Career Services

A very interesting article by Vivek Wadhwa posted recently on www.businessweek.com.  The article examines popular political and public perceptions that the US is falling behind in educating and employing scientists.  Wadhwa insists that the opposite is actually the case and provides a recent case study in the subject for proof. He cites sustained improvement in science education in terms of both quality and numbers.  He also notes that the available jobs for recent graduates in science fields are actually fewer than those seeking positions.  He points out that heeding calls for increases in numbers graduating with science or engineering backgrounds could result in many of those graduates taking positions in non-science related fields due to a shortage of jobs for them.  His arguments make the case for improved science education initiatives that are also accompanied by job creation in these fields.   Wadhwa’s closing arguments are supportive of a strong liberal arts background and continued investment into businesses which promote sustainability and provide innovative technical opportunities for college grads.

“We need our children to receive a balanced and broad education. Perhaps we should focus on creating demand for the many scientists and engineers we graduate. There are many problems, from global warming to the development of alternative fuels to cures for infectious diseases that need to be solved.” 

 Click here to read the entire article. It is an interesting take with some definite room for debate on either side. Thoughts or opinions?

We review resumes almost daily.  Sometimes we review several per day.  Our office is always glad to provide this service to students and alumni as it is also one of the most important steps in the job search, career planning, and even grad school application process.  As always, feel free to call, email, or stop by if you would like to have your resume reviewed.  We will personally look over your resume and make reccomendations based on your particular situation and based on your resume content.  If you need help just getting something down on paper, make sure you check out our resume handout located here.  Following is a summary of our most frequent resume reccomendations.

• Do not use a template for your final draft.  Your resume will not have a unique look or feel.  It also may be difficult to add content and shift the format or headings.
• Use minimal margins for your page layout. 1/2 or 3/4 inch margins all around usually look great.
• Watch for spelling errors (advice we could use for this blog at times as well)
• Make sure that your profile, objective, or experience descriptions are unique and specific.  Prove your experience and qualifications.  Do not waste space with content that would work for any other cadidate applying for the same position or describe anyone who worked in a similar position. 
• Always include your cover letter and reference if you are applying directly for a specific position.  However, use care when including these in posting your resume to a general job board.
• Don't think of your resume as a static/single document. Adapt it as needed or create multiple resumes. e.g. one for positions related to your major and one for positions related to your experience.

Again, drop us an email at careerservices@hendrix.edu for a personal resume review.