Month: January 2015

February 14	Homecoming Block Party: 1-3:30pm (https://homecoming.gmu.edu/block-party/) Women's Game: Noon Men's Game: 4pm
February 16	Midterm Evaluations
February 18 - 19	Spring Job and Internship Fair (https://careers.gmu.edu/employers/events/fairs/)
February 20	Last day to drop classes

After a few challenging years, there is good news out in the job market for fresh college graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2015 Job Outlook report, employers plan to hire 8.3% more college graduates for their U.S. operations than the previous year. We have seen this ourselves at Mason. For the first time since fall 2008, the Fall Career Fair filled up early with a wait list and the registration for the Spring Career Fair is already moving ahead.

The Spring Career Fair will bring over 180 employers to campus on February 18 and 19. A range of national, regional, and local employers are expected to attend, including Aerospace Corporation, Boeing, Discovery Communications, Gannett, Gallup, Target, Teach for America, and many different government agencies and non-profits from around the DC metro area.

The focus of the first day of the Career Fair is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and the second day is Business, Public Service and Non-Profit, many employers are hiring for a range of positions. It is important for students to attend both days. For example, in the past, ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 was not only looking for writers and reporters, but also web editors, meteorologists, and account executives. Amazon was seeking software engineers as well as account executives, sales, and support staff. The FBI was recruiting for accountants, contract, and security specialists.

All students, from freshmen to seniors (and recent graduates) are encouraged to attend the fair. Attendees can expect to be exposed to various career options and learn about the hiring needs of employers in their industry of interest.   Many employers use the fair to promote their online application tools whereas some take resumes at the fair. A few employers may even do screening interviews at the fair.

Employers are interested in students with different majors but are also focused on the “soft skills” that potential employees need to be successful in the workforce. For example, a 2010 study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that employers highly rated skills such as effective communication, team work, research skills and the ability of students to take on responsibility. So, how can you help your student evaluate themselves before meeting employers? Here are our top tips for parents and families:

• Have your student attend a preparation event before the Career Fair to practice speaking with employers, and have their resume reviewed. View our events calendar here: http://careers.gmu.edu/events/
• Encourage your student to come to the Career Fair professionally dressed to make a strong first impression. Your student can find out more information on professional dress here: http://careers.gmu.edu/students/events/fairs/
• Ask your student to pick out 6 to 8 companies before the fair and research their web sites. Employers do not like being asked at the fair what they do as they expect students to know that already. The list of participating employers will be available a few weeks before the fair and can be accessed within your student’s HireMason account at http://careers.gmu.edu/

We are here to prepare and connect career-ready students for post-graduate success. Make sure your student is making the most of this excellent Mason resource by using University Career Services early and often!

Bernadette Davey
Career Fair Manager
University Career Services

George Mason University offers Aetna Student Health insurance to all undergraduate and graduate students, full-time and part-time, who take at least three credit hours.  Students enrolled in Doctoral programs are also eligible to enroll in Mason health insurance. Aetna Student Health insurance is a student-focused health insurance plan that protects students at school, at home, and while traveling or studying abroad.

The 2014-2015 policy year maximum is unlimited—medical and drug prescriptions.  Domestic students are encouraged, but not required, to have health insurance while international students must have health insurance. For more information please click here: http://shs.gmu.edu/insurance/.

Please see below for a few highlights of Mason’s student health insurance plan:

• $250 annual deductible
• $250 emergency room deductible
• Access to Aetna’s nationwide network of health care professionals, including primary care and specialist doctors
• Inpatient and outpatient coverage (80/20)
• Access to vision, dental, fitness and Alternative Health Care Discount Programs
• Travel Assistance Services and Worldwide Medical Coverage while traveling or studying abroad
• No pre-existing clause
• Adult immunizations ONLY if provided at Student Health Services
• Preventative services covered at Student Health Services and in-network providers

The spring 2015 open enrollment period ends February 15, 2015. For a detailed plan description, including online enrollment, please click here: https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/students/student-connection.aspx?GroupID=724536.

If your student is living on campus and is currently covered by a family members’ insurance policy, please review the details of the plan to make certain that coverage is provided when away from home.

For questions about Mason’s student health insurance plan, please call Aetna Student Health’s Customer Service at 1-800-878-1945. You may also contact Mason’s Insurance Office at (703) 993-2827 or (703) 993-7634.

Angela Drukier
Student Health Insurance Coordinator
Student Health Services

Study abroad is a great way for students to earn academic credit while experiencing another culture and gaining valuable skills to enhance their resume. The Center for Global Education offers a number of programs in different countries that can be short or long term and take place during fall or spring semester as well as between semesters.

We want to share a story from a current Mason student who has studied abroad to help you discuss the possibility of study abroad with your student. See below for more information about senior Weyem Kobrosly’s time in Seoul, South Korea:

My name is Weyem Kobrosly and I am a senior marketing major in the School of Business. During the 2014 spring semester I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea at Yonsei University. I wanted to experience attending another university and living abroad, and have the chance to immerse myself in another culture. There is not a single thing I would change about my study abroad experience, I only wish I could have stayed longer! Since my return, I appreciate my education at Mason and I feel challenged and encouraged to think creatively. I would never have known how unique and diverse my academic environment is here at Mason if I had not studied abroad.

I also have a new appreciation for my family. I received unwavering support during my application process and my semester abroad. This was the first time I would be away from home for a long period of time but my families’ understanding and commitment to my goal of studying abroad gave me the strength to pursue this experience. When I was homesick they reassured me that time was going to pass so quickly so I needed to enjoy every minute. Like they said, just when I was getting settled in it was time to pack up and return home.

My return home was not seamless, which was to be expected after being on my own for 6 months in a foreign country. My mother noticed my new-found self-reliance. I now cook all my meals and clean the entire kitchen when I am home. I am more fiscally responsible and understand the value of money after budgeting for months. I know what I am capable of and when I need to ask for help. I have a deeper comprehension of cultural differences and a new perspective of global issues.

As you discuss study abroad with your student, you may have some concerns. My father was excited. He loved the idea of me traveling to Seoul and studying in a different academic environment. My mother was not as excited. She was nervous because I didn’t speak the language and because I had no friends or family abroad. The 12-hour time difference was also of concern as was how politically unstable the area is. However, we compromised – my father accompanied me to Seoul for the week before check-in and helped me settle-in, that way he could report back to my mother. Throughout the entire semester I called home once a day and we would talk via Skype twice a week. Facetime and apps like Viber and Skype made staying in contact with my parents seamless.

My parents were also apprehensive about my course work. Would this delay my graduation? With help from the Center for Global Education, I was reassured that all my classes would be taught in English by highly credentialed Korean faculty, and that I would be receiving credit towards my degree for every class I took. No delay!

If you want your student to grow both academically, personally, and prepare for the global workforce, send them abroad!

Weyem Kobrosly
Intern
Center for Global Education

Application deadlines vary based on program, but the deadline to apply for a summer abroad is Friday, March 20. To learn more about study abroad opportunities, the application process and deadlines, visit http://globaled.gmu.edu/.
 

Marie Arnold
General Manager
Center for Global Education