My experience in Boston Career Forum 2023!

Hey guys! This is Rei, it has been chilly and foggy these days but I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying the crisp air. In today's blog, I would like to share my experiences in Boston which I went last week for one of the biggest job career events for Japanese-English bilinguals that are looking for their post graduation positions. 

Exterior of Hynes Convention Center 

The Boston Career Forum, also knows as "Boscari," is a job seeking event held in Boston, for three days in November each year, and it was held in Hynes Convention Center this year! In fact, it is a large-scale career event with over 5,500 students participating each year from all over the world. With over 170 companies from around the world are expected to participate, positions available range from full-time to internships, entry-level to management level for working professionals. 

The biggest difference from a regular company information session is that you can get a job offer from a well-known company during the event. At Boscari, you will not only hear about the companies at their booths, but you will also have the opportunity to interview with them on the spot. If you successfully appeal to them, you may even receive a job offer during the event. Some companies invite their preferred students to dinner on the night of the event, and some say that if a student is invited to dinner by a company, he or she will almost receive a job offer from them. 

After three days of this year's Boscari 2023, I was able to receive full-time offers from two companies! This is a kind of special and exclusive event for Japanese-English bilinguals, but I am sure that there are other events similar to this one. To give you some ideas of one way to find a job, I would like to share a little bit about my three days in Boston! 

Day 0: Thursday, November 16th - Arrival at Boston 

Most students arrive in Boston the day before the event to prepare for the day. I was one of them, and I checked into my hotel and prepared for my interviews the following days. A few students have already been invited to dinner by the companies and the event has already started one step ahead of other students. 

Booths in the venue

Day 1: Friday, November 17th - The day that differentiates the results of the three days

Day 1 is probably the most crowded day of the three-day event. This is possibly due to the fact that two types of students, pre-applications and walk-ins, gather on the first day of the event. Pre-applicants submit resumes, documents, tests, etc. to companies about 2-3 months prior to these three days, and have first- and second-round interviews online in advance. Whereas walk-in students submit their resumes and other documents to company booths on the day of the event and wait for responses from the companies. The quickness of the responses from the company depends on the company. Some students will be contacted by the end of the day, while others will be contacted after the event. Popular companies may close their booths as soon as they receive a certain number of walk-ins, so for walk-in students, the first day is extremely important as it determines whether or not they will receive an offer. I, myself, had applied to several companies in advance, so the first day was the form of second and final interviews throughout the day. I received a phone call that evening from one of the companies where I had a final interview, informing me of the job offer!

Food I had at dinner!

Day 2: Saturday, November 18th - Continued Interviews Day 

It is one of those memorable days that I will never forget! In the morning, I had a final interview with my first-choice company. I remember my hands were shaking a little from nerves. The interview went well and I received an offer from the company by phone, a few minutes after the interview! I was actually invited by the company over the phone to dinner that night, along with an offer. The dinner with the company associates was really good and fun! The steak shown in the photo on the right was excellent, and it was great to chat with the associates in a casual setting. One of the unique features of the Boston Career Forum may be this opportunity to enjoy a meal with a company at Boston! After dinner, I reunited with friends who are also studying at universities abroad and we chatted about job applications and everyday life. It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with students who are also studying abroad around the world, and even to meet new people! 

View of the Boston

Day 3: Sunday, November 19th - Last day of the event!

On the third and final day of the event, there will be fewer students and the corporate booths will be taken down around noon. Some students come to the venue for interviews with companies that are still in the hiring process, or for casual meeting and greetings after passing interviews. I visited the companies' booths that had made offers to me to greet them and to thank them for their offers. After that, I explored the city of Boston until my flight back to Tacoma. After arriving in Boston, my mind was occupied with interviews, but walking around the city after all things done, I was able to enjoy the historical buildings, autumn leaves, and fashionable streetscapes that are a part of Boston. After exploring Boston, I took an afternoon flight back to Tacoma! Looking back before this event, since I had been preparing for this event for about three months and had been working hard with weekly interviews, regular classes, and work, I remember feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief when I returned to my apartment in Tacoma.

