On Being a Linchpin

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2011/11/29/seth-godins-linchpin-theory-sound-advice-or-career-suicide/

When I came across this topic on Forbes.com, I had no idea what a linchpin was - but the phrase "Career Suicide" immediately following caught my attention. A linchpin is a person who attempts to make himself or herself indispensable to the business. In theory, it sounds as though a linchpin has the greatest job security - until the employer realizes how much he or she relies on that employee.

A linchpin is the antithesis of American enterprise. Today's economy thrives on specialization and independence: if a company relies solely on the knowledge and productivity of one employee, the whole business may find itself lagging in this raging economy. Furthermore, as stated by Mike Myatt in the attached article, nobody is indispensible. No matter how highly specialized your job is, another person can be trained to do the job you do now. With the advent of the internet, information of any sort is not hard to find.

What do you think about the linchpin theory? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Myatt's statement that nobody is indispensible? Assuming that anyone can do any job, what reasons can be found to specialize in anything? Share your comments!

Taking a Red Pen to Your Résumé: Building a Better Résumé Through Revision

Résumés generally look the same for all fields - the format does not change. However, taking the proverbial "red pen" to your résumé can make it more appealing to a potential employer. Some words have become so overused in the English language that they no longer hold any meaning, which is what you want to avoid when writing a résumé - make sure each word is necessary and shows the employer what you have done as an employee.

Some words to avoid when revising/writing a résumé:

• skills


• experience


• team-player


• people person


• friendly

If you are writing/revising a résumé, searching for a job or internship, or trying to decide on a major, visit Career Services in the Upper Union! We can help!

(The list of words to avoid can be found at http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2011/11/04/final-cut-words-to-strike-from-your-resume/, courtesy of The Daily Muse.)

Know Thyself: Declaration of Major

Manchester College requires all students to submit an Election of Major form by their Junior year.
Having come to Manchester with seventeen credit hours transferring, I am currently a second-semester Sophomore; therefore, I had to submit an Election of Major form. After much indecision and disagreement with family, I decided that I would major in English with a Writing Concentration and minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Journalism - which I will officially declare in a little over two hours.

What a person majors in may not necessarily determine what his/her career will be, but does provide the skills necessary to work in the field associated with his/her major. As an English major with a minor in Journalism, I will be familiar with the Associated Press style and participate in an internship. These requirements for my minor give me the background I will need to compete in the job market.

The classes required for each major are critical to their field. Treat each class as an opportunity to obtain the knowledge required to be competitive in today's job market. Internships are also an opportunity to develop the skills and motivation needed to become a model employee.

For guidance in choosing a major or career path, schedule an appointment with Career Services by contacting Betty Butterbaugh at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!

Career Services Etiquette Dinner A Success

The Career Services Etiquette Dinner was held on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. The dinner began in the Hoff Room with appetizers and a short networking session. Leading the networking session was Michael Dixon, Director of Multicultural Studies and Campus Diversity. Mr. Dixon provided instruction on how to professionally introduce oneself and how to politely leave a conversation. During the networking session, students met a variety of local business representatives.

Following the networking session, all participants entered the Lahman Room for the dinner. The tables had already been set and business representatives were asked to act as Table Hosts. As such, they would set the standard for proper etiquette during the dinner. Liz Bushnell, Career Services Director, gave a short introduction to proper table etiquette as the soup was distributed to each table. Discussion of the placement of the napkin opened the etiquette presentation. Attendees were told that the napkin is to be placed in their laps during the meal and set to the left of the plate when they leave the table. The place setting designated for each participant was marked by the bread plate on the left and the glass to their right. Following this short presentation, participants ate their soup and salads. There was much discussion at each table as the participants became acquainted with each other.

Mrs. Bushnell ended her presentation after the main course was served. She explained the difference between business attire, standard business casual, and basic business casual. Door prizes were given by drawing business cards provided before the event that had been distributed during the networking session. Winners were given a Manchester College portfolio. Cheesecake was served for dessert. There were eighty-three participants at the Etiquette Dinner. Copies of the etiquette handout are available in Career Services.

