The presentation provides guidance to students on entering the workforce and landing the right job opportunity after completing their portfolio. It outlines steps students can take such as researching industries and companies hiring, leveraging networking opportunities, and customizing their pitch for employers. The presentation emphasizes the importance of preparing for interviews by refining resumes and portfolios, practicing the interview, and following up afterwards with a thank you note. Useful links for jobs and networking are also provided.

1. PRESENTATION NAME Company Name Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans Entering the Workforce: Leveraging Your Portfolio, Skills and Experience to Land the Right Opportunity

2. Embarking On Your Journey Portfolio complete! Now what? The Economy: How do I deal? Where do I start?! Develop an action plan Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

3. Examining Opportunities Research which industries and companies are hiring Websites Social networks Newspaper / business journals University career services Tap into your network! AIP – professors, clients, speakers, etc. Past employers – jobs and internships Volunteer or professional organizations Family and friends Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

4. Other Steps You Can Take Keep up with new technologies Leverage your unique skills and life experiences Join more online networking groups Expand ‘personal marketing’ efforts Share ideas with other students in different areas of study Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

5. What’s Working in Your Favor? Employers are more likely to hire new graduates Even in a tough market Your ability to multi-task, master social media/new technology, and teach others Access to information – trends are easy to research Pittsburgh is a tight-knit community—work your alumni channels through LinkedIn and Associations Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

6. Preparing To Interview Writing a good cover letter is critical Style and substance Refine your resume frequently Seek a professional’s opinion Update your portfolios – hard copy & digital Acquire any samples you don’t already have Convert any file types necessary for digital Get your references lined-up Request LinkedIn recommendations Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

7. Customize Your Pitch DO… Tell employers why they should want you – be unique Tailor your resume, cover letter and portfolio Each position is different! Reference/include digital portfolio link or samples DON’T… Forget to proofread – resume, cover letter, even emails! Ignore social media profiles – employers check! Untag unflattering photos, delete unprofessional posts Be shy – follow up with email or phone call Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

8. Before the Interview… Get into the right state of mind and expect success Plan and prepare your elevator pitch Remember why you give a damn Practice delivery focusing on pace, pitch and tone Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

9. They Want to Interview Me! Bring your hard copy portfolio to the interview Be brief but thorough in your explanation of your samples Explain your role in the project Discuss leadership and teamwork, if applicable State results or feedback Answer any questions the employer may have about your portfolio Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans

10. After the Interview… Offer to leave behind any samples the employer would like to review further Print-outs / copies of hard copy samples Link to your digital work Ask for next steps – what the timeframe and decision process entails Send your interviewer(s) a thank you note

11. A Few Helpful Links… Ad Age Talent Works Ad Age Marketing Recruiters List American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) American Marketing Association (AMA) AMA Pittsburgh Brazen Careerist Carbon Made Doostang Imagine My New Job

12. A Few Helpful Links… LinkedIn Ohio Creatives Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Creative Pittsburgh Technology Council Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP) The Regional Internship Center of Southwestern PA Talent Zoo

13. Congratulations and Best Wishes! Nora Connor [email_address] Christopher R. Evans [email_address]