Day: February 23, 2020

12 Tips to Crush the Career Fair

Exploring career options in your major? Seeking an internship for the summer? Researching your options for after graduation? An alum looking for a career change?
If so, the career fair might be an excellent event to attend. Whether you’re an alum, undergraduate, or graduate student, there’s something for you at our career fairs. Our career fairs are for everyone!
Our Winter Career & Internship Fair is coming up on Wednesday, February 20 from 3-6pm in the Ritchie Center Concourse. We hope to see you there!
Interested in attending the career fair but aren’t sure what to expect? We’ve got you covered!
Here are twelve tips to crush the career fair and walk away with career options, a lead on a fun internship for the summer, or clarity on life after graduation.
1. Identify your goals for attending the fair.
What’s your goal for attending the career fair? Are you exploring career options, seeking an internship or job, hoping to build your network, or a mix of all three? Mindset and strategy are two of the most important aspects of preparing for a career fair. By identifying your goals for visiting the fair, you can come up with a more effective strategy for before, during, and after the fair.
2. Who’s coming to the career fair?
Be sure to visit Pioneer Careers and click on the “Events” page to find more information about our upcoming career fair. It can be helpful to browse the list of employers to get a sense of who will be attending and which tables you might want to visit when you get to the fair.
3. Make a list of employers you plan to connect with.
Take your research one step further and get familiar with the company website and available opportunities for internships or jobs. You don’t have to visit every employer at the fair, but you want to make the most of the time you have at each table. If questions arise while you’re doing your research, be sure to bring them with you!
4. Have your personal introduction ready.
“Tell me about yourself” can be a challenging question to answer, whether you’re at a career fair or an interview. Come prepared to rock your personal introductions; this article might help you get started on crafting the perfect pitch.
5. Dress the part!
Business professional dress is typically expected at a career fair, so be sure to plan your outfit in advance. Not sure what to wear? This article gives a great rundown of professional attire and navigating authenticity in what you wear. Need something to wear? Visit our Career Closet, located in the Hub!
6. Craft (and revise) your resume.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet a handful of recruiters at the career fair, and many will instruct you to visit Pioneer Careers or their company websites to apply for open positions. While you might not be applying for something in the moment, it’s always a great idea to have an up-to-date resume that you’re proud of for after the fair. Our Career & Peer Advisors can help!
7. Know what to bring.
Be sure to bring a notepad and pen to jot down quick notes, leads, or insights. It might also be useful to have a few copies of your resume on hand; you never know if you’ll need it! If you have a name tag or business cards, it never hurts to bring them along.
8. Ask insightful questions and gather business cards.
As you visit each table, be sure to bring the list of questions that you’ve been working on in anticipation of the career fair. Be sure to ask for a business card toward the end of the conversation so you have the recruiter’s contact information for follow up.
9. Be creative.
Don’t see your program of study or industry of interest represented at the fair? Be sure to keep an open mind, as you never know who a recruiter or employer might be connected with. Find organizations that are close to your interests and visit each table. It might not be a bad idea to ask who they know at the company, and who they might be able to connect you with. Sometimes, finding that first point of contact can be the most challenging part of networking and a referral can be so useful!
10. Your peers are a resource.
While the career fair is primarily meant for students and alumni to network with employers, be sure to connect with your peers as well. Whether it’s a new face in another graduate program or an alum who is seeking a career change, you never know what you might learn from fellow attendees.
11. Enjoy the moment!
While career fairs can be intimidating and frenetic, take some time to enjoy the fair. It’s an excellent opportunity to talk with interesting people, learn about career fairs and practice for your upcoming interviews!
12. Be sure to follow up.
Did you meet some awesome alumni and employers at the career fair? Be sure to send them a quick thank-you note for meeting you, and reiterate your interest in the company. A thank-you note can go a long way towards building your connections and identifying opportunities. If you were asked to apply for an internship or job online, be sure to do so!

An Evening with Arrow Electronics!

