My Summer at MECC

 This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (MECC) in Mongolia for two weeks. Even though it was short, it honestly felt like such a big experience in my life, and I learned so much in such a short time. 

COP17 Prep

    A lot of my work is connected to COP17, the big global climate conference coming up. I got to see how Mongolia is preparing and how our county's policies need to match with international ones. It was so interesting to see how "big global talks" actually start in small office meetings, people writing, discussing, and comparing policies to make sure Mongolia has a strong voice on the world stage. 

Work Environment 

    The work environment at MECC was really inspiring. Everyone was so focused but also collaborative. I saw how different departments came together, shared ideas, and worked as a team. Even as a short-time intern, I felt very welcomed, encouraged to ask questions, and included in conversations. That made me realize how important teamwork is when it comes to solving environmental challenges. 

    One thing that stood out to me was how much the team compared policies; they were always looking at how Mongolia's strategies line up with other countries and their own long term goals. It made me realize how connected the world really is. Mongolia has its own challenges like desertification and extreme winters, but we can still learn from other nations and also share our experience with them. 

         

                                    

How It Changed Me 

    These two weeks were life changing for me. I saw how environmental policy is not just about science, it's also about people, communication, and working together for the future. Being part of discussions linked to COP17 made me feel like I was contributing, even in a small way, to something so important. I left MECC feeling motivated, inspired, and more certain about the path I want to take. It gave me confidence that I can connect my Environmental Studies and Business background to real-world impact, whether in Mongolia or Internationally. 

    This experience reminded me that even short moments can shape who we are. For me, my time at MECC wasn't just an internship, it was a spark that made me even more excited for the future I want to build. 

 

 - Nobita

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

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 

Top 5 Job Interview Tips

Hello everyone, it’s Megan!

As my last fall semester comes to an end, I’ve naturally started to think about the future and what it holds - especially as an international student! Graduating college can definitely be scary in and of itself, but the thought of having to get a job right after college makes it all the more terrifying. One of the most common concerns for seniors in college in terms of graduation is having a job lined up for when you’re done with school. Relatedly, going to job interviews is a nerve-wrecking experience for pretty much everyone, and all of these stress factors related to job searching inspired this week’s blogpost: Interview tips! 

So, without further ado, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when the time comes for you to interview for your future job!

1. Research the company and your interviewer(s)

Let’s start things off with the basics - do your research! Before you go into a job interview, it is important to show that you are familiar with the company you would like to work at. By communicating to your interviewer that you’ve done your homework prior to meeting with them, it lets them know that you are serious about your interest in working there, as opposed to it being “just another job interview”. The company’s website, social media posts, and recent press releases are all good sources to provide you with a solid understanding of what the company is about, and how your skillset fits into the equation. For a more detailed guide on how to research a company effectively, here is a helpful website!

Now, keep in mind that researching your interviewers can come across as creepy if you don’t do it right. There is a fine line between coming across as knowledgeable about the company, and being borderline creepy. You don’t want them to feel like you have invaded their privacy, so stick to looking for information that relates to their career persona. You can also try to find some commonalities between you and your interviewer, as this could make them remember your interview favorably over other applicants. At the same time, be sure to not give away any suggestion that you actively looked up information about the interviewer themselves.

2. Practice answers to common interview questions

Most job interviews will include some standard questions that are common across the board. These are usually questions like “tell me why you would be a good fit for our company”, or “tell me about a time when you faced a challenge, and how did you deal with it?”. These sorts of questions are commonly used by interviewers, and practicing some of the most predictable questions will give you an edge if you have already prepared yourself on what to answer. Giving well-rounded answers to these questions illustrate that you are able to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses. If you are not familiar with common interview questions, you can visit this website for a helpful guide.

3. Prepare questions for your interviewers

A lot of times we forget that a job interview is a two-way street, however, you should ask some questions, too! When you’re reading the job description of the position you’re applying for, think about what questions come to mind and what you would like answered. 

For me, I am always curious about what a hiring manager has to say about the office culture, meaning, what the “overall vibe” is amongst the employees. For you, this might not be a relevant question at all, so make sure that you find a couple of things to inquire about when you are given the chance to ask questions. Not only does it show that you have seriously thought about working there, it also gives the hiring manager an idea about which aspects of the job matter to you.

4. Make a great first impression

We usually spend more effort preparing for the actual content of the interview, including the points mentioned above. What is arguably just as important however, is to prepare your external presentation as well. Don’t forget to pay attention to the little things! If this is a high-stake interview, put some extra thought into the details of your appearance; like doing your hair nicely, making sure your nails are kept, ironing or steaming the outfit you’ve chosen. Essentially, you wan’t to show your interviewers that you care about this position, and spending time on your appearance and making sure that you look presentable is an obvious way to show that you’ve put effort into your meeting with the hiring manager. Most importantly, looking good will make you feel more confident, which will show through as well!

