Lindsey Pollak Seminar: “Seven Absolute Musts!”

Preparing for life after college can be an intimidating and stressful time for students. Not only are you trying to finish up classes and clinical work, but you are trying to prepare for board examinations, polish up a resume (which you may feel doesn’t demonstrate much experience), conduct a job search, and prepare yourself for interviews.

There is one woman, among many, who has gone through this stressful yet exciting transition. What is the only difference between her and many others? She has taken her experiences, both positive and negative, and compiled inspiring and realistic tips and advice to help others “stand out from the crowd” and make a successful transition from college student to career professional.

I attended one of Lindsey Pollak’s seminars on campus. Pollak is the writer and editor of the book, “Getting from College to Career: 90 things To Do Before You Join the Real World.” I felt that her advice and ideas were a great benefit to all, and I would like to share what Pollak refers to as the “Seven Absolute Musts!”

1. Avoid the biggest mistake in career prep and job hunting.
   Your biggest mistake is doing nothing! Get to know your career center and advisors. Attend different workshops to help spruce up your resume and practice mock interviewing.
2. Get all your ducks in a row.
   Pollak had some insightful ideas here. She suggested purchasing a “career notebook” to keep a record of different companies you have acquired information about, sent resumes to, and written notes about specific conversations with recruiters. This is an assured way that you do not mix up information. Professional conduct was emphasized. If you are going to be a professional, you need to begin acting like one now! Easy, yet overlooked, ways to display professionalism include changing your voicemail to a brief message.
3. Become an expert researcher.
   Know about the company or health organization in which you want to apply. It is of great advantage to read publications that relate to your profession. Not only does this allow you to stay on top of current news and issues, but it gives you an opportunity to create meaningful conversation with colleagues and recruiters.
4. Network with your neighbors.
   Begin now building and maintaining mutual relationships. Keep in touch with people you meet during clinical rotations and conference meetings, etc. Always ask colleagues if there is anything you can do for them after acquiring advice or help. It is a gesture that is appreciated and demonstrates reciprocal respect.
   Design your own free student business card (aside from shipping); it is easier and more professional to hand out your information on a business card than the back of a receipt. Visit www.vistaprint.com
5. Make the most of social media.
   Clean up your Internet profile. Web sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, should have security blocks and appropriate main page profile pictures as well as appropriate status remarks. Utilize Web sites like LinkedIn.com.
6. Persist (politely).
   Be the first to follow-up after an interview. This may come in the form of a thank you card or an e-mail with follow-up questions or solutions to proposed questions discussed during the interview.
7. Don’t curb your enthusiasm.
   Be enthusiastic and involved in your profession. You never know the opportunities that could arise from getting involved. Another piece of advice Pollak offers is to always remember: “You miss 100 percent of the chances you never take.” These are brief and summarized suggestions and advice from Pollak. I recommend reading her book for further guidance in preparing for your professional career.

Ashley Culbertson, SPT Class of 2010.