Successful seekers for internships, jobs, or other opportunities possess key characteristics: 1) They reflect carefully on their skills, interests, and goals to conduct a targeted search. 2) They research organizations and industries of interest extensively to learn about culture and opportunities. 3) They are organized in managing contacts and applications, using calendars and centralized records. 4) They demonstrate patience, professionalism, and persistence throughout the lengthy search process.

1. are you Search
SEARCH SKILLS Characteristics of a Savvy
Internship and Job Seeker
ready to move forward with your search? here are a few characteristics that
successful and savvy experience seekers possess and implement throughout the
search process. these characteristics apply whether you are pursuing an internship,
job, volunteer role, fellowship, or membership in a student organization.
Successful seekers REFLECT! Time to search for an opportunity. But wait! What type
of experience are you seeking? Why? Take time to think carefully about your
skills, strengths, likes/dislikes, and what you want to learn next. Being able
to articulate the above will allow you to conduct a search with purpose and
direction, ultimately saving you time and minimizing frustration. Reflection is a
key component that should be used throughout the process.
Successful seekers conduct a TARGETED SEARCH! Pursuing any and every
opportunity you find will produce results that may not align with the direction
you would like to head with your career. Target organizations and industries that
are of genuine interest to you and tailor your approach (resume, cover letter,
proposal, and pitch) to reflect the experiences and skills most relevant and
salient for those opportunities.
Successful seekers RESEARCH! You may know the top five employers in your industry
of interest, but who are the top 10? Top 20? Don’t limit your knowledge
of the world to what you already know. Take time to expand upon
this base of knowledge and learn about opportunities and experiences that are
interesting to you. Researching organizations and employers allows you to learn
about their culture, values, and specific opportunities for career development.
Your research will help you determine whether or not there is a potential
fit between you and the opportunity or organization, helping you make an
informed decision about your next step!
Successful seekers are ORGANIZED! Some searches are especially time consuming.
You should anticipate spending several hours a week on your internship, job,
or fellowship search. The same may be true of other opportunities. Develop a
system that allows you to keep all of your contacts and notes in one place and
keep a calendar of relevant events and deadlines. Consider having an email
address, folder, or use tags dedicated to your search-related communications.
Store your search-related documents electronically in a centralized folder so they
are easy to access if needed immediately.
Successful seekers have ENDURANCE and PATIENCE! Since some searches can last
several months, be prepared to participate in a process that may not always
agree with your preferred timeframe. We are used to immediate gratification in
our society, but each organization, employer, or funder works at their own pace
for legitimate (if obscure) reasons. As a candidate for the opportunity, you will
22 benefit from being aware of and sensitive to this fact.
22

2. Savvy?
Successful seekers FOLLOW UP! Following up on your applications and conversations can be the difference
between securing an opportunity and remaining in an undifferentiated pile of resumes. By following
up, you can confirm that your application is in the right hands, restate your serious interest in
the position, and demonstrate follow-through skills so important in professional roles. As with all
communications with employers, it is critical to act in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
While you may be eager to know the status of your application, be aware that they may not be able
to provide much information at any given time. Your follow-up will nonetheless make a positive
impression.
Successful seekers MANAGE SETBACKS WITH POSITIVITY! Being told “no” in your search is never fun,
but it’s bound to happen at some point. Rejection can hinge on a number of factors, many of which
are out of the your control. While rejection can be frustrating, it is very important to remain positive
and not let a setback with one opportunity effect how you present yourself for another prospective
experience. Transform rejection into motivation, staying confident that you have many strong
characteristics to contribute.
Successful seekers project PROFESSIONALISM AND MATURITY! You are more than the sum of your skills
and previous experiences. Professionalism and maturity can take you a long way. As you connect with
people throughout your search, there are many opportunities to demonstrate this, including how you
communicate and present yourself. 23
23

3. Professional
Networking
Intentional, sustained, and effective networking is a
powerful tool when searching for interesting internships,
jobs, and other experiences. It can significantly augment
other methods for learning about and pursuing career
options, such as on-campus recruiting, social networking,
and online searches.
Believe it or not, networking is something you already
do well! Think about your first weeks on campus,
meeting fellow students and exchanging information
related to your discoveries about Duke life, (bus routes,
campus dining facilities, interesting activities, great
professors, etc). By sharing information, you were
assisting or receiving help yourself (getting from East
to West Campus on time, finding something fun to do
on Thursday night, etc.). Beyond information, perhaps
you introduced your math-whiz roommate with your
calculus-confused friend for some informal tutoring.
Exchanging useful information and seeking and
creating helpful introductions are the essence of
networking.
The Value of Networking
Strategically connecting with people enables you to:
• Gain insider knowledge and insight into the career
field, industry, or organization and the day-to-day
experiences, career paths, terminology, organizational
culture, sources of industry information, and more.
• Build confidence over time in speaking about yourself,
career interests, and future goals.
• Expand the number of people you know who are
doing things you are curious about.
• Learn about opportunities, sometimes before they
become publicized (Note: Networking is NOT the
same as asking for a job).
• Refine your goals, make well-informed decisions
in your search, and make a positive impression
on employers and those who are evaluating your
candidacy.
