Post by dave on Apr 7, 2016 18:17:13 GMT
Iota Pi Mentor Program
David Schoeck <david.schoeck@gmail.com> Thu, Apr 7, 2016 at 9:22 AM
To: ccampb54@kent.edu, mboerke@kent.edu, nholbert@kent.edu, jkrug1@kent.edu, econway8@kent.edu, jleidne1@kent.edu
Cc: Donald Spencer <donaldspencer@gmail.com>, Tyler Cronie <Tcronie@kent.edu>
Fraters,
By way of introduction, I am running the alumni mentor program with the help of Don Spencer and Tyler Cronie.
Tyler sent me your contact information as you expressed an interest in speaking with one of us on career advice.
Entering the job market (or joining a new company) can be a humbling experience. A few undergraduate programs are better preparation than others like Education, Accounting, Nursing, ROTC and possibly Engineering. But for all graduates, the investment in higher education underscores learned knowledge and skills, such as critical thinking. The trick now is to not only find careers that interest you but secure the best paying jobs in a competitive market. As a recent Huffington Post article said, "Graduates’ job prospects also depend on whether they’ve gotten internships, taken full advantage of their college’s placement office, linked up with alumni, stayed current with the field they’re interested in and pursued opportunities to volunteer. Schooling alone doesn’t guarantee career success. But without it, many, many doors are permanently closed."
We have successful attorneys, former bank president, health care CEO, airline captain, accountants, teachers (in numerous disciplines/levels), law enforcement, career army officers, executive level government officials (National Park Service, Dept. of Transportation, Homeland Security), contractors, journalists, minister, etc. Some, like me have switched career paths. In my case, I graduated with BA and an air force commission through AFROTC. After active duty, I worked in the distribution field before moving into high technology business development where I've been for the past for the past 35 years. Other alumni have been in the same field since graduation. Some are retired and others are still working - all with busy family lives and located all over North America. Many of us have grown children who have completed their education and are already in the work force.
Based on the chart Tyler sent, we have done some preliminary career field matching. But I would like to have a preliminary talk with each of you prior to the more in depth alumni meeting.
We can do this in one of two ways. Either call me at 949-241-6175 (I am on California/PST) or send a brief email on your academic background, skills, activities and most importantly a bit more on what you want to do, i.e., your objectives and career interests. If I am not available (I will be on vacation April 13-17), Don will stand in for me. Then we will hook you up with an alum who is in that field or close to it.
The discussion will be informal and depending upon your questions, it could cover possible advice and hints on grad school, specific training, resume/interview preparation and/or hiring expectations.
An example of a discussion is one after my son completed law school. "I wish a recent law school grad had mentored me 3-4 years ago on expectations; optimal undergraduate courses, LSAT preparation, the intensity of the first year (One L), importance of grades and bar exams." Another example followed a joint active/alumni meeting at Homecoming 2012 where several students approached us on career advice. I know that Don has discussed the proposed program with many actives recently too. There is a wealth of experience and brain power that can be tapped in our alumni community. But the conversation must be serious and productive especially for you - Juniors and Seniors about to enter the work force. Again the goal of this program is to provide you with an "edge". So please put some thought into your goals and be prepared with good questions. I would also urge you to use other resources outside of this program; internships, placement office, networking, etc.
Since this is a pilot program, your feedback is welcome. Thanks and looking forward to our discussion.
YITB,
Dave Schoeck, IP 61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 5, 2016
David Schoeck <david.schoeck@gmail.com>
to Tcronie, Donald
Hi Tyler,
Frater Don Spencer suggesting contacting you at point for the mentor program. Please let me know some time frames over the next few days where we can discuss the proposed mentor program? My number is 949-241-6175 (I am on California/PST),
Below is the email originally sent to the alumni. We have a core group who are willing to participate.
If there are other career fields or expertise, we will reach out to determine interest. We have successful attorneys, bank president, airline captain, accountants, teachers (in numerous disciplines/levels), law enforcement, career army officers, contractors, journalists, minister, etc. Some are retired and others are still working, like me - all with busy family lives and located all over North America.
An example of a discussion is one after my son completed law school. "I wish a recent law school grad had briefed me 3-4 years ago on expectations; undergrad courses, LSAT preparation, the intensity of the first year (One L), importance of grades and bar exams." Another example followed a joint active/alumni meeting at Homecoming 2012 where several students approached us on career advice. I know that Don has discussed the proposed program with many actives recently too. There is a wealth of experience and brain power that can be tapped in the alumni community. But the conversation must be serious and be a not a waste of time. The proposed process is outlined and I will mediate, especially in the beginning. The active chapter's feedback is encouraged.
