Is Forage legit?

Research shows that almost half of college students do not have a clear understanding of what different employers do. Forage aims to change that. Of course, before I recommend any platform or product to students (even if it is free) I explore it myself. I want to know if it’s legit, if it is helpful, and if I’d want to stake my own reputation on its recommendation.

This fall I chose two different job simulations with Forage: one focusing on data visualization and one focusing on marketing. 

Screenshot of a Forage job simulation completion certificate as an example of what a student could earn.

Data Visualisation Job Simulation

For my first project, a company called Tata pointed me to tutorials for data visualization tools, and gave me data to analyze. I created real data visualizations to answer questions from the CEO and CMO. I also recorded a video describing what I did and how I did it. Between reading the materials provided, watching some tutorials (where I learned skills I’ll actually use in the future), and completing hands-on activities, the whole project took me about six hours.

Omnichannel Marketing Job Simulation

For my second job simulation, I chose a marketing role with lululemon. After extensive research, I ended up writing a creative brief for a marketing campaign for their new Mirror product. That project took me about three hours, but it could have taken me less had I not gotten “into it” as much as I did.

Insights

Full disclosure? I started a few other simulations as well, but I didn’t complete them. This is okay! Those companies (and you, dear reader) won’t know that I quit after I began. My name is oblivious to them. However, I did get to jump into something I initially thought might be interesting. Once I realized it wasn’t for me, I quit and moved to something else. 

After submitting my own work for both completed projects, I got to see “model” answers. These allowed me to compare my efforts to what the company considered excellent work. I did some self-evaluation and noted where I might improve in the future.

Here’s the key point: I was able to submit these work practices to Forage without showing them to the employers involved. Neither lululemon or Tata will see my work, because I chose not to share it. 

Why is that important? You might follow that same path if you are simply “trying out” a job. You might quit half-way through when you say “Ya… this job isn’t for me.” Doing a job simulation lets you get a glimpse into what someone actually does while they’re at work; instead of just reading about it, you’re doing it.

Conversely, anyone who wants to may share their work. Maybe you want to apply for an internship or job at the very company for whom you do a job simulation? In that case, you can submit your work for an advantage in the application process. Recruitment is, afterall, why the companies agree to participate and provide job simulations in the first place! According to Forage’s own Outcomes study, employers are twice as likely to advance a “Forager” to the interview stage with their organization, and four times more likely to extend an offer.

I’m not applying to Tata or Lululemon. However, I now have a digital badge/certificate that I could add to my resume, LinkedIn profile, etc. I could showcase these work experiences without having to have had an internship or job with either company. I think that’s pretty great.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros of Forage:
    • Helped me learn about the jobs of a data visualization specialist and a omni-channel marketing specialist
    • Helped me create potential work for my portfolio
    • Helped me make a connection to the two companies for further internships/career
  • Cons of Forage:
    • Projects take time
    • Projects are simulations, and therefore are unpaid

Interested in learning more? Check out Forage for yourself.

Record #’s of students at Career Studio

This Winter saw record numbers of K students visiting the Career Studio— and we expect that this will only continue as we head in to Spring.

Haven’t visited us yet? Check it out— we’re here to help you. No question is silly, no visit is too late (or too early!) in your college career. We can’t wait to talk with you about your upcoming summer plans, new major, or next steps after graduation.

Stop by Weeks 1-10, 10 AM-2PM, Monday through Friday in Dewing Basement or on MS Teams at: https://bit.ly/KVirtualCareerStudio.

What Can I Do With This Major?

Excited for Declaration of Major Day next week? The CCPD’s resource, “What Can I Do With This Major?” gives you some great ideas of not only career paths but links to job outlooks, professional networks, etc.

Whether you’re exploring majors or searching for information about your chosen field, this website will help. Learn typical career areas and types of employers that hire in these fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate. Continue your research through the websites provided.

