The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE GOVERNMENT CAREERS FORUM AND NETWORKING EVENT

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University PRESENTATION TOPICS WHAT IS THE FORUM? HOW IS THE FORUM ORGANIZED? HOW DO I PARTICIPATE? HOW DO I PREPARE? –Professional Approach –Research –Prioritize Agencies, Prepare Talking Points –Create Strong Personal Marketing Tools POST-FORUM FORUM DOs AND DON’Ts

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University WHAT IS THE FORUM? The Government Forum is a special event to: learn about specific federal, state, and local agencies and gather information on careers in public service, including internships and full-time positions meet agency representatives who can serve as contacts to explore government careers The Forum is not: a job fair to fill specific positions, however, agencies may have internships and jobs available, so it is important to be learning about potential professional options

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW IS THE FORUM ORGANIZED? The event is divided into two parts: Part 1: Keynote address Part 2: Four 15-minute roundtable informational sessions: participants select one table – usually with representatives from two agencies per table – to visit during each session Initially, participants will sit at any table, joining representatives from one or two agencies, then change tables during the roundtable sessions to meet with agencies of interest

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW DO I PARTICIPATE? Register on Hiatt NACElink: space is limited – register now! NOTE: A number of students from selected area colleges will also be attending – we want Brandeis students to shine, so reserve your spot at the Forum today!

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW DO I PREPARE? Essential: Professional Approach Professional dress is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Wear: a suit or coordinated jacket and pants/skirt Avoid: big jewelry, perfume/cologne, jeans, tee shirts, sneakers or sandals Be personable and engaged: the representatives are coming to Brandeis to meet you – bring a firm handshake, interest and attention, and a smile

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW DO I PREPARE? Essential: Research Research the websites of participating agencies – be open to all government sectors TIP: do not limit your interest by the agency’s name alone – opportunities abound in a range of fields in each agency Consult the Hiatt “Careers in Government” website (go.brandeis.edu/hiatt-government) for advise and resources related to government work Network with Brandeis alumni in LinkedIn who are in public service careers to learn about career paths, daily activities, and agency priorities

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW DO I PREPARE? Essential: Prioritize Agencies, Prepare Talking Points Create a short list of agencies of interest from your research and use sessions to meet the representatives Review your skills and experience to identify those that are a good match with your priority agencies Prepare questions in advance about the agency’s work, structure, and opportunities that demonstrate your knowledge and interest, for example: “I read on the website that your agency works on environmental sustainability. I am interested in alternative energy and would like to know more about your projects in this area.”

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University HOW DO I PREPARE? Essential: Create Strong Personal Marketing Tools Up-date your resume – to ensure that it is polished and professional, bring it to the Hiatt Career Center for review Create a 30-second personal introduction – including that you study at Brandeis, your major, area of interest, and potential career direction; practice out loud beforehand to feel comfortable and confident

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University POST-FORUM Following up: If you correspond with a representative after the Forum, remind the person that you met at the event, thank him or her for coming, and present your follow-up questions or request Use formal, professional language (Dear Mr. or Ms., Sincerely yours, etc.) Strive to get in touch with the person in a timely way, typically within a day or two of the event

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University FORUM DOs AND DON’Ts DO ask the representative if you may leave your resume at the end of the roundtable session (remember that the Forum is not a job fair – the resume is simply for the representative’s information) DO act professionally at all times DO bring your questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm – come ready to introduce yourself and to learn DO remember to thank the representative for attending the Forum

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University FORUM DOs AND DON’Ts DO NOT monopolize the representative’s time during the roundtable sessions - ask your question(s) and also listen to others; at the session’s end, you may request a business card from the representative and permission to be in touch for more information DO NOT remain at the same table for a second session – you must move on to a different table DO NOT leave one table during a session to go to another or break into a discussion already in progress

The Hiatt Career Center prepares students and alumni to develop skills to transform their unique backgrounds, liberal arts education and experiential learning into meaningful professional futures and relationships. Brandeis University NEED MORE HELP? Hiatt Career Center Usdan 15 Check the networking pages at: Drop-ins: M, W, Th, F: 2-4:30pm Tu: 5-7pm Individual Appts: