By Evan Sadasivan

Senior history major Stephen Lopke recently began an internship with Winstead PC Law Firm in Dallas, Texas. I asked Stephen to share his insights on gaining and maintaining temporary jobs and internships while still in school. Below is a brief interview in which he shares his story and offers advice to underclassmen on steps they can take now in order to increase their chances of getting a good internship later.

Photo Courtesy of Stephen Lopke

Briefly describe your position at Winstead PC Law Firm:

I’m a marketing intern.

How did you learn about the position?

I went to Office of Personal and Career Development and they helped me set up an interview.

In your opinion, what made your resume stand out from those of the other applicants?

I spent a full summer working at a factory in Alaska and this unique feature made my resume stand out. 

Since being hired, what has been your greatest difficulty?

Trying to balance my busy senior year course schedule with the duties of my job. 

What skills/experiences did you have before applying for the position?

I spent last summer working full time in the registrar’s office which was good experience with office work.

What skills/experiences have you gained from working at the Law Firm?

I’ve learned a lot about how marketing actually works. 

What do you plan to do after you graduate? And how (if at all) is your experience at the Law Firm preparing you for that?

I would like to do work in marketing which is why this internship is an especially great opportunity. 

Finally, what advice would you give to underclassmen who are hoping to get similar internships?           

Try to work every summer, the more experience you have the more you can sell yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to the people in the OPCD, they can be a lot of help. 

Stay tuned for more interviews with current students, alumni, and professionals! Like us on Facebook and never miss any important UDOPCD news.

Start your day off right with our Morning Minute - a quick intro to one of the exciting job leads we can connect you to this week.  

Today’s pick is:
Santander - Copywriter Intern

The Copywriter intern plays a key role in showcasing the products, brands and initiatives of Santander Consumer USA via the written word. Copy and content drive the projects of the marketing department, and the department depends on smart, persuasive and fresh copy for collateral, e-mail, Web, video, blog, direct mail, customer communications, presentations, radio/TV ads, and more. Apply online here. 

Want to learn more? Stop by Augustine 132 or email career@udallas.edu

Paul Johnson is a senior Economics major at UD. From Fargo, North Dakota, Paul recently secured post-graduation placement with JP Morgan as an Operations Analyst. He joined us here to share what he’s learned over the past four years.

Paul Johnson (Left) and Senior Career Services Advisor Adrian Ramirez. Photo courtesy of Julie Janik.

You’ve landed an impressive position with JP Morgan. How did you find this opportunity and what inspired you to apply?

I initially got in contact with JP Morgan through the OPCD. Adrian asked me if I would be interested in an internship opportunity that was available in their operations department. As an Economics major, I had not taken any courses in operations specifically. However, one of the many benefits of the core is enabling you to walk into a politics, philosophy, or biology course and be able to understand the material, regardless of your major. Knowing this gave me full confidence that I would be a valid candidate for this position. As I was applying online for the internship position, I noticed that there was a full time position opportunity, so I went ahead and applied for that as well. The full time position offers a 2-year development program at the beginning in which JP Morgan trains you in New York and then mentors you along the way. I wanted to learn from the best in the business, so this opportunity was perfect.

How have you spent your summers as an undergraduate?

I spent the summer after my freshman year volunteering at Crotona, a program in the Bronx in which I mentored a group of 7^th and 8^th grade students. Crotona gave me a better perspective on the various backgrounds that people come from. The next summer, I worked as an insurance reimbursement analyst at Essentia Hospital. This opportunity exposed me to the world of healthcare and the process involved in the insurance side of it. This past summer, I did an internship with a government contract procurement center. This job consisted of doing economic research for small businesses that were applying for government contracts.

Although these experiences are not in the same field as each other, let alone banking, I knew that I needed to get my foot in the door. As long as I was gaining experience reporting to a boss, working with a team, and accomplishing daily tasks, I knew that it was well worth my time.

Have you had any mentors while you were at UD? If so, how did that help you in your search for post-graduate opportunities?

Mike Hasson was a phenomenal mentor. He was my boss at United Development Funding when I did an internship there last semester. He is also the President of the National Alumni Board at UD and the Texas Director of American’s for Prosperity.

There are a number of mentors surrounding us at UD—you just have to seek them out and recognize the value of their experience and advice. Even though I knew I wanted to go into the banking sector, I sought advice from professors, friends, priests, my boss, the OPCD, and former alumni who have had experience with the job search process.

What advice do you have for underclassmen looking to secure a position like you have in the future?

