Alumni Guest Blogger: Benjamin Howe - Seek Out Mentors

We are pleased to present another alumni guest blog post by Benjamin Howe (MPIA '98)!

Mr. Howe has worked as a Senior Management Analyst in the Bedford (MA) Audit Operations Division of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) since January 2009. Since joining the VA OIG, he has worked on several audits and reviews of VA programs and operations. Prior to joining the VA OIG, he spent five years working at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the agency’s Boston Field Office. While at GAO, he focused on issues related to natural resources and the environment, including reviews of EPA’s lead in drinking water regulations and Federal efforts to address the health effects of exposure to indoor mold. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Spanish from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at University of Pittsburgh. He currently resides in Manchester, NH.

Seek Out Mentors

by Benjamin Howe (MPIA '98)

If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before. 

-J Loren Norris, speaker, author, mentor, and seminar leader

Mentors have been instrumental in helping me succeed in my Federal career by helping me do my job better. They have provided me with useful insights into what I needed to do to be successful. 

For example, when I moved from Washington, DC to live outside of Boston, MA, I changed agencies and professions. It was mentors that helped me learn how to do my new job. They took the time to walk me through my work to ensure I knew how it should be done to meet agency needs and professional requirements. Without their assistance, I would not have been successful at my new agency. I very much appreciate that they took the time to help me get on the right track. Since then, I have sought out the advice and assistance of other mentors. My mentors have continued to help me be successful in my career. I highly recommend you take advantage of mentoring opportunities that may come your way in your career. 

Best of luck in your career pursuits!

J-PAL Info Session
Thomas Chupein, Policy Manager

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL is recognized as the "gold standard" of organizations conducting RCTs in the developing world.  Additionally, they are launching a new North American division that will be looking for researchers with a domestic focus. 

Jobs AND internships available -- apply between Nov 15th and Jan 5th!

This is a fantastic organization to intern with if you're interested in obtaining hands-on, international field research experience. 

If you're interested in full-time employment, take classes at GSPIA that emphasize the following skills: Microeconomics, Development Economics, Program Evaluation, Quantitative Methods, Stata.

Previous international travel or experience is important, as if a foreign language -- however, it is NOT necessary!

If you're interested in the policy track, be sure to have excellent writing skills.

To apply:
1. Apply to the specific positions that interest you (as many as you like).
2. Fill out the common application.

Contacts:
Ben Jaques: bjaques@mit.edu (research and training jobs)
Thomas Chupein: tchupein@mit.edu (policy jobs)

All About Interviewing

To successfully get a job after graduation, you will need to conduct a good job search strategy. You should search, network, fill out applications, create resumes and cover letter, and interview. For most job candidates, interviewing is the most stressful part of job searching. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to interview effectively.
Before you interview, you need to do a self-assessment. You should ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my skills and talents?
• What are five words that describe myself? Are there stories that explain the “why” you would describe yourself in those five words?
• What are my goals and dreams?
• What is my proudest accomplishment?
• What would you do if you knew you would not fail?

When applying to jobs or internships, you want to make sure your application stands out for all the right reasons!

• Make sure your contact information is correct
• Pay attention to detail: make sure your experience, degrees, and certifications are up to date on the application and the more detail the better — use keywords in posted job description

There are several types of interviews that you could have. These include telephone screening, one on one, panel, traditional, or behavioral based interviews.
To prepare for an interview, you need to make you do the following:

• Bring several complete application material packets to onsite interviews (application, cover letter, and resume)
• The Elevator Pitch
• Be Prepared to Answer: Why here? Why now? Why this opportunity?

After an interview, it is always important to follow-up with your interviewers.

• It starts before you leave the interview — ask for business cards of anyone who is interviewing you
• Send your thank you ASAP to each person who interviews you

If you’re still nervous about interviewing, you can contact us or set up a mock interview with Emmy or Shannon!

How to Write Cover Letters

The cover letter is your introduction to an employer on paper. It is designed to accompany a resume when you apply for a job. The goal of the cover letter is to tell the employer why you are appropriate for this position, and why they should review your resume for further consideration. Write the letter to sell yourself for the particular job you are seeking. Identify your experience, education, and skills that are most directly related to that job. Highlight items covered in your resume, but DO NOT repeat your resume. You want the employer to READ your resume so only give the most important pieces of information from your resume, written in concise sentences that tell the SHORT story of you. Continue to use the key words from your resume to focus on your skills.

 A cover letter should be no more than one page. You MUST INCLUDE:

• What position you are applying for
• How you found out about the position
• Why you want to work for THIS company
• Why you are the RIGHT person for the
• How your education and area of study fit with the position 
• How your past experience has prepared you for this position (focus on SKILLS)
• How to contact you

Cover Letter Format

• Be sure your letter is individually tailored for the job (never a form letter).

