Plymouth State Career Development

We're officially back with our first employer spotlight of the new school year! Today, we're highlighting Greenstaff Medical USA. If you're interested in the healthcare field, check them out!

A job search can truly be like riding an emotional roller coaster. This article has some great tips for navigating the process. If you need support or help with coming up with a new job search strategy, the Career Development team is here for you! Email us at career.development@plymouth.edu to schedule an appointment.

As we get closer to the start of the school year, you may be wondering how to juggle work and school. Here are some tips on how to balance your work and class days!

If you are currently seeking employment or other post-graduate plans, you are not alone. We are here to help! Our Career Development team is providing specialized alumni career advising appointments July 22 – 26 and July 29 – August 2 from 9:00am – 4:00pm, virtually or in-person on campus. To schedule an appointment, please email us at career.development@plymouth.edu.

If you are currently seeking employment or other post-graduate plans, you are not alone. We are here to help! Our Career Development team is providing specialized alumni career advising appointments July 22 – 26 and July 29 – August 2 from 9:00am – 4:00pm, virtually or in-person on campus. To schedule an appointment, please email us at career.development@plymouth.edu.

One of the most asked questions we got at the Part-Time Job Fairs at New Student Orientation was “What exactly IS work study?” Here’s some helpful information about the Federal Work Study Program! 1) Federal Work Study is: a financial aid assistance program with funds administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This form of aid allows eligible students to work an approved part-time job on or off campus and earn a paycheck. 2) Federal Work Study is NOT: A guaranteed job offer. You still need to apply and interview for it, just like any other job. 3) Federal Work Study is NOT: Applied directly to your tuition. Students who are awarded work-study receive the funds in a paycheck, just like a normal job. These earnings are meant to help with day-to-day expenses that students have and are not meant to cover large costs like tuition and housing. 4) Federal Work Study is NOT: A guarantee year to year. Several factors determine whether or not you receive work-study from year to year, including family income/financial need, if you used the work-study funds offered to you in a prior year, and how much work-study funding your school receives. 5) Don't Forget...typically, students who file the FAFSA form early and answer that they are interested in Federal Work-Study will have a better chance of being awarded funds from the program. What's next? Make sure to check out work-study opportunities, both on- and off-campus, via Handshake! Also, connect with Career Development (email career.development@plymouth.edu) to help piece together your resume/cover letter and to prep for the interview process!

These are some great tips - regardless of your industry! With Tip 2 (Upskill), LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start. Plymouth State's Career Development team can help too! Email us at career.development@plymouth.edu to set up a time to chat (in-person or virtually, even during the summer 🌞).

Networking is such a critical part of the job search process. Yes, resumes and cover letters are important (and we love helping students and alumni craft these for their dream jobs), but this is a job market where you're potentially competing with 50, 75, or even 100+ other people. This article shares 4 great tips to get you started on your networking journey today. You never know - the next person you meet can positively impact your career path and your life! And if you're stuck and still don't know where to start when it comes to networking - we can help. We're here over the summer and can meet with you in-person or virtually. Email us at career.development@plymouth.edu to get started!

Can you believe that May is almost over? No? We can't believe it either! If you want to flex those career development muscles 💪 a little over summer break, here are some easy updates you can make to your LinkedIn Profile: 1) Update Your Headshot - it doesn’t need to be fancy or taken by a professional. But it does need to: - Be a clear, crisp image. 400x400 px is ideal. - Have your face take up at least 60% of the frame. - Have a fairly neutral background. - Just be you! 2) Create an Attention-Grabbing Tagline Keep it short and sweet - 220 characters or less! Also, remember this formula: Position You’re Seeking + Degree and Major + Relevant Past Experience 3) Use the About Section to Tell YOUR Story - Why did you choose your major / future career path? - What skills do you have? - What motivates you? - What do you bring that’s different than others? 4) Add Some of the Amazing Things You’ve Done This Year! - Class Projects - Clubs / Organizations - Volunteer Opportunities - Honors / Awards You’ve Received 5) Get People to Sing Your Praises! Ask for recommendations from your current / previous: - Professor / Teacher - Supervisor - Coach / Advisor Ask current LinkedIn connections to endorse you for key skills. Still have questions? Email us at career.development@plymouth.edu and we can help!

It's been a little over a week since summer break officially started and we already miss you! If you're starting to get a little bored, we've got you covered! Here are some ideas on how to fill your time this summer: 1) Update Your Professional Documentation - this includes your resume, cover letter, as well as your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles. 2) Take a Course - there are some great options still available for the 2nd half of the summer semester. You can also take advantage of free online courses through platforms like LinkedIn Learning. 3) Build Your Network - Are there PSU alumni in a field of interest that you can connect with through LinkedIn? Or are there any professional associations you can join that might have meetings or conferences over the summer? 4) Dive Into Existing Hobbies or Try a New One - Is there a hobby you don’t have time for during the school year or one that you’ve always wanted to try? Now’s your chance! 5) ACTUALLY Take a Break - Make sure to take some time to recharge and relax. After an action-packed year of learning, you need a little time to unwind, free of school and work responsibilities. Panthers - do you have any fun plans this summer? Let us know in the comments!