Tag Archives: career

The Secret to Standing Out

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When thinking back to your pre-college days, you probably remember college counselors explaining that the most successful college applications project a cohesive image of who you are as a person, not just as a student. In essence, the most successful college applications reveal your passion.

Applying to college and applying for jobs or internships isn’t as different as it may seem.

Both admissions officers and employers hope to accept or hire students with an enthusiasm for a subject that they hope to continue exploring. It is the most passionate people who have what it takes to change the world, or at least one small corner of it.

The message that you projected about yourself on your college application was successful enough to get you here. Now, you can use Scripps’ resources to continue developing your passion through clubs or even the classes you choose to take. When applying to jobs or internships remember the experiences you’ve had that excited you most and added to your growing passion(s).

When I applied for my summer job, I noticed that my soon-to-be manager had titled her notes for our interview not with my name, but with “The Feminist.” This was the identity that my resume had projected. And this was the identity that she was curious to learn about in the interview.

In our interview, my manager asked me about feminism right away. She was intrigued by my passion and my projects. She was excited to explain that the CEO of the company I was interviewing for was a woman. She elaborated and described how the company takes a lot of pride in being a company run by women and selling largely to female consumers.

Here at Scripps, my identity as a feminist is not as uniquely appreciated as it was in my high school or it was in my summer workplace. We are a community of intersectional feminists here at Scripps so it is my other passions, like writing, that are indicative of my identity in my communities here. Even within informal groups, like friendships, our passions can create our identities. When studying at the library, my friends will ask me questions relating to writing because they know I love to analyze literature. My identity has been formed by my passion for prose.

Applying to and becoming a CP&R blogger here at Scripps is a unique bullet point for my resume, as well as a small weekly commitment I enjoy. Together with my other commitments and scholarship related to English, being a CP&R blogger exemplifies my passion for writing. Perhaps at my next job interview, my employer will title their notes for me as “The Writer.”

So, whether you have one passion or five, nurture your interests inside and outside the classroom. You will be able to create a lasting impact on your interviewer and have an array of experiences to choose from when asked about your passion. After all, if a subject is truly your passion, cultivating it and investing in it should be an enjoyable way to develop your career. 🙂

Lessons from Core for the Years Ahead

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One of the hallmarks of the Scripps experience is the three mandatory semesters of Core. Every Scrippsie knows the trials and tribulations that the Core experience puts us through. Yet, the skills learned from our participation in Core can be applied to and help us with our four years at Scripps, as well as beyond the 5C classrooms, in our careers.

1.Life is interdisciplinary:

Core, at its core ;), is interdisciplinary. It is all about the profound connections between different fields of study, and how examining one subject area can enrich our understanding of larger concepts. Identifying and analyzing commonalities is a great skill to have. No matter what field you choose to pursue, interdisciplinary thinking will be an asset. The strongest thinkers are the ones that have a broad scope of the world. They don’t have academic tunnel vision. Instead, they are masters at using their extensive understanding of their discipline to inform and enrich their understandings of other disciplines. Whether it be in your other courses, or in the workplace, it is an advantage to be able to pull outside knowledge to the issue at hand.

2.Collaboration with peers and professors:

In core classes, collaboration is integral, and unavoidable. In the very design of Core I, discussion and lecture collaborate to provide revelations about the texts. In discussion, students collaborate with one another to arrive at conclusions by examining, and sometimes challenging, the texts. The professors’ lectures, ranging in disciplines, serve to illuminate the texts. Often, professors collaborate with students by posing questions for deeper thought in lecture or in smaller discussion. By lecturing, professors are able to explain why community matters to them and to their discipline. Essentially, they are a part of the larger discussion that is Core. Interacting with both our peers and professors about delicate identity issues that often relate to sexual orientation, gender, race, class, or nations prepares us for “the real world” where consciousness of diverse experiences is one of the largest assets in a workplace. Perhaps one of the most important teachings from Core isn’t in the content of the course, but in the skill of good-natured debate and discussion-based collaboration that it demands. Knowing how to present your ideas to peers and employers, both verbally and in writing, is a skill that Core trains us well in.

3.Core makes you a better human being:

Core I’s focus on the concepts of the nation, community, and identity provide great tools for being working members of society. As soon to be college graduates, it is vital that we put into play our newfound understandings of civilization and inequality in our endeavors. This learning can be enriching to our more advanced courses later on at Scripps or in graduate school. This learning can also enhance our pursuits in our careers, perhaps by aiming to include historically excluded identities from the academic and work-related careers we create and become parts of. For example, Professor Rachlin’s recent lecture to Core I students, “The Class Closet: How Do We Get In and Why Don’t We Come Out?”, supplies us with an awareness for the wealth disparity in our nation. This study can be applied to how we–who are lucky enough to go to college–should move through the world with a deeper understanding of class in our heads. Professor Rachlin’s lecture also provided us with the language to talk about tough issues like class with our peers and professors. Knowing the correct language to use to collaborate thoughtfully and respectfully is essential to going far in our careers.

