Occupational Wellbeing

Work within an occupation is how you define it. Work can include volunteerism, making a house a home, going to school, or a career/job. Your occupation allows you to contribute to society and gain compensation for your effort. The free market constantly filters for services and ideas that are of value to others. Your service in this economic structure provides you with financial and or altruistic rewards (I.e., raising money and volunteerism).

Resources are available to students online and in person. WSU Wellbeing online supports occupational wellness through workshops (see calendar and WSU Global Presence page). These events include but are not limited to time management, stress management, values exploration, financial planning, and more. Additionally, WSU’s Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC) is a focused resource for this dimension of well-being. ASCC offers information and original articles on exploring careers, finding success in academia, building skills for your occupation, and finding jobs/internships. The Center for Civic Engagement provides civic engagement opportunities, leadership training, and student organizations (Global Campus is offering online leadership training). Student associations and clubs are also excellent resources for students. These groups often provide opportunities to serve as an officer or in leadership roles while growing in an area of interest.

Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work

Navigating Occupational Wellbeing

In need of more ways to enhance your Occupational Wellbeing? Follow the drop-downs under the Occupational tab to learn more about career-building tips, how to practice mindfulness in your career, and supporting mental health in the workplace.

Career Search Resources

  • Indeed – The largest job website in the world. Indeed, posts listings for millions of jobs to find your next step in your career.
  • LinkedIn – If you haven’t already made an account with LinkedIn, it is a business & employment-based social media platform to help you directly connect with recruiters.

 

Career Services for Targeted Populations from theAcademic Success and Career Center 

  • Applying for Jobs

    Resume Pointers

    • Present a clear theme - Provide skills that are relevant to the job you are applying to.
    • Full pages versus old industry rule - Use the full page. Avoid white spaces.
    • Font size - The font should be legible. Sizes 10-12 are common font sizes.
    • Verb tense consistency - Consistent writing. Ex. If you’re writing in the present tense; you should use present tense writing throughout your resume.
    • Dates and locations - Should be listed consistently. Reverse chronologically is usually ideal for dates.
    • Lead-in - Top one-third of your resume should have a nice heading, professional summary, and your best-selling point.
    • Resume header - Provide your name, phone number, email address, and your unique LinkedIn URL.
    • PDF - Best results on the uploader side.
    • Who should review your resume? - Have different eyes look at your resume.

    Common Mistakes

    • Individuals tend to not include their LinkedIn URL in their heading - It’s important to have a LinkedIn and to post that as your resume lead-in
    • Professional Summary - A professional summary should be included. It shouldn’t be too vague or too off point
    • Too long or too short
    • Lacks appropriate format
    • Full sentences - Stick to bullet points
    • Typos - Only listing duties
    • Including references
  • References

    Asking For References

    How To Ask For a Reference in Person

    How you ask is just as important as who you ask.

    You need to be sure the person is willing and able to give you a solid recommendation for the position you are seeking. You need to ask BEFORE you list someone as a reference so you can ensure they are the best fit for this task.

    Here are some tips to help you ask in the most appropriate way:

    • Pick an appropriate time and place to ask. - Pick a time that you can tell they are noticeably relaxed and have time to chat for a minute about the position and your work. Find a private location, in case they feel they cannot provide the recommendation.
    • Ask the right way. - Ask "Do you feel familiar enough with my work to give me a reference?" or "Do you feel you could give me a good reference?". It is good to verify they can write you a GOOD reference.
    • Give them time to write!- As well as asking them at a good time, make sure you give them time to complete the task.
    • Ask for the reference at least 2-3 weeks before it is due.
    • Provide job description and updated resume. - Give them all the information they might need to touch on relevant points. If they don't know what you have done and what you are applying for, how can they recommend you for the job.

    Make sure your reference is able to answer these commonly asked questions:

    • What strengths and weaknesses have you identified for _______? Is he/she aware of these strengths/deficiencies?
      How would you rate the professionalism and integrity of _______? Please give your opinion and cite examples. (fairness, trustworthiness, loyalty, ethics).
      How do you think this person would fit into an organization committed to cultural diversity and customer service? Please give an example or explain how.
      Would you hire this person if you had a similar opening?

    • How To Ask For a Reference Over Email

      Many of the rules for asking for an in-person reference apply to asking for an email reference. The main difference here is you want to include information about the job you're applying for in your initial email.

    The Muse provides a fill in the blanks template that you can follow to write the perfect email.
    Keep in mind, that if you don't get an enthusiastic reply to your email, you're better off not using this reference.

  • Networking

    Networking Is the Number One Way People Find Work.

    You probably already have a network, but just need tips on how to expand that network and get the most out of it.
    Chris Miller, Career counselor for Global Campus, walks you through the process in the webinar to the left.

    Webinar Highlights
    • How to create your elevator speech - clear and short message (about 30 seconds) that shares who you are and what you're seeking to accomplish.
    • Systematic Networking and myths - The 4 goals, DECIDE, PREPARE, TALK, and LAND
    • Networking Tools - LinkedIn, informational interviews, Cougar Business Network, and more.