Nicole Velasquez

- Doctoral Candidate and Research Associate in Management Information Systems at the University of Arizona.

Get and education

• Get a masters and/or PhD
• School matters.
• Make sure you get an internship

Applying to grad school

What you can do now:

• Study
• Network
• Identify what you like/don’t like

What you can do to apply:

• Study GMAT/GRE
• Use network for letters of recommendation
• Letter of recommendation
• Spend a good time on letter of intent

Internships

At least one before graduate

Resource: internships and Career Services

First job often follows from internships

Resume and interviewing are key

Resume

• Update every six months
• Start with a solid objective or “summary”
• User action phrases with results
• Don’t underestimate the cover letter

Interview

• Know when you say “I don’t know but…”
• Know what you want
• Know you limitations
• Prepare – study and practice
• Dress/Act appropriately
• Phone interview vs. site interview
• Always follow up with thank you notes
• Maintain Contact
• Utilize networking tools
• Social networking sites
• Alumni networks
• Professional associations
• Conferences and trade shows
• Always have an “elevator talk”
• Bonus
• Have a website
• Carry business cards
• Once you are there
• Variety
• easy to change job scope, both major and minor
• work flexibility
• telework, flex time, part time
• exciting evolving field
• stay competitive