This concludes my three-day Boston Career Forum 2023 experience! My biggest takeaway from this event was that "advance preparation and pre-event application leads to a better end result." I actually participated in last year's Boston Career Forum 2022, but did not receive any offers, as I applied on a walk-in basis for all of the companies I applied. I feel that the key to the success of this year's Boscari was that I had started preparing early, taking advantage of that last year's lesson. I think this applies not only to Boscari applicants, but to all students looking for positions after graduation. Choosing a company and finding a position will greatly affect your future. I know that we are all busy with our college life, but it might be a good idea to think a little bit about what you want to do in the future and where you want to work when you have a little time. 

I hope this experience will be of some help! I know that it is time for important assignments such as finals and presentations, but take a break from time to time and keep up the good work! Go Lutes! 

-Rei 

Understanding the U.S. Education System: Key Differences for International Students

Let's face it, being an international student is not easy! A few of the challenges we face can range from language barrier to culture shock, from home sickness to discrimination. You name it.

One of the many reasons International Students tend to under-perform is because of their inadequacy in awareness of the U.S education system and grading system? 

Selam! (That's how we say greet in Ethiopia). It's Brooke here. In today's blog I am going to dive into discussion of the US education curriculum and grading system. Although this maybe obvious to some, I am confident many of you with find this useful. 

As an international student, it is important to understand the U.S. education system and how it differs from the education system you've thus far gone through.

Today's blog aims to empower current and new international students with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate the U.S. education system successfully and make the most of their academic experience in the United States. 

In order to fully understand the U.S. education system it's important to keep the following points in mind: 

• Curriculum and course selection
  
• Grading and evaluation
  
• Education structure
• Classroom dynamics 
• Campus life and support services 
• Cultural adjustment 

CURRICULUM AND COURSE SELECTION 

This shows the flexibility and variety of academic programs in the U.S. It covers topics such as major selection, general education requirements, and the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies. It may also explain the credit system and how students can choose based on their interest and academic goal. 

You may find that most U.S. schools provide a liberal arts education where students have the opportunity to take classes outside of their major which ultimately helps them to become a holistic/well rounded student by the time they finish school. In fact, several companies prefer students that have received a liberal arts education.

GRADING AND EVALUATION 

Different curriculum have different ways of grading and evaluating students and this can impact the way you study and eventually determine your chances of getting opportunities. The U.S predominantly use letter grades and grade point average (GPA). Although it depends on the professor, these evaluations are based on class participation, assignments, exams and research papers. In fact most professors would label how much each grade component is. Knowing this can help you plan strategically. 

There will be part 2 of this blog. I hope today's blog has given you insight into the US education system and how you can best take advantage of it. Comment below what education curriculum and grading system you're used to?

Guest Blogger: Meet Rayen from Tunisia!

Hi all - Rei here! 

I hope you are doing well and getting ready for the rain/cold season that is about to come! A lot of people say that people in Washington do not own an umbrella, however there is actually quite a number of people who use their umbrellas on campus! So don't hesitate to use them and protect yourself from the wind and the rain! 

📍Pike Place Market

Today's blog is the take over of the guest blogger, Rayen! Rayen is from Tunisia, an exchange student at PLU, and he is majoring in Communication. Rayen is joining PLU as an exchange student for one academic year supported by the US department of States and IREX (A global development & education organization). He is the first international student to join PLU as a Thomas Jefferson Program scholar! Even though he has a limited time to study in PLU, he is actively getting involved with a variety of clubs and organizations here such as the founder of the African Student Association at PLU, and volunteer as a tutor at PLU Literacy Center. I asked Rayen some questions about student life in PLU which I hope would be helpful for students who are considering applying to PLU and for current PLU students! 

How long have you been living in the U.S. and how did you feel about the transition from your hometown to the U.S.?

'Aslema!' - as we usually say to greet our friends and family in Tunisia.

