The Power of a Team

Are you a team player?  When someone asks you to jump in and tackle a project that isn’t your “real” job, do you accept the challenge?  In this situation many ask, “What’s in it for me?”  And to that question, my answer is plenty.  

It is easy to be motivated to work as a team on a challenging project when the task at hand is glamorous and will get you recognized.  But what about when the teamwork means putting in a little elbow grease for a less glamorous result?  Yesterday the Career Services team at Herzing University tackled one of these projects.  Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it seems, so when the office furniture we worked together to build presented far more challenges than anticipated we put our heads together to make things work. 

It is a privilege for me to be a part of the wonderful team of career services professionals at Herzing University that work as a team in every sense of the word.  Whether we are coaching graduates on interview skills, assisting with resume preparation, celebrating a student landing a great job, or constructing office furniture, we work as a team. So, when the going got tough with our day of construction, we transformed from resume builders to desk builders.  We got a little sweaty, had some laughs, and in the end expanded our office space to accommodate our new hire starting on Monday.  Not bad for a day’s work!  Today we are all a little banged up, beat up, bruised up but enjoying recanting yesterday’s adventures.

So, the question is, why?  Why do we come together as a team to do these not-so-glamorous tasks and what do we gain from it?  For our team, it was a bonding experience.  We worked together to overcome obstacles and learned about each other in the process.  When the office furniture delivery truck arrived, we strategized the best method to get from point A to point B using a cart with a missing wheel.  When the desks we built weren’t coming together as the directions indicated, we put our heads together to devise a solution to drill screws into non-existent holes.  When we were tasked with cleaning up our construction mess, we put our heads together and let the snowy Wisconsin winter work in our favor when we slid a six foot desktop to the dumpster “sled-style”. 

The next time you are asked to do something beyond your job description, say yes.  It just may turn into a teambuilding experience filled with obstacles, laughter, and an all-around rewarding opportunity to work together.   

Feel free to email me at keilers@onl.herzing.edu and check out Herzing University Online at http://www.herzingonline.edu/.   Are you an employer looking for an employee?  Click here to see our available graduates.

The Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering is always a hot topic so the Department of Career Services here at Herzing University Online is here to share with you some of the best parts of spending your time helping in your community. A volunteer is someone who jumps in to help to benefit someone else, however that doesn’t mean there can’t be some value for the volunteer as well. The following are some benefits to volunteering for your consideration:

Real Results
First and foremost, the best part about volunteering is giving back to the community. Volunteers are able to take a step back and see what areas of the community are the most intriguing and focus on those. As you delve into volunteering, you will be amazed to see how the time and energy spent giving back to your community really does make a difference. As your volunteer efforts continue, you will enjoy seeing the real results developed from your hard work.

Networking
While spending time making your community a better place to be, your volunteering efforts also serve as a great way to launch your own networking efforts. As you dig in to help out, take a look around to determine who else shares your passion. Seek out those individuals by introducing yourself and committing to stay connected. No one said you can’t benefit from your good deeds as well so make the most of your time spent volunteering.

Skill Development
Volunteering is a great way to develop new skill sets or further develop the talents you already possess. Whether you’re diving into a new career or you’re interested in a new career path, volunteering is a great way to learn new skills. Research what you’re interested in learning and ask if you could volunteer some of your time towards their charity. By volunteering your time, you can gain a breadth of knowledge depending on the things that you volunteer for.

Feel Good
What better way to feel good about yourself than to volunteer. It gives you a chance to work with others on a project that’s doing good deeds for others who are in need of your assistance. I know that during the holiday’s it’s always more fun for me to get gifts for others than receiving gifts. I enjoy thinking about others and what would make them feel good themselves. This also works the same as when volunteering. You’re putting others’ needs in front of your own, and ultimately you’ll feel great about it.

