Volunteer Career Assistance Network

Your Ohio Wesleyan source for connections

The Volunteer Career Assistance Network (VCAN) is a service designed to assist students and OWU graduates in making contacts with Ohio Wesleyan alumni and parents in various career fields and geographic locations. We are continually recruiting new participants and expanding the Network.

VCAN members volunteer to assist students and recent graduates by providing information about their careers and/or the pursuit of advanced degrees. VCAN members have NOT specifically volunteered to provide jobs or internships.

Why should I use VCAN?

The Volunteer Career Assistance Network can be helpful to students/alumni at all stages of their academic or career pursuits. VCAN volunteers may be able to help you to:

• Learn more about career fields of interest and the skills needed to be effective.
• Develop a network of contacts to keep you informed about the career field.
• Become aware of employers' needs and the realities of employment.
• Learn the procedures for applying for a job in a particular field.
• Make contact with individuals who have the responsibility of interviewing and hiring candidates in their organization.
• Gather practical information about living and working in a particular geographic area.
• Become better informed about graduate and professional school options.
• Arrange for an externship or "shadowing" opportunity.
• Learn about internships in your field of interest.

How do I locate VCAN volunteers?

Come into Career Services (HWCC 324) or call x3152 to schedule an appointment to access our network.  We will try to find volunteers to match your interests. We can search using a variety of criteria, including occupation, nearest major city, and academic major. The results of the search will vary depending upon the specificity of your request.

Guidelines for contacting VCAN volunteers

Here are a few tips to help in contacting VCAN participants. Reading and following these guidelines will help you to build a positive rapport with our volunteers.

Before you begin:

• Research the organization and prepare your questions. What kind of information would you like to acquire through your conversation? (See suggested questions.)
• Remember NOT to ask volunteers to "find you a job." This is not what they have volunteered to do, so do not contact them with this expectation.

Initial contact:

• In most cases you will make your initial contact via e-mail, or in some in stances by telephone (at your expense). Pay attention to any contact preferences the volunteer has indicated.
• Explain why you are contacting him or her and your mutual connection to Ohio Wesleyan.
• If calling, watch the tone, quality and volume of your voice. Initial impressions communicate your seriousness and professionalism.
• If writing to the volunteer, be clear, concise and organized. Watch grammar, punctuation, spelling, style and format.

If you arrange to meet:
(Visiting our volunteers is the best way to use the network; a phone call is the second best alternative.)

• Arrange meetings that are convenient for the VCAN volunteer.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately for the work environment you are visiting.

Afterwards:

• ALWAYS write a thank you note to each volunteer you have contacted.
• Provide feedback and information updates to Career Services regarding your conversations.

Suggested Questions to Ask VCAN Volunteers

About the Person's Position and Career:

• How did you become interested in your field?
• What are the major responsibilities of your position?
• What do you like and dislike about your work?
• Do you work independently or with others?
• What skills learned during your OWU education have been useful to you?
• What is the impact of your work on your personal life?
• What is a typical work day like for you?
• How did you select this field?

About the Occupational Field:

• What are the entry-level positions in your field?
• What background (education, training, experience) is required?
• What are some of the best ways to prepare for this occupation?
• What position is best for learning and moving up in your field?
• What would your advice be for someone who wants to start working in your field?
• What related jobs are available in your field?
• What is another occupation, other than your own, which you think a person like yourself would find satisfying?
• What is the occupational outlook for the field?
• What are the trends in your field?

About the Organization:

• How would you describe the organizational structure and work environment?
• What are the major pros and cons of working with this particular organization?
• What qualifications, skills, personalities does your organization look for?

About Other People and Organizations to Contact:

• What other organizations in your city/region employ people doing work in your field?
• Can you suggest the names of other people with whom I could speak to learn more about this field?

For VCAN access or participation alumni may contact:

Alumni/Parent Admission Volunteer Coordinator
Mowry Alumni Center
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
 
tel: 740-368-3046