PPD S.M.A.R.T GOAL

Overview

  • Discussion on career-related documents such as CVs, resumes, cover letters, personal essays, interviewing practice, and networking.

  • Emphasis on leveraging university resources related to career services.

Networking

  • Definition and Importance:

    • Networking specifically refers to connecting with professionals in interested fields.

    • Engage in conversations to understand their experiences and to let them know about your own aspirations.

  • Networking as a resource for career development and job searches.

  • Importance of utilizing university career services as part of a student’s tuition investment.

Resumes vs. CVs

Resume

  • Definition:

    • A brief document summarizing education, employment, and relevant experiences.

  • Length:

    • Generally accepted to be one page, however, in certain fields (e.g., pharmacy, healthcare), it's common to exceed this length depending on experience.

    • Common confusion regarding resume length:

    • It is not necessary to adhere strictly to one page if more is warranted by experience.

  • Structure and Content:

    • Organize by relevance, placing the most pertinent information at the top based on the job you are applying for.

    • Should include sections: contact information, education, licenses, certifications, experience, etc.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Definition:

    • Derived from the Latin term "curriculum vitae," it is a detailed, autobiographical document.

    • Typically used in academia and professions such as healthcare and law.

  • Length:

    • CVs are generally longer than resumes; they can be several pages, detailing extensive experiences including presentations, publications, and research work.

  • Structure and Content:

    • Should include comprehensive details about one’s educational background and professional experiences, usually structured in paragraph form, although bullet points can be used for clarity and readability.

Differences Between a Resume and CV

  • Similarities:

    • In early career stages, resumes and CVs may appear similar due to limited professional history.

    • Each document can contain overlapping categories and formats.

  • Differences:

    • Detail level: CVs include exhaustive lists of all experiences, while resumes are condensed and tailored.

    • Subject areas in CVs: Presentations, publications, and research work should be included, which may not always be necessary for resumes.

  • Medium of Presentation:

    • More formally written paragraphs in CVs versus more bullet-pointed structures typical of resumes.

Document Formatting

Creation Guidelines

  • Avoid using templates; instead, build documents from scratch for authenticity and clarity.

  • Important design aspects include:

    • Symmetry, proper alignment, and ample white space to enhance readability.

  • Contact Information:

    • Make your name prominent and easy to read and provide professional communication details.

Common Formatting Mistakes

  • Inadequate display of name or personal information, making it hard to identify.

  • Overuse of jargon or buzzwords that obscure the meaning of achievements.

  • Listing irrelevant jobs without demonstrating relevant skills or competencies.

  • Failing to order experiences chronologically, should be reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Content Tips

Resume Sections

  • Education should be high on the list since students are currently studying.

  • Licenses and certifications related to professional qualifications should be included with specific details (state, number, expiration dates).

  • Use separate sections for different types of experience: clinical experience, other work experience, volunteer work, and leadership roles.

  • It is acceptable to include non-related experience if it demonstrates transferable skills (e.g., customer service, teamwork).

Employing Effective Language

  • Bullet points should be informative, concise, and free from jargon.

  • Describe roles and tasks clearly, indicating actions and results.

  • Quantify achievements where possible to provide scale to experiences.

Additional Career Preparation Steps

Professional Development

  • Engage in professional organizations and activities relevant to your field to build experience and network.

  • Cultivate soft skills through participation and leadership roles, as soft skills are often prioritized in hiring.

  • Prepare for the possibility of international student challenges in gaining practical experience.

Goal Setting (SMART Goals)

  • Develop leadership through realistic and specific short-term and long-term goals.

    • Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-sensitive.

  • Example of Goal Development:

    • Identify aspirations (e.g., specific pharmacy specialization) and outline actionable steps to achieve it.

Conclusion

  • Commitment to leveraging university resources is critical for career development.

  • Students should actively seek opportunities for professional growth and take advantage of available services to enhance their career potential.

  • Building a strong, effective resume or CV along with continuous networking will aid in career advancement.