Siena 2024-2025 Career Guide PDF Free Download
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CAREERCAREER
2024 -2025
GUIDE
PREPARE FOR THE FAIR
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
12:45 — 1:45 PM • NORM
LINKEDIN PHOTOBOOTH
(AT FAIR)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
12:30 - 3:00 PM • MAC
FALL SPONSOR
NETWORKING EVENT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024
4:30 – 6:00 PM • FOY GALLERY
FALL ANNUAL ATHLETE &
SPONSOR NETWORKING
EVENT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
6:00 – 7:30 PM • MAC
ADULTING ADVICE WITH
ALUMNI
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024
4:00 — 6:00 PM • NORM
LINKEDIN PHOTOBOOTH
(AT FAIR)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024
12:30 - 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
RESUME LABS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 PM • FOY 203
RESUME LABS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM • SSU 243
PREPARE FOR THE EXPO
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025
12:45 — 1:45 PM • NORM
RESUME LABS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM • NORM SOUTH
LINKEDIN PHOTOBOOTH
(AT CAREER EXPOS)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
ADULTING ADVICE WITH
ALUMNI
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
4:00 — 6:00 PM • NORM
SPRING STUDENT INTEREST
GROUP & SPONSOR
NETWORKING EVENT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025
12:45 — 1:45 PM • FOY GALLERY
PREPARE FOR THE ED EXPO
DATE TBD
4:00 - 5:00 PM • LOCATION TBD
LINKEDIN PHOTOBOOTH
(AT ED EXPO)
DATE TBD
4:00 - 6:00 PM • LOCATION TBD
SPONSOR THANK YOU
EVENT
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 PM • OUTSIDE FOY HALL
FAIRS
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
CAREER FAIR
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
12:30 — 3:00 PM • MAC
CAREER EXPO —
GRAD SCHOOL FAIR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024
12:30 — 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
CRCC INTERNSHIP FAIR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
12:00 - 3:00 PM • THE ARMORY AT
SAGE COLLEGE
CAREER EXPO — BUSINESS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
12:30 — 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
CAREER EXPO —
COMMUNICATIONS, GOV’T,
NON-PROFIT, EDUCATION
& SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025
12:30 — 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
CAREER EXPO —
STEM/HEALTHCARE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
12:30 — 2:30 PM • SSU 240-243
ED EXPO
DATE TBD
4:00 - 6:00 PM • LOCATION TBD
*All events are subject to change. Please visit Handshake for more information.
2024–2025
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVENTS
1
E-portfolios
MacDonnell Career and Internship Center ........ 2
Oce Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Services for Students and Alumni ................ 4
Platforms ................................. 6
Handshake ................................. 6
Big Interview ...............................11
SaintsNetwork/StAMP ....................... 12
GoinGlobal ................................ 14
Resources ................................ 15
Four Year Career Development Plan ............ 16
The Four Phases of Career Development ........... 16
Gaining Experience .......................... 17
Choosing a Major/Career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
How to Choose a Major/Career .................. 18
Majors Oered at Siena ...................... 18
Using CareerExplorer ........................ 19
Making a Decision .......................... 20
Internships ............................... 21
Why Do an Internship? ........................21
Criteria For an Experience to Be Dened
as an Internship ...........................21
Internship Search Strategies Appointments .........21
Internship Classication ...................... 22
Types of Internships ........................ 23
Handshake and Experiences ................... 23
Internship Search and Approval ................ 23
Resume Writing and Samples ................. 24
Resume Formatting Guidelines ................ 24
Crafting Resume Bullets ...................... 26
Using AI to Assist with Resume Writing .......... 28
Resume Worksheet ......................... 29
Resume Certication Rubric .................... 30
Action Verbs ............................... 32
Sample Resumes ........................... 33
E-portfolios ............................... 37
What is an E-portfolio ....................... 37
Resume vs. E-portfolio ...................... 37
Career Readiness Competencies ............... 38
What is Career Readiness? .................... 38
Sample Behaviors ........................... 39
Competency Activity ......................... 40
Professional Correspondence ................. 42
Email Correspondence ........................ 42
References Page ............................ 42
Online Applications ......................... 42
Thank You Notes ........................... 43
Cover Letters ............................... 43
Sample References and Thank You Note .......... 44
Sample Cover Letters ........................ 46
Networking ............................... 47
Elevator Speech ............................ 47
Informational Interviews ..................... 48
LinkedIn ................................. 49
Sample LinkedIn Prole ...................... 50
LinkedIn Prole Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Career Expos/Fairs ......................... 54
Questions to Ask at a Career Fair ............... 54
What to Wear .............................. 55
Job/Internship Search ....................... 56
Search Postings ............................. 56
Research and Target Companies of Interest ........ 57
Network .................................. 58
Interviewing .............................. 59
Basic Interviewing Tips ...................... 60
Handling Illegal Interview Questions ............. 61
Virtual Interviewing ......................... 61
After an Interview .......................... 63
Behavioral Interviewing ...................... 63
Sample Interview Questions ................... 63
Sample Behavioral Interview Questions ...........64
Questions To Ask. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Navigating Offers .......................... 66
Negotiating an Oer ......................... 66
Responding to a Job Oer ..................... 66
Negotiation Conversation ..................... 67
Understanding an Oer ...................... 67
Choosing ................................. 67
Reneging ................................. 67
Starting a Position .......................... 68
Graduate/Professional School ................. 69
Thinking About Graduate or Professional School? ...69
Application Process for Graduate/Professional School. . 70
Graduate School Checklist ..................... 71
Curriculum Vitaes ........................... 73
Sample Essay .............................. 74
Sample Curriculum Vitae (CV) .................. 75
Corporate Sponsor Advertisements
Siena MBA ................................ 76
Rivers Casino ............................. 76?
UHY .................................... 77
SUNY RF ................................. 78
BST .................................... 79
Dalle .................................... 80
Northwestern Mutual ........................ 80
We are grateful to the Career Services Offices of The College of
Saint Rose, the University at Buffalo, Rutgers University, the
University of Washington, University of Tennessee- Knoxville and
Colgate University for their permission to adapt their resources
for our use. Nora Kipp ‘21 and Scott Leggio ’21 also contributed to
the content of this Career Guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Internships Resumes Readiness Letters Networking Fairs Search Offers Starting Grad SchoolPlatformsCenter Info InterviewsLinkedIn
2
FOY HALL
LOCATION AND CONTACT
INFORMATION
• Foy Hall 203, on the 1st Floor
• https://www.siena.edu/offices/tmcic
• careermail@siena.edu
• (518) 783-2339
THE MACDONNELL CAREER AND
INTERNSHIP CENTER
STAFF
CONNECT WITH US
The MacDonnell Career and
Internship Center at Siena College
@sienacareers
MISSION STATEMENT
The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center facilitates the success
of Siena College students and graduates by empowering them with
an understanding of the career readiness competencies necessary
to fulfill their professional aspirations. We achieve this through
education, connections and experiences.
VALUES
Bold Ambition
We pursue creative service
innovations to ensure expanded
opportunities for our students that
align with the unique pathways
they explore and pursue.
Community Cultivation
We are the career thought leaders
who grow and sustain a vibrant
community focused on career
readiness.
Authentic Belonging
We are committed to an inclusive
environment that embraces
differences and ensures equitable
access to high impact programs
and services.
Optimal Teamwork
We create student impact by
doing the work together while
leveraging the individual gifts of our
staff and student team members.
Alicia Pepe
Assistant Vice President of
Experiential Learning and
Career Development
apepe@siena.edu
Kristy Leach Luhr
Director
kluhr@siena.edu
Courtney
Honeywell
Associate Director
choneywell@siena.edu
Deb Pasquarella
Assistant Director,
Career Counseling
dpasquarella@siena.edu
Ashley Cross
Assistant Director,
External Relations
arcross@siena.ed
Kevin Murphy
Assistant Director,
Technology
kpmurphy@siena.edu
Michael Collins
Office Coordinator
mmcollins@siena.edu
CenterInfo
2
3
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
The staff of The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center is
available to meet with you in an individualized appointment
to discuss any topic on your mind. Log into Handshake to
schedule an appointment (see page 8).
Appointment types include:
NO SHOW/LATE APPOINTMENT POLICY
Due to the professional nature of The
MacDonnell Career and Internship Center
(TCMIC) appointments, the following policy will
be enforced when students fail to show up,
or show up late, for any type of scheduled ap-
pointment with TMCIC.
Late Policy
If a student is 10 or more minutes late for a
scheduled appointment (without any previ-
ous communication with the center), that is
considered a no-show and the consequences
listed below will be enacted. Being 10 or more
minutes late means the necessary content of
an appointment cannot be covered.
First No-Show
For the first missed appointment (without
any previous communication with the center),
this late/no-show is recorded in Handshake. A
reminder of the entire policy will be sent to the
student via email.
Second No-Show
For a second missed appointment (without
any previous communication with the center),
this late/no-show is recorded in Handshake.
The ability to schedule appointments online
through Handshake will be rescinded for the
remainder of the academic year. Appointments
will need to be scheduled in person.
Third No-Show
For a third missed appointment (without any
previous communication), this late/no-show is
recorded in Handshake. Access to Handshake
and all TMCIC appointments and events will
be rescinded. In order to regain the ability to
utilize services, an email explanation must be
sent to the Director of TMCIC.*
Fourth/Subsequent No-Shows
Further late/no-shows will be recorded in
Handshake and referred to the Assistant Vice
President of Career Development.
EMPLOYER APPOINTMENT
NO SHOW/LATE POLICY
Due to the professional nature of The
MacDonnell Career and Internship Center
(TMCIC) appointments, the following policy
will be enforced when a student fails to show
up, or shows up late, for any type of scheduled
appointment with an employer through TMCIC.
Based on professional etiquette, it is imperative
students attend these commitments. The fol-
lowing policy will be enforced when a student
fails to show up, cancels with less than 24
hours notice or shows up 10 or more minutes
late, for an employer appointment such as a
mock interview, on campus interview (OCI) or
other scheduled employer appointment.
Late Policy
If a student is
10 or more
minutes late for a
scheduled employer appointment
(without any previous communication with the
center), that is considered a no-show and the
consequences listed below will be enacted.
First Employer Appointment No-Show
For the first missed employer appointment,
this late/no-show Employer Appointment will
be recorded in Handshake. Handshake access
will be rescinded. The student will be required
to send a letter of apology and explanation to
both the appropriate employer/recruiter* and
the Director of TMCIC*. In addition, the student
will be required to meet with a representative
from TMCIC to discuss further the importance
of attending scheduled appointments.
Subsequent Employer Appointment
No-Show
Any additional late/no-show employer
appointments will be recorded in Handshake
and referred to the Assistant Vice President of
Career Development.
Note: No-shows will be reset/cleared at the start of
each academic year.
*Contact information for the employers/recruiters
and/or director of TMCIC will be provided.
OFFICE POLICIES FOR THE MACDONNELL CAREER AND INTERNSHIP CENTER
RESUME CERTIFICATION PROCESS
To ensure all students and alumni are using appropri-
ate and professional resumes — which will be read-
able to resume bots (AI scanners), get attention from
employers and help you feel confident in your skills —
TMCIC has developed a resume certification process.
Getting your resume certified is the first essential
step in getting career ready. Utilize the Career Guide
and the resume rubric to craft a resume. You should
attend Peer Career Advisor (PCA) Drop-ins for help.
Follow these steps to get your resume certified.
1 Draft a resume using the Career Guide
2 Attend Peer Career Advisor Drop-ins
3 Upload your resume to the Documents section of
Handshake (see the Handshake procedures)
4 Review the comments provided by the TMCIC staff
• If not certified: make any changes suggested,
come to Drop-ins for assistance
– Upload new version to Handshake
• If certified: use this resume
• Getting Started
• Resume Critique
• Internship Search
Strategies
• Job/Career Search
Strategies
• LinkedIn Advice
• Mock Interview for Class
or Practicum
• Mock Interview
• Cover Letter Critique
• Graduate School Advice and
Personal Essay Assistance
• SaintsNetwork Help
• Credit-Bearing Internship
Paperwork for Experiences
• Handshake Help
• Review of CareerExplorer
Tool
• Understanding and
Negotiating an Offer
• Internship Search
Strategies for F-1
International Students
• Job/Career Search
Strategies for F-1
International Students
• Alumni Appointment
Center
Appointments are
available 12 months a year
in person or virtually
It is important to
attend, or cancel in a
timely manner, any
appointment with a
professional!
Carr Tip
4
TMCIC SERVICES FOR
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
TMCIC oers resources to ALL students—
all class years, all majors, all degrees—
and alumni. TMCIC can assist with all
your career and internship needs. Some
topics you may wish to discuss include:
• Identifying your interests, skills and
values
• Discovering careers and connecting
them to your interests
• Assisting with all aspects of internships
• Administering and interpreting self
assessments
• Choosing a major or minor
• Using platforms–Handshake,
GoinGlobal, Big Interview and
SaintsNetwork
• Networking with professionals in
elds of interest
• Writing and critiquing resumes and
cover letters
• Developing LinkedIn proles and
using it for networking
• Strategizing your job/internship search
• Preparing for interviews and
conducting mock interviews
• Choosing and applying to graduate or
professional school programs
• Critiquing graduate school personal
statements/essays and applications
TMCIC oers a wide range of services,
programs and resources for the entire
Siena community. These include:
Individual Career and Internship
Counseling Appointments
The way TMCIC can best help any student
or alum with career exploration and
preparation is through an individual
appointment. At this appointment, you
will work with a Career Counselor on
any topic of your choice. In fact, there are
17 dierent types of appointments from
which to choose; as general as “getting
started” because you don't know what
to do rst, to
as specic as
a mock
interview
based on
a job
description
for an
upcoming interview.
To schedule an appointment—unlimited
in number for all students and alumni—
use Handshake. If you are an alum and do
not have a Handshake account, call
518-783-2339.
Peer Career Advisors (PCAs)
Several highly trained student workers
are available to assist fellow students
with all aspects of the career and intern-
ship process. PCAs oer both virtual and
in person Drop-in hours, certify resumes,
present workshops to groups and oer
special resume review sessions by request
for classes or student organizations.
PCA Drop-in Service
PCAs are available Monday through
Friday at posted times. Drop in to talk
with a peer about these career and
internship topics:
• Resume writing
• Resume certication procedures
• Cover letter basics
• Handshake navigation
• Fair/expo help
• General career and internship
questions
Resume Certification
The MacDonnell Career and Intern-
ship Center wants to ensure all students
and alumni are using appropriate and
professional resumes. Utilize the resume
rubric on page 30 to understand the
important elements of a resume. If you
follow the rubric, your resume should be
certied.
To have your resume certied, upload
it into Handshake. Your resume will be
reviewed in the order it was submitted
to ensure it meets the resume criteria/
rubric.
Once your resume is certied, subsequent
versions uploaded into Handshake will
NOT be reviewed for two academic years.
After two academic years have passed,
your resume will need to go through the
certication process again to ensure it is
up to date.
Credit-Bearing Internship
Coordination
For credit-bearing internships, TMCIC
works with the students, faculty and
site supervisors to ensure a safe and
productive learning environment.
Handshake
https://app.joinhandshake.com/login
TMCIC uses Handshake as its online plat-
form. Handshake is an industry leading,
nation-wide recruiting platform, list-
ing opportunities for on and o campus
employment, work study and internship
positions. Appointments with TMCIC can
be scheduled
using Handshake.
Students can also
view TMCIC’s
events calendar,
upload resumes
for certication and
search for positions.
Experiences
within Handshake
For students participating in credit-
bearing internships, the Experiences
module of Handshake will aid in ap-
proval, hour log, evaluation and data
collection as it pertains to credit-bearing
internships. Students will complete the
Experiences Placement Form in Handshake
before the start of the semester. The form
will need to be reviewed and approved by
the site supervisor as well as the Faculty
Internship Coordinator.
Career Guide
Each year the Siena College Career Guide
is updated. This guide is available in
print and digital formats. Visit TMCIC’s
website or the Resources section of Hand-
shake to access the PDF of the
Career Guide anytime.
Career and Internship Fairs and Expos
TMCIC hosts several fairs and expos an-
nually. Each fall, there is the Accounting
& Finance Fair, a Grad School Fair and
the CRCC fair. In the spring semester, we
host our signature Career Expo. Three
days of expos each day with a particular
industry focus.
Meeting with a Career
Counselor to discuss
anything career related
will be beneficial. Start
early and come often!
Carr Tip
Your education for a lifetime
will take you many places.
The MacDonnell Career and
Internship Center (TMCIC) will
help you get there!
For more
information on
Handshake
see page 6.
Center
Peer Career Advisor (PCA) Drop-ins
available weekdays throughout the
semester. PCAs can help with:
resumes, cover letters, Handshake
and other initial inquiries about
career and internship searching.
5
Courses
The sta
of TMCIC
teach two
one-credit
courses
yearly.
• Career Ex-
ploration:
Choosing
a Major
(SASE 001)
is meant
to assist
rst-year
or sophomore students decide on a
major. It will be oered in the spring
semester only.
• Exploring Careers (SASE 010) is best
for juniors and seniors looking to begin
their career and/or internship pursuits.
This course will be oered dierent
semesters each year.
GoinGlobal
Available through the Resource tab in
Handshake
This site oers a robust database of
open positions, both internships and
jobs, around the globe, including US
cities and other countries. For inter-
national students it has an H1B Visa
database. GoinGlobal has information on
job hunting in other countries including
databases, work visa information, cost of
living, business etiquette and more.
Big Interview
siena.biginterview.com
Students have access to a new virtual
platform dedicated to improving inter-
view skills. In fact, it’s the number one
job training tool. Big Interview’s proven,
step by step system combines expert
video lessons with AI based virtual
practice interview tools. Choose a mock
interview with general questions or
industry specic questions. Record your
answers and review, or schedule an
appointment to receive feedback.
SaintsNetwork
saintsnetwork.siena.edu
SaintsNetwork is our newest platform
and is solely for the Siena community.
Navigate your professional life with the
support of your peers, alumni, and the
network here on campus. SaintsNetwork
puts connections at the center of the
experience, allowing users to build
meaningful relationships that create
future opportunities. There’s also com-
prehensive career resources within the
tool so you can explore dierent path-
ways based on industry, job function,
skills, personality traits, compensation,
and even see who in the Siena community
can give you rsthand insights.
Student to Alumni Mentorship
Program (StAMP)
Having a mentor can help personally
and professionally. StAMP is the Student
to Alumni Mentorship Program here at
Siena, matching each student mentee
with an alumni mentor based on industry
interests, academic major, and/or campus
involvement. Sophomores and juniors
are encouraged to participate in StAMP
to gain a professional resource who will
help to expand their knowledge and
skills, give valuable advice, and provide
guidance and general support to navigate
their college and career journeys. Log into
SaintsNetwork to learn more about the
mentoring program.
Self Assessment Tool
careerexplorer.com/orgs/siena
The self assessments utilized by TMCIC
are nationally recognized. During a
follow-up appointment a Career Coun-
selor will help interpret the results to aid
you in making decisions regarding your
college and career goals and plans.
• CareerExplorer
On Campus Interviewing (OCI)
TMCIC develops and maintains
relationships with many companies that
hire students in a wide variety of elds.
Annually, approximately 30 compa-
nies come to campus to interview Siena
students for internships and professional
positions. Visit Handshake
for more information.
Additional
Programs, Events
and Presentations
TMCIC hosts several
events (besides career
fairs and expos) each
year. Members of the TMCIC team are
also available to do career presentations
for classes, clubs or organizations. To
request a presentation, go to the TMCIC
website and complete the Presentation
Request Form. Topics available include:
career readiness competencies (Snake Oil
game), resumes, cover letters, internship
opportunities, interviewing, LinkedIn,
networking, graduate school, etc.
E-portfolio
E-portfolios are another tool students
should use to showcase their work
to potential employers. It enables you to
share more of you and your work much
more than a resume ever could. TMCIC
can help you understand what to include.
Interview Room
In TMCIC–Foy Hall 203–there is a private
interview room available for student
use for any type of interview. It is fully
equipped with a big screen, computer
with video conferencing technology and
telephone to oer you a disturbance free
environment to conduct an in person,
telephone or video conferencing inter-
view. Simply email careermail@siena.edu
with the date, time and duration you need
to reserve the room.
Business Card Printing
Want to look professional? Hand out
business cards. Students can receive
free Siena business cards by lling out a
request form on TMCIC’s website.
Thank You Cards
TMCIC oers free
green and gold thank
you cards. After any
p rofessional meeting
(interviews especially),
it is proper to write
a thank you note. A
hand written note, versus an email, is
more personal. Fill out a request form on
The MacDonnell Career and Internship
Center website to receive your free cards.
For more on
thank you note
writing see
page 43.
Did you know? The MacDonnell
Career and Internship Center has
an interview room you may reserve,
free thank you note cards and free
business cards!
For the
complete
Schedule of
Events see the
inside front
cover.
Center
6
Handshake Toolkit- Student Edition
Logging Onto Handshake
All current students should have a Handshake account. Use QR code or app.joinhandshake.com to sign in.
1. Choose Siena College under the Students & Alumni
2. As soon as you select Siena, it should take you to a Siena College Single Sign On (SSO) screen.
3. If not, hit the next button.
If no Handshake Account
1. Visit app.joinhandshake.com
2. Select Siena College under the Students & Alumni (USA) section.
3. If you don’t have a Single Sign On, click the link that says sign in with email.
4. Enter your Siena email address again on this screen, then click Next. You will
then be advised to create a password. An email will be sent to you regarding
your request to set your password. Click Set My Password to continue.
5. Finish creating your password. Enter
your password in the “new password”
tab, then confirm it in the “confirm new
password” tab. Click Next. If your
password change is successful, click
the Sign In button. Enter your password
to sign into Handshake.
6. Or call TMCIC 518-783-2339 to get access if you don’t have a sien.edu
email address.
Create A Student Profile
1. Choose your education level and expected graduation date
(these can be changed later if necessary). Make sure to agree to
Handshake’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Click Continue.
PLATFORMS
Use Handshake to
search for positions,
schedule appointments,
see list of events,
upload resumes for
certification and more!
Carr Tip
Handshake’s mobile app
is very user friendly and has
most of the same functions
as the desktop version.
Handshake is
available thanks to
the generosity
of the
MacDonnells
Platforms
7
2. Choose your profile visibility (see the definitions of choices below). Once you choose from one of the three options,
click Next.
Community
●Allows you to message students and
alumni with similar experience
●Allows you receive messages about
job opportunities from potential employers
●Allows you to freely browse jobs and
other Handshake/Siena resources
●Profile is available to everyone using Handshake
Employers
●Similar to community, but without the ability to message students and alumni
●Visible to both you and employers
Private
●Simply allows you to browse jobs and other Handshake/Siena resources
●Visible to you and the employers you apply to. If you check in with an employer at a career fair, they will
be able to see your information and send you messages
3. You will then be redirected to a questionnaire where you can share information about job opportunities you are
interested in and general information about yourself (i.e., pronouns/demographics, coursework, club involvement). After
completing the questionnaire, click Submit.
Please note the more information you provide regarding your professional background, the more visibility
you will gain from the community!
4. You will be redirected to the Handshake homepage. Welcome to Handshake!
For more
search strategies
see page 56.
Platforms
8
How To Search For Jobs and Internships
1. On the Handshake homepage, click on Jobs in the left-hand menu (see above).
2. Once you have found a position of interest, click on it. You will then see details about the company such as its location,
estimated pay, type of work (i.e., on-site or remote), and an overview of the position. If you are not planning to apply to the
position immediately, you may want to bookmark it for later. To do so click the Save button. To apply for the position, click
Apply.
3. Once you click Apply, you will be asked to attach any
documents the employer requires such as a resume. In
addition, the employer might require additional documents
such as a cover letter, writing samples, transcript, etc.
Further details about how to upload a new resume or
cover letter can be found below. After you have filled in
the required information, click on the Submit Application
button.
How to Schedule an Appointment
1. On the Handshake homepage, click on the Career Center button located in the left-hand menu. You will be redirected
to the page for The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center, where you can also find information about upcoming career
fairs, as well as ways to contact the office. To continue with scheduling an appointment, click on Appointments.
Platforms
9
2. On the next page, below Appointments, click on Schedule A New Appointment. You will be presented with a series
of appointments to choose from. Selections for these appointments include mock interviews, cover letter/resume critique,
advice on how to use Handshake/LinkedIn, and much more. Click on whichever appointment you wish to sign up for.
3. After clicking on one of the options, you will be given a series of available meetings. Click on the appointment date/time
you want to request.
4. Select the meeting place for the appointment (in-person or virtual), and include specifically what you need help with in
the text box. Once you are done, click Request. The Career Counselor will review your request.
5. Once the appointment has been Approved, you will receive an email notification for your records. If you need to
reschedule, Please cancel/reschedule using Handshake within 24 hours of your appointment. See policies on page
3 of the Career Guide regarding missed appointments.
How to Upload a Resume for Certification
1. On the home page, click on your profile image or initials located next to the bell icon. Then click on My documents.
2. On the Documents screen, click on Select from Computer to add a document. You can add a PDF or Word document
as your submission. If you created a document on Google Docs, you can download it as either of the two options. Under
your document, go to File, then click the Download option, and select either Microsoft Word or PDF Document.
Upload your resume
into Handshake. The
MacDonnell Career and
Internship Center will
review your resume for
certification.
Carr Tip
Platforms
10
3. Once you have your document attached, make sure it is selected as a Resume.
Click on Add Document when you are ready to submit your document. After the
document is uploaded and reviewed/certified, it is recommended that you select
Feature on your Profile so that your resume will be visible to employers.
How to Review Document Feedback
1. Once your document is uploaded, you will be in a queue
for document review. When TMCIC has reviewed your
document, you will receive an email letting you know there
are new comments. The link will lead you directly to the
document. Be sure your notification settings allow you to
receive notifications/emails.
2. To review the comments, please click on your image/initials in the upper right hand corner, and
select My Documents in the drop down menu.
3. From there, it will populate your list of documents. The Status section will tell you whether or not
your document is pending, has changes to make “Changes Suggested” or if it has been Reviewed,
which means it is certified.
4. If your document says Changes Suggested, please select the title of the document and scroll down to the bottom of
the page for Activity and Comments. Make the suggested changes, and reupload your newly edited document.
Notification Preferences
Please make sure to review your Notification preferences (see below image for where to find it), as it will help keep
you up to date with any communications you may receive from TMCIC staff/your Community!
To review the
Resume Rubric
to understand
suggested
changes see
page 30.
Platforms
11
BigInterview Toolkit
How to access Biginterview:
1. Use the QR code
2. Log into siena.biginterview.com
3. Through Resources in Handshake
Use your Siena email address and Single Sign On (SSO) credentials to log in.
Once in, there are a variety of tools at your disposal. Go to the Interviews drop down menu at the top.
To help with interviewing or to review a recorded interview, schedule an appointment with a TMCIC Career
Counselor!
Platforms
Big Interview is
available thanks to
the generosity
of the
MacDonnells
Interview
Assignments – If you
were assigned to do
an interview for class.
Either your assignment
will be listed or you
will need to enter an
assignment code from
your professor.
Analytics – will
help improve your
interviewing skills by
providing you with
feedback and an
action plan.
Interview Curriculum – all kinds of help with
video lessons on interviewing and more.
Question Library – interview questions sets
for help with all types of interview questions
from general to industry specific to
competency focused and even admissions
interviews for all types of schools/programs.
My Videos – review
your videos or share
with others to receive
feedback.
Build Answers –
work on developing
thorough answers
using the STAR
interview answer
format (see page 63).
12
To reach out to someone interesting in the community select
‘Message.’ The platform helps draft your message with
recommended templates to start the conversation
The Compass on the left side of your
screen can help navigate based on
what you’re looking for that day
SaintsNetwork can be found at:
SaintsNetwork.siena.edu
Select “Join SaintsNetwork”1.
Choose “Student ID/SSO” to
create an account or login
using Siena Single Sign On
2.
Answer a few prompts to
build your profile
3.
Learn more about
mentorship at Siena
View all your conversations in one spot
SaintsNetwork is our newest platform and is solely for the Siena community. Navigate your
professional life with the support of your peers, alumni, and the network here on campus.
