PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Review the handy topics below before any professional events for a refresher!
THE BASICS
RESUME (TERRY ADD-ON*)
Describe the Terry Scholarship on your resume as follows:
(Note: Should be listed first under Honors/Awards)
Terry Foundation Scholarship Recipient; UT Dallas Terry Scholars Program
One of [number of scholars in your class] UT Dallas Terry Scholars selected in [high school grad year] for a prestigious scholarship program within the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College that covers all expenses of a rigorous academic education, offers a diverse array of extracurricular experiences, and focuses on leadership and service. Scholars are chosen based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and financial need.
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
ALWAYS ASK if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation or provide a reference - don't assume they will!
REQUEST IN ADVANCE a recommendation letter before the deadline (approx. three weeks notice).
Academic-related applications: Ask professors rather than the Terry directors. Get to know your professor(s)!
Include: resume, details like who to address the letter to, what you're applying for, deadline date, etc.
DON'T FORGET TO EXPRESS THANKS to the recommender as a follow-up!
NETWORKING STARTERS
ELEVATOR PITCH
WHAT IS IT? Essentially, a 30-description of you or what you're pitch objective is!
WHY HAVE ONE?
Helpful at alumni networking events
Meeting with your professors to have a second conversation
Giving recruiters a brief of who you are
HOW TO ORGANZE A PITCH:
Introduce yourself. "Hi, my name is.."
State your major/minor.
What Honors College program you’re in (“I’m a Terry Scholar”).
(If applicable) Internships/relevant work, research labs (“I’m currently in Dr.___'s research lab").
Transition Statements. It's best to say how many years away you are from graduating.
Example: “After graduating in three years, I would like to attend med school. I have an interest in helping people in third world countries have adequate healthcare.”
EMAIL ETTIQUETTE
Below are suggestions on how to send a professional email to faculty, staff, prospective employers, etc.
Email Logistics:
Use your UTD email (establishes credibility)
Reply All: avoid unless you have to reply to everyone
CC: don’t copy people who don’t need to be on it; BCC: Use for large groups
Email Manners:
Always have a greeting (Dear____, Good morning Professor ____)
Don't know the person's name? Use “To Whom it May Concern”
End on a positive note: “Thank you for your time and help.”
Be polite. Ask, don't demand!
If you are asking too many questions (more than 3), schedule a meeting
General Reminders:
Double-check to make sure you are emailing the right person
Be specific (i.e., “job application for research assistant” –not just “job”)
Clear & concise; get to the point & be direct (If subject line is too long, email might get deleted)
Indicate you are a Terry Scholar in your email signature
!! Proofread, proofread, proofread!
WHAT IS NETWORKING?
Networking is not just about elevating yourself. It’s about connecting with people - it's not necessarily what they can do for you. Expand the people in your life (people matter)! You don’t always have to network at a professional networking event (some network when they participate in sports, go to cultural events, etc.)
HOW TO START?
Start the conversation by finding something that you have in common (pets, food, hobbies, etc.).
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE CONNECTION?
Keep in touch via social media
Regular check-ins (put a note in your calendar/planner to check in)
Remember details
Virtual or in-person lunch breaks
Continue to attend Honors College events (roundtables, workshops, cultural events, etc.)
Keep in touch via faculty/student contact info
EXAMPLES:
Bad networking example: “Can you get me an interview at your company?”
Don’t talk to someone just because you want something from them
Good networking example: “I'm thinking about internships/research/etc. and I would love to hear your advice."
People like to give advice and professors like to chat with students about their futures
HOW TO ASK FOR CONTACT INFO:
"I really enjoyed talking with you. Can we touch base later? Would you mind if I emailed you?
LINKEDIN
PROFILE ESSENTIALS
GET A CUSTOM URL (for your resume, business cards, etc.)
On your profile, you'll see "Edit Public Profile and URL."
Personalize the URL for your profile
Example: www.linkedin.com/in/firstandlastname
PROFILE PHOTO
Does not have to be a professional photo
Wear what you would normally wear if you were having a professional meeting
Your head should fill up about 60% of the frame
WRITE A GREAT HEADLINE
Succinctly showcase your specialty, value proposition, or your “so what?”
Speak directly to the audience you want to entice -- use keywords
Be creative! (aspiring or seeking)
"ABOUT" SUMMARY SPACE
Use first person to tell your story
Passion, keywords, unique qualifications, industries you’ve been exposed to, things you are proud of, how you provide value, and a bit of your personality
Approach it like you would your elevator pitch
JAZZ UP YOUR PAGE
UPLOADING FILES: FEATURED SECTION
Showcase projects and relevant work
Links to websites and articles
INCLUDE A CURRENT JOB ENTRY
Create a dummy job listing in the current section that includes:
The job title(s) you're targeting —‘Financial Analyst in Training’
Followed by a phrase like ‘Available’ or ‘Seeking New Opportunity’ in the Company Name box
ADD VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AND “SIDE HUSTLES”
Don’t underestimate your volunteer experience! It is marketable and relevant experience.
Don’t leave off experience you don’t think is relevant; side gigs and part time jobs are very common.
OPEN YOURSELF TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES WITH THESE TIPS !
KEYWORDS AND SKILLS
Utilize the search functions to hone in on keywords and skills (you can list up to 50 skills)
Listing skills adds additional keywords and allows your connections to endorse you
REQUEST ONE LINKEDIN RECOMMENDATION A MONTH
Make them strategic, don’t be afraid to cut a recommendation, and keep them relevant and current.
TURN ON "OPEN TO WORK" SETTINGS
Click View profile.
Click the Add profile section button to the right of your profile photo.
Click Intro.
Click Looking for job opportunities.
Provide the requested information in the pop-up window that appears.
You can choose whether all LinkedIn members or only recruiters can see that you’re open to job opportunities. If you choose to share with all LinkedIn members, an #OpenToWork photo frame will be added to your profile photo.
RESOURCES
Available for free to all UTD students.
Training videos for anyone wanting to learn skills to achieve personal and professional goals
Over 12,000 courses and an average of 60 courses added per month
For students that have not yet chosen a major to explore
Use your UTD email address and the access code, utdcomets
Student Leadership Programs distributes StrengthsQuest codes to create a unified way to discuss strengths and personal talents
The Strengths Philosophy provides:
The opportunity to develop strengths by building on talents
A way to learn how to utilize your strengths in academics, leadership, career and beyond
Education through workshops, individual sessions and seminars with a trained, knowledgeable staff
StudentResources.pdf