This editorial expresses the opinion of the Bona Venture staff.
Ever walk out of a job interview wishing you had been more prepared?
The Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) is offering a new service throughout the month of October that is sure to help plenty of students, whether they are having problems with social media, interviews or even body language.
The #CareerProblems lunch series will take place every Thursday in RC 216 throughout October, according to an email sent out by the CPRC. It will take place after 10 a.m. classes.
What’s the best part?
The 20-minute sessions are from 11:30 to 11:50, which means if you don’t eat any of the food provided at the session, you will still have time to go get lunch with friends.
Need more incentive to go? Those who attend three of the four sessions will be entered to win an interview prize pack, which will include a leather-bound St. Bonaventure folder, resume paper and more. So if you didn’t make the first session yesterday, which was called #LinkedInProblems, you can still be entered to win the prize if you attend the next three sections.
The next session on Oct. 10 will be #BodyLanguageProblems, followed by #InternshipProblems and #InterviewProblems.
As college students, most of us have busy schedules. If we’re not in class or studying for midterms that are just a week away, we’re trying to keep up with homework or catch up on some sleep. If you’ve been meaning to make an appointment at the CPRC but just can’t seem to find the time, these sessions are perfect for you. In just 20 minutes, you can gain some valuable information on how to act in the professional world, while still enjoying some snacks in the process.
Many of us have had an interview or heard a friend complain about an interview that they completely messed up. The littlest things can make a difference in an interview, from how well you make eye contact to how firm your handshake it. There’s no reason to make stupid mistakes, especially when there’s a service on campus prepared to help you avoid them.
For some of us, the “real world” is just around the corner. Graduation is a little less than eight months away for seniors, and for those graduating in December, it’s less than three months away. It couldn’t hurt to brush up on some of your skills before you start applying for jobs, if you haven’t started already.
For those who don’t need to worry about graduation just yet, these #CareerProblems sessions can still be beneficial for upcoming internships. If you can learn something valuable in about 20 minutes, there’s no reason not to take advantage.
The CPRC is also offering an Internship Spotlight Program. If you’ve had a unique internship experience, you can go to the CPRC and fill out an application. Those who are selected for the spotlight will earn $50 towards professional dress and also receive a spot on the Intern Wall of Fame, according to an Oct. 2 Notice Board.
The CPRC is here to help students prepare for what’s to come after we leave Bona’s. Whether it’s going to the #CareerProblem sessions or just making a regular appointment at the CPRC, students should utilize the resource as much as they can.
It’s better to be over prepared and confident than unprepared and unsure in an interview. Take advantage of the help while you can.