SaintsNetwork puts connections at the center of the experience, allowing users to build meaningful
relationships that create future opportunities. There’s also comprehensive career resources within
the tool so you can explore different pathways based on industry, job function, skills, personality
traits, compensation, and even see who in the Siena community can give you firsthand insights.
Find your people - filter by
industry, major, company,
location, hobbies, or topics
Explore different career paths
Tailored step-by-step experiences to help you
navigate the next step in your journey
Browse Siena alumni businesses
Additional resources to better support
you throughout your career journey
Platforms
SaintsNetwork is
available thanks to
the generosity
of the
MacDonnells
SAINTSNETWORK & STAMP
13
Having a mentor can help personally and professionally. StAMP is the Student to Alumni
Mentorship Program here at Siena, matching each student mentee with an alumni
mentor based on industry interests, academic major, and/or campus involvement.
Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to participate in StAMP to gain a professional
resource who will help to expand their knowledge and skills, give valuable advice, and
provide guidance and general support to navigate their college and career journeys. Log
into SaintsNetwork to learn more about the mentoring program.
After being matched with your alumni mentor, you’ll
receive an introduction message from the platform to
your inbox on SaintsNetwork with links to both your
profiles and an outline of next steps.
To start the conversation, just reply!
Mentorship goals,
timeline items, and
any shared files
can be found
alongside your
message thread
Mentorship applications must be submitted
through SaintsNetwork in September. Mentees
are paired with their mentor in October, and
pairings meet a minimum of three times
throughout the year between October and April.
Platforms
14
GoinGlobal Toolkit
To access GoinGlobal, you must do so one of two ways*:
1. Through The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center’s website.
2. Through your Handshake account
Log into Handshake and navigate to the “Career
Center” tab on the left hand side
In the center of the screen, click on “Resources”
Select “GoinGlobal” from the options, and enter the site. You know you’ve
accessed GoinGlobal successfully if the Siena College logo is in the upper right
corner of the screen.
*Please note that GoinGlobal MUST be accessed from campus the first time you use
the platform. From there, you can create a personal account, which will allow you to access
GoinGlobal from anywhere in the world. To do so, click the “Create Account” button on the
lower right hand side of the screen.
Once in, there are a variety of
tools at your disposal. Most
notably are the Career Guides,
Jobs/Internship Searching features, the H1B/OPT Directory,
and the Employer Directory.
Career Guides
Looking for a job in a different country? Moving to a new city domestically? GoinGlobal offers many guides with career tips
such as navigating the job market, assimilating into the business culture, and what it’s like to live there.
Jobs/Internship Searching Features
GoinGlobal allows job seekers to search for positions, both full-time and
internships, globally. All cities in the US are a part of this database too.
The database allows searches in multiple languages, and pulls results
from across the web. Try various keyword searches for best results.
H1B/OPT Directory
Utilizing the U.S. Department of Labor records, GoinGlobal’s H1B Plus database provides millions of visa application
listings for American employers seeking to hire international talent in the United States. The search engine allows you to
identify positions, job locations and salary ranges based on company name, occupation, industry, and job title.
Employer Directory
View company profiles for leading in-country and multinational employers with local operations throughout 196 countries,
including information like contact information, company descriptions, sales or revenue data.
To help you get started with GoinGlobal, schedule an appointment with a TMCIC Career Counselor!
Platforms
GoinGlobal posts
job and internship
opportunities across
the US and the
world!
Carr Tip
15
RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SIENA RESOURCES
Utilize all the
platforms Siena
oers you to be
career ready.
Carr Tip
For more
information on
these platforms
see page 6.
Info
Career Exploration
• O*net Online
• Dictionary of Occupational Titles
Job/Internship Search
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Idealist
• Ziprecruiter
• Wayup
Government Jobs
• USAJobs
• StateJobsNY
Company Research
• Glassdoor
Networking
• LinkedIn
Graduate School Search
• Petersons Guide
Graduate School Financial Aid
• FAFSA
Accepting Offers
• Glassdoor
• PayScale
• Salary
app.joinhandshake.com siena.biginterview.com saintsnetwork.siena.edu
log in through
Handshake Resources
careerexplorer.com/orgs/siena saintsnetwork.siena.edu
16
Finding a career takes time, eort and work, but the rewards
are unlimited. All students, any class year, can benet from
the services of The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center.
Start early and come often.
THE FOUR PHASES OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT
“Choose a job you love, and you will never
have to work a day in your life.” — Anonymous
FOUR YEAR CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FIRST YEAR ACTION LIST
GOALS:
• Assess interests, personality,
skills, experiences and values
• Create first college resume
• Get involved in your college career
ACTIONS:
Get to know yourself and begin exploring major and
career options.
Learn about the eight Career Readiness Competencies.
Take the online self assessment CareerExplorer
(careerexplorer.com/orgs/siena).
Make a “Getting Started” appointment with a career
counselor.
Log onto Handshake and fill out your profile.
Create a resume; upload it into Handshake; and get it
certified.
Create a LinkedIn Profile.
Attend expos, fairs, events and programs.
Participate in campus activities and join student clubs
and organizations.
Utilize summer break to gain work, volunteer,
internship or research experience.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
ACTION LIST
GOALS:
• Conduct career research, informational interviewing,
organizational/company research
• Map a plan in order to maximize your time at Siena
• Continue involvement in your college career
ACTIONS:
Declare the major that best fits your skills and interests.
Build on your eight Career Readiness Competencies.
Continue to be involved or get involved with campus clubs
and organizations.
Take or re-take the CareerExplorer(careerexplorer.com/
orgs/siena) self-assessment.
Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss choice of major,
career choice, career research, goals and plans.
Make a plan for interning during your college career.
Research potential careers through Handshake,
Career Explorer, LinkedIn, O*Net OnLine.
Seek advice from Siena community members through
SaintsNetwork.
Meet with a mentor for more advice through the Student
to Alumni Mentorship Program (StAMP).
Talk with professionals in a variety of fields to learn more
about different careers.
Set up informational interviews or job shadowing
opportunities.
Attend expos, fairs, events and programs.
Update your resume, LinkedIn profile and e-portfolio.
Utilize summer break to gain work, volunteer, internship
or research experiences.
EveryEvery semester updateupdate
your resume, LinkedIn
profile and e-portfolio;
attend events; gain
relevant experience; and
expand your network!
Carr Tip
16
For more
about the
Career Readiness
Competencies
see page 38.
Info
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Siena offers many opportunities
to gain experience right on
campus. This is a partial list of
campus offices/departments that
have numerous opportunities for
students to gain experience.
Visit their websites for more
information.
• Army ROTC
• Athletics
• Center for Academic and Community
Engagement (ACE)
• Center for International Programs
• Center for Undergraduate Research
and Creative Activity (CURCA)
• Chaplain’s Office
• Creative Arts
• Damietta Cross Cultural Center
• Fransican Center for Service and
Advocacy
• Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women
• Student Activities and Leadership
Development (SALD)
• The Laudato Si’ Center For Integral
Ecology
17
Info
Work Based Experience:
• internships
• student teaching
• clinicals
• job shadowing
• site visits
• part time jobs
• on-campus jobs
• micro internships
Scholarship and
Academics:
• research
• service learning
• community engagement
International or
Intercultural Experience:
• study abroad
• service trips
• intercultural campus
clubs and activities
Leadership, Teamwork and
Community Engagement:
• student organizations
• volunteering
• community service
• campus committees
• campus offices
• military
WAYS TO GAIN EXPERIENCE
Adapted from University of Tennessee Knoxville
GAINING EXPERIENCE
In addition to your coursework,
there are numerous ways to in-
crease your skills and competen-
cies; become better acquainted
with your chosen eld; gain
valuable, relevant experience;
develop specic knowledge or
skills; build your professional network;
and gain career insights. In fact, there are many ways
at Siena, outside of the classroom, to gain valuable experience.
You are encouraged to explore these opportunities (outlined
below) and see what might be right for you.
JUNIOR YEAR ACTION LIST
GOALS:
• Participate in experiential learning/internships
• Refine resume and create cover letters
• Practice and participate in interviewing and networking
ACTIONS:
Determine what comes after Siena — work, graduate/
professional school, year of service.
Build on your eight Career Readiness Competencies.
Continue to research careers and narrow your choice
to 2-3.
Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss your career
preparation and post-graduate plans.
Gain experiences through experiential learning
opportunities.
Seek Leadership opportunities in clubs.
Seek advice from Siena community members through
SaintsNetwork.
Meet with a mentor for more advice through the Student
to Alumni Mentorship Program (StAMP).
Actively utilize LinkedIn to network; join groups and
connect with alumni.
Conduct informational interviews, talking with people in
your potential career areas.
Setup job shadow opportunities.
Prepare for interviews (early) by using Big Interview
(siena.biginterview com).
If thinking about graduate school, research standardized
tests and schools of interest.
Attend expos, fairs, events and programs.
Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated.
Secure an internship, research opportunity, job or
volunteer in a career field of interest over the summer.
SENIOR YEAR ACTION LIST
GOALS:
• Participate in experiential learning/internships
• Implement job or graduate school search strategies
• Evaluate/negotiate job or graduate school offers
ACTIONS:
Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss your post-
graduation plans.
Build and articulate your eight Career Readiness
Competencies.
Complete an internship to gain valuable experience.
If thinking about graduate school, take necessary
entrance exams, narrow your choice of schools, request
letters of recommendation, complete applications, apply
for financial aid and fellowships/scholarships.
Network through SaintsNetwork, LinkedIn and events.
Conduct informational interviews to assist your in your
career search.
Update your resume and have it critiqued by a Career
Counselor.
Update your LinkedIn profile and use LinkedIn to
network and search for positions.
Search for professional positions using: Handshake,
GoinGlobal and other websites; networking with
professionals and targeting places of interest.
Prepare for interviews (early) by using Big Interview
(siena.biginterview com).
Attend expos, fairs, events and programs.
Graduate!
Gaining experience
is excellent career
preparation and
makes college more
interesting!
Carr Tip
18
HOW TO CHOOSE A MAJOR
Are you undecided about your major or are you questioning the
major you declared? Your choice should be based on what subject
you truly enjoy studying. Your major does not dictate your choice
of career; that’s a separate decision. Here are some steps to help
you decide. Also, schedule an appointment with a career coun-
selor (choose “Getting Started”) for additional help.
• Engage in Self Discovery
- Complete CareerExplorer (careerexplorer.com/orgs/siena)
- Reect on what do you like to do and what don’t you like
to do?
- What classes have you liked and WHY?
- What natural aptitudes do you have — planning, listening,
analyzing…?
• Review CareerExplorer Results (see next page)
- Use the results and content provided in CareerExplorer to
assess your interests and strengths
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to discuss
and fully understand the results
• Make a List of Potential Majors and Explore
- Review the list of majors oered at Siena below. Cross out
majors not of interest, star majors of interest, circle majors
you need to explore more
- Use resources such as the Siena’s Programs website,
CareerExplorer, LinkedIn (see Resources on page 15)
to learn more
• Narrow Your List
- From your research, narrow it down to a few choices of
majors
- Talk to professors and students in the departments to learn
more
- Talk with Peer Advisors or Academic Advisors in the
Academic Success Center
• Take Some Classes
- Test it out before declaring by taking classes in each possible
major
• Recognize that you can go into any career regardless of your
major
HOW TO CHOOSE
A CAREER
Choosing a career is both
challenging and important. Finding a career
you enjoy will make your life more fullled. Here are some
basic steps in choosing a career.
• Engage in Self Discovery
- Complete (or retake) CareerExplorer (careerexplorer.com/
orgs/siena)
- Reect on some important questions about yourself
- What are your values, interests, strengths?
- What is important about your career — money, prestige,
sense of purpose, helping others?
- What do you like to do and what don’t you like to do?
- What natural aptitudes do you have — planning, listen-
ing, analyzing…?
• Review CareerExplorer Results (see next page)
- Make an appointment to discuss with a Career Counselor
your CareerExplorer results
- Use the vast information on careers and your compatibility
identied in CareerExplorer
• Identify Your Must Haves and Can’t Stands
- Make a list and use the information in CareerExplorer’s
reports
• Narrow Your List
- From your research, narrow it to a few choices
• Explore Possible Careers More
- Research your career choices (see Resources on page 15)
- Conduct informational interviews (see page 48) to obtain a
real world perspective on careers that interest you
• Obtain Relevant Experience
- Find an internship, participate in research, work in the
eld, do volunteer work or job shadow
• Remember You Can Always Change Your Mind
- Many people switch careers, don’t be intimidated that this
is a decision that will last forever
CHOOSING A MAJOR/CAREER
A college major is
something you should
enjoy studying, a career
is something you should
enjoy doing.
Carr Tip
• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• American Studies
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
(Pre-Engineering)
• Astrophysics
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Business (Business
Concentration Major)
• Business Analytics
• Chemistry
• Chemistry-Business
• Classics
• Communications
• Computational Physics
• Computer Science
• Creative Arts
• Criminal Justice
• Data Science
• Early Childhood &
Childhood Education
• Economics
• Education Dual Major
• English
• Environmental Studies
and Environmental
Science
• Finance
• French
• Health Studies
• History
• Management
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Student Designed
Interdisciplinary Major
• Theatre
• Visual Art and Design
MAJORS OFFERED AT SIENA
*Visit siena.edu/programs
for more information
**Updated June 2024
Use this list to narrow your choice of majors.
Cross out majors not of interest, star majors
of interest, circle majors to explore more.
Info
19
Info
USING CAREEREXPLORER
careerexplorer.com/orgs/siena
Siena utilizes a comprehensive self assessment tool called CareerExplorer.
Take this online self assessment and then look at the detailed information and
resources it oers you. To fully understand your results, schedule an appoint-
ment to further navigate the process of choosing majors or careers.
CareerExplorer is a
great resource to help
you learn more about
yourself, possible majors
and career matches.
Carr Tip
Home Page:
CareerExplorer provides you
your top career matches!
Click on any career to see a
vast amount of information
about that career including
what traits/interests you
have that match or don’t
match the career.
Personalized Reports:
Scroll down the home page to locate your personal-
ized reports. CareerExplorer provides two detailed
personality reports.
Click the links to view the trait and personality reports
to learn more about yourself, to help you identify your
natural talents and then apply them to the careers or
majors you are considering.
Additional Tabs:
Careers
–
You can peruse a list of thousands of careers
and learn more about any career.
Degrees (Majors)
–
Degrees or majors. Learn about
many majors including what careers people obtain
with the degree/major and much more.
Jobs
–
CareerExplorer allows you to explore real time
job postings to see what job opportunities are
currently available.
Career Information:
Want to learn more about a career or major on
CareerExplorer? Click on any career or degree/major
and it will take you to a page with a wealth of
information. For careers, it provides an explanation
as to why it is or is not a good match for you. Click in
the various sections to learn more.
20
MAKING A DECISION
The Career Decision-Making Process
Below are some questions that are
central to the career decision- making
process. While our Career Counselors
are professionally trained to help you
with this process, we cannot make these
decisions for you. We want to work with you to help you
nd some answers and direction, but you have to do the work.
• What do you truly enjoy? Consider the classes and activities
you have liked the best. What did they involve? Why did you
enjoy them? There are careers related to every interest you
have.
• What types of things do you do well? Identify your skills and
abilities. Are they technical, adventurous or intellectual?
• What values are really important to you? Is enjoying your
work more important than prestige? Is creativity more
important than security?
Adapted from the Major Decision Matrix developed by Kay Blaston, University of Washington Undergraduate Advising, 2001
Career, Major or
Job Options
Example:
Internship with
Tri-City Valley
Cats
Option 1:
Option 2:
Responsibilities and
Requirements
Work nights/
weekends
Work 25 hours/ week
Make $0
Survey fans at games
Survey fans over the
phone
Attend town hall
meetings
Research other
arenas
My Skills, Interests
and Values
Finance
Communication
Analysis
Baseball
Student leadership
Relationship
partner
Travel
Advantages
Free season tickets
Free merchandise
Hang out with fun
people
Looks good on
resume
Gain valuable
experience
Make networking
connections
Disadvantages
Work more hours
than planned
Make no money
and have no time
for p/t job
No time or money
for travel
Leaves little free
time
Not directly
related to major
Next Steps
See if they
will let me
work 15 hours
instead of 25
Research other
positions with
Valley Cats
Search for other
internships
Talk with others
What career will
enable you to do
what you do well and
care deeply about?
Carr Tip
THE CAREER, MAJOR AND JOB DECISION MATRIX
Comparing what you know about yourself with what is needed to succeed allows you to identify advantages and disadvantages,
narrow your options and identify next steps.
Two courses (one credit each) are offered by TMCIC: Career Exploration-Choosing a Major (SASE 001)
and Exploring Careers (SASE 010)
• What if you like too many things and can’t decide? What are
you going to do with your major?
• What is the best job you can imagine? Try to contact one or
two people working in this eld (The MacDonnell Career and
Internship Center can help you) and ask them how they got
there.
• Ask a Career Counselor which self-assessment resources
would be most helpful for you. These tools can help you dis-
cover more about yourself and lead you closer to a decision.
Used with permission from Rutgers University, University at Bualo’s
Career Services Oces and Steve Langerud DePauw University
Info
21
• An internship positions the
student well for the job market.
• An internship may provide
a positive impact on base
salary.
• An internship provides insight in
nding what the student does NOT want to do
in terms of a career.
• An internship allows the student to narrow down career
choices.
CRITERIA FOR AN EXPERIENCE TO BE
DEFINED AS AN INTERNSHIP
To ensure that an experience—whether in-person, remote or
hybrid—is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a
legitimate internship by the NACE denition (see above), all of
the following criteria must be met:
1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom:
a learning experience that provides for applying the
knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to
advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a
regular employee would routinely perform.
2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other
employment settings.
3. The experience has a dened beginning and end, and a job
description with desired qualications.
4. There are clearly dened learning objectives/goals related to
the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and
educational and/or professional background in the eld of the
experience.
6. There is routine interaction with and feedback provided by
the experienced supervisor.
7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the
host employer that support learning objectives/goals.
(NACE, 2019)
INTERNSHIP SEARCH
STRATEGIES APPOINTMENTS
Once you are ready to start searching for
an internship, you are encouraged to
meet with a Career Counselor to discuss
strategies. To schedule an Internship
Search Strategies appointment, log into
Handshake.
INTERNSHIPS
Internships oer students an opportunity to enrich and enliven
their academic programs. The MacDonnell Career and Intern-
ship Center works to market opportunities to students and track
data. Internships are generally open to juniors and seniors, and
in some cases underclassmen who meet departmental and school
qualications. The student must receive approval from the ap-
propriate Faculty Internship Coordinator if participating in a
credit-bearing internship, to determine if the necessary require-
ments including prerequisites, GPA requirements or any other
academic standards have been met.
WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP?
Internships serve as an important bridge from college to career.
NACE research has demonstrated that internship experiences are
avenues to increased skills, expanded networks, and enhanced
social capital, and oer direct pathways to job oers and jobs.
• An internship provides a valuable hands on experience.
• An internship enables a student to apply skills learned in
the classroom in a work setting.
• An internship allows students to meet and network with
professionals.
WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Em-
ployers (NACE), an internship is defined as “a form of ex-
periential learning that integrates knowledge and theory
learned in the classroom with practical application and
skills development in a professional setting. Internships
give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied
experience and make connections in professional fields
they are considering for career paths; and give employers
the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.” (National
Association of Colleges and Employers [NACE], 2019).
Internships are an
invaluable learning
opportunity! An internship
not only gives you practical
experience, but also can
assist in finding a job and
earning a higher salary
after graduation.
Carr Tip
For directions
on scheduling
an appointment
see page 8.
NACE Job Outlook 2024
Appointments to discuss intern-
ships are available 12 months a
year in person or virtually
Internships
22
INTERNSHIP CLASSIFICATION
Internships at Siena College come in two classications:
credit-bearing and non credit-bearing.**
Credit-Bearing Internships
The School of Liberal Arts, School of Business, and School of
Science each oer credit-bearing internships which are eld
experiences integrated into the student’s academic areas of in-
terest. Most credit-bearing internships require a minimum of 40
hours of eld experience for each academic credit. All students
participating in credit-bearing internships are required to keep a
journal that relates the eld experience to the student’s aca-
demic area of interest. School internships usually require a nal
paper or research based presentation that is due by the rst day
of the nal examination period for that semester. Please consult
the syllabus for requirements. Certain academic programs, such
as Social Work, Environmental Science/Studies and Education,
oer specialized eld placements as part of the curriculum that
are run by the department and have their own eligibility and
grading criteria. Such eld placements may also be subject to
outside accrediting body standards that departments must ad-
here to in the design of learning objectives and outcomes as well
as number of placement hours.
The following are the minimum campus-wide regulations
applied to credit-bearing internship participation:
1. To participate as interns, students must:
a. Be matriculated
b. Have attained junior or senior standing, depending upon
applicable academic department or school guidelines, and/
or completed other program-specic prerequisites
c. Be registered as a full-time student.
d. Have electronic permission from the Faculty Internship
Coordinator/Department Chair.
2. Internship participation is permissible during the fall and
spring semesters and during the summer at the discretion
of the academic department, school, or program. In order to
participate in a summer internship, the student must have a
minimum of 75 credits completed toward her/his degree or
permission from the Faculty Internship Coordinator. Summer
credit bearing internships are limited to a total of three
credit hours.
3. A student may earn a maximum of twelve credit hours for an
undergraduate for all internship activity and may take only
one credit bearing internship in a single semester. Major pro-
grams may limit the number of internship credits that can be
applied towards the major.
To assist both the students and the Faculty Internship
Coordinators, The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center
serves as a Siena clearinghouse for information about school
internships. A faculty member from each school is also available
to discuss internships with students. Letter grades are earned
for all departmental internships. However, all school internships
are graded on a pass/fail basis. Because this pass/fail option is
mandated by the College, the course does not count toward the
maximum number of pass/fail courses that a student may take
in any semester.
Non Credit-Bearing Internships
Non credit-bearing internships allow a student to pursue an
internship for the experience and not for academic credit. Non
credit-bearing internships are dierent from full or part-time
employment in that there is a subject matter expert at the
internship site who is mentoring and supervising the s tudent
and providing regular feedback and guidance. Assigned tasks
must be relevant and meaningful to the student’s academic stud-
ies (major/minor). There are no minimum hourly requirements.
NON CREDIT-BEARING INTERNSHIP
CHECKLIST
Update your resume; get it certified
Search Handshake, GoinGlobal, target companies and
network to find opportunities
Make an appointment with a Career Counselor if
assistance is needed
Apply to internships
Keep a record of dates applications submitted
Practice interviewing using Big Interview
Accept one internship offer
Notify The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center at
careermail@siena.edu regarding any internship(s) in
order for us to track
Begin your process at least the semester before you
intend to complete an internship
Update your resume; get it certified
Search Handshake, GoinGlobal, target companies,
network to find opportunities
Make an appointment with a Career Counselor if
assistance is needed
Apply to internships
Keep a record of dates applications submitted
Practice interviewing using Big Interview
Accept one internship offer
Once an internship is secured, complete the Experiences
Placement Form in Handshake. This form will coordinate
the faculty, site and TMCIC.
Register for the appropriate internship course or
practicum in Banner
Keep track of your hours
Do final paperwork to receive credit
Meet with your site supervisor at the conclusion of your
internship to discuss your final evaluation and your
experience
CREDIT-BEARING INTERNSHIP CHECKLIST
Internships
**If a site is requiring an MOU or liability insurance, the
internship must be taken for academic credit
23
Internships
TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS
• Internships are oered in the Schools of Business, Liberal
Arts and Science.
• Internships can be done during the academic year in the
capital region or internationally as part of a study abroad
experience.
• Internships can be done during the summer in any location.
• Internships can be done remotely.
• Internships can be done for academic credit or not.
• Within those two classications, internships can be paid or
unpaid.
HANDSHAKE AND
EXPERIENCES
Handshake is Siena’s industry-leading, nation-wide recruiting
platform, listing opportunities for on and o campus
internship positions. Thus, you should begin your internship
search using the Handshake platform.
Handshake also allows you to schedule appointments with a
Career Counselor from The MacDonnell Career and Internship
Center. You should have your resume reviewed and certied in
Handshake well in advance of your internship search.
Experiences
“Experiences” is a module within Handshake and is used by stu-
dents participating in credit-bearing internships in the School
of Business, the School of Science and the School of Liberal Arts.
Experiences will aid in approval, hour log, evaluation and data
collection as it pertains to credit-bearing internships.
If you are doing a credit-bearing internship, you will need to
complete an electronic placement form in Experiences at the
beginning of the semester in which you are interning. The Expe-
riences Placement Form will allow you to provide information
about your internship site, location, supervisor, semester you
will be participating, etc. The form will need to be approved by
your Faculty Internship Coordinator instructing your intern-
ship course and your site supervisor. The MacDonnell Career
and Internship Center sta will review the form and process. All
approvals and notications will take place within the system.
You may track approval progress within the Experiences system.
Please note, if your form is declined by one of the reviewers,
you will receive an email stating the reason for the disapproval.
Completion of the Experiences Placement Form will trigger the
necessary paperwork to the internship site supervisor. Please
be sure all information is accurate, especially your supervisor’s
email address as this will be the email address we will use to
send your midterm and nal evaluations to your site supervisor.
Each semester a student participates in a credit-bearing intern-
ship, a new Experiences Placement Form must be completed,
even if the same internship is to be used for another semester.
This system does not take the place of class registration.
You must register for your internship class via the normal
registration process in Banner.
Once you begin your internship, your Faculty Internship
Coordinator may have you track your hours and log activities in
the Experiences module. Be sure to record hours weekly.
Step by step Experiences procedures are available on The
MacDonnell Career and Internship Center website.
INTERNSHIP SEARCH AND APPROVAL
Start early and come often! As mentioned
previously, it is recommended you start
your search by using Handshake.
However, there are other strategies as
well. If you nd an internship not in
Handshake, contact your Faculty Intern-
ship Coordinator or TMCIC, and provide
the job description and hourly require-
ments. The Center will work with the
Faculty Internship Coordinator in that
discipline to determine if the internship
has sucient and tting academic
content to qualify as a credit bearing
internship. If it is a non credit-bearing
internship no approval is necessary.
It is important to allow time to search for
an internship, typically 2-3 months; thus,
you need to plan accordingly. Some industries (for instance
accounting) have dierent recruiting cycles. Don’t put o your
internship search. If you’re doing it for credit, you would i deally
have the internship secured before the start of that term.
For
information
on internship
search
strategies see
page 56.
To learn more about the internship program at
Siena College, please access the Student Internship
Guide on The MacDonnell Career and Internship
Center website.
Most internships should be paid. For-profit companies in
particular should be paying interns. Some organizations —
non-profits, institutions of education, etc — may not have
the resources to pay interns. Be aware, some companies
believe if you are earning credit you can’t or shouldn’t be
paid, but this is untrue. You can earn both credit and pay.
For more
on industry
hiring timelines
see page 58.
24
A resume is a professional document
that outlines and highlights your
unique qualications including
your competencies, skills and
experiences. It’s a marketing tool,
not a historical chronicle. Its
purpose is to generate the interest
of a potential employer to secure
you an interview.
The Resume: First Impressions Count
• Your resume is a reection of you. If it is sloppy, has
grammatical or spelling errors or is incomplete, it will reect
poorly on your work habits.
• It takes time and thoughtfulness to develop a solid resume,
but that time and energy is well worth it.
• An employer initially spends an average of 30 seconds
reviewing a resume. Thus, yours must be concise, easy to
read and organized.
Resumes vs. Curriculum Vitaes (CVs)
• Resumes include the most important information. Resumes
for young professionals should be one page highlighting your
most relevant skills and experiences. Resumes are used in the
USA for most professional jobs.
• Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) are compre-
hensive documents, that can be a few
pages long, that chronicle all of your
experiences, publications/ presentations
and skills. CVs are usually used in
academia, teaching, research, medicine
and internationally.
RESUME WRITING AND SAMPLES
SIX TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR RESUME CAN BE
READ BY APPLICATION TRACKING SYSTEMS
(ATS) OR AI
1. Echo Keywords Exactly — Be sure to use keywords
that match the job description exactly.
2. Choose Standard Format — Use a reverse
chronological resume, divided into sections and left
alignment.
3. Don’t Use Headers and Footers, Columns or
Graphics — These are unreadable to an ATS.
4. Use a Conservative, Black Font — Don’t pick a hard
to read font and keep all text in black.
