For many of you who will be graduating college soon, the thought of leaving a fun environment for the so called "real world" can be intimidating. Leaving what is comfortable and joining the work force to start your career is scary and difficult but not impossible. Being able to adjust to your life outside of college can start with the internships, networking and friendship you make during your senior year.
In several months, many of you will have to venture out and find your first job. There will be job interviews, resumes, handshakes, and lots of different pieces that play part in the job seeking process. Finding a job right out of college can be difficult but isn't impossible.
During your senior year, take time to intern and network with professionals in the area. Internships provide valuable real life experience that can put you a step ahead of others in the job search process. This also provides you an opportunity to become friends and meet mentors who can serve as references and guides later on during your search. Some campuses hold different networking events where you can meet professionals from the area. Taking advantage of these events can help you meet people who can help mentor your along the way and may even have a position available when you graduate. When presented the opportunity, take the time to intern and network with professionals who can guide you down your path of success.
In addition to networking, take the opportunity to mentor younger students in your field of study. At this point, you've had almost four years to develop the talents you had when you came in as a freshman and taking the time to help others will help develop relationships and teach you to be a team player. Many of the freshmen and even sophomores appreciate a senior taking the time to share knowledge, expertise and advice. Many of them have goals like you have at one point or another and they will never forget the friend who took the time to help them along the way.
By taking the time to mentor, it will also provide you with friendships and a reason to keep in touch with others as you make the transition into your professional career. Being able to talk to these friends on the phone, online, on Facebook, etc. will help relieve some of the stress and anxiety you might be feeling from leaving college. It also means a lot to these people that someone is taking time out of his or her day to keep tabs on how they are doing and it will be appreciated in the long run.
During your senior year, you will have opportunities to intern, network and mentor so take advantage. The relationships you build through interning, networking and mentoring others can help make the transition easier and prepare you for life outside of college.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
College Students: Take Time To Support Other Campus Functions and Events
Taking time to learn the campus and the environment is important during freshmen year. It's important to learn what events are popular, how to get involved, and meeting people at different types of functions. It's easy to stay within your comfort zone but take time to enjoy a diverse group of activities. Similar to the phrase "never judge a book by its cover," never judge an event by the advertisement on the outside.
During your freshmen year and beyond, take time to experience different events you may not have gone to otherwise before starting college. If your school has a big arts program, take time to see the musicals, plays and other instrumental performances on campus. If your school has a big fine art program, take time to visit student art exhibitions. If you have never really been to a sports event, take time to go to a football game, basketball, etc. Going to these events will help take you out of your dorm room and help you interact with others on campus. You may also be surprised as to what you might find enjoying!
In addition t0 providing different ways to socialize with others, taking time to experience events can serve as a pleasant diversion and method to relax. For example, during my time at Otterbein College, taking time to watch some of my friends perform in a instrumental concert or one of the musicals served as a nice diversion. It was always fun to do something different, it was an opportunity to support my friends and it helped make my experience on campus more meaningful. For me, going to these events also served as a getaway and helped me wind down when I needed it the most.
When you are looking for something to do, consider going to events that might be outside your normal interest level. You may find it relaxing to experience something else your campus has to offer and helps you support another group of people. Taking time to enjoy these events can help make your experience more meaningful and provide different ways to socialize as well.
During your freshmen year and beyond, take time to experience different events you may not have gone to otherwise before starting college. If your school has a big arts program, take time to see the musicals, plays and other instrumental performances on campus. If your school has a big fine art program, take time to visit student art exhibitions. If you have never really been to a sports event, take time to go to a football game, basketball, etc. Going to these events will help take you out of your dorm room and help you interact with others on campus. You may also be surprised as to what you might find enjoying!
In addition t0 providing different ways to socialize with others, taking time to experience events can serve as a pleasant diversion and method to relax. For example, during my time at Otterbein College, taking time to watch some of my friends perform in a instrumental concert or one of the musicals served as a nice diversion. It was always fun to do something different, it was an opportunity to support my friends and it helped make my experience on campus more meaningful. For me, going to these events also served as a getaway and helped me wind down when I needed it the most.
When you are looking for something to do, consider going to events that might be outside your normal interest level. You may find it relaxing to experience something else your campus has to offer and helps you support another group of people. Taking time to enjoy these events can help make your experience more meaningful and provide different ways to socialize as well.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The Importance of Saying Thank You
Whether you are a college student interviewing for an internship or a seasoned professional interviewing for a job, one of the most important aspects of interviewing is taking time to say thank you. The person you are interviewing with is taking time out of his or her day to learn about you, how you can help his or her business and possibly provide you with experience you will need in your career. Not saying thank you for this opportunity could be costly and can eliminate you from future opportunities.
When internships or job candidates do not say thank you for the interview, it often frowned upon and could eliminate you from contention. This person is taking time out of his or her day to sit down with you and not taking the time to say thank you can turn him or her off from wanting to hire you. The person interviewing you did not have to bring you in for an interview in the first place so not saying thank you can leave a bad impression.
