Take on a Cross-Country Adventure After Graduation in a 27-Foot Long Hot Dog!

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, headquartered here in Madison, is a Badger tradition. Every year, twelve lucky dogs are chosen to drive the Wienermobile as Hotdoggers, and UW-Madison has a proud tradition of graduates who cut the mustard. A few years ago, even Bucky the Badger took his turn behind the wheel.

Hotdoggers serve as goodwill ambassadors through media interviews and event appearances. Other than experience in the business, public relations and marketing industry, perks of the job include a competitive salary, expenses, benefits, clothing and a head-turning company car. Because of the incredibly unique experience shared between Hotdoggers, you also gain a great network of friends who work in a variety of fields that you can tap into as a resource for future career opportunities.

Tyler Mielke graduated from UW-Madison last year with a business degree in Actuarial Science and is part of the current Hotdogger team. Tyler (or Turkey Dog Tyler, as he’s known on the hot dog highways) discusses how the Wisconsin Experience has helped him manage his job responsibilities and what the life on the road has taught him.

From left to right: Caleigh Robertson, Tyler Mielke and Tracia Johnson

This year, three UW-Madison graduates relish the opportunity to drive the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

Why did you want to become an Oscar Mayer Hotdogger?
TM: I really got the travel bug during my four years of college at UW-Madison. I had summer internships in Chicago and Mexico City, and I took spring/winter break trips to Ireland, England, and Italy to visit other Badgers who were studying abroad. Being a Hotdogger seemed like the perfect way to continue seeing the world.

Where are the different places you traveled to during your first half and what is your favorite place?
TM: During my first half I traveled through the southern region of the states, so I’ve been all the way down to the southern tip of Texas, as far east as Florida, through California for a couple weeks, and through 10 other states during our journey from headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. My favorite event was the Corvette FunFest in Effingham, Illinois. We spent four days at the largest Corvette festival in the world and even led a parade of Corvettes around the city on the festival’s opening day.

What do you love most about being a Hotdogger?
TM: I love trying new food on the road. We talk to the “locals” every day, so we always get recommendations on what grub to try in a new city. I had some awesome sushi in San Francisco, California that I just can't get off my mind!

What have you learned about yourself, personally and professionally, after being on the road?
TM: Being a Hotdogger demands a pretty flexible person who isn't scared of things not going exactly according to plan, and I've learned that this is something I really enjoy in a job. I'm able to adapt pretty well to whatever situation, so for me, it is always exciting when things happen spontaneously. I have also learned to work with well with different types of people. Most of the Hotdoggers are from different parts of the country, studied something different things in college, and have a different way of getting work done, so I've learned a lot from the others on my team.

How have your previous experiences, through student leadership, work and academics, helped you become more successful in this position?
TM: As an undergraduate I was a member of the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Actuarial Club, and the Sellery Hall Association. My experiences at UW-Madison help me every day on the job as a Hotdogger. The Wisconsin Experience is all about applying learning inside and outside of the classroom, and living out this idea on campus has really helped out as a Hotdogger. My time on the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board helped developed event-planning and teamwork skills, and my job at Wendt Library helped me become a very independent worker. Both of which are important on the road.
What advice can you give to students who are interested in the position?
TM: Be yourself in the interview. The Hotdoggers are a very diverse group of people, and Oscar Mayer is always looking for a unique candidate for the position. Let them know what makes you special for the position.

As a graduate from the UW-School of Business, what professional skills and experiences have you gained this year that you will use in future jobs?
TM: I've learned some great communication and public relations skills. Every day I talk to people of all ages and backgrounds, so I really feel confident that I can engage in conversation with anyone. Also, I can say that I've created press releases and pitched media to all types of media outlets such as newspapers, TV news stations, radio stations, and blogs. I have quite the portfolio from this experience, especially for a person with a degree in Actuarial Science.

Oscar Mayer is currently accepting resumes through January 31st for a one-year position beginning in June. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Send resumes and cover letters to wmrequest@kraftfoods.com (Attn: Hotdogger Position).

Find out more about the position at the informational session on Wednesday, February 1 from 5-6pm in Union South. For the exact room location, check out TITU at the Union Entrance or online (www.union.wisc.edu/titu) the day of the event.

- By Rachel Kuo, former Hotdogger and current Social Justice Educator and Communications Specialist at the UW-Madison Multicultural Student Center. Follow @UWMulticultural to stay updated career opportunities and tips.

What is your New Year's Resolution?

It's about two weeks into 2012. There is always buzz and motivation for new year's resolutions in the month of January. To get to know our office staff a little better, I posed the new year's resolution question to them. Read on to learn about what the L&S Career Services Staff hope to accomplish in 2012.

