Students receive information about how to start their careers in state government

By Ashley L. Redmond

Nov. 7, 2011 — East Lansing, MI Early on a chilly Friday morning, 23 Michigan State University students traveled with Career Services Network staff into downtown Lansing looking for answers to their questions about getting involved with state government.  This trip was the first of its kind as part of the Spartan LINKS initiative to connect students with alumni and professionals online, on-campus and now “On the Road”.

The students began their trip at the Civil Service Commission with a presentation from Brian Partie, Senior Career Consultant, and Wanda Ordway, Career Services, about the many roles that they can assume as a state employee. Students learned about internship and job opportunities that they can gain during college and after they obtain their college degree. (Did you know that you can get individual resume reviews directly from a State of Michigan Career Services staff member? Submit through MCSC Career Services.  You can also find information about state government internships at Michigan.gov.)

After lunch in downtown Lansing in Washington Square, students headed to the Ottawa building to have a panel discussion with representatives from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).  The panelists discussed many facets of state government from substance control regulation to the role of a lobbyist.  They answered questions regarding the benefits of internship and externships, where to start and how to start — depending on a student’s interest — and why networking is so important.

The remainder of the trip was spent touring the city’s beloved state capitol. Throughout the day, students were able to make significant connections with individuals in state government.  They asked questions, received solid career advice, and collected business cards. These students saw the trip as a beneficial experience. One student said, “I learned so much today that I didn’t know before. This will help me begin my internship search the right way.”

Students were selected out of a pool of applicants that submitted resumes and personal statements through MySpartanCareer.com explaining why they would like to attend this event and how participation could benefit their career.  All of the students selected had their resumes submitted to the Civil Service Commission for review.  From that, career packages were created that fit each student’s degree and career interests.  This gave the students a head-start to creating a career path that fit their career aspirations and goals.

Spartan LINKS is programming through the MSU Career Services Network that is dedicated to giving students exposure to career networking through events during the school year.  This was the first event Spartan LINKS has taken “On the Road” and other programs will include highlights of careers in different fields such as sports industry. This adds to the already established “Career Exposure Series” and involvement with career fairs. In addition, Spartan LINKS educates students on how to use LinkedIn.com to effectively connect with alumni working in various career fields and potential employers. LinkedIn is used as a tool to make it easier for students to establish a relationship with individuals that can assist them in gaining hands-on career experience.

To find out more about Spartan LINKS, visit the group page on LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow @SpartanLinks on Twitter.