Recently, one of our happily employed alums shared this information with faculty after it was announced that the National Wildlife Refuge System was awarded $300 million:

"I am sending this as more of an FYI than anything else, but many of the jobs generated (if the funding goes through) will most likely be suitable for college students. Often, when temporary positions come up we are able to hire students through the STEP and SCEP programs which do not require advertisement. My point: many of the positions available are filled with students who have volunteered, interned, submitted resumes or tenaciously pursued opportunities with us. My guess would be that this is the case for many federal agencies."

What does this mean for you?

• Start early contacting those federal offices that interest you and inquiring about student opportunities – interning, volunteering, temporary positions, etc.
• Follow-up! If they don't have anything one semester, make sure you contact them again the next semester.
• Always be professional and leave a positive impression so that when opportunities become available the agency considers you as a candidate.

Posted by Barbara Diehl, WCNR Career Center Liaison

The economy is still on everyone's mind and probably will be for some time.
The article linked below discusses industries that seem to be promising despite gloomy economic times.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/08/news/economy/strong_industries/index.htm?postversion=2008120810

Posted By: Kelley Madden, CVMBS Career Center Liaison

I received this email today and wanted to share it with students:

"You are invited to attend the West Coast LGBTQA College Student Career Conference!

OUT for Work, the only nonprofit dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBTQA college students for the transition from academia to the workplace, is bringing the best of its national conference to the west coast this spring. 

What you can expect:
Panel Discussions:
Representatives from America's top organizations share their coming out at work stories and how the decision to be out and open has impacted their careers
Presentations:
Well known speakers like Donna Rose, transgender advocate, address issues such as transitioning in the workplace
Skill building workshops:
Get the skills to get the job; networking, resume writing, and interviewing techniques

PRIDE Career Fair:
Find an internship or job with employers leading the way for LGBT workplace equality

*complete agenda can be found online, www.outforwork.org

Registration now open:

The conference will take place at the University of California in Los Angeles, April 17-19th.  Registration is now open!  The cost of the event is $45 per student, $300 for a group of 10 students.
Who should attend:

*Current undergraduate students
*Recently graduated and graduate students
*College professors/ administrators
*Friends & family

I invite you to check out our website, www.outforwork.org for more information.  In addition, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at alex@outforwork.com or 1-866-571-LGBT."

Posted by Barbara Diehl, WCNR Career Center Liaison