Are you interested in building a relationship with one of Denver’s top companies and leading employer? Looking to engage in an opportunity to connect with top executives (CIO and others) and learn more about an immersive summer internship program? Then join the University Career Center for An Evening with Arrow Electronics on February 15th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in Maglione Hall (5th floor) of the Sie Complex! Enjoy a night filled with great conversations and connecting to Arrow executives and employees to learn more about their company and summer internship availability. Did we mention there will be a free dinner?! Want to learn more about all the great benefits to engaging with the global company that is Arrow? Check it out here!
There are so many benefits to making meaningful connections with an employer in this setting, no matter where you are at in the career and internship search!The world will be different in 5 years and so will you. Arrow is innovating and looking for students that possess the talent that can operate in a world that doesn’t quite exist yet…the world of 5 years out.
Arrow is so very excited to meet YOU! It is with great excitement that we invite you to join us, your faculty, and Arrow Electronics for a great evening around delicious food and great conversation to build your connections and make a meaningful difference with this globally engaged and innovative company. Space is limited therefore, RSVP is required. Please do so through the Pioneer Careers events page. If you have any questions about the event, please contact bella.gullia@du.edu.

Milestone 4: Launch Your Future

You are the sum of your experiences and now is your time to shine! Create your personal, professional narrative and learn to articulate your DU story in a compelling manner for any interview.

Why Is Interview Preparation Important?

After an employer has read your application, the interview is a chance to get to know you more personally and have a conversation about your professional qualifications, past experience, and possibilities in the role and organization.
By preparing for the interview ahead of time and practicing your answers, you’ll be better able to recall a detailed answer packed with details about your skills and abilities during the interview.

Events and Activities to Complete this Milestone

Attend an interview coaching session, practice your interviewing skills, or attend an Alumni Career & Professional Development Event to complete this milestone. Sample events and resources include:
Practice Interview with a Career Advisor | Schedule at www.du.edu/pioneercareers or by calling 303.871.2150.
InterviewStream | Log on and practice your video interviewing skills without even leaving your home with this online mock interview platform available to ALL students at daniels-du.interviewstream.com. Email your recorded interview to career@du.edu for feedback!
Pioneer Connect | pioneerconnect.du.edu
At this site, you will find thousands of alumni career volunteers that are eager to support your career success. Sign in to research alumni volunteers in your field of study that are happy to provide career support. Request an interview coaching meeting with an alum to learn about the most common interview questions for your field and to get tips for your industry.
The Art and Craft of Telling Your Story: Interview Skills 101 | Various Dates
Learn how storytelling can be an effective strategy for interviewing success at this interactive training.
For a full list of career events and pre-registration, log on to Pioneer Careers at www.du.edu/pioneercareers

Already Have Your Post-Graduation Plans Secured?

Congrats! DU is committed to supporting your professional success throughout your life. Launch your future by attending the DU Young Professionals and Alumni Career Development programs intended to help you have a successful transition to life after DU!
For more about Alumni Career & Professional Development visit:

Should I Go to Law School? Four Questions to Help You Decide

There are a few important questions you should ask yourself in deciding if law school is the choice for you. Some of them are philosophical, and some are practical. All of them are important, but this fir  st one is essential…

Do I want to be a lawyer?

Before you decide to attend law school, ask yourself: do I actually want to practice law? That is the core of the profession – representing clients. If the idea of working with clients doesn’t excite you, then this might not be the right career for you.

Why do I want to go to law school?

Be honest. There are many reasons people attend law school.  Some have always known this was their path. Some have friends and family telling them they will be a great lawyer. Maybe someone, somewhere, told them, if all else fails, you can always try law school. Whatever your motivation, you should be able to identify it. That’s the only way to decide if law is the right choice for you. Before applying to law school, seriously consider your interest in becoming a practicing attorney and how that balances with the cost, the employment prospects, and the minimum three-year intensive academic commitment required to graduate.
REASONS to attend law school include knowing what lawyers do (and wanting to do it) and having a sense of how prepared you are for law school and the practice of law.
REASONS to keep considering your options include not knowing what else to do after graduation, making your parents happy, thinking it sounds like fun, or planning to figure it out later (when you get to law school, or after graduation).

Am I in it for the paycheck?