24

4. networking Basics
With practice comes improvement. ever hear the phrase,
“fake it ‘till you make it?” no one needs to know that
you’re nervous or that you’ve never done this before. on
Managing Your Online Reputation the other hand, if it makes you more comfortable, feel free
to tell people this is new for you. it’s okay. even after years
You know that employers use the Internet to research potential job of practice, introducing yourself to someone new can feel
candidates. Thus, a necessary part of any job or internship search is risky. But it is worth it. Students we talk to most commonly
to create and maintain a positive online reputation. Use the following say that their level of nervousness far exceeded the actual
task, and that the conversation was fun! Just remember
steps to move from damage control towards proactive ownership of
that almost any interpersonal encounter can be an opportu-
your online first impression. nity for intentional networking.
• Know yourself: skills, interests, values, personality,
Increase Your Awareness. Be sure you know what information and accomplishments.
is or could be available about yourself online, where it is, and what • Make a list of your current relationships—
impression it may create. personal, professional, academic, and beyond. add
• Search your name (and different versions of it) on the major duke alums to your list! your first-degree contacts
search engines, on different social networks, and sites where will be instrumental in connecting you with other
you comment. A few not-so-obvious sites to check: Tumblr, people you do not yet know, your second-degree
Netflix, Flickr, Match, Delicious, Amazon, Yelp. contacts.
• Know the privacy agreement and settings for the various • Do not discount individuals because you think they
online communities of which you are a member. do not know the right people. they do not need
• Request feedback from peers and professionals on to be in the area you are pursuing to have valuable
impressions based your online presence alone. Would they relationships to share.
hire you? Why or why not? • Create a plan for reaching out to your first-degree
• Familiarize yourself with sites where your potential colleagues contacts and for keeping track of your communica-
or supervisors gather and participate online. tions. you might want to start with people who seem
to have the closest connections to your interest area
or with those whom you feel most comfortable
Protect Your Image. Ensure potential employers only see
with. either way will work. the point is to create a
information that conveys a positive image. You do not want them to plan you can act on!
question your professionalism, judgment, or ability to represent their
• Do your homework. learn a little bit about each
organization. person you contact (profession, current projects,
• Adjust the privacy settings for all online accounts. company, relevant personal information, etc.). use
• Remove content and tags that could negatively influence a the power of the internet to your advantage.
potential employer’s first impression. • Draft and practice your opening communication
• Hide or delete old accounts that do not best represent you. (verbal introduction, email, etc). discuss this with a
• Request that information about you posted by others be friend, career advisor, or someone from your Board
removed if you are opposed to it. of advisors (Page ##).
• Make your move! Send an email or letter first; follow
Build a Professional Presence. Present your name, with a phone call. or simply Call! assign yourself a
accomplishments, and aspirations in ways that can be accessible to daily quota. Be persistent but not pushy.
others. • Follow up! Call again within a week if you receive no
• Use social networks to create and maintain a public profile response. arrange a meeting in person or by phone.
that represents your accomplishments and a sense of the ask for 30 to 45 minutes only. you could get even
professional you are becoming and you are comfortable with luckier!
the public seeing. • Set the tone. Know and explain why you are calling
• Display a copy of your resume and a portfolio of your and what you hope to learn (industry information,
accomplishments online. career exploration, job search advice, graduate or
• Promote your profiles and/or website, e.g., add a link to your professional school guidance, etc.) you are not ask-
ing for a job!
email signature.
• Contribute to conversations relevant to your fields of interest • Ask for referrals. one of your most important ques-
tions is, “Whom do you recommend i contact for
through media like blogs, LinkedIn groups, and/or Twitter.
additional information?”
• Send a thank-you note within 48 hours! email is oK!
Own Your Presence. Assert greater control of your online identity
a personal letter can be very effective, too!
by owning it yourself.
• Maintain connections. nurture the relationships by
• Create a personal website that serves as a professional
staying in touch and letting them know where you
resume and portfolio. Update this regularly with new content. land!
• Continue your activities online and watch your name and
• Be patient. networking yields results that often accu-
professional identity become more prominent in search mulate over time. never stop networking!
engines. Set a goal to take over the whole first page of
Google when someone searches your name. 25
25

5. Top Search Strategies Ethical Conduct in Your Search
Before you jump into your search, consider While you are keeping track of all the elements of your search, be sure
a few recommendations that will help you your ethical conduct remains a constant the whole way through. Should
to search smart, manage your time, and you have questions about the ethical thing to do in a given situation,
implement an effective plan. please contact the Career Center. We are here to help clarify and
A search is a long-term process. Longer explain whatever may seem muddy. If you are in a pinch for time, always
than many people anticipate. Plan to err on the side of caution.
spend four or more months gearing up and The following are expectations for how to conduct yourself in a way that
implementing a search for a full-time or is ethical so as to prevent situations that could result in a permanent
highly competitive internship opportunity. scar on your professional reputation within an industry as well as
Many students have compared this damage to the reputation of Duke students as a whole:
commitment to taking an additional class.
