The Syracuse University School of Information Studies will host a professional development series over lunch on seven Fridays throughout the fall 2010 semester.

The series kicks off this Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in 107 Hall of Languages with a career orientation for incoming iSchool graduate students. The session includes an introduction to the Center for Career Services, an overview of the employer recruiting cycle, and an employer panel. The employer panel features representatives from Ernst & Young, AXA-Equitable, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of NY, BlueSlate Solutions, Polaris Library Systems, POMCO Group, IBM, and Wireless Business Group.

“The overall series is intended to provide graduate students with the framework and skills needed for successful networking and career placement,” said Sarah Hagelin, iSchool director of employer relations who organized the series. “We’ll cover everything from resume writing and preparing for a job interview to effective use of social media for professional networking. Of course, we’ll also be bringing in employers so that students can connect with them directly.”

Students will learn about University-wide resources, including OrangeLink, Mentor@SU, and job databases, from a variety of career development professionals.

The fall schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, September 3: Online Tools for Researching Your Potential Employers
  • Friday, September 17: Tips on Constructing an Effective Resume: What Are Employers Looking For?
  • Friday, September 24: How to Succeed at Career Fair; How Can You Prepare to Meet Employers?
  • Friday, October 1: How Can You Best Showcase Your Soft Skills In An Interview?
  • Friday, October 8: Communicating With Employers: How to Negotiate a Job Offer and Other Tips
  • Friday, October 15: Job Search Strategies: How Do You Look For Opportunities Outside the Career Fair?

The events will be held from 110:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in 207 Hall of Languages. Pizza will be served at each event, and the presentations will start promptly at noon. Students must register for the events in OrangeLink in order to attend. The events are open to all iSchool graduate students.

The iSchool Employer Relations Office wil host additional events throughout the fall, including an Undergraduate Career Development Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 17, which will cover many of the same topics mentioned above and will also include an employer panel.

Also, look for soon-to-be released information about “Career Thursdays,” during which employers will set up tables in the Hinds Hall lobby, hold information sessions, and visit classes.

For more information on the series, visit the iSchool Employer Relations Suite in 114 Hinds Hall.