I have now called the U.S. my home for nearly two months, and I must say, it has been an incredible experience so far. Everything is GREAT! As an international student, I'm fully committed to seizing every opportunity, forging new connections, and getting the most out of my exchange year. My enthusiasm has no bounds! Reflecting on my journey, my transition from Tunisia to the U.S. was the hardest part. The first two weeks were undoubtedly challenging, as I found myself alone, on a different continent, and extremely out of my comfort zone. Still, I am immensely grateful for all the people I have met so far for making my journey easier and helping me adapt to this new life. The unfamiliarity of a new culture and environment has now become a source of fascination, and I am constantly learning and growing from it.

What surprised you the most when coming to the U.S.? 

Rayen with members of the African Student Union 

The diversity of the campus and the opportunities available have pleasantly surprised me. The United States is indeed a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, and my experience on campus reflects this beautifully. Interacting with students from all corners of the globe has been incredibly rewarding and consistently helped broaden my horizons. I am lucky enough to have built friendships with people from all over the world with whom I had a unique opportunity for both personal and intellectual growth. 

What are the things you like the most about PLU so far? 

The student life at PLU is incredibly amazing! I am really impressed by all the clubs on campus and their work. The events at PLU are also so diverse and there is always something exciting happening on campus. PLU is not just a place to attend classes but it also presents an exceptional campus environment! Whether you're interested in sports, arts, cultures, or anything between, there's a club for you. 

Group photo from ISS Hiking Trip! 

What/where are your favorite places or things to do in PLU? 

There are many things I enjoy at PLU, but I can undoubtedly say that the hiking trips are making my exchange year unforgettable. I am truly impressed by how green Washington is, and the mountains are absolutely breathtaking. I also enjoy spending time in the African Student Association, working on the upcoming meeting with all the members, hearing their ideas, and working collaboratively to make our events successful. All of these have created a sense of belonging and friendship that has been part of my exchange year so far. 

What are some advice that you would give future international students wanting to come to PLU? 

Enjoy the process! Applying for college can be stressful but it's a lifetime experience so get the most out of it. 

Once you are at PLU, be active! Make sure to join clubs, meet new people, and make the four years memorable. The International Student Office on campus is a great support so make sure to attend all the events and meet all the great people there. Always remember, you are not alone on this journey, there are plenty of international students who also look forward to meeting you and becoming your friend!  

And that wraps up this week's Guest blogger post! I hope this helps not only the student who is considering applying for PLU but also the current international students for your future life in PLU! After the Midterm break, school work may get harder and stressful but we got this! Go Lutes! 

-Rei 

Navigating Cultural Differences: Stories and Advice from International Students

In the beginning of Fall, we welcomed several international students. So today we want to dedicate this blog to new international students. In this blog, we explore and talk about challenges international students face and how to also overcome these challenges. 

Your blog writer, Biruktawit Tesfaye, am myself an international student with three years of experience living in the US.

As exciting as moving abroad seems, it can also become a nerve-raking thing to do. At least I can speak to myself and writing about this makes me go back in time and reminisce about my very first time in the US as an international student. Especially moving abroad to study by oneself can require a leap of faith to take that first step. Nevertheless, you are finally here with a mission. 

Today's blog will explore stories and advice from international students who have successfully embraced and overcome these challenges. 

1. Embrace the unknown 

One of the hurdles for international students is adjusting to the unknown. Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture can be both thrilling and intimating. Navigating unfamiliar territory can indeed be daunting, but it's also an opportunity for personal growth and cultural enrichment. Embrace the adventure with an open heart and a curious mind, and don't be afraid to reach out for support when needed. Building connections with fellow international students, participating in cultural exchange programs, and exploring your new surroundings can help ease the transition and make the experience more fulfilling. Remember that it's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed at times; take things one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and trust that with each challenge overcome, you're expanding your horizons and becoming more resilient.

2. Language and communication 

Language barriers often pose significant challenges for international students. From understanding lectures to making new friends, effective communication is crucial. Sharing personal experiences of how international students navigated language barriers and improved their communication skills can provide valuable insights and strategies for others. 

