Georgia McBride

Earning My Ears: A Student Contribution

February 24, 2011 by Georgia McBride

By: Elizabeth Iafelice

The Happiest Place on Earth and The Place Where Dreams Come True- these are just two titles for the company that I work for.  When offered the chance to attend a lecture for The Disney College Program I jumped at it.  Disney has fostered great memories for me.  The chance to make these memories for others sounded like the perfect job for me, a Theatre/Communications Major.

It was during the middle of my phone interview when I realized just how important the organizations I am part of at Loyola were to my professional development.  An example of this would be Loyola Ambassadors.  When asked if I was able to memorize information and give tours I was able to answer “Yes” without a second thought.

My Theatre classes taught me to memorize large scripts, much like the 40-page script I had to memorize on my third day of Disney training.  Loyola helped me to get to this position and I know that I am prepared for whatever task is given to me.

When I arrived in Orlando I took classes on the history of Disney to better understand the company for which I am working.  I found out the next day that I would be working in Hollywood Studios at The Great Movie Ride, my favorite attraction.

Following a week of training I had to “earn my ears” and pass an evaluation.  My evaluation required me to correctly answer a 100 question test, give four tours to Disney visitors, and show that I can work the four other positions at the ride.  I am glad to say that I passed!

Right now I am able to work 40 hours a week, pay my rent, and even spend time with the wonderful new friends I have met.  I look forward to what will happen next week when I take my “Creativity and Innovation” course.

Stay tuned!

Elizabeth Iafelice is a Theatre/Communications Senior at Loyola University and is currently participating in the Disney Internship Program in Orlando, FL.

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Roberta Kaskel

Important Questions to Ask Employers at the Career Fair on Wed. Feb. 23rd

February 18, 2011 by Roberta Kaskel

Put these questions to use at the career fair next Wednesday (for more information on the carer fair visit: http://www.loyno.edu/calendar/details/5944)

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Tamara Baker

SophoMOREs: Looking for MORE?

February 17, 2011 by Tamara Baker

SophoMORE students…have heard about The SophoMORE Initiative but haven’t had the opportunity to attend any programs or events? The Office of Student Affairs recognizes that the sophomore year is full of unique challenges and opportunities and has developed this initiative just for you—the Class of 2013!  While there are many educational and social programs scheduled throughout the academic year to support you through your second year at Loyola University, one of the feature programs is the monthly SophoMOREs Only lunches.

During these lunches Career Development Center staff facilitates small informal discussions between students and industry professionals around the following career exploration topics/questions:

  • Did I choose the right major and how does it fit with my career goals?
  • How do I discover my interests, gifts and talents and use them to meet the world’s needs?
  • What are some strategies to finding a meaningful career?
  • Tips and advice for college students interested in pursuing their passions?
  • What are some examples of activities I should be involved in to enhance my experience and resume?

Many “Aha!” moments have resulted from the honest sharing of the speaker’s life story.

Past guests have included:  Amy Cyrex Sins, Loyola University alumna and author of the “Ruby Slippers Cookbook:  Life, Culture, Food and Family after Katrina,”; Donna Blair, Dominican College New Orleans alumna and Diplomat in Resident for the U.S. Department of the State; John Biguenet, Loyola University professor, author and play write and Danny Monteverde, Loyola University alumnus and staff writer for The Times Picayune newspaper.

We hope you join us for our next SophoMOREs Only lunch celebrating women’s history month with a special guest on Thursday, March 24, 12:30 to 1:30 in the Octavia Room of the Danna Student Center.

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Georgia McBride

Careers in Arts and Entertainment This Thursday During the Window!

February 15, 2011 by Georgia McBride

Do you ever wonder how your friends get cool internships and jobs in film, television, theatres, museums, and the music industry?

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “How do people break into those awesome careers in the arts and entertainment industry?  What do they have that I don’t have?”

The answer to your question: Nothing but some good connections and a little insider know-how.

The Careers in Arts and Entertainment Panel will feature professionals with extensive expertise in this fascinating field, and students will have the chance to network with these professionals.

So whether you’re a student in the College of Music and Fine Arts and an arts aficionado, or you’re a history major who has always wanted to try working in the film industry, the Careers In Arts and Entertainment Panel has something for you!

Featuring arts and entertainment professionals from:

  • Contemporary Arts Center (Associate Director- non-profit visual arts museum/performance venue)
  • Southern Rep Theatre (Managing Director- non-profit live theatre)
  • Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (Director of Education- non-profit orchestra; private lesson teacher; professional performer)
  • TV and film costume design industry (Costume Designer for various TV and film productions- current costume supervisor on the major motion picture “Contraband” starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale)
  • Moderated by Music Marketing Professor Billy O’Connell

Thurs., Feb. 17
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Audubon Rm., Danna Ctr.

Meet arts and entertainment professionals and learn:

  • What careers in the exciting field of arts and entertainment really entail.
  • How to get started in this career path.
  • What degrees are necessary.
  • And so much more.
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Georgia McBride

Preparation Tips for Career Fair on Feb. 23rd

February 11, 2011 by Georgia McBride

Want to make the best impression possible on potential employers?  Here are some tips:

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Brian Creel

Career Fair Prep: Tips for Success

February 10, 2011 by Brian Creel

King cake, parades, brass bands, and career fair . . . it must be Mardi Gras season in New Orleans!  Are you ready?

MARDI GRAS INVITATIONAL CAREER FAIR

Employers from New Orleans and across the country are coming to this fair for one purpose – to hire college students. Many are hiring for their internship programs; others are looking for college seniors to hire for full-time positions. These employers want students from ALL majors. And they are looking to hire you!

