Hiatt Career Center

‘Tis the Season (for Careers)

If you couldn’t tell from the 500% increase in holiday-related ads on your social feeds and TV, winter break is nearly here! Amidst connecting with friends, family, and loved ones, you might find yourself having a bit of downtime to yourself. That’s the perfect opportunity to start tackling all of those outstanding career to-do’s from the fall semester, and you might consider…

AI in the Job Search

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm, though luckily not in the Skynet (Terminator) way. Instead, tools are popping up all over the web focusing on varying uses from teaching new topics to helping finish writing assignments. Recently, AI has gone a step further to help users apply for jobs and internships. But should you use it for this? And what are the pitfalls to avoid?

Jump-Start Your Career in Government

Ever looked at a government building and daydreamed about working as one of those caffeinated civil servants behind-the-scenes? You’re in the right place! Whether you want to be a budget ninja, policy powerhouse, or are just really good at deciphering acronyms, Hiatt is here to turn your career aspirations from “bureaucratic maze” to “pathway of possibilities.”

How to Excel at Networking

Networking: the art of making connections in an environment where small talk can feel like a high-stakes poker game. How do you turn these nerve-wracking interactions into career-advancing connections? Phil Gallagher '14, Vice President of ISG Rewards & Analytics at Morgan Stanley, shares his advice to help you navigate the networking landscape.

Tips for Success in Business, Consulting & Finance

Calling all students interested in becoming consulting connoisseurs, money maestros, or corporate climbers! We’ve gathered a few Brandeis alums who’ve found their place in the world of business, consulting, and finance to share their wisdom that's been tested through countless meetings, PowerPoint presentations, and the occasional battle with the office printer.

Building a Community at Brandeis Builds Your Career

Brandeis is buzzing with excitement as another school year begins! New and old faces alike are settling in, connecting with friends, and figuring out how to fit everything into a schedule that includes sleep. It’s a tricky task, but one that shouldn’t come at the expense of your on-campus involvement outside of classes.

Celebrating LGBTQI+ Pride at Work

Welcome to Pride Month! Beyond the splash of rainbows and identity flags, Pride is a time to celebrate the contributions and acknowledge the ongoing challenges of our LGBTQI+ community. But let's be real: Navigating your identity in the workplace can be a terrifying concept when discrimination and bias still persist in today’s world of work. Remember that you're not alone in your journey, and your friends and allies here at Hiatt have a few helpful tips.

Hiatt Sees Increases in Satisfaction and Resource Usage

In March 2023 Brandeis undergraduates responded to a survey from the Division of Student Affairs on student services as a follow-up to a survey conducted in March 2021. This data—available here—will provide insights for future planning within the Hiatt Career Center.

Take the “Panic!” Out of Your Senior Disco

Is there some “Panic!” at your “Senior Disco?” It’s a stressful time of year for everyone, but especially if you’re graduating this May. While you want to spend the time celebrating with your friends, the stress of what comes next can weigh you down. That’s why Hiatt is here to help carry the load so you can get back to the fun parts!

How to Choose Your College Major

Spring is just around the corner and campus will soon be saturated with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass. It’s easy to let the mind wander toward summer, but before you get there another milestone may lay in your path: selecting a college major. But how do you choose with so many interesting options at Brandeis? That’s where Hiatt and Academic Services can help.

2x More Likely to be Employed

When students first arrive on campus, they’re eagerly welcomed by the Brandeis community.  When they’re ready to cross the graduation stage, another enthusiastic welcome awaits them from the world of work. This animated greeting was similar for the Class of 2022 whose post-graduation triumphs were spurred on by their time at Brandeis.

So You’re Considering a Gap Year

Thought you were past the holidays and the stress-inducing conversations about your future? Welcome to the spring semester where the questions—especially as a graduating senior—are doubled-down on: “What are you doing next? Why don’t you have a job yet?” If those sound familiar, then you should read this article.

Your 2022 Brandeis Career Heroes

It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s a Career Hero? They might not wear capes and fly through the air, but the contributions these staff and faculty members make to help further students’ careers is just as impressive. That's why we’re thrilled to share with you all 134 of this years Brandeis Career Heroes!

One Resolution We’ll Help You Keep

Another year, another round of ambitious New Year’s resolutions! 2023 could finally be the year you hold true to every goal (we fell a little short on “eating fewer sweets” last year). But just in case, we want to ensure there’s at least one resolution you can easily keep: Finding a career mentor.

Winter (Break) is Coming

Instead of dread the line “Winter is coming” traditionally carries, you’re probably feeling relieved at the thought of a month off from Brandeis. While you should fully embrace the time to recuperate, it’s also a great opportunity to make headway on your outstanding career to-do’s! Here’s how you can start crossing items off your list…

Four Questions with First-Gen Alumni

Remember the excitement and nerves you had on your first day of college? We want to celebrate the 33% of students nationwide who are the first members of their families to experience this momentous occasion. That’s why we’re highlighting words of wisdom from first-gen Brandeisians.

