Our New Media Assistant

Serena Nguyen
Career Services Media Assistant

I am currently a sophomore majoring in Business Management. Starting the spring semester of 2013, I have worked as a Media Assistant in the Career Services Center. Even though I have worked in the Career Services for a short amount of time, I have really enjoyed working there because I am doing something I love. What else can top that?

In high school, I taught myself how to use the Photoshop program to edit images and create different effect techniques by watching videos on YouTube or tutorials from other web pages. Photoshop became a hobby and I used the program to edit images and improve on my editing skills whenever I had time. However, once I started college, extra time to work on hobbies was near impossible to find. When I saw a position open for Media Assistant in the Career Services Center that required Photoshop as a skill, I thought this job would be perfect for me. Immediately I began the job application and had others review my resume. I was very excited about the job, so I made sure I completed my application to the best of my abilities. I asked one of my friends to help me revise my resume and my cover letter, since writing in English is not my forte.

I did not realize how difficult it would be to make sure my application showcased my talents. Thankfully, my good friends gave me useful tips on what I should and shouldn't put on the resume, since they had gone through job interviews. It was confusing at first, but eventually I got the hang of it. In addition, the assistance I received from the resume revision made me think about all of my previous job applications. The probably reason why I didn't receive any responses from them was because I didn't take my time to look over my resume carefully and have it revised prior to my submission. Afterwards the last thing I needed to do was to submit my application and wait for a reply.

The next morning I checked my email, and was surprised when I received a reply from Career Services. I was happy and excited because I got called in for an interview. The night before the interview, my friends helped me figure out the proper attire to wear during an interview. I went in for the interview on my last day for the fall semester of 2012, and then went home to Los Angeles right after.

In less than a week later, I received a phone call from my future manager telling me I had gotten the job. I was overjoyed. I called my parents, texted my friends, and my cousin to inform them that I now had a job. Getting a job, made my winter break that much more relaxing.

And that concludes the story on how I was able to land a job on campus. My tips and advice for you are very simple.

●      If you don't know how to find the information about a job, or have no idea where to start, I suggest you visit the Career Services Center, or email them careerservices@ucmerced.edu for questions.

●      If you already know where to find the jobs listing page on the UC Merced website, then start looking for a job that is interests you. You need to make sure that you will be able to have fun with this job.

●      Work on your resume little by little and have someone to help you revise it prior to your submission. If you can bring in your resume during the drop-in hours or schedule an appointment at the front desk, people from the Career Services Center will gladly help you with your resumes and cover letters.

●      Make sure you know the application deadline for the job because you don't want to submit it at the last minute. You never know what can go wrong with the internet.

●      After you submit your application the WAITING game begins, remember to be patient!

●      Once you land an interview, prepare for it ASAP. Don’t wait for the last minute.

●      In the Career Services Center, they will be able to help you with your interview, and even give you a mock interview upon your request.

●      On the day of your interview, make sure to dress appropriately, it is okay to overdress rather than underdress to let your future employer know that you are serious about this job. One last thing, Be confident! You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Now Hiring Seasonal Employees

Liz O'Kane - Career Services Media Assistant

          

Winter break is fast approaching and that means nearly a month without pay (if you have an on-campus job).  The holidays can be expensive and most of us are waiting on that refund check come January.  But don’t fret; let me share a little secret with you.  There is a little piece of heaven called a seasonal job.  Whether you’re bored over break, looking to spice up your resume or just need the cash, take a look at the seasonal jobs available in your hometown.

One of the more common seasonal jobs are ski resorts.  Ski resorts offer paid and volunteer positions in a variety of departments including the lodge, teaching ski lessons, or assisting in the medical center.  There might be one that you are qualified for, so do some research! However, as appealing as spending a month in the beautiful snowy mountaintops may seem, this can be unreasonable.  As a Sacramento native, the nearest ski resort is about two hours away.  The constant back and forth driving does not outweigh the benefits for me.  But who knows, if you, a family member or friend has a cabin, this could be a great opportunity for you.

