Planning your FWT: A first-year timeline

Suggested Timeline (the sooner the better)
Steps to Secure an FWT Job

Summer—Mid-September
What would you like to do for FWT?

• Brainstorm interests, skills to develop, and fields to explore.
• Think about what you want to get out of your education at Bennington, and this year in particular.

Summer—Late-September
Prepare your résumé/know how to write a cover letter

• Attend a résumé workshop for help if needed.
• Come to the FWT and Career Development Office during walk-in hours, or leave a draft in the drop-box for review.
• Get great online info at the FWT website www.bennington.edu/student_fwt.asp. Summer – Early October Identify employers of interest
• Search for advertised FWT positions online at webinfo.bennington.edu/fwt/main.cfm.
• Your login is the same as for your Bennington webmail.
• Use paper and online resources available in the FWT and Career Development Office and on the FWT site.
• Talk to other students, faculty, the FWT staff, friends, anyone, and get the names of people who might be able to help you identify employers.
• Use the resources available through the FWT and Career Development Office to find alums and parents who might be able to offer advice.

September—Mid-October
Contact employers

• Apply for advertised positions as requested by employers (if specified).
• Call employers to inquire about unadvertised positions and to learn how they would like you to apply.
• If no phone number is available, send an email inquiry (be sure to adhere to the standards of professional business correspondence).
• Send an “Employer Brochure” (available in the FWT and Career Development Office) to employers unfamiliar with FWT.

Late-September—October
Determine fit with employers

• Interview with employers (in person or on the phone) to determine fit.
• Be clear about your goals and abilities when speaking with employers; ask questions to ensure this will be a good opportunity.

Mid-October—Early November
Secure job – start looking for housing

• Finalize position details. Send a confirmation in writing to be sure everything is clear.
• Begin looking for housing – talk to others, use FWT resources, check online resources.
• Apply for an FWT grant if needed (by 10/25).
• Request an extension if you qualify (by 11/9). Early – Mid-November Secure housing
• Finalize your housing arrangements. No later than November 16 Register your job! Late November Confirm registration
• Check your Bennington email to be sure your registration was confirmed.

Early—Mid-December
Prepare to go

• Contact the FWT and Career Development Office if you have not received an email to your Bennington email account with your FWT packet.
• Print your FWT packet if you will not have access to a printer over FWT.
• Check with your supervisor to make sure s/he has received and replied to the confirmation email sent.

December

• Reconfirm arrangements with your employer regarding start date, etc.
• Reconfirm housing arrangements.
• Make sure you have received an email confirmation and a packet from the FWT and Career Development Office for your FWT.

January-February

• Review your professional objectives with your FWT supervisor/employer.
• Set up your work schedule.
• Fill out and sign your FWT timesheet on a weekly basis.
• Review reflective essay guidelines and complete a final draft. (We suggest keeping a journal throughout FWT to help you with your essay later, but this is not required.)
• Meet with your employer to review your work performance and collect your evaluation and timesheet.
• Submit your reflective essay, evaluation, and timesheet by the first day of classes of spring term.

March

• Share your FWT stories with other students when you return, and find out what they learned.
• Speak with your advisor about your FWT experience and begin thinking about next year’s FWT.