Month: September 2014

Mark Your Calendars: Week of Sept. 29

This week we’re hosting lots of great opportunities for pre-law students! We hope to see you at some of the events below.

PLAS Events

The LSAT is over, and it’s time to focus on the personal statement! Our first Personal Statement and Resume session is today, Monday, September 29, 4pm, Room 514 IUB.  We will also offer this workshop on October 16 & November 10. For more details and to register for a workshop, visit our calendar.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, join us for a Mock Law School Admissions session with a Dean at 5:00 in Lincoln 1022!  Isabel DiSciullo, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Drexel University School of Law, will bring  sample applications and let YOU be the admissions committee. Along the way, we’ll find out: What do deans really think of personal statements? Do letters of recommendation make a big difference? How do applicants below the medians get in? What happens when an admissions committee disagrees about admitting someone? Dean DiSciullo will give us the inside view of admissions, so bring your questions. Pizza will be served. No registration necessary. 

Thursday, Oct. 2–Patent Law & Pizza at 7:00 in 165 Everitt Lab. UIUC Alum Ho-Sung Chung (B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2000; JD Cum Laude 2009), currently working at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C., will be here to discuss careers in patent law and the patent bar.  This even is FREE and pizza will be provided. No registration required. This event is co-hosted by Pre-Law Advising Services and the Intellectual Property Legal Society.

Our next Pre-Law 101 session will be Tuesday, October 7, 4pm, Room 514 IUB. This is a great workshop if you’re new to the University or just new to being pre-law. We’ll cover topics including: selecting majors/minors/coursework, creating a resume for law school, and extracurricular options for building pre-law skills. To register, visit our calendar.

Campus and Other Opportunities

Michigan State University College of Law FREE Webinar Series

Cracking the LSAT: Tips for Maximizing Your Score on the LSAT

Tuesday, September 30, 6:30-7:30pm CST

Gain helpful insights and suggestions for achieving your best score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).  The featured presenter is John Rood, president and founder of NextStep Test Preparation.  He will discuss skills that the examination seeks to measure; strategies for maximizing performance; and creating an effective LSAT prep plan.  To register for this free webinar, visit: www.law.msu.edu/admissions/events.html. Questions? Phone or email: admiss@law.msu.edu or (517) 432-0222.

Career Center Workshops
Visit www.careercenter.illinois.edu for more information and to register.

  • Finding an Internship, Tues. Sept. 30 at 4:00
  • Graduate and Professional School Fair, Wed. Oct. 1 at the ARC from 1-5
  • Exploring Graduate School, Thurs. Oct 2 at 7:00

Northwestern University will be on campus to host a Masters of Science in Law Degree Program Info Session on Oct 1 from 12-1pm at Career Center Interview Suite. This degree is designed primarily for recent graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. This session will discuss all relevant aspects of the MSL degree, including the curriculum, the program’s unique approach to course scheduling, career paths, MSL student profiles, etc. Bring your questions! Food will be provided. For more info on the MSL degree, visit Northwestern’s website.

Internship Opportunity

The Ethnography of the University Initiative (EUI) launched its undergraduate research journal PEER REVIEW: The Undergraduate Research Journal of the Ethnography of the University Initiative, in May 2014. We are currently looking for 2 undergraduate student interns to serve as Managing Editors, joining a team of 3 already in place. Ideally candidates will be upper division undergrads in either an honors program or at the senior thesis stage. We are also interested, however, in promising students with research or writing experience. The student Managing Editors work with and mentored by the Senior Editors and the Advisory Board.

As the undergraduate editing team will consist of five students, we anticipate an average of 3-5 hours per week. We ask that interested candidates provide a cover letter outlining their interest, a resume, and a reference from a faculty mentor or program administrator (McNair, James Scholars, etc.). All applications should be submitted electronically (as one document if possible) to eui-peerreview@illinois.edu, with “Undergraduate Editor” in the subject line. Deadline is October 6th, 2014.

Any questions should be addressed to Karen Rodriguez’G, Program Coordinator for EUI, at eui-info@illinois.edu.  For more general information on EUI and its mission, please see our website: www.eui.illinois.edu.

Law Firm Internship

Pre-Law Advising Services works with local law firms to establish internship opportunities for Illinois pre-law students. Here is an update on our latest internship opportunity.

Steigmann Law, P.C., has filled all currently available positions. They will be accepting applications later this year for Spring and Summer internships. Stay tuned to the PLAS Blog for further announcements.

Law School Interview Information

As the law school application period ramps up, applicants may wonder which law schools conduct interviews.  Well, most schools do not offer interviews as a portion of the application process.  However, some schools, such as Northwestern, offer and encourage interviews, while others offer interviews on an invitation only basis. We’ve created a handy tool for you–a spreadsheet outlining which schools provide interviews, and in what format.

