Issue 10
Westwood Social Media–Join the Conversation!
Do you have something exciting or useful to share with fellow students, staff and faculty? Do you have a question or an opinion you want to express? Westwood's social media network is a powerful way to connect with your fellow students, to network and find out what's happening on your campus–and beyond.
Since jumping onto the social media bandwagon a little over a year ago, Westwood's network extends to several popular platforms:
Facebook provides a gathering place for Westwood supporters. The purpose is to provide a place to exchange information, share news and encourage networking to help you succeed in life and your career.
YouTube is the place to go for videos about our campuses, to hear from graduates about their successes and check in on the latest events.
Twitter is a quick way to keep in touch with us. You'll find the latest news from our campuses, get great tips and find links to items of interest.
Flickr lets you view photos from recent events and snapshots of our campuses.
If you haven't already, visit all of our sites, sign up and join in on the conversation.
Ear to the Ground
Overcoming Obstacles One Step at a Time
Keith Deutsch has an understated strength, and he doesn't ask or expect any sympathy, despite life's setbacks. The Denver North Campus automotive technology student is an Iraq War veteran who lost his right leg in an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) attack in 2003. But Deutsch didn't let the incident keep him from living his dreams.
When the former Army Sergeant heard about an opportunity to participate in The Heroes Project with renowned mountain climber and former Hells Angels member Tim Medvetz, he took a chance and applied.
For the past year, Medvetz has been taking injured veterans to the top of the highest peak on each of the seven continents. Medvetz selected Deutsch to climb Mt. Elbrus, Europe's highest peak at 18,422 feet. This past August, they successfully reached the top.
"The whole time we were hiking up, we were talking about the guys in Walter Reed Medical Center. I was remembering the days lying in a bed, seeing my leg gone and just wondering how I was going to get on with the rest of my life," said Deutsch, who served as a machine gunner in the war.
Deutsch said going up the mountain was relatively easy compared to the descent, which tested his strength and spirit. But he prevailed and accomplished what most people with two legs will never accomplish.
After Deutsch's return from the two-week expedition, he started work on his degree.
Take time to watch The Heroes Project, featuring Deutsch's climb, on the ABC Nightly News. Find out more about The Heroes Project here.
Job Tip
If you're not using some facet of social media in your job search, you may be missing out. According to the article, "7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media," social networks have become part of the criteria hiring managers are using to weed out applicants. Many conduct background checks using social networks (primarily Facebook and LinkedIn).
Bottom line: Learn to use social media as another tool in your job search. And make sure that what you have on the various social media platforms is nothing you wouldn't want your mother or a prospective employer to see!
Check out all seven tips here
Graduate Profile
Elisha Bird, 2009 Animation Graduate
Elisha Bird has learned that life isn't always predictable and that it can sometimes throw you a major curve. Bird, a 2009 Westwood College Online graduate with a degree in animation, was faced with having to "restart" her career after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the crumbling economy that followed.
As a graphics and fashion designer in New York City, almost overnight Bird lost clients she'd had for 20 years, including Disney and Marvel Comics. At that point, she made the decision to finish her bachelor's degree at Westwood's online campus to build on her already considerable work experience.
"Getting a degree was no longer optional, since most businesses are asking for it up front," Bird said. She started classes in 2005 and finished in 2009, only taking time off when she had her baby.
Since graduating, Bird's been working as a Photoshop teacher at the City College of New York, and through her Westwood connections, she's been interning at a gaming company. She's learning about how to work as part of team and help design a game from the initial idea all the way to its release.
"At the gaming company, I'm learning everything from the characters to the interface to 3D work," Bird continued.
In the fall, Bird is planning to return to take refresher courses as part of Westwood's tuition-free graduate retraining program.
Check out her website at birdscratches.com
Campus Briefs
Inspire thru Attire T-Shirt Design Contest – Enter by August 20
All current Westwood campus and online students enrolled in the May and August 2010 terms are invited to flex their creative muscles and participate in the Inspire thru Attire t-shirt contest. The theme is "The Power of Education." In an original design, the task is to visually express how education can transform a person's life.
Two grand prize winners will receive an iPad and have their designs printed on t-shirts. Five semi-finalists will win an iPod touch. For all the details and to enter, click here.
Kudos to Honor Society Winners
Congratulations to Denver North Campus Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) National Honor Society winners. These students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement and awarded a certificate and an ABK pin at a special ceremony in June. And thanks to the Denver North staff and faculty for their support of and commitment to the students.
On the Net
A Couple Articles Worth Noting
We all know internships are a smart and important way to gain experience and further your career. Here's a great article on companies that are hiring interns. Be sure to also review the related stories mentioned in the article sidebar (e.g., "Turn Your Internship Into Your Job" and "Interning When All They Ask You To Do Is File"). There is some great information to gather as you consider or plan for an internship in the future.
And here's an interesting article from the New York Times on changing careers and how to decide what you really want to do in your professional life.
Westwood College Online
Online Workshops: Check Them Out!
Westwood College Online is holding its August term career workshops over the next three months. To see a list of the workshops and dates they're being held:
- Log into your e-college account
- Click on the Career Services tab
- Click on the Career Management Series links in the calendar of the Career Services workshops window
On-ground students can participate, too. Work with your academic or career advisor for access.
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