"Work out at least three times a week."
- Sara Schumacher, Peer Advisor

"Personal: drink more water. Professional: update my LinkedIn profile" -Andrea Lowe, Coordinator of Advising

"Save money on eating out and food in general and learn how to cook/bake healthy food while on a college student budget." -Lauren Foley, Peer Advisor

"My New Year's resolutions:
Eat more caramel apples and pumpkin pie (my two favorite desserts) - they should not be reserved just for the fall season!
Rescue a dog from the humane society.
Walk at least two miles with that dog everyday.
Start working on a ceramics exhibit that came to me in a dream one night . . .
Here is an example of my ceramics. It reflects how I will feel when I'm walking my new dog!"
-Molly Krochalk, Career Counselor

"My resolution for 2012 is to live in the present and enjoy life day-to-day and not worry about what happened in the past or what the future holds."

- Jared LeBlanc, Peer Advisor

"Watch a new movie every month."

-Nicole Velez, Peer Advisor

"To be the MSSC Ping Pong Winter League Champion."
- Amanda Mueller, Career Counselor

"I don't have my own kids, but have a niece who is starting as a freshman at Middleton High School this year. So, my resolution is to attend Middleton High programming and/or Parent/Teacher Organization meetings, as some new ways to get involved!"
- Greg Iaccarino, Career and Internship Advisor

My New Year's Resolution is to drink green tea every day. I keep hearing how good it is for you and I thought it's time I start! - Ashley Overson, Peer Advisor

"My new years resolution is to maintain better control over my email inbox! I want to keep my "unread" email to 1 page." - Stephanie Salazar Kahn, Internship Coordinator

"To finish converting all the old Koko family photos (a project started at Christmas) to digital to share with friends and relatives."
- Marie Koko, Career Counselor

Does it fit? Determining if an internship is legal and a good fit for you

Over the past year, students I meet with have continuously asked me whether an unpaid internship is legal, and unfortunately the answer is “it depends”. As many of you know, the laws surrounding unpaid internships by the Department of Labor are vague to say the least. As it currently stands, internships provided by government agencies or non-profits are not held to the same laws as corporations/for-profits.

Despite the vague language and recent media attention surrounding internships, here are 10 parameters that may help you figure out if an internship is legal AND a good fit for you:

1.What type of organization is the internship with?
2. What type of work will the intern be responsible for?
3. What will the intern’s role be?
4. Who will be the intern supervisor?
5. What kind of supervision will the intern have?
6. What opportunities are there for training or professional development at the internship?
7. How does this internship further your career aspirations?
8. What skills will you have the opportunity to develop at this internship?
9. What are the costs to you in taking this internship? (Examples include travel, housing & tuition)
10. What monetary benefits will this internship provide you with? (Some internships provide stipends, housing accommodations, hourly pay or salary to name a few)

When all is said and done, if you still have questions about an internship, utilize your campus career services. UW-Madison L&S students can stop by L&S Career Services Monday-Friday from 12:00-1:00pm for internship drop-ins.

L&S Career Services is Open for Break!

Looking for a New Year's Resolution?

Discover the resources at L&S Career Services in 2012.

Top 10 reasons to stop by Career Services:

1) You've declared your major, but unsure what you can do with it in the "Real World"
2) You want to find an internship, but not sure where to start
3) The Public Service Fair (Jan. 26) and Career and Internship Fair (Jan. 31) are just around the corner- gotta get that resume up to date!
4) Free Oscar Mayer Wiener Whistles at the front desk
5) How soon do I start job searching?
6) You've studied abroad, but unsure how to market that in your resume/ interview
7) Check out the newly formed Academic and Career Advising Center
8) BuckyNet... what is that?
9) A little nervous for interviews? We can give you tips on how to prep.
10) Friends all out of town? Come see our staff's smiling faces.

Note: Drop-in hours are canceled through January 13, so please make an appointment by calling the front desk at 608-262-3921

Happy Holidays!

What Can You Do With A Biology Major?

Most students immediately associate biology degrees with medical school. But what if you don’t want to be a doctor? There are still many career options available to you.

For example, if you love both the arts and sciences, you could combine your passions into working with medical illustrations. Or maybe you love animals – you could double major with zoology and become a zookeeper. You could also become a marine biologist or a trainer. There are lots of unique career paths.

Do some research! All it takes is a simple Google search to learn what jobs people with your degree hold. Or, you can come in to our office to talk with a Career Counselor. They’ll be able to tell you more and even help get you connected with companies in your field. You can try a Job Shadow or Day in the Field program, where you have the opportunity to follow someone in the field you’re looking at to see what their daily work experience is really like. Check out our services at lssaa.wisc.edu/careers.

Aquatic Biologists, Inc. is one of many companies that hire biology majors. The work involves treatment with aquatic herbicides and algaecides to control nuisance weeds and algae in ponds, chemical applications on lakes for invasive species, installing aeration systems and fountains to improve water quality, installing aquatic plants for habitat, aesthetics, and nutrient adsorption, and performing fish quantity surveys.

Northeast Wisconsin Territory Manager Paul Leisten explains, “We are usually working out in the field for 4 to 6 days a week and the environment is always new and changing.” It’s a great alternative to a desk job, or to working in a laboratory.

But if laboratories are more in your field of interest, there are opportunities for biology majors.