3. Building relationships 

Making friends and building relationships is an essential part of the international student experience. However, cultural differences can sometimes create barriers. Exploring stories of how international students formed meaningful connections with local and fellow international students can shed light on effective strategies for building relationships across cultures. 

 4. Seeking support and community 

Navigating cultural differences can be overwhelming at times and seeking support is important for students like you and me who are new to these experiences. One of the way you can seek support is by asking current international students about their experience and listening to their stories. This way you can build a community who shares your feelings and thus build strong network.

5. Adapting Academic Expectations 

As an international student, you need to understand that the academic expectations and curriculum can vary from where you have come from. Due to inadequate awareness, some international students often face the challenge of adapting to the grading system and teaching methods. It's important to approach this transition with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Seek out resources such as academic advisors, tutoring services, and peer support groups to help navigate any challenges you may encounter. Remember that asking questions and seeking clarification are signs of strength, not weakness. With time and effort, you can adapt to the new academic environment and thrive in your studies. YOU GOT THIS!

I hope the tips shared above was helpful in making your transition smooth at PLU. If you have anything you'd like to share or talk about, the international office welcomes you with open arms.

 

 

Wanna experience the nature here in Washington?

Hi everyone, it's Rei - long time no see! As we are now halfway through September, I hope everyone is settling into their new environment. We also had over 60 new international students join PLU this fall!! As many of them set foot in here Tacoma, Washington for the first time, they may be surprised at the culture shock they experience with their home country. With the goal of hoping these new international students feel the charm of Tacoma, today I would like to share some hiking spot where you can feel the "nature" of Washington state with your whole body!

What is Mount Rainier?

You may know it as Mount Rainier (Mt. Rainier), this huge mountain, clearly visible from the PLU campus on a clear day. Mt. Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range, which divides Washington State from east to west. At 14,410 feet (4,392 meters), it is the 21st highest peak in the world. AND! The surrounding Mt. Rainier National Park is the fifth oldest national park in the United States! They also have "Free-Free Days" which you can enter the mountain for free, and it usually cost $15 per person. The upcoming one is on September 23rd (Sat) for National Public Lands Day. If you are planning to visit there, definitely mark the date! Please visit their official website for more information! 

Other options to hike!

Are you worried that Mount Rainier looks too far from the school or too high in altitude for beginners? No worries! I have some recommendations to visit for those of who wants to just experience the hiking more easily! 

1. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular scenic spots in Washington State. More than 1.5 million tourists visit the falls each year. The Falls has a two-acre park, gift store, observation deck, Salish Lodge, and the famous 270-foot waterfall. The upper and lower observation decks are open year round! Free parking and free viewing areas are open dawn to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome, and lights illuminate the falls at night. The distance from the free parking area to the observation deck is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible. 

This is one of the places I have visited! You can drive close to the falls and there is not that much distance to walk. I would recommend this place to those who do not want to walk that much distance but still want to experience nature! 

Link to their official website: https://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

2. Poo Poo Point Trail

Poo Poo Point Trail is one of my favorite hiking spot! It is in Tiger Mountain State Forest Park, located on Cougar Mountain. The trail is elevated with great views of Mount Rainer, especially at sunset! This point is a popular landing spot for paragliders (just like a picture on the right!) and hang gliders. It is also a great picnic spot with plenty of picnic tables! The trail begins with a gentle incline, but gets a little steeper the further in you go. I remember that there is a nice bridge across Gap Creek that provides a good place to walk and rest, so this is a best spot for those of who want to enjoy the hike but needs a rest occasionally. Also, as the weather gets colder, the colors of the trees will change to yellow and red. The beautiful scenery that varies from season to season is one of the charms of hiking at this time of year! 

Link to Poo Poo Point Trail official website: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point

Options for those of you who don't own a car!