Body Language and the Interview

One of the key elements of interviewing is body language. It can tell an employer a lot about you and affect your chances of being hired. Distracting or intimidating body language can be fatal to the job search.
There are four main movements to avoid:

1. fidgeting, of any type



2. crossing your arms



3. avoiding eye contact



4. and hiding your hands

Fidgeting, while not uncommon and often a result of nervous energy, is distracting to employers. It can also lead them to wonder why you are so nervous.

Crossed arms is a common stance for most people, but it codes as aggressive and intimidating during an interview. Keep your arms open, resting them on the arms of the chair.

Eye contact is key in interviews. If you do not look at your interviewer(s), they might think you are hiding something. However, do not stare at your interviewer(s), this is intimidating and nerve-wracking. Keeping eye contact with the person who is speaking and looking away on occasion is best.

Finally, interviewers will probably look at your hands occasionally. Hiding your hands by sitting on them or folding them in your lap under the table may make them question your interpersonal skills. Hand gestures and placement can tell an employer how well you would interact with clients.

For examples and pictures of body language gaffes in interview situations, click on the attached link: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ehkf/interview-body-language-gaffes-that-could-cost-you-the-job.

If you have any questions about interviewing or would like to schedule a mock interview, contact Betty Butterbaugh in Career Services at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!

Know The Job Before You Apply

As an employee of Career Services, I post part-time jobs as they come in to the office. Jobs tend toward those rather mundane tasks awarded to college students: babysitting, cleaning, and tutoring. However, what might appear mundane may actually be more complex than it seems.

An employer recently sent in a listing for a babysitting position, stating that he had a young daughter in need of care while he was abroad. When an applicant contacted the employer, he stated that he needed someone to pick up and mail packages to addresses that he would provide. The job differed from what was posted on our site and had to be taken down.

Before applying for any job, make sure you know the requirements of the job. If it seems too good to be true, chances are good that it is. A job that offers unusually high wages, requires a deposit for anything other than uniforms or training, or has ambiguous wording is probably a scam. Always research the position before agreeing to anything.

When looking for employment, Career Services is the place to start!

Purdue Big Ten+ and IUPUI Graduate School Expo

This year, I am rooming with a good friend of mine who is a Senior English major. Her plan is to go to Graduate School to receive a degree in History and/or Anthropology. She wishes to become a Museum Curator, which requires that she receive a graduate degree.

IUPUI (Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis) is hosting a Graduate Expo September 21, 2011 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the IUPUI Campus Center. Registration is free and a variety of Graduate programs will be represented from Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. I hope to attend with my roommate, who may find the perfect fit in a Graduate program. (I may even find my future Graduate School program as well. . . )

On September 25 and 26, Purdue will be hosting the Big Ten+ Graduate School Expo. There is a fee of thrity-five dollars for those who are preregistered and forty for those who register at the door. A variety of graduate programs will be represented at the Expo, with a concentration on Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, and Engineering. However, other concentrations will be represented as well.

Attending such a program allows those considering Graduate School to learn more about the institutions and the application requirements. Each graduate school will be looking for different abilities in promising students, so building networks among administrators and representatives can boost a student's admission potential.

For more information, check out http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/gradexpo/studentinfo.cfm and/or http://www.iupui.edu/~gradoff/gradexpo/index.html!

Be Not a Bum: Making This Summer Count

As the summer break approaches, students rush to fill in blanks on exam sheets and professors groan inwardly at the growing pile of papers to grade. However, both look forward to the summer, when students can either work or relax as they desire and professors can do personal research or travel. For students, the summer can be daunting with a full work schedule or endless boredom.

Students can beat the summer boredom by job shadowing, interning, or pursuing research in their spare time. Having pursued several job openings to no avail, I have decided that that is how I will spend my summer - doing research for next year's Student Research Symposium. Doing so will keep me occupied and my time will be invested in doing what I enjoy.

So, as we wind down the academic year - as students and professors rush past each other in a race against the clock - consider what you can do to make your summer productive.

