June 2005

We’d like to know what you think about e-TrueBlue: Recent Grads and how we can improve it to serve you better. Please take this quick online survey to provide us with feedback. You'll be entered to win a free "Leaders and Best" T-shirt. Access the survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224DYPM4XFW.

In the Know

Moving to a new city? Let Urban Hostess welcome you! Founded by Michigan grad Jeremy Abelson, ’03, and Indiana University alum Steven Kamali, Urban Hostess is a new Web site that provides residential and professional solutions to the college grad moving to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC. Whether you want to know the best apartment buildings in New York or need a discount on your local gym membership, Urban Hostess is there. And don’t forget to check out the Alumni Association’s Relocation Connection program that will also help you find friendly Wolverines wherever you go.

If you’re repaying student loans, don’t wait to consolidate. Interest rates on federal student loans are rising drastically—by almost 2 percent—on July 1. The Federal Stafford loan rate will jump 1.93 percentage points to 5.3 percent, while the Federal PLUS loans for parents will also rise 1.93 percentage points to 6.1 percent. Consolidate your loans in today’s low-rate environment. By doing so, all your loans will be bundled into one, and you’ll lock in a single rate on the money you owe. For more information, visit CNNMoney.

Association News

We welcome members of the Class of 2005 to e-TrueBlue: Recent Grads and to the Alumni Association. Be sure to take advantage of all the great resources we offer new and recent graduates as you get started on your post-college life and career. You’ll love your monthly issue of e-TrueBlue: Recent Grads, where you can find useful information and timely news to assist you in your life after the University.

The Alumni Association’s goal is to keep you connected to other alumni and to the University and to provide programs and benefits that you value. Of course, as a recent graduate of U-M, we recognize that you have unique needs. That’s why we’ve created a Web page that pulls together information on the member benefits that are most valuable to recent grads, life after Michigan, and how to stay connected to your friends and alma mater. Check it out today!

Career

You thought you were done with classes after you graduated from college? Well, think again. Welcome to "Job Hunting 101 for New Grads," CareerBuilder.com’s guide to navigating the work world with a diploma in hand. And the “class” even offers some good news: 62 percent of hiring managers plan to recruit recent college graduates this year and one in four say they will be increasing starting salaries over those offered in 2004. Just keep in mind the five things those hiring managers look for:

• Relevant experience
• Professionalism during the interview
• Fit within the company culture
• Education
• Enthusiam

For information on how you can get an “A” in each of these categories, check out the complete story online.

Land the job you want—even if you don’t think you have enough experience. "101 Best Resumes for Grads" by Jay A. Block and Michael Betrus will help you parlay your college education into a great job. Worried that you don’t have enough work experience? The book assumes that you have no prior work history or job experience and helps you create a stellar resume nonetheless. Check it out!