Alumni Career Development Monthly Seminar Series

The 2009 Alumni Career Development Monthly Seminar Series features professionals with expertise on various career topics, ranging from entrepreneurship to career change and everything in between. See below for a complete listing of the seminars, as well as information on the speakers, dates, and times.

New Format:
Note that as of September 2009, we are pleased to announce that the Alumni Career Development Monthly Seminar Series will change from offering the presentations via tele-seminar to webinar!  If you are not familiar with the webinar format, this simply means that you will be able to see the presenter's computer screen and hear both the presenter and other participants talk throughout the meeting time period.  All you will need during the seminar is access to a computer, the Internet, and a phone (or microphone and speakers hooked up to your computer). Once you have registered for the webinar, you will receive more detailed instructions on how this process works.

Registration:
Registration for the seminars is free, although participants may incur long distance charges when calling in to the conference line (another option is to use a microphone and speakers hooked up to a computer). Note that space is limited, so please register for only those seminars that you intend to join. To register, simply click on the registration link below the seminars in which you are interested and complete the form. Be sure to include all correct contact and graduation information, or we will be unable to send you the call-in instructions (for example, double check the email address that you enter on the form and enter your name, school, and graduation year so that we may verify your alumni status). Note that the registraiton process for the webinars involves two steps: the first step is registration with CCE, and upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a confirmation message.  About one week prior to the presentation, you will receive an email with a sign-in form to register online with GoToWebinar (our webinar service provider) and more detailed instructions on the webinar process. GoToWebinar will then send you an automatic email detailing the log-in information for signing into the actual Webinar. Your log-in information will be unique to you, so it is important that you save this information. If you have any questions about the seminar series, please email Emily Seamone.

Seminar Descriptions

Take Control of Your Work+Life Fit, Even in an Economic Downturn
Thursday, January 29, 2009, 1-2 PM (ET)
Cali Williams Yost ('95CBS), Internationally-recognized work+life fit strategy expert, author, and blogger

In a 24/7, increasing "do more with less," work reality, how do you flexibly fit your life (social, family, recreation) into your work especially in the current economic environment? How do you direct your work+life fit day-to-day and throughout your career in order to bring the best of yourself to your job and your life outside of work? Whether you are in your first position after college or wanting to work in retirement, what should you consider looking for or asking for to find work+life flexibility?

Recession-Proof Your Job
Thursday, February 19, 1-2 PM (ET)
Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Career Coach, www.sixfigurestart.com

The current economy has many professionals nervous about the stability of their current jobs and employers, but there are steps you can take to secure your skills. Join this tele-seminar to learn how to look for changes that often precede layoffs, manage your current job to mitigate your chances of being laid off, stay open to outside opportunities without actually looking, and prepare for a layoff in case something should happen.

How to Effectively Handle a Job Layoff
Wednesday, February 25, 12-1 PM (ET)
Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, Career Coach, www.sixfigurestart.com

Losing your job to the current economic conditions can be overwhelming, frightening, frustrating, and a long list of other adjectives. What do you do? Where do you begin? In this tele-seminar, learn how it is possible to "control what you can control" when you are being downsized. What should you do after you've been told and how do you tell others? How do you navigate the termination meeting, negotiate cash and non-cash items, organize your current finances, and stay positive and start looking for a new opportunity? Actionable next steps will be discussed.

Build Your Unique Brand Identity
Monday, March 23, 7-8 PM (ET)
Laura Allen, co-founder of 15 Second PitchTM, www.15SecondPitch.com

You are the most important asset you've got. Don't be shy about letting people know what makes you a remarkable job candidate or loyal employee ready for a big promotion. But how do you build your own unique and professional brand while still remaining honest and authentic? Laura Allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com has more than 15 years of marketing, branding, promotions and online experience. She'll give you the Seven Steps you need to know to Build Your Brand Identity Platform (B.I.P.). Whether you are a job seeker, employee or entrepreneur, branding yourself effectively will help you achieve the highest levels of success.

Cracking the Code to Enter the Hidden Job Market
Thursday, April 16, 10-11 AM (ET)
Debra Feldman, Executive Talent Agent, Job Search Expert, www.JobWhiz.com
Join us for this tele-seminar with Debra Feldman, the JobWhiz, who will provide critical advice for those currently in the job market as well as anyone contemplating career change. Find out how to Network PurposefullyTM to accelerate campaign results and overcome the challenges, barriers and obstacles that impede job search progress. More specifically, develop a successful go-to-market strategy to produce better offers faster; eliminate job searching woes by avoiding recruiters, headhunters and the classifieds; get long term "career insurance" to put you on the inside track to desirable new leads; and use "Polite Persistent Pings" to secure a position that matches your requirements. Incorporating these methods into managing your career transition will jumpstart your campaign and propel your search towards a swifter landing.

Navigating a Radical Career Change
Wednesday, May 27, 1-2 PM (ET)
Sharon Good, CC, Life, Career, and Creativity Coach, www.goodlifecoaching.com

Many of us begin our career path planning to stay on it for life. But shifts in the world of work and a growing impetus to pursue our passions are leading us to make radical changes at different times along our career path. So, how do we navigate a radical career change when we've invested years, or decades, into our current career and need to pay our bills? In this enlightening seminar, Sharon Good will address various issues faced by radical career changers. You'll learn new strategies for navigating a radical career change and come away with clear ideas on how to make the change and the inspiration to move ahead with it.