• Address it to the contact individual by name (call and find out the name if you do not know it), including his or her correct job title, company name, and address. As a last resort, use the title given on the job description such as “Dear Intern Coordinator” but please do NOT use “To whom it may concern”.

• Write in your own words in a conversational style with short sentences.

•  Start with an introduction paragraph, followed by one or two paragraphs covering your education and experience, emphasizing the skills you have that match the position.

•  Close with a summary statement about your qualifications and interest and a request for action (ask them to contact you). Include both your phone number and email address as forms of contact and end with a “thank you” for consideration.

• Remember to sign the letter. When online applications are preferred, try to use an electronic signature or scan a copy of your letter with a true signature.

• When emailing your application, attach both the resume and cover letter. DO NOT write the cover letter in the body of the email. The body of your email should say something like, “Please see the attachments as my application for the policy analyst position.”

If you need a cover letter reviewed or want to discussion the position your applying for, set up an appointment with us on Connections!

LinkedIn 101

LinkedIn is an excellent tool for all professionals to build their network and maintain professional connections. Today, there are over 90 million users and staying active is important. So if you do not have a LinkedIn account (it’s free!) or are not active, follow these tips on getting started!

Profile

The first place you need to start is your profile. You should fill out as much information as possible. Think of your profile as your online resume so it needs to be complete and up to date. Here are the things you need to include on your profile:

•  Professional looking photo

• Professional Headline

• Summary

• Your current position

• Past experience

• Your education (both undergraduate and graduate)

• Skills or Expertise

When updating your profile, you can add as much information as you like. LinkedIn allows you to customize your profile with information including coursework, projects, and more.

Customize Your URL

Now that you have updated your profile with all of your experience and skills, you should consider creating a customized URL. Having your name in your LinkedIn URL will make employers and potential connections able to find you easier. To customize your URL, you will need to do the following:

• Click “Edit Profile” when you’re on profile

• Look at the bottom of your basic information, click “Edit” next to the URL

• On the right toolbar, click “Customize Your Public Profile”

• Then set your custom URL

Use the LinkedIn App

Stay up to date with LinkedIn by downloading the free app for your phone. It is available on  Apple and Android phones.

Recommendations

Often employers use LinkedIn to research potential employees to find out about their previous and current experience. Having positive recommendations from your past experiences is excellent way to stand out to employers.

You should take the time to reach out to your previous and current employers to seek recommendations. Sending a personalized message to employers asking them to recommend your work is the first step. Ask them to be specific and highlight certain attributes you would like highlighted. You can also drop key words you would like to be included in your recommendation. The more recommendations you have the more likely employers will believe you are the best candidate for the position.

Active Participation

You should join the professional groups on LinkedIn. These groups often have discussion boards and job postings. Actively participating in the group discussion by starting conversations, commenting on postings, and liking posts is a great way to get noticed by potential employers. The more you put into the group the more you will get out of it. The groups are an excellent way to keep in contact with other professionals and keep up to date on your field.

If you have any question on LinkedIn, you contact us by setting up an appointment on Connections!

*The links provided are helpful tips to enhance your LinkedIn experience!

Networking Series Part III: Juggling Plates & Small Talk

Missed yesterday’s Networking Series Part II: Juggling Plates and Small Talk? We learned a lot of great tips on how to network effectively at networking events. Check out these tips from Karen Litzinger. The tips will be especially helpful if you are going on the DC Trip over spring break.

Power Mingling:  Network with Ease and Effectiveness

 Attitude

• Relationship building, listening, information sharing
• Not schoozing or asking directly for a job or internship
• Warch not to only talk to people you already know
  

First Impressions Count

• Albert Mehrabian study about the impact of communication shows 7% Words, 38% Tone, 55% Non-Verbal Behavior
• Tone: Have good energy in your voice and project, not monotone
• Nonverbals: Good posture, eye contact, smile, appropriate handshake, nod

Exhibit Host Behaviors

• Start conversations
• Introduce people to each other; introduce yourself to someone alone
• Invite people to food and beverages

The Art of Small Talk

• Establishes rapport, helps people feel comfortable
• Positive and upbeat, not negative or complaining
• Includes: current events, sports, music, business, city, weather
• Avoid: health, gossip, religion, money, politics, misfortunes
• Watch not to interrupt; paraphrase and ask follow-up questions
• Read the newspaper before the event for news of the day

Opening Lines

• Upbeat observation: It’s nice to see so many at this event
• Open-ended question” What did you think of the program?
• Pleasant self-revelation: This is one of my favorite foods.
• Other-focused question: What is new at XYZ agency?
  

