This semester’s Career Q&A series kicked off to a great start with our first panel session, featuring Simmons alumni Anne Pepitone, Dan Zavala, Emily Donohue, and Cynthia Cheng Correia. Thank you to the panelists for sharing valuable insight into Information Science and Technology careers and the job hunting/interviewing process. Here are the highlights of the panel:
Panelist Introductions and Presentations
Anne Pepitone discussed the rigorous interviewing process for academic libraries. She advised that being prepared and doing research ahead of time is key. Have 3-4 answers ready for any questions that you think the interviewers might ask.
The second panelist was Cynthia Correia. The third panelist was Dan Zavala. I am a proud professor for both @AnnePepitone and Dan. @SimmonsSLIS pic.twitter.com/lIBpexajCh
— Rong Tang (@tangr) February 19, 2021
Cynthia Cheng Correia talked about the need to keep stakeholders in mind and how technology has become both an opportunity and a threat for libraries. She advised being aware of your value in comparison to the threats and opportunities that influence LIS careers.
Dan Zavala reflected on the technology courses that helped him build the necessary skills for his job as a UX designer and the current state of UX as a career. Dan advised that if you see a job that no one else is doing, go in that direction.
“Keep an eye on the opportunities. If you don’t see anybody else doing it, go there.”
– Career Q&A panelist Dan Zavala on finding your niche in IS&T pic.twitter.com/ClaJdtp3Oi— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 19, 2021
Emily Donohue discussed her indirect path from the school library teacher program to prospect research and management. She shared insight on the work involved in prospect research and emphasized the importance of using your cover letter to draw connections for hiring managers.
Q&A period in @SimmonsASIST career panel. @SimmonsSLIS pic.twitter.com/iifdORhOKp
— Rong Tang (@tangr) February 19, 2021
Question and Answer Portion
After the panelists presented on their career tracks the Q&A portion was opened for students and attendees to ask questions. Participants asked questions regarding transitioning to a new job, valuable coursework, and tips for job hunting in the time of COVID-19. The panelists shared many wise words about finding your path, interviewing, job benefits, and other career insights.
“Not everything may be your dream job, but it’s what you make of the opportunity.”
– @AnnePepitone sharing wisdom on first jobs and interviews in IS&T at our Career Q&A panel pic.twitter.com/nXKBrXbzNU— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 19, 2021
“Be aware of the competition — human and technology — and know what value you bring in comparison to that competition.”
– Cynthia Cheng Correia on career opportunities and competition in IS&T pic.twitter.com/LbgMp37tH6
— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 19, 2021
“One of the things I learned once I was hired was asking questions and not just assuming that I knew the answer or resource — but then being sure that I didn’t ask that same question again.”
– Panelist Emily Donohue on transitioning from LIS to career pic.twitter.com/eaIYdbti4b— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 19, 2021
“It’s not always about the answer. It’s about the process you use to get to the answer. “ Panelist Cynthia Cheng Correia on the art of interviewing for IS&T jobs pic.twitter.com/odSWATiWNg
— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 20, 2021
“Remember, you’re also interviewing them. Keep that in mind. Think about the culture you want, the problems you want to solve, the projects you want to work on in your next role.” – Career Q&A Panelist Emily Donohue
— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 20, 2021
"When it comes to salary, once you get your three years in, you can get a major salary bump. That time will come."
– Panelist Dan Zavala on salaries in UX pic.twitter.com/Z678cBdTyK— ASIS&T Simmons (@SimmonsASIST) February 20, 2021
The perspectives, wisdom, and time shared by our wonderful panelists are greatly appreciated.
If you missed this last panel, be sure to save the date for part 2 of our Career Q&A series on April 16th, at 6 pm EST. You won’t want to miss the insight and advice from outstanding Simmons Alumni.