The above places are for those who own a car or have a friend close by who has a car, as it is difficult to get there without a way of transportation. So how can you hike in Washington without a car? In PLU, an event organization called PLU Outdoor Rec regularly organizes hikes and other events that allow students to be intertwined within the trees. One of the biggest upcoming events is the Mount Rainier Sunset Hike on October 6th at 3pm. Unfortunately, the event is filled to capacity right now, but you can still apply on the wait list! With such a wide variety of quite popular events, be sure to check the PLU Rec app and this IMLeagues website for more upcoming activities! It is also a great opportunity to meet new friends! 

Although I was only able to introduce a few place this time, there are more and more spots you can visit and I am still exploring new spots as well. I hope that through this vlog, you will become interested in hiking in Washington state! I know that studying for exams or classes and everyday life can often be stressful, but feeling the breeze of nature is always relaxing and it makes you feel better. If you have time in the future, try to go hiking on the weekends! And I hope that all of you will be one with nature! 

-Rei 

International Arrivals at SeaTac Airport

 If you are flying directly from an international airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA or SeaTac Airport) without a layover at another U.S. airport, then your flight may arrive at the new International Arrivals Facility. Here's an inside look at what to expect at the new International Arrivals Facility. 

Deplaning 

When you see this sign,
your walk is almost over!

Once you exit your plane, follow signs to enter the United States as you walk down the Welcome Portal. This is a long walkway, so feel free to stop and use the restroom as you make your way to baggage claim. 

Bags First

SeaTac is the first large airport in the U.S. to implement a "bags first" entrance process. In this new process, you'll pick up your bags first before going through U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and you won't need to check your bag in again before heading to the main terminal. Even though you'll have a chance to pick up your luggage before going through Customs, you should still hand-carry your Form I-20 or DS-2019 in your carry-on bag in case you need to show it to airline officials.

Baggage Claim

Passport Control

Passport Control

U.S. Customs agents are located near Baggage Carousel 18. After you've collected your luggage, head to passport control and read the screens above the checkpoints to determine which lane you should enter depending on your citizenship and visa status. Be ready to hand the CBP official your passport and I-20/DS-2019 so that they know you want to be admitted in F-1 or J-1 visa status. Once you've been approved, take your luggage and exit to the left.

In rare cases, you may be referred to secondary screening. If this happens, follow the CBP officer's instructions and answer their questions honestly. Secondary inspection may be required if you forgot your Form I-20, if your name is similar to someone on an airline watchlist, or if you are traveling with agricultural products that need to be inspected. Review information about what items you can pack in your luggage and what things you should leave home here.

Exit to Transportation

Follow the window wall on the left
to get to the main arrivals hall.

As you leave the passport control area, follow signs directing you to Ground Transportation and Exit to Seattle. This will take you to the main airport arrivals hall. 

The whole process to claim your luggage and go through passport control can take 60 minutes, especially during the summer travel season and between 10am and 3pm when multiple international flights are arriving. 

If you are arranging your own transportation from the airport to PLU, popular options include door to door van service, app-based rideshares (like Uber or Lyft), and taxis. Prices for these transportation options will vary based on the time of day. You can expect it to take 35-70 minutes to drive to campus depending on traffic.

Safe travels, everyone!  We can't wait to see you at PLU!

Instruction of Lute Telehealth - TimelyCare

Hey all - it's Rei! It is finally almost the end of this semester, and I would like to congratulate everyone on a well-done semester. School work can be excessively hard and you all know how stressful these moments are. I am sure that all of you have looked for a therapist or doctor who can see you immediately due to mental instability or other sudden physical abnormalities or anxiety during such school life. Contacting and making appointments with health care providers other than the PLU Health Center can be challenging and tough, especially for international students. So today, I would like to share the information about PLU's online health care services to everyone who is looking for medical and mental support without stressing out about making those challenging steps. 

Lute Telehealth / TimelyCare

"When it's not an emergency but you need medical or mental health support, just visit anytime, from anywhere."

Lute Telehealth is a resource for PLU students that expands access to mental health and medical care by providing HIPAA compliant access to online or phone-based services 24/7/365. 

Key Features: 

- It provides free, on-demand access to licensed mental health providers, nurse practitioners, and related services from your cell phone or computer at a location of your choice. 

