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Finding A Career in Geography and environmental planning

Step 1: Know where to look

• Career and Internship Opportunities

• Explore your career desires:
  • Where in the US/World
    • Interested in international work? Contact Dr. Jeremy Tasch.
  • Work schedule (9-5 M-F? Weekends? Evenings?)
  • Are you willing to travel with your job?
  • What is the minimum $ you need to meet your needs
  • Do you want to start with an internship? Contact Dr. Jay Morgan.
    

Step 2: Identify all qualifications/requirements the employer is looking for

• Ask yourself: 'If I was the person hiring, and received 300 applications for this position, how would I narrow the stack down?'.
• Create a separate document that is a checklist for everything the position is asking for.
• Example score sheet

Step 3: Develop a resume

• Proven Resume Techniques for New College Graduates
• Resume Tips for Recent College Graduates
• Sample resumes
  • About.com Resume Samples
  • Resume formats and samples
• Use brief bulletted list
• Use #'s, %'s, etc. -- Be specific and quantify your accomplishments!
• Basic Components:
  • Name and Contact Information
  • Career Objectives
  • Main Body:
    • Past Work Experience
    • How you meet their requirements
      • List any written/oral communication experience
      • Projects you've done that are relevant
      • Evidence of leadership
      • Evidence of being a team player
    • Education
  • Professional membership
  • Community involvement
  • List of technical skills
    • How strong are your skills? (strong, moderate) [optional]
    • MS Office
    • Spreadsheet? Database?
    • Computing languages (list all)
    • Computer software (list all)
  • List any honors or awards received
  • List of references, their contact information (optional)

Step 4: Write a cover letter

Sample cover letters

Step 5: Collect all other material needed

• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• List of references (and let your references know!)
• Sample of your work (GIS project, writing sample, etc.)
• Supervisor, business address/contact information
• All eductation address information (What was the address of your high school?)

Step 6: Track your efforts

Step 7: Prepare for the interview