WEBVTT 00:00:00.026 --> 00:00:02.045 [ Music ] 00:00:02.046 --> 00:00:06.096 Plan it. 00:00:06.096 --> 00:00:07.536 Try it. 00:00:09.286 --> 00:00:10.526 Do it. 00:00:12.656 --> 00:00:20.046 It's Your Career. 00:00:20.046 --> 00:00:22.806 It's that moment you've been waiting for, 00:00:22.806 --> 00:00:26.306 when all those years of college will start to pay off. 00:00:26.306 --> 00:00:28.106 At least, they will for some people. 00:00:28.106 --> 00:00:29.516 I think there's a myth 00:00:29.516 --> 00:00:31.456 that if you have a college degree, 00:00:31.456 --> 00:00:33.936 you've got a job no matter what, and that's not accurate. 00:00:33.936 --> 00:00:36.326 About 20 percent of college graduates are underemployed. 00:00:36.326 --> 00:00:38.556 And the reason is partly because while they're 00:00:38.556 --> 00:00:40.856 in college they really don't start preparing 00:00:40.856 --> 00:00:45.016 for the job search. 00:00:45.016 --> 00:00:45.286 [ Music ] 00:00:45.286 --> 00:00:47.196 You need a career-seeking strategy 00:00:47.196 --> 00:00:50.096 and a little experience, otherwise you're likely 00:00:50.096 --> 00:00:52.996 to be just another face in the crowd, another resume 00:00:52.996 --> 00:00:54.536 in a stack of hundreds. 00:00:54.536 --> 00:00:58.066 And that's true for anyone, with or without a disability. 00:00:58.066 --> 00:01:01.366 The academics alone are not enough. 00:01:01.366 --> 00:01:03.966 You really should think about an internship 00:01:03.966 --> 00:01:06.496 or a cooperative education experience. 00:01:06.496 --> 00:01:07.376 Internships 00:01:07.376 --> 00:01:10.576 and cooperative education experiences offer work-based 00:01:10.576 --> 00:01:12.356 learning opportunities. 00:01:12.356 --> 00:01:15.916 They're arranged between schools, employers and students; 00:01:15.916 --> 00:01:18.126 they may involve academic credit; and, 00:01:18.126 --> 00:01:20.266 sometimes, they're even paid. 00:01:20.266 --> 00:01:22.046 The sooner you start checking these out, the better. 00:01:22.046 --> 00:01:24.606 Biggest thing I would say, is start early. 00:01:24.606 --> 00:01:26.646 Because I started my sophomore year, 00:01:26.646 --> 00:01:29.046 and I think that was the prime time to start. 00:01:29.046 --> 00:01:30.846 Brent is a success story. 00:01:30.846 --> 00:01:33.676 While in college, he found a program that places students 00:01:33.676 --> 00:01:36.466 in business and engineering internships. 00:01:36.466 --> 00:01:39.636 Between that program and his own skills, he was accepted 00:01:39.636 --> 00:01:42.956 for two internships at Primex Aerospace. 00:01:42.956 --> 00:01:45.006 He liked the company right from the start, 00:01:45.006 --> 00:01:49.006 and those internships helped him clearly define his career plans. 00:01:49.006 --> 00:01:51.476 I knew at the end of my first internship 00:01:51.476 --> 00:01:54.976 which areas I didn't want to go into, which is just as helpful 00:01:54.976 --> 00:01:57.356 as what you do want to possibly do; so, like, 00:01:57.356 --> 00:01:58.986 weeded out the ones I didn't want to do; I didn't want 00:01:58.986 --> 00:02:00.446 to do electrical engineering and that kind 00:02:00.446 --> 00:02:01.416 of stuff, it just bored me. 00:02:01.416 --> 00:02:03.366 So I was, like, all right, I've narrowed down the focus 00:02:03.366 --> 00:02:04.716 because I know what I don't want to do. 00:02:04.716 --> 00:02:06.516 And so I went back, these are the kinds of jobs I want to do, 00:02:06.516 --> 00:02:08.046 and they said, 'All right, we'll try and set you up.' 00:02:08.046 --> 00:02:11.376 Attitude and talent paid off. 00:02:11.376 --> 00:02:14.896 When Brent graduated, there was a job waiting for him at Primex. 