Finding A Way That Works For You

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Today I wanted to talk to you about how my activities on campus coincide with my major: legal studies. Arriving at the conclusion that I want to be a Legal Studies major has been a violently turbulent road. No, it do not just come to me. I’ve changed my mind probably around five times in the past two year. My point in telling you about my process is to assure you that whatever process you’re going through right now in deciding your major is ok. You’re going to find that something you’re passionate about no matter how many non-starters you encounter. All the different jobs you take on, no matter how strayed from your chosen major, will only lead you closer to what to you really want to do. I think something crucial to keep in mind is that how hard you work at Scripps (or any of the 5Cs) is probably a pretty good indicator as to the kind of work ethic you will carry with you through the rest of your career life.  So with this said, stay eager and curious my friends because you can go anywhere you want if you are hungry enough for the work.

When I was accepted Early Decision to NYU, I was thrilled to be part of the Global Liberal Studies or ‘GLS’ program.  I chose NYU because of the chance to expand my knowledge both inside the classroom, and through the resources of a great city.  While simultaneously having the chance to explore the city, and my place within it, I wanted to experience more diversity, which I did not have at my small, private high school; I was eager for something different and more outside my comfort zone. However, when I got to NYU, I quickly recognized that the GLS program was just too narrow for me.  There were only four majors options, and the closest fit to my interests in human rights and education was a concentration in global literature. Although I had brilliant professors and nothing but incredible academic experiences, I was seeking a more interdisciplinary course of study so I applied and was accepted to the Gallatin School where I had the freedom to “design my own major.”

 At Gallatin, I chose to concentrate my energies on the political sciences, journalism, and education. After taking one education course my first semester at Gallatin, I quickly realized education was not going to be for me. Truthfully, it was my experience working at the Santa Cecilia Orchestra day camp that had made me want to try out education. I loved my experience working with kids, and really imaged at one point, that I could do that for the rest of my life.

A little tangent about the Santa Cecilia Orchestra because I am very enthusiastic about their work: The summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I had the privilege of receiving the MUI (multicultural undergraduate internships) grant through the Getty Foundation to work as a visual arts teacher to kids ranging from 5-12 for 10 weeks at the Santa Cecilia camp. My job as an intern was to run a summer camp for the arts with only two other “interns” of my age. I assisted with violin, singing, journaling and a general arts & crafts classes. Between 9-5:30, everyday, the kids were under my co-worker(s) and my supervision. The woman who awarded me the Getty grant, Sonia León de Vega, was an incredible boss. Not only was Sonia one of the first Latin American women conductors in Los Angeles, but she also had the honor of performing at the Hollywood Bowl, and in front of the pope. In addition to all of this, she also runs this wonderful summer arts camp now in Eagle Rock right by her orchestra.

My second term at Gallatin was definitely a learning curve. In addition to taking a course in human rights, I also took: a course called “Crime in the USA” based on Michelle Alexander’s novel The New Jim Crow, a creative writing class that reviewed Baldwin and Virginia Woolf, and journalism with acclaimed NY Times best seller James McBride. I realized that semester that as eloquently as McBride’s spoke about journalism, the rigid stylistic writing form was just not for me. In contrast, in my creative writing class,  I could write all I wanted about my political views and thoughts on the times without having to think about word count restrictions. My creativity was at an all time high the second semester of my sophomore year, and I was eager to ride it.  This lead me to applying again for the MUI Getty Internship this past summer. After sending resumes and a cover letter to almost 16 different arts organizations around LA, I heard back from about half that amount. The organization I ended up working at, P.S. Arts, was my first choice.  Within a week, I heard back from them with the news that I would be there “Education and Media” Getty intern.

During those ten weeks, I was required to think more creatively than I have for any other job.  Inspired and privileged to be around such a hard working group of coworkers, I was humbled to be interning at P.S ARTS. From being able to collaborate on upcoming projects, to site visits to see the kids perform, (after having worked with the P.S ARTS teaching artists all year) I felt as though I could not have had a more well rounded internship experience. My internship was spent mainly working on projects for the programs department, who are in charge of overseeing P.S ARTS special events. One of my favorite projects that I had the chance to work on was the ‘Student Parent to-go.’ A ‘to-go’ is an easy to follow art project designed for kids who want to make arts and crafts at home.  I created five arts projects, but not before testing them out first. All of the supplies had to be able to be found at home. So as you can imagine, creating these “to-go’s” was no easy feat. Although, I had an enormous amount of support from the staff to guide me. The process requires researching artists, coming up with a skills based 6 step art project that is inspired by an artist, whose artwork must be appropriate enough for all age ranges . I would then present the project to the P.S. ARTS staff to see if it could work it for a potential Family Art Night. On this night, kids and their parents would come to the after school event to work on an art project together while simultaneously learning about a new artist from one of out teaching artists. We typically tried to pick artists who were underrepresented in the art world.  If you are interested in getting involved in this amazing arts organization that runs after school art programs at underprivileged public schools all throughout California PLEASE don’t hesitate to contact me: taronson4560@scrippscollege I would be more than happy to talk to you more about experience with the Getty Foundation, P.S Arts, or whatever it is– you name it!

