Inspire, Summer 2011

A fter 22 years of coaching college basketball, I can tell you with certainty that sweet victory begins with a game plan. My job as a coach was to help my players develop their strengths and then place them in positions where they could excel. In practice and from the sidelines, my role involved encouraging athletes, providing accountability, and at times pushing them beyond their comfort levels. Cedarville’s career services staff interacts with student and alumni job seekers in much the same way. We can point you to helpful tools and resources and encourage your success, but ultimately it’s up to you to spend the essential conditioning hours in the gym and give it all on the court for that career win. Whether you are just beginning your career journey or are a seasoned professional going through a transition, job searching can seem like an overwhelming process. You’re asking questions like, “What kind of work am I seeking? In what kind of industry? Do I know anyone in that field? Do I have enough experience?” Once you’ve settled those big-picture questions, you’ll have another set of practical questions to face: “Is my résumé strong enough? What should I say in an interview? How can I best sell my skills?” Cedarville’s career services office is a great resource for job seekers that alumni often overlook. The same resources and quality services we provide for students are available to alumni. You may be a professional in your discipline, but few people are professional job seekers. Our office is staffed by career-coaching professionals who can help you develop your game plan. DEVELOP YOUR Game Plan by Jeff Reep ’79 CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 11