5. Use Standard Headings — Such as Experience,
Employment History, etc.
6. Write Out All Acronyms — Always spell out the first
time followed by the acronym in ( ).
Utilize Jobscan.co to do an analysis of your resume
compared to the job description!
*Adapted from Jobscan Blog https://www.jobscan.co/blog/
the-top-simplest-six-tricks-to-beat-applicant-tracking-systems
Do:
Get your resume certified
Make your name
stand out
Be truthful/accurate
Put Education section first
Use reverse
chronological order
Put most relevant
information first
Have consistent formatting
Start each bullet
with an action verb
Divide into appropriate
sections
Don’t:
Use a nick name
Forget to include
a phone number and
email address
Forget to list study
abroad under education
Include a GPA
below a 3.0
Write references available
Use paragraphs
Have any typos or
misspellings
Let someone else write
your resume
DO’S AND DON’TS OF RESUME WRITING
Federal Resumes
If you’ll be applying for federal jobs
(found on USAJobs.gov) there are dierent
rules and formats for resumes to uphold. In particular,
federal jobs do not care about the length and, in fact, it is
to your advantage to have a 2-3 page resume. Schedule an
appointment with a Career Counselor to further discuss.
RESUME FORMATTING GUIDELINES
• No more than one page in length for students/recent
graduates.
• Margins should be no less than .5” all around.
• An easy to read font such as Calibri, Times New Roman
or Arial should be used.
• Use only black font, no colors.
• Use a font size of 10-12 points; except for your name
which should be a slightly larger font.
• Carefully and consistently use formatting tools such
as bold, italics, underlining and centering to make it
visually appealing and helpful for the reader to easily
identify the most important information.
• Include the most important information on the top half
and left-hand side of the page.
• Divide your resume into sections.
• Entries need to include: position/title, organization, city,
state and month/year date ranges.
• Entries within a section must be in reverse chronological
order (newest to oldest) by end date.
Tailor your resume to
the position! Use the
key words in the in
job description; use AI
to help!
Carr Tip
For more
on CVs and a
sample see
page 73.
Please attend PCA
Drop-ins for resume
help before scheduling
an appointment!
Carr Tip
Resumes
25
Resumes
Create a Targeted Resume
• A resume which highlights competencies and accomplish-
ments directly related to your career eld of interest is
imperative. Having a very generic resume won’t make you
stand out.
• Put most relevant experiences higher on the resume or format
the resume including a “relevant experience” section.
• Review job postings from careers of interest and be sure to
include keywords on your resume.
• Write your bulleted statements to address the skills sought
and to demonstrate the competencies you have developed that
would be applicable to the position.
• Many organizations use an Application Tracking System
(ATS) which screens resumes using keyword searches and
algorithms to determine if your resume gets reviewed by a
person.
Presenting Your Resume
Since your resume reects you, any time
you present your resume you want to do
so in a professional manner.
Hard Copies
If you will be handing out hard copies of
your documents — at a career fair or by mailing it — print it on
good paper. That means using bonded stationery in white or o
white/cream bought at an oce supply store.
Emailing/Online Applications
Today, to apply to most positions you
will either have to email your
documents or complete an online
application and upload your resume.
• It’s a good idea to save the nal
copy of your resume as a pdf to
ensure the format of your
resume stays intact.
• When saving it, include your name and the document type.
That way hiring managers will easily know what type of
document they are o pening and whose document it is. For
example, “Joe E. Siena Resume.”
CONTENT TO INCLUDE ON A RESUME
EDUCATION:
Academic Background, Minors, Concentrations, GPA,
Related Coursework, Select Coursework, Senior Thesis,
Certifications, Licenses, and Study Abroad
EXPERIENCE:
Academic Projects, Global Experience, Independent
Research, Internship Experience, Military Background,
Professional Experience, Related Experience,
Related Projects, Work Experience, and Job Shadowing/
Observations
ACTIVITIES:
Affiliations, Associations, Athletic Achievements,
Civic Activities, Community Involvement, Extracurricular
Activities, Leadership Experience, Professional
Activities, Professional Memberships, and Volunteer
Work/Volunteerism
HONORS:
Academic Honors, Honor Societies, Accolades,
Achievements, Awards, Commendations, Distinctions,
Fellowships, and Scholarships
SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING:
Certifications, Language Competencies, Licenses,
Professional Certifications, Software/Hardware, Special
Training, and Technical Skills
To learn
more about
uploading
resumes in
Handshake see
page 9.
Save your resume
with your full name
i.e. Joe E. Siena
Resume.
Carr Tip
RESUME CERTIFICATION PROCESS
To ensure all students and alumni are using appropriate
and professional resumes — which will be readable to
resume bots (AI scanners), get attention from employers
and help you feel confident in your skills — TMCIC has
developed a resume certification process. Getting your
resume certified is the first essential step in getting career
ready. Utilize the Career Guide and the resume rubric to
craft a resume. You should attend Peer Career Advisor
(PCA) Drop Ins for help. Follow these steps to get your
resume certified.
1 Draft a resume using the Career Guide
2 Attend Peer Career Advisor Drop-ins
3 Upload your resume to the Documents section of
Handshake (see the Handshake procedures)
4 Review the comments provided by the TMCIC staff
• If not certified: make any changes suggested, come
to Drop-ins for assistance
- Upload new version to Handshake
• If certified: use this resume
NACE Job Outlook 2024
26
CRAFTING RESUME BULLETS
The most challenging part of writing
a resume is composing impactful
bulleted statements. Each experience
listed should include a minimum of
two bullets detailing your impact.
• Start each bullet with an action verb
and use a variety of verbs.
• Understand what employers want,
the eight career readiness competen-
cies, and include these ideas in your
bullets.
• Focus on competencies developed and
not job duties completed.
• Make the beginning of the bullet about you and your skills
and the end of the bullet about job tasks.
• Use statements, not full sentences. Omit any personal
pronouns (I, me, we, their, etc.) and articles (a, an and the).
• Be succinct but detailed. Describe what competency was
utilized and how it benetted the organization in one to two
lines.
• Describe the specic actions you took to achieve an objective
or solve a problem.
• Include two to four bulleted statements. You don’t have to
include every job duty, just the most important and relevant.
• Describe the results of your eorts. Quantify whenever
possible.
• Organize the bullets with the most relevant and important
skills rst.
• Do not write, “responsibilities included…”
• Avoid writing statements that are common knowledge or
obvious (i.e. wait sta-took orders and delivered food). • What competencies meet the job description and are most
relevant to the reader?
• Did I highlight the skills I developed (not tasks completed)
at this experience?
• Does this bullet support my goal?
• Will it interest the reader?
• Can I state it in a shorter phrase?
• Is it already stated elsewhere on the resume?
• Is the content specific?
BULLET STATEMENT IDEA LIST
Remember:
• The goal of your resume is to be selected for an
interview. Avoid dry, detailed laundry lists of duties.
• Give readers credit for knowing basic job functions.
• You don’t have to say everything.
• Describe in specific but brief, crisp language your
contributions.
Brainstorm content for your
bullets by thinking about what
you have accomplished at your
various experiences.
BULLET STATEMENT EXAMPLES
1. Typical Statement:
Took orders and served food to customers
Better Statement:
Maintained a friendly and professional
manner when dealing with 100 customers
in a fast-paced, family-friendly restaurant
Starts with a stronger action verb, added
specificity and focused on competency developed
2. Typical Statement:
Completed payroll
Better Statement:
Managed weekly payroll in amounts
exceeding $50,000 utilizing Quickbooks
Complete thought, added numbers, included a
specific software utilized
Use these questions to help you generate ideas.
• What did you learn?
• What competencies did
you utilize?
• Why were you hired/
promoted?
• What challenges did you
face and how did you solve
them? (CAR: Challenge,
Action, Result)
• What goals did you meet?
• Did you accomplish some-
thing you can quantify?
• Did you identify any
problems or challenges?
• Did you resolve or
minimize any problems?
• Did you create any original
works: reports, brochures,
newsletters, guides,
manuals, proposals,
contracts, etc.?
• Did you produce results or
reports whose recommen-
dations were well received
by your team and whose
suggestions were incor-
porated into their future
planning?
• Were you a contributing
team member? And how.
• Did you make any
r ecommendations that
saved money, made
money, increased efficiency
or productivity?
• Did you successfully
collaborate on a group
project?
• What did you do that was
above and beyond the
normal job duties?
• How did you stand out
among other employees?
Use these questions to improve the content of your bullets
Focus your bullets
on a competency
not a task!
Carr Tip
Some content used with permission: Louise Kursmark
www.yourbestimpression.com
For a list
of action verbs
see page 32.
For more on
what employers
are seeking and
the eight
competencies
see page 38.
Resumes
27
Resumes
BULLET WRITING STEPS
To help you craft well written bulleted statements follow these steps.
1. From your brainstorming on the previous page, decide on what competency/skill you want to highlight in a bulleted statement.
2. Complete the four questions below.
3. List a few possible action verb (see page 32) choices.
4. Put it all together. Write a detailed bulleted statement (about one line long) focusing on the competency developed and
resulting accomplishments; not on tasks completed.
Critical Thinking
• Analyzed data and proposed a new procedure to alleviate
use of paper for weekly inventory
Communication
• Created, wrote and designed weekly how-to posts for
company’s Instagram account
Teamwork
• Interacted with a group of four classmates to find mutually
agreeable weekly times to meet for semester-long project
Technology
• Utilized Point of Sale (POS) ordering software to accurately
input food and beverage orders
Leadership
• Delegated duties to a six person committee to ensure all
facets of the event were carefully planned and executed
Professionalism
• Maintained patient confidentiality while assisting doctor in
recording daily patient progress notes
Career & Self Development
• Proposed to supervisor and initiated work on an internship
manual to assist with transitioning projects to next intern
Equity & Inclusion
• Respected religious beliefs when developing medical
options for patients
COMPETENCIES AND RESUME BULLETS SAMPLES
Write bullet statements that reflect the competencies you developed through your various experiences.
Below are some examples.
WHAT
DID YOU DO?
What
skills/competencies
did you develop?
HOW
DID YOU DO IT?
Specific tools, resources,
or technology
(transferable skills)
ELABORATE
WITH DETAILS.
How often? What was the
purpose? Who was
involved? How many?
(Use numbers when possible.)
WHAT WERE THE
RESULTS?
What did you accomplish
or improve? Did you meet
or exceed a goal? Did you
create something new?
(Use numbers when possible.)
+ + +
Example: summer
camp counselor,
counseled students,
communicated with
parents
Example: professional,
oral communication, social
media
Example: daily, ages 6-8,
10 campers, oversaw
2 counselors-in-training,
member of 9 person team
Example: positive feedback from
families and supervisors, offered
promotion, resolved conflicts
POSSIBLE ACTION VERBS
Example: Communicate, engage, instruct, teach
FINAL BULLETED STATEMENT
Example: Engaged a group of 10 middle school aged students in daily athletic activities ensuring campers learned skills and had fun
COMPETENCIES USED/DEVELOPED
Example: communication, leadership, teamwork
ANATOMY OF A
RESUME BULLET
(action verbs showcasing competencies)
All about YOU!
(frequency,
elaborate with details)
(task completed, results)
All about the job duty.
Need resume help? Come to TMCIC in Foy Hall. Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) are available
weekdays for Drop-ins or schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor.
28
USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
TO ASSIST WITH RESUME WRITING
Bullet Statement Improvements Utilizing
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI can be a tool to help you improve your resume; however, it
is imperative that you personalize the language and tone, to
ensure the nal statements accurately reect your unique voice
and individual contributions. Appropriately using AI as a tool,
will increase your chances of making a strong impression,
provide valuable insights into how to structure and rene
bullet points and highlight key achievements and skills in a
compelling manner.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bullet Points
Draft Your Resume: Follow the information provided in the Career
Guide to write your resume. List bullet points highlighting your
career readiness competencies (from the wheel) for each
experience.
Organize Resume into Appropriate Sections: Ensure your experienc-
es with bullet points are organized under appropriate sections
like Relevant Experience, Work, Volunteer Work, Projects, etc.
Step 2: Provide Your Bullet Points for Refinement
Prompt AI: A thorough prompt is crucial when using AI. Include
background information about you, ask it very specically what
and how you want it to rene your resume bullets. Then include
the bullets you have drafted.
Example Prompt: I am a junior at Siena College majoring in
marketing. I have drafted some bullet points for my recent
internship experience. Can you help me rene them to make
them more relevant, clear and impactful? Please provide me
with 3 options for each bullet point, along with explanations of
why these changes are eective?
Example Bullet Points:
• Assisted in daily operations of the oce
• Managed social media accounts
• Conducted research on market trends
Step 3: Review AI‘s Suggestions
It is crucial you do NOT use the bullets exactly as provided by AI
for several reasons, but most importantly to ensure the resume
sounds like you and that the content is accurate. Review the
suggestions provided by AI. Ask yourself is the information ac-
curate, relevant, clear, easy to understand? Is it about me and
what I did? Does it sound like me?
Step 4: Edit and Personalize Bullets
The AI generated bullets will not be unique; thus, it takes hu-
man intelligence to fully craft bullets. Review each of the bullets
provided by AI and reword where necessary so the bullets reect
you and your accomplishments. Edit and nalize your state-
ments to be sure they are accurate and personalized to you. You
want to be able to speak truthfully to your resume in an inter-
view and for it to be a true reection of who you are.
Targeting Your Resume Utilizing AI
An additional way to use AI to improve your resume is to ask it
to optimize your resume based on the job description to which
you are applying.
Step 1: Provide your resume for refinement.
Copy Resume: Copy the education and experience sections of
your resume, DO NOT INCLUDE YOU NAME AND CONTACT
INFORMATION, into AI.
Step 2: Prompt AI to target your resume bullets
Prompt AI: Ask AI to improve your resume by providing a
job description and asking it rene bullets to match the job
description
Example Prompt: I am applying for a social justice internship
with the New York State Department of Corrections. Can you
help rene my resume to make sure the bullet points use
keywords provided in this job description.
Provide the job description
Step 3: Review AI‘s Suggestions
Just like your resume draft, it is crucial you do NOT use the
bullets exactly as provided by AI for several reasons, but most
importantly to ensure the resume sounds like you and that the
content is accurate. Review the suggestions provided by AI. Ask
yourself is the information accurate, relevant, clear, easy to un-
derstand? Is it about me and what I did? Does it sound like me?
Step 4: Edit and Personalize Bullets
The AI generated resume will not be unique; thus, it takes hu-
man intelligence to fully rene and craft targets bullet points.
Review each of the bullets provided by AI and reword where
necessary so the bullets reect you and your accomplishments.
Edit and nalize your statements to be sure they are optimized
to the posting while also being personalized to you. You want to
be able to speak truthfully to your resume in an interview and
for it to be a true reection of who you are.
Resumes
Do:
Treat AI as a springboard,
not a finish line
Personalize, personalize,
personalize!
Check all information
is accurate (the AI
didn’t hallucinate)
Proofread meticulously
Tailor your content to
each job application
Don’t:
Copy and paste all content
AI provides
Blindly accept everything
it generates
Use too many buzzwords
and/or jargon
Forget the human
intelligence/
personalization
DO’S AND DON’TS OF USING AI
29
Resumes
You r Name
Mailing Address (optional)
Email Phone
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
BA or BS in Major, Month and Year
GPA:
Relevant Courses: list in order of importance the full name of classes taken in the eld
College /High School Name, City, State (if you earned a degree somewhere else or studied abroad)
Degree earned, Date (or semester abroad)
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Position title, Company Name/Organization, City, State Month, Year – Month, Year
• Bulleted statements describing your skills and accomplishments
• Should include 2-4 bulleted statements per experience
Position title, Company Name/Organization, City, State Month, Year – Month, Year
• Start each bullet with an action verb
• Write bulleted statements that matter. See previous pages for help.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Position title, Company Name/Organization, City, State Month, Year – Month, Year
• Keep the format, spaces and font enhancements consistent
• Focus bullets on the competencies developed not job duties
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Position title, Organization, City, State Month, Year – Month, Year
• Bullets may or may not be necessary depending on space
• Keep the same format
COMPUTER or FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS
Include level of familiarity with with language or software (e.g. Fluent in French,
Procient with Java, C++
HONORS/AWARDS (optional)
Recipient, Name of Award, Organization, Month, Year
Your name should be a larger
font and bold. You must
include a phone and email
address. A mailing address is
optional
The education section
should be your first section
Only include GPA if over a 3.0
Experience can be in-
ternships, employment,
research, significant
class projects, volunteer
work, etc.
Include here additional
jobs, etc. that you
have worked that
aren’t relevant. If you
don’t have enough
experiences yet
combine these two
sections
Include clubs, volunteer work,
athletics, etc. that you are
involved in during college
(high school only if a first or
second year student)
Include any additional
sections that make sense for
your resume if space allows.
Use reverse chrono-
logical order (newest to
oldest by end date)
List high school ONLY if a first
or second year student
This worksheet is to help you get started. Customize your resume to fit your needs.
RESUME WORKSHEET
A resume is a
document shared with
potential employers
in order to be chosen
for an interview.
Carr Tip
Include only hard skills
like computer, software or
foreign language skills
30
Resumes
RESUME CERTIFICATION RUBRIC
REQUIRED
The resume must meet these basic requirements
to be considered for certification
OPTIONAL
If the resume includes optional
info, it needs to follow these
guidelines. Please note that
these things don’t have to be
included
NOT ACCEPTABLE
The resume will not be certified if the
section includes info listed below and/or if
the section is missing the basic
requirements
CONTACT INFORMATION SECTION Goal: To ensure a reviewer can easily reach you
●FIRST and LAST name
●1phone number
●1“professional” email
●Information is positioned at the TOP OF THE
PAGE
●The name may be 12-18 PT.
font & bolded, centered
●If included, URLS must be
CUSTOMIZED
●Full mailing address or just
city, state
●Photos and/or graphics
●“Personal” information
●Missing this section entirely
●Name, email, or phone NOT included
EDUCATION SECTION Goal: To convey your academic qualifications and training
●For current students, education is at the TOP
(directly under Contact Info)
●CORRECT degree information (BA or BS) (as
outlined by the catalog)
●ADDITIONAL declared majors/
minors/concentrations (if applicable)
●MONTH &YEAR of grad date included
●Siena College is LISTED FIRST, followed by
additional schools (in reverse chronological
order) WHERE DEGREES WERE EARNED
○AFTER sophomore year, high school info
must be REMOVED
●Each institution listed includes the name, city,
state, and when the degree was/will be earned
(month and year)
●Siena College is spelled correctly
●Siena College LOUDONVILLE, NY is entry
●GPAs over 3.0 listed
●Study abroad institution(s)
and semester(s) abroad
●Relevant coursework (not all
courses) is listed (may also
be in a separate section)
●Honors and Scholarships
with dates and clarifying
information if necessary
(may also be in a separate
section)
●This section is placed at the MIDDLE or
BOTTOM of the resume
●Incorrect degree listed and/or missing
declared major(s)
●Graduation month and year not listed
●Siena College is NOT listed first and/or
additional schools are NOT listed in
reverse chronological order
●The entry is missing important details
about each institution (i.e. location,
dates)
●Siena College is misspelled
●Siena College LOUDONVILLE, NY is
misrepresented
●Outdated entries are included (i.e. high
school information is still listed after
SOPHOMORE YEAR)
●GPA lower than 3.0 is listed
RELEVANT/WORK EXPERIENCE Goal: To contextualize your skills and qualifications, and
demonstrate relevance to the desired position
●Each entry includes: POSITION TITLE,
ORGANIZATION,LOCATION (city/state or
city/country), and DATES (month/year)
●Reverse chronological order by end date used
●No more than 1error relating to reverse
chronological order
●Utilizes bullet point formatting
●Bullets start w/ STRONG action verbs
●Bullets are 1-2 lines long
●Same action verb is repeated no more than once
●The bullets highlight competencies/ achievements
related to each position with adequate quantification
and details
●Each entry has 2-6 bullets
●No more than 1experience is outdated/ irrelevant
●Correct verb tense is used (present or past). No
more than 2bullets have incorrect tense
●The bullets are in order of
importance as relevant to
the position
●Entry information may or
may not include font
enhancements
●The position title may or
may not be listed first
●Dates may be abbreviated
as long as the format is
consistent throughout
●For upperclassmen, include
relevant quantifiable industry
experience
●Entries do NOT include position title,
organization, location (city/state/country),
and dates
●Bullets use WEAK verbs
●Action verbs are repeated frequently
●Reverse chronological order is NOT used
●The bullets lack detail and/or context
(WHAT,HOW, etc.)
●The bullets do not address one’s
accomplishments
●Bullet length is too short or more than 2 lines
●Use of a paragraph format instead of
bulleted descriptions
●Entries have less than 2or more than 6
bullets
●MOST action verbs are in the incorrect tense
*
* Teach Out Students should still include St. Rose in the education section, below Siena, and note school closed (i.e. The College of St. Rose, Albany, NY (school closed))
A certified resume ensures
your have developed a
professional resume that
will look and read well to
hiring managers.
Carr Tip
For how
to upload into
Handshake for
certification see
page 9.
31
Attend drop-ins before uploading your resume into Handshake to understand the certification parameters.
ADDITIONAL SECTION(S) Goal: To showcase additional relevant or interesting information that
does not appear elsewhere on the resume.
●Section headers accurately reflect the
content
●Each entry includes: POSITION TITLE,
ORGANIZATION,LOCATION (city/state
or city/country), and DATES (month/year)
●No more than 1error pertaining to reverse
chronological order
●No more than 1entry with less than 2
bullets/entries (or all entries have no
bullets)
●Only hard skills listed and level of
proficiency is missing for no more than 1
●Resume does NOT need to
include any additional
sections if it meets the page
length requirements
●Language/Technical skills
includes level of proficiency
●Additional sections may
include: Skills, Research,
Class Projects, Honors/
Awards, Community/
Volunteer Service, Campus
Involvement, etc.
●NO or Inaccurate headers are used
●Position titles, organization, location and
dates of involvement are NOT listed
●Reverse order is NOT used
●Includes soft skills
●Language/Technical skills do NOT
include level(s) of proficiency
●Formatting differs from rest of the
resume
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FONT Goal: To ensure the resume is easy to read and that the formatting
draws attention to your strengths.
●Overall appearance is visually pleasing
and no apparent template was used
●Fills a SINGLE page or at least 3/4s of a
page, but NO MORE than one page
●Professional, readable font & size (10-12
PT. font)
●Margins are between 1/2-1 inch
●All formatting is CONSISTENT throughout
the entire document
●No more than 2entries are out of reverse
chronological order
●No more than 2formatting and/or spacing
errors
●The resume is clearly labeled with
headings
●No design elements were used (i.e.
graphics, colored fonts)
●The resume may be
somewhat crowded, but
should NOT be so text dense
that it is hard to decipher
between entries and/or
sections
●The resume may or may not
draw visual interest through
the use of bolded,
underlined, and/or italicized
text
●If periods are used at end of
bullets, used on all bullets
●No “References Available Upon
Request” and/or listing of references
●No objective statement
●No summary paragraph (This may not
apply to alumni)
●Template and/or colored font was used
●Exceeds 1page (This may not apply to
alumni) or does NOT fill at least 3/4s of
the page
●The layout is cramped or too spread out
(i.e. no white space or excessive white
space)
●Font style is inappropriate
●Font size is NOT between 10 and 12 pt.
●Margins are less than 1/2 inch or more
than 1inch
●Headings are NOT used
●NO bullets are full sentences
●There are 3or more inconsistencies
with spacing
●Tabs, margins, bullets are NOT aligned
GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS Goal: To ensure your resume is polished and demonstrates attention to detail
●Contains no more than 1
typo/misspellings
●Grammar is correct (i.e. verb tense,
pronouns)
●No more than 1-2 minor errors
(punctuation or spacing)
●NO personal pronouns are used (i.e. I,
me, he, she, they, them, our)
●More than 1typo/misspelling
●More than 2verb tenses are incorrect
●Bullets contain numerous errors and
cannot be understood
●Use of personal pronouns
For a list
of content to
include on a
resume see
page 25.
Your resume needs to
show great attention
to detail. Don’t have
careless errors on it.
Carr Tip
Resumes
32
ACTION VERBS
COMMUNICATION
address
advise
answer
clarify
coach
collaborate
communicate
compose
conclude
consult
contact
converse
convince
correspond
counsel
critique
define
deliberate
demonstrate
disclose
discuss
disseminate
draft
edit
educate
encourage
engage
enlighten
exchange
explain
facilitate
greet
guide
impart
improvise
inform
instruct
interact
interpret
lecture
liaise
listen
market
moderate
negotiate
persuade
present
publish
question
sell
speak
suggest
summarize
taught
transact
translate
welcome
write
LEADERSHIP
achieve
administer
analyze
appoint
assess
authorize
chair
choose
command
consult
control
dedicate
delegate
deliberate
direct
drive
educate
elect
establish
examine
execute
exercise
facilitate
find
guide
handle
influence
initiate
inspire
issue
launch
lead
manage
master
mediate
mentor
motivate
nudge
officiate
oversee
perform
persuade
pioneer
prime
produce
refer
refine
regulate
remedy
resolve
select
shape
sponsor
steer
supervise
train
urge
TEAMWORK
adapt
advise
aid
arrange
benefit
coach
collaborate
commit
compete
comply
concur
contribute
cooperate
dedicate
enable
encourage
facilitate
further
guide
help
initiate
interact
intervene
involve
join
listen
mediate
mentor
motivate
participate
partner
perform
play
prevent
provide
remedy
represent
share
steer
support
understand
unite
volunteer
CRITICAL
THINKING
adjust
administer
alleviate
allocate
analyze
anticipate
arrange
assess
brainstorm
collaborate
collect
commit
compare
complete
conceive
confirm
consider
correct
create
critique
debug
decipher
deduce
design
detect
determine
develop
devise
diagnose
differentiate
discover
engineer
envision
evaluate
facilitate
find
forecast
formulate
identify
implement
incorporate
investigate
judge
lead
link
measure
monitor
obtain
officiate
oversee
perform
plan
prepare
prioritize
process
procure
program
realize
rectify
research
revamp
review
revise
schedule
scrutinize
strategize
study
suggest
synthesize
tailor
understand
unearth
update
visualize
TECHNOLOGY
adapt
analyze
automate
build
calculate
compute
deduce
design
document
engineer
enhance
enumerate
figure
file
forecast
formulate
improve
incorporate
innovate
input
install
measure
modernize
navigate
program
record
register
report
strategize
tabulate
troubleshoot
update
use
utilize
video
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
act equitably
advocate
affiliate
ally
anticipate
appreciate
assemble
assess
aware
build
challenge
collaborate
connect
contribute
demonstrate
designate
develop
discover
educate
eliminate
encompass
encourage
engage
establish
evaluate
facilitate
identify
include
inspire
link
respect
seek
strengthen
support
unify
unite
PROFESSIONALISM
achieve
act
adhere
administer
advance
bolster
clarify
coach
commit
complete
dedicate
demonstrate
elevate
exceed
experience
grow
innovate
maintain
manage
meet
network
prioritize
question
respect
seek
skill
strategize
supervise
uphold
CAREER & SELF
DEVELOPMENT
advance
advocate
cultivate
develop
educate
further
grow
learn
mature
network
offer
persevere
receive
seek
volunteer
Start each bullet with
a unique action verb
to make your resume
stand out.