After you interview, make it a habit to send a hand-written thank you note and an e-mail (if you have it) to thank the person for his or her time. Not many candidates take time to say thank you so sending a hand-written note (or typed) will set you apart from most other candidates. This will show the person you interviewed with that you do care, you are interested and you were grateful for the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation. This shows you are willing to take the extra effort to thank someone for his or her time and can put you in a positive light.
Even though it might seem tedious, taking the time to say thank you is important in the interview process. If someone is taking time out of his or her day to discuss a possible internship or position with you, it's important you show your gratitude and appreciation. Taking a few moments to write a note will show this person you care about the opportunity and can set you apart from other candidates. Take the time to say thank you and it can help land you in the right spot later on.
When internships or job candidates do not say thank you for the interview, it often frowned upon and could eliminate you from contention. This person is taking time out of his or her day to sit down with you and not taking the time to say thank you can turn him or her off from wanting to hire you. The person interviewing you did not have to bring you in for an interview in the first place so not saying thank you can leave a bad impression.
After you interview, make it a habit to send a hand-written thank you note and an e-mail (if you have it) to thank the person for his or her time. Not many candidates take time to say thank you so sending a hand-written note (or typed) will set you apart from most other candidates. This will show the person you interviewed with that you do care, you are interested and you were grateful for the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation. This shows you are willing to take the extra effort to thank someone for his or her time and can put you in a positive light.
Even though it might seem tedious, taking the time to say thank you is important in the interview process. If someone is taking time out of his or her day to discuss a possible internship or position with you, it's important you show your gratitude and appreciation. Taking a few moments to write a note will show this person you care about the opportunity and can set you apart from other candidates. Take the time to say thank you and it can help land you in the right spot later on.
College Students: Plan Your Four Years and What You Want To Accomplish
If you are a college student, your college career will bring you valuable experience not only in the classroom but with what you do outside of the classroom as well. You have four years ahead of you to build up real life experience for potential employers when you graduate and it's important you make the most of it at this time. The time you spend inside and outside of the classroom, the activities you are involved with and the relationships you build will set the foundation you need to succeed when your college career is over.
Even though it takes time, planning your four years of college and what you want to accomplish is important for success in the "real world." Taking time to determine where and how many internships to do, what activities to get involved in and the types of relationships you want to build will help you make the transition from college to the working world.
When making up your plan, consider the following:
1) What Organizations on Campus Can I Be Apart of That Can Provide Experience Related to my Major? - This will help you get experience and connections you will need when interviewing for internships and possibly a job later on. This will provide you with experience you can use to prove to others you have the skills necessary for a particular internship or job. Getting involved in these organizations can also put you in touch with classmates or other connections on campus.
2) What Types of Internships Can Help Me Get the Experience I Need? Not every major is the same but the purpose of getting an internship is to get real-life experience in a learning setting. Don't simply take an internship just to get a bullet point on the resume; get as much experience and knowledge from that internship so it can boost your skill set for later on. Take time to determine which types of internships would benefit you the most and figure out a way to apply for them.
3) How Can I Learn to Network With Professionals in My Field of Study? The relationships you build in college can help open the doors for internships and even jobs later on down the line. Learn to network and find different ways to connect with professionals in your field while you are a student. Not many students take the time to ask professionals for advice and the people you will want to build relationships have been in your shoes before.
4) What Do I Want My Resume to Look Like My Senior Year? This will help map out where you want to go and how to get there. It might seem like a bizarre question but this will help you plan where you want to go.
Even though it takes time, planning your four years of college and what you want to accomplish is important for success in the "real world." Taking time to determine where and how many internships to do, what activities to get involved in and the types of relationships you want to build will help you make the transition from college to the working world.
When making up your plan, consider the following:
1) What Organizations on Campus Can I Be Apart of That Can Provide Experience Related to my Major? - This will help you get experience and connections you will need when interviewing for internships and possibly a job later on. This will provide you with experience you can use to prove to others you have the skills necessary for a particular internship or job. Getting involved in these organizations can also put you in touch with classmates or other connections on campus.
2) What Types of Internships Can Help Me Get the Experience I Need? Not every major is the same but the purpose of getting an internship is to get real-life experience in a learning setting. Don't simply take an internship just to get a bullet point on the resume; get as much experience and knowledge from that internship so it can boost your skill set for later on. Take time to determine which types of internships would benefit you the most and figure out a way to apply for them.
3) How Can I Learn to Network With Professionals in My Field of Study? The relationships you build in college can help open the doors for internships and even jobs later on down the line. Learn to network and find different ways to connect with professionals in your field while you are a student. Not many students take the time to ask professionals for advice and the people you will want to build relationships have been in your shoes before.
4) What Do I Want My Resume to Look Like My Senior Year? This will help map out where you want to go and how to get there. It might seem like a bizarre question but this will help you plan where you want to go.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Taking Time To Learn About Others is Key in Building Relationships
In business and in your personal life, having relationships and friends can provide support and encouragement. It's important to have those who will be in your corner, lend a shoulder to cry on when needed and be a good sounding board when you need one. Relationships can be beneficial and can be built by taking the time to learn about the other person.
