Advice from professionals — Joyce’s Career Tip of the Week

Last week, the Fulton Schools Career Center hosted our Spring 2019 Career Conference. During the event, a panel of employers and recent Fulton Schools alumni spoke about transition — going from a student to an intern or to a new professional employee. Students heard from the employers about the things that made workers successful – or not. They also learned about the challenges the recent graduates faced when they started their new positions.

The employers emphasized the importance of “soft” of “transferable” skills. You will always have to learn more technical skills when you start a new job or a new company. Technical job-related training and independent learning are typically part of the onboarding process. You are expected to know how to communicate effectively, to work as part of a team, to find information and solve problems. You are also expected to have a good work ethic – be on time, be productive and treat everyone respectfully. As Fulton Schools students, you have so many opportunities to acquire and hone your “people skills”.  http://customize.engineering.asu.edu/

Interns and new employees are expected to show initiative and leadership. They are also told that they should ask for help when it is needed. I asked our panelists to give some guidance as to how someone would know when it is appropriate to ask for help. The response was that the intern or new employee should attempt to solve problems on their own. When they are not able to determine an answer or reach a decision, they should show their research and share their thought processes when asking for help. Providing this background not only shows initiative; but, improves the conversation and learning experience.

Finally, all employers and alumni recommended using the Fulton Schools Career Center. Checkout the resources on our website and use Handshake to schedule an appointment.  http://career.engineering.asu.edu/
We are here to help you.

Joyce Donahue is a Certified Career Counselor in the Fulton Schools of Engineering Career Center.