Set aside time on a regular basis. Unlike Be 100 percent truthful and accurate on your resume.
a paper or project that can be postponed Embellishments and exaggerations are considered lying. Employers
or worked on in surges, the best searches often look beyond candidates’ resumes to verify information that
are spread over time. Put time on your candidates have provided. Don’t falsify, stretch, or bend information
calendar each week—an hour or so for such as your GPA, SAT scores, involvement in activities, leadership roles
downtime and a few hours during peak you have held, or results in competitions in which you have participated.
periods. On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Falsifying your resume may result in
Prioritize your interests. Spend time being reported to Duke’s Office of Student Conduct and subject to
exploring to effectively target your sanctions, being banned from the Career Center’s on-campus recruiting
search to your interests. Three fantastic program permanently, and forfeiting employment opportunities.
applications to great-fit opportunities tend
to reap more rewards than 100 scattershot Attend interviews to which you have committed. By
applications. agreeing to an interview (whether through eRecruiting, email, or phone),
Learn what an optimal candidate profile you are making a commitment. Should you need or desire to withdraw
from an interview, timely notification is a must.
includes. The better picture you have of
On-Campus Recruiting Policy: You may remove yourself from an
the person who would be selected for your
interview schedule no less than two business days prior to your
desired role, the more effective you will be
interview. Students who withdraw any later or do not show up will be
at presenting your own experiences. Utilize
barred from the On-Campus Recruiting program. Reinstatement will
the three exploration methods discussed
require a letter of apology to the recruiter and a meeting with a Career
earlier in this guide to get a well-rounded
Center staff member.
view.
Practice presenting yourself in writing
Communicate in a timely manner with employers. Don’t
and in conversation. Your ability to ignore phone calls and emails from employers as you go through the
articulate what you want and why comes
process of accepting or declining interviews or job offers. If you need
only through reflection and practice. Create
more time when determining details such as start dates, relocation
opportunities to rehearse before you find
information, etc., it is best to be in touch, be straightforward about the
yourself in an interview for that coveted
reason for delay or uncertainty, and request more time.
position.
Get feedback. Have others read your resume Consider your verbal or written acceptance of an offer
and guess what kind of position you are
seeking. Practice introducing yourself and
a binding contract. Reneging on an offer is when you accept an
offer then turn it down. This behavior typically ends any chances of
expressing your professional interests to
employment with that organization in the future.
family or friends. Ask your roommate to
On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Students that renege on a job offer will
role-play an interview with you.
have their eRecruiting account inactivated and will have to meet with
Track your progress. Keep records so that Career Center staff to discuss the particular situation as well as take
you know what applications and documents
steps to repair the relationship with the employer.
have gone where and when. Track whom
you have talked to, when, how you have
followed up, and whether more follow up
End your search upon accepting a position. Once you have
accepted a job or internship, whether verbally or in writing, you must
is expected. This helps you when preparing
terminate any other recruiting-related activity with other employers.
for an interview or actively managing
This includes contacting employers with whom you are scheduled to
your conversations and professional
interview and removing yourself from candidate pools.
relationships. It also gives you a record of
On-Campus Recruiting Policy: Continuing to pursue other
your progress for days that feel stalled.
opportunities once you have accepted a position is a violation of
the Career Center’s on-campus recruiting policies. Your account in
eRecruiting will be deactivated and you will be expected to meet with
a Career Center staff member to discuss the situation and to work on
26 repairing the relationship with the organization.

6. Connect with Employers
It is important to understand the value in using multiple strategies as you think about connecting with employ-
ers. In the beginning of a search, much of the contact with employers begins with you, the job seeker, be-
ing proactive in making the first contact. As you begin hearing back from employers, it is just as important to
respond to them in a timely manner. Your communication with employers should embody professionalism and
maturity, right down to your email address and the message on your voicemail. And keep in mind, even during
the process of connecting with employers, your candidacy is being evaluated.
Use the following as an introduction to some of the resources and programs available to you
and find more detail on the Career Center website.
eRecruiting
Search and Apply for Internships and Jobs
Duke eRecruiting is a job and internship database exclusive to Duke students. You can search this dynamic
system for local opportunities during the school year, national and international summer internships, and post-
graduation positions.
iNet and The Internship Exchange
Selective Access to More Internship Listings
iNet and The Internship Exchange are dynamic databases containing listings for thousands of unique intern-
ships throughout the United States and abroad. Developed in partnership with two groups of selective col-
leges and universities, these databases enable the Career Center to expand experiential opportunities for Duke
students.
Career Fairs
The Career Center hosts or sponsors a variety throughout the year. Whether you are actively seeking a position
or casually exploring options, a career fair is an excellent opportunity for you to:
Learn about specific organizations and the kinds of candidates they are seeking.
Explore career fields that may be of interest to you.
Gain confidence networking with employers, some of whom are Duke alums.
(Use this bar like you have it and cut the screen shot of eRecruting)
2010-2011 Career Fairs:
2011-2012 Career Fairs:
TechConnect September 14
Fall Career Fair................................................. September 15
Fall Career Fair September
14
Nonprofit & Government Career Fair October 15
Nonprofit N.C. Master’s and Ph.D. Fair Fair ............. October 1319
& Government Career November
Career & Summer Opportunities Fair January
N.C. Master’s and Ph.D. Fair ............................ November 17
Just-in-Time Career Fair April
Career & Summer Opportunities Fair .............. January 26
Just-in-Time Career Fair ................................... April 11
Employer Information Sessions
Some employers choose to hold information sessions to build awareness about their organizations and posi-
tions (internships and jobs) they are seeking to fill. These sessions are meant to be educational for any student
who is considering positions at these organizations. Information sessions are also useful for students who are
simply exploring career paths and want to learn more about specific industries.