Hot Jobs: The Hoosier Hot 50

As far back as I can remember, Indiana has published the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs booklet, containing the 50 jobs growing fastest in the Indiana economy. Each job contains its own page, as well as projections of the number of positions available, average salary, and a brief job description. The higher the job is ranked, the greater the demand for workers in that field.

A variety of jobs are listed in the Hoosier Hot 50, from Electrician to Social Worker. Each has a place in the Indiana job market and has a growing number of openings. Those looking into potential careers may want to consider flipping through a copy of the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, as each job is projected to be in need in coming years.

For those who have not yet decided on a major or career path, the Office of Career Services offers testing to discover a career or major path that matches one's personality!

Virtual Job Fairs: The Evolution of the Job Search

The Job Fair is perhaps the most basic of job search strategies; you go, hand a few employers your résumé, make small talk, interview, and hopefully receive a job offer. The game has changed, though: instead of driving to a job fair, you now can log on and meet employers using an avatar. The process is much the same as the traditional job fair, but for the use of avatars and digital documents. Many virtual job fairs are available. Some will run on a 24/7 basis, while others may only last a few days and between certain hours. The number of postings available and qualified candidates may influence the duration of an online job fair. One should be wary of job fairs that require a fee or any other form of payment. A job fair should be an opportunity for employers and candidates to connect, not an opportunity for a third party to make money. Some virtual reality sites like Second Life allow members to create avatars and interview online. The virtual job fair is a great tool for those looking to interview for positions in other states and those who wish to save on traveling expenses. Second Life and other virtual sites that host job fairs are beneficial to those seeking employment. The job search has evolved: virtual job fairs are bringing employment into the twenty-first century.

The Subtle Art of Interviewing: What Every Candidate Should Know

The interview is probably the most frightening and anxiety-inducing part of seeking employment. Candidates wait in taupe rooms with ugly corporate carpeting, sweating profusely and nervously attempting to make themselves look comfortable - but not too comfortable - until the interviewer arrives. Standing and shaking hands follow the arrival. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, I am not at all surprised. In fact, this scenario has applied to me in my own job search. The interview is a nerve-wracking event with the power to make or break a bid for employment. An interviewer will often know within the first thirty seconds if you are the candidate he wants, or if he should look elsewhere. That being said, there are some ground rules for interviews. First, shake the interviewer's hand. A firm, polite handshake makes a great first impression. Second, dress for the job. Working at the local burger place does not require a three-piece Armani suit, while a job at a Fortune 500 company would be more easily attained in a suit than a pair of denim jeans and a polo. Third, speak carefully and with meaning. Employers want to know that you will put thought into your words and represent the business well. Questions will also be beneficial to the interview, as the employer learns more about your interests and concerns in the business. When the interview ends, thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands again. The last - and potentially most important - part of the interview does not happen during the interview. The candidate should always send the interviewer and/or employer a note of thanks for his/her consideration in giving the interview. This can be done electronically (via e-mail, fax, phone, etc.) or by mail (the traditional "thank you" notecard). I know of an interviewer who refuses to consider candidates that do not send a note of thanks. I also know of an example where a person was hired simply because he was the only person to send the employer a thank you. What you do before, during, and after the interview count tremendously toward your chances of being hired. Do not overlook the customs and courtesies attached to the interview process, as your actions may directly result in employment. If you have any questions about thank you notes, interviews, résumés, or anything else career-related, please come to Career Services!

Opportunities: Making the Most of Employment

When I started working here in Career Services, I had one mission: write and write well. It served me well for the first semester, until my boss, Andy, said five dreaded words: "Can we have a chat?" At that point, my mind raced through all my actions to find anything I could possibly have done to warrant a "chat." Oh the dreaded "chat!"

It just so happens that this would be the best "chat" I have ever had. That day, I was asked if I would like to fill the position of a coworker who had moved on to bigger and better things. I was thrilled to have been offered the position and agreed to take it over. Within two weeks I had received training to update the Career Services website and was slowly making changes to the website. Today, I have made several updates and continue to maintain the site.