- You may meet with the same counselor up to 12 times per year (counseling appointments).

- Unlimited 24/7 on-demand access to medical care and mental health support (via TalkNow).

- Fees may be incurred if a prescription is needed or if you are referred to another medical provider from outside the campus. 

- Psychiatric (by referral only) and health coaching visits are also available with no charge.

It is important to make an account for this service as soon as possible because you never when the things will happen! Please follow these steps that I will mention below to successfully make an appointment with this service anytime when you need medical/mental help. 

Step 1: Go to this link to get started! 

Once you click the link above, you should be seeing the TimelyCare's website like this, when set up your account and get it started, make sure you put your PLU email address that ends with plu.edu. 

Step 2: Input your General Information

The information you will be putting should be the general information of yourself such as your name, date of birth, graduation year, etc. 

*As for the Physical Address section, if you are living on-campus, your address would be 12180 Park Ave S. Tacoma, WA 98447, which is the general physical address of PLU. You could also put 1010 122nd St S, Tacoma, WA 98447, as the address if that's easier for you!

Step 3: Add your Medical Information

After putting all of your general information, your next step will be inputting your medical information. You could also skip this part if you want to complete this at a later time. 

Step 4: Make an appointment! 

All done with setting up your account! Your home page should look like this. In order to make an appointment with your choice of provider, Click "Get Care," and select each section that is applicable to you to find the best provider to meet with virtually. 

After you click the provider, you can see the person's open date/time and check their availability, you can finally make an appointment with them! 

And that is all you have to do in order to use this service! I hope this information helps and please let us know at iss@plu.edu if you have any questions or concerns regarding this Lute Telehealth. I wish you the best luck on your finals if you have and have a wonderful summer! 

-Rei 

Living in PLU Residence Halls: Tips and Tricks from International Students

Which residence

hall

are you

planning to live in?

 

Living in residence halls is what completes the college experience, and for international students, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while navigating the challenges of communal living. It's also such a stress reliever. In today's blog post, valuable tips and tricks from international student perspective will be discussed. The blog we aim to provide insights that will help both current and new international students to make the most out of their living arrangements and create a comfortable and enriching home away from home.

At PLU, you have varieties of residence halls to choose from. The following residence

halls are what is available:

• Harstad Hall

• Hinderlie Hall

• Kreidler Hall 

• Ordal Hall 

• Stuen Hall 

• Pflueger Hall 

• Tingelstad 

• South Hall 

My favorites are South Hall and Ordal Hall. Each Hall has its own rules and regulations

so make sure to check out this link .

What I love about residence halls is the activities that are organized to bring the

community together. Just last week, we had a get together gathering where we had fun

activities, barbecue and ice cream treats. In addition, you also have access to facilities

such as the gym, swimming pool and many more free of charge.

Below I will share some tips that helped me transition into residence halls smoothly:

1. Getting to know roommates

International students have the opportunity to live with students from various cultural backgrounds. Sharing stories and advice on how to foster positive relationships, establish boundaries and communicate effectively with roommates can help students create a harmonious living environment.

2. Navigating dining hall options

You may be overwhelmed by the variety of food options available for your specific residence hall. Offering advice on meal plans, exploring diverse food choices, and finding ways to accommodate dietary restriction can help international students make the most of their dining hall experience.

3. Managing homesickness

When living away from families and home country, homesickness is a common experience you may go through. Sharing stories of how other international students coped with homesickness and tips on staying connected with family and friends back home, engaging in campus activities, and seeking support from peers and university resources can help international students navigate this emotional challenge.

4. Exploring campus resources

Your residence hall is not just a place to sleep but also a place to get access to a range of campus resources and support services. Highlighting resources such as academic support centers, counseling services, multicultural student organizations and recreational facilities can help international students make the most of their time on campus and thrive both academically and socially.

5. Adapting to dorm culture

Every residence hall has its own unique culture and set of unwritten rules. Adjusting to dormitory life can be challenging for international students. By sharing experiences and tips on integrating into the dorm culture, such as participating in floor activities, attending hall meetings, and respecting quiet hours, you can feel more comfortable and connected to your living community.

