April 2008

Issue 7, Volume 5

How would you like the chance to earn scholarship money, meet big name corporate representatives, and win prizes all while learning how to make the most out of your job search and resume?

The Monster.com Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) offers all of this and more. Not only is this an opportunity of a lifetime, but it is absolutely free.

The DLP was started in 2002 with only 3 city locations and 900 students, but it has since grown in the past 7 years to include more than 3,000 students and 9 locations.

Monster.com started the program for the nations top students to gain access to the nation’s top employers using what they call ‘edutainment’ in the process, which keeps things fun while you learn how to develop your networking skills and see what top companies are really looking for in applicants.

The Program is held in the summer for the elite who really have something special and unique to bring to the table, which is evident as last year out of the 25,000 applicants, only 15% were accepted. However, don’t let this discourage you; just make sure you build your resume to show you in your brightest light.

Last year, DLP awarded over $103,300 in scholarship money and thousands of dollars worth of prizes such as computers, ipods, and gift certificates. All you have to do to be eligible for these fabulous prizes and scholarships is to put your best foot forward and show the members of the corporations as well as the Monster staff that you are something special and have leadership qualities that should be admired.

At the DLP you will be meeting with other student leaders of all different backgrounds and life experiences as well as corporate sponsors. This year, some of the sponsors include Lockheed Martin, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Target, Citrix, Fidelity Investments, and New York Life.

During the program you are able to talk to these companies and get to know them over the weekend that you will be spending at the DLP. This allows you to network with the companies that you are interested in both in social settings and during the networking event where you are able to present companies with all you have to offer.

The way the program works is simple. I went through the process myself when applying for the Tampa, FL DLP last summer, and it was definitely worth the short steps I took to get the ball rolling.
First, go online and apply at www.Monsterdlp.com (while looking at referrals you can click on my name from the Campus Ambassador drop down list). Then you upload a resume, which will be used both in making the decision on your application for attendance and during the workshop on resumes at the event.

While applying, you have many cities to choose from this year. This could be your chance to visit a place you have never been. This year the events are taking place in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore.

You might be looking at some of these cities and thinking about the costs of hotel rooms and food, but I said before the program is free! All you have to cover is the expenses for travel to get to and from the city you choose. Since the event takes place on a college campus, you are put up in the dorms for the weekend and are provided with meals as well, there are even social events at the DLP, which keep things fun and allow you to meet new people with the same leadership qualities as yourself.

The website, www.monsterdlp.com, has so much valuable information about the program. It provides you with a sample itinerary of what you will be doing as well as a full sponsor list for this year, dates of the events, information on scholarships and giveaways, and much more. There are also links to apply as well as a link to apply for the special travel scholarship that will be awarded to 9 applicants going to the DLP anywhere in the country!

Remember the DLP isn’t for everyone, but if you feel you have something special, you are a true leader, and you want to make more of your summer than just laying in bed and on the beach, apply online! There are just under 50 days left to apply, so log on today and secure your spot.

I can guarantee that the experience you have at the DLP this summer will be something that you never expected. This program is really an amazing opportunity provided to students like us by monster.com.

If you any questions on the experience or the application process please feel free to contact me at jdickey1@binghamton.edu and I will be more than happy to share my experience with you or direct you to someone who can help you with your questions and concerns.
Jennifer Dickey is a senior who can not wait to graduate in a few short weeks.