Fall 2009 Newsletter (View Archive)
Marilyn Wade
Assistant Director
of Alumni Career Services
UCS is a comprehensive career center that offers career counseling, free workshops and events, on-campus recruiting opportunities, as well as extensive online resources that can help you explore career fields, network with professionals, research companies and search job postings.
UCS is also now on Twitter and Facebook! Please follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CoogCareers and friend us on Facebook Fan page for the latest updates. 
I am available for career counseling and personalized job search assistance. I am also available to conduct seminars and presentations for Alumni Clubs/Groups and special events. Please do not hesitate to contact me at mwade@uh.edu for more information about Alumni Career Services, to schedule an appointment or to conduct a presentation. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Surviving a Layoff
No one can deny that bouncing back after a layoff is not easy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor) approximately 4 million workers have been laid off from their employers since December 2007 (the estimated beginning of the current recession). However, there a few key steps to effectively managing your emotional well-being and your new job search: Be Positive, Be Pro-Active and Be Professional!
Be Positive
It's pretty easy to focus on all the doom and gloom. The media loves to chase ratings by focusing exclusively on bad economic news and on people that have been negatively affected by the recession in some way, whether it is because of the housing crisis, the banking industry or the American car maker bankruptcy. The media's business is to keep these headline tunes playing over and over again on TV, internet and radio. I challenge you to take a break from this negative influx. Don't focus your attention and energy on the negativity! Although there is little we can do personally to affect the overall health of the economy, we do have the power to choose how we react to this news. For instance, we can certainly do our part to reduce frivolous spending, go greener/reduce waste and explore more efficient ways to travel. We can also take measures to ensure we are fortifying our minds and spirits with positive messages and activities about ourselves and our efforts. Replace negative messages such as "There are no jobs for me" with "I will find a job despite this market" and "I will take care of my family" and "This recession will pass----better financial times are ahead". Consider subscribing to a website that sends positive affirmations to your inbox. I personally like www.SuccessConsciousness.com and Affirmations and Positive Affirmations Websites at www.selfgrowth.com, and www.PositiveEconomicNews.com.
Associating with negative people can also certainly be a downer as well. People that constantly complain (but don't do anything to change their circumstances) or discourage you ("You won't be able to find a job") can be detrimental to your spirit, emotional health and future success. Try to limit your interactions with such people, or stand up to them with your new positive outlook. You never know—you may just turn them around. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." The ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of conflict will certainly impact your ability to be successful in your job search. Maintain positivity with your former employer and co-workers----do not let them see you stressed, angry or upset. You don't want to burn any bridges that may be useful to you in the future. End the employment on a good note---tell them you've enjoyed working there and you would like to stay in touch. This simple gesture will go a long way. Bottom line---don't forget that you are a college graduate with professional experiences, strengths and skills to offer!
Be Pro-Active
OK—so you've got a positive attitude going, now what? Now is the time to take action! Get busy in taking care of your immediate needs and in preparing for your job search. If you have been laid off, check with your former employer regarding unemployment benefits, severance packages or and extension of health benefits. Apply for any government benefits that you may be eligible for, in order to sustain yourself and your family during this difficult time. Go to Official Portal of Texas website, Health Insurance Information for a Person who is Unemployed at www.texashealthoptions.com and the UH Alumni Association Insurance Plan website for unemployment and health insurance information. Now is also the time to hit the ground running in your job search! Sitting on the couch and complaining about the job market is not going to help in forwarding your career. Stay in touch with former supervisors, co-workers, customers and colleagues. Gain clarity by deciding what your career focus will be at this point. Update your resume with your accomplishments and skills with the help of a career counselor. Join the UH Alumni Association and at least one professional organization in your field of interest to gain more contacts and build new relationships. Develop an online presence with LinkedIn, the premier social networking site for professionals. Consider refreshing or updating your skills by taking additional courses or pursuing certifications in your field. Seek out volunteer opportunities that are related to your field of interest. This is a great way to perk up your mood, utilize your professional skills, network within your field and make a contribution to society in the process.
Be Professional
It is important to project a professional image at all times, in all interactions, especially in the face of challenge and difficulty. You never know who might be observing you online or in person----it could just be that hiring manager or recruiter you are trying to attract! Now is not the time to mouth off about your former employer and/or the economy on a blog forum, during a networking meeting or other social gathering. Remain level-headed, optimistic and treat everyone with respect. Just as achieving results and having a standard of excellence may have been important to your work in the past, maintaining a standard of excellence in all aspects of your job search is equally, if not more important. Ensure your written communications are flawless (cover letters, letters of inquiry, networking introductions, business cards and resumes) by keeping them up to date and seeking assistance in their review. If necessary, practice your networking and interviewing skills so that you are confident and polished in your interactions. Follow through with your intentions. If you state that you will follow up on a cover letter or after a networking call, follow up! At the same time, be careful to respect an employer's time; do not "follow up" by calling an employer daily (unless the employer specifies so) or becoming pushy and demanding. Certainly dress for success when interacting with potential/former employers, co-workers and other professionals.
Remember—there are many things you can do to invigorate yourself during hard times, as well as get a head start on your competition. Being positive, pro-active and professional are key steps you can take towards a successful job search during difficult times.
Career Success Series Events
These events are free for all UH Alumni:
Tuesday, Sept 29: College and Career Success for Veterans;
2:30PM - 4:00PM, M. D. Anderson Library, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion, 2nd Floor
Wednesday, October 7: Internship Career Fair;
1:00PM - 4:00PM, University Center, Houston Room
Thursday, October 29: Bio-Research Career Information Day;
1:00PM - 5:00PM, University Center, Houston Room
Fall 2009 UH Career Fairs
- September 24, 2009
- C.T. Bauer College - Fall Business Career Fair
- October 07, 2009
- Internship Career Fair, 1pm-4pm
- October 14, 2009
- College of Technology Career Fair
- October 22, 2009
- College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Career Fair
- November 04, 2009
- The Sales Excellence Institute (SEI) Career Fair
Alumni Career Services
Alumni Career Services provides career decision- making and job search assistance to all UH alumni.
Alumni Career Services Overview
Upcoming Events and Workshops
- 9/21 Resume Workshop
- 9/24 C.T. Bauer College - Fall Business Career Fair
- 9/29 College and Career Success for Veterans
University Career Advisory Network (UCAN)
Network members help students/ alumni explore career options and give insight into the workplace. Mentors are not expected to offer internships or jobs, just information and advice.
Hire a Cougar
- Post a job/internship
- Interview on campus
Contact Us
University Career ServicesAlumni Career Services
(713) 743-5100
ucs@uh.edu
www.career.uh.edu/alumni