Social Responsibility Circle
Herzing University has started a group to get its students geared up for volunteering in their hometowns. As said before, there are many benefits of volunteering, and here at Herzing, we want to add to those benefits. Students receive a documented transcript of the hours and specific volunteer opportunities that they have participated in throughout their education. Students are encouraged to share their volunteer experiences with their peers in the Social Responsibility Circle group.

The bottom line is that volunteering has its benefits, both for you and others around you. Get out there and volunteer, you never know what you’ll learn!!

*Kay and Tammy*

To find out more about Herzing University Online please visit us on the web at www.herzingonline.edu or contact us at 866-508-0748, ext 240. If you are an employer looking for a GREAT employee, please check out our interactive job seeker map by clicking here.

Choiceortunity #28

This week’s CHOICEORTUNITY:

Get your VOLUNTEER on!

The holiday season is fast approaching; soon you will see bell ringers for the Salvation Army, food donation barrels at your grocery store and calls to action from entities like Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots. It is the season of giving and volunteering. I am a firm believer that volunteering starts at home and is something you can make part of your life from a very young age. My 15 and 13 year olds are volunteering at a haunted house to raise money for the Make Wish Foundation. Not only are they having a ton of fun scaring people and doing something good for the world but they are also getting academic credit at their school and building material for their college applications and future job opportunities. They also feel GREAT having done something for someone else.

Volunteering is a GREAT tool for the job search and can really help put your resume at the top of the pile. Employers look fondly upon those who take time to help make the world a better place. In fact, it may be the deciding factor when comparing two equally qualified candidates. This brings me to the “Social Responsibility Circle (SRC)” that Herzing University Online sponsors to aid our students in their quest to volunteer and to also share your great stories. Here is a little more about the SRC:

The Social Responsibility Circle at Herzing University to help promote excellence in your community!! This group supports getting involved by volunteering in your neighborhood while being an ambassador for Herzing University. I encourage you to find a volunteer site and donate your time to benefit others in need. Please feel free to chat with your peers on the discussion board about your experiences while volunteering.

Benefits:

- Networking with others in your hometown to find opportunities to advance in your career
- Add this experience to your resume
- Share your professional skills to gain experience
- Great for your professional portfolio
- Gain leadership skills
- Set an example for your children or family
- Break away from your daily routine and have fun!

You may request a form to track your volunteer hours from Tammy Hartley. When you graduate from Herzing, you will receive a letter (like a volunteer transcript!) documenting the number of hours volunteered throughout your college career. Submit all timesheets and direct any questions to Tammy Hartley at thartley@onl.herzing.edu or call 866-508-0748 ext, 842. More information about the SRC can be found in the community pages on HcNet.

Would you like to share your volunteer story with us and inspire you fellow students? We’d love to hear from you, just click here to share your story with the Herzing University student body.

So my challenge to you this week is to “Get your VOLUNTEER on!” Make a difference in the world, in your community and in your heart.

Amy

PS. Don’t forget to visit the Herzing E-Store

Choiceortunity #27

I am a survey geek. For some reason I love taking surveys and belong to several panels that try new products and such. Yesterday I took a survey that asked me the question, “When did you first use the internet?” I really had to think, it is hard to imagine a time in my adult life that I didn’t have the internet. Heck, my kids have never experienced life without internet services. Thinking back it had to be 1996 when AOL was at the top of the ISP food chain sending out free installation CDs in the mail to the masses. I remember receiving enough CDs in the mail to cover a wall. All of this got me thinking about technology and how it has changed our world. So let me ask, do you remember:

Bag Cell Phones?

Atari?

Dot printers with the guide holes you had to tear off?

When computer screens were all black with green writing?

Polaroid cameras?

VHS or even older beta tapes?

Records and 45’s?

The typewriter?

It is indeed a very different world than it was just ten or fifteen years ago. Technology has changed the way we communicate, the way we learn and the way we carry out our day to day lives. It seems that as soon as you bite the bullet and buy the latest, greatest thing, it is outdated the next day. I bought a smart phone only to find out that all the “cool kids” were getting iPhones. Now I need an iPhone so I can share “apps” by “bumping phones”. I can remember when I was happy that my cell phone would simply just make a call or have a signal.