Carr Tip
Resumes
33
Resumes
Jane E. Siena
janeesiena@siena.edu (518) 555-5050
EDUCATION:
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Biology May 2025
Albany Medical College Program Participant
Guilderland Central High School, Guilderland, NY
Regents Diploma with Honors June 2021
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Family Room Volunteer, Ronald McDonald House, Albany, NY July 2019 - Present
• Provide support to families coping with an ill or injured child by preparing meals
• Ensure all rules and policies of the Family Room are followed
• Volunteer approximately 30 hours monthly
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Member, Red Cross Club, Siena College September 2021 - Present
• Assist with checking in volunteers at three annual blood drives
• Market events by posting in college-wide daily email digest and designing and distributing yers
President (2019-present), Member (2018-2020), Biology Club, Guilderland Central High School
• Contacted and coordinated guest speakers, often parents, to speak at monthly meetings
• Ran monthly meetings for a club of approximately 50 students
Varsity Player, Lacrosse Team, Guilderland Central High School January 2019 - June 2021
• Played defensive back and recognized as Athlete of the Week three times senior year
• Practiced over 10 hours a week while maintaining a 96% GPA
EXPERIENCE
Cashier, Subway, Guilderland, NY May 2020 - Present
• Provide excellent customer service to guests to create a welcoming environment
• Complete cash or credit payments, and tally the cash drawer at the end of each shift
• Maintain inventory by resupplying shelves as needed
Nanny, Smith Family, Guilderland, NY August 2019 - August 2021
• Trusted to care for three children ages 2, 4 and 7
• Maintained a familiar routine for children while parents were away for nine hours a day
• Developed educational, fun activities for the children on topics such as counting, rhyming
words and letter recognition
• Transported older children to sports practice after school
SKILLS
Procient in: Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Conversational Speaking Skills in: Spanish and French
HONORS
Presidential Scholar, Siena College September 2021 - present
Valedictorian Class of 2020, Guilderland Central High School June 2021
Joe E. Siena
Johnstown, NY
samplemail@siena.edu ~ 518-234-5678
linkedin.com/in/joeesiena
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY May 2023
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in Writing and Pre-Law Certicate
• Cumulative GPA: 3.61
Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Criminal Law, Civil Liberties II, Comparative
Politics, Legal Environment of Business, International Relations, Business Communication,
Restorative Justice
CAPA: The Global Education Network, London, England Fall 2022
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Recipient
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Intern, Innocence Project London (IPL), September 2022 – December 2022
University of Greenwich
• Reviewed court summaries and briefs for approved clients for possible evidence of injustice.
• Conducted research on IPL’s preliminary questionnaire to assess demographic information
on applicants.
• Analyzed data to assess the effectiveness of preliminary questionnaire and offer
recommendations for improvement.
Intern, Summer Legal Fellows of Siena College (Touro Law Center), June 2022 – July 2022
Central Islip, NY
• Conducted research on relevant laws and statutes through WestLaw, which were utilized as
supporting evidence for client cases and trials.
• Observed numerous court trials and proceedings for rst-hand experience of legal rhetoric
and writing (Family Court, Suffolk County District Court(s), US East District Court).
• Cataloged completed cases into Time Matters and CLIO, summarizing memos and relevant
information for potential updates for clients and student/professor use.
Intern, Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE), February 2022 – May 2022
Remote
• Supported research and advocacy within Government Affairs and Advocacy (GAA) branch
through use of Salesforce, FiscalNote and Microsoft Ofce programs.
• Reported on career proles of members of Congress and key contacts of the Department of
State, White House and foreign embassies pertaining to policies and regulations.
EXPERIENCE
Peer Career Advisor (PCA), Career and Internship Center (CIC), September 2021 – May 2023
Siena College
• Revised resumes, cover letters, writing samples and e-portfolios presented by students
and Siena College alumni.
• Represented ofce in on-campus events and activities, such as resume-building workshops
and career fairs.
• Communicated with local businesses and job posters on information pertaining to
CareerSaint (school afliate career website) via telephone and email.
Tutor, Writing Center, Siena College September 2021 – May 2023
• Assisted students with issues found in assignments by providing general feedback on
conciseness, grammar, and focus.
• Provided advice on citations styles (Chicago, APA, MLA9) and research methods as set
forth by their professors’ guidelines, as well as from personal experience.
SKILLS
Prociency in: Microsoft Ofce, Google Suite, MAXQDA, JMP Pro, Salesforce, Time Matters, CLIO
Experience in reverse chronological order
by end date
Font should be a familiar choice and should be between 10-12 point
When used appropriately and consistently, bold, italics
and capitalization makes the resume visually appealing and
helps the reader identify important information easily
FIRST YEAR STUDENT SAMPLE SENIOR STUDENT SAMPLE
Tailor your
bullets to the
career and/or
industry; use
key words from
the job posting
Include one
email and one
phone number.
No address or
partial address
is acceptable.
Include sections that
make sense for you,
at this time. These
can be updated later
First Year students
can include high
school and high school
activities, but this
needs to come off by
end of sophomore year
Volunteer work is
relevant experience;
it does not have to
be paid work to be
included on a resume
Two-four bullets is the
usual practice
Start each bullet
with a unique
action verb
Include hard
skills only, like
language and
computer skills,
and include levels
of proficiency
Use your full name and
make it bold and
a slightly larger font
Place your Siena
education at the top
of your resume
Include position/title,
business/organiza-
tion, location with city
and state, and dates
(month year - month
year)
For a list
of action verbs
see page 32
Focus the
content of the
bullet on the
career readiness
competencies
Include all
academic pro-
grams including:
majors, minors,
concentrations
and certificates
34
Gerri Sarazen
Verona NJ
ge11sara@siena.edu (518) 999 -9128
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY Expected Graduation: May 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Digital Marketing
Cumulative GPA: 3.53
Dean's List (Fall 2022 and Spring 2023)
University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Semester Abroad September 2023 - December 2023
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Public Relations Intern, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack NJ June 2023-Present
• Draft compelling media pitches and press releases, contributing to successful outreach
campaigns and media coverage.
• Assist in managing social media accounts, including creating and scheduling posts across
various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Create social media content to effectively communicate Hackensack Meridian Health's
initiatives, events, and services.
Marketing and Content Creation Intern, Siena College, Loudonville NY January 2024 - Present
• Design compelling visuals using the Adobe Suite for social media, email campaigns,
and billboards.
• Produce visually captivating graphics and multimedia content to elevate brand identity.
Book Marketer, Contract Worker, Albany NY January 2024 - Present
• Advise in the development and execution of a comprehensive PR plan for
Steven B. Sandler’s upcoming book release.
• Oversee the revamping of the author’s online presence by redesigning the website,
resulting in a more user-friendly and visually appealing platform.
• Establish and manage social media accounts, signicantly expanding the author's digital
footprint and engagement with the audience.
Corps Member, Americorps NCCC, Various Locations October 2020 - July 2021
• Collaborated as part of a 10-member team to provide national community service initiatives.
• Aided in long-term disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX,
and Tulsa, OK by roong and renovating 10 homes affected by storm and ood damage.
• Contributed to the restoration of a community garden in White Plains, MO by removing
invasive species and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space.
• Coordinated with FEMA to support a vaccination mega-site in Dallas, TX, assisting in
administering 136,485 doses to the community.
CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
Media Coordinator, San Damiano Refugee Partnership, Loudonville, NY May 2021- Present
• Volunteer with young refugee students from Myanmar to help improve reading and
writing skills.
• Manage the club's Instagram, crafting engaging content to promote the organization's
mission and showcase our impactful work.
Marketing Intern, Academic Center for Community Engagement, Loudonville, NY January 2023- May 2023
• Created compelling content for social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to engage
with followers and attract new members to the Academic Center for Community Engagement.
• Developed engaging posts that align with the organization's mission and resonate with the
target audience.
AWARDS/HONORS
Forward Scholarship, Siena College Spring 2023
The President's Volunteer Service Award, United States Government July 2021
Congressional Award, United States Congress July 2021
Corps Member of the Round, AmeriCorps NCCC July 2021
Desmond Hennepin
21 Jill Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994
km23devi@siena.edu (845)-826-6544
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
BA in Psychology, Expected Graduation: May 2023
GPA: 4.0
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Siena College, Loudonville, NY September 2021-Present
• Design 5 surveys based off empirical research and develop well supported and testable
hypotheses measuring lay people’s perception of discrimination
• Write and submit IRB applications and administer surveys to approximately 1000 participants
• Collect and interpret data utilizing SPSS software
• Composed a 20-page research paper investigating the correlations between intent and racial
bias malleability with appropriate consequences
• Presented research at the 2022 Eastern Psychology
Grant Lead, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Albany, NY
December 2022-Present
• Conduct Question, Persuade, and Refer and related mental health trainings for faculty and
students to increase mental health literacy and advance suicide prevention
• Collaborate with campus and community stakeholders to discuss, assess, and revise campus-
wide program goalsrelated to the grant
Mentor and Wellness Resident Assistant, Siena College, Loudonville, NY September 2022-Present
• Serve as a liaison between Hall Director and Resident Assistants in a co-ed underclassman building
• Organized programs to promote an inclusive and positive environment for residents
• Contribute ideas to DEI Committee, Second-Year Experience, and Future Leaders in
Student Affairs Committee
• Utilized wellness and mental health skills in individual meetings to support 30 residents
and 12 staff members resources to ensure residents’ intellectual, mental and social success
Certied Peer Health Educator, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators,
July 2019-Present
• Mentor 10 students referred by school social worker for mental health concerns
• Develop crisis management, listening, and referral skills to assist peers to make
behavioral changes
• Facilitate virtual mental health chats to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and other
mental health barriers
Intern, St. Peter’s Hospital:Care Coordination, Albany, NY September 2022-December 2022
• Reviewed client’s charts and observed counseling sessions and home visits
• Utilize technology to input client consent forms, and schedule transportation for clients
Volunteer, Battered Mothers Custody Conference, Albany, NY September 2019
• Marketed event through in person and electronic outreach
ADDITIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Student Advocate, Damietta Cross Cultural Center, Loudonville, NY September 2019-Present
• Initiate focus groups and seminars to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus
• Lead culturally inclusive trainings for groups made up of approximately 50 student leaders
Intern, Siena College Ofce of Community Living, Loudonville, NY May 2022-Present
• Effectively communicate with students and families assisting them with a variety of
housing questions
• Execute organizational skills through key audits and ofce upkeep
Student Member, Siena College Franciscan Center for Service & Advocacy, March 2019
• Participated in a service immersion trip to Guatemala to help those of a lower-socioeconomic class
• Gained insight into cultural issues/barriers
HONORS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Mental Health First Aid Certied, Peer Health Educator Certied, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Put the most important information higher up on
the resume, it’s more likely to get noticed
DO NOT include references or “References Available
Upon Request" on your resume
Include bullets
that demonstrate
transferable skills
gained from ALL
work experiences.
Be sure to articu-
late well not what
you did but what
skills you used/
developed
Simple graphics such
as a line are acceptable,
but avoid other graphics,
icons, colored fonts, etc.
Use a variety of
action verbs. See
page 32 for more
ideas
Provide specifcs
and numbers to
demonstrate what
you accomplished
Avoid using
personal pronouns
and articles such as
a, an, the
Including honors
and high school
information is fine
up to junior year,
but should come
off at start of
junior year
Listing just city and
state is acceptable
and preferrable. It’s
also safer if posting
resume on websites.
Keep formatting
and entry informa-
tion consistent even
between sections.
Resumes
Include any
study abroad
experiences in
the education
section
Keep bullets short
but detailed, ideally
1, no more than 2,
lines long
Be sure to include activities
and bullets focusing on skills
developed from activities
Keep formatting, fonts
and font enhance-
ments as consistent as
possible throughout
the entire resume
Experiences can be
any type of activity
including volunteer
work, research, class
projects, jobs, etc.
35
Resumes
Jody Ryan Marcelle
515 Loudon Road, Albany, NY 12211
dj02jack@siena.edu 832-233-5038
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
B.S. in Management, expected May 2022
Relevant Courses: Organizational Behavior, Business Communication, Management
Resource Methods, Human Resources Management
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Player, Siena College, Division 1 NCAA Women’s Basketball, 2018–present
Team Captain, August 2019-present
• Organize and facilitate team meetings, gear distribution, and practice schedule for
a 15-person team
• Communicate with teammates using codes during games to call plays
• Inspired and mentored younger athletes to apply time management skills
EXPERIENCE
Marketing Intern, Women at Work, Albany, NY, March 2019-present
• Manage member subscriptions through MemberMouse database
• Designed Excel spreadsheets to track attendance for events
• Greet and direct guest speakers at monthly networking events
• Compose and design weekly posts for Facebook and Instagram accounts
Cashier, Marble Slab Creamery, Siena College, Spring, TX, Summers 2019-2020
• Delivered excellent customer service and promoted brand image and values,
while serving ice cream
• Correctly received orders and processed cash, credit, and debit card payments
• Resolved customer issues, including incorrect orders, to sustain customer satisfaction
LEADERSHIP, ACTIVITIES, & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Committee Member, Siena Athletics Health & Wellness Initiative, Loudonville, NY, September 2020-present
• Identify health and wellness needs within Siena athletes
• Discuss plans and ideas with athletic administration
• Research and formulate presentation based on NCAA statistics
Member, Black Student Union, Loudonville, NY, January 2019-present
• Organize monthly panels and events like MLK week and annual talent show
Gold Award Recipient, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Houston, TX, May 2019
• Identied, designed, and executed an educational nutrition and tness program for after school students
in a low-income area
• Solicited Aldine Community Hope Center and acquaintances to generate $3,000 necessary funds
• Conducted weekly nutrition and tness classes for 8-12-year old’s
Member, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Houston, TX, September 2011-May 2018
• Designed three signicant projects to receive Bronze, Silver, and Gold award
• Completed 30 + hours of community service and participated in monthly leadership
building workshops
Michael Morrell
(518) 783-0000 michaelmorrell@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmorrell
Education
Clarkson Graduate School, Schenectady, New York May 2025 (expected)
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Siena College, Loudonville, New York May 2024
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, Minors in Mathematics and in Data Science
• GPA 3.82
• President’s List (Spring 2023, Fall 2022), Dean’s List (Spring 2022, Fall 2021)
• Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honors Society
Professional Experience
Independent Researcher, Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Subtractive Manufacturing Sep 2022 - Present
• Assess the current state of a Othermill Pro CNC and PCB milling machine, address repairs and
develop literature of proper usage.
• Implement the BantamTools software to use the machine.
• Manufacture equipment for a wide variety of projects and processes.
Peer Tutor, Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Introduction to EDA & Visualization Sep 2022 - Present
Advise 20+ students on using Python programming language.
• Instruct the theories of data management, analytics, and visualization.
• Interact on a professional level with faculty, staff, and administrators of the college.
Research Assistant, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Study of of L-PBF Model Variables on Melt Pool Formation May 2022 - August 2022
• Modeled the L–PBF process studying the effects of adjusting material properties and processing
parameters on the single track quality through a Research for Undergraduate (REU) experience.
• Engineered 200+ models within the numerical modeling software, Flow-3D, to be run on
Texas A&M’s HPRC.
• Analyzed data using ANOVA techniques within Python to determine signicance of the
varied parameters.
Learning Assistant, Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Introduction to Engineering Jan 2022 - May 2022
• Oversaw CAD (SOLIDWORKS), Leonardo da Vinci's bridge, 3D printing multiple parts,
application of Glowforge laser for cutting, working with soldering iron, bending test modeling,
and a projectile contest.
• Consulted with students individually to resolve uncertainty regarding the concepts.
Independent Researcher, Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Processing for Physics Visualization and Education Expanded Sep 2021 - May 2022
• Developed animations representing the strong nuclear force between fundamental particles
using the Unity Engine.
• Rened animations and expanded upon cornerstone concepts, allowing for greater detail
and scale to be explored.
• Presented this information in a poster presentation at a American Physical Society (APS)
Meeting (April 2022).
Summer Researcher, Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Processing for Physics Visualization and Education June 2021 - July 2021
• Cultivated animations and simulations to assist student understanding of key physics concepts
and courses.
• Developed animations of projectile motion launcher, nuclear fusion and neutrino oscillation
simulations.
• Utilized P5js, an extension of the processing language, built on JavaScript.
Skills
Print your resume. How does it look? Save as a pdf.
Have your resume critiqued and edited by several people —
Career Counselors, PCAs, faculty, family, supervisors, etc.
If searching for
positions near home,
use your home address
Showing work while a
student demonstrates
commitment and time
management skills
Independent
research, senior
thesis work, etc.,
should be included
on a resume or CV
List skills specifically
asked for in the
position description
first
ATHLETE SAMPLE
Including relevant
coursework is very
worthwhile to include
on your resume and
can be easily tailored to
the job description
Be certain to keep your
verb tense correct.
If presently doing the
job, use present tense
such as identify. If
activity has concluded,
use past tense such
as designed.
Computing Languages
• CAD (SOLIDWORKS)
• Python
• Javascript
• C#
• Matlab/Simulink
Machining/Electronic Skills
• Milling (Othermill Pro)
• 3D Printing (Lulzbot)
• Laser Cutter (Glowforge)
• Soldering
• Manual Lathe
Lab Experiences
• Data Analysis
• X-ray Optics
• LabVIEW
• Experimental spectroscopy
• Model validation
If you are active on
LinkedIn inculde a
customized URL link
to your profile
If you have been
accepted into a
graduate program,
you can include
it on your resume
in reverse
chronological order
For science majors,
the skills section is
crucial. It may go
higher up on the
resume if there is
little or no relevant
experience.
If you have
presented, published
or submitted article
for publication, this
should be included
on your resume
or CV
Include in bullets any
specific technology
platforms used
Write competency-
based bullets to
describe how your
athletic involvement
provided you career
readiness skills
Use acranonyms
that are easily
understood by
anyone. Otherwise
spell out and put
the acranonym in
parenetheses
36
Hailey E. Hines
40 East Main St., New York, NY 12184
(518) 000-9876
He10hines@siena.edu
linkedin.com/proles/haileyehines
Education:
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Expected May 2022
Bachelor of Science Accounting – Overall GPA: 4.0; Accounting GPA: 4.0 May 2021
President’s List - all semesters; Pre-Law Certicate; Honors Program/Thesis
Presidential Scholar; Guy & Dorothea Alonge Scholar; Becker Professional Education Scholar;
Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship for Excellence; Accounting Major Award; International
Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship
Revelvant Experience:
PwC Core Assurance Intern, URCIP Market Team, Albany, NY Spring 2021
• Audited cash accounts and performed cash controls testing for a publicly-held company
• Performed revenue testing on approximately 500 samples for a publicly-held company
• Consolidated nancial statement tie outs and wrote weekly reports for manager
• Became familiar with AICPA and PCAOB authoritative literature
UHY LLP Audit & Assurance Intern, Albany, NY January-April 2020
• Compiled nancial statements and disclosures from 50 clients
• Prepared federal and state tax returns for partnerships and non-prot organizations
• Participated in UHY Connect Summer Leadership program
AICPA 2014 Student Competition, Loudonville, NY Fall 2020
• Worked with a team to integrate classroom knowledge with real-world analysis to
develop a personal nance plan
• Active student member of AICPA
Becker Professional Education Ambassador, Loudonville, NY September 2019-May 2020
• Served as a resource on the CPA exam and review options for student body
• Interacted closely with accounting professors and professionals
Additional Experience:
Manager, The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop, Valatie, NY November 2019-present
• Unpack purchase orders and perform three-way match
• Deal with cash, accounts payable, and inventory accounts on a daily basis
• Hone empathy and emotional intelligence skills through years of customer service
Leadership, Awards, and Activities:
Student Ambassador, School of Business Center for Undergraduate September 2020-May 2021
Research and Creative Activity
Member, 21st Century Leaders Society May 2018-present
Member, Delta Epsilon Sigma Honorary Society May 2018-May 2021
Member, Phi Alpha Delta Honorary Society May 2019-May 2021
Vice President of Service, Beta Gamma Sigma September 2019-May 2020
Coordinator, Homeless Dinner Fundraise December 2019
Steven Noble
stephlonn@yahoo.com 444-555-6666
21 Lorraine Ave.
Amityville, NY 11701
github.com/StephLonnstrom
linkedin.com/proles/slonnstrom
EDUCATION
SIENA COLLEGE Loudonville, NY
Bachelor of Science in Computers Science May 2022
Computer Science GPA 3.65; Overall GPA 3.39
Achievements:
Presidential Scholar: 2018
Residence Hall Association Member of the Year: 2018-2019
Dean’s List: Fall 2020, Spring 2021
RELEVANT SKILLS
Prociency: Agile Scrum, Java, JavaScript (Angular), SQL (Oracle, PostgreSQL),
REST APIs, Git, HTML/CSS
Familiar with: C, Visual Basic, User Experience (UX Design), Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Secure Coding
Operating Systems: Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows 7, 10, Google Android, Linux
Software usage: Slack, Discord
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Help Desk Assistant, Information Technology Services, Siena College January 2020-present
o Exceeded expectations by achieving 91% success rate in repairs
o Completed on average 15 support sessions per day with high student satisfaction
o Resolved complex student technical issues with efciency
Web Development Intern, SKS Bottle and Packing Inc., Watervliet, NY January-May 2021
o Coded modications using HTML, XSL, JSON, and JavaScript to meet
business needs.
o Implemented an enterprise architecture application, Amazon Web Services,
for storage and visualization of business processes.
Tutor, Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY Summer 2020
o Created and taught lessons in Lego Robotics, Scratch, easy C programming for high school campers
o Educated and worked with K-12 teachers to understand new classroom technology
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Scrum Master, School of Science Augmented Reality Virtual Tour Guide Project, Siena College September 2021-
o Used Agile methods and processes to coach the team through complex May 2022
problem-solving and solution strategies
o Identied and resolved 10 complex impediments and assisted the team in
identifying a path to deliver on our sprint commitments
o Guided Agile principles and facilitation skills to ensure the team was working
in an Agile mindset and utilizing Scrum practices
o Spearheaded 50+ Agile Ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily standups
and retrospectives
CAMPUS and COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Member, Association for Computing Machinery-Women (ACM-W) Sept. 2019-present
Team Development Chair, Relay for Life Sept. 2020-present
Student Orientation Leader, Siena College SAINTS August 2021
Student Ambassador, Siena College Ofce of Admissions Sept. 2019-May 2022
Remember your resume is a living document.
Update it regularly! Save your resume as “Hailey Hines Resume” so the person
receiving it knows what type of document it is and whose it is.
If degrees are from
the same school can
list in this manner.
If from different
schools, you’ll need
to list the school and
degrees separately
Be sure to include links
to public portfolios
if you want potential
employers to see your
work
Including major GPA is
good idea especially if
cumulative is lower
Make sure to include
any technical skills and
proficiency level, and
list them in order based
on job description
Significant course
projects or research
papers are important
to include on your
resume
It is unnecessary to have bullets
for activities; however, within a
section it must be consistent if
bullets are used or not
These
types of
activities are
considered
“relevant
experience”,
so include
them here
to get
noticed
Review
verb tenses
closely! If
currently
doing the job
use present
tense, for
positions that
are finished
be sure verbs
are in past
tense
Quantifying
in a bullet
is excellent,
so include
numbers
whenever
you can
Instead of a
laundry list,
could choose
a few and
provide more
detail. This is
up to you as
there is no
perfect script
for a resume
MASTER STUDENT SAMPLE
Always include
knowledge of specific
programs or software
used
Resumes
37
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR E-PORTFOLIO
An e-portfolio is a great way to showcase all of your accomplishments, but sometimes starting one
can be daunting. Here are some ideas of what to include to visualize YOUR story!
• About Me page
Remember to include pictures
or video.
• Resume
Upload as a document.
• Your Self-Assessment(s)
MBTI and CareerExplorer printouts
that describe who you are.
• A Personal Statement
What are your values and beliefs on
your field? Out of all of the thou-
sands of colleges in the world…why
did you choose Siena?
• Your Coursework
Add supporting papers/projects and
reflect on what you learned from the
course.
• Internship Experiences
Include any supporting artifacts
you can! Even if it’s just the
company’s website. *Remember to
ask permission before posting any
work projects.
• Academic Research
Include your abstract and be sure to
include recognition of any additional
authors.
• List of Volunteer Positions/
Community Service
Are there any photos? Was there a
flyer for an event you participated in?
Are there videos on YouTube or from
a local news channel? Include them!
Reflect on how this impacted you.
• List of Professional Organizations
A society for a professional or
specialized field? Honor society?
Upload a copy of membership certifi-
cate. Be sure to also talk about what
you get out of that organization.
• List of Clubs/Campus Organizations
you are in
Are you an officer? Highlight that!
Have any fliers or videos from events
or fundraising efforts? Show them!
• Presentations
You can embed Google Slides, or
PowerPoint. Was it recorded?
Embed it!
• Publications
Do you write for a blog? Has your
research been published? Do
you write for the newspaper/The
Promethean? Include links!
• Professional Conferences Attended
Most conferences have websites
dedicated to them or have social
media campaigns to showcase
p hotos from the event. Did you
present? Even better! Include a copy
of the schedule!
• Lists of Committees
Type of work you have contributed to
them, document.
• List of Awards
Dean’s List, Presidents List,
Scholarships, Intern of the Quarter,
Top Sales, Employee of the Month,
etc. Upload documents to support.
• Work Experience
Pictures of you at work or of your
work, documents produced, fliers
designed, slide decks created, etc.
Remember: everything counts! You
hone your skills during ALL jobs,
related to your major or not.
Documentation can be PDFs,
GoogleDocs, GoogleSheets, photos,
video files, audio files, YouTube
links, links to external websites,
GITHUB, LinkedIn, etc!
E-PORTFOLIOS
Visualize your
story! Through an
e-portfolio you can be
creative and showcase
your achievements
and competencies
through artifacts such
as videos, pictures,
documents, etc.
Carr Tip
WHAT IS AN E-PORTFOLIO
An e-portfolio is a digital tool to enable you to visualize your
story. Think of an e-portfolio as your own personal (and
free!) website to showcase you and your competencies. There
are many applications for e-portfolios i ncluding using it as a
personal repository to visualize your story and to document your
a chievements to help you prepare for interviews. Additionally, it
can be used as a portfolio you share with others such as profes-
sors to assist them in providing your recommendations. Finally,
an e-portfolio can be public and used as a marketing tool to
share with potential employers or admissions panels.
An e-portfolio is dynamic, you are able to share a close-up view
of your work by providing artifacts. In an e-portfolio you can
embed videos, photos, spreadsheets, documents and more.
RESUME VS. E-PORTFOLIO
• A resume is a one-page snapshot
and is limited to what you can list.
An e-portfolio allows you to reect and
document all your experiences due to its limitless capacity.
• A resume is black and white and cannot oer much person-
alization. An e-portfolio can be personalized and include
pictures and videos.
• A resume only allows for a one line
entry. An e-portfolio allows you to
expand on any experience.
• A resume is not unique, everyone has
one. An e-portfolio is more unique,
enabling you to stand out.
Siena.digication.
com: Digication is
one platform, but
you can use any
website or platform
you prefer to show-
case your work.
E-portfolios
38
After years of research the National Association of Colleges and
Employers (NACE) oered a denition of career readiness for
college students.
In addition, NACE surveyed employers to develop a list of
competencies that employers seek when hiring interns or new
college graduates into full time positions. These competencies
were then further dened by NACE and include: critical think-
ing, communication, teamwork, leadership, technology, career
& self development, professionalism and equity & inclusion.
Most recently, NACE compiled a list of sample behaviors for
each competency. See the following pages to further under-
stand your competency development.
With this knowledge, The MacDonnell Career and Internship
Center has incorporated the Career Readiness Competencies
into all of our work with students. Since you know these are the
skills employers seek, you need to demonstrate and articulate
your prociency in these competencies through your resume,
cover letters and interviews.
As a student, you are continually developing your abilities in
each of these competencies through your coursework,
internships, research experiences, work, activities and life
experiences. Be condent in your ability and be sure to
articulate your competencies when interacting with employers.
Think about the many ways you have developed each com-
petency. Use your e-portfolio or other means to journal and
reect. This will help you be prepared for interviews.
Complete the activity on page 41.
Employer Impressions
One important thing
to note is that what
employers rate as im-
portant vs. prociency
level of entry level
workers diers greatly
in several of the most
important competencies
(see chart). Meaning,
employers seek all eight
competencies in newly
hired employees, but
believe students' pro-
ciency is lacking. To get
a job or internship, you
need to demonstrate
your prociency in
these competencies to
potential employers.
CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
DATA BITES
98.5%
of employers rate critical thinking as
very/ extremely important in candidates
55.8%
of employers rate students as very/
extremely proficient in critical thinking
NACE Job Outlook 2022
__________
46.9%
of employers rated students as
proficient in communication whereas
79.7%
of students rated themselves as
proficient in communication
Employers rate students as “very
proficient” in only one competency —
TECHNOLOGY
NACE Student Survery 2023
WHAT IS CAREER READINESS?
Career readiness is a foundation from which to
demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly
prepare the college educated for success in the workplace
and lifelong career management.