See you soon, 

Biruktawit Tesfaye

Life After Graduation: Navigating Post-Study Work Options and Transitioning to Professional Life

I am not sure about you but for me, being in unpredictable situations is what scares me the most. But I also think the pandemic has really shown that anything can happen and navigating through the uncertainty is not an option but a requirement to service. that's what I think of when I ponder about LIFE AFTER GRADUATION. How about you, my friend? 

In today's blog, I would like to share with you what would be beneficial when it comes to navigating post about how we can navigate post-study work options and transition to professional life. Ouuu the title sounds fancier and less stressful in words than action. Making the end of your academic journey and beginning your professional career is a significant millstone worth celebrating for. Transition to Professional life requires a leap of faith as it seems a big step, especially for those on a student visa. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! 

Below I will provide a few tips you can use to prepare for the professional life you've been waiting for. 

1. CRAFTING A COMPELLING RESUME AND COVER LETTER

One of the first steps in finding a job is not only creating a compelling resume but also a cover letter that showcases your personality and passion for the job.

The Nesvig Alumni and student connection Center is your best resource for this. The Nesvig Center does not only help with resume and cover letter review but also help you network with alumni which is essential when it comes to building a career. You can also use LinkedIn and Lute Link to strengthen your connection with people in the industry you're interred in. Building these relationships is important because it can help you learn about job opportunities, get recommendations, and gain valuable insights into the field of your interest.

Here's their contact details:

• Alumni: alumni@plu.edu
• Career: career@plu.edu

2. JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES 

When searching for a job, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. First, research potential employers and job opening in your fiend. Use job search websites, apps, industry-specific job boards, and social media to find opportunities. 

Once you pass the first round, prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions and researching the company's values and culture.  Finally, follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. 

3. POST STUDY WORK OPTIONS 

There are several post-study work options available, including internships, freelance work, and full-time employment. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in your field and build professional relationships. Full time employment provides stability and benefits, but may require more experience and skills.  

4. MANAGING FINANCES

Managing finances after graduation can be challenging, especially if you have student loans. Create a budget to manage your expenses and prioritize off debt. Consider refinancing or consolidating your loans to save money on interested. Finally, build a savings account to prepare for unexpected expenses.

5. MANAGING STRESS AND MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH 

The transition from student life to professional life can be stressful. it is essential to take action of your mental health and manage stress effectively. practice self care activities such as exercise and hobbies. Do not also forget to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed. 

 

- Biruktawit

Spring Cleaning Tips Before You Move-Out!

Hi everyone, it's Rei! It's already May, which means that the end of the semester and the academic year is just around the corner. We can't wait for summer break, but before that, there is one thing that need to get done especially for on-campus residents - Move-Out! This is my third year living on campus, and every year it is stressful to move out after all the final exams or final project, when my body is already exhausted. In order to achieve a smooth and stress-free move out this year, we should prepare ahead of time! A little preparation in advance will help make your life a little easier in a month's time, and I will share some information and tips about move-out! 

Step 1: Return

A first step to packing and moving is returning items back to your friends and the proper campus locations. 

• Dining Utensils and Dishes - Return to The Commons dishroom or in the drop off bin located in the first flor lobby of your residential hall. 
• Library Books - Drop these off at the bin in your residential hall, Center of DJS, Mordvet Library circulation desk or in the return bin outside the front doors. 

Step2: Donate

PLU Waste Diversion encourage students, when able, to donate items that may otherwise be sent to the landfill. During Move Out, gently used items for donation can be placed in the bins located in the first floor lobby of your residence hall. Once collected from students, these items will be sorted and delivered to SurPLUs and NW Furniture Bank for redistribution. One thing we need to make sure before we donate something is to check what is accepted and what is NOT accepted. Feel free to click the list I attached to the left and get prepare for the donation! 