5. Send a personalized thank you letter after the interview

You should practice the habit of sending personalized thank you notes to each interviewer. When you are meeting with them, ask for their business card during the interview, and if you have multiple interviewers you should ask them individually. This allows you to follow up with them individually, as well. This note (or email) should be sent the same day, or the following morning depending on when you had your interview. If you interviewed in the morning, try to send out an email within the end of the workday. If your meeting was later in the afternoon, waiting until the next morning should be fine. Make sure that the emails are personalized though, and incorporate some of the notes you took during the interview to show them that the email is meant specifically for them.

Alright, so these are some of the best interviewing tips I have come across over the past few years, and now - I pass them on to you. The most important part is come across as authentic, meaning: just be yourself! Regardless of whether you choose to follow the tips in this post, I wish you the best of luck with your job-hunt moving forward. You can do it!!!

— Megan 

Inspiration taken from Indeed.com. 

Nursing Clinical Experience

Hello all. This is Camille

I hope the first few weeks of your classes have been treating you well.

I want to share with you about my first few weeks of school. 

I started my clinical with OB (mother and baby). I felt ambivalent. I was excited about the opportunity for me to learn how to care for mom and infant/fetus during antepartum, labor delivery and postpartum period but I also have anxiety and fear about my incompetency to deal with such little and fragile babies who are precious to mom and family. I have doubt about myself. What if I accidentally hurt the baby as I have no experience at all handling babies. I didn't even know how to properly hold a baby.

Fortunately, I was assigned to an awesome and encouraging clinical instructor who helped get us oriented to the units, and she demonstrated a full infant assessment with one of my fellow students. In addition, she suggested a few strategies to calm a fussy baby. I was still nervous after all of the lessons so I seeked help from her and hoped that she would be able to supervise me while I performed the assessment. However, she said this to me: "You can do this! You know more than you think you do. You just need to be confident." Well, actually, that didn't really help me at the moment. I was still nervous and frightened. I remember one of the TED Talks that I watched a while ago suggesting "fake it until you make it." So yes, I faked the confidence and went into the room to receive the baby from mom, and did an assessment on her.

Did I know what I was doing? Yes! Like my clinical instructor said, I have the knowledge.

Was I nervous the whole time I was handling the baby? Yes! I could sense the mom staring at me the whole time.

We are halfway done with the OB clinical. I am feeling more comfortable and confident for my assessment on baby and mother. For the most part, I don't feel anxious or nervous anymore, and I am truly confident providing care to mother and baby.

Sometimes, you just need to take the first step out of your comfort zone and swing it.

At the end, I want to share a video with you of me holding my baby sister for the first time.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LabCexcEcEnAidXh8

FYI, the boy-looking kid was me. My family asked me about my sister's name and her zodiac (they forced me to say it in English)

     

   

             

Nursing Clinical Experience

Hola!! This is Camille.

I hope you are all excited for the amazing weather we are having this week.

I want to share with all of you about my second half semester clinical experience for Medical Surgical 
rotation. I have two days of clinical in Good Samaritan hospital from 6:30am to 3:00pm

(Sorry for all the complaint. Keep reading, I’ll bring some positive energy back;)

I am not super excited about getting up at 5:00 am in the morning. To be honest, I often struggle 
getting up in the morning and debating if it is worthy to sacrifice sleep. (You all know what I am 
feeling right?!), and YES, I am so sleep-deprived 

 

However, knowing that I will be able to capture the morning view of sky, the sunrise, and Mount 
Rainier (I can never get a good picture of Mount Rainier tho), knowing that I can be around with 
all the inspiring nurses, and knowing that I can learn from them, it is worthy to get up early. 

Our first day was primarily for getting oriented to the unit and for observing how the 
interdisciplinary team collaborate together for the best interest of the patient. One of the patients 
coded because he underwent hypovolemic shock. He was unconscious as there was inadequate 
blood supplying in brain because of the blood loss. Me and other fellow student were encouraged 
to observe. We were trying to stand right by the door so we can observe better and also we hoped 
that if they needed any help, we would be there. Fortunately, the charged nurse offer us the 
opportunity to help apply pressure on the wound while waiting for the rapid response team to
arrive. As we observed the interventions that the nurses implement to bring the blood pressure up, 
we would find out the rationales behind them. At that moment, all the knowledges are not limited to 
the book and memorization. They become part of what we do. I truly appreciate all the opportunity 
that charged nurse has provided us. I realized that, as a student nurse, my goal is not only to 
practice as many skills as I can  but also learn how to think like a real nurse, and how to deal with 
different situations.

