College and Career Blog – from Westwood College

How To Become A Great Team Player at Work

By General Employment Advisor – Diana Ingle Braley:

One of the most important traits of an outstanding team player is the ability to blend your own work style with the other team members’ styles.  Being a team player means investing time and energy into the group’s efforts while maintaining your autonomy and distinctive ideas within the collective group.

There is a delicate balance which must be achieved: the ability of the group to function as a single unit while allowing the innovation and work style of each individual to shine through and produce results.

Here are five pointers for creating a great team:

1. Designate a Team Leader

The team leader will be the go-to person for each team member to check in or when the projected plan must be overhauled. This person must be a great listener, with an ability to incorporate new ideas and innovations from each and every member while maintaining the overall objective of the project or plan. He or she must also possess that unequivocal ability to get things done without being a harsh task master.

2. Allow Each Team Member to Contribute Ideas

Each team member must feel free to offer ideas within the context of the larger goal. There will always be those who will imagine the impossible, “the dreamers” who offer a fantastical view of all possible outcomes, and those who would rather remain pragmatic in their approach. Without fresh ideas, the project will suffer, and without structure and practicality, it will get side-tracked into the realm of “unrealistic expectations.” Both of these views are necessary components to achieving results in a finite time frame.

3. Make Sure that All Team Members are Carrying Their Weight

Encouraging everyone to make necessary contributions is vital to a healthy group dynamic. No idea is too small or too big to be discounted; ALL ideas are an integral part of the development process. If one team member isn’t participating, take steps to draw input out of him or her.

4. Compromise is Key When There are Disagreements within the Group

Any time a group of people attempts to tackle a problem, there will be differing viewpoints. The important part of staying productive through these disagreements is being willing to listen to each other and compromise. A strong leader will know how to keep all team members focused on the projected outcome and the larger picture, which is to produce a plan or project which is both viable and implementable.

5. Pay attention to work styles

Allowing each individual the opportunity to contribute in a way that is congruent to their personality and work-style will ultimately result in more innovations and successful outcomes for the team.

We are all individuals who will be called upon to be a part of a larger team effort, whether in our professional or personal lives. We must master the art of balancing our own ideas within the context of the group, with the input and ideas of others, to achieve that masterpiece we call a successful outcome!

Three Tips on Getting a Job from Westwood College Graduates

There’s nothing like receiving advice from the people who started where you are and ended where you want to be. We asked some of Westwood’s successful graduates what tips they would give to current students on getting a job. They said to start early, network and volunteer, and never give up! Find out what other bits of wisdom these graduates had to share below . . .

Start Looking for a Job Early

Margo Guillen Seymour

“My advice is that whenever you have a major deadline—whether at school, at your job, or in life in general—start your preparation early.”

Mark Jackson Weaver

“Treat your time in school like you have already started your career. Give every project 100%, even if you know that 75% would get you an ‘A’.”

Network and Volunteer

Katie Gilbertson

“I picked up two beneficial traits from Westwood—networking and volunteering. Many of the staff are professionals in their field. When I finally picked a job I wanted to get into, I was able to use those instructors asreferences. I volunteered for a local rape crisis center, and the skills I learned there provided me with valuable experience I need for my job today.”

Chelsea Cass

“Just tough it out and network as much as possible! Having a degree gives you a great advantage because it shows that you are responsible and disciplined. Networking is extremely important and useful because the more people you know, the more opportunities will be available for you to explore.”

Never Give Up

Tim Cash

“The one piece of advice I would give is to never give up on your goals. I gave up all of my goals right after high school, and it took me seven years to realize that it was the biggest mistake of my life. The work can be hard, but if you stick to it, you can go far.”

Heather Bingham

“Stay focused and never give up. Even if it feels like nothing you try works, never give up.”

Interested in Westwood and want to hear more Westwood graduate stories? Check out Westwood Success.

Networking Opportunities at Trade Shows & Industry Events

Industry events and trade shows are a great way to move your career forward. They give you the opportunity to engage in conversations and feel the pulse of your chosen industry, as well as make connections with other people in your field, including potential employers. For example, Westwood’s Denver North Campus recently co-hosted a gaming tournament event with a local gaming organization and employers in the community.

Gaming program students got to do what they love while meeting local employers in their field. Students who prepared to attend this event and followed up with the contacts made are more likely to reach their career goals than those who never even heard about it. Read the following tips for finding and taking advantage of industry events to ensure you’re doing all you can to launch your career.