Logo for What Can I Do With This Major service with additional logo stating Kalamazoo College CCPD and Handshake

In-person meetings in the time of COVID-19

Handshakes? Masks? Social distancing? What is proper etiquette? Experts agree: public health is more important than traditional U.S. cultural norms. And… you still want to know how to make your best first impression. Whether you are heading to a networking event or interviewing for a job or internship— the return to the possibility of in-person events brings new challenges on top of typical nerves. Here’s what you need to know:

Door sign that states "Handshake free zone".

Ask about COVID-19 etiquette in advance of interviews

Certain normal pleasantries like handshakes may be out and replaced with a friendly nod or wave. The interviewer might ask you to wash or sanitize your hands before the interview begins. Knowing this information beforehand will help you come across as prepared and professional. If you don’t know the expectations, decide on what feels comfortable to you: nodding, waving, and bowing are all ways to acknowledge meeting someone for the first time without touching them. If meeting in person feels awkward, it’s fine to call out that awkwardness. “It’s so nice to meet you— I’d shake your hand, but of course the pandemic makes that awkward.” Then, move on to more relevant conversation.

Be prepared to discuss the pandemic

The pandemic is not a topic that can or should be avoided in conversation. Be prepared for comments about it (and questions!) to come up. Think about how you might answer questions about how you’ve been handling the chaos. Note that people you meet likely have a wide variety of experiences and an even wider sense of how much they do or do not want to share (as do you!). Preparing in advance and practicing deflecting inquiries that feel uncomfortable will go a long way. How might you answer some of these newly common interview questions?

Keep your face covered

Face masks are the new normal in situations with new people or large gatherings (recommended by the CDC and may be required by the hosts). Despite our collective experience, they still make expressing enthusiasm more difficult. Body language has become more important, including nodding, making hand gestures, facing your body towards the person you’re talking to, and making eye contact. Practice enunciating and speak slower than normal to ensure that you don’t have to keep repeating yourself. And, when awkwardness surrounding masks inevitably comes up (“Sorry, what was that you said?”) remember that it is happening to everyone; don’t let it derail your confidence.

Keep your distance

Pre-pandemic, conversations between folks were often closer than 6-feet. Take note of where others are standing/sitting, and be mindful of your own comfort level with physical distance. Again, it may still feel awkward, but it is collectively awkward. You may need to speak a little louder than normal.

Practice

New problems need new solutions. Use the CCPD’s 24/7 Big Interview platform to set yourself up for success. Then meet with a career coach for a mock interview to feel most prepared.

Masking Up The Interview

“I wear a mask. And that mask, it’s not to hide who I am, but to create what I am.” – Batman

Superheroes wear masks. That’s what I told my son as we walked to his first day of kindergarten. We had been preparing by wearing the mask around the house. But, since he hadn’t been inside a building other than our house in several months, he didn’t have much experience.

Us adults? We’ve all had plenty of time to get used to wearing masks. However, we might not have thought about how they might impact our job search— especially when it comes to in-person interviews.

Lego Batman

It’s important to take mask-wearing seriously. And even more important to do so in an interview, since you may be in close contact. Keep these tips in mind:

  1. Wear the mask properly. A properly worn mask must be worn over the nose and over the chin. Anything below the nose and above the chin puts you and the interviewer at risk. It is important to keep in mind that you are wearing a mask for your protection and for the employers’ protection. If you are both wearing masks, the chance of spreading infection decreases significantly. 
  2. Practice. Make sure you can be heard clearly and that you can articulate through the mask without sounding muffled. Practice at home in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice by speaking to someone directly while wearing it. While half of your face is covered, be sure to practice an appropriate tone of voice, projection, and articulation.
  3. Notice your non-verbal cues. Facial expressions are harder to read. Consider the story your eyes are telling. Worry less about using hand gestures to help get your point across. Be mindful of your overall body language.
  4. Safety first. Safety should always be the first priority when considering what mask to wear to an interview. Coordinating with your interview attire may be of interest, but is secondary to function. Refer to CDC guidance on appropriate masks types and usage.
  5. Plan your specific mask choice. Don’t just grab a mask last-minute. Consider your options. Is your mask visibly clean? Do you want it to match your interview outfit? Do you want it to make a creative/artistic statement? Will your political or social affiliation, sarcastic comment, etc. help or hurt you in this particular situation? Answers to these vary by individual— think critically ahead of time and go with your gut. We recommend keeping things professional at all times.