@ 2021 National Association of Colleges and Employers
Choose your top 2-3
competencies and
prove your abilities by
providing examples
and stories
Carr Tip
EIGHT CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Career & Self
Development
Technology
Communication
Leadership
Professionalism
Equity & Inclusion
Reprinted with permission of the National Association of
Colleges and Employers (NACE).
NACE Job Outlook 2024
Readiness
39
Readiness
CAREER & SELF DEVELOPMENT
• Show an awareness of own strengths and areas for
development.
• Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and
applying feedback.
• Develop plans and goals for one’s future career.
• Professionally advocate for oneself and others.
• Display curiosity; seek out opportunities to learn.
• Assume duties or positions that will help one progress professionally.
• Establish, maintain, and/or leverage relationships with people
who can help one professionally.
• Seek and embrace development opportunities.
• Voluntarily participate in further education, training, or other events to
support one’s career.
COMMUNICATION
• Understand the importance of and demonstrate
verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language,
abilities.
• Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can
effectively understand.
• Frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles,
varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences.
• Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors,
specialists, and others.
• Promptly inform relevant others when needing guidance with assigned
tasks.
CRITICAL THINKING
• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive
reasoning and judgment.
• Gather and analyze information from a diverse set of sources
and individuals to fully understand a problem.
• Proactively anticipate needs and prioritize action steps.
• Accurately summarize and interpret data with an awareness of
personal biases that may impact outcomes.
• Effectively communicate actions and rationale, recognizing the diverse
perspectives and lived experiences of stakeholders.
• Multi-task well in a fast-paced environment.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
• Solicit and use feedback from multiple cultural
perspectives to make inclusive and equity-minded
decisions.
• Actively contribute to inclusive and equitable practices that influence
individual and systemic change.
• Advocate for inclusion, equitable practices, justice, and empowerment
for historically marginalized communities.
• Seek global cross-cultural interactions and experiences that enhance
one’s understanding of people from different demographic groups and
that leads to personal growth.
• Keep an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.
• Identify resources and eliminate barriers resulting from individual and
systemic racism, inequities, and biases.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting to diverse environments.
• Address systems of privilege that limit opportunities for members of
historically marginalized communities.
LEADERSHIP
• Inspire, persuade, and
motivate self and others
under a shared vision.
• Seek out and leverage diverse resources and feedback from
others to inform direction.
• Use innovative thinking to go beyond traditional
methods.
• Serve as a role model to others by approaching tasks with c onfidence
and a positive attitude.
• Motivate and inspire others by encouraging them and by building
mutual trust.
• Plan, initiate, manage, complete and evaluate projects.
PROFESSIONALISM
• Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self,
others, and the organization.
• Maintain a positive personal brand in alignment with
organization and personal career values.
• Be present and prepared.
• Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work or
meetings).
• Prioritize and complete tasks to accomplish organizational goals.
• Consistently meet or exceed goals and expectations.
• Have an attention to detail, resulting in few if any errors in work.
• Show a high level of dedication toward doing a good job.
TEAMWORK
• Listen carefully to others, taking time to understand
and ask appropriate questions without interrupting.
• Effectively manage conflict, interact with and respect
diverse personalities, and meet ambiguity with resilience.
• Be accountable for individual and team responsibilities and
deliverables.
• Employ personal strengths, knowledge, and talents to complement
those of others.
• Exercise the ability to compromise and be agile.
• Collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
• Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisor and team
members/coworkers.
TECHNOLOGY
• Navigate change and be open to learning new
technologies.
• Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity
of work.
• Identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks.
• Manage technology to integrate information to support relevant,
effective, and timely decision-making.
• Quickly adapt to new or unfamiliar technologies.
• Manipulate information, construct ideas, and use technology to
achieve strategic goals.
SAMPLE BEHAVIORS
In addition to the definitions (see page 40), NACE also compiled relevant sample behaviors
for each of the eight Career Readiness Competencies. These are listed here.
Prove your career readiness to employers by
acknowledging your proficiency with the competencies
on your resume, cover letters and during interviews.
Use these sample behaviors
to understand and articu-
late your use of the com-
petency or to think about
how you could improve in
this competency.
Carr Tip
40
CAREER AND INTERNSHIP
CENTER
CRITICAL
THINKING
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
TEAMWORK
CAREER & SELF-
DEVELOPMENT
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
LEADERSHIP
PROFESSIONALISM
CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
BE
CAREER
READY!
CAREER & SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Proactively develop oneself and one’s
career through continual personal
and professional learning, awareness
of one’s strengths and weaknesses,
navigation of career opportunities, and
networking to build relationships within
and without one’s organization.
COMMUNICATION
Clearly and effectively exchange
information, ideas, facts, and
perspectives with persons inside
and outside of an organization.
CRITICAL THINKING
Identify and respond to needs
based upon an understanding
of situational context and logical
analysis of relevant information.
TECHNOLOGY
Understand and leverage technologies
ethically to enhance efficiencies,
complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
PROFESSIONALISM
Knowing work environments differ
greatly, understand and demonstrate
effective work habits, and act in the
interest of the larger community and
workplace.
TEAMWORK
Build and maintain collaborative
relationships to work effectively toward
common goals, while appreciating
diverse viewpoints and shared
responsibilities.
LEADERSHIP
Recognize and capitalize on personal
and team strengths to achieve
organizational goals.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude,
knowledge, and skills required to
equitably engage and include people
from different local and global cultures.
Engage in anti-oppressive practices
that actively challenge the systems,
structures, and policies of racism and
inequity.
*
Readiness
* @2021 National Association of Colleges and Employers
41
CRITICAL THINKING ________
CAREER READINESS COMPETENCY ACTIVITY:
DIRECTIONS: (1) Think about your proficiency with each of the competencies. Rank them, 1 to 8, with 1 being your strongest and 8 being your weakest. Record
the ranking on the line beside the competency name. (2) List at least one (more is great) specific example(s) of an experience in which you utilized each of
the competencies. Draw from academics, activities, work/internship experiences, volunteer work, or other life experiences to demonstrate your competency
proficiency. (3) Brainstorm and list plans to improve/increase your proficiency with each competency.
COMMUNICATION ________
TEAMWORK ________
TECHNOLOGY ________
LEADERSHIP ________
PROFESSIONALISM ________
CAREER & SELF DEVELOPMENT ________
EQUITY & INCLUSION ________
Readiness
42
• Edit - Always take the time to proofread, spell check and
grammar check your messages before sending.
• Text - Do not use slang terms, emoticons, text-talk
abbreviations, overly stylized fonts, graphics or multi-colored
fonts or backgrounds.
REFERENCES PAGE
Providing potential employers with
a list of professional references will
be necessary in the hiring process.
Do not state “references available
upon request” or list references
on your resume, but rather have
a separate document listing your
references. You should bring printed copies
of this list to an interview.
• ASK PERMISSION from possible references prior to listing or
sharing their information.
• Never list family members or friends as references!
• Choose people who know you and can comment positively on
your professional skills. Ask professors, supervisors/bosses,
club advisors, etc. to serve as your references. Ideally your ref-
erences should provide a mix of professors and supervisors.
• After gaining permission, ask your
references what contact information
they want noted.
• Your reference list should be on a
single sheet of paper. Copy the header
from your resume so it looks the same
and gives a professional appearance.
• Include three or four references.
• Include on the list: reference’s name, title, company, address,
email and at least one phone number. If it’s not obvious how
you know the person you can include a short phrase.
• Always let references know when you have provided their
information to a company. Don’t let them be caught o guard.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
Many employers use applications as a way of standardizing the
information they obtain from all job candidates. Some employers
will use the application as a screening tool without looking at a
resume or cover letter.
• Complete the online application thoroughly and completely.
• Follow all directions carefully, especially regarding uploading
cover letter, resume and other required documents.
• Never put, “see resume;” complete each answer.
• Proofread thoroughly before hitting submit.
EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE
Email correspondence when searching for a job or internship is
critical. Any time you communicate with a potential employer or
a network connection you MUST be professional. Make certain
to read, reread and edit your email correspondence thoroughly.
General Email Guidelines
• Subject - Make certain to always use an appropriate, specic
subject for your email. The subject needs to stand out, be
personal enough to not go into someone’s spam folder and
tell the recipient a bit of the purpose for the email.
• Salutation - Start an email with a salutation such as: Dear
Mr/Ms/Dr Last name or Dear First and Last Name. Do not just
jump right in to your message.
PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
SAMPLE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW REQUEST EMAIL
Subject: Siena Student Seeking Career Advice
Hello Ms. Smith:
My name is Jane Doe, and I'm a senior at Siena College majoring
in Economics. I found you on LinkedIn, and as a Siena economics
alumnae I would like to ask for your assistance.
I am beginning my job search, and I'm hoping to conduct
informational interviews with professionals in the field of
economics. My goal in meeting with you would be to gain your
perspectives about the field, and perhaps gain referrals to
others in your network to learn more.
If you would meet with me for 20-30
minutes, I would be most appreciative.
Please let me know of your availability.
We can do this in person or via Zoom.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Jane Doe
For more on
informational
interviews see
page 48.
SAMPLE NETWORKING REQUEST EMAIL
Subject: Seeking Career Advice
Dear Pat Friar:
My aunt, Sue Smith, referred me to you. I am a junior at Siena
College majoring in English. At this time, I am exploring career
options, and I am considering publishing as a possibility. Being
that you have worked in publishing for Random House, I was
hopeful to learn more about the field. Could you please answer
these questions?
1. How did you get into publishing?
2. What advice do you have for an aspiring publisher?
3. What do you like and dislike about your career?
I very much appreciate your time and insights.
Respectfully,
Joe E. Siena
See sample
reference list
on page 44.
Never include
references or
“references available
upon request” on
your resume!
Carr Tip
Letters
43
Letters
THANK YOU NOTES
It is proper etiquette to send
thank you notes anytime you
meet with someone regarding
career opportunities. Certainly
after an interview it is neces-
sary, but it also looks great if
sent after talking with someone at a career fair,
networking event, an informational interview, a job shadow or
company visit. A thank you note can set you apart, and it gives
you another opportunity to remind the interviewer who you are
and why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Emailing a Note:
• Send the email a few hours to one day after interview/meeting
• Subject of email should be: Thank you from <Name>
Mailing a Note:
• Use professional stationary, a simple thank you note card
• Write neatly and legibly, a handwritten note is more personal
• Mail ASAP
Key Points to Writing Thank You Notes
• Thank you notes should be a pproximately two paragraphs
long.
• Notes should be sent individually to everyone with whom you
spoke at an interview and personalized to each individual.
• Be professional, not too casual.
• Refer to specic points discussed
during the interview to help the
interviewer remember you.
• Re-emphasize your qualications.
• Express your continued interest.
• The body of the thank you note is the
same regardless of email or hard copy.
COVER LETTERS
A cover letter is a full letter that
accompanies a resume.
General Cover Letter Guidelines
• The purpose of a cover letter
is to demonstrate your t for
a particular position and expand
upon your resume.
• It is an opportunity to highlight your competencies and
demonstrate how you meet the employer’s needs based on
the job description.
• Be sure to demonstrate your interest in that particular eld
and company.
• It should be concise, well-written and tailored to the
individual position and company.
• Do some research on the company. The letter NEEDS to be
customized for each position and company.
• For consistency’s sake copy your name and contact
information from your resume and paste at the top of your
cover letter.
• Save your cover letter as “Your Name
Cover Letter.”
• It is extremely important your cover
letter is well written. Proofread it
several times. Bring it to The MacDon-
nell Career and Internship Center for a
critique.
Green and gold thank you note cards are available to
students FREE. Stop in to TMCIC to pick yours up today!
For a sample
cover letters see
page 46.
Think of a cover letter as
an essay. It should be
4 paragraphs with an
introduction, thesis
sentence, supporting para-
graphs and a conclusion.
Carr Tip
COVER LETTER OUTLINE
Use formal business letter format. At the top of the page
include your name and contact information from your
resume. Then a date, inside address and salutation
(Dear _____:).
Paragraph 1 — Intro/Why are you writing?
State the position to which you are applying, any per-
sonal references, what you like about the position and/
or company. End with a thesis statement about what
skills you bring.
Paragraph 2 — Demonstration of skills
Outline one competency/skill you bring, an example of
how this skill was used or developed in the past, and
how that skill will help you in the said position.
Paragraph 3 — Demonstration of skills
Outline an additional competency/skill, an example of
how this skill was used or developed in the past, and
how that skill will help you in the said position.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion/Ask
Conclude with statements about why you want to work
for that company, a thank you and an ask or mention of
an interview.
At the bottom of your letter, include a closing such as
Sincerely, two blank lines and printed name.
Employers tell us when
candidates are close a
thank you note often is
the additional positive
behavior that gets that
candidate hired.
Carr Tip
For a sample
thank you note
see page 44.
44
Daniel J. Sarazen
Schenectady, NY
djsarazen15@siena.edu (518) 123-4567
Professional References
Dr. Laurie Naranch
Associate Professor of Political Science
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
lnaranch@siena.edu
Ofce: 518-783-1234
Dr. Gary Thompson
Library Director
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Thompson@siena.edu
Mobile: 518-783-4321
Dr. Don P. Levy
Director
Siena Research Institute, Loudonville, NY
dlevy@siena.edu
Work: 518-782-6789
Ms. Anna Maria Wilkinson
Manager
La Bottega Restaurant, Howard Beach, NY
(Formerly Manager at Chili’s)
amwilkinson@gmail.com
Mobile: 440-555-7782 or Work: 516-555-1900
Bring a few hard copies of your reference list to job interviews.
REFERENCES SAMPLE
A brief explanation
of how you know the
person if not evident
is acceptable, but it
doesn’t need to be
included on each entry
Include a full name,
title, business/organi-
zation and appropriate
contact information for
each reference
Jane E. Siena
2514 Homebound Lane
Johnstown, NY 12095
sample@siena.edu ~ 518-678-4325
April 6, 2023
Ms. Amanda Paulson
Human Resources Director
Hilton Garden Inn
100 State St.
Albany, NY 12222
Dear Ms. Paulson:
Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday for the Event Management
Intern position. It was a pleasure talking with you about our mutual interest in watching
documentary movies. After learning about Hilton Garden Inn’s events and sales department,
I am condent my marketing research skills will enable me to effectively design a marketing
campaign for you.
After our discussion, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to help Hilton Garden Inn
achieve its goal of hosting 30 events in July-August. My ability to anticipate problems will
enable me to thoroughly check the venue prior to an event’s opening to ensure all matters
such as technology, lighting, catering, etc. are perfect.
Again, Ms. Paulson, I appreciate your time. Please let me know if I can provide you with any
additional information to support my candidacy. You indicated a decision would be made by
the middle of next week, and I look forward to hearing from you then.
Sincerely,
Jane E. Siena
Use the same
header as your resume
(name and contact
information) for a
unified look to all of
your documents
Use a business letter
format if sending a
typed thank you note;
not necessary for email
or hand written notes
Cite a specific skill
discussed during the
interview.
Good to remind
them of a time-
line if one was
discussed in the
interview
Include something
to help the reader
remember you
This same text can be sent as an email. If mailing a business letter, it should be formatted as above
and printed on resume paper. If hand-writing, use a professional thank you note card and write neatly.
Being that this is a professional
letter, in the greeting use the
persons’ title and last name
and a colon (:)
THANK YOU NOTE SAMPLE
Be sure to politely ask
references for permission
to use them as a reference.
Find out their preferred
communication methods
and list accordingly on the
reference sheet.
Carr Tip
Use the same header
as your resume
Ask your references
what contact
information they would
prefer you include
Letters
45
Letters
1. Watch the length. A well written, concise letter
demonstrates your strong communication skills. It
should be about ¾ of a page in length.
2. State the position and company. Clearly identify the
job title/position and what company to which you are
applying in the first paragraph of the letter.
3. Address the letter to someone. “To Whom It May
Concern” is not a person. Find the name of someone
at the company. Anyone’s name is better than no
name!
4. Explain why you want the job. State why you are
excited about this position and how it fits your
career goals. Showing your enthusiasm will make
you stand out.
5. Expand upon your resume. Don’t reiterate your
resume. Rather, provide specific examples and give
details r egarding the skills you gained.
6. Keep the tone and content professional. You can tell
a story, but keep it professional. Don’t whine, beg,
brag or be sarcastic.
7. Be convincing and confident. State your skills and
what you bring in a confident tone. Don’t preface
statements with “I think”, “I feel” or “I believe".
8. Describe ways you will contribute. Clearly identify
two of your strongest, most relevant competencies.
Then relate them to the job description, showing how
you will be an outstanding team member.
9. Do your research about the company. Every cover
letter should be different. State what you know and
like about the company.
10. PROOFREAD and EDIT. Mistakes on your cover letter
will quickly get your application tossed aside.
10 TIPS FOR COVER LETTER WRITING
Cover Letter Content
• Set it up as a business letter including your contact
information and date.
• Followed by the inside address. This includes the name of the
person, company name and mailing address
• Include a salutation. A salutation is a line that says Dear
<NAME>: This line in the cover letter should end with a co-
lon (:) NOT a comma (,).
• The rst paragraph should clearly state why you are writing.
Indicate the position title and organization name if apply-
ing to a specic position. If you were referred by someone,
include that person’s full name.
• Like any essay, a thesis sentence stating what skills you bring
to the position will provide cohesion to the letter.
COVER LETTER BRAINSTORMING WORKSHEET
What are the employers
top needs?
Example: Bachelor Degree,
Writing Skills, Experience
Top Skills Employer is
Seeking
Example: Strong written
communication skill and
teamwork
What’s interesting about
this company?
Example: Green company,
Not-for-Profit
Employer mission
statement
How do I meet those needs?
Example: Internship at Capital
Roots, Psychology Club Secretary,
Environmental Studies Major
Examples/Demonstration
of Your Skill
Example: Wrote and edited monthly
newsletters for Psychology Club;
teamwork developed on Habitat for
Humanity service trip when 10 of us
worked together to build a house
What’s interesting about
me?
Example: Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer, Schoharie Trail Volunteer
Why am I a good fit?
Example: Care for environment,
strong writing skills, teamwork
developed on habitat trip
The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center can
help you with your cover letter. Come to PCA Drop-ins or
schedule an appointment.
• Be sure to get beyond generalities.
The second and third paragraphs
are to support your thesis. Don’t
list experiences and job duties;
instead focus on your skills/
competencies. Give examples
that demonstrate your skill
from your experiences. Be
specic and prove you have the skill
by providing examples/evidence. DO NOT BE GENERIC!
• Also include how this skill relates to the desired position.
• The nal paragraph you should detail why you are interested
in working for that company. Again, be specic! Also, thank
the reader, ask for an interview and mention what follow up
you will do.
Focus on your strongest
competencies in your
cover letter since we
know these competen-
cies are what employers
seek in candidates.
Carr Tip
Use AI to help you target your cover letter to the job
description. See page 28 for details on using AI.
46
Freshman Snyder
fsynder@siena.edu (518) 555-5050
25 January 2024
Mr. James H. Calechman
Director, Community Living
Siena College
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, NY 12054
Dear Mr. Calechman:
I am eagerly applying to be a Community Assistant (CA) at Siena College for the 2024-2025 year. Currently, I
am a freshman pursuing a political communications major with an international relations minor. The Ofce of
Community Living has captured my attention as a welcoming and collaborative environment, and I am eager
to contribute to its mission. I am drawn to the role of CA because it aligns with my passion for supporting
peers and fostering a warm, comfortable atmosphere on campus. Besides wanting to help my peers, my com-
munication, interpersonal, and organizational skills will enable me to work well as a CA.
My experience working at an assisted living center has honed my exceptional communication skills, enabling
me to understand and address an individual’s needs effectively. Interacting with elderly residents requires a
high level of empathy and clear communication, skills that I have developed and are transferable to the CA
role at Siena College. I take pride in fostering positive connections, and the satisfaction I derive from assisting
residents in their well-being motivates me to bring the same dedication to creating a supportive environment
at Siena.
As a highly organized individual, my internship at the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany served
as a testament to my prociency in managing tasks effectively. Running the gift shop required attention to
detail, where I successfully handled inventory and merchandise tracking. My role also extended to leadership
responsibilities, where I took charge of organizing and leading tours. This experience not only rened my or-
ganizational skills, but also showcased my ability to condently guide and engage diverse groups of individu-
als. I am condent that my organizational abilities will not only contribute to maintaining a well-functioning
community but also demonstrate my commitment to excellence as a CA at Siena.
I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to pursue becoming a CA. I look forward to further discussing
this position with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Freshman Snyder
Jane E. Siena
2514 Homebound Lane
Johnstown, NY 12095
sample@siena.edu ~ 518-678-4325
30 November 2023
Ms. Leslie Foster
Business Development Manager
Siena College Research Institute
Dear Ms. Foster:
I am eagerly applying to be a marketing intern at the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI)
for Spring 2023. I wish to become a marketing intern for the SCRI because I am very interested in
the work the SCRI does in regard to public opinion research including client work. I am intrigued
to learn more about data and how data can be used to tell a story. My communication and
collaboration skills along with my technology skills and marketing background that I have
developed in my previous internships will enable me to be a successful intern at the SCRI.
My communication and collaboration skills are being utilized through my current internship with
the Siena College Creative Arts Department. My main job is to work with directors to create
posters and programs for the creative arts department that best suit each show. This requires
constant email communication to formulate ideas, revise drafts, and create nal products.
Additionally, as a member of the Siena College Women’s Water Polo team, I have furthered
these communication and collaboration skills. Other players seek me out for guidance and I
happily offer suggestions on how to improve both their water polo skills and the student-athlete
life. The ability to communicate and collaborate will help me at SCRI when participating in
creating materials for internal and external communications.
Furthermore, in your job listing you indicated that one of the responsibilities would be to create
Powerpoint presentations, Instagram posts, and iers using SCRI data. In my previous
experiences I have used Canva as well as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to create
marketing materials. For instance, during my work with the study abroad Instagram takeovers, I
communicated with students abroad to gather pictures and stories. Then I would use the
content they provided me to create engaging Instagram posts and iers using Canva. These
skills will be highly benecial when working on projects for the SCRI.
I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to pursue becoming a marketing intern for the
Siena College Research Institute. I look forward to further discussing this position with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane E. Siena
Make certain to list
correctly the specific
position and company
A cover letter should be less than one page. You want to make
certain it is read and a letter too long will not get read!
Always try to find an
individual’s name and
title to address it to
Include SPECIFIC examples of your
skill development
Illustrate how past experiences/skills
are relevant to the position
Use the same font,
size, spacing and
graphics as your
resume
COVER LETTER SAMPLES
Use the same header as
your resume (name and
contact information) for
a unified look to all of
your documents
The final paragraph should mention
what you hope to gain, a polite ask
for an interview and should always
include a thank you
Be sure to re-read, proofread and edit your cover letter. Schedule an
appointment with a Career Counselor to critique your cover letter.
List a skill you offer and how you developed it
List the skills or competencies as the job
description lists them
State what position you are
applying for and why you want
the job
Always include the date
Formal writing uses a colon (:)
not a comma
A thesis statement outlining the skills you
have and how they relate to the role makes
the whole letter/essay come together
No contact name provided?
Call the business and ask
for a contact person’s
name. Explain you want to
address a cover letter to
the correct person.
Carr Tip
Letters
Be sure to state how the skill relates to the
position for which you are applying Use a closing such as Sincerely,
Respectfully, Cordially
A specific thesis statement identifying
your skills is imperative
Use AI to help you
generate targeted
content, but be sure to
edit and personalize so
the cover letter sounds
like you.
Carr Tip
47
Networking can be intimidating,
but it doesn’t have to be. The goal
of networking is to get to know
people who can help you with
your career pursuits. It is not to
ask, “Do you have a job/internship
for me?” Rather, it is to seek information
and resources and oer information and assistance to others.
Getting Started
Establishing your Network
To get started, you want to establish
your “network.” These are people you
want to speak with regarding your ca-
reer. Start by thinking of who you know
and who your family, friends, profes-
sors, friends’ families, etc. know. If
you brainstorm, you can usually come up with someone in your
“network” who is or was in your career eld of interest.
Expanding your Network
Expand your network anytime you
have a chance, but specically by
doing the following:
• Attending Career Expo, career
fairs and networking events
• Getting involved in activities on
campus
• Visiting professors during oce
hours and talking about career opportunities
• Connecting with Siena Alumni using SaintsNetwork and
LinkedIn
• Networking with others on LinkedIn
• Reading posts, journals, blogs, newsletters to identify
industry professionals and follow or contact them
• Joining a professional organization
• Attending conferences or events
• Connecting with colleagues at any job or internship
Using Your Network
As you meet potential networking
partners, ask them pertinent questions
about a particular job, internship or
company. Ask how they can assist you
with your career exploration. Thank
them, and then ask what you can do for
them. Networking is a two way street!
Always ask for a business card and
give your own business card (ll out a
request form on TMCIC’s website), and
afterwards, note on it the date, where
you met the person and any
pertinent information. Follow
up after a conversation. Send
a thank you note. Also, send a
personalized invitation to
connect via LinkedIn.
ELEVATOR SPEECH/PROFESSIONAL
INTRODUCTION
An elevator speech is a short — a pproximately 30 seconds —
but impactful, professional introduction. Include in your in-
troduction your FULL name, some of your competencies/skills,
past relevant experience, your career interests and an ask. An
elevator speech should highlight your present (student status),
past (past work/internship experience) and future (what are
looking for?). Review the Sample Elevator Speech; adapt to your
own unique prole.
Practice your speech; you want it to ow. You can break it up to
allow the other person to introduce him/herself as well.
NETWORKING
Get your own business
cards. Visit TMCIC’s
website to request
your cards.
Carr Tip
Practice your elevator
speech! Record
yourself and review it
to hear how it sounds.
Carr Tip
For more
information about
career fairs see
page 54.
Networking is about building professional
relationships and is meant to be a give and take!
Networking is NOT about asking for a job.
SAMPLE ELEVATOR SPEECH
“Hello, my name is Jane Siena. I am a senior
English major at Siena College.
Through my coursework and recent internship,
I have developed excellent written communication
and teamwork skills. I have just completed
an internship with Siena’s Communication
Department where I worked with the profession-
als and two other interns to update several social
media sites daily.
I wish to use my outstanding writing skills in a
social media position with your company. Can
you please tell me about any open positions at
your company especially those in the marketing
department?”
PRESENTPASTFUTURE
Make sure all written and
oral communication with
your network is respect-
ful and professional. Seek
advice, not jobs, from
network contacts.
Carr Tip
Networking
ELEMENTS OF A GOOD HANDSHAKE
• Extend your right hand
• Dry palms
• Firm–not limp or tight–grasp
• Shake–3-4 times
• Range of motion–abdomen
48
INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEWS
An information interview, or
career conversation, is a meeting
between you and a professional
network contact. The purpose is
for you to learn about the profession or company.
This is not an interview to secure a position.
Informational Interview Questions to Ask
• Tell me about your career path. How did each position lead you
to the next position?
• How and why did you decide to pursue this career?
• What was your undergraduate major, and how did it help
prepare you?
• What other related careers/industries should I explore?
• What is the employment outlook in the eld? Is the eld
growing, shrinking, changing?
• What is the day-to-day work life like?
• What parts of your job do you nd the most and least
challenging?
• What do you nd the most and least rewarding about your
work?
• Are there seasons or times of the year that are more or less
stressful?
• Could you describe your responsibilities?
• What is the breakdown of time spent: on the computer, with
people, traveling, researching…?
• Why do people leave the eld/company?
• Who do you think are the most important people or companies
in this industry today?
• What is the average starting salary in this eld?
• How did you get your rst position and your current position?
• If you could start all over again, what would you do the same
and what would you do dierently?
• What qualications are sought in this eld?
• What educational background is necessary for entry level?
What about to advance? Is a master’s degree needed?
• What can I do to prepare to enter this eld? Are there classes
you would recommend?
• Please review my resume. How could it be improved to break
into this eld?
• Do you know of any internships or open positions with your
company/organization or do you know of opportunities
elsewhere?
• Do you know of any companies hiring right now?
• How would I learn about open positions? Are there specic
online websites used in this eld?
• What are professional organizations/journals in this eld?
• Based on the people you know in the eld, what personal
attributes are essential for success in this eld?
• How can a student/young alum nd summer jobs or
internships in your eld? Are there other means of gaining
experience I should try?
• Could you refer me to other professionals with whom I might
speak? I do not expect them to nd me a job.
• Is there a possibility I could do a job shadow with you?
