a job. Do something Epic.

Epic is one of the world’s premiere healthcare technology firms, located in Madison, WI. Epic works with many of the largest and most prestigious healthcare or-ganizations in the country and around the world to improve patient care. Epic has aninnovative culture that is ideal for new grads who want to work hard and push the lim-its. At Epic, you’ll get to collaborate with the brightest minds in the healthcare indus-try and make a difference from day one. You’ll have the opportunity to work on adiverse set of problems, whether you’re working as a Project Manager/Implementer, aProblem Solver/Technical Consultant, or a Software Developer.

Epic also offers a unique work atmosphere. Our 800-acre campus has 10 themedoffice buildings, a tree house conference room, a waterfall, a stream, an orchard, agourmet cafeteria, and a working farm- all designed to stimulate creativity and collab-oration. Epic offers competitive compensation packages and employs a fun and diverse group of people from all over the world. Epic hires from all majors, all de-grees, and all experience levels. If you want to take on some of the biggest challengesfacing the healthcare system, check out some of our available positions and apply atwww.careers.epic.com. If you are interested in a role at Epic, you can submit your re-sume through our website, www.epic.com/forms/application.php. We hope to hearfrom you soon.

Still not convinced? For more detailed information about Epic, contact SJC alum,Adam Braus, SF’08, at abraus@epic.com.

FeaturedJob!!!

Top Jobs for Itchy Feet If you’ve got a wanderlust, and are worried aboutfinding work, or if you’re just not sure where youwant to go yet, there are thousands of ways to earnyour keep without getting stuck. Here are someideas:• Find a seasonal gig on a farm – When harvesttime rolls around, farms all over the world will hiretemporary hands to help, often in exchange forroom and board. Try WWOOF: www.wwoofusa.org• Become an au pair – Lots of families, especiallyin Europe, will hire foreigners to work as live-innannies. Try www.aupair-world.net,www.greatau-pair.com,www.iapa.org,www.aupairjobs.com • Join the seasonal workforce at a special eventor in the tourism industry – Annual events likemusic or cultural festivals, sporting events, tradefairs, hotels, campsites, and resorts hire temporaryshort-term workers with little or no qualifications orexperience. Try contacting event organizers, hotels,campsites, etc. • Teach English abroad – Many countries have ademand for English teachers. Teaching abroad re-quires few qualifications, though enrolling in aTEFL/TESL certificate program is highly recom-mended, and is a great opportunity for traveling theworld without having to save a fortune beforehand.Try www.eslbase.com, www.tefl.com, www.teacho-verseas.com for starters. • Become a travel writer – The pay won’t always begreat, but it’s a great way to see the world and shareyour experiences with an audience of envious read-ers. Start submitting travel writing to magazines andtravel sites to get started. Information from Verge Magazine www.vergemagazine.com

Letters of RecommendationIf you need letters of recommendation for jobs, internships, graduate school, or otherprogram applications, now is the time to ask – especially if you are graduating. Asknow, while tutors remember you well and can write a good letter. Here are some tipsfor asking for letters of recommendation:

• Make sure your tutors and other recommenders have plenty of informationabout you and the program to which you’re applying. The more they know, themore relevant they can make the letter.

• Give them PLENTY OF TIME to write you a letter. A month should be theminimum notice - more, however, is always better.

• Make Sure Recommenders Have Required Forms. Be sure to fill out a waiverregarding your right to see or not see the letter, and make sure the tutor knowsyou’ve done so. Also, make sure each recommender has the address to whichhe/she should mail the letter, and an envelope with postage – don’t make thempay to send your letter.

• It’s your responsibility to make sure your recommenders know the deadlinesand what they need to do to submit their letter. Don’t assume this has been done;keep checking.

• Remember, tutors don’t have to agree to write you a letter, so be sure to ask insuch a way that they don’t feel pressured. If they decline, respect that and asksomeone else.

• Be sure to thank all your recommenders for their letters, and let them know theoutcome of your applications.

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Internships Urban Employ - A national network of

career-enhancing internships and job

listings.

Check it out: www.urbanemploy.com

The St. John’s program allows for more personal relationships between students and faculty. If you needletters of recommendation, tutors are especially equipped to discuss your strengths – but ask for lettersearly, and give your tutor plenty of information about the program to which you’re applying.

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Interview AdviceIt’s all about putting your best foot forward in the job search. Some things to

consider when applying for jobs and attending interviews include:• How you’d describe your work ethic• Having realistic expectations, not a sense of entitlement• Tailoring your resume to fit each particular job• Presenting yourself professionally and genuinely• Researching organizations so you can ask informed questions.