CONCLUSION

“The mask is not for you, it’s to protect the people you care about.” (Batman, of course.)

In-person interviewing in the time of COVID-19 takes extra planning and precautions. Keep mindful that the interviewers themselves are also relatively new to this, and everyone is likely to give grace regarding the slightly awkward realities that inevitably happen.

Questions to Ask to Assess an Organization’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As you become more engaged in racial justice and social impact, you may become increasingly conscious of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during your job search activities. You may want to know if a potential employer values DEI.

“Conscious job seeking is searching for employment or contractor opportunities that align with your vision, mission, values, and goals,” explains Chelsea C. Williams, founder and CEO of College Code.

According to Williams, students using conscious job seeking change their mindset from just getting a job to actually seeking an opportunity that aligns with their “big picture.”

Although DEI is not an important value for every student, for those who believe it matters, it is important to ensure that they are working within a company whose values match theirs. Williams says that a company that truly values DEI:

  • Has made commitments to foster a safe and healthy work environment;
  • Is taking actionable steps to improve representation across all levels and titles;
  • Holds leaders, managers, and employees accountable for actions and behaviors; and
  • Has sought to center equity through all aspects of the employee process—recruitment, training and development, promotions, pay, benefits, and more.

You can assess an organization’s commitment to DEI, in part, by asking potential employers questions that can help you to differentiate between organizations that have taken performative steps in this area and others that are truly committed to advancing DEI and have made progress.   

“Asking questions will often provide students with an understanding of where the company is in their DEI journey,” Williams notes.

Williams offers a list of thoughtful questions that students might ask recruiters during interviews or other interactions to assess their organizations’ DEI priority and commitment:

  • How does your organization define diversity? What lenses of diversity has your organization made a direct commitment toward?
  • Does your organization have a chief diversity officer (CDO) or a designated leader to drive DEI and engage internal and external stakeholders? 
  • What social causes does your organization support?
  • Does your organization actively support diverse suppliers, contractors, and small businesses?
  • Has your organization made any formal commitments in support of racial equity?
  • How does your organization center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
  • Does your organization offer any formal employee training around biases, anti-racism, or general DEI?
  • How has your organization prioritized executive accountability toward DEI advancement?
  • Does your organization have any affinity groups or committees to support diverse populations? If so, how do these groups contribute to the culture of the organization?
  • Does your organization complete annual compensation equity analysis?
  • What resources has your organization provided to its employees in support of COVID-19 and racial injustices?

The answers you receive could help you make a decision about which employers to pursue employment with and those with which, perhaps, to end the recruiting process because their values do not align.

“Students are looking for authenticity and progress from employers,” Williams explains. “An organization may not check of all their boxes around DEI, but maybe it has made the commitment to do and be better. That’s wonderful!”

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Considering an Opportunity to Work as an Independent Contractor?

Working as an independent contractor can be a rewarding and satisfying career option. It is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved with any working relationship.

While your career services office can provide general guidance on working as an independent contractor, this area of employment law is complicated, and laws vary by state; questions about specific situations should be addressed to legal counsel. Before signing any agreement with a company or organization, you should fully understand the terms of the contract.

road sign marking employed vs independent choices

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What would my employment status be as an independent contractor?

Answer: There is a fundamental difference between being employed on a full-time regular basis by an employer and engaging in an independent contractor relationship.

A typical full-time employment relationship includes being placed on the employer’s payroll in which income earned is subject to taxes and the employer withholds those taxes from the employee’s paycheck. All income earned during the course of a calendar/tax year is reported by the employer to the employee and to the government on the form W-2. In addition, employees may be entitled to other benefits of employment, such as health insurance, vacation and sick time, and so forth.

