Bryn Mawr Graduate School

Make the most of field education, volunteer commitments or part-time jobs. Build strong relationships (references will be required for new jobs), add new skills to your list of accomplishments and be known as a reliable professional and as an engaged colleague. Take part in additional education and training when available. Click on "GSSWR Calendar of Events" to view the Career Development workshops offered throughout the fall semester.
Graduating students meet with your Career Counselor representative Kathy Marcolina to discuss updating your resume and plans for your new career.
Graduating students become familiar with other CDO online job search resources such as the Network News Job Board, a password protected website listing Social work and other full and part time jobs.
Graduating students request a Bryn Mawr College Candidate's business card.

Independent School, placement agencies begin their search for candidates for fall.
Research post-grad opportunities as special fellowships and internships require early applications.
Consider taking personality and strengths assessments to help with resume writing, interviewing and career planning.

Assume professional demeanor and volunteer roles in field education and other settings.
Develop a resume and sample cover letter.
Assess interests and needs, including location and styles of employers. If you are looking for jobs at a distance, learn about licensure in the states that interest you at the Association of Social Work Boards (SW Licensing Boards by State).

Practice talking about yourself in a 30 second "cocktail party" style. Include your BMC graduate education, recent professional experiences and hopes for the future. This is the basis for networking.
Take initiative with career information interviewing; start with alums or friends.
Prepare a personal job search calendar; acquire information needed for decision-making.
Learn about social work licensure; you are eligible for the exam in your final semester, PA Society for Clinical Social Work (Licensing).

Time to put your job search strategy in if full gear if you wish to find a job shortly after you graduate in May.
Click on "GSSWR Calendar of Events" to view the Career Development workshops offered throughout the spring semester.
Take the time during winter break to chat with alums or other professional contacts in cities of interest. Networking is, often reported to be, the way seekers find jobs.
Arrange for information or exploratory interviews with employers of interest.
Clarify your goals, geographic preference, practice area, work style and setting choices.
Consider applying for government jobs now as the process may takes months for hiring.

February 22, 2013 attend the Not For Profit Career Fair at nearby Bryn Mawr College.
Date TBA, Boston Not for Profit Career Fair open to BMC students and alums.
Begin to make concrete decisions about possible employers.
Select individuals to provide references and organize your credentials file.
Draw up a list of potential contacts and target organizations.
Investigate possibilities; find out all you can about organizations of interest and about the people you plan to contact for further information or through whom to express interest.
Keep eyes open for position listings at your field placement, in national job listings, professional publications, web sites, email distribution lists, and CDO Network News Job Board.(Go to the GSSWR homepage and check Career Development to take you to information on Network News
Register on PAREAP if you are interested in working in schools at PA School Application Program.
Students in the final year: Perfect your resume and submit to Kathy Marcolina by email for review.

Wednesday, March 27, 1:00 - 3:00pm, Job and Career Information and Job Fair at GSSWSR gymnasium.
Spring Break is a good time for informal talks (information interviews or job interviews).
Research BMC and alumnae/i database and other contacts for networking.
Send follow up notes or resumes to those with whom you inquired earlier in the year.
Focus your resume and cover letters to precisely address job descriptions.
Follow up on leads.
Share information with classmates, friends and with Kathy.
Write thank you notes to all who spend time with you by phone or in person.
Watch for teachers' fairs for opportunities in schools.

Watch for other career days.
Talk with potential employers.
Continue your job search checking general and specific sites on a weekly basis.
Evaluate your paperwork (resume and cover letters) and interview experiences; if you identify interview performance issues or are not getting interviews, assess your presentation and ask Kathy for advice.
Think about planning to do a Mock Interview and practice answering interview questions. Video recording can be done at Main Campus CDO, in the Campus Center if desired.
Continue to talk about your interests with everyone you know; this is networking and is most likely to lead to a job.
Learn to evaluate offers effectively (job responsibilities, client population, colleagues, work environment, remuneration of all kinds (e.g. benefits and supervision).
If you have clinical interests, join the PA Society for Clinical Social Work (dues are lower as a student) for clinical connections, list-serve, events and mentorship as well as reduced supervision costs if you need them.

Continue with your job search checking websites on a weekly basis.
If you haven't developed your job search strategy yet; contact Kathy Marcolina for assistance.
Jobs in Higher Education are most often advertised in spring and summer. TIP: Don't look for jobs in Higher Ed and in other related fields called "social worker". Try "counselor, advisor, academic advisor, career counselor, program director, advocate, research assistant or coordinator."
Remember that Career Development services are available throughout your career.