College of Science
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Welcome

Welcome to the College of Science Student Success Scene, a bi-weekly newsletter featuring activities and opportunities especially relevant for science undergraduates. The Science Student Success team is comprised of Terry Ham, International Student Integration and Retention Specialist, Natasha Harris, Associate Director of Science Diversity, Science Diversity, Danielle Sheese, Career Development and Retention Specialist, Laura Starr, Director for Experiential Learning and Student Success, and Connie Kaspar Wise, Associate Director of Science Diversity.
Mental Health and Well Being Letter to students
To read the letter click HERE
COSINE Free Tutoring
Career Specialist
The CoS Career Specialist Is Available To Help You

Make an appointment through the Boiler Connect system by choosing the following
  • Care Unit: Career / Preprofessional Advising
  • Service: College of Science Career Specialist
  • Reason: Select from Choices
  • Location: CoS Career Services (Virtual)
  • Name: Danielle Sheese
Once an appointment is made a virtual meeting will be set-up.  If you have issues scheduling, please call 765-494-1771 and the receptionist will assist you. 
What Services Does the Career Development Specialist Provide?

  • Career counseling appointments
  • Customized career planning (holistic approach to student marketability at graduation-how do students set themselves apart from other students?)
  • Choosing a major/career path
  • Career assessment interpretation
  • Discover what students can do with their major
  • Discussion of interviewing strategies/mock interviewing & preparation 
  • Job/internship searching-targeted resources
  • Presentations and workshops specifically tailored for College of Science students
  • Networking opportunities with College of Science alumni including (Coffee & Conversation events and SCI 490 Course “Dean’s Leadership Forum”)
  • And more (including website-https://www.purdue.edu/science/careers) 

Webinar: Job Search During Covid 19
GoinGlobal is hosting a special lecture on "The Evolution of Employment: Job Searching During Covid 19."

Registration is easy via the link below and will include email reminders
Upcoming webinar dates and times:

Feb 4, 2021 at 2:00pm EST | registration: click here
Feb 9th at 10:00am EST | registration: click here
Feb 9th at 3:00pm EST | registration: click here
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT DURING COVID-19

In this strange and uncertain situation, you might find yourself with less structure to your days and more time on your hands. Classes have gone remote, campus events and activities cancelled, and in-person social interactions drastically decreased. During these times, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and debilitated by all the changes… or to view this as Spring Break 2.0: Self-Quarantine Edition. Try not to fall into either trap and, instead, see this as an opportunity to improve yourself and make progress toward your career goals.

Here are six ways you can make the most of this time and maximize your career development:

1. Update your resume. Your resume is typically your first introduction and key opportunity to convince employers that they should interview you. Yet, you have a limited amount of time to make an impression, with employers spending only about six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if a candidate is a good fit or not. Many companies also use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to screen resumes, passing off only the top candidates to actual human recruiters.

For all of these reasons, it is essential that you make your resume the best it can be—and now is a great time to do it. Identify your personal brand and strongest selling points. Highlight your unique accomplishments and transferrable skills. Optimize your resume with keywords and customize it each time you apply to a different position or company.

2. Create a professional online presence (and clean up your personal social media accounts). As part of the hiring process today, many employers check a candidate’s online presence to learn more about them. This may be even more prevalent in the COVID-19 climate with employers having limited access to candidates in person. Take this opportunity to establish a professional online brand that you would be proud for prospective employers to see. Google yourself and clean up any inappropriate or questionable content. Create a LinkedIn profile, if you don’t already have one. Depending on your industry, you might also consider developing a digital portfolio or a website to showcase your work.

3. Build new skills. In today’s digital age, it’s possible to learn almost anything through the internet. Use your extra time at home to build new skills that can get you ahead in your career. Study a foreign language or learn a new technical skill. Read a book or listen to a podcast related to your industry of interest. Complete an online certificate program or join a professional organization. There is so much to learn, and there are so many great skill-building resources out there. This is your chance to take advantage.

4. Practice virtual interviewing. In the wake of COVID-19, many companies have changed recruiting strategies to reduce or eliminate in-person interactions. For job seekers, this means virtual interviews—so be prepared to take your next interview digitally. Choose an at-home interview space and check your technology. Research the company, practice commonly asked questions by webcam, and send a thank you email afterward. Through all of this, try to be patient if it takes employers longer than usual to get back to you. With the move to remote work and unexpected organizational changes, there may be delays in the hiring process.

5. Cultivate your professional network. Social distancing doesn’t mean that you have to put networking on hold. In fact, this might be an ideal time to cultivate professional relationships, with most people having extra time at home and a need to interact with others.

Modern technology makes this easy too. Use email or LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in industries and roles of interest. Ask them to set up a virtual meeting or phone call to learn more about their experiences and get advice. Embrace the sense of community by participating in an online forum or joining in the chat during a webinar. Don’t forget about existing connections either. COVID-19 is a shared global experience, so this is your chance to check in with the people you know and re-establish old connections.