Make a great impression on employers at their information sessions!
Dress to impress! A business suit or business casual attire is appropriate. For certain organizations, demonstrat-
ing an understanding of their brand and image is also
28

7. Writing a Resume
It is tempting to jump to the resume as the first step when kicking off your search process.
However, the resume is a culminating effort, not a first step. It serves as a professional
introduction that links your background and qualities to a specific opportunity. A successful
resume will pique enough confidence and curiosity about you to secure an interview.
The key questions your resume answers for its readers are:
What are you capable of and what do you know?
How well suited are you for the role that is being filled?
A carefully constructed, well edited, and focused resume will create a compelling depiction
of your patterns of qualities, skills, and accomplishments in response to these underlying
questions.
Five Tips for a Successful Resume
1)
THINK CREATIVELY about experience. Your meaningful accomplishments will come from across
a variety of endeavors in your life. Consider businesses you’ve run, projects that you complete,
longstanding hobbies and pursuits, and contributions you have made, or other defining
experiences in your life. All of these can be aspects of your resume.
2)
Format your resume with FIRST THINGS FIRST. The top and left-hand side of your resume are
the most valuable spaces when someone is visually scanning your document and forming a
first impression. Use the first section heading strategically to ensure that your most compelling
experiences are at the top of the page. Thoughtfully choose verbs that are descriptive of your
actions and contributions to start each bullet. Order your bullets so the most compelling comes
first.
3)
Illustrate your PATTERNS of success. Showcase the skills you have developed through experience,
what you have learned or know through classroom or practical exposure, positive qualities you will
bring to the work, and a mastery of the language and culture of the realms to which you apply.
4)
Articulate the ImPACT of your contributions. Include measures of your success wherever possible.
Use individual resume bullets to highlight your outcomes in ways that will resonate with the
readers’ point of view. For example, using measurable, quantified results for a bottom-line-driven
industry.
5)
Write mULTIPLE RESUmES if you have multiple interests. Your varied interests may require equally
varied presentations of you at your best. Change the categories, order, and descriptions of
different experiences to ensure that unique readers of your resume recognize right away that you
excel in areas that are meaningful to them.
The Curriculum Vitae: What do I need to know?
Internationally, the terms curriculum vitae, CV, and resume may be used interchangeably. However, in the
context of academic or research-based work, a CV refers to a document with very specific content detailing
the research, teaching, and administrative expertise required of post-secondary faculty job applicants or of
applicants for research positions outside of academia.
The best resources for designing a CV are the Career Center graduate student counselors, the samples on
the Career Center website, or those found in The Academic Job Search Handbook by Julia Vick and Jennifer
Furlong, available in the Career Center Resource Room collection and at Perkins Library.
30
30

8. Anatomy of a Resume
Someone may have to mail
you documents or have
your address for official
correspondence. Keep
Address
Best
Phone
Number
your address simple. Only FULLNAME
BIG&BOLD
Best
Email
Address
include multiple addresses
if necessary.
Duke
University
Durham,
NC
This can include major, Education
Your
Degree
Graduation
Month
and
Year
minor, certificates,
• What
have
been
your
meaningful
educational
accomplishments
while
at
Duke?
specializations, or other
• Include
highlights-­‐
you
don’t
have
to
be
comprehensive.
degree components.
• Consider
GPA,
honors,
study
abroad,
thesis,
projects,
research,
relevant
courses,
or
other
components
You can use this section to
Other
Universities
Location
feature your study abroad
Degree
or
Program
Dates
of
Study
experiences.
• What
were
the
main
benefits
to
you
inside
and
out
of
the
classroom?
High
School
Location
A high school section is
Degree,
GPA,
or
other
characteristics
Dates
of
Study
most used by first and
• What
were
your
primary
accomplishments,
educationally?
second year undergrads or
those who attended schools
with a large or passionate
Interesting
Job
Location
network of alumni.
Specific
Experience
Category
#1
Role
Dates
• Bullets
include
an
active
and
specific
verb
that
describes
this
contribution,
learning,
skills
or
outcome,
and
details
and
data
Think creatively about how
that
make
it
tangible.
you design your categories.
• Prioritize,
with
the
most
important
and
relevant
bullets
first.
This is an opportunity to
• Use
concise
and
clear
language
and
industry-­‐specific
language
only
if
applying
to
that
industry.
bring attention to patterns in
your interests or skills. Look
Student
Organization
Location
at example resumes more
Current
Role
Dates
for ideas, but two general
• Write
about
being
elected
(what
for!)
or
ways
you
contribute
more
over
time.
Earlier
Role
Dates
categories could be common
• Include
a
variety
of
experiences
and
contributions;
no
need
to
replicate
information
in
similar
roles.
However,
repeating
type of organization, e.g.,
something
and
presenting
it
in
a
new
way
can
serve
as
an
enhancement.
Media Experience or function,
e.g. Research Experience.