If you answered the first or second questions with Maybe, I’m not sure, or No, but the salary…, keep reading. Even if you score the job that brings that check you dreamed of, if you don’t love (or even like) the work, you may find you aren’t long for the field, but you might still be paying the loans from that JD.
Many students are drawn to the legal profession by the promise of future income. But like any career path, your decision needs to include more than the salary prospects. A law degree doesn’t guarantee of a high salary. According to a Washington Post article from April 2015, “nine months after graduation, a little more than half of the class of 2013 had found full-time jobs as lawyers, down from 77% of 2007, according to the most recent data from the American Bar Association and the National Association for Law Placement. Those who did find jobs had starting salaries that were 8% below the 2009 peak, averaging $78,205 in 2013.” In recent years, bar passage rates have also declined creating a challenge for new graduates hoping to begin their legal practice.
Doing your research will go a long way in helping you manage your salary expectations. Look at the employment statistics and average salary for students from schools you are likely to attend (based on your GPA and LSAT – if you have taken it). Factor the specialty you wish to practice, and the region.

What do I know about the practice of law (In other words, have I talked to any lawyers)?

Answering this question requires you to research and talk to actual lawyers.
Current law students and pre-law advising can help with your law school application, but lawyers – those practicing law every day – are the ones who can help you decide if this is the path for you. They can tell you how much their legal education cost, what they actually do on a daily basis, how many hours a week they work, how much they make, and what they like (or don’t) about their careers. You should ask about personal attributes needed to be successful in a legal career and the impact of a legal career on personal lives. If law school still sounds like the right plan for you, you can ask for advice about where to go from here.
Learning about the practice of law from lawyers (as many as you can, from different practice areas) will spotlight the different career paths in the legal profession, and which might be right for you. You may notice that lawyers with very similar experiences may have very different thoughts on their careers. Ask them why. This is your chance to get a feel for what type of people like what types of legal jobs (e.g. litigation or public interest law), and what that might mean for you. Thinking proactively about your potential place in the legal profession will help you in choosing a law school, finding funding for school, and planning your job search.
You may not know any lawyers firsthand, or they may all be relatives or family friends. Talk to them, and lots of other lawyers, also. If you don’t know how to begin, making an appointment to see the pre-law advisor in the Career Center is a great start.

What’s next?

Now that we’ve talked about the philosophical questions, if law school still sounds like the thing for you, consider meeting with your Career Advisor to discuss the practical considerations of applying for and funding law school.
 

