2008 Woodie Awards
Planning for your future
Alicia Simpson
Issue date: 3/14/08 Section: College Life
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Career Planning has a 48-hour resume policy. A resume can be dropped off in the office or e-mailed to career@potsdam.edu and a counselor will review it, critique it, and return it within 48 hours. A resume guide with supplements for teaching, music education, physical science, computer science, and summer are available in the office or online at potsdam.edu/career.
Not sure what you want to do for a major or career? Don't worry. Career Planning can help with that. Two web-based programs are available to help narrow down your interests: FOCUS and SIGI 3. FOCUS is a self-assessment program that helps connect your interests and values with various careers. A username and password for this program can be obtained from the office. SIGI 3 (System of Interactive Guidance and Information) is another self-assessment program that helps in planning a career. To log in to SIGI 3 visit the Career Planning website, click on SIGI 3, click on Enter SIGI 3, go to create account (access code is Potsdam), and create a username and password.
"What Can I Do With a Major In...?" handouts are available online and in the office. Each handout covers a major and/or minor at SUNY Potsdam. Information about careers within that major, what recent graduates are doing with that major, organizations dealing with the major, and other various information is available.
Interviewing for a job and not sure how to prepare? The Career Planning office does mock interviews. Stop in, call or e-mail the office to set up an appointment. Mock interviews typically take an hour and a half to conduct. Career counselors will tailor your interview to the position you are interviewing for. Be sure to bring a resume and job description to the interview.
The Career Library has been updated. Books can be loaned to students for a one week period. Books on careers, majors, graduate school, and entrance exams are available. Stop in to check out all the new books that have arrived.
BearTracker is a new program that was implemented last semester with the Experiential Education Office and Alumni Office. This searchable database has all part-time, full-time, and summer employment opportunities posted, as well as internships, volunteer programs, and professional mentoring connections. Students can store resumes, cover letters, and other documents that are useful for employment positions. To register with BearTracker, log in to BearPaws, click on Student Services & Financial Aid, click on BearTracker, then click on Log in to BearTracker.
Within the last year and a half, two new employees have been hired. Erin Kerwin joined the Career Planning staff as a Career Counselor in January 2007. A 2005 graduate of SUNY Potsdam, Erin worked in the Career Planning office as the Public Relations intern and Student Assistant her senior year. "Working in the office helped develop my goals of working in Career Counseling," she stated. As for returning to Potsdam, Erin said, "It's exciting to be able to give back to the college that I attended, and even more importantly, it's exciting to be able to start my career in the office that jumpstarted my career ambitions." Erin helps students with resumes and cover letters, interviewing, major exploration, job searching, and graduate application process. She is currently pursuing her M. Ed. in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University.
Margaret Bain was hired as the Assistant Director of Career Planning in August 2007. Margaret holds a M. Ed. in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University and a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from SUNY Buffalo. She was the Director of Student Support Services at SUNY Potsdam from 1990-1996. For the past 11 years, Meg worked as a School Counselor serving Career and Technology education centers and schools in St. Lawrence County. "It's an excellent opportunity to work with kids at this stage in their life as they choose their direction to begin a career. I have two boys who are currently in this process," said Meg of working in the Career Planning office. Meg also assists students with the major and career process, as well as working with employers for on-campus recruiting.
Along with Meg and Erin, Career Planning also has Director, Karen Ham, and secretary, Bonnie Marsh-Godreau. Karen has worked in the career planning field for over 30 years. She holds a M. Ed Adult Education with a concentration in Career Planning from the University of Southern Maine and a B.A. in Psychology with concentrations in Counseling and Industrial Psychology from Ohio State University. Karen is responsible for overall supervision of the office, initiating new career programs, and handling all budgetary matters. Bonnie has been with Career Planning since 1980. She is responsible for scheduling appointments, overseeing work-study students and student assistants, posting job vacancies, and compiling an annual report.
To learn more about other programs, opportunities, and services offered in the Career Planning office visit 106 Sisson Hall, check them out on the web at potsdam.edu/career, or call (315) 267-2344.
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