Internship
Location
Specific
Experience
Category
#2
Role
Dates
e.g. researcher, founder,
• The
number
of
bullets
under
each
experience
does
not
need
to
be
consistent.
However,
the
space
that
something
takes
on
volunteer, consultant
the
resume
does
give
a
sense
of
its
level
of
importance.
Independent
Project
Location
Specific
Experience
Category
#3
Role
Dates
• Describe
your
initiative,
managing
a
huge
endeavor,
overcoming
obstacles,
getting
support
from
others,
and
other
challenges
you
overcame
when
managing
something
new!
Use a skills section to
bring added attention to
RELEVANT skills. Be sure
Language:
these skills are evident Skills
Computer:
throughout your resume
Lab:
as well.
Highlight
unique
aspects
of
your
background,
personality,
or
attention
to
professional
topics.
Interests
No need to add a line about
references being available.
This has been seen on
resumes, historically, but is no
longer expected. Save that
space for interesting content.
31
31

9. Haley Smith
300 Wilson, 9999 Campus Drive haley.smith@duke.edu 1 Wellstone Drive
Box 92222, Durham, NC, 27708 (333) 129-3456 Saint Louis, MO 63124
EDUCATION
Duke University, Durham, NC
B.A. in English and Philosophy Minor: Spanish expected May 2014 expec
• GPA: 4.0/4.0
Resume
Relevant Coursework: Computer Programming with Artificial Life, The Philosophy of Feminist Classics, Spanish Writing,
20th Century American Literature
Watkins High School, Saint Louis, MO May 2010
• GPA: 4.0/4.0
HONORS/AWARDS
Duke University Dean’s List with Distinction, Durham, NC Fall 2010
Samples
Mu Alpha Theta Club, Watkins High School, Saint Louis, MO Fall 2009 – Spring 2010
• Awarded for excellence in Mathematics
Princeton Book Award, Watkins High School, St. Louis, MO Spring 2009
• Awarded for outstanding scholarship, character and community service
Ram Pride Award, Watkins High School, St. Louis, MO Spring 2009
• Awarded by faculty member for honesty, responsibility and self-discipline
JET Engineering Competition, St. Louis, MO Fall 2009
• Awarded for advanced skills in the sciences
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Executive Board Member, Duke University Percussion Ensemble, Durham, NC Winter 2010 – Present
• Rehearse and perform with a 15-person percussion ensemble
• Serve as secretary, copying and distributing music to other members
• Collaborate with other board members to make executive decisions
President of Homework Club, Ladue Middle School, St. Louis, MO Fall 2009- Spring 2010
• Conducted tutorial sessions 3 times week
• Delegated student tutor assignments
• Successfully Recruited additional tutors throughout the year
Educative Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University, Stanford, CA Summer 2009
Board Member, Nishmah Banot Board, St. Louis. MO Fall 2007 – Spring 2010
• Planned and oversaw events for young women in the Jewish community
“It’s a Girl Thing: The Leadership Years” Program, St. Louis, MO Fall 2007 – Spring 2009
3rd Chair Member, Ladue Percussion Ensemble Symphonic Orchestra Fall 2003 – Spring 2010George
Duke
george.duke@duke.edu
• Rehearsed challenging pieces within a 10-person selective ensemble (999-­‐400-­‐7770)
• Spent nine months perfecting and performing a final senior piece with two other colleagues Address:
East
Campus
School
Duke
University
Home
Address:
6
Smith
Ave
PO
Box
99999
Orange,
NY
10708
Durham,
NC
27708
Company Ensemble Member, Arts in Motion Dance Studio, St. Louis, MO Fall 2002 – Spring 2010
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Duke
University,
Durham,
NC
EDUCATION
Bachelor
of
Arts
in
Public
Policy
Studies
Duke PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare Through Service), Durham, NC Minor:
Economics
Spring 2011 – arkets
and
Management
Certificate:
M Present
expected
May
2013
GPA:
3.35
Tutor at Forrest Park Elementary School, Durham, NC Fall 2010 – Present
Habitat for Humanity, Durham, NC Orange
High
School,
Bronxville,
NY
2011
Fall 2010 – Spring
June
2009
Cumulative
GPA:
3.8/4.0,
SAT
Verbal:
710,
Math:
770,
Writing:
760
Washington University Dance Marathon, St. Louis, MO Fall 2008, 2009 & 2010
Jewish Food Pantry, Saint Louis, MO Columbia
University
– Spring 2009
Fall 2008
Summer
2008
Summer
course
on
US
2006 –and
Globalization
after
sophomore
year
in
HS,
Grade:
96/100
Fall Economy
Fall 2007
Salvation Army, St. Louis, MO
January
2011
-­‐
present
WORK EXPERIENCE
WORK
AND
LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCE
• Completed
8-­‐week
course
on
markets,
fundamental
analysis,
excel
modeling,
and
research
methods
Duke
Investment
Club,
Analyst
Busser and Server, IL Vicino Restaurant, Saint Louis, MO • Monitor