What is the point in telling you this? I simply want you to know that opportunities come along to receive training outside of your area of expertise, and that you may want to consider branching out and into realms that could be useful to you in other areas. Employers love to see that you have something useful to offer, such as training in web design/maintenance or computer programming. Never did I imagine myself updating websites, inserting hyperlinks, or optimizing photos for a webpage, yet here I am doing just that. This training is a benefit I now have to offer other employers in the future: something that might put me ahead of the other applicants. Would you like to be at the top of the résumé stack? Just something to think about. . .

The Liberal Arts Degree - A Waste of Money or An Investment In Learning?

The Liberal Arts degree has long been viewed as the best of investments for the future, as it serves to diversify the learning experience by requiring students to take classes outside of their content areas. This multifaceted educational approach is supposed to make students capable of completing tasks that require skills in the sciences or the humanities. Naturally, branching into those (mainstream) subjects not within your content area can make you more marketable to future employers.

So - you are saying - what is the negative in all of that? Cost in opposition to value. Employers are beginning to see that a rise in the number of students led to four year programs are taking a toll on the value of a degree. Some colleges and universities have begun to inflate grades and turn away promising students, hindering the value of a degree. When an institution of higher learning produces the best students by selecting only the best students, one cannot help but wonder if the student would have been successful anyway, as he or she probably would have been. This is one of the arguments against the general value of a degree from discerning colleges: if a student has the will to do well, he or she will do well with or without the degree.

Lastly, the liberal arts degree loses value among workers, as the cost of earning a degree outweighs the potential earnings beyond graduation. What is the reason for this, you may ask. It is due to the growing cost of attending college and the ever-increasing interest rates for student loans. What a student makes in the years immediately following graduation is consumed by the debt incurred by earning the degree.

The choice to attend college is one that takes much consideration. College is not for everyone, but most certainly opens doors for those who choose to attend and invest in their education. College is an option for higher learning, but certainly not the only one. Vocational schools, apprenticeships, and online lectures offer alternatives to the traditional four year academic program. Ultimately, the acquisition of a degree does not mean you are more capable than the next person, but it certainly can make you more marketable to potential employers.

Graduate School - What Most of Us Don't Know, Part III

The last of my Graduate school posts will cover the most important part of the Graduate school experience - the dissertation/thesis. The ultimate goal of Graduate school is the awarding of a degree by the successful defense of a dissertation or thesis. If the defense is successful, the committee will award a degree to the graduate student.

Selecting a topic for the dissertation or thesis is a difficult process, which requires the investment of many hours and a deep knowledge of the content area. The student should be sure that adequate research on his/her topic exists, but not so much research that his/her topic has already been brought to light. Furthermore, the topic should be one that interests the student, as the dissertation will take the student a large amount of time to research and the student must be able to defend the research.

The first step to a successful dissertation defense is to present a proposal to the dissertation committee. The proposal acts as an outline for the proposed question, time allotted for research, and availability of information on the topic. The dissertation committee will vote to accept the proposal or veto it - a veto meaning that the student must make changes to his proposal. If the proposal is accepted, the student may be working on his dissertation.

Writing the thesis is a time consuming process. The average thesis should take between six months and a year to write, assuming that the student does not procrastinate. Writing may begin as soon as the proposal has been accepted, but availability of information may impede writing for those dependent on survey results. Generally, it is best to start writing as soon as possible, and keep a steady pace. Procrastination does add time to the process, turning what could be a year-long endeavor into a project for multiple years.

Getting a graduate degree is an admirable goal. However, before you decide to jump into the world of graduate studies, it is wise to do your research. A good program will have supportive faculty, a cohesive student group, and connections with potential employers beyond graduate school. Know before you go!

Graduate School: What Most of Us Don't Know, Part II

Graduate programs, like undergraduate programs, represent a large investment. Naturally, comparison shopping is in the best interests of the potential graduate student. A smart student will look at potential thesis advisors, cost of attendance, the admission process, and reputability of the department of interest.

Admission to graduate school is a painstaking process. The admissions panel may be sent hundreds of applications, but only a small percentage of those who apply are granted admission.