00:02:14.896 --> 00:02:17.396 When Brent came in through his internship here, 00:02:17.396 --> 00:02:18.836 into the quality department, 00:02:18.836 --> 00:02:23.396 we found that he could do the job and excel in his job. 00:02:23.396 --> 00:02:27.676 So we basically knew when he was going back to college 00:02:27.676 --> 00:02:32.396 for his last few semesters that we wanted to make sure 00:02:32.396 --> 00:02:35.506 that we brought him back, because we needed 00:02:35.506 --> 00:02:38.106 that expertise that he brought in. 00:02:38.106 --> 00:02:39.496 If you have the internship with the company 00:02:39.496 --> 00:02:41.336 and they know your work style, and they want you 00:02:41.336 --> 00:02:42.416 to keep coming back for your second 00:02:42.416 --> 00:02:44.686 and third internship, it's totally cake. 00:02:44.686 --> 00:02:48.796 It's really easy to get in and it works very well. 00:02:48.796 --> 00:02:50.436 While not every internship will lead 00:02:50.436 --> 00:02:53.706 to a job offer, there are other benefits as well. 00:02:53.706 --> 00:02:57.156 For example, there can be a lot of self-discovery. 00:02:57.156 --> 00:02:58.486 I'd say it's typical 00:02:58.486 --> 00:03:02.116 that most students don't know what they're actually going 00:03:02.116 --> 00:03:03.946 to be doing in the workplace; 00:03:03.946 --> 00:03:05.596 and probably even more important, 00:03:05.596 --> 00:03:09.566 don't understand what motivates them and what doesn't. 00:03:09.566 --> 00:03:13.106 And doing a co-op or an internship is a low risk way 00:03:13.106 --> 00:03:15.866 to discover, what do you like to do, 00:03:15.866 --> 00:03:18.816 before you're actually out in the workplace. 00:03:18.816 --> 00:03:24.006 You can discover that in 3 to 6 months instead of the 18 00:03:24.006 --> 00:03:26.866 to 24 months of a typical first job. 00:03:26.866 --> 00:03:29.066 It can also be the first step on the road 00:03:29.066 --> 00:03:33.076 to independence, especially if the internship is out of town. 00:03:33.076 --> 00:03:34.636 I think it was a good stepping stone 00:03:34.636 --> 00:03:36.056 to make me realize what it's like to work 00:03:36.056 --> 00:03:36.546 in the business world. 00:03:36.546 --> 00:03:38.216 And also just to live on my own. 00:03:38.216 --> 00:03:43.006 I lived on my own this whole summer, so it's good for that. 00:03:43.006 --> 00:03:44.336 You'll also learn that you have 00:03:44.336 --> 00:03:46.526 to bring something to the company. 00:03:46.526 --> 00:03:49.056 Especially in information technology, 00:03:49.056 --> 00:03:51.066 they're looking for someone that's going to come out 00:03:51.066 --> 00:03:53.121 and be a quote unquote fast burner. 00:03:53.121 --> 00:03:55.226 [ Phone rings ] 00:03:55.226 --> 00:03:56.106 : Hi, ITS Help, this is Randy 00:03:56.106 --> 00:03:58.726 They're going to want somebody that's going to, 00:03:58.726 --> 00:04:03.516 you know, be going to get the, you know, the job done 00:04:03.516 --> 00:04:05.946 and wanting to learn from the internship. 00:04:05.946 --> 00:04:08.946 They can't have somebody just come in 00:04:08.946 --> 00:04:11.436 and kind of sit there all day. 00:04:11.436 --> 00:04:13.046 Hey, Randy 00:04:13.046 --> 00:04:14.846 You have to treat an internship just 00:04:14.846 --> 00:04:16.836 as you would a 'real' job. 00:04:16.836 --> 00:04:19.046 Develop a confident and cooperative attitude. 