club
p2010 – Fall 2011
Spring ortfolio
• Research
and
pitch
ideas
for
new
investment
opportunities
Duke
Business
Network,
Co-­Founder,
Director
Business
Development,
Executive
Editor
December
2010
-­‐
present
Tutor, Conway Elementary School, St.Louis, MO Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
• Created
weekly
TV
program
that
covers
financial
news,
interviews
business
leaders,
and
has
recruiters
give
Server and Cashier, Saint Louis Frozen Custard Factory, St. Louis, MO Spring 2007 – Fall 2008
advice
to
students
on
what
firms
look
for
in
applicants
• Develop
plan
for
each
week’s
show
and
recruit
leading
business
professionals
to
be
interviewed
Joseph
Dioguardi
Senate
Campaign,
Campaign
Assistant
Summer
2010
• Strategized
with
Senior
campaign
staff
to
determine
best
locations
for
campaign
events
• Contacted
potential
donors
to
raise
money
for
campaign
• Collected
signatures
from
hundreds
of
registered
voters
to
get
candidate
on
the
ballot
Orange
High
School,
Student
Government
Treasurer
2007
–
2009
• Created
excel
spread
sheets
to
jeep
track
of
Student
Government’s
expenses
• Developed
fund
raising
and
cost
cutting
strategies
turned
$4,000
deficit
into
$3500
surplus
Summers
2006
–
2008
• Coached
team
of
14
players
ages
7-­‐13
Rookie
Baseball
Camp,
Camp
Counselor
• Responsible
for
planning
entire
schedule
for
team
each
day
2006
–
2009
• Organized
meetings,
purchased
materials
and
delivered
sleeping
bags
to
local
homeless
shelters
Breakfast
Club,
President
2007
• Ran
off-­‐season
workouts
without
coaches
JV
Basketball
Orange
High
School,
Captain
Duke
Young
Entrepreneurs
2012
–
Present
ACTIVITIES,
SKILLS,
&
INTERESTS
• Participate
in
lectures
that
offer
advice
on
starting
new
businesses
Language:
Intermediate
Spanish
Travel:
Kenya,
Turkey,
Italy,
France,
England,
Hawaii,
Costa
Rica,
Peru,
Ecuador
Hobbies:
Intramural
Sports
(Volleyball,
Basketball,
Baseball)
Fantasy
Baseball
and
Football,
Tennis,
Poker
(Won
several
small
Texas
Hold
‘em
tournaments
in
North
Carolina
and
New
York)
32

10. Melissa Elizabeth Tator
4283 Peachtree Avenue, Durham, NC 34587 • melissa.tator@duke.edu • cell: (713) 536-8923
EDUCATION
Master of Science: Biomedical Engineering December 2010
Duke University, Durham, NC
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework Includes: Electrophysiology, Tissue Biomechanics, Bionanotechnology, Physiology, Tissue Engineering,
Molecular Biology, Physiology of Extreme Environments, Systemic Histology, Design of Medical Devices
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics and Spanish May 2008
Semester
abroad
at
La Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
GPA:
3.9/4.0
January-May 2006
INTERNSHIPS
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) May 2010-Present
Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX
• Compiled research deliverables and assessed technical readiness levels for the Human Research Program, which
• investigates the impact of spaceflight on the human body; presented information to management to aid direction of
research objectives
• Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of five to assist in the development of the Human Research Roadmap, a web-
based system which captures the HRP’s biomedical risks, Program Requirements Document, and Integrated Research Plan
• Shadowed the Biomedical Engineer Flight Controller in International Space Station Mission Control and supported Russian
Extravehicular Activity (EVA)
Wyle Laboratories: Human Research Program (HRP) Intern; Houston, TX June-August 2009
• Performed statistical analysis of NASA HRP Education & Outreach program data
• Researched impact of space on biological systems and drafted web text for “Hydration” activity
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Cartilage Mechanics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Duke University
Department of Biomedical Engineering Student Researcher; Durham, NC
• Developed PEG-DA microwell system to enable three dimensional culture of small cell populations
• Cultured type IX collagen knockout mouse chondrocytes in presence of cytokines to form cartilage tissue pellets
• Performed analyses on tissue specimens using ELISA, histology, and MATLAB programming techniques
Continuum Biomechanics Laboratory, Texas A&M University
Department of Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant; College Station, TX August-December 2008
• Worked on biomechanical mathematical model of abdominal aortic aneurysm under Dr. Jay Humphrey
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Lucia
T.
Rodriguez
206
North
Duke
Street,
Apt.
