Career Advancement Series

The future depends on what you do today. — Mahatma Gandhi

REGISTRATION: $50/session

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INTRODUCTION

The Career Advancement Series is a new program designed to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to attain their career goals. This series comprises three main components: Resume Design, Job-Search Strategies, and Interview Preparedness. Participants will gain the tools and confidence to stand out in a competitive job market.

 

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

  • RESUME DESIGN: CRAFTING YOUR CAREER STORY

    Your resume is your professional narrative, your story, and your ticket to the job of your dreams. It's the document that introduces you to potential employers and gives them a glimpse into your qualifications, experience, and what makes you a unique candidate.

    In today's competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is crucial, which is why Resume Design: Crafting Your Career Story is the first skill-building program in our Career Advancement Series. 

    Learn how to tell your story in a way that makes hiring managers want to schedule an interview so they can learn more!

     

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    This two-hour training session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to create a compelling resume that gets noticed. Here's what you'll gain from this session:

    • Understanding Resume Fundamentals: Learn the essential components of a successful resume, from formatting and structure to content and style.

    • Design and Visual Appeal: Get tips on creating a visually appealing and reader-friendly resume that stands out.

    • Crafting Your Career Story: Discover how to effectively communicate your professional journey and accomplishments.

    • Tailoring for the Job: Understand the importance of customizing your resume for specific job applications, ensuring you align with employers' needs and expectations.

    • Keywords and ATS: Learn how to incorporate relevant keywords and navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to increase your chances of passing the initial screening.

    • Showcasing Achievements: Learn to highlight your achievements and contributions and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

    Register for Resume Design: Crafting Your Career Story and take the first step toward a brighter professional future.

  • JOB-SEARCH STRATEGIES: DESIGNING A WELL-PLANNED APPROACH

    A well-structured job search can significantly improve your chances of landing a fulfilling and rewarding career. Without a clear plan and effective strategies, you may find yourself lost in a sea of job postings, struggling to make meaningful connections, and missing out on opportunities.

     

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    During this two-hour session, we'll equip you with the knowledge, tools, and techniques to design a well-planned job search strategy that works for you, including:

    • Goal Setting: Learn how to define your career goals and objectives to focus your job search efforts effectively.

    • Creating a Targeted Job-Search Plan: Discover how to identify industries, companies, and positions that align with your skills, interests, and values.

    • Networking Strategies: Master the art of building and nurturing professional relationships to access hidden job opportunities.

    • Online Job Search: Navigate job boards, company websites, and social media platforms to uncover job openings and connect with potential employers.

    • Time Management: Learn how to organize and streamline your job search to make the most of your valuable time.

    Your career journey is unique, and your job search strategy should reflect that. Whether you're embarking on a new career path or looking to advance in your current field, our Job-Search Strategies: Designing a Well-Planned Approach program will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

  • INTERVIEW PREPAREDNESS: BUILDING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

    Interviews are your chance to showcase your qualifications, personality, and fit for a potential role. Being well-prepared not only increases your chances of success but also helps reduce anxiety and boosts your confidence.

    Once you've gotten the interview, it's time to ensure you feel fully prepared and confident to put your best foot forward.

     

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    In this two-hour session, you'll gain the knowledge and techniques to excel in interviews, including:

    • Understanding the Interview Process: Learn about different types of interviews and what to expect at each stage.

    • Building Confidence: Discover strategies to overcome interview anxiety and be prepared to interview with confidence.

    • Effective Communication: Learn the art of communicating your skills, experiences, and achievements clearly and persuasively.

    • Answering Tough Questions: Get tips on addressing common and challenging interview questions with confidence and poise.

    • Body Language and Presentation: Learn how to convey professionalism and positivity through your body language, clothing, and how you present yourself.

    • Researching the Company: Understand the importance of company research and how to impress interviewers with your knowledge.

    • Building your Personal Brand: Make sure your online presence doesn't hurt, but helps you get the job.

    • Follow-up and Next Steps: Get insights into post-interview etiquette and how to make a lasting impression.

    Interviews are opportunities to take the next step in your career journey. Join our Interview Preparedness: Building Skills and Confidence session and gain the skills and confidence to put your best foot forward in every interview.

 

PROGRAM DATES

Resume Design: Crafting Your Career Story
Fee: $50

  • Friday, August 9, 2024
    12:00pm - 2:00pm ET via Zoom
REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION

Job-Search Strategies: Designing a Well-Planned Approach
Fee: $50

  • Friday, August 16, 2024
    12:00pm - 2:00pm ET via Zoom
REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION

Interview Preparedness: Building Skills and Confidence
Fee: $50

  • Friday, August 23, 2024
    12:00pm - 2:00pm ET via Zoom
REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION
  • All of our classes include strategies to maximize learning and ensure an enjoyable, informative learning experience.

MSU employee discount available. Please contact Kristi White at whitekr@msu.edu for more information.

INSTRUCTOR

Melanie Zaremba

Melanie Zaremba, M.Ed., brings over 20 years of experience in training design and delivery to her role as the Director of Professional Development and Associate Director of Outreach at Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR). Since joining the school in 2016 as Communications Director, Melanie has demonstrated a passion for creating impactful programs that empower individuals and drive organizational success.

With a focus on interactive and engaging learning experiences, Melanie specializes in facilitating training sessions on strategic communication, media interaction, leadership development, and career success strategies. She also teaches an Applied Organizational Leadership course at Michigan State University.

One or more instructors listed above will be teaching

REGISTRATION POLICY

  • Registration closes 2 business days before the start of the program.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Cancellation fees may be waived if the participant registers and attends the same program within 12 months. Fees may only be waived once.
  • Participants may send a substitute from the same organization for the same program and date by notifying Kristi White via email at least 5 calendar days in advance of program start date.
  • Cancellation more than 30 calendar days before program start date: full refund.
  • Cancellation 14 – 29 calendar days prior to program start date: 50% cancellation fee, remainder of program fee refunded.
  • Cancellation 13 or fewer calendar days prior to program start date: no refund.

MSU reserves the right to cancel programs when enrollment criteria are not met or for conditions beyond its control. Any additional costs incurred by the enrollee of canceled programs are the responsibility of the enrollee.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • MSU's Federal ID Number is 38-6005984
  • Business casual attire.
  • Please, no audio or video recording.

RECERTIFICATION CREDIT HOURS

Recertification

Individual sessions have been approved for 1.5 continuing education credit hour towards Professional Development Program recertification.

Learn more about Recertification

 

Questions? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this or any of our training programs. Please contact Director of Professional Development, Melanie Zaremba at mzaremba@msu.edu.