There are two scenarios in which a company may form a relationship with an independent contractor: 1) The company may work directly with the contractor to negotiate and sign terms for work and pay; or 2) a company may hire a contractor through a third party. Either way, independent contractors are effectively self-employed.

Independent contractors should enter into a contracted agreement to provide services to a client in exchange for a fee (lump sum, hourly, weekly, monthly, piecemeal, per assignment, or some other arrangement). Independent contractors are not placed on an employer’s payroll; instead, the independent contractor typically invoices the client for work performed, and the client pays the independent contractor directly. The client does not withhold taxes from the payment, and the independent contractor is responsible for satisfying all tax obligations. All income earned during the course of a calendar/tax year is reported to the independent contractor and to the federal government by the client on Form 1099.

Most organizations are careful to distinguish independent contractors from employees. The federal government has adopted common law principles to determine an independent contractor relationship for federal income tax purposes. (Please refer to “Relationships Between Workers and Hiring Organizations” to determine the difference.) Courts in different jurisdictions may apply different tests for making the determination between contractor and employee, and there may also be local and state tax considerations.

Question: Who might I work for as an independent contractor? 

Answer: Many organizations, large and small, engage the services of independent contractors. You’ll find that independent contractors work in a wide variety of industries, such as consumer products, transportation, technology, manufacturing, real estate, journalism, education abroad, and so forth. The “gig” economy is growing and is defined as a “labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.”

Question: How will I be paid? 

Answer: Organizations typically disclose the terms and conditions of payment through a written agreement directly with the independent contractor. The agreement should describe how and when payment will be made. The payment terms should be spelled out clearly in writing and agreed to by all parties before work is performed. The agreement should also explain how payment disputes may be settled. (Note: Generally, any dispute involving payment would be resolved either independently or through potential litigation to collect amounts that are due.)

Before signing any agreement, you should fully understand all of the terms and conditions of the contract. Your career services office may be helpful in understanding an agreement. However, consultation with an attorney may be necessary for full understanding of a contract.

Question: Are independent contractors eligible for benefits offered by an employer to its employees? 

Answer: Independent contractors are generally not eligible for benefits the client makes available to its employees. Independent contractors are responsible for their own benefits such as health insurance and retirement benefits. Independent contractors are also required to pay all taxes associated with the 1099 payments made to them by the client.

Question: Are there risks and responsibilities associated with being an independent contractor rather than an employee? 

Answer: The independent contractor generally assumes all responsibility for tax obligations, acquire their own benefits, manage billing and collections, maintain appropriate licensing and insurance, and accept legal responsibilities and exposure associated with performing the job.

Question: Am I protected by the same employment laws as an employee?

Answer: In general, independent contractors are not protected by employment laws since they are self-employed, depending on the state where the contractor performs its services. For example, laws that provide for a safe work environment that is free from health risks, harassment, or discrimination protect the rights of employees but may exclude independent contractors depending on state specific laws and regulations. This underscores the critical importance of a written agreement that spells out how the relationship will function, what the expectations are on both sides, and how payment and work performance will be handled. Claims for workers’ compensation are also generally available only to employees, so if you are injured at work you may be prohibited from filing such a claim.

Question:What kind of investment might I be expected to make?

Answer: Independent contractors who sell the products and/or services of a client will likely be required to learn the client’s product and/or services. This may involve an investment by the independent contractor both in time and expense. The time investment may include taking weeks or months to be trained in product knowledge, and this time may be without income, depending on the terms of the contract.

Some positions require independent contractors to purchase goods and/or services, which the contractor then sells to customers. (It is important to understand up front if unsold inventory can be returned after a specific period of time or if the independent contractor assumes the loss. This should be stipulated in the agreement.) The independent contractor may also be expected to incur other related expenses, such as securing licensing, where applicable.