Finding Events with Networking Opportunities

• Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized and then join industry groups related to your career field. Many of these groups have local chapters that host monthly gatherings that are open to the public.
• Get help from your school’s career services department to find events that are relevant to your career path.
• Broaden your thinking about what types of events to consider for networking opportunities. Perhaps a local group is hosting a charitable event where you can help serve your community while making connections.

Making Contacts at Trade Shows and Industry Events

• Put your best foot forward by having a concise elevator speech ready to go when introducing yourself.
• You can be direct about your career goals and why you’re networking, but make sure to take a balanced approach. Being too aggressive can alienate potential connections.
• As you meet other attendees, try to genuinely connect. Listen to and engage with their ideas. Try to think of ways you can help connect them to their goals. You never know when someone might return the favor!

Follow Up with New Business Contacts

• Politely ask for business cards or contact information from attendees with whom you’ve connected.
• When you meet potential employers, follow up just like you would after an interview to stay on their radar.
• In case you do end up generating interest from a potential employer, make sure your resume is always updated and optimized for your ideal career prior to the event.

Follow these tips to identify opportunities and make the most out of networking opportunities. Check out other networking articles

What We’re Reading Weekly Roundup – March 15, 2013

A summary of employment and education blog posts from the week

We’ve all heard the saying, practice makes perfect. The first two articles provide fantastic ideas for how preparation can help you navigate around common interview and networking pitfalls. Give them a read and put the advice into practice to stand out from the crowd! And, speaking of crowds, have you ever felt like the only person who doesn’t have his life plan all figured out? You’re certainly not alone, especially when it comes to finding a career. Check out the final article below for a Q&A about discovering the path that’s 100% right for you.

The Work Buzz: 10 Common Job-Search Mistakes Made By Recent College Graduates
Looking for a job for the first time or making a career shift can be overwhelming, which can understandably lead to making mistakes that are easily avoidable. Reading a job description thoroughly, being persistent and keeping your resume to one page are just a few of the many important reminders this post shares.

Working Mother: How To Avoid Feeling Awkward, Stupid Or Speechless When Networking
Networking makes a lot of us nervous or self-conscious. However, in today’s job market, personal connections and networks are more important than ever. Ease into future events by reading these thoughtful tips first.

Brazen Life: What To Do If You Don’t Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up
Not knowing what you want to do after school or in advance of a career change is normal, and, if approached thoughtfully, should allow for a lot of exploration and self-discovery to determine your passions and interests. Read on for a wonderful Q&A with a young entrepreneur who is reaching out to young people with his new “career matchmaking service.”

We are always eager for your feedback, so please leave us a comment below to let us know what you think about this week’s reading roundup or if you have another article you think we’d like to know about!

What We’re Reading Weekly Roundup – March 8, 2013

A summary of employment and education blog posts from the week

Balance can be tricky. We’re often expected to balance work, school, a job hunt and family—all with a smile on our face. That can feel like a daunting task, but this week’s picks offer realistic tips for setting yourself up to be successful at home and at work and hopefully, in turn, find that smile and balance.

Working Mother: The Secret To Feeling Successful As A Working Mom
Balancing family with work and/or school can be an exhausting cycle; a cycle that leaves many moms doubting their skills in both areas. That is why we appreciate this honest and inspiring post about how to set realistic goals and core values as a busy working mom.

College Recruiter: 7 Ways To Put On A Happy Face At Work
A recent study shows that optimistic people get hired more quickly and get promoted faster than their less-than-positive counterparts. While it’s impossible to be happy all of the time, there are tricks to being in a better mood at work, like personal “pep talks” and “play breaks,” that can make a notable difference in your outlook of the day.

Personal Branding Blog: 5 Ways To Prepare For An Interview
So you scored an interview – congratulations! But your hard work shouldn’t stop there. A well-rounded interview candidate puts in plenty of “study” time before meeting with a potential employer. Read on for five direct tips on how to prepare for the big interview.

Brazen Life: 15 Ways To Describe Yourself In An Interview
“How would you describe yourself” is an open-ended interview question many people dread or fail to prepare for ahead of time. This post gives 15 solid suggestions for how to customize an answer for yourself.

We are always eager for your feedback, so please leave us a comment below to let us know what you think about this week’s reading roundup or if you have another article you think we’d like to know about!