MENTORING
Mentorship is a professional relationship in which one person
with more experience oers advice and guidance to another
person with less experience. These can be formal or informal
programs. It is very helpful as a young
professional to nd someone you
consider a mentor to help you navigate
your early career.
Siena is implementing a formal mentoring
program called Student to Alumni Men-
torship Program (StAMP). Sophomores
and juniors are encouraged to participate
in StAMP to be matched with a mentor.
Log into SaintsNetwork to learn more
about the mentoring program.
Ask for advice and guidance, not a job or internship
during an informational interview!
ALWAYS send thank you notes
to the professionals with whom
you networked or met for an
informational interview.
For more
on thank you
notes see
page 43.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
INTERVIEWING CHECKLIST
Call or email contact to schedule an informational
interview
Confirm a date and time
Confirm in-person and if so where or virtual provide a
Zoom link
Prepare a list of questions to ask
Bring your resume and note paper and pen
Attend the informational interview and be on time
Introduce yourself (using your full name)
Ask your questions
Offer to assist the contact
(remember networking is a
two way street)
Thank them for their time
Depart
Send a thank you note
For a sample
informational
interview
request email
see page 42.
Always introduce yourself
using your full name full name –both
first and last names – as
people can only make
familial connections when
they know your last name.
Carr Tip
Networking
49
LINKEDIN
LinkedIn is a PROFESSIONAL networking social media site. It is
a very useful site to learn about companies and careers, search
job and internship openings and—most importantly—to network
with other professionals. The most common mistake students
make is setting up a LinkedIn prole and then not using it.
Prole
When setting up your prole, do so completely.
• Use the same name you use on your resume
• Add a strong headline
• Develop a professional “About” section
• Use keywords throughout your prole
• Upload a professional photo
• Choose from stock or upload your own banner image
• Include your resume
• Post and respond to posts
• Join Groups, especially the Siena College Alumni and Siena
TMCIC groups.
• Put on the “Open to Work” picture surround if you’re actively
job searching
Connecting on LinkedIn
After setting up your prole thoroughly, be sure to use LinkedIn
for networking purposes. Connect with friends, family, supervi-
sors and coworkers, professors, Siena administrators, etc. Then
expand your network by using LinkedIn to nd professionals in
your career eld or companies of interest.
Connect with as many people as possible on LinkedIn. If you
don’t know the person, send a personalized message as a
stranger is more apt to respond if they know why you are
contacting him/her. Personalized messages are limited on a
monthly basis with the free version of LinkedIn; thus, use them
for unknown persons.
Siena Alumni on LinkedIn
Use LinkedIn to nd Siena alumni. LinkedIn makes it easy.
Search for Siena College’s page, then click on the alumni tab.
This will bring you to a LinkedIn
searchable database. You can use
the search feature to nd alumni
in any eld, company, geographic area,
etc. Then connect with these alumni via LinkedIn.
Other Professionals on LinkedIn
Another way to use LinkedIn is to nd people who work at
companies of interest to you. Use the people tab on the company
page to locate a searchable database of all employees of that
company. You can see who you know and any mutual connec-
tions. Use LinkedIn to prepare for interviews. Look up inter-
viewers on LinkedIn to learn more about them and share that
information during the interview.
The MacDonnell Career and Internship
Center offers LinkedIn Photobooths — professional
photographers taking headshot photos — at all
career expos and fairs.
SAMPLE PERSONALIZED CONNECT MESSAGES
Connecting with an Alum
Dear John Smith, I found your profile on LinkedIn. As a fellow
Siena Saint, I’m hoping you can help me. I am Jane E. Siena,
a senior economics major at Siena College. I am looking to
network with Siena alumni in the field of banking. Would
you please connect with me? Thank you.
Connecting with a Career Fair Representative
Dear Chris Company, it was nice meeting and talking with
you yesterday at Siena College’s Career Expo. I was im-
pressed with all you shared about <Company’s Name>. I
would like to connect with you as I will be submitting my
application soon.
Make sure your
Headline and About
sections of your profile
are interesting and
not redundant.
Carr Tip
LinkedIn
50
SAMPLE LINKEDIN PROFILE
Completely fill out each section in the profile
to demonstrate your attention to detail.
Make sure to customize your URL
in your public profile section.
Use a photo that is professional — includes only you and you are
dressed professionally.
Take advantage
of the “About”
s ection. This is
how you grab the
reader’s attention.
Keep it short, but
make it impactful.
Don’t start with
“hi” or restate
anything noted
above (such as
name or title).
Post or comment
regularly on
LinkedIn.
Your headline
should be
unique—what
you are excited
about, what you
want to do in the
future or your
current title.
You can add
background
photographs
to make your
profile standout.
LinkedIn
For a LinkedIn
Profile rubric
see page 53.
51
Similar to — but
not a duplicate of
— your resume list
past work experi-
ence and a few
of your personal
accomplishments.
You can include
photos or videos.
Join groups and
follow companies/
organizations
of interest.
Remember
everyone can see
your groups.
Siena should be
the first school
listed for under-
grads. You can
include study
abroad institutions
and other schools
from which you
earned a degree.
Be sure to join
the Siena College
Alumni group to
make it easier
to connect with
Siena alumni.
LinkedIn
52
LinkedIn
Find “ins” where you
want to work.
Heard of LinkedIn Company pages?
Visit them for organizations you want
to work for and see if you’re
connected to anyone who works or
has worked there. And check out
LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool to see what
grads of your school are up to.
Copyright © 2013 LinkedIn Corporation. LinkedIn and the LinkedIn logo are registered trademarks
of LinkedIn Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved.
Get going at www.linkedin.com
Get a job.
Build your network.
Grow your network by sending
personalized LinkedIn connection
requests to everyone you know —
friends, family, neighbors, teachers,
colleagues, classmates, and more.
Search the Student Jobs Portal.
The Student Jobs Portal is just for
you: It has all the entry-level job and
internship postings on LinkedIn.
Search by job role or review
postings from featured companies.
Apply for positions and the
employer will be able to see your
full LinkedIn profile.
Get gutsy.
Don’t be afraid to reach out directly
to a recruiter on LinkedIn. One
strategy is to first apply to a position
you want and then send a message
to the recruiter who posted the
opportunity (you can often find this
information in the job posting).
Good luck!
Ask your network for help.
70% of jobs are found through
networking. Once you connect,
send customized messages (no
mass emails!) to say you’re
job-hunting. Ask for advice, an
informational interview, or if they
know anyone in your desired field.
Connect one-on-one and others will
be willing to make the effort for you.
6
8
9
10
7
Become an expert.
Want to stand out and learn about
industries you want to get into? Check
out LinkedIn Today’s news dashboard
and Influencer posts for the top daily
headlines, join Groups, and follow
new industry-specific “Channels.”
LinkedIn is the place for students and
recent grads to find jobs and internships.
Here are some tips to get started.
Using LinkedIn
to Find a Job
or Internship
Have a strong headline.
Get noticed.
Your profile is not the place to be
shy! Write a concise but descriptive
headline like "XYZ University honors
student & aspiring PR associate,"
“Entry-level creative professional,”
or “Finance major seeking
investment banking internship.”
Include keywords.
Recruiters search LinkedIn for
candidates. Use the key words and
phrases they use. Find examples
from job descriptions you’re going
after, or profiles of people who have
the jobs you want, and pepper
them throughout the Summary and
Skills & Expertise sections.
Take advantage of student
profile sections.
Be sure to complete the profile
sections designed just for students,
such as Courses, Projects,
Languages, Certifications, and
Organizations. Keywords are good
here too. Complete profiles get 40x
more opportunities!
Talk about all your
relevant experience.
Experience doesn’t have to be paid
or full-time to be on your profile.
Your Experience section can
include internships, extracurriculars,
part-time jobs, volunteer work, or
projects that have given you
real-world skills. You never know
what might catch an employer’s eye.
1
2
3
4
5
53
LINKEDIN PROFILE RUBRIC
INCOMPLETE DEVELOPING PROFICIENT MASTERY
30 SECOND REVIEW Goal: Provide a quick but thorough and visually appealing profile
Profile is incomplete. It is
not appealing.
Picture is missing.
Default or current position
unrelated to career goals.
No content included
Crucial content is missing
Crucial content is missing:
Company/ Organization
Name, Title, Location,
Dates
◆
No bullet points
or descriptions included
No additional sections
included
Numerous errors in
spelling, grammar, verb
tense, personal pronouns,
and/or punctuation
◆
Language is unacceptable/
unprofessional throughout
profile
INCOMPLETE
NOTES:
Profile is complete, but not detailed. It is
less than appealing.
Picture is not appropriate (casual in
nature, group shot or another individual
is included, clothing is casual)
◆
Quality of
the photo is lacking (focus,contrast,
distanced, etc.)
◆
Banner photo is default
Generic listing such as “Student at Siena
College” or a non-related position to
professional goals (i.e. wait staff, etc.)
Content includes superficial material
(such as “Hi my name is”)
◆
Only basic
skills listed
Most content is included
Most content is included: Company/
Organization Name, Title, Location, Dates
◆
Bulletpoints/descriptions do not clearly
outline tasks and accomplishments
◆
No
inclusion of skill development
◆
Some
inconsistency with formatting
Limited additional sections and content
included
Some errors in spelling, grammar, verb
tense, personal pronouns, and/or
punctuation
◆
Language is acceptable/
professional throughout profile
DEVELOPING
Profile is fully complete and has some extra flair.
It is very appealing.
Picture is appropriate (business professional
headshot, clothing is business professional)
◆
Quality of the photo is excellent
◆
Banner photo
selected is tailored to industry/goal
Lists specifics which connect current position to
intended career goals
Content describes current status, relevant skills,
competencies and/or interests with validating
experience noted (i.e. internships, student
leadership roles, campus activities etc.)
◆
Career
goals or interests are clearly included and
connect background and current experience to
future goals
◆
Is customized and provides details
All appropriate content is included and
presented with clarity
All appropriate information included: Company
Name/Organization Name, Title, Location,
Dates; items presented with clarity
◆
Bullet
points/descriptions precisely outline tasks and
duties
◆
Consistently include skill development
◆
Consistent formatting
Many additional sections and content included
to further validate skills, interests, accomplish-
ments and abilities
◆
Featured section includes
a document or video
No errors in spelling, grammar, verb tense,
personal pronouns, and/or punctuation
◆
Language is positive and engaging as well
acceptable/professional throughout profile
MASTERY
Profile is complete and provides few details.
It’s appealing.
Picture is appropriate (business professional
headshot, includes one person, clothing is
business casual)
◆
Quality of the photo is
clear
◆
Banner photo set to default or not
relevant
Lists specifics (such as major or a related
position title)
Content describes current status, skills,
competencies and/or interests with limited
validating experience
◆
Career goals or
interests may not be evident
◆
Is somewhat
customized, but is lacking detail
All appropriate content is included
◆
Some
items require clarification (i.e. abbreviations)
All appropriate information included:
Company/ Organization Name, Title,
Location, Dates; some items require
clarification (i.e. abbreviations.)
◆
Bullet
points/descriptions clearly outlinetasks and
accomplishments
◆
Some skill development
noted
◆
Consistent formatting
Several additional sections and content
included to further validate skills, interests,
accomplishments and abilities
Few errors in spelling, grammar, verb tense,
personal pronouns, and/or punctuation
◆
Language is engaging as well as acceptable/
professional throughout profile
PROFICIENT
PHOTO Goal: Provide a professional headshot and tailored banner image
HEADLINE Goal: Provide a relevant caption including intended career goal
ABOUT SECTION Goal: Provide a summary that encapsulates primary skills, validated through experiences
EDUCATION Goal: Provide relevant educational information and activities
EXPERIENCE Goal: Provide complete employment information including detailed description of tasks, accomplishment and skills
ADDITIONAL SECTIONS Goal: Provide additional relevant information such as Featured, Licenses & Certifications, Activity, Volunteer, Skills, Accomplishments, Recommendations, Interests
SPELLING/GRAMMAR/TONE Goal: Provide a profile demonstrating professional writing and attention to detail
OVERALL RATING
LinkedIn
54
Career expos or fairs are an excellent opportunity to network
and meet with recruiters from many dierent companies at
the same time. Career expos/fairs should be attended by all
students, regardless of class year, in order to make connec-
tions and grow your network. The representatives you meet at a
career fair will be a conduit as you apply and interview with the
company. Many times these same representatives are the people
who do the hiring. Thus, it’s important to make a good impres-
sion. You will want to prepare for career fairs, just as you do
any professional meeting.
CAREER EXPOS/FAIRS
2024– 2025 SIENA CAREER FAIRS
Accounting & Finance Career Fair Sept. 20
Career Expo — Grad School Fair Oct. 30
CRCC Internship Fair Nov. 14
Career Expo – Business Feb. 5
Career Expo – Communications, Gov’t, Feb. 12
Non-Profit, Education & Service
Career Expo – STEM/Healthcare Feb. 19
Ed Expo TBD
Hand shakes are now optional, but at this point
nothing has replaced it. Decide before an event if you
are comfortable or not shaking hands. If not, don’t
apologize just say “I’m not shaking hands today”
QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A CAREER FAIR
• What positions are currently available?
• When do you recommend applying?
• Where do you typically post openings?
• What is the application process?
• What can I do to make myself competitive for an
internship/job at your company?
• What experience do you prefer to see on a resume?
• What does your company look for in candidates?
• What makes your company unique?
• What do you like and not like about your company?
• How is your internship program managed? Are there
opportunities to interact with the other interns?
• How large is your company? How large is the X
department? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this size?
• Are positions in person, remote or hybrid?
• I read about x on the company’s website, can you tell
me more?
• What type of person is most successful at your company?
• How does your company support diversity?
At all of Siena’s fairs and expos a photographer is there to take
professional headshots to be used as profile pictures.
BEFORE THE EVENT
• Research attending organizations to learn about the
companies; visit websites and LinkedIn profiles
• Review open positions–posted in Handshake or on
company website
• Talk to anyone who works or has worked there
• Learn about organizations that you’ve not heard of before
• Register for the event
• Get resume certified, or update it
• Get business cards printed
• Develop and rehearse your elevator speech
• Prepare a list of questions to ask (see above)
DURING THE EVENT
• Dress professionally
• Have a tablet and pen to take
notes
• Confidently approach the
representative
• Introduce yourself using your elevator
speech (so as to avoid awkwardness)
• Have a specific ask, what do you most want to know
• Ask a few questions you prepared ahead of time that
demonstrate your knowledge of the company
• Do a trial run with a company of less interest
• Talk to any/all reps, even of unfamiliar c ompanies
• Be sure to get representatives’ names and contact
information or business card
• Talk for an appropriate length of time 5-10 minutes
should be sufficient
• Graciously disengage; be sure to thank the reps
• Write any necessary notes and action steps you must take
AFTER THE EVENT
• Send personalized thank you notes
• Connect with contacts on LinkedIn
• Take action steps
GENERAL CAREER
FAIR/NETWORKING EVENT TIPS
These steps should be practiced for ANY career
fair — in-person or virtual.
For
information
on writing thank
you notes see
page 43.
For
information on
developing your
elevator speech
see page 47.
All students–any class
year, any major–can
benefit from attending
and networking at a
career fair.
Carr Tip
Fairs
55
Fairs
WHAT TO WEAR
When attending a career fair or networking event professional
dress is appropriate. Remember you want to make a strong
rst impression and professional clothing helps boost that
impression. Attire for a career fair (virtual or in-person) is
professional formal or casual.
FOLLOW UP AFTER THE EVENT
You will want to follow up with
the representatives you met at
the fair/expo. Ways you should
follow up:
• Connect on Linkedin (remem-
ber send a personalized con-
nect message)
• Complete online applications
• Send a thank you note
• Dress professionally,
from head to toe
• Pre register for the
event
• Post resume on the
platform before the fair
• Understand the
technology and
platform; watch
demonstration videos
• Know if the system
requires you to schedule
meeting times or wait in
a virtual line
• Be patient for video
conferences to open
• Introduce yourself
using your elevator
speech for each
meeting
• Be mindful of the time;
watch the clock
• Ask for recruiter’s
contact information
• Complete your
conversation; end
with a thank you
• Sign off/close that
video conference
• Write notes in the
virtual career fair
system
• Dress professionally but
comfortably (on your
feet)
• Wear nametag provided
• Pre register for the event
• Bring copies of your
resume printed on
resume paper
• Use the booth map/list
to locate companies of
interest
• Wait in line if necessary
to talk with reps; it’s
appropriate to listen to
other conversations
• Introduce yourself using
your elevator speech
and shake hands
(optional)
• Be mindful of the
amount time you have
spent with the rep
especially if a line is
forming
• Ask for a business card,
give your business card
• Complete your
conversation, end with
a thank you and shake
hands (optional)
• Leave that booth
• Write notes on tablet you
brought
VIRTUAL FAIRS VS IN PERSON FAIRS
SAMPLE THANK YOU EMAIL
Subject: Thank you, met at Siena’s Career Expo
Dear Mr/Ms XXX:
Thank you for attending the Career Expo at Siena College
earlier this week. Having <Company Name> represented
meant a great deal to many of my classmates and me.
I appreciated talking with you at the Expo about
<Company’s Name>’s internship rotational program.
After learning more about it, I am very interested in
applying. You said the deadline is March 1, so I will begin
working on it now.
As we discussed, my strong <skills/competency> skills will
enable me to perform well as an intern, and I look forward
to applying.
Thank you again. I will also be sending you a LinkedIn
connect request.
Respectfully,
Employers who recruit
regularly at Siena will expect
to see you at a fair before
you send an application.
Recruiters keep track of
meetings, and if you apply
having never interacted with
the company it doesn’t look
professional.
Carr Tip
FORMAL
Suit–pants/skirt
and blazer, dress
shirt/blouse
Tie, belt, socks or
stockings, modest
accessories
Dress shoes
(comfortable)
BUSINESS CASUAL
Long pants (not jeans,
leggings or joggers),
collared shirts/ blouses/
sweaters, dresses, skirts
Tie (no blazer) or blazer
(no tie), belt, modest
accessories
Casual shoes (no athletic
shoes or sandals)
56
Finding a position takes time and eort. It is recommended
that you carve out time—approximately 2 hours—each week to
conduct a full search.
The process of looking for a position — and it is a process — is
the same whether you are looking for an internship, a part time
or full time job; the search strategies are the same.
There are three search strategies you should employ.
#1 SEARCH POSTINGS
Companies who are hiring and
looking for applicants will post
positions in various locations.
Thus, if you are searching for
a position, check postings
frequently; Siena’s two databases
are Handshake and
GoinGlobal.
Handshake
Handshake is Siena’s online database.
It should be your s tarting point when
beginning a search. Handshake, an
industry-leading, nation-wide recruit-
ing platform, lists opportunities for
on and o campus employment, work
study and internship positions. Hand-
shake is used by 750,000 employers nationwide, with 100% of
Fortune 500 companies recruiting on this platform.
GoinGlobal
GoinGlobal is a paid subscription
site. It’s a database of jobs and
internships across the US and
across the globe. If you are looking
for positions outside of the capital
region, GoinGlobal is a great starting point.
Additionally, it has a remote opportunities search feature if
you’d like to work remotely.
GoinGlobal has a vast amount of information including
career guides for cities around the world and an H1B database
for international students.
JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCH
Spend a few hours
each week on your
search!
Carr Tip
To learn more
about using these
platforms see
page 6.
Be aware of phony job emails and phishing scams!
Contact TMCIC if you are suspicious of any emails.
International students
should review the H1B visa
database in GoinGlobal to
identify companies who
have sponsored work visas
in the past.
Carr Tip
https://app.joinhandshake.com/login
Search
Access through
resources in
Handshake or
TMCIC’s website
57
Search
Additional Sites
There are other employment
websites such as Indeed.com,
LinkedIn.com, Glassdoor.com,
etc. (see page 15) that post many
jobs and internships. Federal
and state governments have
their own sites and often their
own sites are the only place they post: USAjobs.gov
and StateJobs.ny.gov. Google also has a useful job search fea-
ture. In the search bar, enter position and location information.
In the results you will see a “Jobs” table (see example). Google
will provide search results from many job posting sites such as
Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, in one place.
Additional Job Boards
In addition, there are many
specialized job boards/websites for
instance there are job boards which
post both internship and full time
positions in the arts, sports, non-prots, higher
education, etc. Check for websites for a particular industry or
region. Professional associations and j ournals also list postings.
#2 RESEARCH AND TARGET
COMPANIES OF INTEREST
Applying to positions you nd posted in
databases should be just be one search
strategy. A second approach is for you to
identify companies of interest. This approach
often leads to opportunities more aligned with your interests.
First, visit the websites of these companies. Most organizations
list employment opportunities somewhere on their own web-
site. Thus, if there is a company of interest, check their website
regularly. Follow companies on LinkedIn, not only does it look
good when you apply, but also you will be sent notications of
relevant job postings.
Expand upon
the short list
of companies
you can name
by doing some
research. Conduct
a Google search
on the type of
company you
are seeking and
the geographic
area (for instance
marketing rms in Hartford, CT). Consider what companies or
industries are growing and target these companies. Talk with a
librarian at the Standish Library. There are thousands of com-
panies; you have to nd them.
Next, begin to investigate these businesses and make some
connections. Visit their human resources or employment
opportunities pages frequently. Follow the company on
LinkedIn. Then try to make some connections at these
companies. Ask family, friends, professors, co-workers if they
know anyone who works there. Use Use SaintsNetwork and
LinkedIn’s Siena Alumni page (linkedin.com/school/siena-
college/people/) to see if there are any Siena alumni who work
there. Perhaps volunteer at an event the company sponsors such
as a 5K run. This approach obviously overlaps with networking.
#3 NETWORK
Networking needs to be used
extensively when looking for
positions. Take advantage of any
opportunity to network by
attending career fairs, expos,
and other networking events,
talking with family and friends,
getting involved in organizations
(inside and outside of Siena), etc. Check out Siena’s new
networking platform SaintsNetwork to chat with alumni in
many dierent elds who are on the system because they want
to help you! Networking is not about asking for a position; it’s
about building relationships.
For more
website
resources see
page 15.
www.aboutwayfair.com/careers to find careers at Wayfair
It’s a good idea to apply
to positions directly
through the company’s
website and not through
an “easy apply” button on
LinkedIn or Indeed.
Carr Tip
Make a spreadsheet
or use huntr.co to
keep track of your job
applications.
Carr Tip
Attend events hosted by
The MacDonnell Career
and Internship Center,
such as Career Expo, for
networking opportunities!
Carr Tip
Many industries are
hiring; target companies
that are growing
58
JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCH CHECKLIST
Be sure to update your resume and that it is
certified by TMCIC
Update (or create) a LinkedIn profile
Organize yourself, create a spreadsheet
Check Handshake weekly for new postings
Check GoinGlobal weekly for new postings
Check other relevant websites
Apply to positions
Record application details on spreadsheet
Research and target companies of interest
Add details to the spreadsheet
Network with Siena alumni
Network with others
Follow up on applications, every two weeks
Set up informational interviews with any
professionals you know in the eld. Find
out more about the eld or company and
begin to seek out opportunities. Many
positions are never posted; people are in-
vited to apply because they know someone.
Networking is so important
see the Networking chapter
(page 47) for more on
networking.
For more on
networking see
page 47.
Search
International students have some unique challenges interning and working in the USA. Talk with both
International Education and TMCIC for assistance.
TIMELINES
Be prepared, the search process can take several months!
On average it takes 4-6 months from the time you sent an
application until your rst day on the job. Thus, be sure to start
your search well in advance of graduation or whenever you
would like to start work. To start the search, you need to have
your resume and LinkedIn proles ready.
Additionally, be aware certain industries have special timelines
(see chart below). In order to search at the right time, know
these industry timelines.
59
The purpose of the interview is to
secure the position. Thus, the
i nterview is the nal hurdle in
securing an oer. NEVER go into an
interview without preparing.
Setting up the Interview
If a company contacts you about scheduling an interview,
respond As Soon As Possible (ASAP)!
When setting up the interview make sure to conrm the
following information:
• Find an agreeable date and time for the interview.
• Conrm what type of interview.
o In person - make sure to clarify where it’s being held.
Get specic information such as directions, building, oce
location, parking, etc.
o Phone - conrm who will be calling whom and provide
necessary numbers
o Video conference - nd out what platform will be used
and be sure to receive the meeting link or ID prior to the
interview day
• Ask for a schedule for your interview day so as to understand
how long the interview will be.
• Ask for a list of the people with whom you will be meeting in
order to do some preparation work.
• Find out what will be included in the interview. Interviews,
besides the conversations, may include any or all of the
following: writing samples, giving a presentation, teaching a
sample lesson, working on a project,
reviewing a case study, etc.
Preparation for the
Interview
Preparation is key. The person who
gets the job oer is the person
who interviews the best, not the
person who is the most qualied.
In your cover letter and resume you
began to highlight some of your individual strengths,
competencies and experiences and how they relate to the
position. For the interview you want to go into more depth and
provide examples.
• Evaluate yourself – there are some “typical” interview topics/
subjects, so think about yourself and how and what you want
to express about yourself. Develop and rehearse answers.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses – be condent in
addressing both.
• Brainstorm some examples – After identifying your compe-
tencies and strengths, come up with examples to demonstrate
your abilities. Show the interviewers, don’t just tell them,
about your abilities.
• Research the organization (see page 60).
• Practice – Use Big Interview to practice answering interview
questions. Record a mock interview (pick general or industry-
specic questions). Then review it and critique yourself. Also
review the AI generated feedback provided.
• Prepare Questions – the
interviewer(s) will ask if you have any
questions. You NEED to ask some
good questions at this time. This is
a place you could be spending many
hours a week, you must have things
you want to know. Prepare and write
down some questions you will ask.
• Pick out interview attire – you MUST dress professionally for
an interview. It is HIGHLY recommended that you wear a suit
to all interviews. Certain industries are very casual; thus, a
suit is not required, but business casual for an interview is
required. Along with the suit, a dress shirt or modest blouse,
tie, belt, and dress shoes (reasonable heel height). Be certain
clothes are ironed, jewelry is simple, nail polish is neat, and
shoes and bag are polished. If in-person and you are taking
a bag make sure it is a professional bag/briefcase and not a
backpack.
• Organize what you will need – have copies of your resume
and reference list available (hard copies for an in-person
interview and electronic version for virtual interviews).
A tablet and pen so you can take notes. A bottle of water is
encouraged.
INTERVIEWING
Begin preparing by answering the question, “Why should
they hire me”
Consider your agenda, what skills/competencies do you
want to highlight, what are stories/examples, how do they
relate to the position?
Develop a list of questions (3-4) that you want to ask
Practice interview questions
Research the company and individuals
Be prepared (print directions or download software)
Dress Professionally
Arrive 5-10 minutes early
Turn off your phone and keep it out of sight
Answer questions thoroughly
Avoid filler words (uhm, yeah, like), think about your
body language and be sure to make eye contact
Ask good questions
Find out what happens next
Send a thank you note!
THE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
For sample
interview
questions see
page 63.
A strong resume gets you
the interview. However,
the interview gets you
the job. You have to
perform your best
during the interview.
Carr Tip
Be sure to be consistent with
your messaging. Thus, the
competencies and strengths
you highlighted in your
resume and cover letter
need to be the focus of your
interview answers as well.
Carr Tip
Interviews
60
Research the Organization
To demonstrate to the interviewer that you are excited about
the position, be sure to do your homework. Learn what you can
about the organization/business.
• Start with their website, company literature, annual
reports, etc.
• Review the company on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Business
Review, etc.
• Visit the company’s social media sites.
• Conduct an internet search of the company and nd out about
any recent news articles.
• Network – talk with people who work or have worked for the
company.
• Look up the people with whom you will be interviewing on
LinkedIn.
• Who is the company’s competition? Look at their websites.
How are they dierent?
BASIC INTERVIEWING TIPS
Since the point of the interview is to get the job, you will want to
shine. Everything matters in an interview from the clothes you
wear, to the friendliness you portray, to the words that you say.
• Get There. For in-person interviews, bring printed directions
and leave plenty of time to get lost or for trac. For virtual
interviews, have technology ready to go the day before.
• Arrive 10 minutes early for in-person interviews and
5 minutes early for virtual interviews.
• TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE and keep it out of sight.
• Use the Restroom. Make sure
lunch isn’t in your teeth.