 

 

 

 

 

That pretty much sums up everything  I’ve done these past two years. So as you can see, my passion for human rights has not limited me from pursuing my curiosity and love of the arts. My time at the Getty foundation taught me skills I will take with me through the rest of my life. How to be a good employee, as well as an active member of the community.. I also thought I would mention that the media portion of my summer internship introduced me to programs like Adobe InDesign, Premiere– skills employers are always on the lookout for, especially if your interested in any multimedia field!

If you understood nothing else from this, I hope you take away the following: wherever your “process” takes you, ride it, and try not to think so hard about what’s coming next. Anyway, that’s all for now folks. Until next week!

Xx,

Theri

 

Preparing for an Interview

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The interview is one of the best opportunities to impress a potential employer during the hiring process. Not only are they putting a face to your name, they’re pairing a personality to your accomplishments.

This past summer I interviewed and was hired to be a sales associate at a stationery store. I had interviewed for colleges before, but never for a job. I didn’t know what to expect but managed to impress my soon-to-be manager during the interview. Here are some key ways to turn the nerve-wracking interview process into the reason you get the job.

1.Ask friends and family:
Your friends and family know you better than anyone else and can give you an idea of how to answer questions like these…

  • What are three of your biggest strengths?
  • What is your biggest weakness?
  • What do you have to offer that other candidates don’t?

2.Search and practice common interview questions Hint: Check CP&R’s Services Guide and online interview resources. 

  • Tell me about yourself?
  • Why do you want this position?
  • Describe a situation in which you faced a challenge and how you overcame that challenge.
  • Why do you want to work for our organization?

3.Practice presentation:
Eye contact and a firm handshake are key elements of presenting yourself professionally. Also, do not underestimate the importance of presenting yourself as someone who is kind and thoughtful. Over the summer, when I was working with the manager who hired me for my summer job, she said to me proudly: “I hire nice people.” Essentially, consider that your interviewer is hiring you as a colleague. Show them why you are someone they should want to work with.

4.Summon your confidence:
This is your time to brag about yourself. Explain your accomplishments and experience in the depth that you weren’t able to go into on your resume. Most importantly, talk about the things that don’t neatly fit into the boxes on your resume that make you stand out. Consider what your most important commitment is and how it is (and isn’t!) represented on your resume.

5.Ask your own questions:
Being curious about the position that you are interviewing for will show your interviewer that you are invested in this opportunity. Prepare three questions to ask at the end of the interview, and take note of the response your interviewer gives you. Some potential questions could include…

  • What would my day-to-day responsibilities look like?
  • What do you like most about working here?
  • What does success look like?

Prepare questions that surround the position you are applying for specifically as well. Before your interview, research the company’s mission statement or values and ask about how your interviewer feels those values are manifested in the company. Ask about the position you’re applying for and how it contributes to the company as a whole.

6.Practice makes perfect:
You can practice with friends, but you can even prepare by heading to the CP&R office and scheduling a mock interview. By practicing with others you will be sure to be pushed to answer tougher questions. Get feedback on how to get the position of your dreams!

An Intersection of Interests

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Looking back, it seems like things just fell into place.  It makes sense that I should work in entertainment or the arts but that wasn’t always that clear to me.  It was really a long path of discovery that started with my extracurricular interests.

I have always been a lover of the arts and since I was young I have participated in a variety of ways.  I have been in bands, plays, choirs, musicals, operas, and more.  I will always be grateful to my parents for being supportive and my community for supplying the opportunities.  Though I was primarily a performer, I also found that I could be a leader in these fields.  Through being on leadership in my arts clubs in high school, I found that I enjoy organizing, especially within the arts.  Being in leadership and doing administrative work kept me within the community and allowed me to apply another set of talents I had beyond preforming.  This was further cemented by my time on Scripps Associated Students when I organized large 5C events for the community.

It was by combining my interests in the creative fields and organizational management that I discovered a career path that made sense to me, working in entertainment to bring films and tv shows to life.

If you are struggling with what you might want to do, looking back on the things in your life you have enjoyed can be a great starting point.  Something fulfilling might come from one aspect of your life but it might also come from a combination of interests, finding a path that lies at an intersection of what brings you fulfillment.

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