Networking Questions:

• Do you know anyone in XYZ career field I am considering so I can talk to them about their career?
• What strategy advice can you give for getting an internship or job?
• How did you get your first job?
• Do you have any suggestions for electives of extracurricular activities that could help a candidate have an edge?

ABC’s of Introductions

• Authority: Introduce the more important person to the less so
• Business-like: Use complete sentences
• Clarify: Give some background information if possible
• Example: Mr. Alumnus, I’d like to introduce you to Sue Student, a junior in psychology. Sue, Mr. Alumnus is Director of Marketing at ABC Company.
• Start with name of most important person. A customer or visitor is always considered the most important person. Rehearse in your mind.
• If in doubt, don’t use first names, rather Mr. or Ms.
• Shake hands and repeat name to help you remember

Self-Introductions

• Initiate when arriving and if someone forgets to make an introduction
• “Hi, I’m Sue Student, from XYZ University. I don’t believe we’ve met yet.”

Eating Etiquette

• The focus should be on relationships not the food
• Always keep your right hand free to be approachable and for handshakes
• Keep both your plate and drink in your left hand or alternate eating and drinking separately.
• Choose easy to eat foods and takes small bites after you have finished talking to avoid being caught with your mouthful.

Moving In

• Best to approach groups of three of more
• Position self nearby and participate nonverbally with eye contact and nod until invited in or a pause in which feel comfortable to make a comment, not immediately after someone just finished talking.

30 Second Commercial/Elevator Speech

• Brief background about yourself after small talk, usually after someone asks you a question.
• Include your major or what you are considering, relevant work or activities.
• It can be helpful to end with a question, such as asking about the other party or asking for insightful or advice.
  

Washington DC Trip

 

We are pleased to announce some details of the Washington DC Trip!

Complete the registration form (front & back) and return it to Career Services with a $50 check or money order (non-refundable), made payable to the University of Pittsburgh, by February 1, 2013. Registration forms are available on Connections or you can stop by Emmy or Shannon’s offices to pick up the form. Late registration will not be accepted, so register now!

The trip will take place over spring break on March 11-13, 2013. Your registration fee reserves your spot on the trip and covers two meals, a networking reception, and a $5 preloaded metro card. You will be responsible for lodging and transportation.*

*Please note we have previously blogged about transportation and lodging options.

On Monday, March 11, we have alumni panels scheduled in the morning. Our current panels include Careers in Security and Intelligence, Careers in International Development, Federal Hiring, and DC Opportunities for International Students. Later that day, we have a confirmed site visit with the Heritage Foundation. Finally on the evening of March 11, we will have a networking reception at Honeywell.

On Tuesday, March 12, we have more alumni panels schedule in the morning. The themes of the panels are the DC Job Market, Philanthropy and NPOs, International Trade and Finance, and Communications and Advocacy. After the alumni panels, we have a confirmed site visit with AECOM.

We are currently working on confirming more site visits with employers on all days on the trip!
For information on places to stay in the DC Metro area and transportation, we have previously blogged on this so just scroll down. If you have any questions on the DC trip plans, please let us know. Make sure to keep following us so you can get up-to-date to information on the DC Trip!
Please note, if there are not enough attendees we will have to cancel the trip. So register today!

Starting Your Job Search

Now that it is 2013, it’s time for you to start your job search. Starting your job search can be a daunting task, but with these tips you should be on your way in no time.

     

 1. Edit Your Resume

 Your resume is the best way to show off your experience and showcase what makes you the best candidate for the job. Check out the links below for resume tips.

• Utilize a list of ‘action verbs’ when writing your resume
• Emphasize transferrable skills (such as communication or customer service), especially if you don’t have much experience or are in the middle of a career change.
• Make the resume attractive and eye-catching; be sure to line up the margins and consider using bullets and bolding to separate sections and duties on your resume.  Leave yourself enough margin space so that the resume does not look crowded.
• Emphasize specific accomplishments at previous positions; quantify these achievements whenever possible.
• Write in the proper tense.  If you are presently at a job that is listed, use the present tense for the job descriptions; if you are no longer at that job, use the past tense for the job descriptions.  Be consistent with the tense throughout. 
• Decide if you should use a chronological or functional resume.
• Consider adding a “Professional Profile” or “Summary of Skills” section to the top of your resume. 

There are more resume tips available on GSPIA Connections under the Documents Library!
   
  2. Schedule Your Second Year Appointment with Career Services
Now that you have updated your resume with your experience, it is time meet with your Career counselor. We’re here to help you! Schedule an appointment on GSPIA Connections today. Make sure to upload your resume on Connections so we can take a look at it before we meet with you. During this meeting, we will discuss your resume and how to start your job search.
   
  3. Start Your Job Search
With so many job boards available online, it can be a little overwhelming on where to start. Below are some useful websites to help you get started.