Laying Your Career Foundation: How to Get Work Experience and Build Job Skills

Jumping into the job search without the proper work experience and job skills can make the process harder than it needs to be. By doing the groundwork before you begin the job search process you can make building a resume and landing the perfect job much more manageable. The following tips will help you avoid the scramble to get your job search ducks in a row, which can take away from focus and quality.

Searching for your ideal job is a very time consuming process. It is likely one of a multitude of other responsibilities and activities. Life is very busy. The key is laying the groundwork in all avenues of your life to help strengthen your assets to be prepared and qualified when you’re ready to look for new career opportunities. Below are some areas that with some extra work will help you grow professionally and stay ahead of the pack.
 

Leveraging Current Responsibilities to Build Work Experience or Networking Opportunities

Use your responsibilities to your advantage. Your classes, campus, or work environment are tools that should be utilized to its full potential. Capitalize on these areas by networking with coworkers and classmates – gaining insight to their career goals by bouncing ideas off one another. Not only is it easy to connect with others in these settings, but more times than not they are all looking for the same type of knowledge and support.
 

Use Your Free Time to Build Jobs Skills and Work Experience

The thought of doing more “work” when you get off work isn’t always pleasant. The same can be said for any other responsibilities that occupy your time, but the thing to remember is there will be an eventual payoff – it’s not forever.

Use your free time to participate in volunteer activities that will boost your confidence, knowledge, and resume. Volunteer in something that appeals to you – even if it’s outside of your comfort zone. The goal is to figure out what you like and don’t like. Once you have some different experiences you can narrow your focus.

Look into ‘meet-ups’. This is a great opportunity to network with others who have similar interests and goals. Like networking with coworkers – you never know what connections can be made; you might uncover your next mentor. Meet Up is a great site for finding networking opportunities in your area. You are able to search by topic as well as a number of other filters. Check it out!
 

Extra-curricular Activities That Build Your Resume

Another great way to lay ground work for ultimately finding your dream job is participating in extracurricular activities that hold weight on a resume. Through research and preparation you should have a good idea of what types of qualifications apply to a given job; minimum and preferred.
 
Set yourself apart from your competition by taking additional classes or workshops that will increase your knowledge – even if they aren’t necessarily required for a role. By signing up for conferences or working toward specific certifications you show employers you go above and beyond, and are truly passionate about what you do.

What We’re Reading Weekly Roundup – Feb. 15, 2013

 Whether you are trying to improve your productivity skills or advance among peers in the classroom or workplace, this week’s roundup has something that’s relevant to you. Which tip(s) stand out to you this week as the most helpful?

Brazen Life: 7 Ways To Stop Procrastinating At Work And Get More Done

Procrastination is part of life. We’re all guilty of it at school and/or work, but if it impacts your performance or causes you to miss deadlines then it’s time to make a serious change. This article gives seven simple steps for breaking the procrastination habit, from learning how to anticipate roadblocks to breaking big projects into small, more easily digested segments.

Monster Working: 10 Tips For Better Job Interviews

You’ve read a lot about the importance of practicing for an interview. But, have you ever thought about how to be comfortable with silence in an interview or evaluated your own handshake? Read on for 10 stellar tips to help with interview preparation – we bet you’ll learn a thing or two! (You should also revisit our advice on what not to say in an interview).

CollegeRecruiter.com: Get Ahead In 2013: 5 Steps For Workplace Success

We particularly enjoyed this article because the tips – which include purposeful participation and staying informed on new industry trends – are relevant in both the workplace and the classroom.

We are always eager for your feedback, so please leave us a comment below to let us know what you think about this week’s reading roundup or if you have another article you think we’d like to know about!

Informational Interview: Forgotten Gem of the Job Search Process

One might think the pursuit of important industry updates and specific details regarding a position or job title might be an arduous task – but in reality, it’s easier than you think. One of the most overlooked ways to access this information, as well as a possible path to future opportunities, is the informational interview. The informational interview process involves contacting local companies or professionals you could see yourself finding a job with and requesting a conversation to sit down and discuss their job, their responsibilities, how they attained their job, or anything else you are interested in learning about their job and finding employment. The goal is to pick their brains for ‘insider’ information that will increase your understanding of the position, as well as cultivate a relationship that could lead to other business networking opportunities. Before you grab the reigns and become the interviewer, here are some tips to keep in mind for a successful interaction!