My piece of advice is to do your due diligence in looking for opportunities to expand your experience. Once you’ve done your best with applying, take the best offer you can get for an internship and build off of that. If I had declined those opportunities and instead held out for a banking internship, I am fairly confident to say that I would not have had the opportunity to enter into the application process with JP Morgan. Employers want to see that you are well rounded.

 [Johnson also recommends that job seekers read Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc P. Cosentino.]

Once you’ve done your due diligence in your job search for the day, take time to spend with your friends and enjoy your hobbies. It is easy to get burnt out. In my experience with one-on-one interviews, 60% of the time was spent talking about my resume and the other 40% was spent shooting the breeze with the interviewer. They want to see if you’re the type of person they want to sit next to on a plane for 2 hours. If your only hobby is to study and do internships, then you might not be a very interesting candidate to talk to. Play tennis, pick up an instrument, go hunting, read the Count of Monte Cristo, run a marathon. The more you do, the more you connect.

Do you have more questions for Paul? Want to talk to a career advisor and take charge of your future? Wondering where to begin? Leave us a comment and then stop by our office – Augustine 132. We want to help you stand out today.

By Hunter Mills

November 11-22 is early registration and, as a senior, I’m faced with my last opportunity to register for classes before I graduate. As if the pressure of registration wasn’t enough on its own, this time feels especially weighty: the professors and classes I choose will shape my final days here at UD. How to decide between familiar, beloved faculty members and those that you don’t want to miss before you leave? Between one more major course on a topic that you are passionate about and an off the wall elective that will broaden your horizons?

Photo courtesy of Dan Foy

If you thought that I would be following up those questions with a precise bulleted list of answers, I am afraid you will be disappointed. These are the questions I have been asking myself every day for the last two weeks (it’s ok to laugh—I realize that I most likely take this time of year far too seriously). So far, I’m leaning towards three familiar faces and one new one to go along with my frenzied thesis writing.

As you make your course selections, I’d urge you to reflect on your college experience from a holistic perspective, taking into account your post-graduation goals. There are one credit courses to hone your job-seeking skills, improve your public speaking, and develop your research skills. Don’t be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone and explore a new field—the opportunity to dabble in printmaking or ornithology might not come again in the near future. Consider the relationships you are building with faculty members, as well. Deepening those connections, whether through another course, participating in a club or organization, or informal meetings can play a vital role in the next phase of your journey.

Most importantly, choose courses that make you excited to learn and spark your curiosity. That is, after all, the most important reason why we are here: to learn as much as we can as we grow in our identity as independent thinkers. Here’s to hoping that we all get into our first choice classes (without having to wake up at 7 a.m. to register!).

Do you know what you want to take next semester? Let me know in the comments – I’d love your input! Also, be sure to come out to our Haunted House of Horrors tonight. Some wonderful faculty members are going to be performing positively terrifying dramatic readings that you won’t want to miss.

By Hunter Mills

Brian Vallone is a senior Business major from Houston, Texas. He recently secured full time employment at Moroch, a prominent marketing and advertising agency. Today, Brian shares the steps he has taken to get where he is.

Photo courtesy of Brian Vallone

Congratulations on your new job with Moroch! You had previously worked there as an intern. What led you to that internship?

A lot of steps led me to where I am today with Moroch. The first step was graciously provided by the Office of Personal Career Development and Julie Janik who brought Moroch Partners to campus during a career fair. From there, I talked to the two representatives at the Moroch table and they gave me their card. I immediately went home and sent them an email thanking them for their time, asked them questions about the business, and asked if they had any internships for students. After a series of interviews, I was the official Account Service Intern for the fall of 2013. 

When I walked in the doors at Moroch I knew literally nothing about the marketing and advertising world, but I was ready to learn. I took every opportunity I had to ask questions, be involved, and work hard.

What experiences in your undergraduate career were most helpful for securing your internship? 

The business program at UD is amazing. It teaches students how to be effective in the work environment, and is built around ethics and morals. In every position I have had, I’ve worked with other well educated students, who took specialized courses for advertising or marketing. In the end, however, who you are as a person and how you fit within the company’s identity is more important than most technical skills.

Your internship with Moroch wasn’t your first. In fact, your resume lists several internships and volunteer positions. As a busy student, how did you decide what jobs were worth spending time on? 

