Frequently Asked Questions


Categories

 

General

When should I start using the Center for Calling and Career? Expand

We are available to you before you even decide to come to Geneva! If you have questions about the major you are considering before enrolling, schedule an appointment. Current students can use our office any time to discuss their vocational direction, build their resume, and look for job/internship opportunities, etc. See “what does your office do” for a more complete list of services. Scheduling appointments is highly recommended. To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

Can Alumni use the Center for Calling and Career? Expand

Yes, the Center for Calling and Career is available to you for a lifetime. We can assist you in your job search and graduate school search process. To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

How do I make an appointment with Calling and Career? Expand

Call our office at 724-847-6572 (on-campus extension 6572) or stop by when you are in Skye Lounge!

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment? Expand

Career Advising: Just yourself!
Mock interview: Bring a job/internship description and a resume. Wear interview attire.
Resume appointment: Bring a hard copy of your resume and/or an electronic copy.
Job search appointment: Bring your resume if you have one.
Internship/grad school appointment: Bring any relevant graduate school materials if you have them.

Career Assessment & Counseling

Do you offer a career test? Career assessment? Expand

We offer assessments to current students free of charge. This assessment is not a “test” to prescribe a major or career. Instead, it is a tool for you to understand your personality, skills, occupational interests & values and what type of majors & careers might be compatible. Usually a follow-up scheduled appointment is necessary to discuss the results of the assessment. To receive the assessment and schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

How can I take the career assessment? Expand

Contact Calling and Career to receive an access code. Take the assessment on-line. Schedule a follow-up appointment with our career advisor! To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

Who should make a career advising appointment? Expand

We encourage students seeking academic direction and major/vocational options to visit our office. Set up an appointment to talk with one our career coaches!

What will a career advising appointment look like? Expand

As a student, you can take our online assessment (see “Career Assessment” FAQ section) and make an appointment with one of our career advisors, where we discuss your results (of your assessment). Typical scenarios include helping you to identify your strengths, talents, abilities, connecting you with compatible majors/minors/concentrations, informing you of relevant co-curricular activities, and assisting you as you explore and prepare for vocational options. Scheduling appointments is highly recommended.

On-Campus Employment

How do I get an on-campus job? Expand

On-campus employment opportunities can be found on our website under Student Employment. The Center for Calling and Career also has hard copies of the student worker applications in our office, along with copies of all the job descriptions.

Where do I submit my on-campus job application? Expand

All applications are submitted to the department to which you are applying. For example, applications for a server in the cafeteria would be submitted to Alexander Dining Hall. If you are working on campus for the first time, you will need to fill out an entire new hire packet. If you have been rehired or have already worked on campus, you will only need to fill out the one page Student Employment Application.

Questions about my major

Can I come to college if I don′t know what major I want to choose? Expand

Absolutely. Geneva College allows students to choose the “Undeclared” option for their first two years of college. During the time that you are undeclared, you are supported by an academic advisor and the Career Development staff as you explore the options Geneva has. Prospective students also have the option of taking our career assessment and meeting with our staff to discuss the results before they enroll. To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

What major should I choose? Expand

Many factors go into choosing a major. Your interests, personality, goals, and skills should all play a part in your decision. An ideal major synthesizes all four areas. Our office provides free assessments to enrolled students to help you get started on this process. Make an appointment with our career advisor to start the conversation!
Consider using www.onetonline.org/find and search through a list of potential career options and what it takes to get there!

Can you help me if I′m thinking about changing my major? Expand

Our career advisor is here for just that purpose. If you′re uncertain about your major and considering a change, let us be a part of that conversation.

How can I learn what classes or majors Geneva offers? Expand

All of Geneva′s classes and majors are in the Course Catalog. We have hard copies in our office for students to use. The Course Catalog is also online here: http://www.geneva.edu/page/academics_college_catalog

When should I declare a major? Expand

All students have to declare a major by the end of sophomore year, but you can declare a major any time before that, and switch a major any time after that. You should declare a major when you are fairly confident that it is your first choice. By declaring a major, you have an advisor in that department who will be more familiar with the classes you want to take. Students must fill out a ‘change of information′ form available at the Registrar′s Office.