Generally, if a school offers an interview program as a part of the application process, participation is strongly encouraged.  For similar experiences at schools that do not offer an interview program, applicants may be interested in a campus visit.  Campus visits will not be considered in the application process but still provide valuable insight into the schools.  Speaking with students, sitting in on a class and meeting some of the faculty will aid applicants as they narrow their choices.

To prepare for an interview: research the school, be able to answer any questions about yourself, and practice interviewing.  If any applicants are interested in practicing interviewing, please contact Career Services to conduct a mock interview.  The experience presents a wonderful opportunity to eliminate nervousness and receive valuable feedback.

To access the law school interview information spreadsheet, please visit our Compass page.

 

Mark Your Calendars: Week of September 22

Read on for information about Pre-Law 101, Personal Statement and Resume Workshops, a local law firm internship and more!

PLAS Events

Our first Pre-Law 101 Session is TODAY, Monday, September 22 at 4pm and it is full.  Our next Pre-Law 101 session will be Tuesday, October 7, 4pm, Room 514 IUB. This is a great workshop if you’re new to the University or just new to being pre-law. We’ll cover topics including: selecting majors/minors/coursework, creating a resume for law school, and extracurricular options for building pre-law skills. To register for the October 7 or October 27 Pre-Law 101 workshop, go to our calendar.

Applying to law school this fall?  You should try to attend one of our Personal Statement and Resume sessions to make sure you are on the right track.  These workshops start next Monday, September 29, 4pm, Room 514 IUB.  For more details and to register for a workshop, visit our calendar.

Coming soon…

Wednesday, October 1:  Mock Law School Admissions session with Drexel University School of Law.  Join us for pizza and Mock Admissions! Isabel DiSciullo, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Drexel University School of Law, will bring some sample applications and let YOU be the admissions committee. Along the way, we’ll find out: What do deans really think of personal statements? Do letters of recommendation make a big difference? How do applicants below the medians get in? What happens when an admissions committee disagrees about admitting someone? Dean DiSciullo will give us the inside view of admissions, so bring your questions. Pizza will be served. No registration necessary.  This event begins at 5pm in 1022 Lincoln Hall. 

Thursday, October 2:  UIUC Alum Ho-Sung Chung (B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2000; JD Cum Laude 2009), currently working at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C., will be here to discuss careers in patent law.  This even is FREE and pizza will be provided! The event begins at 7pm, 165 Everitt Lab. No registration required.

Other Campus and Community Events and Opportunities

Michigan State University College of Law FREE Webinar Series

Cracking the LSAT: Tips for Maximizing Your Score on the LSAT

NEXT Tuesday, September 30, 6:30-7:30pm CST

Gain helpful insights and suggestions for achieving your best score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).  The featured presenter is John Rood, president and founder of NextStep Test Preparation.  He will discuss skills that the examination seeks to measure; strategies for maximizing performance; and creating an effective LSAT prep plan.  To register for this FREE webinar, visit: www.law.msu.edu/admissions/events.html. Questions? Phone or email: admiss@law.msu.edu or (517) 432-0222.

Career Center Workshops

Visit www.careercenter.illinois.edu for more information and to register.

  • Creating Powerful Resumes and Cover Letters, TODAY, Mon, Sept 22, 4:00pm.
  • Career Fair Prep: Maximize Your Experience, TODAY, Mon, Sept 22, 5:00pm
  • Making Your Major Decision, Tues, Sept 23, 4pm, Lincoln Hall Room 1022
  • Careers in the Federal Government, Tues, Sept 23, 4pm
  • Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips, Wed, Sept 24, 6pm
  • Diversity Career Forum: Thurs, Sept 25, 5:30pm, Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street
  • Peace Corps Application Workshop, Thurs, Sept 25, 6pm

Law Firm Internship

Pre-Law Advising Services works with local law firms to establish internship opportunities for Illinois pre-law students. As we originally posted last week, we are happy to announce a NEW internship opportunity!

Steigmann Law, P.C., a young law firm in Savoy, just south of the UIUC campus, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Steigmann Law, PC engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, civil litigation, real estate, criminal, DUI and wills and estate work. Attorneys at Steigmann Law, PC have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Please email resumes and cover letters to bholder@steigmannlaw.com.

Law Firm Internship Announcement

Pre-Law Advising Services works with local law firms to establish internship opportunities for Illinois pre-law students. We are happy to announce a NEW internship opportunity!

Steigmann Law, P.C., a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Steigmann Law, PC engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, civil litigation, real estate, criminal, DUI and wills and estate work. Attorneys at Steigmann Law, PC have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Please email resumes and cover letters to bholder@steigmannlaw.com.