One graduate program narrowed the applicant pool this way: The admissions panel will create a sort of "short list" of students that they view as potential graduate students. The "short list" is then divided into several piles, then given to an admissions panelist, who will try to "sell" the top applicants in his or her pile. Following the "selling" of the applicants, the panelists decide who they will move into the next round of decisions. Finally, the panel reviews applications and makes the final decisions concerning admissions.

One of the best things a person can do to gain admission to a graduate program is to get to know the professors. A professor can vouch for a student he or she feels would thrive in a graduate program, thus significantly increasing chances of admission. Furthermore, the student should attempt to make connections with all faculty in his or her department, so that he or she may choose the best possible thesis advisor.

The most important criteria for admission to a graduate program are: undergraduate grade point average in major field, recommendations from faculty known by members of department, undergraduate grade point average in junior and senior years, GRE General Aptitude Test verbal score, undergraduate major relation to field of graduate study, and undergraduate grade point average overall. Even supposing that an applicant has each of these criteria under control, graduate programs weight these criteria differently. Each program chooses what matters most to them, so an applicant who receives a fellowship in one program may be rejected by another. Utlimately, admittance to a program is a matchmaking game.

Graduate School: What Most of Us Don't Know, Part 1

As a First-Year student, I have heard of Grad school in passing. "Wish him luck," my advisor once said, "he's taking the GRE today." I thought "Okay. Whatever that's about."

As it turns out, Grad school is a tricky business. The application process is far more elaborate than I realized. The pitfalls of doing X,Y, and potentially even Z can keep an applicant from being admitted. Not only that, but many students lose motivation and focus within a few years and drop out of their programs.

I have learned that Grad schools love to see students who either apply fresh from an Undergraduate program or after no more than three years on the job market. Another selling point for admissions is a collection of publications- the more you have published within your field, the more marketable you become. An applicant should stay as close to his field as possible while considering job offers, lest he have a job that he cannot defend as preparation for his Ph.D.

Graduate school applicants should take care when choosing their advisors. One's advisor has the power to make or break a bid for a Ph.D. The ideal advisor will not only be able to provide professional contacts and connections, but will be supportive personally during what sounds like a particularly stressful time. Other qualities to look for in an advisor are tenured status and stamina- advisors should be able to keep up with advisees and yet be secure enough to maintain the integrity of student research. A good rule of thumb for selecting the best possible advisor is to begin scouting advisors at various Graduate schools during the Junior year of Undergraduate study. This allows applicants to narrow the list of prospective thesis advisors before it can become a problem.

Scouting advisors at the Graduate level can be tricky. One needs to make contact with potential advisors, while being mindful of status and respectful of the advisor's time. A great way to learn about professors who would be great thesis advisors is to ask undergraduate professors within the field. An undergraduate professor may know of another professor whose work matches the interests most likely to be addressed in the doctoral thesis, thus providing a connection to an advisor who would support your work.

And that is part I of what you need to know about Graduate school.

Professional Websites: Marketing Yourself Online

As an education major, I am required to create a professional website displaying my skills as a professional. I admit, when I first heard about creating a professional website, I groaned inwardly. . . but the truth of the matter is that a professional website is not that difficult to create! I, with only an inkling of computer knowledge, have created a professional website through Expression Web.

I would encourage all of you who read this to consider creating your own webpage. On this webpage, you can display projects and information that make you highly employable. In fact, I hope to attach some of my English documents to my web site in the future.

A professional web site can boost your online image, as it can put your name higher on a Google results list. Furthermore, a professional web site allows others to see what you do and how well you have completed your work. Navigation buttons and layout can signal to an employer that you are organized and prepared for the professional world.

For those of you who do not have a professional web site and would like to see one, they are listed on the MC site under "Current Students" and the hyperlink "Student/Faculty Web Pages." I hope that this post has been helpful to you, and I wish everyone a happy, healthy January break!

New Year's Resolutions: Creating Goals For Success

Perhaps it is a bit late to be posting about New Year's Resolutions, but January is not over yet. After the ball drops at midnight, resolutions are made varying from the mediocre to the near-impossible. My resolution for the upcoming year is to decide (definitively) on my major and set my course for the coming years at MC.