Thanks and looking forward to discussing this with you. Dave
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2015
Dear Fraters and Fellow Alumni,
During the November, 2012 Alumni Association meeting, we discussed a 'career counseling' program for the actives (or even other alumni). The idea was adopted and falls under the scholarship committee.
You are on this email distribution as a highly qualified and successful alumni. If you can recommend others, let me know?
Obviously, a big benefit to any university or fraternity is its alumni. And "tapping into the alumni" for career help is one tangible way we can be helpful. When the chapter was in its formative years, we never had this program. There is now a wealth of experience amongst us that could help aspiring actives choose graduate school or career path. This could include a discussion; resume advice or providing job interview hints. In fact, many of us have been informally approached by some actives during Homecoming and in other forums and in many cases it is simply a friendly chat.
To get started, we are distributing a spreadsheet of successful alumni and your response is strictly voluntary. Attached is a partial (and incomplete) list and if you are interested, please provide or confirm your name, career field, phone number and email. Also feel free to include your first job out of KSU, what field you have been in during most of your career, where you live now or other information that could help. If your name is on the list and you do not wish to participate, please remove it. Please send your confirmation back to me by email.
To get this kicked off, Dan Spencer and I agreed this is how the initial process should work:
•After receiving your responses, we will post the areas of expertise that each alumni represent (on the chapter website).
•An active will contact me by email and I will tell the active a little about the Alum.
•The active can pass or accept.
•I will then contact the alum and tell him a little about the active.
•The alum can pass or accept.
•If both are interested, I will pass on or confirm phone numbers.
•They make contact and decide how to go from that point on. It could take the form of an email exchange, phone call or meeting at Homecoming. Most actives are on the listserv and will get the same message as the alumni.
We all know that graduating seniors are in a tight job market and good starting jobs are limited. So the understanding with the undergraduate chapter is that this is a serious effort and not to waste people’s time. It would be the active's responsibility to contact us only if they are genuinely interested in such a career discussion.
Thanks for your support.
YITB,
Dave Schoeck
Don Spencer
David Schoeck <david.schoeck@gmail.com> Thu, Apr 7, 2016 at 9:22 AM
To: ccampb54@kent.edu, mboerke@kent.edu, nholbert@kent.edu, jkrug1@kent.edu, econway8@kent.edu, jleidne1@kent.edu
Cc: Donald Spencer <donaldspencer@gmail.com>, Tyler Cronie <Tcronie@kent.edu>
Fraters,
By way of introduction, I am running the alumni mentor program with the help of Don Spencer and Tyler Cronie.
Tyler sent me your contact information as you expressed an interest in speaking with one of us on career advice.
Entering the job market (or joining a new company) can be a humbling experience. A few undergraduate programs are better preparation than others like Education, Accounting, Nursing, ROTC and possibly Engineering. But for all graduates, the investment in higher education underscores learned knowledge and skills, such as critical thinking. The trick now is to not only find careers that interest you but secure the best paying jobs in a competitive market. As a recent Huffington Post article said, "Graduates’ job prospects also depend on whether they’ve gotten internships, taken full advantage of their college’s placement office, linked up with alumni, stayed current with the field they’re interested in and pursued opportunities to volunteer. Schooling alone doesn’t guarantee career success. But without it, many, many doors are permanently closed."
We have successful attorneys, former bank president, health care CEO, airline captain, accountants, teachers (in numerous disciplines/levels), law enforcement, career army officers, executive level government officials (National Park Service, Dept. of Transportation, Homeland Security), contractors, journalists, minister, etc. Some, like me have switched career paths. In my case, I graduated with BA and an air force commission through AFROTC. After active duty, I worked in the distribution field before moving into high technology business development where I've been for the past for the past 35 years. Other alumni have been in the same field since graduation. Some are retired and others are still working - all with busy family lives and located all over North America. Many of us have grown children who have completed their education and are already in the work force.
Based on the chart Tyler sent, we have done some preliminary career field matching. But I would like to have a preliminary talk with each of you prior to the more in depth alumni meeting.