Meet Beth! A First Generation Student & Career Advisor

Beth is one of the newest additions to the Career and Professional Development team! She was kind enough to share her advice and experiences as a first generation undergraduate student.
 Tell us a bit about yourself.
 I am currently an Assistant Director for Career & Professional Development at DU. In my role, I serve as a career advisor for Daniels undergraduates, Economics majors, and students enrolled in the Learning Effectiveness and Disability Services programs; I am also charged with creating non-traditional mentoring and job shadowing opportunities for all DU students.
Born and raised in Illinois – corn fields not Chicago – I went to a small liberal arts college, Bradley University, which happens to be similar to DU in many ways. My bachelor’s degree is in Marketing with a minor in Professional Sales; however, I started out as an Art Photography major and changed to Business in my Sophomore year because they eliminated Photography as a major. I worked full-time throughout college, so I wasn’t very involved on campus, but I was part of a student volunteer group for most of my academic career.
I moved to Colorado for the mountains, so I love the outdoors! I don’t love the cold, though, so I’m not a fan of winter sports, but I love hiking and water activities, and this year, I plan to learn how to rock climb and go white water rafting. I’m also a self-proclaimed foodie and mixologist, so I love to cook and entertain whenever I can.
Fun Fact: I love my job, but this is likely not where my career path ends. In my 15 years of working, I have been a bartender, receptionist, retail manager, financial advisor, marketing communications specialist, event planner, catering business owner, graphic designer, and operations manager – and in some respects, I loved all of those roles. It’s not that I didn’t know what I wanted, but each successive position helped me refine what I wanted professionally, build my skills, and meet new people who helped me along my journey. My career path has been neither straight, nor easy, but it has all built on itself to get me to this wonderful place where I can still see a whole world of opportunity in my next 40 years.
What were your experiences with Career Services during undergrad?
Although I had a part-time job in my school’s student center, where the career center was located, I had no idea they were there as a resource. I met with my career advisor one time in my senior year when I was required to do it for my graduation degree audit. In that 30 minutes, I cannot remember leaving with anything of specific value. To the best of my knowledge, I don’t remember any of my classmates talking about using the career center, either. I went to one employer information session, Humana, and ended up interviewing there for several positions. Ultimately, I decided I didn’t want to move to Kentucky, so I removed myself from the process. Overall, my experience with career services was non-existent, so now I joke that my career path is an attempt to make up for the support I didn’t get and help students realize all the exciting possibilities in the workforce to create their own careers.
What advice would you give current students on their career journey? 
I have SO much advice that I want to share about career development, hence my career choice. I like Buzzfeed-style lists, so I’ll try to make it less boring with a list, but just know there is a lot more where this came from!
7 Pieces of Career Advice I Wish I Had Received as an Undergraduate
  1. Your major does not define your future – No one expects you to know what you want out of the rest of your life when you’re 18-22 years old. Enjoy your academics, but get some life experience, too, and be open to change.
  2. Take some time for self-assessment and understand what YOU want out of a career – don’t base life decisions on what your parents want, what will be easy for you, or what you think will make you a lot of money. And by the way, self-assessment is a lifetime process that you should engage in regularly.
  3. Don’t stop looking for a job you love until you find it (and you may find it multiple times in your life). It’s possible to have a job that is not just a paycheck.
  4. Ask for help– whether it’s an introduction to a hiring manager, an informational interview, or just advice through a challenging time. People are generally good and want to help, but they can’t help if you don’t ask.
  5. Listen– Be genuinely curious about others and how they got to where they are today. You’ll probably find that no one is where they planned to be, but that’s often a great thing! Learn from other people’s missteps, so you can avoid unnecessary challenges.
  6. Create your own personal Board of Advisors– There is a misconception out there that you will be matched with or find one mentor that will be your source of advice for everything. You may have one person you talk about finances with and another about career development and another about personal matters. Find experienced people with whom you connect and trust, and allow them to be your advice specialists.
  7. Treat the job search like dating (but never ghost an employer!) – I read an acronym a long time ago in a book called The Success Principlesby Jack Canfield and it changed my life. SWSWSWSW – Some Will, Some Won’t, So What, Someone’s Waiting. When you hear a “no”, move on. There are millions of other opportunities waiting for you out there – go find one that fits!
Students have their own Career Advisor specific to their major (yes, even undeclared students have an assigned advisor). To make an appointment:
  • Log onto PCO (Pioneer Connect Online) http://du.edu/pioneercareers
  • Create an account
  • Click the “appointments” tab to see the availability of your Career Advisor
 Any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
 Look out for more blogs in this series coming Spring 2018!

Feel Like a Fraud? It’s Probably Imposter Syndrome…

Do you ever get performance anxiety doing a task under the watchful eye of someone else?
Do you only really feel like you’re doing well at school or work when you’re receiving positive feedback?
Do you constantly worry about appearing ‘useless’, or that people might find out you’re not as capable as they think you are?
If you do, then you’re likely suffering from a touch of imposter syndrome, but you might be surprised to know that, ironically, you are not alone in feeling like the odd one out!
According to the International Journal of Behavioural Science, a staggering 70% of us will experience impostor symptoms at some point in our lives, and it is an increasingly common phenomenon as Generation Z transition from school into the workplace. According to NY magazine, anxiety among the millennial generation sits at an 80 year high, but it appears to be on an upward trajectory.
Imposter syndrome – or impostorism – is the belief that your achievements are more to do with fluke, error or overestimation than talent and merit. This makes itself known in an inherent fear of being outed as a fraud, leaving many people feeling anxious transitioning into the work environment.
‘When I won the Oscar, I thought it was a fluke.
I thought everybody would find out, and they’d take it back.’
–  Jodie Foster
Research from the University of Salzburg has revealed that Imposter Syndrome directly impacts our ability to negotiate a fair wage, compete for promotions, participate in group discussion and make bolder decisions which lead to more fruitful careers. Statistically, sufferers receive smaller salaries, hold lower-level positions and experience less overall job satisfaction against non-sufferers.
Although more prevalent amongst women and minority groups, the affliction does not end there, with notable sufferers including the likes of Denzel Washington, Emma Watson, Will Smith, Maya Angelou, Chris Martin, John Steinbeck and Lady Gaga.