00:04:19.046 --> 00:04:22.106 You have to work with your co-workers. 00:04:22.106 --> 00:04:24.496 No person works alone. 00:04:24.496 --> 00:04:26.236 And you always have to work with the team, 00:04:26.236 --> 00:04:28.296 especially in this day and age. 00:04:28.296 --> 00:04:31.076 A lot of people coming out of college are very cocky 00:04:31.076 --> 00:04:33.356 about their position: I'm new, I'm fresh, 00:04:33.356 --> 00:04:35.196 I know all this stuff; 00:04:35.196 --> 00:04:38.576 and that's what hurts a lot of people. 00:04:38.576 --> 00:04:42.136 You've got to realize that you are still learning. 00:04:42.136 --> 00:04:43.176 Randy became involved 00:04:43.176 --> 00:04:46.346 in an information technology cooperative education program 00:04:46.346 --> 00:04:48.426 at Weyerhaeuser Company. 00:04:48.426 --> 00:04:50.476 As with most companies, they expected more 00:04:50.476 --> 00:04:52.296 than just basic skills. 00:04:52.296 --> 00:04:55.406 Technical capability is important, but it's maybe 15% 00:04:55.406 --> 00:04:57.136 of what makes a successful contributor. 00:04:57.136 --> 00:04:59.756 So what I'll do is I'll have a technician come 00:04:59.756 --> 00:05:02.056 and fix those pins for you. 00:05:02.056 --> 00:05:05.086 Communication skills, interpersonal skills, 00:05:05.086 --> 00:05:08.996 self-motivation, and initiative are some key attributes 00:05:08.996 --> 00:05:10.256 that we look for. 00:05:10.256 --> 00:05:12.366 We also are looking for a high level of integrity, 00:05:12.366 --> 00:05:15.466 because that's very important to us at Weyerhaeuser Company. 00:05:15.466 --> 00:05:17.986 Randy helped people with computer problems. 00:05:17.986 --> 00:05:19.986 And since he's blind, he had to learn how 00:05:19.986 --> 00:05:23.706 to interface his own adaptive technology with other systems. 00:05:23.706 --> 00:05:24.826 Every place you go to is going 00:05:24.826 --> 00:05:27.856 to be using different stuff, and so you're always going to have 00:05:27.856 --> 00:05:29.046 to make a little accommodation. 00:05:29.046 --> 00:05:31.946 But every time you go to a new spot, 00:05:31.946 --> 00:05:36.286 I take the same adaptive equipment with me. 00:05:36.286 --> 00:05:39.856 And so I learn a few more tricks about it in, you know, 00:05:39.856 --> 00:05:42.346 adapting to the new situation. 00:05:43.906 --> 00:05:47.356 Which, whenever I go to the next place, I'll be able to, 00:05:47.356 --> 00:05:50.786 you know, apply those skills that I learned 00:05:50.786 --> 00:05:52.436 in just using the software that I'm using. 00:05:52.436 --> 00:05:53.086 And the hardware. 00:05:53.086 --> 00:05:56.786 And there was another accommodation Randy had to make; 00:05:56.786 --> 00:05:59.076 one that was completely unexpected. 00:05:59.076 --> 00:06:02.596 His supervisor turned out to be allergic to his guide dog. 00:06:02.596 --> 00:06:06.396 So I had to make some accommodations for her, in fact. 00:06:06.396 --> 00:06:14.076 Things like heavy grooming, using special powders or salves 00:06:14.076 --> 00:06:18.066 to keep down whatever it is that causes dog allergies. 00:06:18.066 --> 00:06:19.896 It's kind of interesting, I've never had 00:06:19.896 --> 00:06:21.256 to actually make an accommodation 00:06:21.256 --> 00:06:24.226 for another person before, besides other disabled people, 00:06:24.226 --> 00:06:27.386 so it's kind of interesting to have to work with her. 00:06:27.386 --> 00:06:29.026 Work-based learning gives you a chance 00:06:29.026 --> 00:06:31.996 to practice those communication skills. 