EUGENE, Ore. -- (May 24, 2010) – With Oregon unemployment at more than 10 percent, finding a job is difficult for even a seasoned professional. But the task is especially daunting for new college graduates, who face one of the toughest job markets in recent history.
University of Oregon alumni in the Portland area have access to resources that can make the process a little easier. The UO Portland Career Center opened November 2008 in the White Stag Block to help UO students and alumni create job search strategies. Nearly a quarter of all UO alumni live in the Portland area.
"Earning a degree shouldn't end your connection with the University of Oregon. We are invested in helping our graduates have successful careers," said Linda Williams Favero, assistant director of Alumni Career Services at the UO Career Center Portland. "The Portland Career Center offers tailored and personal career counseling for free to students and recent graduates up to six months or at an affordable rate for other UO alumni."
Graduates of the UO have access to a variety of options, like one-on-one career counseling meetings, job search groups, career development workshops and networking opportunities and events.
"Alumni Conversations: Interesting Career Paths" is Wednesday, May 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the White Stag Block. Four successful UO alums will share their stories in a panel discussion with a reception following. The cost is free for UO students and 2009-2010 graduates and $25 for other alumni and friends. To register, visit: http://career.uoregon.edu/events/alumni/2010/05/alumni-conversations-int....
"People are overwhelmed by the job search process, especially now, when jobs are harder to find," said Favero. "Our goal is to provide tools, help develop a strategy, identify their competitive advantage and give them the confidence to be successful in the process."
Favero leads students and graduates in quarterly Alumni Job Search Groups. The members meet twice a week for three weeks at the White Stag Block, all with the same goal of finding a job. In the supportive environment, participants were able to focus on topics like creating a personal brand, managing the search process, identifying successful strategies, and interviewing and negotiating techniques.
After the six sessions end, typically half of the participants were offered jobs or identified as final candidates. "The sessions really helped me look at finding a career in a different way," said a group member and UO alum. "The Portland branch is thorough, thoughtful and knowledgeable. It shows that the university cares for their students post graduation."
Favero offers these tips for those on the job hunt:
Know your strengths. Spend time identifying three to five of your greatest attributes and communicate them in a consistent, measurable way throughout your resume, cover letter and interview answers.Network weekly. Identify professional associations in your field of interest and attend their events. Offer to volunteer at the registration table and be prepared to share your strengths in 30 seconds. Remember that 65 to 80 percent of jobs are found through networking.Conduct informational interviews. Follow up with professionals you meet while networking and ask to visit them for 30 minutes to discuss their career paths – but don't ask for a job. Always write thank you notes – only 5 percent do, so you will be noticed and remembered.Find a mentor. Understand the job search process can take a while, so find someone, like an alum, who will encourage and guide you. Stay positive. Resist the urge to be negative. Employers want to hire people who are positive and want to make a difference.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Source: Linda Favero, assistant director of Alumni Career Services, UO Career Center, 503-412-3704, lfavero@uoregon.edu
Links: University of Oregon, Portland: pdx.uoregon.edu; University of Oregon Career Center: career.uoregon.edu
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