Resume Development
The Professional Portfolio
Unit I: Introduction to the Pre-Professional - PEP 410 - Spring 2020 - Lincoln University of Missouri
Overview
I. Building the Pre-Professional Experience
II. Professional Associations
III. Professional Development/Networking
IV. Developing Job Search Documents
V. Professional Portfolio
Building the Pre-Professional Experience
What is a Pre-Professional Experience?
Pre-professional work experience is a great transition step from college to career, especially in industries where experience is a virtual must-have for entry-level positions. Pre-professional opportunities help students obtain valuable industry- and job-specific knowledge and skills that pique employer interest.
The Lincoln University School of Education continuously supports you, our students, with their educational and professional goals through experiences beyond the classroom. Regardless of how you entered the degree program, the educational opportunities offered to you will greatly impact your success as a professional. These are opportunities for you to take your theoretical knowledge (textbook and theories) and apply them in a practical setting (use the knowledge in a hands-on application).
This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience will require a considerable investment of time and effort. To maximize your investment, the following areas of experiences have been identified for you:
- Teaching Observations
- Athletic Training/Coaching Observations
- Teaching Practicum Opportunities
- Internships
- Research Experience for Undergraduates
- Service Learning
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Student Organizations
- Student Teaching
The goal for you as a Lincoln University student and future Educational Professional is to get involved in as many of the above experiences as possible prior to entering the field, but ultimately to obtain a student teaching experience.
Complete Assignment Pre-Professional Experience (Canvas)
Professional Associations
Joining a Professional Association provides members with a competitive advantage because they become active, informed members of their industry. Many association members who lead busy professional lives depend on their association to brief them on important industry trends, new legislative rulings, and advances in technology.
A professional association (also called a professional organization or professional society) seeks to further a profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession and the public interest.
What are the Benefits of Joining a Professional Organization?
- Continuing Education
- Job Prospects
- Mentoring Programs
- Networking Opportunities
- Access to Resources
- Learning New Perspectives
- Professional Development
- Liability Insurance
Read the following Article:
https://www.onelegal.com/blog/10-benefits-joining-professional-association/
Why Should You Join a Professional Organization?
If you are interested in furthering your career, joining a professional association is a good start. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest, and many have national, state and regional chapters available to join. An association is a synergistic group, meaning that the effect of a collection of people is greater than just one person. So, how exactly can becoming part of this synergistic group help further your career goals? Here are some benefits of joining an association.
Enhance Your Network:
For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you can support and help one another in reaching your professional goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Since most associations have national or local conferences, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn "best practices" or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information.
Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs or you may be able to become a mentor to someone else. As an educator, giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by the association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends with the same interests as you.
Take Charge of Your Career:
Another important reason to consider membership to a professional organization is to take advantage of their career resources. Associations often have job listings online or in print available only to their members. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. Additionally, many associations have career resources available such as tips on effective resumes or cover letters, job searching strategies, and negotiating techniques. Some associations even have panels of experts that you can contact for specific questions on career issues. Other benefits include information about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done through web or podcasts, so you don't even have to leave your home. And don't forget, listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.
Broaden Your Knowledge:
Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information such as case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges. Another reason to join an association is to learn more or stay informed about issues in diversity. For example, Academic360.com includes a list of associations and articles that provide valuable information such as resource guides for diversity, affirmative action, and advocacy, as well as information on new and proposed regulations related to diversity. Associations also provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of all of these issues is important.
So, whether you are looking to learn about job postings in your field, network in your professional community, gain access to current events in your career area, or just have some fun while meeting new people, joining a professional association is a step in the right direction!
Complete Assignment Professional Organizations (See Canvas)
Professional Development/Networking
Networking has become an essential aspect of your job search in today’s competitive market. You must develop relationships and connections within your network to have more opportunities to advance your career. You should build your “professional network” by joining local, state, and national organizations, attending conferences and networking events and building professional relationships every chance you get.
Why Networking is Important
Having a well-established network has become an important part of our lives. The easiest way to expand your network is to build on relationships with people you know; family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and acquaintances.
We are all expanding our networks daily. Think about it, who would you ask if you needed an electrician, a plumber, a dry-waller, a painter or landscaper? You would likely ask a family member, friend or close colleague if they know anyone they would recommend or maybe you would go to Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau. These are all ways of networking.
Professional Networking
Professional Networking has become an essential aspect of your job search. Even if you are well established in your job and have no plans of moving or advancing your career soon, networking has proven to be a valuable tool. Today, studies have shown that up to 80% of jobs are never advertised – they are filled by word of mouth. So, it’s who you know and who knows you that matters. You must develop relationships and connections within your network to have more opportunities to advance your career. Attending meetings and social events hosted by your professional association is a great way to connect with people in your field.