Even though there is a tone of sarcasm in my writings of technology I can say that I am glad it is here. I am glad I can text while watching YouTube and DVRing my favorite TV show so I can skip though the commercials. Terribly happy that I get 1700 stations via cable TV, can see movies on demand and connect to the internet up to 500 feet from the wireless hub in my house or anywhere from my outdated (I am told) cell phone. I am happy to have 24/7 access to all the information in the world at my fingertips and if I see something funny I can quickly snap a picture of it and send it to Facebook or my friends in matter of seconds.

So Amy, what does this have to do with Choiceortunities?

Technology + Learning = Choiceortunity. Technology is changing the way we learn and what we learn as each and every student at Herzing Online can attest to. Can you imagine driving to a big campus, finding parking and sitting in class for four or five hours after having worked a full day or taken care of your family all day long? Technology allows us more control over the time spent learning; it allows us as individuals to determine what, when and where, which of course means we have choiceortunities! As technology changes so too will our opportunities and means in which we learn. Looking forward we wonder what this will mean to each of us, what is next on the horizon where technology and learning meet? Only the future will tell but luckily we have many opportunities to explore.

So now I would like to hear from our learners, alumni and whoever else, please tell me about your “inner techie” by filling out this simple four question survey. Click HERE. I’ll be watching for your responses!

I told you I was a survey geek!

Amy

To find out more about Herzing University Online please visit us on the web at www.herzingonline.edu or contact me personally at 866-508-0748, ext 859. If you are an employer looking for a GREAT employee, please check out our interactive job seeker map by clicking here.

Surviving the Panel or Group Job Interview

So your potential new employer has invited you to a panel job interview and tells you that you will be meeting with seven department heads. Do you grasp your chest in fear or do you say to yourself, “cool”?

Panel interviews can be scary as you have to impress a room full of people rather than just one or two. The questions asked by a panel can be broader and more complex because they are coming from many different viewpoints. In fact some questions coming from the panel may contradict other questions.

How do you ace the panel interview?

As with any interview, preparation is key. Don’t be afraid to ask the HR representative or person organizing the interview for a list of who will you’ll be interviewing with and what their role with the organization is; also ask for an itinerary for the interview so you know what your time with them will look like and the company’s version of the job description. Be sure to have questions prepared so when it is your time to ask questions they are well thought out and organized. As with any interview, be sure to research the organization and learn as much as possible about what they do, what they contribute to the world and any pertinent information about where they are headed.

Chances are that you will be brought to a conference room and when you are introduced to the panel; take the time to shake each and every person’s hand. As introductions are made try your best to remember everyone’s name so you can refer to them by name. Professional business cards can be made up very inexpensively at home or using a local printer. Create your “job searching” business card (see example) and as you sit down for the interview hand out your card to each interviewer and request their business card. This will give you their contact information allowing you to follow up and thank each person individually. You can also place the cards in front of you arranging them in the same pattern that the group is sitting in for easy reference.

Ask the panel starts asking their questions you will be inclined to make eye contact with the person who asked you the question you are answering, this is important. Equally important is scanning the room to make eye contact with everyone else. This will allow you to get a “read” on each of them as well as engaging them in your answer. Don’t be afraid to take notes during your interview for any follow up questions you might want to ask.

As the interview comes to conclusion be sure to personally thank each participant, shaking their hand and reinforcing your interest in the position. When you get home you can send out a thank you note to each interviewer. Don’t send out the same cookie-cutter thank you to everyone; customize the thank you note leaving them with one last positive impression of you.

Amy

If you would like to learn more about Herzing University please visit us at www.herzingonline.edu or give me a call at 866-508-0748, ext 859. Are you an employer looking for a great employee? Click HERE to visit our map of Herzing job seekers.

