Karissa Chabot-Purchase

Assistant Director, Career Services Network

James Madison College
Interest Area Career Advising: Education and Public Services; Social and Cultural Studies

All Posts

15 Environmentally Friendly Companies for Gen Z on the Job Hunt

It’s clear that Generation Z is passionate about the environment and ensuring a sustainable planet. In fact, 67% of Gen Z respondents in a Pew Research Center survey said the climate should be a top priority.

But what about in the …

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Acing the Probationary Period on a New Job

Employers use the probationary period to check if a new starter is a good fit. While this duration may feel scary and unsettling, it can help you improve your confidence and secure a job. It provides opportunities for career growth …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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13 Careers in Law (Without Being a Lawyer)

Interested in the legal industry but unsure about wanting to attend law school? Some of the best careers in law allow you to explore different areas of the legal sector without becoming an attorney. Legal careers like paralegal and electronic …

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Trick or Treat! It’s the Idealist Career Advice Candy Bowl

Here at Idealist, we’re embracing the sweeter side of the season and getting into the October spirit!

We surveyed our team to find out their answers to some spooky career questions. But we’ve got no tricks here, only bite-sized career …

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The Idealist Career Advice Guide to Starting a New Job

Between meeting colleagues, mastering skills, and tackling new responsibilities, the first three months at a new job can feel invigorating. But, of course, it may take some time to build up the confidence to accomplish everything you want to do …

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Should I go to Graduate School?

Question: I’m getting ready to graduate and don’t know whether or not I should apply for a graduate program. How do you know if graduate school is right for you?

There are a variety of reasons why students choose to …

By Kayla Wikaryasz
Kayla Wikaryasz Senior, Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
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Ask an Expert: Illustrating Skills in Technology

Question: In a recent job interview I was asked to provide some examples of my experience using technology. I wasn’t sure what the employer was hoping to hear— is there a good way of responding to a question like this?

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
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Ask an Expert: How to Conduct an Informational Interview

I’ve been told that a good way to learn about different roles/industries is to conduct informational interviews with alumni in those spaces.  What’s the best way to approach conducting an informational interview?

Consider approaching an informational interview like an informal …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
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Ask an Expert: Writing a Personal Statement

Question: I’m overwhelmed at the thought of writing a personal statement to accompany my graduate/professional/law school application. Where do I even begin?  

Answer: Most graduate programs ask for personal statements (sometimes called statements of purpose or statements of intent) to …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
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How to Know if a Job is the Right Fit—Before Accepting the Offer

It’s your first day at a new job, and it’s nothing like you expected. Maybe you write it off as first-day jitters. But as time goes by you realize that you’re just not clicking with the organization’s culture.

Perhaps you’re …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase
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