If you prefer to stay a little closer to home, retail stores are another option.  Retail stores increase their staff during the holiday season to meet the increasing demand for their products.  Check out your local malls and favorite stores to ask if they are hiring for the winter months.  Plus, many retail stores offer an employee discount. A great way to save some money when purchasing gifts!

Because there is an increase in the number of people shopping, there will also be an increase in the number of people eating out at restaurants.  Restaurants within the proximity of shopping areas will see growth in business.  This could be a great opportunity for you.  From expereince, a friend of mine works at a Thai restaurant every winter break where she earns great tips and gets to take home free food!  Now that sounds like the perfect job for a college student. 

Whatever you chose to do over your winter break, we wish you the best.  We understand that you worked hard over the semester and deserve your much-needed break.  But if you would like assistance in your job search, help with your resume or interview, Career Services is here for you!

Career Services Center

Kolligian Library, STE 127

careerservices@ucmerced.edu

(209) 228-7272

             

Social Media Bust!

A few weeks ago, I received an email and call from my supervisor, “letting me know” that all my personal Facebook posts were getting redirected to the Career Services Center twitter account.  For those who did not experience this personal catastrophe, there were a couple pictures of my dog and a post asking for help in one of my classes.  Some say I dodged a bullet, because none of the posts were inappropriate for the workplace.  Since I have been working at Career Services, I always try to keep that in mind when posting.  I have learned that Facebook can never be trusted and is never the place to let off steam.  I understand we are in college and our lively personal lives can sometimes get the best of us.  But who are we to blame, this is our time to venture out, discover ourselves and figure out where we fit in this world.  So let me tell you, mistakes happen everyday, but prepare for these mistakes.  So next time you post, think; would you say the same thing in front of your friends, family and even your boss?  

Here are some social media experiences that cost people their jobs!

Virgin Atlantic took disciplinary action against 13 crew members who participated in a Facebook discussion that "criticised [Virgin's] safety standards and insulted passengers," according to the Guardian. The individuals "posted messages on Facebook referring to passengers as "chavs" and making jokes about faulty engines," explains the Guardian, adding that they also "joked that planes were full of cockroaches and claimed the airline's jet engines were replaced four times in one year.” The comments were promptly removed, the group was "sacked," and Virgin did not disclose many details other than a statement saying the unruly employees had "brought the company into disrepute."

A Georgia high school teacher claims she was forced to resign after her principal "questioned her about about her Facebook page, which included photos of her holding wine and beer and an expletive," CBSAtlanta reports. The National Education Association reveals that in other states, several young teachers and school staffers have put their jobs at risk by revealing personal information that parents and supervisors find inappropriate.

Colleton County paramedic and firefighter Jason Brown was dismissed from his job after posting a video that shows an exchange between two cartoon characters at a hospital. Firefighter Nation reports, In a letter of dismissal Brown provided, Colleton County Fire-Rescue Director Barry McRoy said, "You [Brown] displayed poor judgment in producing a derogatory video depicting a member of this department with a physician which is implied to be at Colleton Medical Center."

Oregon wide receiver Jamere Holland slammed his school's athletic program after hearing a linebacker was kicked off the team. Although reports that the teammate had been dismissed were false, Holland was kicked off for the "racially charged" remarks. "I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood," he reportedly wrote. (via ShortNews.com)

A woman called in sick to work, complaining of migraines and how she needed to work in a dark room, only to stay home and update her status all day.

A British woman serving jury duty posted details of the case she was serving on asking her friends' opinions!

Thankfully my cyber error did not cost me my job like the ones described above.  Take my experience and advice; it is definitely not worth it!  Remember to keep all personal life and opinions to a minimum on social media websites; you never know who can be watching.

One post can cost you your job and your reputation. Have one of your own?  Comment and share here!

Sources:

Catharine Smith and Craig Kanalley. Fired Over Facebook: 13 Posts That Got People CANNED. Huffington Post. 2012

Gorey, Aoife.  Fired over Facebook! Workplace 101: A Profiles Global Business Blog. Profiles International.  2012.