How Do I Overcome I.S.?

  • Strive to Engage More
I.S. sufferers need more validation than most. That means we naturally seek the approval or praise of others, however in doing so we grant them the power to completely make or break us. By trying to slowly interject your own ideas and perspectives into discussions, you are able to empower yourself whilst also demonstrating a value which will help to counter the odd feeling of fraudulence.
  • Redefine Your Idea of ‘Competence’
Often we uphold a long list of criteria of what makes someone ‘competent’. Failing at a task first time around doesn’t make you a failure. Asking for help doesn’t make you incapable. It is because we equate one with the other that we judge ourselves so harshly. Try to consciously hone a resilience which means that external events don’t impact your sense of self, but instead become a learning experience. Jump straight back on the horse, and treat yourself with compassion.
  • Remember It’s an Indication of Intelligence
There is a proven correlation between anxiety and high IQ. Those that deconstruct ideas, analyze and think deeply are more alert to finding flaws (both in themselves and their surroundings) so make remarkable troubleshooters – their insight can actually be far more useful than that of their more confident peers. In actuality, the fact that they feel fraudulent at all is the very reason they are an extremely valuable addition to their respective teams. As was asserted by Charles Darwin, ‘Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.’ Take comfort in your self-doubt – it means you’re more than deserving of being exactly where you are right now. You earned it.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Delegation Vital to a Business’ Growth

One of the harder chores that a business owner faces is delegation. While there may be immediate gratification when someone takes a task off your overwhelmingly full plate, the fact is that once you feel the relief, you may very well begin to question whether it has been done as well as you expected, as fast as you could do it, or even done right.
No one can do everything alone. We know that intellectually. But whether we can accept it personally is another step. Delegation is vital to the growth of a business. It is also important in developing the sills and abilities of your staff. It allows you to groom your staff for higher-level positions and to take increasing important roles in decision-making.
While delegation, the assignment of part of your work, is the reason you add staff, often we don’t fully understand that with delegation also must come authority and accountability. Three steps are generally needed for the delegation process to be successful.
First you must assign responsibility to someone. You must ask someone to do a job or perform a task.
Second, you must give that person the authority, the power, to accomplish the task or job. This may include the power to get specific information, order supplies, authorize expenditure and make some decisions.
Finally, you must create accountability, the obligation to accomplish the task. (Note that while you can create accountability – you cannot delegate it away. You remain accountable to your business. If your staff fails to complete the job – you are accountable.)
Communication, good communication, is the key to successful delegation. First you have to know what you want to accomplish and you need to clearly communicate the task or project. If there are any absolutes you also need to let you staff know what they are and how these absolutes must be accomplished. You need to think of the tools (including information) the person will need and let them know where they can access these tools. You should be very clear about the expected outcomes, deadlines and deliverables.
And then you need to get out of the way. And remember, it is always a learning process. If you cannot afford mistakes, you cannot avoid training. Set your staff up for success, not failure.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

I Need a Professional Brand to Graduate!?