• Shake Hands (in person
interviews). You will give a rm,
professional handshake to
everyone you meet usually both
at the beginning and end of
a conversation.
• Listen to the Interviewer.
Listen closely to the question
and be sure to answer it completely or ask for clarication
if you are unsure what is being asked. Think about why
questions are being asked.
• Prepare key statements. To avoid having the rst words out
of your mouth be, “umh” prepare a statement that you will
say rst. It might be something like, “I am excited to be
interviewing with <company name>.”
• Express Relevant Competencies and Qualications. Review
the job description and identify what the company seeks.
Demonstrate your qualications by providing examples.
• Be Specic. Your answers should be specic, insightful and
unique. Generalizations such as, I can multitask, don’t make
you stand out. Also, be specic in what you know and like
about the company.
• Share your Knowledge. Be certain to include information
gathered in your research into your answers.
• Don’t Monopolize the Conversation
or let your answers get too long. Keep
the content of your answers to an
adequate length. Always be add-
ing new content. If you nd you’re
repeating yourself it’s time to end
your answer.
• Don’t be too brief. Be sure to
answer questions thoroughly.
Being too brief doesn’t allow for
the interviewer to really get to know you.
• Be Positive. In an interview you should express all positive
thoughts. Reframe any negative comments to be positive.
• People Hire, Not Organizations. Remember people make the
hiring decisions; thus, try to nd a personal connection with
the interviewer.
• Ask Questions, Good Questions.
Be sure to ask a few strong questions
that you prepared ahead when they
ask if you have questions.
• General Advice. Although you may be
nervous, don’t say, “umh, ahh, like.”
Look interviewers in the eye both
when listening and speaking. It’s OK to look away when you
are thinking of your answer. Be mindful of your body language
and posture. Use the person’s name. Be polite, respectful and
friendly to everyone in the company from the receptionist to
the president.
• Come across in a Condent Manner. State facts about your
skillset condently. DON’T preface statements with “I think”,
“I feel”, or “I believe”, as that raises doubts about your
abilities.
• Express and Demonstrate Interest. If you really want this job,
make that apparent throughout the interview.
Do:
Be Authentic
Be Confident
Be Informed
Be Articulate
Develop a Rapport
Dress Professionally
Give Specific Examples
Make Eye Contact
Ask Powerful
Questions
Send Thank You Notes
Don’t:
Be Late
Be Boastful/Cocky
Be Casual
(in dress or speech)
Be Rude
Be Too Brief or Too
Long-Winded
Mumble
Look Down
Use Your Phone
Forget to Send a
Thank You Note
DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTERVIEWING
ALWAYS prepare
for interviews—know
yourself, practice and
research the company.
Carr Tip
For a list of
questions to ask
see page 65.
To standout you need to
dierentiate yourself from
the other applicants.
To do so, be as specific as
possible regarding your
skills/strengths.
Carr Tip
Interviews
61
Interviews
• What Happens Next? Conrm that your le is complete. Ask
what will happen next, a second round interview? What is the
timeline for hearing from them?
• Express Thanks. Thank the interviewer for his/her time. Be
friendly and thank the receptionist (if there is one) as well.
HANDLING ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
There are certain questions interviewers are not allowed to ask
(see box below). Know your rights as a candidate. If you are
asked an illegal question, think carefully before your answer.
If you choose to answer the question as asked, realize that any
information you provide can work against you.
The better way to handle it is to reframe your answer, and say
something like, “I am condent that my [insert illegal content
here] (age) will enable me to be…”
VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING
Employers will be doing more in-
terviewing virtually. While there
are many similarities to in person
interviews, virtual interviews have
their own unique challenges.
Phone/Video Conferencing Interview Tips
• Have a scheduled time – if an employer calls unexpectedly,
state it’s not a good time and ask to set up a scheduled time
that will work for both of you.
• Conrmation – conrm not only the date and time (con-
sider dierent time zones when conrming time) but also
who is calling whom (for phone) or what video conferencing
platform (i.e. Zoom, Microsoft Teams) will be used. It’s best
to get a phone number if doing a computer interview in case
there are technology issues.
• Take notes – have a pen and tablet to jot down notes. It is
always good to write down the person’s name.
• Smile and convey enthusiasm – even if on the phone, smiling
helps. Your voice will sound dierent. On video conference
calls smiling and being positive will all be noticed. Even
though remote interviews are less “personal” you don’t want
to come across as cold.
• Moments of silence – are ne, but tell the interviewer.
“That’s a really good question, I need a moment to think.”
• See Basic Interviewing Tips (page 60) – many of these are
the same.
ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Employers may not ask about any of the following
unless it specifically relates to the job requirements,
because to not hire a candidate because of any one of
these factors is discriminatory:
• Race
• Color
• Sex
• Religion
• National origin
• Birthplace
• Age
• Disability
• Marital/family status
• Salary (varies by state)
• Criminal history (varies
by state)
The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center has an
interview room — equipped with a large screen monitor,
camera equipment and telephone — you can reserve for your
remote interviews! Email careermail@siena.edu to reserve.
Focus on talking about your
strongest competencies
and giving examples of your
proficiency with the compe-
tency. Remember we know
these competencies are what
is important to employers.
Carr Tip
61
62
• When starting and stopping recording
count silently 1, 2, 3 before talking or
ending recording so as to avoid
content being cut o.
• Step recording when you have nished
your answer. You are not required to
use the whole time given.
• Many of these programs utilize Articial
Intelligence and will ask you questions based on some of your
previous answers.
• PRACTICE! These sites will provide a few practice questions
that the company will NOT be able to view.
Use Big Interview to practice!
Recorded Virtual Interview Tips
• Follow the advice provided by the company and interview
platform.
• Know if you can view and re-record answers or not.
• Dress professionally – entirely you don’t want them to get a
glimpse of pajama bottoms.
• Make sure your location is quiet, well lit, no distractions,
plain/professional background, no virtual backgrounds.
• Look at the camera, not at yourself! Most programs will allow
you to hide your image, which might be a good idea, or you
can cover that part of your screen.
• Use a timer or clock. You are usually given two-three minutes
to answer the question. Be succinct, but not too brief.
USE COMPETENCIES WHEN INTERVIEWING
You know what skills employers are seeking. Your
interview answers should include these competencies
and a demonstration of your proficiency with the
competencies. “Show don’t tell.” Also, discuss how the
skill will serve you in the desired position.
Sample: Tell me about your previous experience.
Answer: “I worked as a cashier at Stewarts for three
years. My communication skills were utilized
constantly as I always made small talk with the
customers as I was cashing them out. This friendliness
was noted by customers who would ask for me if
I wasn’t at the register and led to happier customers.
Similarly at (name company), I will build strong client
relationships in order to ensure their satisfaction with
our services.”
VIDEO CONFERENCE INTERVIEW TIPS
• Dress professionally, fully
• Sit at a table or desk
• Look at the camera! To do so, move the picture as
close to your camera as possible
• Check the lighting
• Review what is in the background, a blank wall is best
• If you want, use the blur feature only, other filters are
not recommended
• Avoid disruptions—others walking in
• Avoid unnecessary noises—if a dog is apt to bark,
mention this at the beginning
• Check all privacy settings
• Turn off notifications, cell phones, alarms, etc.
• Be sure to have the best internet connection possible
• Plug in your device or be certain it is fully charged
• Have your resume nearby to refer to it
• Smile!
CAREER AND INTERNSHIP
CENTER
CRITICAL
THINKING
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
TEAMWORK
CAREER & SELF-
DEVELOPMENT
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
LEADERSHIP
PROFESSIONALISM
CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
BE
CAREER
READY!
CAREER & SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Proactively develop oneself and one’s
career through continual personal
and professional learning, awareness
of one’s strengths and weaknesses,
navigation of career opportunities, and
networking to build relationships within
and without one’s organization.
COMMUNICATION
Clearly and effectively exchange
information, ideas, facts, and
perspectives with persons inside
and outside of an organization.
CRITICAL THINKING
Identify and respond to needs
based upon an understanding
of situational context and logical
analysis of relevant information.
TECHNOLOGY
Understand and leverage technologies
ethically to enhance efficiencies,
complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
PROFESSIONALISM
Knowing work environments differ
greatly, understand and demonstrate
effective work habits, and act in the
interest of the larger community and
workplace.
TEAMWORK
Build and maintain collaborative
relationships to work effectively toward
common goals, while appreciating
diverse viewpoints and shared
responsibilities.
LEADERSHIP
Recognize and capitalize on personal
and team strengths to achieve
organizational goals.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude,
knowledge, and skills required to
equitably engage and include people
from different local and global cultures.
Engage in anti-oppressive practices
that actively challenge the systems,
structures, and policies of racism and
inequity.
*
Interviews
TIPS TO AVOID THE USE OF FILLER WORDS
• Have a statement that you have prepared and
practiced that will be the first thing you say
regardless of the first question asked. Something
like, “I am happy to have this opportunity to meet
with you today.”
• Repeat the question as the first part of your answer
to give yourself some time to think.
• If you need time to think, say something like, “That
is an interesting question, I need a moment to think
about it.”
• Be comfortable with a little bit of silence.
• Use Big Interview to practice. Review recording and
reports to understand your use of filler words.
For Big Interview
procedures see
page 11.
63
Interviews
AFTER AN INTERVIEW
(ANY INTERVIEW)
• Write down some notes about
the interview; things you
learned, questions you have
or something you may want
to look up.
• Complete any necessary f ollow up.
• Send an individual thank you
note to everyone with
whom you interviewed!u interwed
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING
Behavioral interview questions ask you to describe a spe-
cic time or situation. The question usually starts with, “tell
me about a time when…” or “give me an example of a time
when….” You must describe the situation, how you handled
it and what the outcome was. These examples can come from
work or internship experience, activities, clubs, volunteer work,
classes, athletics, life experiences, etc.
Preparing and Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
• Analyze the position and the skills needed.
• Identify your competencies and experiences that relate to
the position.
• Think of examples of how you have developed these skills.
• Think of examples of things that didn’t go well and how you
will reframe the experience to make it positive.
• Make certain your examples are real; don’t make things up in
an interview.
• Listen carefully to the question and answer it completely.
• Use STAR method for answering questions.
STAR ANSWERS TO BEHAVIORAL
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) are the elements to
include in an answer to a behavioral interview question.
Be sure to address:
• Situation
–
briefly set the scene giving only the
necessary details (1-2 sentences)
• Task
–
what was your responsibility to accomplish
(1 sentence)
• Action
–
explain exactly what steps you took (this is the
bulk of your answer, 3-5 sentences)
• Result
–
share the outcome, don’t leave the i nterviewer
unsure of how it worked out (1 sentence)
SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Personal
• Tell me/us about yourself.
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are some of your weaknesses?
• What failures have you experienced and what did you learn?
• Why are you interested in this company/position?
• Describe your ideal job.
• Why should we hire you?
• What will your references say about you?
Education
• How do you go about learning something new? Give me an
example.
• Why did you choose Siena College?
• What led you to choose your major?
• How has college prepared you for this career?
• What was your favorite class (or professor) and why?
• Do your grades accurately reect your ability? Why or why not?
• What would you change about your education?
Experience
• Tell us about your past work experience.
• What job related skills have you developed and how?
• What skills have you developed that would help you in this
position?
• What events/activities in your past have inuenced your
career goals?
• What have you enjoyed most and least about your past
experiences?
• How would your former supervisor describe your work?
• You don’t have much experience in the eld, how will you be
able to do this job?
• What newspapers, magazines, journals, websites—relevant
to the eld—do you regularly read?
• How do you prioritize your work assignments/projects?
All students have access to the Big Interview platform. It offers help on preparing for interviews,
building STAR answers, recording interviews (either general questions or industry specific options) and
providing AI generated feedback on recorded interviews.
Send thank you
notes after an
interview.
Carr Tip
For a sample
thank you note
see page 43.
FIVE MOST COMMON INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want this job?
3. What are some of your strengths?
4. What is a weakness?
5. What questions do you have?
64
Work Place/Career Goals
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Tell me what you know about our company and describe the
products/services we oer.
• In a work setting, what is your prefered managment style?
• Would you be successful working with a team? Alone?
• Do you prefer large or small organizations and why?
• Why are you interested in working here?
• What are your short and long term career goals?
• What makes our company better/dierent from our
competitors?
• Please explain any gaps of time when you were unemployed
or not a student.
SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Remember to answer these type of questions using the STAR
method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) (see page 63).
Critical Thinking
• Describe a major problem you encountered and how you
dealt with it.
• Tell me about a time when you “thought outside the box” to
come up with a solution to a problem.”
• Tell me about a “big idea” you have seen to fruition.
• Give me a specic example of a time when you used good
judgment and logic to solve a problem.
Communication
• When have you received excellent customer service? Describe
what made that instance so impressive.
• Describe the best presentation you ever gave and why do you
think it went so well?
• Tell me about a time when you felt you had not communi-
cated your point well. How did you correct it?
• Describe the most signicant written document, report or
presentation you have completed.
• Rate your communication skills from 1-10 and provide a few
specic examples that support that rating.
Teamwork
• Tell me about a time when you worked on a team (not an
academic group project). What was your role and impact on
the team?
• Tell me about a successful team of which you were a part.
What contributed to the team’s success? What role did you
play?
• Please share an example of a situation in which teamwork
enhanced your ability to accomplish your goals or the out-
comes that were expected from you?
• Describe a time when you went out of your way to recognize a
teammate for their eort or achievement.
• Tell me about a time you needed to get information from
someone on your team who wasn’t very responsive. What
did you do?
Technology
• Tell me about a time when you had to use a new technology
program or tool. How did you approach learning it?
• What are some of the pros and cons about remote
schooling/working and the technology you used during
2020-2021.
• Tell me about a software product you have used and explain
some of its advantages and disadvantages.
• Tell me about a time you used technology to help solve a
problem.
• Tell me about what technology you nd imperative in your
day-to-day life and why.
SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW ANSWER
My internship with Google started out unsatisfactorily.
The work I was given was trivial/busy work and my
supervisor barely took time to meet or talk with me.
I wanted to gain experience and knowledge and also
contribute to the organization; not just have an impres-
sive company name on my resume.
So, I emailed my supervisor and requested a meeting.
Once I had his approval to do so, I sent a calender invite
and included an agenda. On the agenda, I included
topics to discuss and proposed three specific projects.
During the meeting, I told my supervisor what a great
opportunity this internship was and how much I wanted
to get out of it. I also expressed I wasn’t learning or
contributing much and wanted to change that.
During the meeting, my supervisor agreed that the work
I had been given was insufficient. We chose one of my
proposed ideas and I created a workflow document for
the team.
TASK SITUATIONACTION
Interview Question:
Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation.
Interview Answer utilizing the STAR method:
RESULT
Interviews
65
QUESTIONS TO ASK
An important part of the interview
is the time when the interviewer
says to you, “what questions do
you have for me?” Always have a
few questions prepared to ask.
• What do you like best/least
about working here?
• How long have you been here and what keeps you
here?
• What is your biggest frustration about working here?
• What are the possibilities for professional growth and
promotion?
• What would you like to see in your new co-worker?
• What are the most important tasks for this job?
• How much contact does the department and sta have
with management?
• What type of training is involved?
• What traits are you looking for in the person you hire?
Do you think I lack any of these traits?
• What is your supervisory style?
• What soft skills are needed in this position?
• What are some initial challenges I should expect in my
rst 90 days on the job?
• The mission of this company includes—insert statement
from mission here—how does this department contribute
to that mission?
• What’s your vision of the ideal person for this job and
how do I compare?
• What is the turnover like for this position? And why?
• What are some the of the most exciting challenges I will
face in this role?
• If I were to start tomorrow, what would be the top priority
on my to-do list?
• What would you say are the top two personality traits
someone needs to do this job well?
• What improvements or changes do you hope the new
candidate will bring to this position?
• I know this company prides itself on X and Y, so what
would you say is the most important aspect of the culture?
• What are some of the challenges that the company is
facing and what are some strategies being implemented
to solve them?
• What do you as the supervisor do to make sure everyone
feels included?
• What diversity programs does the company have in place?
• How would you describe the company’s culture?
• What resources does the company provide to support
trans, minority, female, veteran, [insert your choice here]
employees?
• Have I answered all your questions satisfactorily?
Used with permissions from University at Bualo Career Services Oce
Need practice? Use Big Interview or schedule a
mock interview appointment.
You must ask a few
questions during an
interview so prepare
them ahead of time.
Carr Tip
65
Leadership
• Describe a time when you had to handle a dicult situa-
tion/ customer/person.
• Describe a time you held or assumed a leadership position.
• Tell me about a time when you delegated tasks to others.
How did you decide what to delegate to dierent individu-
als?
• Give me an example of a time when you led by example.
• When have you felt most comfortable as a leader and why?
Professionalism
• Tell me about recent feedback you received from a teacher/
supervisor and what did you do with this knowledge.
• If you observed someone displaying inappropriate work
behavior, what would you do?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work.
How did you handle it and what did you learn?
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do
and how did you handle it.
• Tell me about a time when you were late/absent and how
did you communicate that to your supervisor/professor.
• Tell me about a time when you worked under close super-
vision or extremely loose supervision. How did you handle
both?
Career & Self Development
• Describe a time when you were criticized for taking a risk.
What was your reaction to the criticism?
• Give me an example of an important goal you set in the
past and how you achieved it or failed to achieve it.
• Tell me about your best and worst days at work and how
you handled each.
• What tasks do your co-workers rely on you to handle and
provide an example.
• Tell me about the rst job you ever had. What did you do to
learn the ropes?
• Give me an example of a time when you fell short of a goal
you had set for yourself. How did you handle the situation?
Equity & Inclusion
• Give me an example of a time when you have worked with
people whose beliefs and values dier from yours. What
did you learn about yourself?
• Describe a time when you found it dicult to work with
someone from a dierent background.
• Describe a situation that required you to consider a dier-
ent perspective from your own when exploring an issue.
• Tell me about a time when you perceived a disrespectful
situation and what actions you took to address the situa-
tion.
• Tell me about a time you observed culturally insensitive
behavior and what did you do?
Other
• Describe a change you have personally made and what was
the outcome?
• Tell me about when you were disappointed in your
p erformance. What did you do about it?
• Tell me about your proudest accomplishment?
Interviews
66
The moment you have been anticipating, you receive a job/
internship oer. Now what? And What does it all mean?
OFFER
Typically the company wishing to extend you an oer calls
you. Occasionally an employer will extend an oer during an
interview or invite you back in to discuss an oer in-person.
Maintain professional communication at all times. Return calls
promptly to discuss the oer.
NEGOTIATING AN OFFER
There are times when it is appropriate
and times when it is not appropriate to negotiate an oer.
Do Not Negotiate
• If original oer is outstanding.
• The company said no negotiating during your original
conversation.
• For a government or union job with rigid pay structures.
Call your contact person and decline
the offer in a professional manner.
Also follow up with an email
A job offer is made to you
Continue searching
Call your contact person and accept
the offer and also send a follow up
email accepting the offer
Ask at this time if there is any room for negotiating.
This will only be done one time so only ask with initial offer.
Research the salary offered for that position in that geographical region and
study offer letter including all benefits.
Review the offer
Maintain your professionalism. Continue the conversation.
• Thank the person and state you are flattered they are interested in you.
• Ask for a formal offer letter which includes salary, benefits, etc.
• Provide a timeline for your response.
– 24 hours is typical.
– Request more time, but not more than three business days.
Accept the offer as is Decline the offer
Start work on agreed upon date
Choose to negotiate
Call your contact person and
initiate negotiation conversation
(see next page)
Yes
Offer changes due to negotiation
Start again (this time you will
have to accept or reject, you
cannot negotiate a second time)
No
NAVIGATING OFFERS
Take into
consideration the
entire salary and
all benefits when
evaluating an oer.
Carr Tip
RESPONDING TO AN OFFER
Offers
67
Offers
• If you lack leverage for negoti-
ating (no relevant experience).
• If the employer is a struggling
non-prot.
Choose to Negotiate
• Only negotiate one time.
• If the job entails negotiating
(for instance sales positions)
salary negotiation is expected.
• If the oer is within a reasonable range of your researched
expectations.
• The company said yes during original conversation.
Prepare to Negotiate
• BEFORE negotiating an oer, it is imperative to be prepared.
• Approach the process in a collaborative, not adversarial,
manner.
• Use respectful, professional language.
• Have solid reasons for expecting more.
- Research shows the range to be higher.
– The experience you bring is superior.
• Research salary for the geographical area and the position.
• Only one chance to negotiate so be certain you ask for what
you want—salary, benets, etc. and have your reasons well
documented.
• You can negotiate any part of the oer, not just salary. Thus,
you might ask for remote work or more vacation time.
• Practice the negotiation conversation with a mentor or
or Career Counselor.
NEGOTIATION CONVERSATION
• Don’t be the rst to name a number. Ask about the range for
this position.
• Be prepared for the employer to turn the question back to you,
you can answer with:
– “From my research, the salary range for this position in
<name the city> is __to __”.
– Always speak in a range; don’t limit your answer to one
number.
• Identify where you t into the range and why; be prepared to
state your strengths (internship, job experience).
• Close the conversation—regardless of outcome—with
appreciation.
UNDERSTANDING AN OFFER
Your ocial oer should include salary and the other benets.
It’s important to evaluate all the benets—not just salary—
when accepting, negotiating or declinng an oer.
• Salary - Your oer will include a base salary, be sure to
understand if there are any sign-on bonuses, commissions,
yearly bonuses, raise structure and timeline.
• Leave - Review the leave policies and amount of paid time
o (PTO) such as: vacation days, sick days, personal days and
holidays and extended leave such as parental leave time for
birth/adoption.
• Insurance - Research the insurance coverage, how much do
they cover, how much will you pay, what type of plan it is,
what types of insurance are available (health, dental, vision,
life, etc).
• Retirement - Understand if the company contributes to or
matches your contributions to a retirement fund and how
much or if there is a pension.
• Additional Perks - Many companies oer other perks, make
sure to know what your oer may include: exible work
hours, remote work, tuition assistance, commuting expenses,
meals, on-site child care, etc.
CHOOSING
Sometimes it is dicult to choose an oer, especially if you
received multiple oers or anticipate receiving additional of-
fers before the deadline to respond to an oer made. This can
be a challenging situation to navigate. You might answer these
questions:
• Would I be happy working here for a few years? Remember
this isn’t a lifetime commitment.
• What if I get other oers, would I rather work somewhere
else? Why or why not?
• Is it worth taking the risk of saying no to this oer especially
if I don’t get another oer?
• What are the pros and cons of each position?
RENEGING
Accepting an oer is your nal deci-
sion and a promise. It is your word
you are taking the position. You
must uphold your commitment. You
absolutely should not renege on an
oer as the consequences can be
severe:
• Your professional image gets
tarnished.
• Word gets around among employers about your lack of
p rofessionalism.
• It’s a negative reection on Siena.
Need to practice salary negotiation? Schedule an appointment at TMCIC!
USEFUL WEBSITES
• www.salary.com
• www.salarylist.com
• www.payscale.com
• www.glassdoor.com
Confidence is key
when negotiating
oers!
Carr Tip
If you accept a position,
you absolutely should
not renege on that
agreement. The
consequences of doing
so can tarnish your
professional reputation.
Carr Tip
68
CONGRATULATIONS! All your hard work has paid o, and you
are starting your job or internship!
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLLEGE AND
THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD
There are some major dierences between college and the
professional world. Be prepared to handle these dierences.
WHAT TO WEAR
You need to assess what is the appropriate dress in each oce.
When interviewing, look around to see what people are wear-
ing. Once you have accepted the oer, ask what the dress code
is. At rst, err on the side of being more professionally dressed.
Remember rst impressions count. Certain professions are more
formal and may require business formal attire (suit). Others are
more casual.
STARTING A POSITION
STARTING A POSITION
CHECKLIST
Accept the offer.
Establish a start date.
Keep signed copies of all documents.
Answer any emails/calls prior to start date.
Prepare a monthly budget.
Handle any relocation issues.
Attend or complete any onboarding sessions.
Be early or on time.
Ask appropriate questions.
Set realistic goals and expectations.
Offer to help with new projects.
Learn about the field-attend conferences, join
professional organizations.
Admit and learn from mistakes.
Don’t be overly confident, ask if you don’t
understand or have questions.
Don’t be too humble, make your abilities known.
Meet deadlines.
Communicate with all colleagues in a professional
manner.
Become a true team player.
Find a mentor within the organization.
Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor.
Have a positive attitude.
Observe and be aware, but don’t get involved in
office politics.
Find out about full time positions (internship) or
promotions.
FOR REMOTE WORK:
Organize a professional work from home space.
Use a table or desk (not a bed or coach). Have
necessary office supplies. Be sure lighting is
conducive, reduce noises and have a blank
background if doing virtual conferencing.
Be sure all technology is approved by the company.
Follow company’s internet safety practices.
Schedule a weekly time to talk with your supervisor.
Get to know your co-workers; ask for virtual
coffee breaks.
FORMAL
Suit–pants/skirt
and blazer,
dress shirt/
blouse
Tie, belt, socks or
stockings, modest
accessories
Dress shoes
BUSINESS CASUAL
Long pants (not jeans,
leggings or joggers),
collared shirts/blouses/
sweaters, dresses, skirts
Tie (no blazer) or blazer
(no tie), belt, modest
accessories
Casual shoes
(no athletic shoes)
CASUAL
Jeans,
shorts,
t-shirts
Any or no
accessories
Any
footwear
Be sure to always
be professional in
the oce and when
interacting with
co-workers
Carr Tip
COLLEGE
Flexible hours you set –
class for 2 hours, start
at 10 am
Syllabus outlining the
entire semester
Deadlines and many
reminders provided
Work is reading, papers,
projects
Semester Schedule –
summers off, breaks
Your level of effort
determines your grade
Purpose is to gain
knowledge and skill
Grades or GPA is outcome
PROFESSIONAL POSITION
Rigid hours set by office –
9 am - 5 pm
No written outline provided,
assignments given usually orally
Deadlines need to be met
without any reminders
Work is independent or group
projects and duties
Calendar Schedule-typically
Monday-Friday, few holidays,
some vacation time
Effort has to equal A grade
Knowledge and skills are
assumed and must be utilized
Continued employment is goal
Starting
Grad School
69
• Financial—do you have the nancial
resources to attend? Will your
advanced degree help you pay o
your student debt? Can you nd funding—
perhaps through your place of employment?
Choosing a Program
Like undergraduate majors, there are a vast number of graduate/
professional school programs and degrees. Your rst step is to
determine which program is the best one for you.
You will need to identify what schools oer the programs of inter-
est. Some degrees/programs have centralized applications and
all the information regarding the schools and application pro-
cedures are accessible through the one website (such as medical
school, law school, physical therapy, etc.). Other degrees there is
not a centralized application so you have to research and nd the
schools that oer the programs of interest.
Choosing a Graduate/Professional School
There are more than 1,800 institutions in the United States that
oer an advanced degree, and the variety of programs is enor-
mous. Things to Consider in Choosing a School:
• Reputation of the school and the program
• Geography
• Online vs. in-person programs
• Class schedule especially if planning to work too
• Cost/Funding
• Faculty research areas
• Size of institution/program
• Facilities
• Research or internship oerings
• Placement rates
• Competitiveness of admission into the program (GPA, test
scores and percent admitted)
• Student services—career center, advising, etc.
Make certain to apply to a few programs with a range of
selectivity in order to ensure you receive an oer of admission.
THINKING ABOUT GRADUATE OR
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL?
The decision to continue your studies is important and should
not be taken lightly—don’t go to graduate school to avoid
doing a job search. Graduate school is a serious commitment
and it requires careful thought and planning. The MacDon-
nell Career and Internship Center can help with the graduate
school process.
Some of the “Right” Reasons to Go to
Graduate/Professional School
• An advanced degree is needed in order to practice the
profession (e.g. law, clinical psychology, medicine).
• You truly enjoy what you’re studying and want to explore it
further.
• You want to make a contribution to the body of knowledge
in your eld through research.
• An advanced degree will advance you professionally.
Some of the “Wrong” Reasons to Go to
Graduate/Professional School
• You don’t want to do a job search.
• You haven’t gured out what you want to do, so you’ll stay
in school until you do.
• Everybody else is doing it.
• You are fullling someone else’s dreams/desires (parents,
professors, friends).