Your Feedback Matters!

Hiatt regularly seeks feedback on our staff and student appointments, and your fellow Brandeisians have spoken with 96% saying they're "satisfied" with Hiatt or better! See what else they raved about and explore the results of our Fall 2022 survey...

So You Want to Work at Google

When we mention Google you might picture someone coding like The Matrix or recall the 2013 comedy The Internship. But what if we told you that even if you’re not a coding wizard, you can still work at one of the world’s tech giants? We think you’ll give us your best Owen Wilson, “Wow!” when you read this article.

Is Becoming a PA Right for You?

You want to go into medicine, but 8-12 additional years of school and student loan debt aren’t appealing? Don’t abandon your passion just yet! There is a similar career path that takes a quarter of the time, is less expensive, and has relatively little difference in the day-to-day job: becoming a PA.

Write Your Best Personal Statement

You’ve made the decision to apply to graduate school! Now you just have to tackle a major portion of the application: an essay about yourself. Thankfully you don’t have to do any research for this one, but writing about yourself can still be a challenge. That's why we come bearing useful tips and tricks—alongside some good news—for tackling your personal statement.

December Grads: Ease the Fright

Halloween is more than a month away, so why are we already sending chills down your spine talking about graduating!? We know how quickly time flies as a December grad, which is why Hiatt is here to reduce the fright and illuminate your path for those first few steps post-college.

It’s Never Too Early to Explore Hiatt

You’ve moved in, completed orientation, started your classes, are joining campus clubs and forming new friendships. We’d be amazed if you’ve been able to catch your breath! But while you’re busy prioritizing all these facets of campus life (the best food on campus is crucial to know), don’t disregard what the Hiatt Career Center can offer you even as a first-year student.

Give Back Through a Service Year

As a college student living off instant ramen—or alumni paying off student loans—you probably don’t have tons of money lying around to donate to a non-profit’s cause. While monetary giving in any amount is impactful, it isn’t the only way to give back to a community or movement. You can still make a difference through alternative means, like undertaking a service year.

His Future Taking Flight

Ori Cohen ’24 has always had a passion for studying animal behavior. He spent his high school years volunteering at local animal shelters, retraining the dogs to become comfortable socializing with new people. It was here that Cohen discovered his ability to make a difference in the lives of these animals. It wasn’t until coming to Brandeis that he realized this passion could become a career.

Finding LGBTQI+ Inclusive Employers

The stroke of midnight on June 1 sounds the alarm for organizations across the globe to swap their profile pictures to rainbow colors. We love the show of support during Pride Month every June! But as a student or alumni looking for an inclusive employer, how can you tell if one is actually LGBTQI+ inclusive and not just a performative ally?

Five Self-Care Resources to Get You Through the Workday

Whether you’re a student or an alumni, we all need a little boost of serotonin to navigate the world of work. Yet sometimes finding ways to unwind and recharge in our busy world can be difficult. That’s why we asked Career Counselor Jessica Smith to list her favorite apps and accounts that help her get through the workday.

Two Years Later, Has COVID Re-Shaped Career Services?

College is built on cycles and while many are predictable, some as we found are not. Students move from first-years to seasoned professionals. Staff and faculty plan programs and curricula around academic milestones from homecoming to graduation. However, the last two years have thrown us all off our expected cycles.

You’re Graduating…So Now What?

No, you aren’t on an episode of Fear Factor…you’re just graduating! Though they can feel very similar, entering the world of work hopefully has fewer snakes and spiders. Yet the anxiety and fear surrounding graduation are very real for the majority of seniors. That’s where the Hiatt Career Center steps in.

WOW! $2 Million Granted to Students

Internships are one of the most important career experiences for college students. Yet unpaid internships still persist throughout the job market, limiting access to these critical opportunities for many. That’s why for the past 14 years the Hiatt Career Center has been doing its part to help students.

Class of 2021 Finds Success During COVID

While COVID-19 continues to provide unique challenges to the world of work, the Brandeis Class of 2021 is successfully navigating the pandemic’s impact. 96% of graduates are employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities six months after graduation.

You Didn’t Win Olympic Gold and That’s Okay

Every time you turn on the TV this month it’s been non-stop Winter Olympics coverage. While we’re certainly not complaining (we love a Nathan Chen quad), seeing all of the medal ceremonies as a student-athlete can be intimidating. What if you never win Olympic Gold or can’t make a career out of your sport!? We’re here to tell you that’s okay, and here’s why…

Forming Your Professional Identity

We can feel the incoming anxiety whenever we mention being “professional” at work. It’s a valid concern to have, especially with new standards constantly being set in the ever-evolving workplace. Luckily, we’re here to provide some guidance about forming a professional identity.

