From Chapter Leader to Young ProfessionalSupporting student transition from college to career

Rachael Candee, MPAManager, Skills-based Volunteer &

HoosierCorpsUnited Way of Central Indiana

Introductions• Name• Volunteer position• What is one thing

you hope to gain from our discussion today?

What are the most important competencies/skills members learn while in college?

• Time management• Governance/leadership• Planning and implementing • Communication and problem

solving• Civic mindedness• Goal-setting and visioning

How do you currently advise students to share this information?

• What do you think they should include on resumes? Applications?• What about a cover letter?• How to talk about

experiences in interviews?• What support resources do

students use on your campus or in your community?

Members vs officers

• What types of things can a general member talk about on his/her resume?• What would be different

about a member who served as an officer?

Example: member• Ongoing service projects–Weekly tutoring or “adopt-a-

grandparent” monthly visit

• Special event service projects–Holiday baskets,

Thanksgiving meal service

• One-time service events–Community clean-up, annual

campus events

Example: member• Even more important to

highlight– Ability to work on a team–Opportunity to work with

diverse group– Accountability to complete

required tasks/service hours– Time management, decision-

making and conflict resolution–Critical thinking!– Awards, recognition,

achievements

Example: Vice President of Finance/Treasurer• Coordinates collection of officer

budgets• Evaluates/assesses chapter

financial need• Leads chapter through

budgeting process and approval• Advises officers and members

on chapter or committee financial guidelines

Example: Service committee member• Collaborates with committee members to develop service calendar

• Plans service events (ongoing, one-time, etc.)

• Communicates with chapter members, creates marketing tools for and recruits individuals to attend activities

• Reports service results to chapter and leaders

Where are the biggest challenges?• Students do not see their chapter participation as a professional development opportunity• Students do not closely align

personal development with professional outcomes• Prospective employers do not

understand chapters or their activities

Bridging the knowledge gap• Activities to complete with

students• Activities to provide to

students• Campus resources– don’t

recreate the wheel!• Community resources—who

can they seek for additional support?

Activity to complete with students

Activity to provide to students

What else do you see as your role? The chapter’s role?• Chapter members can use

each other as resources–Events for members to practice

interviews, networking

• How useful could their alumni network be?–Would chapter or local alumni want

to network, mentor, or provide other support to members?

• Determine what works for you, your students and on your campus

Other coaching tips and tricks• Being a role model of

professionalism• Listening and understanding

students needs• Preparing students for the

world of work• Encourage chapters to take

on skilled projects, ongoing projects or one-on-one projects that develop their professional skills

What is one skill/competency that you possess that has been valuable in your career?

• How can you demonstrate this skill?• How can you talk

about this skill?• How can you teach

this skill?• How can your students

practice this skill?

Other challenges• I am not very familiar with the

job search process• How might this be different for

non-traditional students?• What role might this play in

graduate school applications?• What if a student that I do not

know wants me to serve as a reference?

Questions?

Contact: Rachael Candee, rachael.candee@gmail.com

Thank you!