Volunteering
We all have things we're passionate about and special skills and interests. Volunteering is another great way to meet people and broaden your network. There are always ways to make connections with individuals in your professional organization and it could prove to be a great resource for advancing your career. Remember to add your volunteering activities to your resume.
Network Your Way to Success
Any expert will tell you that networking is one of the best ways to advance your career, and it's also a good source of support for everyday job concerns. Employers, especially those with good diversity programs, also recognize the value of networking, and there are official -- as well as unofficial -- networks for virtually every group.
"A lot of people of color find these networks especially important," says Cornelia Gamlem, president of the GEMS Group, a human resource consulting firm in Herndon, Virginia. "They can be a kind of balance in understanding whether a situation is unique or if it's something other people have gone through as well. [Networks] can help people avoid that feeling of being isolated and overcome problems all on their own."
But, remember how you network is just as important as whether you network. Here are some rules to network by:
Get an Early Start
The sooner you start creating a network, the faster you'll progress in your career. Many professional societies have student chapters in colleges and universities. Making connections early will give you a head start on your job search. Keep your eyes open for networking opportunities as soon as you've landed a job.
Look Before You Leap
"Be careful of whom you ally yourself with," warns Mary Jane Sinclair, president of MJS Associates in Morristown, New Jersey. "They may be using you to advance an issue." Sinclair uses an example of a young college grad who joined an in-company women's network. However, rather than advancing the members' cause, this network was more interested in taking on management. "This woman was viewed by management as a troublemaker," Sinclair says. Once you've taken a job, carefully find the networks that will be most beneficial to you and your career.
If at First You Don't Succeed, Try Again
Unfortunately, there isn't always an obvious network to join. For instance, if you're an African American woman in a sea of white colleagues, it may not be easy to align yourself with others in the company. See if there's a local professional organization with African American members. Or seek out people in your community. Don't just limit yourself to racial or gender categories.
Cast a Wide Net
"Look for support wherever you find it," Sinclair says. "Networking really works best when the group's common interest isn't just race or gender, but the success of each member in the group." Establishing a broad network enables you to turn to different groups, depending on your professional challenges. "Without a broad-based network, there's no one to turn to in a time of crisis," Sinclair says. "The broader you cast your net, the broader your catch will be."
Read the Following Article:
Developing Job Search Documents
Finding the job you want is a process that takes multiple steps and involves many decisions.
To be successful, job seekers need relevant information and well-developed job-hunting skills that allow them to be strategic in their search. Whether you are looking for an internship, job, or making a career change, the principles and the process of conducting a successful job search are the same.
The following tips are designed to guide you through the broad process of identifying job targets to the specific steps of finding openings and applying for positions. Each strategy is equally important, but the sequence of steps may vary. A successful job search plan may involve doing all the activities simultaneously. Be prepared to revisit any step, evaluating and adjusting your strategy as your search evolves and changes.
THE RESUME
Your resume represents the quality of your work and is the first sample that a prospective employer will review. To create a positive impression, it should:
- Be professional in content and appearance
- Be well organized
- Communicate your information clearly and effectively
- Show achievement
- Be honest and accurate
- Demonstrate what you can do for the employer
Think of your resume as a custom-designed marketing tool developed to capture the attention of a prospective employer – within 20 seconds! That’s how long it takes a reader to formulate a first impression and that's how long you have to create an impact! Communicating your professional qualifications quickly and effectively will determine your chances of being considered for an interview.
A resume is a descriptive summary of your background, concisely written and attractively presented. It should focus the reader on your strongest points in relation to your current career goals. Follow the rules of grammar, punctuation, and structure. To be effective, customize your standard resume for a specific position or industry.
Take time to prepare your resume by reviewing your achievements, skills, experiences, and strengths. Be sure to highlight the skills and achievements that relate to the positions you are targeting.
Read the following Article:
See Attachment: Resume Development
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
At some point in the job search process, most employers require the names of certain individuals who can attest to your qualifications for employment. Prepare a separate one-page reference sheet to have available during an interview or when sending a resume, if requested.
Select three to five people who you believe will provide a positive reference for you. These people may include former or current employers/supervisors, professors, coaches or others who have observed you in a leadership, academic or professional capacity. Do not select relatives or friend. Make selections based on a person’s ability to make objective comments regarding your work ethic, your responsibility level, your sense of creativity and initiative. When deciding who to ask, try to have a mix of professors, supervisors, and others.