As a way to build a relationship with someone, it's important to take time to learn about the person sitting across from you instead of giving them your verbal autobiography. Taking time to understand the other person's interests, needs, and values shows you care and provides reason for the relationship to develop. Showing an interest in what's important to the person you are building a relationship with will set you apart from so many other people.
Developing relationships and taking time to learn about others does take practice but can be done. You can practice by talking to your neighbors at home. the people you work with, the people you interact with at your favorite restaurants or coffee shops, etc. When you interact with these people, take time to show interest in their day, what they are currently up to and you might be surprised how a conversation and relationship can develop.
During my college years, one of the ways I practiced learning about others is by taking time to ask the cafeteria people, my classmates, my professors, the people who worked in the bookstore, etc. how their days were going and listening to what these people had to say. By taking time to simply ask, "Are you having a good day?" or "What have you been up to lately?" and listening to their responses, it set me apart because I took time to show I cared about the person I was asking the question to. It made me a more familiar and friendly face on campus and I was able to make a lot of friends as a result of this.
Building relationships is key but how you go about doing it is important as well. Take time to learn about others and it can open up more doors then you can imagine.
As a way to build a relationship with someone, it's important to take time to learn about the person sitting across from you instead of giving them your verbal autobiography. Taking time to understand the other person's interests, needs, and values shows you care and provides reason for the relationship to develop. Showing an interest in what's important to the person you are building a relationship with will set you apart from so many other people.
Developing relationships and taking time to learn about others does take practice but can be done. You can practice by talking to your neighbors at home. the people you work with, the people you interact with at your favorite restaurants or coffee shops, etc. When you interact with these people, take time to show interest in their day, what they are currently up to and you might be surprised how a conversation and relationship can develop.
During my college years, one of the ways I practiced learning about others is by taking time to ask the cafeteria people, my classmates, my professors, the people who worked in the bookstore, etc. how their days were going and listening to what these people had to say. By taking time to simply ask, "Are you having a good day?" or "What have you been up to lately?" and listening to their responses, it set me apart because I took time to show I cared about the person I was asking the question to. It made me a more familiar and friendly face on campus and I was able to make a lot of friends as a result of this.
Building relationships is key but how you go about doing it is important as well. Take time to learn about others and it can open up more doors then you can imagine.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Having Hobbies Helps Relieve Stress and Can Help Refresh!
Our lives as professionals or college students can be stressful and time consuming. Working hard at the office or outside the classroom can be very demanding both mentally and physically. Being able to get away every once in a while helps reduce daily stress and help relax a bit. Taking time to enjoy your hobbies outside of work or outside of school can help relieve the stress and can help you refresh.
In your professional or student career, taking your work seriously is a must and number one priority but taking time during the week to enjoy hobbies can help reduce some of the tension. Hobbies serve as a way for us to enjoy something that is fun and meaningful outside of our daily work or school routine. Taking time to enjoy these simple pleasures can help you relax outside of work or when you are not doing homework. These serve as a getaway for us and can help us relax a bit as well.
During the week, some of my favorite activities include sports blogging, reading about sports or watching sports live in person or on TV. Yes, I am a sports nut but doing these activities helps me relax. I enjoy taking time to write about the latest sports story for my blog, I have a plethora of sports books I enjoy reading and being able to sit down to watch my favorite sports teams helps me relax and refresh my mind. These activities give me something to look forward to and provides enjoyment and relaxation.
In addition to watching sports, I am an avid photographer and going to a site to take pictures serves as an escape and a great way to relax. Photography is a hobby I picked up in college to serve as a way to relax and has continued to serve the same purpose since graduation. Taking my camera on long walks through parks, landscapes, small events, and sporting events (yes, I am a sports nut and enjoy taking pictures at sporting events). Now that football season is gearing up, taking my camera to a Solon High School football game (my alma mater) helps me wind down from the week and helps me relax a bit as the weekend begins. Photography has been a great hobby for me to help me relax and serve as a way to refresh a little bit.
To find hobbies, you don't have to be a sports nut like I am or enjoy photography to help relax. Some find playing a musical instrument a fun way to relax (and be with other people), others join book clubs, paint, draw, listen to music, read, or go to the movies as ways to relax and wind down from the week. Others take time to teach others their favorite hobbies and share that passion with others who start to show interest in that same activity. Finding something you enjoy isn't as hard as you think and you can find something beyond a sports arena to serve as your hobby.
To relax and relive stress, take time outside of work or school to enjoy the hobbies you are passionate about the most. These helps serve as your getaway for a bit and can help you refresh and fill the time outside of work or school. Sports and photography are two hobbies of mine that help me refresh on a weekly basis but you can find other hobbies that suit your needs and interests. Take time to enjoy and provide yourself something to look forward to when you are not at work or school.
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