This resolution will require a variety of preparations: I will need to assess my motivations for pursuing my major, decide if that motivation will be enough to keep me within that field, and discover what the requirements are for that particular major. January Session has caused me to reassess my decision to teach, thereby causing a reassessment of my motivations.


Career Services offers testing to find individual motivations and careers to match personalities and interests. Appointments can be made with Betty Butterbaugh to do testing that will help you choose the career that best fits you. Remember to drop by Career Services for any help that you may need concerning your future career, graduate school programs, or job experience!

Summer Jobs: Money and Experience

Now that the Fall semester is over, we are all looking at plans for the future, whether that be our future career or courses. I, personally, have been giving some consideration to my plans for the summer. I know that I want a summer job where my skills will be utilized and weaknesses can be addressed. Like all students, I also want to make money for the next Fall semester.


Summer jobs, like most other positions, are usually filled by networking. It is not necessarily about who is the most qualified for a position, but who an employee knows is available and willing to do the job. My first meaningful job was working as support staff at a daycare. What did that mean? It means that I was on-call at all times and had scheduled work days. How did I get the job? My cousin worked there and told me that I could interview right away.


Obtaining a summer position often depends on who you know, not what you know. For that reason, I encourage all of you reading this to begin expanding your network. Your network can be expanded by joining professional organizations, attending professional development meetings or conferences, or participating in religious or social activities. Many positions are filled by word-of-mouth, as opposed to posting the position in a newspaper or online. Networking is key to the job search!

Let's Talk. . . About Résumés

The résumé is potentially the most important document that you can submit to an employer: the résumé will give the employer the information that you will use to "sell yourself" to an employer, thus earning your interview and potential employment. A résumé should include your name, contact information, objective, education, relevant coursework, employment history, and other relevant experience.

Not all résumés look alike. Graduate schools, professional societies, and institutions of higher learning utilize a different kind of résumé, called a "Curriculum Vita," which covers not only the aspects of a regular résumé, but also includes research experience, professional experience, publications, presentations, affiliations, and any professional development.

Another difference is the layout of the résumé itself. Some people prefer to divide sections by underlining the heading, while others prefer to put the heading in a column to the left, thereby separating the information from its heading. Fonts can vary, though employers will probably follow the rule of MLA format: if it cannot be read, it will not be read.

For help with writing or revising a résumé, schedule an appointment with Career Services.

The End of the First Semester: Running Toward Opportunities

The first semester has ended and we are currently in what is referred to as "January Session." As a First-Year student, I had no idea what my first semester of college would be like. I wanted to believe that I would tackle everything with the passion that I had in high school, but I could not be sure that that would be the case. As it turns out, I did fine in my classes and even made the Dean's List.


First semester taught me to run. I ran to class, ran to work, and even ran straight into the opportunity to present my research at the First-Year Writing Symposium. For all the running that I did in the past semester, doors have opened for me at Manchester College. Today, I ran to class, to lunch, and then here- to my computer in Career Services- to relate to you the gifts one receives when he or she runs toward the opportunities available to them.

Every student should keep in mind that, while it is necessary to take time to relax, running toward your goals will get you there faster. Runners will often tell you that running clears their minds: people think better when they are energized. I encourage you to beginning running toward your goals- find something that you want and go get it!

Shared Funding Internships

Hello, everyone!

While working on an article for Career Services that would appear in the Oak Leaves, I thought that the topic for the article might be an excellent topic for this blog. As a part of my job, I am responsible for familiarizing myself with what makes a person preferable to an employer- and I have found that an internship can make all the difference.

On the seventeenth of February from 2:30 to 4:00 P.M., Manchester College will host an Internship Fair in the Upper Union. Employers will be available during this fair to answer questions that possible applicants may have. Students may consider bringing copies of their resumes to provide the employers.

Manchester College will be offering eleven shared funding internships, available through the generosity of a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. and local employers. Each internship lasts ten weeks and pays $4,000. For those seeking to apply for one of the internships, a completed resume is due to Leticia Kalita via e-mail (lnkalita@manchester.edu) no later than 5 P.M. on February 18th.

I wish all of you a great beginning to the new year!