• USAJobs: US Federal Government jobs
• Foreign Policy Association: Internationally focused jobs
• Devex: International development jobs 
• Idealist: Jobs throughout the country
• Nonprofit Talent: For Pittsburgh nonprofits
• Come to the Job Search Series, Part I workshop!

Now that you have a place to start searching, it is important to create a list of potential organizations and agencies in your field. Search these organizations and see if they have any openings. Even if they do not have an opening now, it is important to check their websites periodically to see if there are openings in the future.

We will be providing more tips and useful information on job searching in our Job Search Series. Career Services is hosting a number of events with our staff and outside employers, alumni, and guest speakers about job searching. Our first event is Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00pm in 3610 Posvar Hall. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP on Connections.
     
4. Network!
Besides job searching online, you should be networking! Not sure what networking is? Networking is professional relationship building. When job searching, you should be connecting with your fellow students, GSPIA faculty and staff, employers, and people in your field. An excellent way to start networking is by actively using your LinkedIn Account. If you do not have one, create one today! Here are some tips on using LinkedIn.

This semester Career Services is holding a Networking Series. Our next networking event is called Networking Series Part II: Juggling Plates & Small Talk (How to work a networking event) hosted by Karen Litzinger, owner of Litzinger Career Consulting. It will be held on Wednesday, February 6 at 1:00pm in Kurtzman Room in the William Pitt Union. Please RSVP on Connections if you plan on attending.

These are just a few tips on starting your job search. Finding a job is all about the work you put into it. Make sure to continually search for jobs and apply. If you need any help throughout your job search process schedule an appointment with us on Connections.

Good luck!

Washington DC Trip!

GSPIA Career Services is excited to announce that registration for the Washington, DC Trip is now open!

Are you interested in a career in Washington, DC? Whether you want to work in the federal government, consulting, nonprofit or international arenas, the DC Trip can be a great way to network and connect with potential employers and GSPIA alumni!

We will be offering career panels, employer site visits, a networking reception, lunches with alumni, and a happy hour with alumni. Currently, we are looking into a number of employee site visits, including: include US Department of State, CIA, DIA, Capitol Hill, USAID, European Union, World Bank, Chemonics International, Heritage Foundation, Booz Allen Hamilton, Stimson Center, Wilson Center, Urban Institute and ICMA!*

Complete the registration form (front & back) and return it to Career Services with a $50 check or money order (non-refundable), made payable to the University of Pittsburgh, by January 15, 2013. Registration forms are available on Connections or you can stop by Emmy or Shannon’s offices to pick up the form. Late registration will not be accepted, so register now!

The trip will take place over spring break on March 11-13, 2013. Your registration fee reserves your spot on the trip and covers two meals, a networking reception, and a $5 preloaded metro card. You will be responsible for lodging and transportation.

Potential Employers:
Here are some more details on the potential employer sites visits including links to their career websites!

SIS students may be interested in going to the CIA, DIA, Booz Allen Hamilton, and US Department of State. All of these government agencies and organizations do work in the fields of intelligence and diplomacy.

Other MPIA students may be interested in visiting some employees like US Department of State, Stimson Center, World Bank, and the European Union. These agencies and organizations do various work including security, diplomacy, and economic development.

Our international development students should also be interested in the potential employee site visits at USAID, World Bank, and Chemonics. These organizations do various types of development work throughout the world.

For students interested in domestic issues, you might be interested in going to these organizations: Capitol Hill, Urban Institute, and ICMA.

Lodging and Transportation Options:
Pittsburgh and Washington, DC are only 250 miles apart or a 4.5 hour drive! Getting to DC is pretty easy, especially if you use the Mega Bus. The bus picks you up at the Bus Depot located in Downtown Pittsburgh and drops you off in Washington, DC at Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC). You can also take a short flight from Pittsburgh International Airport to Washington Reagan or Dulles International Airport. You can search for on a number of websites including Priceline, Bing, or Expedia.

There are a number of hotels available in Washington, DC with reasonable prices for students. We recommend you look in the neighborhoods of Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or near the Convention Center. Some of these include:
-      Best Western Georgetown (located in Foggy Bottom)
-      Embassy Suites West End
-      One Washington Circle Hotel
-      George Washington University Inn
-      Embassy Suites Convention Center
-      Days Inn Washington DC
-      Loftstel
-      Kalorama Guest House
-      Hostelling International Washington, DC

If you’re looking for even less expensive options, you can try outside of the DC area in Rosslyn or Crystal City in Virginia or Bethesda or Chevy Chase in Maryland. 
Make sure to keep following us so you can get up-to-date to information on the DC Trip!

*Employers and events have not yet been confirmed and are subject to change.