The short answer… yes! Creating a professional image and a personal brand is something that will stick with you throughout your whole life, so why not establish your greatness now!?
giphy (20)
When we think of branding and image, it is typical to think of corporations and businesses, not ourselves! However, scoring your first interview, internship, or job relies heavily on your professional image and what brand you are bringing to the table. Here are 4 themes to keep in mind:
Differentiation– What makes you stand out from the rest? What will motivate a company to hire you over the next candidate? What are your strengths and how do you express them? Being different is good! Having different experiences that align with your goals and values strengthen your brand over those who do the same thing as the next candidate.
Clarity– Be clear in how you dress, act, and speak; all of which should align with your who you are and your values. Expressing clarity through your actions helps establish a sense of trust among co-workers, employers, and other pieces to your professional life. Being clear in your branding will help people know what to expect from you. Think of Barney from How I Met Your Mother. He is very clear in his personal image- you never see him without a suit on!
giphy (21)
Authenticity– Being authentic also helps establish trust among the people you surround yourself with.  Think about times when it is difficult to be authentic in your image and brand. Why is this so? What is causing an inauthentic presentation of yourself to come forward? Not being your true self and not having your behavior reflect your values, beliefs, and goals can create a contradicting image to your true self and your brand. If you are not your authentic self, the other pieces will not fall into place!
Consistency– The other themes do not matter if you are not consistent across the board with who you are and what your brand/ image is! This way, people will know what they can expect from you and your work ethic. Think about a brand like Apple. They have been consistent with their innovation, consistent in their branding for their products, and consistent in their messaging about their services. When purchasing an Apple product, you know exactly what you will get.  When you are consistent with your message, your professional image and personal brand are at their peak!
These themes can shine through your resume, LinkedIn profile, networking skills, your professional dress, and how well you interview. There is not one piece of your professional life that won’t be affected by maintaining a strong brand and professional image. Also, don’t forget the impact social media can have on your professional image! Remember the time when Amanda Bynes’ professional image was tarnished all through social media? If you wouldn’t want grandma to see it, don’t post it! Make an appointment with the Career Center today to begin to establish your brand and professional image!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Get the Most Out of Your Work Benefits

When you began working for a new employer, you were likely handed a large pile of information or employee handbook that detailed benefits along with work hours, expectations, company mission, and policies. If you were lucky, an experienced Human Resources professional held an orientation explaining the benefit options. Even when employers handle this part of onboarding well, it’s a lot to take in. It’s not surprising that many employees don’t take full advantage of their benefits. In fact, the  Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that while 70% of American workers have access to medical and retirement benefits through their workplace, as few as 52% participate in those benefit programs.
Can you afford to leave thousands of dollars on the table? For example, employer-offered retirement savings accounts provide the ability to deposit money regularly, pre-tax, into an account that builds for retirement. Not only do you reduce your current taxable income by the amount you deposit, resulting in a higher percentage of take-home pay, but you may be missing out on an employer match, leaving free money on the table.
Benefits are intended to be just that: a perk your employer offers that saves you money, time, or incentivizes you to remain as an employee. Benefits may take the form of flexible spending, educational or transportation savings accounts, health, life and disability insurance, wellness initiatives, employee assistance programs, educational stipends, discounted or free products from your employer or community partners, a concierge or errand service, transit passes, parking permits, telecommuting, vacation, sick leave, or anything else a creative employer can imagine.
If you are unsure what you may be leaving on the table, ask your HR department for information. Many employers have an annual open enrollment period so find out when that happens. Then do the background research to make sure you sign up for everything relevant. New to the professional world? Learn more with the DU Young Professionals on September 19 at 6:30 and hear from Lloyd Moore, Director of Benefits for the University of Denver, on Maximizing Your Employer’s Benefits.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Design Thinking: More Than a Buzz Word

very so often, a new buzz word starts circulating through corporations and lately the term, “Design Thinking” has been everywhere. We start hearing about it on the news, perhaps someone shares an article on Facebook and suddenly your manager is encouraging you to incorporate this “design thinking” methodology into your next project. But what exactly is it? And how do you employ it in your very non-graphic designer job?
In their book, “Designing for Growth,” Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie have this to say about design thinking: “[it] is actually a systematic approach to problem solving. It starts with customers and the ability to create a better future for them. It acknowledges that we probably won’t get that right the first time. It does not require supernatural powers. This kind of design is absolutely safe to try at home.” Design thinking is essentially a way for managers and their teams to problem solve, brainstorm and test in a more dynamic and comprehensive way. It requires empathy, invention, and iteration. And it requires that you be comfortable with some conversations that don’t always end with clear, concise outcomes but rather will lead to some messy ideas that require continual workshopping. There are four questions typically asked when employing design thinking, and a number of tools that are associated with each.
  1. What Is?
    Sometimes you need to get a lay of the land and figure out exactly what is going on and help frame the problem you are trying to solve. Common tools used during the “What Is” phase of design thinking are: visualization, journey mapping, value chain analysis and mind mapping. These tools all help you and your team get a pulse on how customers see your product or find a cohesive vision for new services and tasks.
  2. What If?
    One of the more creative phases of design thinking, asking “What If” allows you to pose hypothetical ideas that can eventually be designed, evaluated and put to market. During the What If phase, group leaders will employ traditional brainstorming activities but also utilize what is known as concept development, where you chose the best ideas from a brainstorm and evaluate them. These activities give your team the freedom to suggest brave or crazy ideas—but provides framework to then develop them into realistic plans.
  3. What Wows?
    Determining “What Wows” has you testing your new ideas. It is the evaluative phase where you put your new ideas out to groups to determine whether or not they’re appealing and sustainable. Design thinking leaders will employ assumption testing and rapid prototyping to get products into the market for testing. The goal is show how new products not only improve upon weaker ones, but offer better features as well.
  4. What Works?
    After you’ve brainstormed, developed and tested you have to determine what actually works. It could be the time to celebrate a big accomplishment or to acknowledge that this particular idea wasn’t a home run. Teams do this by engaging in customer co-creation and a learning launch, where you partner with customers to finalize products and determine their viability.
This is just the tip of the design thinking iceberg but hopefully it’s clear what a valuable tool it can be in developing and testing new ideas. If you are interested and would like to know more about it, join the Alumni Professional Development team for their Design Thinking event on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30pm in the Driscoll Student Center Gallery. For more information and to register, click here.
Definitions taken from “Designing for Growth” by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie, Copyright 2011 Columbia University Press.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Resources for Specific Industries