This is actually something I am incredibly passionate about—pushing UD students to bigger and better jobs and opportunities. I had my first internship after my sophomore year in Rome. From there, I decided I wouldn’t sell my self short. I didn’t just want to fulfill an internship requirement. I wanted a job that I could get experience from and be proud of. I applied to more internships and jobs than I can remember. By senior year, I had worked at a news station in Houston, a nonprofit in Dallas, a minor league baseball team in Houston, and a top tier advertising agency in Dallas. My secret to success? I asked! I put myself out there and applied. UD students are so smart and such hard workers and, if we stepped out of the bubble every once and while, we could take over the job market. My advice would be to find something that you’re passionate about and dive right in.

You volunteered as a tutor with Irving ISD for six months. Tutoring is pretty different from marketing. What made you want to try it?

For any business professional, it is vitally important to find interests and passions outside of the office. I have always loved working with kids and this was something I could do that could benefit others as well as allow me to do something I love. 

I know many UD students don’t feel as though they have enough time to intern. How have you balanced work and school the past four years?

As funny as it sounds, the semesters I had jobs or internships during the school year, where actually my best academic semesters. When you’re working, you develop a sense of time management and organization to study well and effectively. I made sure I utilized my time effectively and did it right the first time. Also, students would be amazed how flexible many companies are towards students and part time internships.

What advice do you have for other students interested in marketing? How have you honed your skills in that field outside of your internships?

If you are a student who is interested in marketing or advertising and wants to get more information, my advice would be to get involved. There are tons of UD alumni who want to help students in the work force. Apply for internships or shadowing sessions with good marketing and advertising agencies. You can also ask to take a tour of their offices. This is something we do at Moroch all of the time. We will take college students from across the southwest and give them a day at the office where they can learn the ins and outs of our business. This allows students to interact directly with a company and it gives you a networking opportunity.

Do you have questions for Brian? Want to share your best tips for balancing work and school? Leave us a comment! Need help making those connections? Make an appointment to speak with a career services advisor today!

By Evan Sadasivan

Valerie Pasket is a senior Business Major at the University of Dallas. She began work for Callison Architecture LLC as an intern in January 2013, and was hired as Human Resources Coordinator in October of the same year. 

Photo courtesy of Valerie Pasket

Can you give us a brief overview of your position at Callison?

As an HR Coordinator, I work directly with the Senior Human Resources Generalist in administering HR functions over five offices around the country. I also offer supporting HR services for our international offices around the world including China, India, and the UK.  Most of my time is dedicated to recruiting, government compliance, performance management, and employee relations. My position is very general and gives me a many opportunities for growth and learning.

How have your classes at UD prepared you for the position?

The amazing thing about the COB is that it really makes your liberal arts core classes relevant.  For example, our Comprehensive Exams required that we apply Catholic Social Teaching and philosophical thinkers to justify negative and positive stances on a contemporary business issue.  This brings the UD core to life. From the business core, I was able to take many of the skills I learned in my classes and apply them to my job.  The COB takes special care to take a classic liberal arts education and combine it with the practical knowledge required for professional success to produce independent thinkers that will enter the workforce to make a positive impact.

How did you learn about the internship and what advice would you give to job seekers?

I learned about this position through a fellow UD student who worked at the company.  I was hired completely off a recommendation.  I think this demonstrates the importance of developing a network and not keeping quiet about your job interests.  The HR Director was also a UD alum so he knew I could jump right in and have the tools to figure it out.  The UD community is a tight knit one I would encourage any job seeker to utilize LinkedIn, the OPCD, and personal connections to access alumni.   

What attracted you to the field of Human Resources?

I have a passion for people, I have always excelled in facilitating, and I want to make money.  Human Resources is essentially helping people do business better.  I am a person who likes to help and I am organized which is the base of HR. 

Is there anything you wish you knew about either the internship itself or the application process before you applied?

I really had no idea what I was getting into. However, I took the situation as an opportunity to learn and grown, knowing I would make mistakes and learn from them.  This mindset really paid off for me in the end, and now I am a highly functioning member of an international team and I love my job!

Finally, what advice would you give to other students who are considering careers in HR?

I would say that the most important thing is the willingness to learn.  HR is not a technically difficult job and hands on learning is extremely helpful.  In short, never be afraid to ask questions or take on new tasks, do your own research on government compliance so you can hold a conversation about the constantly changing environment, and never lose your love for people!

For today’s post, I have the pleasure of sharing an interview with Sarah Jane Semrad. If you don’t already know who she is, Sarah Jane is a UD alum now working for North Texas radio station KXT 91.7. She took the time to tell us about her experience attending UD and how it has shaped her career. She will be speaking during the Professional Viewpoints panel on careers in the creative arts September 18^th. Grab a cup of coffee, turn your radio dial to 91.7 (or stream online here), and check out what she has to say below!