Say 'Hi' to Hiatt’s New Faces

The Hiatt Career Center might look a little different when you visit this semester. No, we didn’t renovate the office into our HGTV dream home...yet. Instead, we went one step further with a change you can witness both virtually and in-person (when we return).

Hiatt Forms New 'Engagement Team'

A new team formed within the Hiatt Career Center will strengthen connections between students, employers and alumni to build a more robust culture of networking, recruiting and career education at Brandeis. 

New Year, New Me(ntors)

2022 is finally here! ‘Tis the season for lofty New Year’s resolutions that often don’t last the week (looking at you “eat fewer sweets”). Thankfully, the Rise Together Mentor Network is here to make sure your career goals don’t fall into the same category.

Winter Break Tips + Events

Internship Credit & Funding

Take your internship experience one step further and get academic credit while connecting your internship to your classwork and future goals through INT 89.  

I've Been Ghosted!

The interview is over! You aced it. Your connection with the hiring manager was spot-on and they told you that they would touch base about the next steps. You wait, and wait, and wait and still no word. Has the employer ghosted you? Here's what happened and how you can navigate this experience. 

Am I Behind?!

What the heck does career services for life mean?!?!

You may have heard it throughout your time at Brandeis or maybe once you graduated, that the Hiatt Career Center offers free career services for life. So, what exactly does that mean? Let’s get into it!

Hiatt Student Survey Results

Hiatt recently surveyed Brandeis undergraduates about the Center's services and resources while seeking improvements. Review the results:

First Years: It’s Time We Meet

We say it all the time, connect with Hiatt early and often! As a first-year student, you may have prioritized getting familiar with other resources both on and off-campus (dining halls are essential and Waltham has some pretty great restaurants!). But, with the spring semester upon us, it’s time that you put the Hiatt Career Center at the top of your list.

Networking with Alumni: It Works!

In the winter of 2018, senior Roza Azene '18, wanted to be proactive in making connections that would benefit her career. She saw an opportunity to meet and network with alumni and parents at the Brandeis Networking Night in Washington D.C. and took advantage of it. For Roza, meeting Dan Ding '11 at the event led to her first job after graduation.

Beyond Brandeis: The Class of 2020

Every May most seniors look forward to the same thing; crossing that commencement stage, diploma in hand while turning that tassel from one side to the other. The year of 2020 looked different for the graduating class. Learn how these Brandeisians adjusted and where they went beyond Brandeis.

Following My Passion, Remotely

Taking On A Virtual Internship

Navigating My Virtual Summer Internship

Lydia Begag ‘22 reflects on her summer 2020 virtual internship experience and gives some insight into how you can find your own; better yet, make your own!

2021 Plans: Finding a Mentor

If 2020 taught us anything, it was that flexibility is key! We may have had to rethink the ways we approach our goals as well as get out of our comfort zones. More often than not, seeking guidance, talking out ideas and getting advice is a great option as you navigate what you want to do next. One of the most beneficial ways to do this is enlisting the help of a mentor.

Hi Vacation, it’s me. I want to come back!

Whether you were lucky enough to have had time off during the holidays, taken a vacation or had an extended winter break from college (wink, wink), settling back into your work life can be an adjustment.

New Year, New Resume

That’s right! The New Year isn’t just about ‘new you.’ Your application materials should also be up to date and reflect what you’ve done and where you want to go. 

Who Likes to Network?!

Update: Hiatt's Commitment to Diversity

Winter Break: Relax, Reflect, Explore + Expand

Winter break is almost here! Though the extra weeks provide us with some time to take a break and relax, it also is an opportunity for you to make some headway on those outstanding career to-do’s that you haven’t gotten around to just yet!

Unleash Your Identity Career Series

Careers in Government and Public Service

2020 has been a big year for so many reasons, but one of the most compelling events is the election. From all the debates, media coverage and social media memes, there is much to learn as well as discover.

Job Search Tips for December Graduates

As you gear up for graduating this December, here are some tips to help you prepare for right now and what's to come.

Administrative Announcements for the Hiatt Career Center

Gaining Experience through On-Campus Employment

There are various opportunities available on the Brandeis campus to not only make money, but gain some worthy experience to put on your resume. Learn how to get started.

Enhance Your Exploration with a Career Course

Move Over Gap Year, I Am Taking A Sabbatical

As a new graduate, you may have had to pivot your plans based on the challenges that COVID has presented. Uncertainty around what’s next isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Instead, it means we are open to all possibilities, including a sabbatical.