6. Get help from your career center. You don’t have to do this alone! Although not physically on campus, your school’s career center staff is available to support you remotely.

Take advantage of online resources, virtual appointments, workshops, and digital networking opportunities. Whether you’re exploring academic majors, looking for an internship, or getting ready for life after graduation—your career center is here to help and can provide guidance specific to your goals as well as the current situation.

With the uncertain economic state, it is important that you use this time to maximize your career readiness and make yourself as marketable as possible. While it is true that some industries have slowed down hiring, others have not and may even have an increased demand for talent in the wake of COVID-19.

So, stay hopeful, wash your hands, and try out these six ways to make progress toward your career goals.

Katharine Marianacci is the associate director and engineering career coach at Lehigh University’s Career Center. She put this list together at the request of faculty.
 
Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
BOOST YOUR RESUME—LEARN BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Plan your 2021 beyond-the-classroom activities now!  Explore opportunities in the Career and Professional Development, Service, Citizenship, and Leadership, and Diversity categories.  Test yourself in the real world!

Do you need financial support to pursue an experiential learning activity?  Are you going to a conference? Studying abroad? Doing community service? Apply for an LBC grant.  For details on the application process: Click Here

Not enrolled in Learning Beyond the Classroom (LBC)? Enroll today! Click Here

If you have questions, contact LBC at   lbc@purdue.edu

For more information and to enroll, CLICK HERE


Get Global Experience -- Remotely
Campus Events
CCO info on Virtual Career Fair
Steps to Leaps Student Discussion and Dialogue

Student Discussion and Dialogue - How To Do An Online Job Search

Tuesday, February 9, 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
RSVP HERE


Student Discussion and Dialogue - How to Start Being Physically Well During a Pandemic

Thursday, February 11, 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
RSVP HERE

Student Discussion and Dialogue - Financial Well-Being During a Pandemic

Tuesday, February 23, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
RSVP HERE
Spring 2021 Virtual Research Roundtable
Undergraduate Research Conference Spring 2021
Purdue Undergrad Research Pitch Competition
Save the Date
March 24, 2021
8:00pm -10:00pm
Live: Fowler Auditorium in Stewart Center
Virtual: Link will be included closer to the event.
Click here for more information about the event and how to participate
Deadline to enter your video submission is February 28, 2021
Summer Internships at Columbian Park Zoo
2021 Summer Internships

Columbian Park Zoo
Closing Date
March 5, 2021

DESCRIPTION:
Summer internships at Columbian Park Zoo include the following areas of specialty: Animal Care (focus areas include Animal Ambassadors, Australia/Americas exhibits, or Family Farm exhibit); Education and Communication (focus areas include Animal Ambassador and Interpretive Programs, Zoo Camp Counselor, and Social Media); Landscaping/Horticulture.  Interns focus on mastering a basic skill set in their assigned area with some opportunities for cross-training and shadowing in other areas.  Animal care responsibilities include daily husbandry tasks such as diet preparation, enclosure cleaning/disinfection and light maintenance, record-keeping, and assisting with medications/veterinary procedures, operant conditioning, and behavioral enrichments.  Education interns focus on public engagement, interpretive talks, and assist with a variety of education programs, which include the handling of live animals.  All interns interact with visitors and may make public speaking presentations, provide customer service, serve as exhibit monitors, supervise youth and adult volunteers, and participate in general housekeeping tasks.  Internships are competitive and participation is limited. Summer internships are full-time or part-time with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.  A minimum of 13 weeks and 240 total hours is required.

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a current college student or recent college graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Basic biological knowledge required.
Must be capable of the physical requirements to work in a zoo setting (i.e. lift 50 pounds, stand for prolonged times, work outside in various weather conditions, tolerate hay/dust/dander/other allergens, climb, lift, grasp, bend, and operate a variety of hand-held tools and equipment, etc.)
Must be able to work with and without direct supervision, and follow oral and written instructions.
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required.
Must be able and willing to engage with audiences of diverse backgrounds in a courteous and professional manner.

Application materials are available at www.columbianparkzoo.org.  Application packet, including cover letter, resume, transcripts, application form, and two letters of recommendation must be received in a single packet, no later than 5:00pm on March 5, 2021.  Please direct questions to Jennifer Spence, Internship Coordinator at jspence@lafayette.in.gov
CAPS Grief Group
Andrea Gerke, Psy.D. and Nancy Badger, Ph.D. will be co-leading a CAPS grief group. It will be 6 sessions long and will repeat twice during the semester. The first session starts on Thursday, Feb. 11th. The second group will start on March 23rd. The group will be held on Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm. This group is for students who have lost a loved one due to death. The purpose of the group is to help students move through the grief process. Students will learn about the different aspects of grief and have time to process their feelings and experiences with the group. If you have any students that might be interested in this, please have them call CAPS at (765) 494-6995 to schedule a group orientation.