Career Services

Alumni

Are you looking for a change, need to move or are under circumstances which require you to change jobs?  The job search for experienced alum will be different from that first job search right out of college.  These are suggestions of things you should do before starting the search.  When you are prepared to submit applications, the Career Services office has included job postings from employers who are looking for candidates with more work experience than recent graduates.  Please check often as they are updated regularly.

Step 1. Take stock of your current situation.

  • "I've been downsized (or right-sized, or laid off)."
  • "I'm bored with my chosen field (or just 'burned-out')."
  • "I'm facing early retirement. Is a second career right for me?"
  • "I'm returning to work after 'stopping out' for family (or personal) commitments."
  • "I'm a 'trailing spouse' (or partner) looking for a new opportunity."
  • "I'm an 'empty nester' and looking for something new to do."
  • "The poor economy has affected my job and career.".
  • "The changing nature of jobs and work in general impact what I do."

Step 2. Assess your skills, experience, and changing priorities.

  • Analyze your current situation. See Step 1.
  • Assess your lifetime accumulation of skills..
  • Review your interests & passions.
  • Has your work values changed with time.
  • Family circumstances and responsibilities.
  • Define (or redefine) your life goals.
  • Review your investment and retirement goals.
  • Consult career planning resources at www.simpson.edu/career or at the Simpson Career Services office.
  • Complete skill and career interest inventories.
  • Seek career and job-search advising or counseling.
  • Get feedback from others.

Step 3. Explore employment options and potential career changes.

  • Research employment opportunities based upon your interests, skills, and experience. Job-posting sites on the Internet are a great source of information to gauge the market and learn what employers want.

Know the needs of employers in your area of interest.  Job descriptions posted on employer Web sites, job announcements in newspapers or online, and trade journals are great ways to keep abreast of what qualifications and attributes employers are seeking in today's applicants.

  • Network with friends, relatives, and business associates. Somebody knows somebody who knows somebody who has a job opportunity you might qualify for. The more people you have in your active network, the more "hits" you may get in your job pursuits.
  • Determine if a change is realistic and prudent at the present time. Maybe you'd be better off maintaining the status quo and waiting for a more opportune time to make a move.
  • Research geographic options and evaluate relocation issues. Determine what's important to you if a move is imminent. Many resources exist on the Internet to help you explore new areas and compare cost-of-living differences.
  • Determine whether you need or want additional education before making a change (see Step 5).
  • Take into consideration how technology has changed the nature of work in general and in your field in particular. Will your job function become endangered or do you just need some new skills to enhance your credentials?
  • Check out the Career Services JoBulletin.
  • Conduct informational interviews with people doing the type of work you want to do or who are employed by organizations you want to work for.
  • Contact professional organizations and business associations. These groups are good sources of networking contacts and for learning about opportunities that may not always be disseminated to the public.
  • Explore the Career Services Web site and associated links.
  • L. Check with the alumni office and seek out alumni career mentors.

Step 4. Refine your job-search skills and strategies.

Review the job-search process.  Career Services Web site is a great place to start in brushing up on your skills or in learning some new techniques, and all of the steps listed below are covered in detail there.  Among the steps you'll want to include are the following:

  • Up-date your résumé (a functional format might fit best)
  • Develop formats and content for cover letters and follow-up letters.
  • Create or add to a professional portfolio
  • Prepare your presentation (identifying your key selling points that you'll share during networking contacts, interview situations, and informational interviews).
  • Learn Internet job-hunting skills.
  • Seek career and job-search advising or counseling as needed.
  • Practice your interviewing skills with a spouse, friend, or career mentor.
  • Refine your networking skills.
  • Build a network of friends, alumni, and mentors who can assist you.
  • Look for additional tips on the Career Services Web site.

JOBULLETIN:

Openings at Mediacom: Several positions are now open at Mediacom in West Des Moines. They are currently searching for a Sr. IP Engineer, a Linux Administrator, a Sr. Linux Administrator, and a Sr. Oracle Database Administrator. For specific information on one or more of these positions, please email SC Career Services at careers@simpson.edu. To apply: Visit http://careers.mediacomcc.com. All applicants will be required to pass a pre-employement durg screen and background check. 10/21/09

Computer-related work: IBM is opening a new technology service delivery center in Dubuque, Iowa, creating up to 1,300 jobs. They will be staffing Technical Support Specialists, Dispatchers, and Audit/Compliance, and Shared Services roles. Check out all the jobs at http://www-03.ibm.com/employement/us/iowajobs OR visit with recruiters at the DMACC Conference Center on the Ankeny Campus, Building 7, on Wednesday, November 4th. There will be a presentation from 9-9:30am and a time to meet managers from 9:30-12:00pm. Don't miss this chance to meet with IBM managers directly. 10/16/09

Corporate Communications Specialist: Meredith Corporation is seeking an individual to lead and support various intiatives including but not limited to planning and executing all customer visits, preparing materals for all Meredith board meetings, and creating news releases, media alerts, and media events. Applicant should have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or Public Relations. A minimum of two years related communications experience is preferred. To apply: Submit your profile on www.meredith.com . Closing date: 11/13/09.

Program Director: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa are seeking a highly motivated full-time director to help plan, organize, and implement a range of program services within the 5 core areas, provide program reports, and promote and stimulate program participation. Applicants should have a college degree, experience in supervising personnel, working knowledge of specific content areas of the core program, ability to earn Mandatory CPR/First Aid Certification, ability to pass the mandatory Background Check, and have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Working hours would be 12pm-8pm and salary would range from $25-30,000. To apply: Submit application and resume to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Attn: JoAnn Hughes, Human Resources, Director, 1350 E. Washington Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, or fax items to 515-262-0904. 10/12/09

 

Last Updated: 11/6/09