Hiatt Study: Faculty Perceptions of Career

In early 2019, a research team from the Hiatt Career Center started a qualitative study of Brandeis faculty as it related to how faculty perceive their role in student career development and how faculty perceive the undergraduate career center.

Tackling Your Next Video Interview

You’ve submitted your resume. Had the first screening phone call with human resources. Now, it’s time to meet the team. Only, it’s through video and the need to be “on” is more important than ever. It’s vital to take a professional approach and attitude when getting ready to face the camera; literally. These are some key tips to take into consideration for your next virtual interview.

Hiatt Career Center receives national award for career services excellence

The Hiatt Career Center has been recognized by the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE) for its excellence in adopting the Chaos Theory of Careers framework into their career services.

Navigating recruiting with finance firms during a pandemic

Dear 2020: From a 2008 Grad

Our assistant director of marketing, Kristin Menconi, has a lot of in common with the class of 2020 even though she graduated in 2008. In this note, Kristin shares how to navigate the job market during a challenging economy and how to remain hopeful, because she's been there, too!

Max's Quaranblog: What Now?

Like many Brandeis students, Max's post-finals ritual looked a lot different this year. In his final post before heading into summer, Max shares what he's doing now and provides advice on how to tackle what's next.

So You’ve Got a LinkedIn Profile…

Tips for Working at Home

Three considerations about planning to go to graduate school during COVID

By now, everyone has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic in some way. For students, this continues to present many different questions about what actions to take. One decision that may be up for consideration is whether to apply and go to graduate school. Though you should always weigh your options under normal circumstances, it’s important to be well-informed of changes that may impact the process.

When Plans Change: Maximizing Your Summer

Your summer career plans may look a little different than anticipated this year and you may be wondering how to best fill in some of those resume gaps. Here are ten ways you can make the most out of your summer while building some career-ready skills.

Max’s Quaranblog: Take a Breath and Drink Coffee

Max LeBlanc '22 is back to share how he is transitioning from a student with their nose in their coursework to an adult preparing for a potential summer in quarantine. He also touches on self-care, reflection and important virtual coffee chats.

COVID-19: Templates for Communicating with Employers

During this time, communication and transparency are key. We want to make reaching out to employers and alumni as easy as possible for you so we created these templates.

Job Searching During a Pandemic

Resume Round-Up: Adding in Virtual Skills and Experience

It’s April 2020 and the work environment has gone virtual! Now more than ever, employers are calling for applicants that are able to do virtual work and have the skillset to do so. Be a top contender by enhancing your resume to showcase the technical skills you have that are needed to work remotely.

Job and Internship Planning: Creating a Plan B

Over the course of your work life, you’ll most likely experience a multitude of professional jobs and roles. As the desire to transition from one opportunity to the next approaches, you may find yourself in a position to restrategize and rethink your plans. Often times what we envision for ourselves can be delayed or distributed- maybe by a global pandemic?

My Student Quaranblog: Max LeBlanc '22

Max LeBlanc's life this past month has looked a lot different than he expected. Like most Brandeis students, he'd be in class, hanging out with friends and going to his internship. The library is now the home kitchen table and meetings are now virtual. How has he handled the transition? Read along in his "quaranblog."

Find Your Next: Handshake Top 5 Tips

Make the most of your Handshake profile and get discovered with these five key tips.

Narrow the Internship Access Gap: Micro-Internship

Getting Started with Virtual Outreach + Networking

Reaching out to individuals and organizations is a key skill, and it’s especially important right now. By doing some outreach and networking, you can learn about your desired field, gain advice, make professional connections and share your interests and skills with an employer who can be helpful in an internship or job search.

Class of 2019 continues a successful outcomes rate

Ninety-eight percent of Brandeis University’s undergraduate class of 2019 are employed, attending graduate school or engaged with other meaningful activities within six months of graduation.

Law School FAQ's (COVID-19)

There are a lot of questions being raised as a result of the effects of COVID-19 and our normal routines, including the impact on your plans around Law School. Our pre-law and graduate school advisor is answering some common questions.

Create Your Own Virtual Opportunity

As current events unfold, there may be some disruptions in how or if employers will be able to hire or retain interns. If you are currently searching for an internship opportunity or are already hired, it is in your best interest to talk with the employer about the possibility of working remotely or moving into a more supportive online role.

Career FAQ's For Students (COVID-19)

As a student, we understand you have many questions surrounding how COVID-19 impacts your career plans. To help you navigate through this, our staff has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our operations, applying to positions, internships and more.

Alumni Support During COVID-19

We know that Brandeis alumni care deeply about the University and have continued to be significant resources, especially within the Hiatt Career Center. As of today, we are asking for additional help.

Hiatt Career Center honored for excellence

The Hiatt Career Center was recently recognized for three national awards during the 2018-2019 academic year for a variety of programs.