Step 3: Recycle

"Much of our waste on campus is able to be recycled, and thus diverted away from the landfill. However, knowing that and how to recycle ensures that your efforts don't go to waste." - PLU Waste Diversion During Move Out (May 19th-June 1st), upper floor Recycle Rooms and fenced corals will be locked. Make sure you take all CLEAN, DRY, and EMPTY items for recycling to the first floor Recycle Room! When your items are not able to be donated or recycled, they must go to the landfill. During Move Out, 4 large dumpsters are brought to centralize our landfill collection. Landfill dumpsters open Friday morning May 19th! 

Step 4: Make full use of PLU Storage Room!

Especially for international students who are living away from their home country, it is always hard to find a place to store your belongings until the next academic year. You might don't know what to do with this situation that you don't want to throw away everything, and you don't want to bring everything back to your home country either. No worries! PLU offers Storage Room for all students during summer. You can store your belongings that you would use next year as well in the storage rooms that are in each residence halls. However, there are some guidelines that we have to follow, so I will introduce some of the important ones!

 

Rules and Regulations:

• Storage space is on a first come serve basis
• Students in possession of a fall housing assignment at the end of the academic year, must store their items in the hall they will be assigned for fall term
• No access will be granted to storage during the summer
• Items MUST be contained in a box, not to exceed 24 x 18 x 24
• 4 boxes/items per student is the maximum allowed 
• Luggage and Refrigerators will be permitted if labeled properly

In order to make appointment for the date you would store your stuff, I would recommend you to ask/email your RA to make sure the specific process that you will need to follow. For more information about the storage room policy, please visit this link! 

Move Out can be stressful and I know it's extra hard and time-consuming for international students, but I hope this information help you to get ready for the Move Out. If you need help for carrying your belongings and moving them to the next assigned residence hall, or if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your RA, friends, or us, International Student Center, and we are more than happy to help you! 

-Rei 

Preparing for Graduation: Job Search Strategies for International Students

If you’re graduating this spring semester unlike me CONGRATULATIONS!

You have come along way and you finally made it! HOORAY! Graduating from college is a significant achievement that's worth celebrating for. However, it can also be a stressful and an overwhelming time.

This is even especially when you are an international student who have to go the extra mile to even secure a decent job opportunity.

But no worries we got you! In today's blog, we are going to discuss about job search straggles for international students to help you prepare for graduation and navigate the job market. Below are a few things you must keep in mind when doing your job search:

1. Understand Visa and Work Authorization Requirements

Before starting your job search, it's crucial to understand the Visa and Work authorization requirements for international students. There are two work authorizations international students must be aware of. As an international student, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to be eligible to work in the US during your studies or after graduation. OPT allows you to work for 12 months in your field of study, while CPT allows you to work in a job related to your academic program while still in school. So this can be for internships during the summer or semester of the year.

2. Research Potential Employers

When researching potential employers, it is important to make those companies that sponsor H1-B visa a priority as they have the experience working with international employees. We recommend you use the following resources:

• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Company website

3. Network

Networking is essential especially for international students. The way to find these opportunities is by attending career fairs, networking events and informational interviews which would help you meet people in the industry and build relationships. Below, we will list PLU's Nesvig Alumni Center's resources you can benefit from in regards to networking:

• LUTE Link
• Mentorship Programs
• Job Shadowing

4.Develop Resume and Cover letter

Tailoring your resume and cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. Tailor them to each job your apply, don't just send the one resume and cover letter you have to multiple job openings. When tailoring your resume, highlight relevant skills and experience that the job description requires. Your cover letter, on the other hand, should showcase in detail a few of the experiences you've had and how it relates the tasks the job description outlines.

5. Build your experience through internship and volunteer work

Internships and volunteer work can come handy when trying to gain experiences and build your resume and expand your network. When thinking of applying for one, look for opportunities that align with your interest and career goals.

Lastly, it's important you stay POSITIVE & PERSISTENT because the job search can be draining and one that requires you to have a positive attitude. Remember, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. With perseverance and determination, you'll get there.

In our next blog, we'll talk about how to best prep for interviews: cultural differences and tips for international students. Stay tuned!

 

 

- Biruktawit