Remember to contact your references in advance for permission to use their name and for their preferred mode of contact, (e.g. e-mail, phone). Provide these people with a copy of your resume and tell them about the types of positions you are trying to obtain. Remind them about the skills and experiences that make you a good match for the job. Ask them to write a recommendation letter so you can attach it to your application materials when completing an application.
THE APPLICATION/COVER LETTER
Employers receive hundreds of resumes from job applicants. To make a great first impression, your application/cover letter needs to be well-written to grab the employer’s attention. As soon as the envelope (or e-mail) is opened an indelible impact is made. Your cover letter often determines whether the resume is even read!
A cover letter is a personal marketing component of the application process. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself, point out your specific job-related qualifications, and demonstrate your written communication skills. You want the employer to be interested in what you have to say and want to learn more about how you match the qualifications for their specific job opening.
A cover letter should always be tailored to the specific position. This letter should be one page, no more than three or four paragraphs and designed to:
- Market your skills, related experience, and accomplishments
- Introduce yourself and establish yourself as a high-value candidate
- Generate interest in meeting you
Remember, cover letters should ALWAYS accompany a resume, even if one is not specifically requested. A good cover letter takes time to write, but in the long run, it will be worth the extra time and effort. It is the first sample of your work that the employer will read.
Read the following Article:
See Attachment: Application Letter Development
Professional Portfolio
When and why do you use Professional Portfolios?
During a job search, the Professional Portfolio showcases your work to potential employers. It presents evidence of your relevant skills and abilities. Portfolios are also helpful for independent contractors, consultants, business owners, and professional educators who need to provide work samples to potential clients or employers.
Once you've identified an internship or job, the common practice of applying is submitting your resume and application/cover letter. A Professional Portfolio provides a potential employer with even more information and specific examples of your work. An impressive portfolio can often catch the interest of employers, which is your goal when applying for an internship or job, and then hopefully make them want to call you in for an interview.
A Professional Portfolio provides potential employers with a complete picture of a job candidate's abilities. It should include your experience, accomplishments, skills, education, interests, and professional goals and objectives. You may send your portfolio prior to an interview, bring it with you during the interview process, and you may decide to leave it with the decision-maker in the hiring process for follow-up information.
Here are some helpful tips on how to make a professional portfolio:
Collect Examples of Your Work
Creating a professional portfolio begins by collecting examples of your work. These examples may include evaluations, reports, surveys, specific materials you have designed for a college course or previous employer, graphs, press releases, artwork, examples of spreadsheets, etc., that you designed to complete certain projects or to improve the flow of the work.
If you are currently completing an internship or student-teaching, be sure to include some of the work you are doing right now. Teachers can put together exceptional portfolios by highlighting projects they introduced in the classroom as well as the lesson plans they created for the class. Portfolios are a great chance to show your creativity and the nice thing is that no two portfolios are alike.
Include Photos of Yourself Working
Including photos of yourself working on specific academic projects or in previous internships or community service work will help the employer to see you in action. Sometimes these visual pictures can say a thousand words and don’t often need any explanation. If you are currently completing an internship or volunteering for a company, be sure to take some photos to keep your portfolio current and to show employers what you're doing right now.
Include Info About Educational Projects
If you have previously worked with educational projects or initiatives at a school, be sure to include information about them. This may include standards-based grading, Curriculum Development, Units of Instruction, Varying Delivery Methods, and Lesson Plans for new or creative lesson ideas.
Include Positive Correspondence
Consider including any positive correspondence that you have received in the past from teachers, professors, previous employers describing your hard work and professionalism. Having professionals in the field commenting on the outstanding work you contributed to any project can make a real positive impact on any employer. Be sure to include an example of the outstanding piece of work (college paper, artwork, lesson plan) so they can see it and evaluate it for themselves. It is important to understand that if you don’t highlight your successful experiences no one will know and nobody else will.
Demonstrate Your Skills
If you have a video of you performing job-related skills, such as teaching a lesson or coaching a practice session be sure to include the links to showcase the work you have done. Some students will include a DVD or CD attached to a plastic sleeve on the front or back cover of the portfolio.
Create Clear Concise Documents That Are Organized
You want your portfolio to look professional. Creating clear, concise documents that are organized well will let the employer know that you are serious about the job. Be sure to always keep copies of your work and make sure that you keep updating your portfolio so that some of the examples of your work are recent which can also illustrate the growth you’ve made over the years.
Remember to keep your Professional Portfolio updated. This is important to do even after you’ve gotten the job. Down the road, you may be in the job market again looking for a new job and the last thing you want is to only have an outdated portfolio that needs to be re-created from scratch.
Read the following Article:
See Attachment: The Professional Portfolio