What can I do with my major? Expand

Visit our website to see general areas and specific employers in your area of study: What can I Do with my major? We recommend speaking with a career advisor to discuss your options. Scheduling appointments is highly recommended. To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

How do I declare a major? Expand

To declare a major, you will need to complete a 'change of major' form. These are available from either your current academic advisor or from the Registrar′s Office (first floor of Old Main). When you have completed the form and gathered the required signatures, the form must be returned to the Registrar′s Office.


Professional Development

What networking opportunities does your office provide? Expand

Our office provides networking opportunities through programs like the Alumni Networking Event, Summer Job and Internship Fair, Western PA Job & Internship Fairs, WestPACS, PERC Education Job Fair and more. We host various organizations each semester for on-campus recruiting. We facilitate a LinkedIn group for Geneva students and alumni that provides opportunities for connecting with other alumni and employers.

Graduate School: grad school search,
essay help, CV/Resume help, interviewing, etc.

When should I start applying for graduate school? Expand

The graduate school process typically begins the junior year of college. See our typical timeline & steps online. We offer admissions essay and personal statement writing assistance, curriculum vitae/resume assistance, interviewing help, and graduate school preparation resources to aid you in your search of the graduate school that will be the best fit for you. Please visit our Graduate School link. To schedule an appointment, please call 724.847.6572.

Can your office help me prepare for the GRE, MCAT, or LSAT? Expand

Our Calling and Career library has test-prep books for students to borrow. We periodically offer a competition for a Kaplan scholarship award that offers free preparation classes.

Do I need to go to graduate school? Expand

There are many reasons to attend and not to attend graduate school. We suggest looking at our overview online as well as talking with your academic advisor, faculty, and career advisor. Consider conducting an informational interview with a professional in the field to determine how that person got to be where he/she is today.

How do I find graduate schools? Expand

http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools.aspx is a great place to start. Calling and Career has profiles on graduate programs in the US as well as some overseas graduate program profiles. We also recommend consulting the professional association of your field for recommended graduate programs. Faculty, academic advisors and career advisors are available to help you in your search.

Job Search: resources, strategies, etc.

YouTube: What resources does your office provide for the job search process? Expand

We are here to help you figure out your vocational options. We can assist you as you prepare for your job search including help with: resumes, cover-letters, interviewing, salary information, personalized job search strategies, job fairs, and recruiting.


What are ‘salary requirements′? Expand

Salary requirements are when an employer wants to know what salary you expect to earn in the position you are applying for. When asked, typically you include your salary expectations in a cover-letter. We advise our graduates to be flexible when approaching this topic; however, you can research typical entry-level college graduate salaries on our website: http://www.jobsearchintelligence.com/NACE/salary-calculator-intro/

How/where do I get salary information? Expand
What websites should I use for my job search? Expand

See our Job Search page.

When should I make a Job Search appointment? Expand

Graduates should start the process the semester before your anticipated graduation. December graduates should start the process the spring semester before graduation.
May or August graduates should start the process the fall semester before graduation.

Interviewing

YouTube: I have an interview coming up—how do I prepare? Expand

Do your research! Look up the company′s website (particularly the “About Us” or “History” sections) and learn about their mission, strengths, and vision. Study the job description for your particular position and think about how you demonstrate the qualities it describes.
Schedule a mock interview with Calling and Career. We will walk you through the interview process and give you personalized feedback on your interviewing style.
Spend some time thinking about your strengths and weaknesses. Think of examples you could mention of a time when you demonstrated your strengths. Plan out answers for commonly asked interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and "Why should we hire you?".

What questions should I ask at an interview? Expand

Ask questions that show that you are envisioning yourself in their company. Ask detailed questions about issues that are deal breakers/makers for you (“Will the majority of my work be with a team or by myself?”). Make sure that you do NOT ask questions about issues that are answered in the job description or the company website. Do your homework before you ask a question.

