Vanguard University Career Services

Are your goals SMART? To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be: Specific (simple, sensible, significant), Measurable (meaningful, motivating), Achievable (agreed, attainable), Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based), and Time Bound (time-based, time limited, timely). https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm

An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone working in a field that interests you. It is not a job interview, and the objective is to gather information--not find a job. Shy about contacting professionals? No need to be-- most people enjoy talking about their work. Prepare a list of questions prior to the conversation and be sure to follow up with a thank-you note.

Two fundamentals of professional etiquette: 1. Show up five minutes early for everything. 2. Silence your phone. At some point you will be judged by your behavior in an interview or other professional setting. Now is the time to prepare. To demonstrate professional etiquette: ... Dress appropriately Shake hands with a firm smile, grip, and direct eye contact. Introduce yourself properly. Communicate with a strong, clear, speaking voice. Avoid slang or foul language. Use appropriate table manners. Master the art of mingling, networking, and remembering names. See more

While in the midst of interviewing with various companies and being offered a job, it can be awkward when letting organizations know that you've accepted a job offer elsewhere. Make sure your job rejection notification is professional and respectful. First, make sure you email the hiring manager or the person(s) who interviewed you. Second, thank them for taking the time to interview you and ensure them that you respect their organization for making sure they select a fitting... candidate. Third, let them know that you've accepted another job offer and will no longer be continuing in the hiring process at their organization and wish them luck in their continuing search, that they find a perfect fit. Lastly, offer a continued relationship for the future and possible future openings in their organization. A respectful job rejection notification email will not sour the hiring managers opinion of you and not burn bridges for future openings. Make sure you don't flake on your interviews without letting them know at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

Did you know that Career Services can assist you with your grad school applications, preparation, and personal statements? Schedule an appointment on Handshake today to meet with an advisor about Grad School!

How can you make your summer productive? Some little ways to make sure you can make the most of your summer while still giving yourself a break are to: Get a job or internship, get in shape, write, read, take a class, volunteer, explore, tutor, pick up a hobby, revamp your room, network, and spend time with family. We hope you are having an amazing summer so far!

Career Services is here to serve you during the summer. To set an appointment with our office visit www.vanguard.joinhandshake.com. We look forward to resuming walk-in appointments again in the Fall. Until then, feel free to come visit us on 2nd Floor Scott across from the Veteran's Center this summer!

Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2019! We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and just know we are here you you as alumni whenever you need our services.

Are you a university or graduate school student interested in becoming the future of venture capital? PledgeLA has teamed up with HBCUvc to create a 10-week, full-time, paid experiential learning internship program. Click the link to learn more! Applications due May 19! https://pledgela.org/vc-intern/