What's it really like to work in a particular field? From information interviews to internships, there's more than one way to find out.
Joining a student chapter of a professional association is another avenue to career exploration.
For Jesse Reznik, it has been an opportunity to learn firsthand about issues that he'll eventually face in the workplace. Reznik is a senior business major, with a concentration in management and finance, at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio. He is also taking course work for certification in human resources (HR).
Last fall, Reznik took the reins of the college's chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. As president, he oversees activities—ranging from workshops to company visits—that promote the career development of chapter members. The chapter also hosts presentations by and mixers with professionals in the field. Reznik says the experience has helped him gain insight into HR practices (from hiring to firing), make connections with prospective colleagues, and acquire the kind of skills (teamwork and communication skills, among them) that employers seek in new college hires.
It has also allowed him to flex his academic abilities and serve as a role model and mentor to underclassmen.
"I enjoy sharing everything I've learned about business with other students who are interested in the field," he says enthusiastically of his leadership role.
Coupled with his internship experience, Reznik's extracurricular activities have put him in good stead for a promising career. He has already received one firm job offer and invitations to interview with five other companies.
Students in virtually every major can benefit in a variety of ways through membership and participation in professional associations.
"I wanted to get hands-on experience," Lauren Fleming says of her reasons for joining the University of Delaware's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (http://www.prssa.org). A communications major with a minor in philosophy who graduated in January 1999, she served a two-semester term as chapter president.
According to Fleming, "the best part of belonging to the society has been the amount of career focus" on the skills required of PR professionals—and how to enhance those skills.
To that end, she wrote and edited press releases and promotional materials and coordinated educational programs for the society.
Fleming's writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills will serve her well in handling constitutional relations for the governor of Delaware. She worked part time in this capacity as she completed her degree and accepted a full-time position after graduation.
Her work entails a lot of interaction with the public on issues such as child support, welfare, and housing.
"It's like being the eyes and the ears of the governor," she says. She'll also have the opportunity to speak and write on his behalf.
Through active participation in professional associations, students stand to gain practical and relevant experience, according to Annie Heidersbach, director of career services at Baldwin-Wallace College.
"These groups can connect you with other students and professionals who are interested—and/or already working—in the field you plan to enter," she says.
Heidersbach adds that, in the process, students can:
- Increase their knowledge of organizations, including the career opportunities they offer;
- Obtain first-hand information about day-to-day operations in the field;
- Learn about and apply for internship and co-op programs sponsored by organizations of interest;
- Merit consideration for scholarships and awards;
- Develop business communication and etiquette skills;
- Network with professionals who may one day be colleagues;
- Work on projects that enhance skills and beef-up resumes; and
- Enjoy the company of students who share the same interests and career goals.