000

Durham,
NC
24700
Engineering World Health
Volunteer; Durham, NC August 2009-December 2010
lucia.rodriguez@duke.edu
(999)
333-­‐4444

• Served with a team of students to design an improved sphygmomanometer for use in the developing world
• Served as liaison to 15 hospitals in Honduras and Nicaragua to assess hospitals’ medical needs and arranged delivery of EDUCATION
devices and biomedical engineers where necessary. Demonstrated effective Spanish communication skillsconomics
C
inor,
Ethics
Certificate
GPA:
3.367
Duke
University,
Durham,
N
Political
Science
Major,
E M Deans’
List
(Spring
2009)
May
2011
Engineers Without Borders
Volunteer and Delegate; Fort Worth, TX and Cabezas, Bolivia March 2007-December 2008
RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE
• Designed and implemented engineering solutions to a school of 6th-12th graders in Cabezas, Bolivia, Researched
working with a program
design,
wrote
detailed
memo
and
presented
proposal
to
senior
–
Present
Duke
Women’s
Mentoring
Network,
Co-­Founder,
Durham,
NC
June
2007
WRITING
&
while mentoring
models,
developed
University
administrators
•
• Negotiated
$12,000
annual
funding
from
Division
of
Student
Affairs;
secured
Women’s
Center
partnership
team of four professional engineers
• Engineering solutions included drip bucket irrigation system, flow pressure measurements, water niversity
Chronicle,
Editorial
Board
Member,
Durham,
NC
Duke
U quality assessments, Aug
2008
–
Present
• Contribute
opinions
to
&
regularly
write
the
daily
editorial
in
Duke’s
independent
student
newspaper
International
Institute
for
Conflict
Prevention
and
Resolution,
Intern,
New
York,
NY
June
–
Aug
2009
electrical load survey, preliminary wiring and testing of diesel generator
Published
articles
on
CPR
website
Interviewed
party
counsel
for
evaluations
of
concluded
meditation
and
arbitration
proceedings
researched
and
•
complied
exhaustive
content
for
new
webpage
profiling
ADR
in
Africa
Hague
Institute
for
the
Internationalization
of
Law,
Intern,
The
Hague,
Netherlands
May
–
Aug
2008
•
SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Languages: Proficient in Spanish, enhanced by study in Seville, Spain in spring 2006 • Designed
and
completed
independent
research
project
to
identify
and
list
all
references
to
court
decisions
from
Computer: Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS statistical software, and Mathematica and MATLAB programming techniques on
n
The
Changing
Court
decisions
Cn
past
i20
years.
Results
included
in
conference
materials
in
foreign
jurisdictions
i U.S.
Supreme
annual
conference
“
i
Role
of
Highest
ourts
n
an
Internationalizing
World”
• Contributed
to
collective
effort
to
improve
and
finalize
substantive
texts
which
framed
conference
discourse
International, Alpha Chi Omega, Mathematics and biology tutor
• Regularly
edited
and
proofread
papers
and
speeches
produced
by
HiiL
affiliates
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Society, TCU Chancellor’s Scholarship (Full Tuition)
• Drafted
conference
correspondence
and
promotional
materials
Other Activities & Involvements: CoboBrothers Dance Company and Sabrosura latin dance troupe, Fort Worth Sister Cities
• Rapporteur
and
participated
at
HiiL’s
2008
annual
conference,
HAC’s
2008
annual
conference,
HiiL
seminars
WISER
(Women’s
Institute
For
Secondary
Education
Research)
Microfinance
/
Economics
Research
Team,
Muhuru
Bay,
Kenya;
Durham,
NC
May
–
Dec
2007
Designed
56-­‐question
survey
on
household
economic
habits,
a
poverty
and
needs-­‐assessment
tool
as
baseline
economic
data
for
Muhuru
Bay
Community
(IRB
approved)
•
Administered
survey
independently
to
200
households,
biking
across
Muhuru
Bay
region
with
translator
Fowler,
Measle
and
Bell,
LLP,
Intern,
Lexington,
KY
Sept
–
Oct
2005
•
Shadowed
bankruptcy
attorneys,
district
court
judge,
mediator
•
Duke
University
Board
of
Trustee,
Undergraduate
Affairs
Committee,
Ex-­Officio
Member
Aug
2007
–
Present
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
Contribute
as
full
voting
committee
member
in
quarterly
meetings
Research
and
interview
students
on
pertinent
issues
beforehand
to
present
a
nuanced,
informed
perspective
Duke
Student
Government,
Vice
President
of
Student
Affairs,
Durham,
NC
May
2007
–
2008
•
•
Negotiated
multiple
university
fund
allocations
for
campus
projects;
$100,000
ZipCars
program
design
and
proposal,
and
presented
proposal
to
senior
University
administrators
•
Managed
eleven-­‐member
DSG
Standing
Committee
on
Student
Affairs
to
ensure
each
had
a
substantive
project
and
was
making
progress
towards
completing
it
•
Presented
updates
and
power-­‐point
reports
regularly
to
DSG
General
Assembly
detailing
lobbying
efforts
President’s
Council
on
Woman,
Undergraduate
Member,
Durham,
NC
Aug
2007
–
2008
•
• Selected
as
undergraduate
representative
to
advisory
council
to
University
President
regarding
gender
issues
Baldwin
Scholars
Program,
Baldwin
Scholar,
Durham,
NC
Oct
2006
–
Present
SCHOLASTIC
HONORS
Selected
as
on
of
the
18
women
from
Class
of
2010
for
Duke
University’s
only
women’s
leadership
program
Advanced
Research
Independent
Study,
Durham,
NC
Aug
–
Dec
2008
•
Completing
quantitative
(using
STATA)
and
qualitative
analysis
of
original
dataset
on
judicial
recourse
to
foreign
law
in
73
U.S.