Second week of clinical:

Another thing that I have taken away from this clinical is that I need to take initiative in my learning. 
ADVOCATE FOR MYSELF!  Before I went up to the unit, I always pray that I would be assigned to 
a nurse who is willing to teach. At first, I was disappointed because the nurse was not explaining 
anything that she did, and I felt like I was just following her around doing nothing. I decided to change 
the situation around because I want to be a good nurse in the future, and because of the amount of 
money and time I invested in, I should get the education I deserve. Therefore, I SPOKE UP for 
myself. At the beginning of the shift, I told the nurse that there were goals that I attempted to achieve, 
and I asked the nurse if I can practice more nursing skills and participate more in providing care. It 
turned out that she thought I was not comfortable doing the skills. After I mentioned to her, she has 
let me practice more of my skills, and actively participate. Even though she is not the nurse who 
will explain, she is a good nurse who provides care with compassion. I have learnt so much from 
her on how to deal with those patients who would not stop crying, who would not take medication, 
and whose mind was dissociated from reality. Therefore, I wouldn’t trade anything for these 
awesome and valuable learning experiences.

AND, ONE MORE MONTH, I will be half-way done with nursing school!

Nos vemos más tarde, Amigos!

Respond to Your Opportunity!

For those who work hard would deserve successful career path, I am writing this. I do not mean that I am on successful career path, but I would still like to share what happened to me for the last few days. Last week, I set up my Career Connections Opportunity Board and updated the necessary documents to apply for an internship I was interested in, and I got the opportunity!

You may have some friends around you who are doing internships or working, or you may be the one who is doing so now. It often sounds challenging for International Students to get an internship or work offer due to foreign status. However, there are still many opportunities around you. Regardless of the firm size or renown, I would like to recommend you to challenge the internship if it is related to your career path because there are a lot of things to learn at a real firm.

To make these things happen, you will want to search Career Connections Opportunity Board. You can use search bar to find the webpage below, and click the black box with the Career Connections sign to go onto the next picture 



 

You will be able to see this page now if you have clicked the Career Connections Opportunity Board box. If it is the first time that you are trying, you would see 0% profile complete (mine shows 83%). Click the %, then it will navigate you to what needs to be done. Here is another amazing thing I would like to share.  I updated my resume and cover letter a few weeks ago, and Career Connections gave me advice via email after looking it over. I can revise it either by myself at home or with an adviser at the office. I think this system is efficient in that it does not bother my time but helps a lot.  

Once you are done with creating your profile, click Jobs and see what are the opened opportunities for internship and work.



If you do part-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training), it will not affect your OPT (Optional Practical Training). If you can do CPT while you are studying at PLU, I believe you can build more experience and enrich your skills for your  next career path.

The Job Search for Intl’s in the U.S.

            Being a college student always involves uncertainty. Will I be admitted to my first choice college? Am I going to succeed academically? Will I be able to find new friends and, if so can I attach to them as good as I could to my high school friends? Those are obviously uncertainties one faces in means of starting a college education. The greatest uncertainty is still outstanding. What will I do after college? How will I find a job? Where will that job be? To me, those uncertainties are the greatest I have ever had to face in my life. One has to cope with those uncertainties and work out a way to conquer them. During the last few months I have been job hunting all over the place and I would like to share my experiences with all of you.

            First off, I would recommend to any international student to widen the sources in means of looking for a job. The ones that were most useful to me were LinkedIn, the Careers Opportunities Board, Indeed.com, and Monster.com. One should also think about widening the span of countries one is applying to. Bayt.com is a great resource to find jobs in the Middle East for example. Moreover, keeping an open mind to network in any possible situation is also more than advisable. Utilize the PLU resources, attend the job fair, be involved on campus, often even your peers are able to guide you in the right direction! 

            Now I would like to focus on my main source of job hunting, LinkedIn, and explain some features that are critical to it. One should definitely put as much as effort, if not even more, in creating a LinkedIn account as in creating your resume. In fact, LinkedIn often will serve as your resume! There are great resources and workshops offered at PLU to shape your profile in the right direction as well. If this is done, the job search can begin. Look for your major, special capabilities that you bring in (often language for international students), and qualities you look for in specifying your job search. But do not just focus on looking for actual jobs, try to seek out individuals in the industry you can relate to and try to establish a common ground. You can often gain insightful advice from these individuals and they are often more than willing to help you out. Join professional groups of your interest and contribute to discussion if you feel that you have the knowledge to back up your arguments. The whole job search can also work reversed, where employers will actually contact you!

            Last but not least, there is one resource people tend to forget about… It is the PLU Alumni database. You are allowed to contact 5 Alumni a month that very well will give you advice or even support you in your job search. This is not the time to be shy. You have to put yourself out there and explore every possibility there is. Remember it is for you to get a foot in the door and gather experience, you might not land a job with you prioritized company in the first place, but it can definitely prepare you to land that job later on in your career.

