University of Wisconsin-Madison
Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program

Getting Started

1. Determine what you are looking for: Ask yourself real questions about what you hope to be doing in five years. Do you want to work in the public or private sector? For profit or not-for-profit? Paid or volunteer? In the U.S. or abroad? How much money to you hope to be making?
2. Visit Career Services at 1305 Linden Dr. They provide career information, career decision counseling, resume workshops and reviews, interviewing tips, contacts with prospective employers, and a library of opportunities. They may be reached by phone at 262-3921
3. Visit Career Connections at the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Contact Kelly Larson at 265-2732. They maintain a network of Wisconsin alumni who can share their job hunting experiences, provide you with contacts from their own profession, and help create a database of crucial connections.
4. MATC has a number of employment opportunities in several areas. Please visit the MATC Human Resource Web Site for openings and descriptions. Jobs are posted regularly. Part-time jobs are generally not listed.
5. Also check the UW Systems Human Resources Page
6. Get involved! Consider becoming active as a volunteer or intern at an organization in your field of interest. This can not only build your resume, but help you establish crucial contacts, help you determine your long term interest in the field, and provide invaluable practical experience away from the textbook. Read newsletters or journals pertinent to your field to stay informed of current career opportunities. The field is growing every day!
7. Consult with a reference librarian. While the librarian will not do the job hunt for you, she/he can help you to navigate the maze of resources available on campus to find potential employment. The staff of the Memorial Library Reference Room are extremely helpful, and the Reference Room alone has volumes of pertinent information. It is definitely worth the time and the eye strain to pore over these books, as there's much more out there than most of us would have ever imagined! Job hunting is a full-time job; one with a satisfying career as its ultimate reward. Taking the time to do the research necessary is the most valuable advice!

Sources and Resources

• Anthony and Roe. Finding a Job in Your Field: A Handbook for Ph.D.'s and M.A.'s. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's, n.d. Available at Memorial, College and Wendt Libraries.
• The Career Guide: Dun's Employment Service Directory 1994. Bethlehem, PA: Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. 1993. Available at Memorial and Business Libraries.
• Hopke, William E., ed. The Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, 9th edition. Chicago, IL: J.G. Ferguson Publishing Co. 1993. Available at Memorial, Steenbock and College Libraries.
• Jackson, Tom. The Perfect Resume. New York: Doubleday & Co., 1990. Available at College Library.
• Kaplan, Robbie Miller. Sure Hire Resumes. New York, NY: Amacom Publishing. 1990. Available at Steenbock Library.
• Kregar, Shirley. After Latin American Studies: A Guide to Graduate Study and Fellowships, Internships and Employment for Latin Americanists. Published by the Center for Latin American Studies. University of Pittsburgh Press. 1992. Available at the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program Office, 209 Ingraham Hall.
• LeCompte, Michelle, ed. Job Hunter's Sourcebook: Where to Find Employment Leads and Other Job Search Resources, 2nd ed. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, Inc. 1993. Available at Memorial and College Libraries.
• Savage, Kathleen M. And Charity Anne Dorgan, eds. Professional Careers Sourcebook: An Information Guide for Career Planning. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, Inc. 1990. Available at Memorial and College Libraries.
• Seelye, H. Ned. Careers for Foreign Language Speakers and Other International Types. 1992. Available from VGM Career Horizons, 4255 Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1975.