Presbyterian College and the Alumni Affairs office is here to assist you

We here at PC realize that our alumni may be affected by the harsh economic situation the country is facing. If you are affected, we hope that you’ll find the resources and tips below to be helpful. They’re provided by PC’s Office of Career Services. Please know that the Career Services website has even more detailed tips and strategies. Another great place to look for information is the Blue Hose CareerNet, where you’ll find free job postings and job search resources for PC alumni as well as students.

Remember: In a challenging employment environment, being flexible and open to new opportunities is essential. Industries that continue to hire are Health Care, Government, Education, Energy, Business Services, and Hospitality. Whether you are a recent graduate or seasoned professional, candidates should be prepared to dig deeper for the information and opportunities, and also recognize that it will take longer to land a job.

Also: Take control of your job search. Do not be passive and rely on others to create opportunities. But, you do have a network of relationships that you can tap into to. Create a Plan that is more intentional than just posting your resume on different web resources. The following are some suggestions to help in the career search or transition process.

 

Explore: Take the time to re-evaluate who you are and how you want to continue to grow personally and professionally. Use assessment resources that can be found through books, the web, and career counselors.

• Personality Preferences: How do you prefer to interact with people?

• Interests: What do you like to do?

• Abilities: What do you do well?

• Values: How do your values direct your choices?

• Environment/Location: Where do you want to live and work? What type of environment?

 

Evaluate: Don’t assume you have to continue doing what you have always done. Learn more about how your existing knowledge and abilities can be applied to different career areas.

• Research different career interests through print and web resources, through talking with people in those industries. An excellent resource is O’Net. The information from the O’Net has been developed through the Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://online.onetcenter.org

• Contact professional organizations related to careers/industries you are interested in. Conduct an “Informational Interview” to find out more about the industry, position, career growth opportunities, etc.

• Research industries through professional organizations

• Go on company tours if available and get a first hand look at the environment

• Review different job postings to identify qualifications and responsibilities and then evaluate your skills as the relate to that industry or position Embark:

• Update your resume so that it reflects your abilities and accomplishments as they relate to the career/industry. This may mean you have multiple resumes

• Network: Create relationships with people. Ask them for advice and direction of positions available. If they offer to forward your resume, get the contact information so that you can follow up directly

• Apply for positions found through want ads, web resources, people

• The Blue Hose CareerNet is a free job posting, job search resource for PC students AND Alumni

 

 

What every PC'un should know

Are you an alumnus ... an alumni ...?

Many graduates are confused by the terminology when speaking about alumni, so with apologies to the Honor Council, here is a little cheat sheet for everyone.

Alumnus - one male
Alumni - more than one male (pronounced “alum-n’eye’”)

Alumna - one female
Alumnae - more than one female (pronounced “alum-knee”)

Alumni - both male and female (pronounced as above)

For you chickens!
"alum" - one
"alums" - more than one