Agriculture/Small Farm

Massage

Construction

Green Businesses

Food

Arts/Handcrafted Goods

Landscaping

Non-Profit

Real Estate

Restaurant

Retail

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

After Studying Science, Business and Health, Alumna Megan Resnick Lands Her Ideal Job

This fall will be the first time in eight years that Megan Resnick hasn’t been a student at UVM. With three college degrees under her belt from UVM—a B.S. in molecular genetics, an MBA, and a master of public health—the Burlington resident is now a quality improvement project liaison at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, where she is focusing on healthcare literacy, costs, and access.
We talked to Megan about working in public health, the importance of wellness initiatives, and why she’s intrigued by the combination of business and healthcare.

How did you go from an MBA degree to enrolling in a public health program?

The combination of business and healthcare has always interested me. Healthcare is a unique industry as standard consumerism does not apply. However, it is still critically important to control costs to ensure everyone can get efficient, effective, and affordable care.
My interest in healthcare and specifically public health increased throughout my MBA studies, during which I was able to take healthcare electives such as Policy, Organization, and Financing in Healthcare and Strategic Planning. At this time, UVM was working diligently to get the public health program up and running, so I eventually enrolled.

How has the UVM public health program enhanced your career?

The UVM Master of Public Health program provided a foundation of knowledge in areas such as epidemiology and public health policy, as well as an in depth understanding of healthcare reform specific to Vermont. I regularly draw from public health concepts I learned through this program in my professional life, and my biostatistics textbook even sits on my desk at work.

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont?

As a quality improvement project liaison, I work internally and externally with providers and employer groups to ensure our members are receiving appropriate care when and where they need it. Our goal is to identify and knock down a variety of barriers to quality care such as cost, access, and health literacy.
I’m also a certified wellness culture coach and, in my opinion, this is one of the biggest areas of opportunity in healthcare reform. Through wellness initiatives, we can try to help create sustainable behavior changes. It is important for individuals with conditions, such as high cholesterol, to get their cholesterol checked; but it is behavior changes, such as exercising and healthy eating habits, that are going to alter the results. I could not ask for a better place to work.

Why would you recommend the UVM public health program?

The UVM public health program is fantastic. The courses are interesting and relevant and the professors are very engaged. I really appreciated that this is an online program because it made it possible for me to balance working full time and being a student. At the same time, being at UVM meant that I could talk to my professors face-to-face when I needed.

What made you return to UVM for your two master degrees?

I never left, in fact this will be my first fall semester not registering for courses at UVM since 2008. I had a wonderful undergraduate experience and it didn’t really cross my mind to continue my graduate education anywhere else.