Also, remember to join us tomorrow at the Law Fair at the Union from 10:00-2:00 in the Illini Union! Over 110 law schools will be here to meet with you!

Mark Your Calendars–Week of September 15

Our biggest event of the year is almost here! Join us for the 2014 Law Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 10:00-2:00 at the Illini Union! Over 100 law schools will be here to visit with ALL students. Find out about joint degree programs. Ask about scholarships. Talk with admissions reps about what law schools are looking for. Ask questions, collect some freebies and fee waivers, and learn about law school admissions from the experts. For more details like who’s coming and what to expect, check out our website. See you there!

We’ve got plenty of room in our upcoming Pre-Law 101 sessions, which begin on Monday, September 22. This is a great workshop if you’re new to the University or just new to being pre-law. We’ll cover topics including: selecting majors/minors/coursework, creating a resume for law school, and extracurricular options for building pre-law skills.

Applying to law school this fall?  You should try to attend one of our Personal Statement and Resume sessions to make sure you are on the right track.  These workshops start on Monday, September 29.  For more details and to register for either of these workshops, visit our calendar.

Career Center Workshops–Visit www.careercenter.illinois.edu for more information and to register.

  • Finding an Internship, Wed, Sept. 17 at 5:00
  • Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips, Thurs, Sept. 18 at 4:00

Mark Your Calendars – Week of September 8

Read on for info about the 2014 Law Fair, the Political Science Department Fair and several Career Center programs of interest.

PLAS Events

Pre-Law Advising Services–Join us for the 2014 Law Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 10:00-2:00 at the Union! Over 100 law schools will be here to visit with interested students. This is a great chance to talk to admissions reps about what law schools are looking for. Ask questions, collect some freebies and fee waivers, and learn about law school admissions from the experts. For more details like who’s coming and what to expect, check out our website.

We’ve got plenty of room in our upcoming Pre-Law 101 sessions, which begin on Monday, September 22. This is a great workshop if you’re new to the University or just new to being pre-law. We’ll cover topics including: selecting majors/minors/coursework, creating a resume for law school, and extracurricular options for building pre-law skills. Applying to law school this fall?  You should try to attend one of our Personal Statement and Resume sessions to make sure you are on the right track.  These workshops start on Monday, September 29.  For more details and to register for either of these workshops, visit our calendar.

Other Campus and Community Events and Opportunities

Political Science Major Fair: Tuesday, September 9, 3-5pm, David Kinley Hall, 4th Floor
Interested in majoring in Political Science? Learn about Political Science honors, internships, study abroad, study groups, courses and more!

Illinois in Washington Info Session, Tuesday, September 9, 6-7pm, 119 David Kinley Hall 

Interested in spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C.?  Then stop by this info session! www.washington.illinois.edu.

Public Relations Certificate Program Info Session: Wednesday, September 10, 6-6:45pm, 319 Greg Hall

Applications are open for the PR Certificate program administered by the College of Media. This professional development program provides a practical foundation in the principles and practice of public relations. The undergraduate-level coursework is designed for students from any discipline who wish to develop public relations competencies and skills to enhance their primary area of study or expertise. Public relations is important to many disciplines, including engineering, English, computer science, communication, business, agricultural communications, and numerous others.

Applications are due by Tuesday, September 30 at 3:00 pm via the online application.  For more information and to apply, go to: http://experience.media.illinois.edu/prcertificate/

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Applications Due this Thursday, September 11.

Champaign County CASA will be conducting training classes for potential new advocates to speak up for the more than 400 abused and neglected children in Champaign County Court. These advocates become the “eyes and ears of the Court” and work with the child and social service agencies to ensure that the best interests of the child are met throughout the court process. CASA provides all the training necessary to become an advocate. No specific experience is required however, you must be at least 21 years old and be willing to make the time commitment necessary to fulfill the role of a CASA advocate.

More information about CASA can be found on their website at www.casa4kids.org or by calling the CASA office at 384-9065. An application deadline has been set for Thursday, September 11th and a background check is required.

Certificate in International Development Studies–Learn about this new certificate offered by Global Studies at upcoming Info Session on Sept. 17 from 4-4:30 in the Lucy Ellis Lounge of the Foreign Language Building.

Career Center

Unless otherwise indicated, Career Center events will be held at 715 S. Wright Street.

I-Link Essentials Monday, TODAY, September 8, Noon-1pm, The Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street

Are you new to I-Link, the jobs/internships database? This workshop will teach you the basics – how to navigate the I-Link system, information on available features, and best practices to search and apply for internships and jobs. We will also answer any of your questions! For more information about I-Link, go here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/about/services/ilink.