What are some frequently asked questions during interviews? Expand

“Tell me about yourself.” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “Why do you want to work for this company/position?” “Tell me about your education.” “Why should we give you this job instead of someone else?” “What is your relevant experience?”

What should I bring to my interview? Expand

Bring multiple copies of your resume, a copy of your references, a copy of the job description, and any notes you have made for yourself—including questions to ask employers. Bring paper in a professional portfolio along with a pen to take notes.

What should I wear to an interview? Expand

Interview attire is business professional, even if the job for which you are applying is a casual position. For men, this means a suit and tie. For women, this means a suit with either a skirt or slacks, whichever makes you feel more comfortable.

Do I need to send a thank you letter after an interview? Expand

Yes—always! Sending a thank you note within the first 24 hours conveys respect for your interviewer and your interest in the position. Sample letters can be found in our resume guidebook. Thank the interviewer for her time and interest in you. It is also appropriate to mention skills related to topics brought up during the interview. Reaffirm your interest in the position. It is acceptable to send a thank-you via e-mail. However, nothing stands out like a hand-written note on professional stationary.

Should I mention salary in an interview? What if they ask? Expand

Only discuss salary in an interview if the interviewer initiates the topic, or if you have been offered the position without the topic being addressed. If you are asked about your salary requirements and are unsure what the salary range of the position is, consider responding with "I'd like the salary to be commenserate with the work responsibilities."

Resumes and cover-letters

How can your office help me with my resume? Expand

First, take a look at our Resume Guidebook online. This helpful tool gives you examples and guidelines for writing a great resume.
After you start, come by the Center for Calling and Career and schedule a resume appointment at your convenience.

Should I put my GPA on my resume? Expand

Put your GPA on your resume if it is 3.0 or above. Otherwise, leave it off. You can also list your major and minor GPA separate from your overall GPA if needed.

How long should my resume be? Expand

Try to keep your resume to one page by including your most relevant experiences. Only let your resume overflow to a second page if you have experience that is very relevant to the position or you are an education major.

Should I put my references on my resume? Expand

Always put references on a separate page. It is unnecessary to include a line that says “references upon request” at the bottom of your resume. Simply include a separate page with the same header as your resume. Refer to the Resume Basics guidebook for the proper format. Three references is average. Try to have a variety of references, academic, professional, and personal. Check each job application to make sure they do not have any particular requirements.

How do I write a cover letter? Expand

Cover letters are the employer′s first introduction to you as a candidate. They are a chance for you to express how you heard about the job, why you are interested in the position, and why you are a good fit for this company.

LinkedIn, Internships & Job Postings

I′m interested in getting an internship; what should be my first step? Expand
  1. Determine if you want to do an internship for credit or not-for-credit. Your academic or career advisor can guide you.
  2. Determine what semester or summer you would like to do your internship. We recommend starting your internship search 6 months in advance.
  3. Consult our online internship resources, such as LinkedIn, and then schedule an internship appointment with our career advisor to help you search and prepare for options.
  4. Schedule an Appointment
What is the Career Development LinkedIn group? Expand

The Geneva College Calling and Career LinkedIn page is a connection point for students and alumni of Geneva College. You can find information about career fairs and other events. We post every job and internship opportunity that comes through our office on in this group page, so it is a fantastic resource for Geneva students and alumni. We have full-time positions, internships, and summer jobs on this page. If you are job searching, start here!

How do I join the LinkedIn group? Expand

Create a LinkedIn account and either search for the group on LinkedIn or follow the link on our LinkedIn reference page.

Who can join? Expand

Any current student or alumni can request to join for the job search and resume functions. Any employer may request to join on behalf of their company to post jobs.

I don′t live in Pennsylvania; will LinkedIn still help me? Expand

The Calling and Career LinkedIn group has oportunities from all over the country. You can find jobs in every state!

When is the deadline for internships? Expand

Credit bearing internships must be approved by your academic department PRIOR to the start of the semester. See your academic advisor or Calling and Career for more guidance.