Career Services at Herzing University Online to be Awarded the Dr. Robert Greenberg Award for Innovation

Herzing University Online’s Career Service’s Department is the recipient of the 2009 Robert Greenberg Award for Innovation, which will be presented at the annual Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD) Conference in Dallas, TX, on November 9, 2009.

The Dr. Robert Greenberg Award for Innovation is given to a person, institution, employer or program/initiative that demonstrates cutting-edge and new techniques or strategies in the area of preparing or recruiting or hiring college students with disabilities. Dr. Robert Greenberg, the Co-Founder of Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD), held the title of Director of Career Services at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for 21 years. Dr. Greenberg provided the ground work for the COSD organization based on his vision that institutions should be more inclusive of college students with disabilities. That vision has grown to a national organization that continues to expand and influences college students with disabilities when planning and executing their future careers.

The Career Service Department at Herzing University Online was chosen as the recipient for this year’s award because of their implementation of specialized career services for students with unique needs. The Unique Needs Liaison provides specialized career guidance for students with physical, mental or social challenges in collaboration with peer Career Services team members, faculty and student services. The Unique Needs Liaison works with students on issues surrounding accommodations, developing workplace expectations, interviewing strategies, overcoming hurtles and developing strategies that lead to employer awareness. The liaison also works with students in building self confidence and morale surrounding the job search process. In the spirit of success, software allows for 24-hour access from student’s homes.

“The Career Services Department at Herzing University Online provides extra attention to our learners with unique needs ensuring that they have the same access to quality internships and work experiences as other students, opening doors of opportunity. Advocating on behalf of the student, Herzing helps employers prepare for and accommodate unique needs internships around the country,” says Amy Chastek, Director of Career Services.

Dr. Todd Rickel, President of Herzing University Online and Vice President of e-Learning for the Herzing Educational System expressed enthusiasm that Herzing had been selected as the recipient for this year’s award, “I could not be more proud of the excellent service provided to the student and alumni body by our Career Services Department. We are proud to be recognized for our work among such notable company. Herzing remains dedicated to provide all our learners with access and support as they progress to graduation and employment.”

About Herzing University Online

“Career-focused, Convenient, Caring” education is the motto of Herzing University. The University also places a strong emphasis on graduate employment – despite a tough economy, 97% of available 2008 Herzing University Online graduates found work in their field of study.

Founded in 1965, Herzing has campuses located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The ten U.S. campuses and the Online campus are regionally accredited and offer diploma, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs in the fields of technology, business, health care, design and public safety, in addition to four online MBA degrees offered by the Online campus, which is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis. Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

To learn more about Herzing University Online please visit www.herzingonline.edu or contact us at 866-508-0748. Are you an employer looking for a GREAT employee? Click HERE to visit our interactive map of job seekers.

Choiceortunity #26

This week’s CHOICEORTUNITY:

Love your Mentor

men⋅tor
   Show Spelled Pronunciation [men-tawr, -ter]
–noun
1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

In career services we preach that you need to find yourself a mentor. A mentor is someone who guides you, gives you their insight and their professional advice. I have been very lucky to have had some GREAT mentors during the course of my career in education. Betty, my former Dean at the technical college and Renee Herzing the President of the Herzing University System have both been exceptional examples to emulate and seek advice from. They have taught me much about student services, leading a team of employees and too, some hard lessons along the way. The “calm down and think Amy moments” that I’ve stumbled on from time to time that turned into valuable lessons on leadership, management and life.

You NEED a mentor. They provide valuable insight from a perspective that you may not have or may not have thought of, inspiration to succeed and a vision of the future. Mentors provide career development advice, industry contacts and support when you need it. As a Herzing University Online student you are most fortunate to have a mentor program literally at your fingertips!

The TEAM Connection

The TEAM Connection mentor forum allows you to network with a successful Herzing graduate who acts as your mentor in an online setting and a team of Herzing students who share the same program and goals as you. The TEAM Connection is a great way to learn about the industry you are seeking your new career in, share excitement about your educational journey and build a support system of others furthering their education.

