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:

Programming & Software Support: Iowa Hospital Association is seeking a full-time employee to provide programming and software support to IHA member data programs. Applicants should have two years experience in desired developing data driven Web based programs in C#, ASP and TSQL, extensive background in writing procedures in TSQL, a two year degree required, four year preferred, centered around Programming, Relational Databases, or System Analysis/Design, excellent communications skills and the ability to work within tight deadlines. IHA offers an excellent benefits and compensation package. To apply: Send resume and salary history to Iowa Hospital Association, Cindy Schultz, 100 E Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309. For more information, visit www.ihaonline.org. 11/16/09

Regional IT Manager: The Des Moines Radio Group is looking for somone with a strong knowledge of Network services (DHCP, WINS, DNS),  a strong understanding of Windows AD services (MCSE preferred), the ability to support MS SQL, MS exchange, MS office, and Symantec Backup Exec is a must. Candidate must also have at least three years experience in an IT environment. To apply: Please mail your resume to Tracy Cleeton, Director of IT, Saga Communications Corporate Office, 73 Kercheval Avenue, Suite 201, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or email tcleeton@sagacom.com. 11/11/09

Technical Manager: OnMedia is looking for someone to provide technical and supervisory support to OnMedia field personnel to ensure the highest standards of quality within the organization's networking, computing, and ad insertion environment. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in electronics, previous supervisory experience, a minimum of five years related engineering/technical experience, expert level of computer knowledge and literacy, proven analytial problem solving abilities, and a valid driver's license. To apply: Visit http://careers.mediacomcc.com and search under Ad Sales position type. 11/11/09

Last Updated: 11/16/09