e-TrueBlue - May 10, 2004
June 7, 2004
Michigan News

Boost productivity and morale at once

CareerPort Benefits Tips on informational interviews
On the Job

Prevent job burnout

Featured Article How to use technology in your career
Recent Postings Companies who want Michigan grads
This Month's Poll What keeps you going?


We'd like to know what you think about e-TrueBlue: Career and how we can improve it to serve you better. Please take this quick online survey to provide us with feedback. You can access the survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2HGAYBCF.

Michigan News

Research at the University of Michigan indicates that workers need to feel aware that their work makes an impact on others, even in a small capacity, in order to maximize job satisfaction and productivity. Psychology doctoral student Adam Grant found that most efforts that boost productivity usually hurt job satisfaction and most efforts which boost morale lessen productivity. However, his research indicates that if employers can make their employees feel as though they are making a difference for others, even in small ways, this can boost both productivity and morale.

Association News
It’s no secret that networking is often the key to finding a job or advancing your career. But you don’t have to wait around to expand your connections. Consider setting up informational interviews with leaders in your field in order to make contacts and make yourself known. Our Alumni NetWorks resource center offers a variety of tips and hints than can help you make a good impression. We have advice on sample informational interview questions, phone scripts and introductory letters. Check it out today!

Arts & Culture
The summer is here, and good weather and other distractions can make it tough to manage job burnout. Jobs are usually most exciting when they’re new and fresh, and many workers report feeling burned out or dissatisfied with their careers after being in the same place for a few years. Before you decide to drop the job you’re in, consider a few things: Which work achievements make you feel satisfied at the end of the day? Which assignments do you feel proud of and excited to tackle? Answering these questions can help you determine why you’re no longer excited about work. You can also find ways to re-energize the job you’re in:

  • Discuss new challenges and possibilities with your manager. You can work together to create a game plan that will keep you interested and using your skills.
  • See if there are any new projects you can get involved in.
  • Consider mentoring someone within your organization.
  • Set goals for yourself.
  • Eliminate any unnecessary tasks from your position. Discuss the options with your manager.

Arts & Culture
We recently talked with Borders Group information technology vice president of operations Greg Yarrington, MHSA’93, about the importance of technology in enhancing your career. Greg provided great insight and advice about how technology influences the workplace and how you can enhance your skills. Check out the interview on our Web site.

Arts & Culture
The Alumni CareerPort has 150 jobs listed right now. Below are some recently posted positions. If these aren’t right for you, search the job board and you may just find your next job.

Director of financial and corporate systems at Target Corporation
This and other positions can be found in the Financial Services category.

Area human resources manager at Lafarge North America
This and other positions can be found in the Human Resources category.

Strategic sourcing manager at Wyeth
This and other positions can be found in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical category.

Arts & Culture
What keeps you from feeling job burnout? Tell us your thoughts in
our new poll on the Alumn
i CareerPort.

 
 

Exclusive Michigan merchandise at the Alumni Store.


e-TrueBlue: Career is sent to all members of the Alumni Association via email as a benefit of membership. If you prefer not to receive it, please send an email to MAlumni@umich.edu with a subject of REMOVE ETRUEBLUE CAREER. If you would prefer to receive the text-only version of this newsletter, send email to MAlumni@umich.edu.

Unless indicated, the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan does not have a relationship with any of the Web sites or businesses mentioned in e-TrueBlue. The Alumni Association of the University of Michigan is not responsible for any inaccuracies found on these connections.