When you started your education with Herzing you were invited to join the TEAM Connection. I encourage and challenge you to leverage this free service provided by Herzing University to use your Herzing graduate mentor as a resource and industry specialist while networking with other Herzing learners. Please let our Mentor Administrator, Kay Eilers, know if you are unsure of your login information for your TEAM Connection group, she is happy to get you re-connected. You may reach her at keilers@onl.herzing.edu or ext 820.

Amy
For more information on Herzing University you can visit us at www.herzingonline.edu or give me a call at 866-508-0748, ext 859. Are you an employer looking for a great employee? Visit our interactive job seeker map by clicking here.

Congratulations to Herzing Online Faculty and Students!

National Accreditation Awarded to Herzing University Online’s BSHIM Program

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits degree-granting HIM programs that have undergone a rigorous process of voluntary peer review and have met or exceeded the minimum accreditation standards as set by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). More information about CAHIIM’s mission and purpose can be found at www.cahiim.org. The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) Program at the Herzing University Online campus was granted CAHIIM Accreditation on August 27, 2009. This is an exciting accomplishment for our school and gives national recognition to the quality of our BSHIM program!

Eligibility for RHIA Credential

Graduates of our BSHIM Program, as well as students in their final term of study are now eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification examination. An individual holding the RHIA credential is considered an expert in the field of HIM and possesses comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and the privacy of protected patient information. Information about eligibility requirements, associated fees (reduced for AHIMA members), and exam preparation can be found on the AHIMA website at www.ahima.org/certification/rhia. The RHIA exam fee for Herzing students is paid for by the University upon successful completion of the program.

AHIMA Membership Opportunity

All Herzing University Online students who are currently enrolled in the BSHIM program are eligible to join AHIMA as a student member at no cost to them! Herzing Online will pay for the membership. AHIMA members enjoy many benefits including: professional journal that addresses cutting edge issues related to the HIM profession, access to best practice briefs and practice tools, discount pricing for certification exams, publications, products and other educational opportunities, access to HIM job postings, a members-only website, automatic membership in your state’s HIM association, and access to the AHIMA Foundation Library.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities for the health information management professional can be found in a variety of both traditional and non-traditional settings including hospitals, multispecialty clinics and physician practices, long-term care, mental health, consulting firms, government agencies, managed care and insurance companies, healthcare software vendors, education, pharmaceutical companies and many other environments. Armed with the BSHIM degree from Herzing University Online, and accompanied by the RHIA credential, health information professionals are well suited to take on professional responsibilities in one of the following roles:

* HIM Director or Assistant Director

* HIM Manager or Supervisor

* Compliance Officer

* e-HIM® Project Manager

* Clinical Data Analyst

* Health Information System Application Designer

* Consultant

* Healthcare Consumer Advocate

* Health Data/Information Resource Manager

* Business Process Engineer

* Coding Professional

What Does the Future Hold for HIM?

“We have been through the decade of health IT – health information technology; we have now entered the decade of health IM – information management. The challenge of the coming years will not be the technology; it will be managing digital health information, including, but not limited to the information content of electronic health records. In digital form, personal health information will be routinely exchanged among providers and between providers and other trusted stakeholders, including the key stakeholder, individual consumers. And such routine information exchange presents unprecedented health IM challenges……For us certainly, as health information management professionals, but also for the many millions of people who need basic Health IM skills to do their jobs and live their lives.” –Linda Kloss, MA, RHIA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, AHIMA

Written by: Michelle Knighton, MBA, RHIA, BSHIM and BSHCM Program Chair, Herzing University Online

Submitted by: Amy Chastek

To find out more about Herzing University or the HIM program please call 866-508-0748, ext 859. You may also email me at achastek@onl.herzing.edu. Are you an employer looking for a GREAT employee? Click HERE to see a map of our job seekers.