Career Fair Prep: Maximize Your Experience, TODAY, September 8, 5-6pm

Creating Powerful Resumes and Cover Letters, TODAY, September 8, 6-7pm

Finding An Internship, Tuesday, September 9, 4-5pm

Attending a Career Fair for the First Time, Wednesday, September 10, 4-5pm

Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips, Wednesday, September 10, 5-6pm

Selling Your LAS Degree at the Business Career Fair, Thursday, September 11, 6-7:30pm, The Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street

Pizza and A Professional: Owning Your Own Business, Noon-1pm, The Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street

For more information and to register for these workshops, go here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/.

 

Social Media and the “Grandma Test”

As application season gears up, applicants often wonder what they can do to stand out in the crowd of aspiring students.  In most circumstances, applicants focus on personal statements, résumés, letters of recommendation and other such materials as places they ought to “stand out.”  However, in the age of the internet, applicants often overlook a place where they may stand out in a negative way: social media.

Do law school admissions professionals really use social media to research applicants? The short answer is yes. Some admissions deans will see something interesting on your resume and search for more information. Many times a law school that is considering offering an applicant a large scholarship will do a little due diligence by looking that person up online. If a law school looked you up, would they see something that might make them question your judgment and professionalism? Some professors will even do a quick search before writing a letter of recommendation.

Social media can be a medium through which applicants illustrate their interest in a school, highlight their extracurricular involvement, or simply comment on their daily life.  More often than not, however, social media accounts can harm an applicant’s prospects more than help.  An easy way of discerning what should be on your social media accounts is the “Grandma Test.”

Ask yourself: would I want my Grandma to see this [post/photo/tweet]?  You may be thinking – my Grandma doesn’t use social media so I am all set.  Not so fast.  Admissions offices, prospective employers and many other gatekeepers of the “real world” do use social media.  So, imagine a conservative person in your life that you want to impress, and work through your years of tweets, posts, uploads, etc. deleting anything that falls on the wrong side of professionalism.  Picture of you drinking?  You are not exhibiting your social skills – delete it.  Post or tweet expressing your displeasure with an undergrad professor?  You are not simply exhibiting your constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech – delete it.  Continue this process until all of your profiles pass the test.

Social media faux pas can result in apologies from large businesses or individuals losing their jobs.  Do not let your social media accounts hold you back from advancing your career prospects.  Do not rely on strict privacy settings to protect you because it does not always work out that way.   A quick tip for all those who plan on applying to law school: clean up your social media and make sure it passes the “Grandma Test.”

Mark Your Calendars: Week of September 2

The semester’s already in high gear! Here is a roundup of opportunities for pre-law students this week.

Pre-Law Advising Services–Join us for the 2014 Law Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 10:00-2:00 at the Union! Over 100 law schools will be here to visit with interested students. This is a great chance to talk to admissions reps about what law schools are looking for. Ask questions, collect some freebies and fee waivers, and learn about law school admissions from the experts. For more details like who’s coming and what to expect, check out our website.

We’ve got plenty of room in our upcoming Pre-Law 101 sessions. This is a great workshop if you’re new to the University or just new to being pre-law. We’ll cover topics including: selecting majors/minors/coursework, creating a resume for law school, and extracurricular options for building pre-law skills. For more details and to register, visit our calendar.

Stress Management Peer Leaders
McKinley Heath Center’s Health Education Unit is seeking volunteers to become Stress Management Peer (SMP) Leaders. SMP is dedicated to providing education & awareness to UI students on stress-related topics and concerns. We facilitate stress-related workshops, participate in campus-wide program planning and other organizational events while embracing the diversity of our campus. This is a great opportunity to enhance leadership skills and meet new and interesting people. Strong communication skills desired. This hands-on experience is a great volunteer opportunity!

Interest session will be held at the Illini Union, Room 407 on
Wednesday, September 3rd, 5:00 p.m.

For more information please contact Rachel Foster at 333- 2714 / foster31@illinois.edu; or Steve Pratscher at prtschr2@illinois.edu.

Certificate in International Development Studies–Learn about this new certificate offered by Global Studies at upcoming Info Sessions on Sept. 4 from 1-1:30 and Sept. 17 from 4-4:30 in the Lucy Ellis Lounge of the Foreign Language Building.

Tenth Annual Sapora Symposium–Interested in a career related to recreation, sport, & tourism? This 2-day symposium includes speakers, keynote sessions, and access to the Recreation, Sport & Tourism Career Fair. Attendees receive 1 credit. The event is Oct. 2 & 3 but registration is due Friday, Sept. 5. Check out more info here.

Career Center

Unless otherwise indicated, Career Center events will be held at 715 S. Wright Street.

Finding An Internship: Wed, Sept. 3, 4-5 pm

Career Fair Prep: Maximizing Your Experience:Thurs, Sept. 4, 4-5 pm

For more information and to register for these workshops, go here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/.