Post Graduation: What's Next for the New Graduate?
Thursday, June 25, 12-1 PM (ET)
Jill Marie Galas Hickey, Director of Programming, and Niamh O'Brien, Director of Undergraduate Career Development (Center for Career Education, Columbia University)

Congratulations - you've just graduated! Along with the celebrations, relief, and excitement, you may find yourself feeling some confusion and bewilderment...perhaps even wondering what is next for your career and life journey. Join this call to learn more about this transitional time, including searching for your first job post-graduation, starting your career on the right path, and figuring out what you'd like to do if you are not sure. In addition, we will discuss the life-long career services that are available to you as an alum.

Career Search Secrets: 7 Absolute Musts for Finding and Landing Your Dream Job
Wednesday, July 15, 7-8 PM (ET)
Lindsey Pollak, author, speaker and blogger specializing in career advice for college students and young professionals, www.lindseypollak.com

It's time to go beyond the basics. Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting From College to Career," shares the secrets she's learned from recruiters, business owners and successful professionals about what it really takes to find and win the job of your dreams. Learn essential tips that will put you way ahead of the pack, such as avoiding the biggest mistake in job hunting, building a stellar network, shining online and persisting (politely). You'll leave this tele-seminar with increased confidence and a 7-step checklist to keep you on track.

Open Career Counseling Call
Tuesday, August 25, 1-2 PM (ET)
Beth Olson, Associate Director of Graduate Student Career Development, and Emily Seamone, Associate Director of Alumni Career Development (Center for Career Education, Columbia University)

Bring your career concerns to this call - CCE counselors Beth Olson and Emily Seamone will be on hand to answer your questions on just about anything job-related.

Navigating Successfully Through Corporate Change
Thursday, September 24, 12-1 PM (ET)
Maggie Mistal, Career Consultant and Radio Host on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, www.maggiemistal.com

Do you feel frustrated in your corporate career? With all that is going on in the economy, downsizing, mergers, reorganizations, even day-to-day job demands can be daunting. Join Career Coach Maggie Mistal as she shares her insights and tips about how to navigate successfully through corporate change. Maggie will cover not only the common myths about change but also a process for you to leverage these shifts to move your career forward.

The Self-Employment Option: How to Succeed at Starting Your Own Business
Tuesday, October 20, 1-2 PM (ET)
Bonnie Mincu, Adult ADHD Coach, Founder of www.ThriveWithADD.com

Self-employment has become a viable option for people in many lines of work. If you are drawn to working on your own but fear that difficulties in areas of self-starting, follow-through, lateness, and disorganization will doom you to failure, join us on this webinar. We will review the critical ingredients for self-employment success and the most common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. You will also learn strategies and alternatives to manage challenges to help you succeed as your own boss.

Interview and Get the Job
Wednesday, November 18, 8-9 PM (ET)
Nancy Ancowitz, Business Communication Coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts, www.selfpromotionforintroverts.com 

Whether you are actively looking for a job or mulling over your career advancement options, it is always a good time to freshen your interviewing skills. Learn to articulate your fine points and showcase your experience, even in high-pressure situations. From plugging into the industry buzz to fielding unexpected questions, this discussion will arm you with tools and tactics to significantly improve your skills at selling yourself. You'll build on your natural abilities, strengths, and style to package and present yourself with increased confidence and poise.
Click here to register and for more information.

The Art of Effective Salary Negotiation
Tuesday, December 15, 12-1 PM (ET)
Emily Seamone, Associate Director of Alumni Career Development, Center for Career Education, Columbia University

Are you in the process of job hunting and want to make sure you are prepared to negotiate your salary? Or perhaps you are currently employed but feel you deserve a higher income? Join this webinar to learn how to figure out what you are worth in the current market, find the most up-to-date research figures, sell yourself, and discuss salary effectively in a variety of career-related situations.
Click here to register and for more information.

2008 Alumni Career Development Monthly Tele-seminar Series

The 2008 Alumni Career Development Monthly Tele-Seminar Series showcased 11 seminars from February to December 2008. All seminars were recorded and are currently available in our multimedia library. If you have any questions about these seminars, please email Emily Seamone.

• Thrive at Work with ADD (February 27, 2008)
• One Person/Multiple Careers (March 11, 2008)
• Career Change and Transition (April 16, 2008)
• Promote Yourself in Just 15 Seconds with the 15 Second Pitch (May 22, 2008)
• Career Paths for Creative Types (June 18, 2008)
• In Pursuit of the Balanced Life: Flexible Work Options (July 22, 2008)
• Standing Out in the Crowd: The Latest Resume and Job Search Tips (August 20, 2008)
• Explore Your Purpose and Find Work You Love (September 9, 2008)
• Writing a 3-page Business Plan that Sizzles (October 22, 2008)
• Self-Promotion for Introverts® (December 16, 2008)
  

*Note that the November tele-seminar was not recorded due to the nature of the call (Open Career Counseling Call)