HM: Let’s start with one of the most important questions for a UD alum – what’s your favorite UD tradition?

SJS: Roaming Rome, of course! What could be more amazing?

You were a Chemistry major, but you’ve had an exciting career in the creative arts. How has your choice of major influenced your career?

First of all, just attending UD gave me a certain set of skills I don’t think I would have gotten anywhere else - how to travel, to read, to think critically and, most importantly, how to write. The chemistry degree in particular honed an ability to pay close attention to detail and be absolutely meticulous in note taking, follow through and execution. Precision is what I learned with my degree. This has served me well. Starting a couple of nonprofits wasn’t easy, but with a careful attention to detail, anything is possible.

Editor’s note: visit www.lareuniontx.org and www.artconspiracy.org to see the nonprofits Sarah Jane started.

It can be hard for students and young professionals to conceptualize what different careers really entail, so give our readers a glimpse into your work life. It's 10:00 a.m. on a Monday morning - what are you doing?

I sit at a computer most of the day: coordinating, communicating and executing strategies. I keep my desk meticulous and make sure I have a running list of what’s next going at all times. Outlook calendar is my best friend. Right now, I’m working on a fall fundraising campaign, our Holiday Concert Series, Index Music Festival and we’re even in the early phase of planning Summer Cut, our music festival. 

                          Photo Courtesy of Sarah Jane Semrad

What class at UD has had the greatest impact on your life post-graduation?

About mid-way through my UD years, I had a moment when I thought I wanted to study philosophy but felt I was too far down the science track to switch majors. Ultimately, [that experience] has sent me on a path to study philosophy and mysticism on my own as a life long area of interest. 

If you could give your college-aged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Enjoy this time. Really soak it in. Study hard but also get in the habit of going for a long walk every day. 

What do you find most challenging about having a career in the creative arts?

It is awfully challenging, from funding to just getting people to show up to stuff. It’s uphill at lot of the time.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that for all of Dallas’ lack of mountains, big starry skies and bodies of water, I’m here to make my city a better place to live in. I’ve got kids and family here and while I’m residing in Dallas, I’m committed to making it a fun, creative place. 

Ok, you work at KXT so I have to ask: what is your favorite band?

Not a good question to ask. It seems like it changes every single day. SO many amazing musicians come through the studio and every time I think “Ok, now THAT was amazing”… until the next time a band comes through. Some of my go-to bands on a road trip might be Other Lives, Delta Spirit, Portugal. The Man, Little Green Cars, Passion Pit, Miike Snow. Too many. Not a good question for a radio girl. :)

In conclusion, I know you are responsible for a number of amazing events at KXT. Any coming up that you want our readers to know about?

Index Music Festival is Oct 18-19 with Andrew Bird, Girl Talk, The Kopecky Family Band and soooo many more amazing acts.  

It was wonderful getting to interview Sarah Jane – you won’t want to miss her and the rest of the creative arts panel discussion this Wednesday. RSVP on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest event information. See you there!

By Hunter Mills

Finals week is upon us and, if you’re anything like me, your blood-caffeine level is probably unspeakably high. As you frantically study and fight through the haze of sleep-deprivation, I’d invite you to take a look at some of our Senior Spotlight interviews from the past year. UD students have accomplished some amazing things and, as the class of 2014 prepares to depart, we want to showcase some of the individuals we’ve been able to interview.

Photo courtesy of Angela Antunes

Senior Spotlight: Paul Johnson shares his best tips for graduating on top of your name 

Paul Johnson is a senior Economics major at UD. From Fargo, North Dakota, Paul recently secured post-graduation placement with JP Morgan as an Operations Analyst. He joined us here to share what he’s learned over the past four years.

Senior Spotlight: Valerie Pasket

Valerie Pasket is a senior Business Major at the University of Dallas. She began work for Callison Architecture LLC as an intern in January 2013, and was hired as Human Resources Coordinator in October of the same year.

Senior Spotlight: Brian Vallone

Brian Vallone is a senior Business major from Houston, Texas. He secured full time employment at Moroch, a prominent marketing and advertising agency. Today, Brian shares the steps he has taken to get where he is.

Senior Spotlight: Tanya Roggenbuck

Tanya Roggenbuck is a senior Economics and Finance Major at the University of Dallas. She has accepted an offer for graduate studies by the accounting department at the Fisher College of Business of Ohio State University and plans to matriculate in the fall.

Congratulations, class of 2014! Leave us a comment with what you’ve accomplished and where you’re headed. We’d love to hear from you! Need assistance landing a job after graduation? We’re here for you. Email us at career@udallas.edu