What to Expect:Phone Interviews are often used as a screening interview. It’s a good idea to haveyour materials readily available (resume, portfolio, cover letter, etc) and considerstanding to add more energy to your approach. Try not to talk over anyone. Job Fair or On Campus Interviews are often quick interviews to give you and theemployer information about one another. Have your “Me in 3” marketing pitch anda resume ready to share – you don’t have much time to talk here. On-Site Interviews are when you meet face-to-face with potential employers. Youmay need to give a presentation and/or take assessment tests. Have a portfolioready, and pace yourself. Sample Interview Questions:

What is a difficult situation you’ve encountered and how did you overcome it?What interests you about this job?What will you contribute to our organization/company?

Check out other questions at: www.quintcareers.com/interview_question_databasehttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswershttp://msn.careerbuilder.com info from Paperclip Communications

Marketing YourselfYou’re in an elevator and you meet a possible career contact. What three things

would you like to tell him/her about yourself? You only have 30 seconds to 2 minutes…go!

Sometimes it’s hard to explain what we do here at St. Johns. But taking some time now to think about how to market yourself quickly, succinctly, and memorablywill pay off in the long run – you never know who you might meet suddenly!

Here are some things to think about when developing your “Me in 3” or “Elevator” marketing pitch:

• How do you add value to the things you’re involved with?• What are some characteristics you’re proud of?• What are your interests and passions?• How do you make yourself visible to others?• What makes you stand out?Let potential employers know who you are, what you stand for, and what makes

you stand out!From Paperclip Communications

Jobs

Job Hints:Skills employers are seeking (and which we tend to cultivate at St. Johns!)

• Communication skills – verbal and writing

• Strong work ethic – being dependable, hard-working andcommitted

• Teamwork skills – workingwell with others

• Initiative – not waiting to betold what to do

• Analytical skills – interpretingdata

• Computer skills – using tech-nological tools

• Flexibility/Adaptability – notbeing afraid to embracechange

• Interpersonal skills – relatingwell to others

• Problem-solving skills – takingproblems on rather than avoiding them

From Paperclip Communications

You are qualified for a wide variety of jobscoming out of St. John’s – you just have tolearn how to market yourself, and show poten-tial employers how much you can bring to theircompany.

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Graduate Programs

Interested in studying Law? Most law programs require taking the LSAT for admission.Think about taking this test overthe summer, or early in the fall.

2012-2013 Test Dates:

June 11, 2012

October 6, 2012

December 1, 2012

February 9, 2013

For preparation materials, lawschool searches, applicationhelp, recruitment information,testing sites, and to register forthe LSAT, visit www.lsac.org

Studio Art Centers International (SACI) – SACI is a non-profit university programin Florence, Italy for undergraduate and graduate students seeking fully accreditedstudio art, design, and liberal arts instruction. With its 35 years of experience, SACIoffers five different study programs: Academic Year Abroad, Academic SemesterAbroad, MFA Program, Post-Baccalaureate Program, and Summer Studies in a varietyof disciplines such as Studio Art, Art History, Art and Archaelogical Conservation,and more. Classes include drawing sessions, presentations, lectures, field trips, andvolunteering. Summer 2012 Term runs from June 28 to July 28, 2012. Fall Termruns from September 3 to December 20. Tuition for summer programs is $4500,with optional housing fees of $1550. Tuition for fall semester study is approximately$12,000. Application deadline for Summer programs is May 15, 2012. Application deadline for study-abroad and post-bac programs is June 15, 2012. For more information visit www.saci-florence.edu

Spalding University of Louisville, MFA in Writing (Five Summers, Five Countries) – Spalding University of Louisville, KY is offering a way to earn an MFAwhile traveling for 10 days every summer. The program works well for full-time teach-ers and other professionals who are looking to spread tuition costs over a longer periodof time. At the beginning of each semester students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency, and then return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchangeof 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester. Application deadline for fall program is July 1, 2012. For more information visit http://www.spalding.edu/mfa.