00:06:34.256 --> 00:06:37.286 Employers need to work with you on accommodations. 00:06:37.286 --> 00:06:38.866 But they can't read your mind, 00:06:38.866 --> 00:06:40.786 and they may sometimes be uncomfortable 00:06:40.786 --> 00:06:43.096 about what to ask or do. 00:06:43.096 --> 00:06:45.466 You need to become an expert on what works 00:06:45.466 --> 00:06:46.886 and doesn't work for you. 00:06:46.886 --> 00:06:49.286 Learn to articulate your needs clearly. 00:06:49.286 --> 00:06:52.656 You're paving the way for other people, too. 00:06:52.656 --> 00:06:57.226 You know, because employers are as much interested 00:06:57.226 --> 00:07:00.956 in what they need to do to make sure their workplace is 00:07:00.956 --> 00:07:02.986 accessible, and the only way 00:07:02.986 --> 00:07:05.726 that they can really truly understand what the needs are is 00:07:05.726 --> 00:07:08.306 when they have people that are interns and such like that, 00:07:08.306 --> 00:07:11.116 that they can come in and have to deal 00:07:11.116 --> 00:07:17.116 with a few physical barriers that have to be removed. 00:07:17.116 --> 00:07:18.336 Besides internships 00:07:18.336 --> 00:07:20.536 or cooperative education programs, 00:07:20.536 --> 00:07:23.396 there are other opportunities for work-based learning. 00:07:23.396 --> 00:07:25.606 Job shadowing allows you to visit a business 00:07:25.606 --> 00:07:27.686 and observe people at work. 00:07:27.686 --> 00:07:30.426 It's a good way to start narrowing your career goals. 00:07:30.426 --> 00:07:32.546 There would be someone here 24 hours a day. 00:07:32.546 --> 00:07:33.966 Write your name. 00:07:33.966 --> 00:07:36.556 Service learning is volunteer work, allowing you 00:07:36.556 --> 00:07:38.856 to use your skills while making a contribution 00:07:38.856 --> 00:07:40.236 to your community. 00:07:40.236 --> 00:07:43.426 You may even be able to arrange academic credit. 00:07:43.426 --> 00:07:46.046 You want to go into the Internet folder. 00:07:46.046 --> 00:07:48.276 A faculty member can help you develop an independent 00:07:48.276 --> 00:07:49.846 study project. 00:07:49.846 --> 00:07:52.826 This could be career research, or it might be a paid job 00:07:52.826 --> 00:07:55.776 in your field which you discover on your own. 00:07:55.776 --> 00:07:57.676 And while you're doing any of these things, 00:07:57.676 --> 00:08:00.266 you'll be gaining valuable experience in writing resumes 00:08:00.266 --> 00:08:02.056 and cover letters, as well 00:08:02.056 --> 00:08:03.866 as practicing your interview skills. 00:08:03.866 --> 00:08:06.916 And that is vital for your job hunt. 00:08:06.916 --> 00:08:09.726 The job search, on the average, will take a student 6 00:08:09.726 --> 00:08:11.426 to 9 months to complete. 00:08:11.426 --> 00:08:14.156 Getting, you know, your research in on the companies, 00:08:14.156 --> 00:08:15.846 getting your materials in order, your resume, 00:08:15.846 --> 00:08:18.006 practicing your interviewing skills, 00:08:18.006 --> 00:08:21.046 sending out those resumes, actually getting an offer, 00:08:21.046 --> 00:08:23.226 is a very long tedious process. 