Meet Tammy Winston, Class of 2009

I have always had dreams of attending college. My dreams were deferred when I was told by my parents, in my senior year of high school, I could not attend college because I would have to go to work to help provide for my four younger brothers. As the years went by, I found myself married with a son and later a daughter, and then divorced. At the time of my divorce, I had been working in the healthcare industry for nine years and wanted a change. I felt like I did not have the time to attend college but would in the future.

Two and a half years went by. After not being promoted after numerous attempts, I was determined to attend college no matter what. I knew attending and ultimately graduating college would fulfill my lifelong dream. It would also be my only option for advancement at work. After a lot of research, I decided going to college online would be my best option. In December 2004, I contacted Herzing College Online, spoke with Ben Nirschl, a very friendly and informative admissions advisor, and enrolled into the ASCIS program in March 2005.

During my enrollment, I remarried and gained three more children (more challenges). I graduated with honors in April 2007. But, I couldn’t stop at the Associate degree. I re-enrolled into the BSTM-CS program and expect to graduate with honors in April 2009. Since getting my education at Herzing Online, I decided to stay in the Healthcare industry and now am a supervisor. Herzing has helped me grow over the years. I am looking forward to enrolling into the MBA-Healthcare Management program.

Choiceortunity #25

This week’s CHOICEORTUNITY:

Set the Example and Strive to be the Exceptional

My fifteen year old daughter didn’t feel well last night and crawled in bed with me to snuggle in hopes that a little mom time would help her feel better. I don’t know if it did or not but it sure made me feel good. At the age of fifteen I wouldn’t have dreamt of snuggling with my mother, I wouldn’t have even told her I wasn’t feeling well; we didn’t have “that” kind of relationship. As I started my own family I resolved myself to not be “that” mom but to be the mom that my kids would always come to, feel safe telling anything to and always trust. Granted about 50% of childrearing is dumb luck but I honestly think we have control over the other 50%; much like everything in life. Somehow I was able to set myself on a course to being the mom I didn’t have, to set my own example of what motherhood is to me and now I strive to be as exceptional a parent as I can be.

The same is true when it comes to many things in life.

When it comes to what we can control (the way we treat others, how we raise our children, managing our time, setting our goals, doing our homework), we have to resolve ourselves to set forth the example and strive to be exceptional. How? Whether we admit it or not, we all mimic what we see around us, we look for mentors in the faces of our families, co-workers and supervisors. We look for examples of behavior and attitude to follow. Unfortunately we can’t always find these examples in our lives so we have to turn inward, look at ourselves in the mirror and set our own example not only for ourselves but for those who may be looking to us for guidance; like our children, friends or classmates.

The truly wonderful thing about setting the example is that once you’ve figured it out, you can start on your path to striving for excellence. The key to success is getting rid of self doubt. You can do anything you set your mind to. I know you hear this and may see it as lip service but it is true. You really can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Just set the example for yourself, within yourself and for the people who look up to you. Once you’ve got your example set you can work to remove your barriers and then strive to be exceptional. For example, once you establish your homework routine you can strive for straight A’s. Once you start exercising three times a week you can strive to run a mile or ten. Once you understand a concept you’ve learned in school you can master it and then share your knowledge with others. Once you’ve taken the steps to start school and take control of your future you can strive to be the example for the people around you, to be their mentor and to be their example to live up to.

Once you learn to fly you can strive to soar.

Amy
For more information about Herzing Online please visit www.herzingonline.edu or call 866-508-0748. Know someone who is hiring? Click here to view a map of our graduates and students who are seeking new careers.

Career Changer Must-Haves

When you sit down to start creating a new resume, one of the first things you need to do is create a list of your transferable job skills. What exactly are transferable job skills? It is a term you probably hear over and over again (especially from us here in Career Services) but what does that phrase really mean? They are the skills and abilities that transfer from job to job no matter what kind of position you have held in the past. One of the things that make these skills so valuable is that they can be used in such a wide array of work settings.