• You don’t know what to do with your undergraduate major.
• Believing if I don’t go now, I never will.
• You want to put o “the real world.”
Timing, When to Go to
Graduate School
Before applying to graduate
school, it’s important to deter-
mine the best time to attend.
Graduate school will always be
there, so it’s up to you decide
when the time is right for you.
Some factors to consider are:
• Type of program—many
“professional” master’s degrees may require or prefer some
professional experience before being admitted. Other pro-
grams, especially academic/ research-based programs do not
require experience.
• Your career choice—if entry-level positions in your chosen
eld require an advanced degree, then going sooner might
be a better choice.
• Readiness—only you can know when you are ready to
commit yourself to further studies.
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
Choose a school and
program that will
enhance your career
aspirations
Carr Tip
Useful Websites
Many professional schools (i.e. medical, dental, physical
therapy, law…) have their own admissions sites. To search
for schools with other programs use:
www.petersons.com www.gradschool.com
Graduate school is an
option now or in the
future. You decide when
the time is right for you
to go back to school.
Carr Tip
Grad School
To learn about graduate schools attend the
Career Expo – Grad School Fair each fall
(any or all years).
70
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
Admissions committees for advanced degree programs are
l ooking for the best candidates. For graduate school the admis-
sions committees usually include faculty. They are making a
full review of an applicant’s le and taking the following factors
into consideration:
• Transcripts/Previous education - a bachelor’s degree is
necessary for gaining admission. Oftentimes, a particular
undergraduate major is not required (though specic course-
work maybe required). They are looking at your transcripts
for GPA, grades, and coursework.
• Standardized test score - Most, but not all, programs require
at least one standardized test. Schedule, prepare and take
these tests well before any admission deadlines.
• Application - a well-written application is important.
• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement/Essays - most
applications ask for one or more essays. This is your
opportunity to tell the committee why you are interested in
that particular program and sell yourself to them.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) -
depending on the type of program to
which you are applying will determine
whether you submit a resume or a
CV. The committee wants to see what
experience you have in the eld.
o Work experience - for professional
programs demonstrating that you
have experience in the eld is a
positive attribute
o Research - for research programs
they want to see what research skills
you have already developed
o Activities/Leadership - showing in-
volvement outside of academics can
demonstrate other important skills
• Prerequisite Coursework - programs are open to, even prefer
a wide variety of undergraduate majors; however, there often
are some necessary courses to gain admission. Make certain
you have taken any courses and send the transcripts to docu-
ment your coursework.
• Letters of Recommendation - most
applications require 2-3 letters of
r ecommendation. Choose professors
and/or employers who can speak well
of your skills. Submit the number of
letters requested, more is not better.
• Interviews - some programs (medi-
cal school, MBA specically) require an interview as a part of
the application process. If it’s a required element, then notes
shared by the interviewer will be taken into consideration by
the admissions committee.
• Additional Requirements - understand and document any
other requirements expected of applicants such as contact/
observation hours, prior work experience, etc.
Writing the Personal Statement
Also called the statement of intent or
purpose, this is the most dicult part
of the graduate/professional school
application. Make sure to start draft-
ing it early to give yourself plenty of
time to revise and edit the statement.
This statement not only expresses
your interest in the eld, but also
serves as a writing sample to the
committee to evaluate your writing.
When writing the statement, be certain to read the directions
and conform to the page length or word count. If no guidelines
are given, 500 words is usually the norm. Also read the ques-
tion/prompt closely and fully address all aspects mentioned.
The admissions committee is reading your statement to
understand your specic career goals and academic interests.
Your statement should include a BRIEF
history of how you became interested in
the eld, but the majority of your state-
ment should focus on the future. The
committee wants to know how/why you
are interested in pursuing the degree
and how you will use it in the future.
For non-centralized applications, it is
also important to include why a particular school is the right
t for you. Admissions committees want to see a unique essay
that demonstrates your knowledge of their program specically.
Thus, you will need to write a unique statement for each school.
What has you excited about that school? Is it research currently
being conducted? Particular faculty? Internship opportunities?
Be sure to include your specic area of interest in your essay.
Above all, this must be a well-written, error-free document.
Mistakes in grammar and spelling are interpreted as a lack of
eort on your part and are not favorable to the committee. Have
your statement critiqued by a Career Counselor, edited by the
Writing Center and reviewed by a faculty member.
For more on
resume writing
see page 24.
For sample
CV see page 75.
The essay is where
you get to show them
who you are! Take
advantage of this and
tell the committee
something impactful.
Carr Tip
For more
information
about asking
for letters of
recommendation
see page 71.
Program/Degree
Masters and
Doctorates
Masters and
Doctorates
Business
School/MBA
Medical School/MD/
DO
Dental School/DDS
Law School/JD
Test
GRE
GRE
Subject
tests
GMAT
MCAT
DAT
LSAT
Website
www.ets.org/gre
www.ets.org/gre/
test-takers/subject-tests/
about
www.mba.com
www.students-residents.
aamc.org
www.ada.org
www.lsac.org/lsat
STANDARDIZED TESTS
For a
sample essay
see page 74.
Grad School
This is not a complete list, other degrees might have other tests
71
Grad School
Requesting Letters of
Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
are an important part of your
application as the admission
committee wants to hear about
your strengths from people who
know you well. Choose your
recommenders wisely.
• Ask professors, supervisors, mentors who know you well.
o A professor you met with regularly during oce hours is
going to have more to say about you than a professor with
whom you never got to know personally.
o Someone you have worked with recently, don’t ask a
professor/supervisor with whom you only worked with
years ago.
• Always try to ask recommenders in person. If not in person,
video conference or phone are acceptable. Email only if you
have no way to meet in real time.
• Ask recommenders by saying:
o “ I’m applying to graduate school, do you feel you know
me well enough to be able to write a positive letter of
recommendation on my behalf?”
• If they seem reluctant or say something like “perhaps you
should ask someone else”, thank them for their time and
choose someone else.
• If they agree, follow up with an email and supply recom-
menders with the following to assist them in writing your
letter:
o Your resume/CV
o Copy of your essay (if it’s not done, provide an outline of
why you are applying for graduate school and future plans)
o Reminder list of the classes you took (or when you worked),
signicant projects/papers you completed, grades or awards
received
o Details about yourself such as skills and strengths you
would like them to highlight
o A list of the schools/programs to which you are apply-
ing, instructions on submitting their letters (including any
passwords if necessary), any necessary waiver forms and
deadlines for submission
• Provide polite reminders if deadlines are approaching and
LORs have not been submitted.
• Have a back up plan if a recommender is unable to complete a
letter for you in a timely fashion.
• Submit only the number requested; more is not better.
TMCIC can help with your grad school search or
essay writing. Schedule an appointment with a
Career Counselor.
GRADUATE SCHOOL CHECKLIST
Research programs online
Create an organizational system that works for
you (spreadsheet, journal, etc.)
Create a final list of schools with a variety of
competitiveness
Note all important information about each
application and deadlines (such as deadlines,
average GPA, number of LORs, etc.)
Learn what standardized tests (if any) are required
Schedule and study for these tests
Complete all necessary application steps well in
advance of deadlines
Take necessary standardized tests
Send test scores to each school
Request letters of recommendation
Submit complete applications to each school.
A complete application includes:
o Application with essay(s)
o Fee
o Personal Statement(s)
o Standardized test scores
o Required number of recommendations
o Transcripts
o Resume/Curriculum Vitae
o Interview (?)
o Additional specific requirements
(i.e. contact/observation hours)
Promptly schedule and prepare for interviews
if required or invited
Research financial aid
Complete the FAFSA federal student aid
application
Evaluate acceptance offers, scholarships and finan-
cial aid packages
Visit schools
Choose and commit to one school
Send final transcripts
Attend!
Always politely ask
professors or professionals
if they would be willing and
able to write you a positive
letter of recommendation.
Be sure to ask well in
advance of any deadlines.
Carr Tip
72
Be aware of both
admission deadlines
AND financial aid/
fellowship deadlines.
Sometimes there are
dierent deadlines.
Carr Tip
Timeline
It is your responsibility to make
sure your applications and all the
supporting documents are delivered
before the deadlines. Thus, it is
important to start thinking about
the process early and be very
organized. Each program’s
timeline and deadline dates are very dierent;
thus, you need to do research and gather the information for
your specic program and schools.
It is vastly important to keep your graduate school application
materials organized. Be sure to utilize an organizational tool of
your choice (i.e. a spreadsheet or notebook) listing all important
information such as: school, degree, program, admission type/
deadline, test scores, number of LORs, LOR asks, essay(s), ad-
ditional materials, etc. Then note dates you visited, submitted
materials, etc.
Assuming you plan to enter graduate school for the fall
semester:
One year before
• Determine your program of choice
and begin researching schools.
• Review the deadlines and plan
accordingly.
• Plan your testing strategy,
choosing appropriate test dates.
• Study for the standardized test
necessary for your program.
• Set up your individualized calendar based on the
deadlines for your program.
• Visit the schools of interest.
Early-Mid Fall Semester
• Meet with faculty members/advisors to learn more about your
programs of interest.
• Attend the Career Expo–Grad School Fair.
• Finalize your list of schools and note all important deadlines.
• Open your online application accounts.
• Schedule and take any required standardized tests. Be sure to
leave adequate time for scores to be sent to schools; this can
require up to four weeks.
• Politely request letters of recommendation (LORs).
• Fill out the online applications.
• Begin drafting personal statements. Have statements cri-
tiqued by a Career Counselor, faculty and the Writing Center.
• Order transcripts from each college you have attended. Find
out if the application requires ocial transcripts to be mailed,
or if you will be uploading unocial transcripts into the
online application.
End Fall Semester
• Send test scores to all colleges.
• Complete applications and submit ALL necessary documents.
• Make certain all recommendations have been submitted; if
not, remind writers.
• Investigate funding resources.
• Conrm that your applications have been led and are
complete.
Winter
• Schedule any required interviews.
• Submit the FAFSA Federal nancial aid application
(www.fafsa.gov).
• Apply for other funding sources.
Spring
• Review each acceptance letter and nancial aid package.
• Visit campuses where you were accepted.
May 1
• Choose ONE school, sign the commitment letter and submit
deposit (non-refundable). You may commit to only ONE
school.
• Decline oers from other schools.
Summer
• Send your nal, ocial Siena transcript that veries
graduation.
Don’t procrastinate
on your applications.
Start planning in junior
year and write essays
over the summer.
Carr Tip
DEADLINE VS. ROLLING ADMISSION
• Deadline — some schools/programs have a set
deadline and you must have your application fully
complete by that deadline. The school will notify all
applicants of their admission decision at the same
time.
• Rolling — other schools offer rolling admission which
means there is no set deadline and they will review
and offer admission until their class is full. The school
will notify applicants of their admission decision on
a rolling basis (typically a few weeks after receipt of
completed application). That means admission gets
more competitive later in the cycle; thus, it’s best to
apply in a reasonable timeframe.
Grad School
73
Financing Graduate/Professional Education
How to pay for advanced education is a major question for most
people. Do some research to nd out whether there are fund-
ing resources available to you and how much your degree will
cost. Also, be certain to know what funding is available based on
whether you are attending full or part time.
• Fellowships/Scholarships - are grants that don’t need to
be repaid. They are usually awarded to some of the stron-
gest candidates based on academic merit. Typically the only
requirement is to maintain a minimum GPA for ongoing
awards. Some outside scholarships may be available (but they
are not as prevalent as undergraduate scholarships). Often
they are only available to students attending full time.
• Research/Teaching/Graduate Assistantships - are stipends or
tuition waivers in exchange for work such as conducting re-
search, teaching classes or working in an oce. Make certain
to understand the parameters of the assistantship such as
total amount, hourly commitment and payment structure.
• Loans - similar to undergraduate studies, there are student
loans available to graduate students. Completing the federal
student nancial aid application, FAFSA, is necessary. Loan
amounts are limited and are based on full time or part time
student status.
• Employer Contributions - some companies/organizations
oer tuition assistance to employees who are attending
graduate school. Check with your employer to see if this is a
benet they provide and understand the requirements for re-
ceiving (i.e. some employers require you to work for a certain
amount of time after the degree or will expect the money to
be repaid).
• Personal Contributions - the money you will contribute
towards your education.
To apply for funding you will need to complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit FAFSA.gov for
application procedures.
CURRICULUM VITAES (CVs)
Similar but dierent from a standard
resume, a curriculum vitae (CV or vitae)
is a document used to outline your
education, r esearch, experience,
publications, presentations, honors, etc.
It is typically used when applying to graduate school or for
positions in academia. One of the major dierences between
a resume and a CV is the length. A CV is unlimited in pages,
and should chronicle all of your experiences. Also CVs are the
accepted practice internationally.
A CV should be separated into sections. Items within each
section should be presented in a reverse chronological order—
starting with the most recent and ending with oldest. This is a
living document and should be updated regularly. Refer to the
Resume chapter for more information. Most of the information
(except for document length) is relevant to writing a CV.
SECTIONS TO INCLUDE ON A CV
Full name*
Contact Information*
Education*
Honors and Awards
Teaching Experience
Research Experience
Statistical of Computer
Experience
Professional Experience
Grant awards
Publications
Presentations/Poster
Presentations
Conference Attendance
Professional affiliations/
memberships
Work Experience
Research/Teaching
Interests
Financial Aid Application
www.fafsa.gov
For a sample
CV see page 75.
*indicates information which must be included
Sections should be listed in order of importance
73
Grad School
74
I can remember sitting in General Biology II and getting lost in thought as my professor discussed the
details of agella. As I pondered about the bigger picture of healthcare, I began to list as many health pro-
fessionals I could imagine…doctors, physician assistants, nurses, administrators, and wondered how they
all worked together to create the bigger picture of healthcare. At that moment, I realized that I needed to
pursue a different area of study and a completely different career track. I am not only interested in learning
about how agella allow cells to move, but also in learning about what makes health structures move and
impact the masses.
Following this self-realization, I switched my major to health administration. I also became determined to
nd the career path that will satiate my burning desire to learn about health at a structural level and at the
same time, give me the chance to help others. Amidst my search, I came across the healthcare management
eld and recounted several experiences that drew me closer to the idea of pursuing a career in healthcare
management.
In highschool, I conducted a research project on BPA and its health risks. The science of the project was
invigorating, but the most profound part was when I shared my ndings with others. I remembered pre-
senting at the Bronx Scifest and having the underserved tias and tios1 of my largely Hispanic and African
American community, come up to me with light in their eyes and beaming smiles. I remembered hearing
them say how “feliz”2 they were to have another “morena”3 explain to them an important health risk in their
native tongue, Spanish. As my memories faded, I knew that I had to look no further, a career in healthcare
administration would help me achieve my mission to elevate those who are marginalized in society.
Another one of my experiences included shadowing a surgeon, translating for his Spanish-speaking
patients, and assisting in administrative work at Wilson Orthopaedics. Here, I was able to observe discrimi-
nation and injustice within healthcare rst-hand, when a frustrated physician cut off an unaccompanied
and anxious eighty year old “señora”4 mid-sentence when she was just trying to provide more information
regarding her condition. If healthcare professionals won’t treat each and every patient with the profession-
alism, respect, and compassion necessary to deliver quality health care services, who will?
These experiences propelled me to pursue a career in healthcare management, so that I can make a differ-
ence. Clarkson’s Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, is ideal because it would
grant me the opportunity to learn business theory from experienced healthcare professionals and intern-
ship opportunities. I envision myself as a healthcare administrator working in the planning, directing, and
coordination of medical and health services to ensure that all patients, regardless of background receive the
care they deserve. Clarkson’s courses, such as the Strategic Issues for Healthcare Organizations capstone,
would help me propose innovative models of management that reduce mistreatment of patients, such as the
Señora5 that was in dire need of my assistance.
___________________
1 Aunts and uncles
2 Happy
3 Person of Color; Feminine Form
4 A Spanish term of address equivalent to Mrs. used alone or capitalized and prexed to the name of a
married or older woman.
5 A Spanish term of address equivalent to Mrs. used alone or capitalized and prexed to the name of a
married or older woman.
An introduction
that is unique will
pique the reader’s
attention.
A brief overview of
how and why you
became interested in
the field is necessary,
but it should not be
too lengthy.
A concluding sentence
which ties the whole essay
together is a solid ending.
Be sure to keep to the length parameters suggested.
Include specific
examples/stories to
demonstrate your
experience and true
interest in the field
Include your
knowledge of the
program. Give some
specific examples of
what you like about
the program and/
or school. A grad
school essay should
be written for EACH
school and NOT a one
size fits all essay
Mention your future
goals. Where you
want to go and what
you want to do with
this degree. DO NOT
spend time repeating
information they can
gain from elsewhere
in your application
SAMPLE ESSAY
Demonstrating your
unique skill set is
also crucial.
Grad School
75
Grad School
Ima Saint
115 Bernard Way Loudonville, NY 12211
(518) 000-2222 isaint@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Siena College, Loudonville, NY—Standish Honors Program
Bachelor of Arts, History and American Studies, Summa Cum Laude—May 2017
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Areas of Concentration: 20th Century American History, Urban History, Public History
Honors Thesis: “‘O’Malley’s Pleasure Dome:’ The Ballpark in the Postwar City”
University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
Study Abroad, Fall 2015
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Honors Fellow, Standish Honors Program, Siena College—Sep 2013-May 2017
• Analyzed and researched the numerous schools of academic history towards identifying
a primary perspective from which to approach individual scholarship.
• Acquired signicant research experience in major areas of urban history.
• Participated in numerous major-specic and general academic seminars towards
becoming well versed in larger tenets of scholarly research.
Researcher, Public History Colloquium, Siena College—J a n 2 01 6 - M ay 2 0 1 6
• Worked with numerous public history professionals to study the best practices in the area of museum studies.
• Prepared several presentations on key areas in the broader research and theory of public history, museum studies,
and digital history to present before history classes.
• Studied the development of public history as eld centered on the larger consideration of the many different ways
people understand the past.
• Designed museum exhibit on local businesses for use by local historic site.
Interviewer & Researcher, Vietnam War Oral History Colloquium, Siena College—Sep 2013-Dec 2014
• Conducted and transcribed interviews with Vietnam War veterans for use by the Library of Congress’ Testimonies
of War Oral History Project.
• Led three-person research team in design of oral history project on the Albany County
Historical Association and its larger role in the community.
• Examined oral history as area of public history and its uses in furthering people’s
understanding of the past through alternative channels.
• Acquired certication through National Institute of Health for conducting research with
at-risk populations as training for work with Vietnam veterans.
PROJECTS AND PAPERS
Honors Thesis: “‘O’Malley’s Pleasure Dome:’ The Ballpark in the Postwar American City”—
Standish Honors Program, Siena College—Jan 2016-May 2017
My honors thesis studies the ideological origins of the use of public funding in the construction of privately owned
sports stadia during the post-World War II period and what these changes reected about the nature of the American
city. This project has involved extensive scholarship in areas of urban history and urban renewal, as well as a broader
articulation of how these dynamics relate to larger trends in cultural history. I am looking to submit my research for
publication in the Baseball Research Journal.
“Triple Play: Baseball at the Albany Institute”—Albany Institute of History and Art—Albany, NY—
Sep 2017-Apr 2018
Triple Play is a three-part exhibit on baseball history, consisting of Baseball: America’s Game, a traveling exhibit
from the Bank of America, Play Ball!, a history of baseball in New York’s Capital Region, and The Clubhouse, and
exhibit dedicated to memorabilia.
• Served as chief researcher and exhibit developer.
• Wrote main exhibition narrative.
“Capital in the Capital: A History of Albany’s Small Businesses”—Albany County Historical Association— Albany,
NY—Jan 2016-May 2017
Museum exhibition crafted as class project of Siena College Public History Colloquium on the history of local
businesses in Albany, which served as the summer exhibition of the Albany County Historical Association.
• Met with local businesses to devise narratives of their history.
• Designed museum panels for exhibit.
For presenta-
tions, list the
title of the
project and
name and
date of the
conference
where it was
presented
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Curatorial Intern, Albany Institute of History and Art—Albany, NY—Aug 2016-Apr 2017
• Oversaw primary research and development for major spring exhibitions on history of baseball in New York’s
Capital Region: Play Ball! and The Clubhouse.
o Wrote all interpretative labels for the exhibit and decided with executive director all artifacts to be
included as part of exhibit.
o Participated in all major meetings related to exhibit, involving areas such as educational programming,
fundraising, and publicity and media outreach.
o Served as consultant for curatorial, education, and development departments on all programs and written
materials related to exhibit.
o Wrote press materials on exhibit for local media outlets.
• Wrote nding aids for manuscript and archival collections in Institute’s holdings.
• Performed object inventory of permanent collections, data entry of catalog information, and overall
maintenance and updates to Institute ling system.
• Assisted in the installation and de-installation of select exhibits for the fall season.
Museum Docent, Albany County Historical Association— A l b a n y, N Y — J u n 2 0 1 6 - A u g 2 0 1 7
• Gave guided tours of the Ten Broeck Mansion historic site.
• Conducted visitor research and surveys to improve tour experience.
• Wrote new tour narrative for use by future docents.
• Supervised operation of Ten Broeck Mansion on designated tour days.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society—Apr 2015-present
• Nationwide honor society for most select history students.
Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences—Apr 2015-present
• Honor society for most select students in the eld of Social Sciences.
The McCarthy Scholarship—Jan 2013-present
• Scholarship given to select students from Rensselaer County.
ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
President, Siena College Political Science Society—Sep 2015-Apr 2017
• Chief organizer of Siena College Student Roundtable on Current Issues, Voter Identication Survey, and Social
Media and Politics Discussion.
• Working with Siena College Center for Academic Community Engagement to plan Youth Political Forum on
study of policy issues and their impact on youth.
• Organize Siena College’s Voter Registration Drive.
Student Liaison, Siena College Center for the Study of Government and Politics—Sep 2015-Apr 2017
• Serve as student representative on Siena’s primary academic center for study of politics and current events.
• Responsible for helping to plan programs, presentations, and events to increase student political engagement.
• Organize research work and public events with the Siena Research Institute.
• Work closely with Siena College Student Senate in planning of college events exploring areas of politics.
Admissions Ambassador, Siena College Departments of History and American Studies—Sep 2015-present
• Meet with prospective students during admissions events to educate them on History and American Studies
programs, departments, and majors.
Volunteer, Brunswick Cares Community Food Pantry—Brunswick, NY—May 2014-present
• Arrange and supply orders for pantry recipients.
• Educate recipients on aspects of the pantry and the Food Stamps program.
Treasurer, Siena College History Club—Sep 2015-Dec 2015
• Managed club nances and expenditures for Day of Living History event.
Volunteer, Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region—Albany, NY—July 2015
• Digitized Harriet Tubman Lecture Series videos for use in future organizational activities
A CV can be as many pages as needed so include ALL accomplishments
but put most important accomplishments first
Within a section, put experiences in reverse chronological order—newest to oldest
Write bullets to describe work accomplished and skills gained (see resume writing section)
Ima Saint Page 2 of 2
Sections
should be
in order of
importance for
purpose of CV
Include only one email
and phone number
Include
study abroad
programs
under
education
A brief description to
explain the award is
acceptable, but keep it
to one line
Don’t forget to include
activities and community
service
SAMPLE CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
Be sure to put your full
name at the top of any
additional pages
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“The unique hybrid model allows for easy
integration for students who have demanding
work schedules while still giving them the
networking benets of an in-person business
degree.”
Katie Nelson, Vice President, Albany/Hudson Valley
Market Executive at Bank of America
“ At Siena, my professional network grew
exponentially. The small class sizes and one-on-
one support from faculty made all the dierence.
Without Siena, I would not be where I am today.
Truly, an Education for a Lifetime.”
Matthew O’Keefe, Business Transformation
Consultant at IBM
Siena College’s graduate programs, distinguished by their dynamic liberal arts foundation, propel graduates into rewarding and meaningful careers. Each student learns through immer-
sive experiences, applying their knowledge in engaging, real-world contexts. Students are plugged into Siena’s unbeatable alumni network and graduate from New York’s number one
college for job placement. That’s the Siena Advantage.
GRADUATE EDUCATION WITH THE SIENA ADVANTAGE
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SIENA ADVANTAGE?
siena.edu/graduate • graduateadmissions@siena.edu
• Master of Arts in Teaching English
to Speakers of Other Languages
• Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Arts in Early Childhood
and Childhood Education
• Advanced Certicates:
Strategic Management
Marketing
Fraud and Digital Forensics
Data & Analytics
Cybersecurity
“My Siena professors taught me to think
outside the box, and that really prepared
me for seeking new ways to impact my
students. I loved Siena and its Franciscan
values, and I feel so fortunate to have
earned my master’s degree from such a
special place.”
Keri Lockhart, English as a New
Language Educator at Shaker Middle School
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ARTHUR O. EVE HIGHER EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
ARTHUR O. EVE HIGHER EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
LOOKING FOR A
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or its subsidiaries. Alessandro J Tronco provides investment advisory services as an Advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth
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Here’s your chance to shine beyond the classroom. You’ll learn all the
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77
78
FROM
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Where Will Your Skills Take You?
JOIN A CULTURE OF
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BRING CLASSROOM
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Discover internships that
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LAUNCHING CAREERS:
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From internships to full-time
roles, we nurture talent at
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SAINTS DON’T SIT ON THE SIDELINES
KICKSTART YOUR CAREER TODAY
Our long-standing partnership with Siena
College underscores our commitment to
nurturing talent through by fostering
internships and developing young
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79
Hard Launch
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AN INNOVATIVE, FLEXIBLE ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRM
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80
DALLE Accounting is a comprehensive accounting
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At DALLE Accounting, you will play a key role in the
accounting function for multiple clients in a variety
of industries. You will learn the skills that can take
you from accountant to CFO, or tax professional.
We are always growing, and we are hiring!
ACCELERATE
Your Career
1400 Second Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189 dalleaccounting.com
hr@dalleaccounting.com (518) 270-9243
Back Row: Anne ‘85, Bryce ‘22, Dave ‘81, Sierra ’22 & '23, Front Row: Matt ‘08, Dan ‘95, Michelle ’94 & ‘98, Jim ‘87
Not Pictured: Jordan '19
Almost half of our staff
are proud Siena graduates!
THANK YOU
TO OUR 2024-2025
SPONSORS
PLATINUM:
GOLD:
EMERALD:
SPONSORSHIP
LEVEL
BE CAREER
READY
CAREER AND INTERNSHIP
CENTER
CRITICAL
THINKING
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
TEAMWORK
CAREER & SELF-
DEVELOPMENT
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
LEADERSHIP
PROFESSIONALISM
CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
* @2021 National Association of Colleges and Employers
BE
CAREER
READY!
CAREER & SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Proactively develop oneself and one’s
career through continual personal
and professional learning, awareness
of one’s strengths and weaknesses,
navigation of career opportunities, and
networking to build relationships within
and without one’s organization.
COMMUNICATION
Clearly and effectively exchange
information, ideas, facts, and
perspectives with persons inside
and outside of an organization.
CRITICAL THINKING
Identify and respond to needs
based upon an understanding
of situational context and logical
analysis of relevant information.
TECHNOLOGY
Understand and leverage technologies
ethically to enhance efficiencies,
complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
PROFESSIONALISM
Knowing work environments differ
greatly, understand and demonstrate
effective work habits, and act in the
interest of the larger community and
workplace.
TEAMWORK
Build and maintain collaborative
relationships to work effectively toward
common goals, while appreciating
diverse viewpoints and shared
responsibilities.
LEADERSHIP
Recognize and capitalize on personal
and team strengths to achieve
organizational goals.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude,
knowledge, and skills required to
equitably engage and include people
from different local and global cultures.
Engage in anti-racist practices that
actively challenge the systems,
structures, and policies of racism.
*
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Individual Career and Internship
Counseling Appointments
• Peer Career Advisor Drop-in Service
• Resume Certification
• Credit-bearing Internship Coordination
• Platforms: Handshake, Big Interview,
SaintsNetwork & GoinGlobal
• Career Guide (print and digital versions)
• Career Expo and Fairs, Events and
Workshops
• Career and major exploration classes
and much more!
careermail@siena.edu
518-783-2339
www.siena.edu/offices/tmcic
Foy Hall 203
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY USING
CONNECT WITH US
The MacDonnell Career and
Internship Center at Siena College
@sienacareers