School for Field Studies – The School for Field Studies (SFS) creates transformativestudy-abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. With semester andsummer programs in Australia, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Kenya, Tanzania, and more, SFSteaches highly motivated students about critical environmental problems and trains themfor research to help address these problems. SFS “classrooms” include coral reefs, rainforests, African savannas, tropical islands, clouds forests, and volcanoes. At SFS, students will develop leadership skills, build personal relationships with members of thelocal community, be challenged and inspired by important, rewarding work, and make apositive contribution toward the sustainable use of the world’s resources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait! For more information visit www.fieldstdies.org

Cooley Law School – With an emphasis on academic knowledge, professionalism, andrigorous hands-on study, Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI provides graduates withthe practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world.Their rigorous curriculum includes extensive skills-based courses and clinical experi-ence, and gives students the option of taking part in lawyering competitions, includingthe mock trial program which has grown into one of the largest and most respected organizations on campus. Cooley offers part-time, full-time or weekend classes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait! For more information visit www.cooley.edu

ARTS

ENVIRONMENT

LAW

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University of San Diego School of Law, LLM, MS in Legal Studies – The University ofSan Diego boasts a highly-regarded faculty, high-quality advocacy and clinical programs,expansive legal research facilities, and a high caliber of students. The faculty consists ofnationally recognized experts in every major field of law; Pardee Legal Research Centeris regarded as one of the best law libraries. Graduates have 90% employment within ninemonths of graduation over the past few years. Application deadline is June 1, 2012. For more information visit www.law.SanDiego.edu/

University of Vermont, Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program – Located inBurlington, VT, UVM’s Post-Bac Premed program is designed for students who havecompleted a bachelor’s degree, but lack the core science courses needed for admissionto medical school. The Premed Program helps students gain the foundation to pursuecareers in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, physician assistant, nurse practitioner,physical therapy, and many other health professions. The Post-Bac Premed Program isrigorous, but offers flexibility with the option of one- or two-year tracks. The programalso has a variety of linkage programs open to their students, and guarantees interviewsat schools such as UVM College of Medicine, UVM Nursing, University of New EnglandCollege of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England Physician Assistant pro-gram, and Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (Vermont campus). Application deadline is June 1, 2012. After that rolling admissions. For more information visit www.learn.uvm.edu/premed

The Columbia University, Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program - As the oldestand largest program of its kind, the Columbia University Postbac Premed Program ishighly regarded for its extremely rigorous approach to medical school preparation.Whether students are seeking a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or the allied health fields, this resource-rich New York City campus, dedicated academicadvisors, network of clinical and research opportunities, and internationally recognizedfaculty will help them realize their future in medicine. Application for fall term is June 15, 2012. For more information visit http://www.gs.columbia.edu/postbac/

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions, Acceler-ated BS in Nursing – This 14-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing pro-gram with a second entry point in January provides students with the knowledge andskills that employers increasingly prefer for nurses who provide direct patient care. Designed for applicants who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, noprior nursing education or experience is required. The application deadline for the program starting Spring 2013 is July 1, 2012. For more information visit www.mghihp.edu

Notice! MCAT ChangesThis month, AAMC’s Board of Directors approved changes forthe 2015 MCAT exam. The changesare designed to help students pre-pare for a rapidly-changing healthcare system and an evolving bodyof medical knowledge while ad-dressing the needs of a growing,aging, and increasingly-diversepopulation. Among the changesare added emphasis on the socialand behavioral sciences, scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, andintroductory biochemistry. The critical analysis and reasoningskills section will ask students toanalyze information in passagesfrom a wide range of social sci-ences and humanities disciplines,including ethics and philosophy,cross-cultural studies, and popula-tion health.

To learn more about the new exam, go tohttps://www.aamc.org/newsroom/newsreleases/273712/120216.html

Graduate Programs

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Lots of Johnnies go on to medical study and careersafter St. John’s. With a little extra work and thesePost-Bac Pre-med programs, you can be well onyour way to a medical career.

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Saint Louis University, MPH and Certificate in Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership Programs – Saint Louis University School of Public Health, located in St. Louis, MO, offers a 51-credit hour Master’s in Public Health and an 18-credit hour certificate program in Emergency Management and Crisis Leadership.Using a hybrid of on-campus and technology-mediated formats, these programs aredesigned to improve knowledge, skills, and competence in emergency leadership. Application deadline for MPH program is July 1, 2012. For more information visit http://publichealth.slu.edu

Drexel University College of Medicine, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-medical and Mas-ters’ programs – Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA provides opportunities forstudents interested in gaining acceptance into a health professions school. The University offers Medical Science Preparatory and Post-Bac Pre-Medical degrees, aswell as Masters in Biological Science, Interdepartmental Medical Science, MedicalScience, Veterinary Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Health, Clinical Research, andForensics. With so many options, Drexel seeks to match students with the programthat best suits their abilities and goals. Application deadline for most programs is July 13, 2012. For specific program deadlines and more information, visit www.drexelmed.edu/ims

Interested inHealth Careers? Visit Explore Health Careers foran objective, reliable resource on over 120 health careers, withoverviews by accrediting bodiesand national associations. Morethan 500 nationwide summer and academic year pre-healthenrichment programs are listed.Find hundreds of scholarships,loans and fellowship opportuni-ties for students considering pursuing careers in the healthprofessions, along with resourcesand links on important health policy topics, and much, muchmore.