1. Respect Your Professional Interviewee

The professional you are interviewing is doing you a HUGE favor – so be respectful! A rule of thumb is to treat your discussion like a potential job interview, so show up early and dress appropriately. A suit isn’t necessary, but plan on looking nice (business casual). Thank your insider for the opportunity, follow up with an informational interview thank you note, and make sure you remember his or her name!

2. Relax – It’s Not a Job Interview

While your interview shouldn’t be taken too lightly, remember that there isn’t a potential job on the line. This is your chance to gain insight and ask questions, so don’t worry about asking the wrong thing.  A lot of time job interviews are so nerve-racking that it’s hard to be genuine. Take advantage of not having the stress of a call back hanging over your head and be yourself! Informational interviews are great practice for relaxing and letting your personality shine – a great asset to bring to a job interview in the future.

3. Prepare for Your Interview

Don’t be mistaken – this is your interview. The professional has donated his or her time to your cause, so don’t leave the planning to them. Create an outline of how you want the interview to go and what you want to touch on. Bring a notebook and have questions lined up (don’t hesitate to jot down notes throughout). It’s important that there is a two way dialogue so you come across as a participant, not just an observer. This is the perfect opportunity to impress a future employer – so do not take planning lightly!

4. Restraint – Lay the Groundwork for Job Leads Networking

It’s already been said, but needs repeating: DO NOT ask your interviewee for job leads. Doing so can quickly diminish any networking groundwork you have laid and can leave a negative impression from an employer stand point. The benefits gained from your discussions are not always limited to the knowledge attained, but also to the connections you make.  Your informational interviewee accepted your request under the pretense that it is NOT about getting a job, so do not display ulterior motives.

5. Build Relationships with Employers

One of your top goals should be to keep your discussions ongoing after your information interview. This is the beginning of a great networking opportunity, so it’s important to not let the relationship dissolve. Ask for their contact info and check in every now and again via email giving updates on your progress or asking for advice. The whole informational interview process can be viewed in 3 steps: your preparation, obtaining insight and knowledge from your meeting, and continuing to develop and expand your relationship into a great resource!

Sources:

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-481-Getting-Ahead-How-Does-an-Informational-Interview-Work/
https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/InfoInterview.stm
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-47540580/the-informational-interview-7-easy-steps-to-success/
http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/mastering-the-informational-interview/

Office Etiquette Tips: Cubicle Culture

Along with writing professional emails and being an excellent co-worker, practicing proper office etiquette is an important part of standing out in the workplace. A unique culture has emerged from people working close together in open floor plans and understanding the norms of this culture can help you integrate smoothly into your first experience working in a cubicle. These rules also apply to any workspace where many co-workers are expected to perform their jobs in close proximity to each other, such as at nurses’ stations, research laboratories or hospitality kiosks.

While every workspace will vary in what’s acceptable for their culture (a trendy marketing agency versus a prestigious attorney’s office), here are some basic guidelines for proper workplace etiquette you can always fall back on if you’re unsure.

Keep it Quiet – Control Office Background Noise

The number one priority for people in an open workspace is noise mitigation. There’s nothing worse than trying to write a complicated report while your co-workers are chatting – Larry’s on speakerphone and Sarah in reception is blasting her radio. Contribute to a quiet, productive communal workspace by using a “library voice” when talking to co-workers, turning your cell phone to silent and booking multi-person meetings in a conference room. Invest in a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones to both block out ambient noise and allow you to listen to music without bothering others.

Keep it Neat – Keep Your Workspace Clean and Organized

Cubicle culture is nothing if not open. Removing doors and offices means greater opportunities for collaboration, but also means everything is on display. Keeping your workspace neat gives your managers a favorable impression helps you stay organized and presents an overall sense of order to any clients or partners visiting the office. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to straighten your desk so clutter doesn’t pile up and you’re able to sit down to a clean workspace the next morning. Also carefully consider personal decorations. While having a few pictures or plants warms up your space, too many bright decorations, personal photos or distracting toys makes your workspace look more like a dorm room than a business office.

