Career Services Blog - November, 2009
Employer in the Spotlight: Laura Ryan at Fowler
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Fowler Software and Design is a custom software development house that has been in business for over 25 years. Not only are they looking for technical personnel (programmers, project leads, etc.), but they are looking for those students interested in sales, marketing, public relations, personnel, to name a few.
1. When students hear “custom software development”, they think employers for your company are only interested in hiring programmers. What types of jobs within a software development house, would grab interest for Arts and Sciences students, such as personnel, public relations, etc. You're right. It might not compute immediately that we are looking for more than software developers. But in actuality, we have an administrative staff that backs up our technical division. This would include (but is not limited to) people who can help Fowler Software Design in the way of Marketing, Sales, Accounting/ Finances, Quality Assurance, and Public Relations, to name a few. All of these positions are needed to continue building the great reputation we already have in the software industry.
2. When looking for graduates, besides a complete resume, what type of personality and interview skills stick out the most for you? We look for someone with a 'can-do' attitude. Those candidates who are entrepreneurs do very well at Fowler Software Design. The motto could be said, "You get out of it what you put into it." That makes working here very different, in the sense that we are all very productive, and we have a lot of fun because of that.
Some comments from our staff:
"The fact that my worth to the company depends on my statistics and not "who you know" is the best thing about Fowler -
either I make it happen or I don't!"
~S.G., Staff Member since 2002
"I like the fact that I own my job; it’s not just a bunch of “pre-programmed” tasks I have to do each day. I ALSO really like the staff here and being part of a team that is working toward similar goals. I can create my work environment here and it allows a greater freedom along with the greater responsibility."
~J...J., Staff Member since 2007
3. Do you actually read cover letters? If so, how does this influence your decision? I do read cover letters. I really am looking for the candidate's ability to get my attention. Is the person's cover letter dry and boring? Or does it get me very interested immediately? That gives me a small amount of information about my candidate, but it is not the only piece that I look at. I review the person's resume as well as experiences. When I talk with candidates, it's their attitude that has a major role as well. There are many pieces of the interview process that get considered. Someone can have a beautiful cover letter, for instance, but they can have no interest in the position that they are applying for. For me, and for Fowler Software Design, that could make a large difference. People are here because they want to be, which makes it a fun place to work.
Senior Testimonials: Looking for a Job?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Graduate, Grant Grigorian gives his advice on when students should start looking for jobs.
Name: Grant Grigorian
Major: Math and Economics
Company name and location:
Aon Consulting in Denver, CO.
Job title: Analyst.
Role: This is an entry level position, and my role is a supporting one. Essentially our job is to understand, articulate and help navigate the complexities of the benefits and insurance industry for our clients. And save them money and headaches along the way.
"My advice to is to start looking as early as possible. How early? I would say the beginning of Sophomore year. There are many reasons why starting early gives you an advantage, but here are a few that I found particularly true for me:
One of the best ways to land that first job is to have a relevant internship experience on your resume. Employers LOVE experience. Traditionally, people try to do an internship in the summer between Junior and Senior years, so you will need to start looking for one, at the beginning of your sophomore year. You should look for opportunities and apply in the fall and winter, interview in the spring and begin the internship in the summer.
If you start early, you will have a better idea of what to expect when you graduate and still have time to change your curriculum if you need to. I've heard many friends regret not having taken a certain class or certificate which they now realize would have given them an advantage in achieving their career goals.
Don't forget to network. As a college student you are in a unique position in being able to access industry leaders for advice. Look up what "informational interview" is and make use of it. Starting a conversation with a potential mentor with "I am a college student looking for career advice" sounds a lot better than "I graduated a few months ago and have been unemployed since, can you help?"
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