Supreme
Court
decisions
over
the
past
20
years
Eruditio
–
Duke
University’s
undergraduate
Humanities
Journal,
Durham,
NC
Spring
2007
•
Published
research
paper
entitled:
“Globalizing
Jurisprudence:
The
Use
of
Foreign
Authority
in
Domestic
Constitutional
Interpretation”
•
33

11. A Compelling Cover Letter
The cover letter is your opportunity to bring additional specificity and focus to your resume
with a specific reader in mind. You will write a unique and well-researched letter for every
opportunity to which you apply. This is your chance to present a compelling case, with
evidence, that you have unique skills and perspectives that give you the ability to thrive in a
specific role.
Before you put words to the page, paint a mental picture. Go with us on this; this step is
critical. Get into the mindset of the person making the hiring decision. Who is the candidate
that gets the interview? What are the most important qualities needed to be incredibly
successful in this role? Use these images to identify the most important messages that you
need to convey about yourself in this document.
The secret about cover letters is that they are essays and we know you have written an essay
or two while at Duke! What are the components? Present a clear thesis, provide evidence to
support your claims, and wrap things up with a succinct and compelling conclusion. This is
also exactly how you write a cover letter.
Not sure a cover letter is necessary? Think of the cover letter as part of the resume. If
someone asks for a resume, send a resume plus a cover letter, unless there is an explicit
request otherwise. This is standard practice.
Five Tips for a Successful Cover Letter
1)
make a STRONG FIRST ImPRESSION in the first sentence and the first paragraph. A persuasive
first sentence tells the reader that you are serious and keeps them reading. Interesting and
compelling information about your candidacy should be introduced in your first paragraph.
The final paragraph is too late.
2)
GO BEYOND general statements that could be true for the majority of candidates. Common
qualities or characteristics will not help you to uniquely stand out. Trust the resume to
cover the basics and use the cover letter to highlight bigger patterns of success or share an
anecdote about your achievements.
3)
Tell the reader about YOU. Communicate your interest and motivation to apply by connecting
your background and interests to your knowledge of the organization. Avoid reporting facts.
The reader already know their organization but want to know about you and why you are
applying.
4)
Write a SPECIFIC THESIS sentence. Put it at the end of your first paragraph. It will probably
read something like this: I am confident that my (ability to, background in, experience with,
etc.) and (knowledge of, skills in, etc.) give me the ability to succeed with your organization.
5)
USE EVIDENCE to build credibility around every claim in your letter. The reader wants to believe
you and needs plausible and detailed illustrations of your past success to do so. If you have
included more than a couple of claims (literally, two would be good!) about your ability to
thrive in the job, you are sacrificing depth for breath and duplicating the work that the resume
should do. Move extra information from the cover letter to the resume to improve it and then
trust the resume.
34
34

12. Anatomy of a Cover Letter
Resumes and cover letters are very personal documents. The examples here
are meant to illustrate possibilities—some of which may not pertain to you.
Use your judgment to best suit your experiences and goals.
Consider using your resume
heading as an alternate.
Your
Mailing
Address
Do your research to find an
appropriate name. In a situation
Today’s
Date
where you haven’t been able
to find this, a replacement like
Full
Name
of
Recipient
“hiring committee” can be used.
Title
“ Do not use To Whom it May
Company
Concern” or “Dear Sirs!”
Mailing
Address
Discuss what appeals to you
Dear
Mr./Ms.
Last
Name:
about the work or program by
going beyond the website to
clients, projects, news, etc.
Write
a
first
paragraph
to
introduce
two
main
points:
• I
am
a
serious
candidate
and
care
about
this
opportunity
BRIEFLY mention any action
• I
have
the
knowledge
and
skills
to
thrive
in
this
role
with
your
organization
that you’ve taken to be a
better applicant, e.g., people
you have met or talked to.
Write
second
and
third
paragraphs
to
provide
illustrations
from
your
experience
that
back
up
the
claims
in
the
first
paragraph.
Use
a
separate
paragraph
for
each
of
Set up the next two paragraphs
two
claims.
of your letter with a thesis
Detail
a
point
from
your
resume.
sentence.
Make
connections
across
points
listed
on
your
resume
Repeating
information
from
your
resume
without
added
context
or
insight
is
not
a
Example:
“I am seeking an opportunity
good
strategy.
to work in this positive,
collaborative environment, as
Use
the
final
paragraph
to
conclude
the
letter
and
discuss
next
steps.
Reiterate
any
well as to take on the varied
themes
from
the
letter
that
you
would
like
to
emphasize,
thank
the
reader
for
their
responsibilities that this position
time,
include
any
contact
information
that
is
not
already
on
the
page,
and
present
has to offer. My experience
actions
that
you
will
take
after
sending
this
letter,
if
any.
working with children, managing
large-scale projects, and
designing curriculum may make
Sincerely,
me a good fit.”
Avoid: “I am seeking an
opportunity like this and
If you scan your Examples
my experience and your
requirements may be a good fit.” Signature signature and save the might include
Typed
Name
.jpg file, you can insert when you will
Maintain a separate document
it into digital files! be in town for a
with all of your topical
enclosure:
resume
visit or a follow
paragraphs. Copy from and
up call.
(any
other
application
items)
paste into it to keep a useful
record of your cover letter
paragraphs.
What you say, for example,
about how you have managed
a number of significant projects
and deadlines as a leader in
DUU can be applied to any
opportunity where projects and
deadlines are critical to being
effective at the work.
35