1 How To Market Yourself: Resume Writing, Essay Preparation, and Scholarship Navigation Presented by: SOFCC Scholarship Committee 2010

2 o Resume Writing o Essay Preparation o Scholarship Navigation Learning Agenda

3 There are 3 primary categories of resumes, they include: o Chronological o Functional o Combination Resume Writing

4 Chronological Resume Most common Listing of jobs and experience Best for people who have practical work experience and minimal job changes Includes: Contact information Objective Work experience Education

5 Functional Resume Focuses on skills and accomplishments Best for people without a lot of job experience, people who are just entering the work force, and persons who are changing careers Includes Contact information Objective Skills Work experience Education

6 Combination Resume Combines chronological and functional resume Best for people who are advancing their careers Includes: Contact information Objective Work experience Skills Education Honor and awards

7 Which Resume Should I Use? Example 1: I am a high school junior. I have only had one job working at a fast food restaurant but I have been a part of various after-school programs and organizations/clubs. I want to major in biology when I go to college and become a optometrist. Example 2: I am a freshman college student who has had several years experience working in the same retail store. I am getting a bachelors degree in fashion and would like to continue to work in the fashion/retail industry. Example 3: I am a high school graduating senior. I have been working for the same day care agency as a student helper. I will be promoted to assistant director as soon as I earn my high school diploma. I would like to one day open a day care center.

8 Continuing Education Resume 8

9 Dr. Mike Award Resume

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11 Essay Preparation

12 Essay Writing Tips Identify the type of essay Writing Workshop: brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, evaluate, and publish. Stay within the guidelines (number of words, topic, answer all questions, etc…)

13 Important information Most colleges regard application essays as either important or very important in their admissions process. Allow time for other people to read your essay and offer feedback.

14 Pack it with power The most engaging and compelling essays tell a story and have a clear focus. Your essay should reveal who your are and what makes you unique. Use your grades, honors, accomplishments and awards to demonstrate your purpose

15 Pack it with power (cont’d) Use your essay to display your talents. Remember that colleges are looking for people of character as well as good grades. Grades are important, but a well-rounded individual will stand out amongst thousands of applicants.

16 Mechanics Grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors can hurt a students chance of being accepted or awarded a scholarship. These type of mistakes are distracting and show lack of care and quality in a students’ written work. Seek help if needed.

17 Most Improved College

18 Continuing Education Award

19 Scholarship Navigation There are 7 Steps to Navigation. Make sure you: 1. Know what you want to accomplish through your scholarships. 2. Know your Grade Point Average for Academic Scholarships. 3. Know that you will have to write essays for many scholarships

20 4. Know you will have to file a FAFSA by the deadlines stated on the fafsa.gov web-site! 5. Know that you will need several good references. 6. Know that scholarships are available based on merit (academics) and/or school specific, financial need, interests, associations, memberships, status and unusual. 7. Know mistakes could cost you the scholarship Scholarship Navigation (cont’d)

21 Start Navigating… Here are 5 scholarships that can start you on your path: Scholarship Amount Sponsors Phone Hours to Call Unmet Need Scholarship $1,000- 3,000Sallie Mae :30CT Teacher Education Fund Varies American Montessori Society :00ET United Negro College FundVaries United Negro College Fund :00ET Senatorial Scholarship $200- 2,000 MD Higher Education Fund :00ET Rhea & Louis Spieler ScholarshipVaries United Negro Scholarship Fund Scholarship Program :5:00ET

22 Thank you Any Questions?