By Katie Rappfor SLA Maryland Chapter Job Search Workshop

March 21, 2015

Accompanying handout available under publications tab at katierapp.wordpress.com

Or use this QR code:

Professional involvement… that looks great on your resume and scholarship applications

Expanding your network… build working relationships with people in hiring positions

Develop new skills… focus your volunteer work where you need to grow

Gain leadership skills… build self-confidence

Reprioritize…find the time… it’s worth it!

Volunteer work is flexible…work in your free time, often from home

Low stress…if you take on too much, ask for help

Meet deadlines…be professional, but deadlines for volunteer work can be flexible

Improve your time management skills!

Show your stuff…demonstrate your talents

Do your best work…just because you’re not paid does not mean you can cut corners

Show initiative…come up with new ideas

Be creative…stretch yourself and try new things

Be flexible…be friendly and easy to work with

Dazzle them! Have fun!

Demonstrates your commitment…to being active professionally

Shows you can work independently…builds trust

Shows you can work with a team…builds professional rapport

Tangible artifacts…for your portfolio (reports, blog posts, projects, artwork, etc.)

Starts your career off right…find mentors, network, opportunities for professional development early in your career

Creates a buzz…about you and your abilities

Name recognition… people will know you by (good) reputation

Impresses scholarship committees…they love to see professional involvement

Leads to more…more opportunities (perhap$ paid!) likely to come your way!

Student organizations…will welcome you, likely for a leadership position!

State and local library associations…welcome volunteers on committees

List servs and social media…volunteer opps may be advertised or you can contact people who post

Ask for advice…find a mentor/established librarian who may have ideas and connections

Student chapters of professional organizations…the best starting place

Your school doesn’t have one that interests you? start one!

Start (or re-establish) a student chapter of a national group OR

Start a student group that interests YOU! iArts, iYouth, iDiversity, etc.

New Members Round Table…ALA’s group just for you!

State or local orgs may have student groups…like Maryland Library Association New Members Interest Group

Great opportunities to find mentors, add skills, grow!

State organizations and local chapters…tell them what interests you

Committees of national, state and local organizations…endless committees all need volunteers!

Groups that interest you…like Careers in Federal Libraries and INALJ

Intimidated? don’t be – established librarians want to help you

Support will be there…rest assured that they will welcome and support your efforts

SLA resources for student members…

https://www.sla.org/get-involved/student-groups/

ALA’s official welcome to student members…get involved! http://www.ala.org/membership/whoisala/students

Don’t just be a member, be an Active Member…you’ll benefit from just joining professional organizations, but really participate and you will blossom!

An oxymoron?No, virtual volunteering is flexible and completely feasible with today’s technology

Virtual meetings…Skype or Google Hangout

Share docs…Google Drive or Dropbox for working together

Communicate your way…Email, text, social media, blog, list serv

What? yes you heard right – internships, practicums and field studies for credit can be conducted via telework

Why?online students, full time jobs, family obligations, and distance can make in person internships difficult

How? much like virtual volunteering, virtual internships can be completed in a variety of ways using technology for work and supervision

Where?many libraries, including special and federal libraries have needs that can be completed largely or completely offsite

Get something tangible out of itinternships should focus on a specific project with a tangible result that adds to your resume and portfolio… a presentation, a publication, an end product

Apply for scholarshipsvaluable not just for their cash awards… scholarships look great on your resume and open doors

Focus library school projects on the real worldUse your network as resources for school projects and get a glimpse of real world challenges and problem solving

Create an online portfolioGives more flexibility than a resume and a place to demonstrate your creativity and show your talents in unique ways

Ask for informational interviewsthey’re a step in the door and give you a great way to learn about libraries, extend your network, and possibly find internship or job opportunities down the road

http://katierapp.wordpress.com

See handout accompanying this presentation under the “publications” tab or use this QR Code

See how I enhanced my resume through volunteering…under “resume - professional experience”

See my virtual practicums…under “resume highlights”

View this powerpoint presentationhttp://www.slideshare.net/wookyluvr/rapp-job-search-workshop-panel-presentation-45839313

Contact me any time: rapp.mls@gmail.com