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Career Services

Alum Success

Maria DiValentin

"I chose to transfer to Lake Superior State University because of the personal attention I would receive. I did not want to attend a large university where I would be a number lost in the masses. The well-rounded curriculum allowed me to obtain my position at John Deere. Having a good balance of theory and hands-on knowledge is critical for my position and Lake State gave me a good foundation in these skills."

Maria DiValentin, Mechanical Engineering 2001
Field Service Representative,
John Deere Power Systems
Waterloo, IA

Career Advisory Network at Lake State (CANaLS)

Searching for Jobs

Seven Ways to Shorten Your Job Search

Here are some ways to shorten the job search process.

1.	Make Your Job Search a 40-Hour a Week Process The period between jobs should not be regarded as an unpaid vacation. Spend every bit as much time developing leads and following up on them as you would normally put in on the job.
2.	Plan Your Job Search Week Carefully There are ideal times to contact employers--generally Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings are best. Don't waste those hours doing library research or writing letters. You can handle paperwork on Mondays or Fridays or in the evening--and save the most valuable part of the week for contacts.
3.	Network with Other Job Seekers You'll probably run across others also in the job market. Try to get to know them, encourage them. Learn what they are encountering. If you hear of jobs outside your area of interest, share them with others. Who knows? They may do the same for you.
4.	Try New Job Search Techniques Maybe you've relied exclusively on letters and resumes in the early part of your job campaign. Perhaps you should begin making cold phone calls to potential employers or take out a classified ad for yourself. Be creative.
5.	Identify New Job Search Counselors Which job services have you tried so far? Have you limited yourself to school or college career services? Perhaps an executive search firm or a private employment agency may have just the lead you need to a good job. If you work with them, however, don't pay any money up front. Only sign a contract which limits your obligation to paying a fee if and when you accept a job through their service.
6.	Keep Searching, Even When You Accept an Offer Don't stop the job search just because you think an offer may be forthcoming. Keep developing new leads as there is always a strong chance that a hitch may occur and the job you counted on won't develop.
7.	Evaluate Your Campaign--And Accept Advice from Others If you've been looking longer than you expected, perhaps your job search tools or your approach have been weak. Review your letters and your resume. Could they be improved? What has happened in the interviews? Any consistent reason for turndowns? Here an experienced career counselor can be very helpful.

Majoring in Nursing...

Ralph Massey
Nursing
St. Ignace, MI

LSSU is well known for small class sizes.You can develop personal relationships with faculty and staff. [ more ]