Be wary of arrangements where compensation is based on recruiting others to sell products rather than on your ability to provide goods and services to a customer. Fully understand any training or support fees prior to signing any contract.

Question: What if a client is unhappy with the quality of my work or the products or services we are selling?

Answer: The independent contractor is usually accountable for satisfying specific performance expectations, including delivering customer service. Your agreement as an independent contractor should clearly define how you should handle any customer-related complaints, e.g., returning defective products, doing a job over, and so forth.

Question: What do I do if a client wants me to sign an agreement immediately?

Answer: As with any agreement, if someone does not want to give you adequate time to think it over or consult with others, you should proceed with caution. Ask for more time to consider the opportunity and to discuss it with a trusted professional before you sign any documents. Your career services office may be helpful in understanding an agreement. However, consultation with an attorney may be necessary for a full understanding of a contract.

Question:If I am an international student, what should I be aware of?

Answer: Be cautious. Check with your career center, office of international affairs resources first and, perhaps, an immigration attorney. Know your work authorization status and be transparent when working with the employer in securing the needed documents in a timely manner.

Reviewed and revised by the 2020 Principles for Ethical Professional Practice Committee.

Making LinkedIn Actually Work

Here’s a common refrain in my coaching practice:

kalamazoo college alumni network on linkedin

Me: “Do you have a LinkedIn profile?”

Student: “I have one, but I’m not doing anything with it. It’s blank.”

Me: “I get this a lot. Here’s what you can do with a free profile that will actually help you get an internship. You might be surprised, but it has virtually nothing to do with searching jobs posted…”

Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but the majority of our students have a basic profile with the title of “student”. They created it, probably because someone told them they should, and maybe they have added their roommates or a few friends.

But there’s so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.

Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers. Try these tips for designing and using your LinkedIn profile.

Designing your LinkedIn Profile:

1. Edit your headline. Start by writing a specific headline. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more. Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them. You have 230 characters here. Examples might be “Aspiring policy-maker looking to gain experience on the ground in the nonprofit sector”, or, “Creative programmer seeking opportunities to utilize data analytics skills”

2. Update your summary. Your summary is where you can add more details and showcase your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact. Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.

3. Choose your photo. Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light. Consider your background photo—do you see others in your industries of interest with creative backgrounds? What makes sense for you?

4. Add keywords. Help recruiters and automated search tools to find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary.

5. Choose your URL. LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can change it to something that you like better or might work more effectively for you. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial, a hyphen, or an underscore.

6. Welcome recruiters. Is your profile visible to recruiters? Go into your privacy settings to be sure that you’ve opted to let them know that you want to hear from them. You’ll need to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.

7. Be consistent. Your resume is usually written for a specific opening while your profile is a more general statement. Still, you want them to be similar enough to avoid causing any confusion. If you are searching for multiple types of roles, talk with a career professional about how to make a headline/summary that keeps you open.

8. Check the meter. LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you rate yourself. It will give you helpful recommendations about additional steps you can take, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.

Actively Using Your LinkedIn Profile:

1. Find Kalamazoo College alumni doing things you find interesting. Check out their (often circuitous) career paths. How might you get where they are now? What skills do they have? Check out this >2 minute video on how to use the Alumni Tool.

2. Gather recommendations and endorsements. Recruiters want to know what others say about you. Ask former classmates, professors, employers and other contacts for recommendations. Use your endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. Not sure how to ask for a recommendation? Write one for someone else! If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.

3. Write and publish. Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. You are already writing for your classes, why not share that writing publiclly?

4. Follow companies of interest. Like/comment on their posts.

5. Join groups. Look for groups in your subject area and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions.

6. Monitor your connections. Stay on the lookout for valuable connections to add to your network. Send them personal invitations that will make a positive impression. Did someone recently give you a business card? Add them that evening! Did you meet an alum at an event on campus? Reach out!

7. Encourage others. Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections.

Your LinkedIn profile is much more than just an online resume. Utilize it to maintain and develop your network— without ever having to change out of sweatpants!