Helping Professions: An Interview With Colin McKenney

If you’ve met with me for career counseling, you’ve probably heard me say that as a college student you don’t need to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. There is a good possibility that somewhere down the road you will find yourself in a job or career you didn’t even think about when you were in college. Through the people we meet, circumstances of our lives and opportunities that come our way, many of us find ourselves in jobs we once never dreamed of.  One such person is Colin McKenney, who I had the privilege of meeting with yesterday.

Colin’s undergraduate education was a degree in Communication and Journalism from Ft. Hays. He then earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from WSU. Work in county government finance led Colin to work in corrections which led him to work with people with developmental disabilities.   

Colin is the new CEO of Starkey, Inc. In that position, as well volunteer roles, Colin gives a tremendous amount back to the community. His job won’t be finished for a long time. And, Colin sees a tremendous need for more individuals like him--people who want to help people.

Are you one of those people? Want to know more about helping professions? Make an appointment to meet with one of our counselors.

“Starkey, Inc., founded in 1930, is the oldest community-based nonprofit in Sedgwick County, Kansas, serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through its business services, employment, recycling, residential, life enrichment and case management programs, Starkey creates possibility in the lives of more than 450 people with disabilities.”

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
~Herman Melville

Informational Interviews

What can you gain from an informational interview?

I recently talked with a student regarding her experience. She could not say enough good things!

The person she met with helped her in lots of ways including:
Deciding what direction she wants to go with her major
Deciding what kind of environment she wants to work in
Deciding what classes to take
Networking

All that in a 20 minute meeting!

Why not call and schedule an appointment to talk with one of our counselors about how informational interviewing might be something you want to take advantage of.

We're waiting for your call!

Step Out of that Comfort Zone

What is your comfort zone? If you’re in job search mode, you probably need to step—or even jump--outside it. Don’t limit yourself to applying on internet job search sites. Get up, get out and meet people. Talk with people wherever you go. This doesn't mean you need to walk up to everyone you see and tell them you are looking for a job. Just strike up conversations with people, show genuine interest, and ask them about themselves. In most cases, they will also ask about you. Which will give you the opportunity to tell them you are looking for a job.   

The trouble with comfort zones is they are so darned comfortable they are restricting. Just imagine. . what could happen for you if you were willing to take a risk?  

Networking Guide

Networking Guide - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

This contains great information regarding networking. I encourage you to take a look!

Job Search

I met with an alumni yesterday. Talking with him reminded me of something I want to tell you but you probably don't want to hear--your diploma is not a guarantee that after graduation you will walk right into the job you want. You may have to keep working at it.

This guy did well in school--in the classroom and out. As a result, he interviewed with a company he really wanted to work for. Although he did his best in the interview process, he didn't get a job offer.

What did he do? He remained with the company he worked for while he was a student. A good company who promoted him to a good position, but not what he had planned -- or had hoped for--at the end of his studies. Unknown to him at the time, that turned out to be a smart move and a remarkable opportunity. Now, just two years later, he is in a position better than he ever anticipated.

There is a really good chance you won't get the exact job you are dreaming of when you graduate. But, with hard work and determination, in time you will have the job you want -- or maybe even a better one.     

The Career Fair

Only a few more days to get ready for the career fair.  

What does that mean to you?

I will tell you! 

Review the list of employers – available under “Events” on our website ((Wichita.edu/career/). Decide who you want to talk with. Research websites for each of those employers.   

Practice your 30 second introduction.  

Make sure you have several copies of your resume, critiqued and printed on bond paper, in your portfolio or brief case ready to go.

Press your very best professional outfit. Shine your shoes. Get your hair trimmed. Trim your nails.

Not sure what to wear? Check “Dress for Success” at “Job Seeker Resources” on our website.  

Last Minute Details 

Remove any chipped nail polish. Cover any tattoos. Remove any piercings other than one simple pair of earrings for women. Shower and shampoo. Brush your teeth.

Get excited.

The Career Fair is a great opportunity to get face to face with employers. Even if you talk with employers who don’t have current opportunities to hire, they can remember you for the future.

Remember: “You only get one chance to make a good impression.” This is one of those times.

See you at the Career Fair: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 from 4 - 7pm in Koch Arena!

Myers Briggs Personality Assessment

One more assessment I want to tell you about is the Myers Briggs, often called the MBTI. The MBTI is useful to help you understand your own--and other people’s-- personalities styles. This information is valuable in career decision making, but also in learning to get along better with other people. It is beneficial for me, at least, to consider people are who they are just because that is their type and not because they are who they are to make my life difficult. To speak to this point, MBTI is often used in relationship counseling as well as team building.

Your MBTI type is made up of four letters. These letters relate to how you get your energy, how you take in information, how you make decisions, and how you deal with the world.

With only about 45 minutes of your time, you can take the MBTI online or by paper and pencil. When you read the results, and follow up material, you will have a better understanding of yourself—and probably of the other people in your world.

jan, INFP