Editor’s note: This article is a humor column.
Dear Editor
On behalf of the Career Center, I would like to talk to you about the new opportunities we will be working on starting next year. Given the increasing competition to join clubs at Grounds, we are launching a new Club Interview Basic Training.
Universities have traditionally been welcoming environments based solely on meritocracy, but recently we have seen an increase in competition and nepotism in this club recruitment cycle. To be clear, we do not see either of these things as negative. Rather, it helps prepare students for the corporate world, similar to general education requirements in languages.
Yet everything from first-year students baffled by the single-digit acceptance rates of business fraternities like Delta Sigma Pi to those who believe they can qualify for consulting if they present a YouTube video over the summer. It’s safe to say that by year two, students are having a blast. club. From not being able to scan QR codes to having your phone go into overdrive with an influx of Google Forms, we understand the struggles students are going through. After all, they spend hours touring clubs at activity fairs, go through hours-long interview processes, and seek out some sort of connection with the club president, but fate puts their extracurricular dreams at the window. It will just be thrown away.
Because of these challenges, we create a variety of opportunities in our basic training program to ensure that our eager students are best positioned for success. This program begins in late fall to prepare students for the winter recruiting cycle.
Mock Interview — Nov. 15, 10 p.m., Scott Stadium
Struggling to think of five things to take with you to a desert island? Not sure what you would do if you won a million dollars right now? Still wondering if the world has more wheels or doors? Are you in? Believe it or not, Washington Institute interviews aren’t the only place you might come across this type of question. Research shows that these insightful questions are ubiquitous in all club interviews.
Here’s a basic handbook of some of the most standard things you need to know for your interview. We also provide training on body language and uncover secret psychological methods to persuade interviewers.
Wardrobe Makeover Training — Nov. 17, 6 a.m., Barracks Road Shopping Center
Did you come to university with a blazer and a Longchamp bag? Have you ever noticed that black jeans don’t count as business casual while you wait for your interview surrounded by a crowd of pants and blazers at Louth Robertson Hall? Dress business casual and look like Banana Republic? Are you worried that you’ll be the only person under 40 going to a restaurant?
One of the Career Center Ambassadors will work with students individually by taking them to the Barracks Road Shopping Center where business casual attire can be purchased. After all, half the hiring process is dressing to make a good impression. Our Ambassadors are here to be there and support students as they deal with the anxiety of buying pants at 18.
Preparing for Refusal — Nov. 19-25, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Lawn
Failing a grade is painful, but we know that not all new students face this before they arrive, especially those who used up their beginner’s luck with early decision admission to college. Masu. Although Grounds has a number of inclusive organizations, we understand why students seek out competitive organizations. There’s no reason you can’t relate an organization’s values to its approval ratings. However, it is natural for this value system to be rejected.
To help students accept rejection, we offer a free affirmation journal. These journals can be used by students to write down mantras like “family first” or “blood is thicker than water” to remind them not to be too hard on themselves. In addition to universities, there are many valuable organizations such as Club Swim and Spongebob Club that do not require an application process.
At the Career Center, we are very much looking forward to the club interview basic training program, so please consider participating. Even if you choose a non-competitive club, attending basic training will prepare you for the surprisingly homogeneous world of business. We hope that the effort you put into your training will be successful in your participation in the club next semester.
Thank you and Go Whos,
career center team
