Downsized? Demoted? Discouraged? Help is as near as your computer with Penn State Alumni Career Services’ three career advice avenues in 2012: the Alumni Expert Webinars, Alumni JOBSearch and Alumni Career Shape. Practice effective decision-making skills and gain the knowledge and tools necessary for seeking satisfying employment in a challenging economy.
Alumni JOBSearch—4 Sessions
This four-session online course is designed to assist alumni in developing the job search skills needed to obtain a new position, including interviewing, résumé writing and networking. Alumni JOBSearch is free for Alumni Association members. The next session begins at 6:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Following an online presentation from an expert, join other alumni in optional online discussions, use tools to help develop job search skills, and take time for self-assessment as it relates to the world of work. A Friends of Penn State Digital ID is necessary to participate and can be obtained at www.fps.psu.edu.
Alumni CareerShape—8 Sessions
This eight-week journey focuses on discovering what really matters most in a career. The webinar helps individuals discover their strengths and passions, develop goals and build a plan that will lead to greater career satisfaction. The program will run 6:30–8:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesdays beginning Feb. 1.
Participants learn from a career expert in a once-a-week web presentation, with call-ins to discussions via phone. The cost for CareerShape is $135 ($75 registration fee and $60 materials fee). For non-members, it’s $170 ($110 registration fee and $60 materials fee).
2012 Alumni Expert Webinars
This year’s Alumni Expert Webinar series will kick off with two upcoming sessions in the next two months. Alumni Expert Webinars are free for Alumni Association members, but do require advance registration. Additional webinars will be announced on the Alumni Association’s website as they are confirmed.
“Developing a Job Search Tool Kit from a Human Resources Perspective”
Martin Cepeda ’05
Monday, Jan. 23
8:00 p.m. (EST)
Learn what recruiters are looking for in interviews from an insider who knows the business. Find out what tools are most important, and what aspects job seekers most commonly overlook. Discover the most effective key words to use in informational interviews.
Cepeda brings a wealth of job-hunting experience from both sides of the desk. As manager of Global Recruiting Operations for Johnson & Johnson, he leads internal recruiting expansion efforts and understands hiring in large corporate settings. Throughout his varied career, Cepeda has worked in university recruiting with both Johnson & Johnson and Wyeth. Cepeda currently serves as president of the Montgomery County Chapter and is a member of the Penn State Alumni Association’s Alumni Council.
“Entrepreneurship 101: Creating a Company From the Ground Up”
Ryan Healy ’06
Thursday, Feb. 23
8:00 p.m. (EST)
Discover how to identify a problem, develop a solution and scientifically test ideas to create a company from the ground up. Participants will find out why business plans are a waste of time, what exactly a lean startup is, how to pitch an investor and why everyone deserves to love their job.
Healy is the COO and Co-Founder of Brazen Careerist, a career management resource for young professionals. Healy has been named one of 20 Entrepreneurs to Watch by Worth magazine, was recognized as one of the country's top Human Resource thought leaders by World at Work and Accenture and is a recognized workplace expert for the young workforce. He has appeared as a spokesperson for Generation Y in a variety of media, including 60 Minutes, 20/20, CNN, PBS Nightly News, National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.
The Alumni Expert Series and JOBSearch webinars are free for Alumni Association members. Registration information for all webinars is available on the Alumni Career Services website.