Visit http://explorehealthca-reers.org/en/home

VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) – VISTA is the AmeriCorps program,started in 1965, specifically designed to fight poverty. Since its inception, VISTA hashelped launch hundreds of programs including Head Start, Habitat for Humanity, and Neighborhood Watch, andimpacted the lives of countless Americans. VISTA offers more than 6,500 opportuni-ties to fight poverty across the country. Volunteers can design city-wide literacy aware-ness campaigns, help expand access to affordable health care, recruit and train mentorsfor children, develop rural community technology centers, build programs to assist theunemployed, and organize housing for hurricane and natural disaster victims. VISTAbenefits all who join, with stipends, living allowances, health care, child care, and post-service federal employment opportunities.

For more information visit http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp

Volunteering

ENDNOTES

We’re on Facebook!! Look us up – www.facebook.com/sjcsfcareerservices –and stay updated on important dates and opportunities!

What do you want to see?International opportunities? Graduate schools? Jobs?Tell us what you want to know, and we’ll put it inOdyssey Bound. Stop by Career Services or send us anemail: careerservices@sjcsf.edu

Check us out online!Previous and current issues of Odyssey Bound (includ-ing the new high-tech online magazine format!) can befound online at www.stjohnscollege.edu/admin/SF/ca-reer_newsletter.shtml or in the Agora Resource Library.

Disclaimer:The St. John’s College Career Services Office produces Odyssey Bound as a service to St. John’s College students and community members for their career development and edu-cational and life planning. Any jobs or other opportunities listed herein do not indicate an endorsement or recommendation from St. John’s College or the Career Services Office.Students and individuals from the St. John’s College community are responsible for all necessary precautions when interviewing for or accepting these positions or awards. Theyare also responsible for checking the credentials and integrity of all employers or organizations. St. John’s College and the Career Services Office assume no liability for acts oromissions by third parties or for material supplied by them. The St. John’s College Career Services Office is not responsible for anything that happens at a given job site. The pres-ence of an employment listing in Odyssey Bound does not guarantee any given employer’s compliance with legal behavior. If a student or individual experiences discrimination orsexual harassment on the job or in a job interview, he or she is encouraged to call the Department of Fair Employment in the state in which the violation occurred.

Additional information and/or printed materials on all opportunities and programs listed in Odyssey Bound are kept in the Career Services Office. The office is staffed Mondaythrough Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Odyssey Bound Editor Needed for 2012-2013!

Career Services is looking for a work-study eligible student editorfor Odyssey Bound. Editorial duties include research, scheduling,writing articles, compiling information, working closely with college offices, editing, and magazine distribution, in addition tooffice duties. Individuals with high motivation, organization, andinnovation skills are encouraged to apply! If you have an interestand experience in publications and editing, please stop by CareerServices! Downstairs in Weigle, Room 13, or ext. 6066.

Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Scholarships for MS in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy – Bard has two new $20,000 scholarships for graduatestudy leading to the Masters Degree in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy –one for domestic students and one for international students. Scholarship is open to rising seniors or recent alumni. Bard believes that to achieve a sustainable future, today’s graduatesmust, over the coming decades, rewire the world with clean energy, redesign cities across theearth, and reimagine the global food system. Bard’s graduate Masters programs marry masteryof science, economics, law, and policy with a focus on leadership training.

Application deadline is May 15, 2012. For more information visit www.bard.edu/cep/ news/release.php?id=2259

MassMutual Scholarship – MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company thatsponsors a national scholarship program for high-achieving African American, Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic scholars interested in careers in the insurance and financialservices industry. The scholarship is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors ofAfrican American, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent. Students of all majors willbe considered, but preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the insurance and financial services industry and leadership and participation in extracurricular activities. This year, the program offers thirty $5000scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year.

Application deadline is May 4, 2012.

Scholarships

Students in the Bard Center for Environmental Policy's graduate program.

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