Many graduates work in a research laboratory at a university or another institution, often while seeking a higher degree. A masters or doctoral degree can enable students to continue research work in a field of choice, or become a professor. The laboratory work while in school is a resume booster and helps students gain experience. Check with your TAs and professors to see if they know of any research work you could get involved in.

Idella Yamben, a scientific recruiter at Kelly Scientific Resources, advises, “Network! You are a whole person with unique capabilities and interests. All types of people are welcome in science and you would be surprised the opportunities that exist for the right skill set. You don't have to just be at the bench or be a teacher! However, making those transitions can be difficult if you are not knowledgeable about companies and skills. Your best way to help you stand out is by networking.”

Yamben also recommends exploring a wide variety of disciplines. “The most competitive applicants have a cross section of skills including biology, chemistry, business, training/teaching, and social/soft skills. If you can diversify your experiences in school (including research and internships) you will likely have more opportunities come your way once you graduate.”

There are many different options open for students with a biology major. You’re not stuck with going to medical school. You can get a job after graduation, without any higher education. Check out your options and find a career path that you love!

Being a Badger Has its Perks

Being affiliated with a university like UW-Madison has its advantages. One big advantage is using your Badger status to make connections with experienced alumni to gain valuable information about career paths and opportunities. Some of these contacts happen naturally as you attend events as a student. But you can be even more proactive in your approach to take control of your own career.

Here are just some of the ways to connect with alumni –

1. Search the Alumni Directory through the Badger Career Network

Our alumni have an alumni profile in our directory. They decide what information to make public, which may include email address, phone number, business address, job title and company. Students have access to this service, and can search the 30,000+ alumni who tagged themselves as a Badger Career Network participant. Visit http://www.uwalumni.com/studentcareer.aspx to register as a current student and start searching!

2. Join our Wisconsin Alumni Association LinkedIn Group

As a student, we welcome you to join LinkedIn and our group! LinkedIn is a great resource for those who are looking to connect with professionals in their industry or career of interest. Our group is open only to UW-Madison students and grads so you can more easily find people you’d like to contact. Here's the link to join the group: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/40224/0F2FEB0AA671

3. Stay connected with your career office

Your career office on campus organizes dozens of events each year, including informational sessions, career fairs and networking events — all of which feature or include alumni from UW-Madison. Attend as many of these great events as possible to start building your network.

Start using your Badger status today — check out www.uwalumni.com.

Gina Evans is the Career Development Specialist for the Wisconsin Alumni Association

In the Middle of a Job Search? Networking Pays Off!

Is hunting for a job really all about who you know? No, not all the time, but it sure does help.

In my role as a sourcing & diversity specialist, I often find myself stressing to job seekers how important it is to make appropriate connections that will assist in their job search. If you’re searching, I’d typically advise that, if you’re not already a member, it’s a good idea to join networks like LinkedIn or Facebook. Look for pages or groups devoted to the companies you’re interested in working with. On American Family’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages, I spend much of my time sharing information about our company, culture, position types, tasks/qualifications and other nice-to-know stuff, such as benefits and flexible work schedules.

So, you’ve done your research via social media. Will that help you get a job? Obviously, your skills and qualifications for the role need to be a good match, as well as your cultural fit with the organization and company values. Beyond that, who lands the ever-so-desired offer? Now, more than ever, landing an interview and then an offer is a competitive business. It’s a time when a job posting can produce upwards of 100 to 200 applicants within a few days or a week (not all qualified, of course). The way to rise to the top is NETWORKING. Know your skills and know how to network. I’ve witnessed this more times than I can count -- it really does produce job offers.

So, how does networking really work? The key to networking is finding the right people to connect with and then sharing some brief information about who you are, what you can do and what your interests are, in hopes that you can create a memorable impression. Finding commonalities with people will help them remember you and even cause them to recommend you to someone else – and that someone else may be just the person you need to know. I see this happen every day as I’m making connections for job seekers with our recruiters (staffing specialists), who in turn work with our managers, who hire for positions within the company. I’ve seen several job offers extended and accepted as a result of connections made through our LinkedIn Careers group and inquiries over the American Family Careers Facebook page, for example.

I know there are so many variables that come into play regarding career opportunities, from the type of position you want, whether or not you’d like to relocate, and most importantly, how the timing works out. Networking can help you spread the word about the type of work you want, where and when. And you never really know when it might pay off for you.

Here are a few of my favorite networking tips. When having a conversation with someone:
• Be brief. Avoid too much small talk and make your points.
• Set an agenda for your conversation, if only for yourself. You’ll stay on point.
• Keep yourself in front of your connections. Don’t forget to thank people for meeting with you.
• Search online groups or discussions to find industry professionals you might meet.
• Pay it forward – help others and they will help you.

Lisa Beauclaire is a sourcing and diversity specialist with American Family Insurance who also uses social media extensively to connect with potential job candidates. American Family is a Fortune 500 company specializing in property, casualty and life insurance with operations in 19 states. Connect with AmFam via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and The Family Room Career Blog.