We can do this in one of two ways. Either call me at 949-241-6175 (I am on California/PST) or send a brief email on your academic background, skills, activities and most importantly a bit more on what you want to do, i.e., your objectives and career interests. If I am not available (I will be on vacation April 13-17), Don will stand in for me. Then we will hook you up with an alum who is in that field or close to it.
The discussion will be informal and depending upon your questions, it could cover possible advice and hints on grad school, specific training, resume/interview preparation and/or hiring expectations.
An example of a discussion is one after my son completed law school. "I wish a recent law school grad had mentored me 3-4 years ago on expectations; optimal undergraduate courses, LSAT preparation, the intensity of the first year (One L), importance of grades and bar exams." Another example followed a joint active/alumni meeting at Homecoming 2012 where several students approached us on career advice. I know that Don has discussed the proposed program with many actives recently too. There is a wealth of experience and brain power that can be tapped in our alumni community. But the conversation must be serious and productive especially for you - Juniors and Seniors about to enter the work force. Again the goal of this program is to provide you with an "edge". So please put some thought into your goals and be prepared with good questions. I would also urge you to use other resources outside of this program; internships, placement office, networking, etc.
Since this is a pilot program, your feedback is welcome. Thanks and looking forward to our discussion.
YITB,
Dave Schoeck, IP 61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 5, 2016
David Schoeck <david.schoeck@gmail.com>
to Tcronie, Donald
Hi Tyler,
Frater Don Spencer suggesting contacting you at point for the mentor program. Please let me know some time frames over the next few days where we can discuss the proposed mentor program? My number is 949-241-6175 (I am on California/PST),
Below is the email originally sent to the alumni. We have a core group who are willing to participate.
If there are other career fields or expertise, we will reach out to determine interest. We have successful attorneys, bank president, airline captain, accountants, teachers (in numerous disciplines/levels), law enforcement, career army officers, contractors, journalists, minister, etc. Some are retired and others are still working, like me - all with busy family lives and located all over North America.
An example of a discussion is one after my son completed law school. "I wish a recent law school grad had briefed me 3-4 years ago on expectations; undergrad courses, LSAT preparation, the intensity of the first year (One L), importance of grades and bar exams." Another example followed a joint active/alumni meeting at Homecoming 2012 where several students approached us on career advice. I know that Don has discussed the proposed program with many actives recently too. There is a wealth of experience and brain power that can be tapped in the alumni community. But the conversation must be serious and be a not a waste of time. The proposed process is outlined and I will mediate, especially in the beginning. The active chapter's feedback is encouraged.
Thanks and looking forward to discussing this with you. Dave
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2015
Dear Fraters and Fellow Alumni,
During the November, 2012 Alumni Association meeting, we discussed a 'career counseling' program for the actives (or even other alumni). The idea was adopted and falls under the scholarship committee.
You are on this email distribution as a highly qualified and successful alumni. If you can recommend others, let me know?
Obviously, a big benefit to any university or fraternity is its alumni. And "tapping into the alumni" for career help is one tangible way we can be helpful. When the chapter was in its formative years, we never had this program. There is now a wealth of experience amongst us that could help aspiring actives choose graduate school or career path. This could include a discussion; resume advice or providing job interview hints. In fact, many of us have been informally approached by some actives during Homecoming and in other forums and in many cases it is simply a friendly chat.
To get started, we are distributing a spreadsheet of successful alumni and your response is strictly voluntary. Attached is a partial (and incomplete) list and if you are interested, please provide or confirm your name, career field, phone number and email. Also feel free to include your first job out of KSU, what field you have been in during most of your career, where you live now or other information that could help. If your name is on the list and you do not wish to participate, please remove it. Please send your confirmation back to me by email.
To get this kicked off, Dan Spencer and I agreed this is how the initial process should work:
•After receiving your responses, we will post the areas of expertise that each alumni represent (on the chapter website).
•An active will contact me by email and I will tell the active a little about the Alum.
•The active can pass or accept.
•I will then contact the alum and tell him a little about the active.
•The alum can pass or accept.
•If both are interested, I will pass on or confirm phone numbers.
•They make contact and decide how to go from that point on. It could take the form of an email exchange, phone call or meeting at Homecoming. Most actives are on the listserv and will get the same message as the alumni.
We all know that graduating seniors are in a tight job market and good starting jobs are limited. So the understanding with the undergraduate chapter is that this is a serious effort and not to waste people’s time. It would be the active's responsibility to contact us only if they are genuinely interested in such a career discussion.
Thanks for your support.
YITB,
Dave Schoeck
Don Spencer