UVM Management Program Gives Alumna the Tools to Lead

A job promotion gave Heather D’Arcy more responsibilities and a leadership role. To help her succeed in her new position, she knew she needed the right training to effectively run a department and manage a team.
The UVM alumna, who graduated with a degree in animal sciences in 2008, is program operations director at EnSave, Inc., an agricultural energy-efficiency company in Richmond, Vermont, that helps clients from around the country. Her job responsibilities as director include overseeing successful delivery of EnSave’s programs, monitoring and tracking each program’s goals and deliverables, supervising front-line program managers, and developing strategies for improvement.
Last fall, Heather enrolled in UVM’s Leadership and Management Professional Certificate Program, which helped her navigate her role as a director. We talked to Heather about what makes a good leader and lessons learned in her career.

Why did you choose to enroll in the Leadership and Management Program?

I enrolled because I was promoted fairly quickly first to manager and then to director with no leadership or management education. I requested additional training from the owners of EnSave so that I could better perform my duties and run a successful department.

In your opinion, what are some qualities that make a successful manager?

The ability to see the big picture and understand how small decisions affect the big picture. Also knowing how to keep track of your own tasks and the tasks you’ve assigned to others, and how to provide feedback in a positive way so that employees understand what they’re doing well and what they can improve upon.

Can you share some lessons you’ve learned in your career?

You will not get your dream job right out of school or probably even several years out of school. But you should think about what you need to get that dream job and look for positions where you can develop skills and build experience.
You’re also not going to get paid the big bucks in your first few jobs. It takes time to gain the knowledge and experience required to earn a higher salary.
Also, appreciate the small victories, seek constructive criticism, work to improve your skills, and make sure you enjoy the people you work with.

Why would you recommend the Leadership and Management program?

The program provides a diverse learning experience. There are many different lecturers, which is extremely beneficial because there is an expert in each seminar and you can hear a variety of opinions. Particularly if you haven’t taken other leadership courses, the UVM program offers information you can use to enhance your management skills.
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Indian Delegation at Berlinale 2020 discusses collaboration with Jerusalem International Film Festival

On the second day of Berlinale 2020, the Indian delegation met with a number of representatives from the Global Film industry who expressed their interest in working with India and keenness to participate for the 51st IFFI International Film Festival of India

The Delegation met with Mr Lior Sasson, Head of Operations (Israel Film Fund) and Artistic Director of Israeli Pavilion, Ministry of Culture and Sports, State of Israel. Mr Sasson expressed interest in exploring opportunities fir future collaboration with IFFI 2020. The two sides also discussed scope of working together to showcase India as a focus country at the Jerusalem International Film Festival, Israel and their participation at IFFI 2020.

The Delegation had a meeting with Ms Makhosazana Khanyile, Chief Executive Officer, National Film & Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF). During the meeting, Ms Khanyile expressed her willingness to work with India on animation, Gaming and VR/ AR sector and IFFI. She also emphasised on developing strategies with India on exchange of skills, both digital and gaming. National Film Development Corporation (NFDC, India) has a co-production treaty with NFVF.

 

Indian Delegation also interacted with Ms Wendy Bendred, Right Stuff; Mr Claas Danielsen, CEO, MDM Online (German Film development board and Film Fund); Ms Mukhlisa Azizova, Chairman of Uzbekistan National Film Commission; Mr Mathew Takata, Senior Manager Feature projects international, Sundance Film Institute and Mr Marc Baschet, Co-producer, Movie – Lunchbox and representatives of Spain, among others.

The Indian Pavilion at Berlinale has been organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in association with Confederation of Indian Industry. Over 40 Indian film companies are participating at Berlinale 2020.

 

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Cabinet Secretary chairs high level review meeting on COVID19

Cabinet Secretary chaired a high level meeting to review the status, actions taken and preparedness of States/UTs regarding management of Novel Coronavirus (COVID19), here today. Secretaries of Health and Family Welfare, Civil Aviation, Defence, Information & Broadcasting, DG AFMS and representatives from External Affairs, Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, ITBP and Army were also present.

After a detailed review, in addition to the universal screening as per earlier advisories, universal screening at airports is now being planned for flights from Kathmandu, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Also, in furtherance to the travel advisory issued earlier, citizens are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Singapore.

As on date, 21,805 passengers have been brought under community surveillance. In addition, 3,97,152 flight passengers and 9,695 travellers at sea ports have been screened.

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