00:08:23.226 --> 00:08:25.396 It really is competitive out there; 00:08:25.396 --> 00:08:28.906 it really involves being prepared by practicing, 00:08:28.906 --> 00:08:31.426 you know, your own interview skills, knowing how you're going 00:08:31.426 --> 00:08:33.316 to present yourself; things of that sort 00:08:33.316 --> 00:08:34.516 that are real important. 00:08:34.516 --> 00:08:39.046 [ Music ] 00:08:39.046 --> 00:08:41.516 Besides content, you have to think packaging. 00:08:41.516 --> 00:08:45.666 [ Music ] 00:08:45.666 --> 00:08:46.886 When you go to an interview, 00:08:46.886 --> 00:08:49.226 leave that casual campus look behind. 00:08:49.226 --> 00:08:52.086 A professional image is absolutely required, 00:08:52.086 --> 00:08:54.206 no matter where you're applying. 00:08:54.206 --> 00:08:56.766 Take out the nose and eyebrow rings, and let your resume 00:08:56.766 --> 00:09:00.656 and personality speak louder than your clothing. 00:09:00.656 --> 00:09:02.586 Informational interviews will help you gain 00:09:02.586 --> 00:09:04.936 job information, interview experience, 00:09:04.936 --> 00:09:06.056 and networking opportunities. 00:09:06.056 --> 00:09:08.086 Nice to meet you. 00:09:08.086 --> 00:09:08.676 It's also a good time 00:09:08.676 --> 00:09:10.296 to practice disclosing your disability 00:09:10.296 --> 00:09:12.636 and discussing accommodations. 00:09:12.636 --> 00:09:13.836 There are jobs out there. 00:09:13.836 --> 00:09:16.096 The best way to find out about them, I think, 00:09:16.096 --> 00:09:17.956 is through networking and informational interviews. 00:09:17.956 --> 00:09:21.186 That's something students can often find people are willing 00:09:21.186 --> 00:09:23.436 to talk with them while they're in school and tell them 00:09:23.436 --> 00:09:26.106 about how they got into their jobs; but once they graduate, 00:09:26.106 --> 00:09:30.066 employers are less likely to take the time and help them out. 00:09:30.066 --> 00:09:31.896 Another resource is the Career Center 00:09:31.896 --> 00:09:34.776 or Career Services Office on campus. 00:09:34.776 --> 00:09:36.416 They'll have information on employers 00:09:36.416 --> 00:09:38.386 and current job openings. 00:09:38.386 --> 00:09:40.846 There may also be job fairs, workshops, 00:09:40.846 --> 00:09:42.436 or counselors available to help 00:09:42.436 --> 00:09:44.466 with career planning and job searching. 00:09:44.466 --> 00:09:46.066 Make some calls. 00:09:46.066 --> 00:09:47.456 Go do it. 00:09:47.456 --> 00:09:50.076 You just have a go-getter attitude, 00:09:50.076 --> 00:09:55.996 and somebody will eventually see that and they will bring you on. 00:09:55.996 --> 00:09:58.466 To get started, you could use the CAREERS acronym, 00:09:58.466 --> 00:10:03.816 developed by the DO-IT Center at the University of Washington. 00:10:48.546 --> 00:10:50.546 So, long before commencement looms, 00:10:50.546 --> 00:10:53.446 get going on some real-world experiences. 00:10:53.446 --> 00:10:55.666 Start doing everything you can now 00:10:55.666 --> 00:10:58.296 to make yourself attractive to future employers. 00:10:58.296 --> 00:11:02.266 The resources are available; you have to make use of them. 00:11:02.266 --> 00:11:03.716 There's a lot of people out there. 00:11:03.716 --> 00:11:06.186 A lot of people competing for jobs. 00:11:06.186 --> 00:11:09.276 But it helps because I know some of the stuff. 00:11:09.276 --> 00:11:11.726 I've got some of the experience. 00:11:11.726 --> 00:11:14.846 I've worked with some of the gurus and masters. 00:11:14.846 --> 00:11:16.046 And I've learned from them. 00:11:16.046 --> 00:11:18.806 And you can do it too.