Wednesday, February 23
12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel
Grande Ballroom, 1st Floor

CAREER FAIR PREP WORKSHOP

If you’ve never been to a career fair or you have gone to one, but just didn’t feel comfortable, learn some important tips on career fair success at:

Career Fair Preparation Workshop
Tuesday, February 15: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Multimedia room 2, Monroe Library

  • Learn how to research the employers
  • Get tips on approaching employers
  • Find out what to wear and what to bring

We’ll help you go to the fair with confidence.

RAPID RESUME REVIEWS

Is your resume polished and professional? Your resume is critical to your success at the MGI Career Fair.  Career coaches will be available for extra walk-in sessions the two-days prior to the fair to help you put the final touches on your resume or even guide you through the drafting process, if you don’t have one.  Rapid Resume Reviews will be held:

Monday, February 21: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 22: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you are an early planner, you may arrange an individual resume appointment with a CDC coach or come by during our normal walk-in hours every Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

Find out what organizations are coming and the positions they are hiring.  Just remember, we add new employers up to the day of the fair.
https://anocso-cfm.symplicity.com/events 

  • Know who you want to talk to before you show up
  • Surprise yourself with employers you never thought about
  • Know about the organizations you’re interested in; it impresses recruiters and helps you know if the organization is right for you.

WHAT TO SAY

Prepare an introduction that highlights your knowledge and skills. Knowing what you want to say to recruiters helps ease anxiety and helps you feel more confident as you approach potential employers.

BRING RESUMES

Bring several copies of your resume to give to employers. These should be on good quality, white or cream resume paper.  Pay attention to the placement of the watermark in the paper; it should be in the same direction as the type in your resume – yes, recruiters look at this level of detail.

Carry these resumes in a nice folder or, better yet, a padfolio that also holds a pen, notes on employers, and paper to take notes. Don’t be discouraged, however, if employers direct you to their website and tell you to upload your resume there.

PROPER BUSINESS ATTIRE

Professional dress is critical! An employer’s first impression of you can mean the difference between getting an interview and getting your resume tossed. If you don’t own a suit, try to borrow one that fits well.  If that is not an option, put together an outfit that comes as close as possible to a suit. Guys, this could be nice dress slacks freshly pressed with a belt, starched shirt, silk tie, and polished shoes.  Women, business casual looks such as a nice skirt or slacks, attractive blouse or sweater that fits well and doesn’t show too much skin, modest shoes, low-key accessories, and natural make up could suffice.

Most of all, come to the fair.  Talking to recruiting professionals is an excellent experience, even if you don’t find the job of your dreams.  You never know where the connections may lead.

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Brian Creel

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Piece of Meat

February 9, 2011 by Brian Creel

When you have a piece of meat or a vegetarian main dish, cut three bite-size pieces at a time.  Do not cut up the entire main dish at once, like your mother used to do for you when you were still sitting on a phone book to reach the table.

Some people will say only cut and eat one piece at a time.  WhatEVER!  Uh…I mean, that would be fine.

If you are eating American style, set your knife down horizontally across the top of your plate and switch your fork to your right hand (lefties, flip your fork over) and scoop up the pieces of meat, one at a time.  If you are eating Continental or European style, keep your fork in your left hand and spear the pieces of meat, one at a time, with your fork tines down.

Courtesy of Culture and Manners Institute

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Brian Creel

Etiquette Tip of the Week: The Boss

January 27, 2011 by Brian Creel

Be loyal to your boss.  Speak well of your superior to others and support his or her initiatives.  Your job is not only to advance your own career, but also to make your superior look good. 

Seek out supervisors and mentors who are ethical, that you will be proud to support. Never do anything illegal or unethical for your superior, because you will be held accountable.

Courtesy of Culture and Manners Institute

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Jan Moppert

Guide to Finding Internships_Part 3

December 21, 2010 by Jan Moppert

Electronic job boards are convenient resources to use when looking for an internship; however, as when used with regular job searches, they don’t always represent the best or all opportunities that are available.  Often, it is up to you to find the positions and, sometimes, create the positions.  Other places to look for internships are:

CAREER FAIRS

This spring the seven universities in the New Orleans region will participate in the Mardi Gras Invitational (MGI) Career Fair on February 23.  Many of the employers that participate are looking for interns.  Put on your interview suit, bring copies of your resume, catch the free shuttle, and come discover what’s waiting at the Superdome for you.  Also, search the Internet for other career fairs in targeted cities around the country.  Don’t forget to use the CDC’s resource Going Global to help with this.

COMPANY AND NON-PROFIT WEBSITES

Visit the career pages of companies and non-profits’ websites to look for opportunities.  While there, read through the news section of the website.  Look for new trends, business strategies, product lines, and the people who are heading up those activities.  Send that person a cover letter and resume, and follow-up.

ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Do you belong to any student organizations? Visit the websites for internship opportunities.  Have you joined any professional organizations off campus?  A lot of these organizations have student memberships and welcome young people.  Once you join, volunteer for committees, go to the meetings, and network. Let them know you are interested in internships.

DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGNS

Research contacts at several companies and organizations where you would like to work and write targeted cover letters asking for a meeting to discuss internship opportunities with them.  Follow up phone calls are imperative with this tactic.

NETWORK

Ask your friends where they did their internships.  Talk about your search with family, friends, professors, former employers, and anyone you come into contact with.  More jobs are found through networking than any other source.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Make an appointment with your career coach in the Career Development Center.  We can help you walk through the different avenues of searching for an internship.



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Brian Creel

Internships 101

December 10, 2010 by Brian Creel

Learn some tips on how to get the most out of your internship:

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