Take the field of Healthcare for example. Let’s say for example that you have worked for five years as a salesperson in a department store. What kind of transferable skills would you have? Depending on the time of year, department stores can be insanely busy. One of your transferable skills would be that you are “Able to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment”, which could also be similar to working in a doctor’s office. If you were the manager of the department, you could add “Experience in managing and training other employees.” Anyone in a retail environment can also describe their experience dealing with clients by stating “Developed rapport with guests by providing outstanding customer service.”

If you are looking to make a transition into a business or office environment, consider the transferable skills that will be useful. If for example you worked in a restaurant previously, you can state “Developed an effective organizational system to maximize efficiency and forecast future supply needs.” Additionally as a restaurant employee you would also work frequently with customers so you could add “Provided top-notch guest services by making recommendations and ensuring customer satisfaction.”

As a final example, let’s say you are interested in making a transition from a customer service job to an information technology position. In this example it is important to focus specifically on the technology skills you were able to utilize. For example you could add, “Leveraged technology to provide efficient and effective service to clients.” Additionally mentioning your ability to “Utilize problem solving skills to trouble shoot technology challenges” will illustrate your confidence. You can also mention any projects or efforts in which you participated to encourage the use of technology. You could say, “Developed and presented technology training for coworkers to assist with office workflow.”

No matter what job you have held in the past, consider the experiences and skills developed making you a top candidate for a position in a different field. Career transitions are challenging but not impossible. Assist a potential employer by considering and thoroughly illustrating the transferable skills you have obtained that will make you a great addition to the team.

Feel free to email us at careerservices@onl.herzing.edu and check out Herzing University Online at http://www.herzingonline.edu/. Interested in hiring a Herzing graduate? Check out our list of job seekers by clicking here.

Happy Searching!
Ann and Kay

The Herzing Alumni Association E-Store is Open!

Students, alumni and friends, the Herzing Alumni Association E-store is open!  You may visit the store by clicking here.  Enjoy your shopping experience!

Making the Most of your Network during your Internship Search

When speaking with student and graduate job seekers, Career Services staff members will often emphasize the importance of networking to learn about job leads or to make contact with someone who may be able to help you get your foot in the door with a specific company.  Using your network to assist you with locating an internship sponsor is just as important as it is in your job search.

Who to Include in Your Network

The first step in your internship search is to develop a list of contacts you can approach regarding your internship. Your network should include anyone who can assist you with your internship search. It can include past and present co-workers, bosses, friends with similar interests, colleagues from business associations, alumni from your university, or acquaintances you have met via online networking services. Your network can also include family, neighbors, and anyone who might have a connection that will help.

New to Networking?

If you are new to the area or your chosen field, you may feel your network isn’t as large as you would like it to be. In this case, it is important to be just as proactive about developing your network as it is during other steps in your internship search. One thing you can do is  attend a professional networking event in your area. In larger cities, there are often many general business groups that will offer monthly networking opportunities. There may also be industry-specific professional groups that will hold events designed for individuals to connect with others in a specific field. In smaller cities or towns, general networking events are often held by the local Chamber of Commerce, so going on the Chamber website is a great place to start. You can also view organizations that belong to the Chamber who may be able to sponsor your internship. Building your network can also occur through your involvement in social networking sites. The most popular site for professional networking online is LinkedIn. Creating a profile and connecting with others is easy. Just make sure any information you post about yourself on the web is professional. You never know who may be viewing it.

What Your Network Can Do For You

Over 80% of job seekers say that their network has helped with their job and/or internship search. Networking can help with more than job leads. They can provide referrals to or insider information about companies you might be interested in working for. This is especially important during your internship search. Reach out to individuals in your network who work in your desired field; one of their employers may be able to provide an internship opportunity for you. It is also important to put the word out to your network that you are looking for an internship. You may be surprised how many people know someone who knows someone who is able to help you obtain an internship. Don’t be shy—now is the time to be vocal about your qualifications and your career goals.

Holly and Jennifer