Respect Privacy and Personal Space at Your Office

In an environment where you can hear someone sneeze across the floor, it’s up to you and your co-workers to promote a culture of privacy. Always announce your presence at another person’s cubicle. Instead of barging in, knock gently and ask if they have a moment to talk. In can be nearly impossible not to see other’s screens and overhear their conversations, but resist the temptation to comment on either without an invitation. Try not to remove materials from a co-workers desk without asking, but if you need something urgently always leave a note saying you borrowed it and will return it promptly. Respecting each other’s space, conversations, and belongings will go a long way towards creating a pleasant work environment for everyone.

Display Professional Behavior, Practice Proper Business Etiquette

Not having an office door reduces privacy, but it also encourages you to display professional behavior at all times. Some cubicle etiquette errors include eating sloppy or smelly food, having extended personal phone conversations and grooming at your desk. Take advantage of the break room instead of eating at your desk if you’ve brought gorgonzola salmon pasta for lunch. While some phone calls need to be placed between 9 and 5, be sure to keep non-work phone calls brief and make them outside or in the break room rather than in your communal workspace. Quick lipstick and unscented lotion applications are acceptable, but hair brushing, flossing or nail clipping belongs in the restroom.

Respecting the office culture is an important part of being a team player. Follow these office etiquette tips to make a smooth transition into an open workspace. And remember never to steal Milton’s Swingline stapler!

Resources:

• http://etiquette-tips.com/office-etiquette/cubicle-etiquette-practical-guide-to-better-office-life
• http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/2723-cubicle-culture-13-essential-office-etiquette-reminders
• http://voices.yahoo.com/office-manners-cubicle-etiquette-1839438.html?cat=3
• http://www.newlifeoffice.com/cubicle-manners-and-etiquette/

Staying on Track and Motivated

Graduating from college is an achievable goal, but it requires a lot of discipline and motivation. Consistently finding the time and energy to stay on top of our to-do lists can wear anyone down. Find out how to stay on-track and motivated through the stages of your educational experience below.

Applying

Applying to college is a major step in the path to a rewarding career. It can feel daunting, scary and exciting all at the same time. Staying motivated from downloading the application to receiving your acceptance can be a challenge. Here’s how to ensure you get your college career started.

• Set a date as a goal a month ahead of the application deadline. Write this date in your planner, on your work calendar, on your refrigerator, where ever you will see it and be reminded that you need to be working towards a completed document by that date.
• Announce that you are applying to friends and family. Tell people in person and put it on your social media profiles. By telling other people you are going to accomplish this task you are putting social pressure on yourself to complete it. The thought of telling your proud Aunt Dorris that you never got around to completing the application might be the extra push you need to get it done.
• Gather copies of transcripts from previous higher education plus a copy of your high school diploma. Be sure to do this well in advance of the application deadline as there may be a processing period before you receive the transcript. Many universities also charge a small fee for processing

Keep up the Momentum

It’s easy to show up to the first day of class with a clean notebook and a positive attitude. The real test for staying motivated is halfway through the semester when life demands and frustration build up and you fall behind. How can you power through this and make it to finals?

• Break big goals down into small tasks. Tackle an extra chapter each night instead of telling yourself you’ll sit down and just read until you’re caught up. Make a list of what you want to accomplish during a study session and cross off items as you go.
• Team up. Find another person or group in your classes and set up some time to study together. A study group provides peer-to-peer learning, moral support and motivation to show up and get some real work done.
• Find a tutor. Many colleges and universities provide free tutoring in help rooms. Talk to your Student Services representatives to see what is available. If you are unable to get the help you need for free, consider that paying a tutor for a few sessions costs much less of your time and money than retaking a class.

Finishing Strong

Graduation is in sight, but there are a lot of exams and final papers between you and finish line. This can be a very stressful time, but follow these tips to finish your degree on a high note.

• Rigorously schedule the last weeks of school. Build a calendar with time blocks for each task. When you start to feel stressed out, you can look at the calendar and reassure yourself that while it’s hectic, there is enough time to prepare for everything. Use the entire time block to study, and once it is over feel good about taking a moment to relax before the next “appointment.”
• Utilize any preparation materials provided by the instructor. Practice questions are usually a better way to review material than simply reading your notes over and over. If prep materials aren’t provided, retake old quizzes or test yourself against the questions asked at the end of textbook sections.
• Brush up on your test-taking skills. Remember to glance over the entire test first to get a sense of how much time you need to spend in which sections. Answer questions you know immediately first, then circle back. If the test is multiple-choice, eliminate the answers you know are wrong first.

Use these tips and tricks to complete your goal of a college degree from start to finish.