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 Build and Talk about Teamwork Skills

Question: How can I build my teamwork skills while in college?

Experience engaging in teamwork is a skill sought out by most employers, and a competency that college students are especially primed to develop.

Teamwork is the ability to build …

By Allison Fox
Allison Fox Assistant Director, Career Services Network
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Ask an Expert: Cover Letters 101

Question: I’m applying to a role that asks for both a resume and a cover letter. What’s a cover letter? Does it really matter? How do I write an effective cover letter?

A cover letter is definitely one of the …

By Bill Morgan
Bill Morgan Experiential Learning & On-Campus Internship Coordinator, Career Services Network
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Ask an Expert: Alternatives to Summer Internships

Q: I wasn’t able to land an internship this summer. What are my options to still gain some experience and build my skills?

Summer is a great time to engage in some resume building activities! Here are some ideas to …

By Rachel Mangiavellano
Rachel Mangiavellano Associate Director of Early Career Development & Experiential Education, College of Engineering
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Ask an Expert: Careers Working with Animals

Q: I’d like to pursue a career working with animals. Is becoming a veterinarian my only option?

It’s not! MSU alumni work with animals every day without degrees in Veterinary Medicine. You might consider some of the below opportunities as …

By Jill Cords
Jill Cords Assistant Director, Career Services Network
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Ask an Expert: How to Write a Creative Resume

Q: I’m planning to work in a creative field and want my resume to stand out without being “over the top.” How should I approach designing it?  

If you’re planning to pursue a major or field of study in a …

By Victoria Morris
Victoria Morris 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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Getting Ahead of the Game: Four Things to Think About Before Graduating

Whether you’re a freshman or a senior in college, you’ll inevitably have to make the change from college to a career. To prepare for this transition and lifestyle change, you might ask yourself a few important questions.

What do you …

By Kristi Coleman
Kristi Coleman Director, Network Partnerships and Career Education - Career Services Network
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