            I hope that I was able to share some of my experiences that could be helpful to all of you. Keep your head up and do not get frustrated when you receive a denial. Persevere and you will be rewarded in the end. If you have any questions related to this article feel free to contact me. I wish best of luck to all of you!

Yannik Pierre Ilgert

Look into the New MSMR Program

I have survived the first few months of being a Master's student at PLU and as part of the first MSMR cohort. So far It has been very intense and we have already done so much. I definitely feel like my statistics background in Psychology has helped me a great deal and will continue to be a big part of my success in the program. 

Already our cohort has had the chance to work with real life clients in different companies, had several presentations and even worked in the field! Because it is such a short program, only 11 months from September 2015 to June 2016, there is an immense amount of information to be processing at hyper-speed. This will hopefully prepare us for the fast-moving nature of the data-world ahead. 

Because of the small cohort size, only 18 students it has allowed us to get to know each other thoroughly and keeps the group tightly connected. We are working in different teams for all four classes and know each others strengths and weaknesses in order to function well as a group.

Here is our cohort posing with Bjug Beards for the #BjugDay of Giving!

My team took on a difficult task the first weeks and signed up for a client that needed us ASAP! My team members and I put on our running shoes and got to work! Our client was the Washington State Fair and the fair was already coming to an end when we started, which means we had to move quickly in order to collect the data that was needed.

In the end it was a lot of fun, we received official staff T-shirts and official "Marketing Staff" badges for the two days we were on site and also received free admission and extra tickets for our friends to join the fun. After we collected data we of course had to enjoy the Fair's staple foods (Scones and Turkey legs), see some cute animals and go on a few rides. We were even able to see part of Duran Duran's performance and I got my picture taken with storm troopers!

The homework load is as expected for a graduate level course and the reading is never ending, but entering a graduate program you should be prepared for that. Returning as a PLU alumn I already know a majority of my professors, the faculty, the buildings and even some of my classmates from my undergraduate degree, which makes Grad-life a little more simple and less scary.

If you have any questions about the MSMR program leave it in the comment section below!

Madeleine

5 Things I love About My Job

Hello there,

I don't know if you guys remember but I posted something about Campus Employment last year but I did not really talk about my job. For those of you who are interested in Campus Employment, please visit this link:  http://pluinternationalstudents.blogspot.com/2013/01/working-on-campus.html

However, stay tune for 5 Things I love About My Job

Thing #1: The Golden Name Tag
Can you think of a better color for a name tag? I don't think so. Even the iPhone is gold :) . At PLU, all staff, faculty members, and student employees will get their own golden name tags. We wear it with pride!

Thing #2: The $$$
Most of the positions on campus are minimum wage but did you know that minimum wage in Washington is $9.19/hr? Federal minimum wage is only $7.25/hr. And therefore, although you are making minimum wage, you still make a lot more money than a lot of other people from other states :)

The best thing about on campus employment is that if you keep the same job, they might increase your every semester. And if you are a student lead at your department, you might make more than $10/hr.

For RAs, like Loana, I know that they get paid differently than others so you might want to ask Loana more about this :) she is super friendly, she won't bite, ask her :)

Thing #3: Leadership Training
In the beginning of each year, we have Student Leader Institute (SLI) that provide us with awesome leadership training where we can meet other student leaders on campus. SLI usually lasts for 3 days. It might seem short but we've learned so much from it and I am trying my best to apply it wherever I go, not only at work, but also in class and at my internship place.

I can show you one of the interesting video we watched at SLI. The video below show us to think outside of the box, to do things that we are passionate about, and to lead others.

 

 

Photo credit: SLI. Here's the group picture of Student Leaders at SLI 2013

Thing #4: Friends and even More Friends
Part of my job is to talk to prospective students who are still in the process of choosing the best university for themselves. I talk to them on  the phone, via email or via any other social media sites out there. It is so fun to be a part of the voice of PLU to represent who we are to the new students so they can join us.

Every year, we create many on campus events so other students around the area can come and visit. We even take our own PLU Students to local community colleges for their events so we can make new friends and learn more about each other.

Orientations are the best times of the year. We do 2 orientations/year: Fall and Spring. And as you can see, I get to hang out with a lot of cool people. Besides the important stuff that i have to present at orientation, I also drive people for shopping trips and that's when all the fun begins :)

Photo credit: SLI. Intl Students Fall 2013

Thing #5: YOU GUYS, I'M FAMOUS
Just kidding, I am not actually famous. I just like to think that I am, haha. But guess what, once in a while, I get to be on brochures and flyers that the University sends out :)

With Loana and Shunying :)

Back when I was super tan

Happy Reading
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is easy to get a job but it's hard to keep doing what you're doing if you're not passionate about what you do. Find the things you love about your job and think about them when time gets hard. I think it's the easiest way to get me motivated and I hope you can find at least 5 things you love about your job.

Thanks for sparing your time on my post :)
Henry