Making the transition from college life to young professional is not an easy transition. Going from being a full time student to a full time member of the workforce can be rough and one of the hardest adjustments to make in life. The move from being surrounded by your friends and classes on a daily basis gets replaced by getting up and going to work and it can be a scary transition to make. Making the transition is hard but not impossible.
When leaving college, the familiarity of campus, the people you see walking around the school on a daily basis, and your class schedule will be replaced by having to go to work, perform at your job and coming home at night. On paper, the transition may seem easy but it is an adjustment. Being away from your friends if you have to move away can be hard and starting over can be a hard experience.
On a personal note, I went from living in Columbus for four years of college to moving back to Cleveland and it was a tough transition. I had made some incredible friends while I was going to school at Otterbein and being away from them for the first several months was hard for me. I wasn't getting a chance to see them every day and while I had been back in the Cleveland area at times to visit relatives during my college years, I didn't have much of a friendship base there. I hadn't lived in the area since before I moved away and coming back was a bit rough.
After several months where I didn't go out much, I decided it was time to meet some new people. I started going to Cleveland 20/30 events and joined the Cleveland Hockey Boosters and participating with those groups helped lay the foundation for me to create a life outside of work. It gave me something to look forward to, helped me socialize with other people and gave me something to build upon.
Not too long after I started going to Cleveland 20/30 and Cleveland Hockey Boosters events, another hobby of mine started to take flight. I started to take pictures at Solon high school football games and what started out as a hobby has become a favorite activity of mine. It gave me something to look forward to and best of all, I have been able to meet some awesome people in the process.
It took me some time to understand this but getting out and meeting new people helped me create a life outside of work. As a result, I was able to adjust to life on the outside and it has provided me with a great lifestyle in the process.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Starting Your Day Off With A Positive Thought
My Facebook followers have often mentioned that they enjoy seeing some of the positive posts I put as my status. I usually put a "Happiness is" saying on there or some other words of wisdom. I started putting up "Happiness is" phrases just to post something and it has started to catch on.
Most recently, I started posting up words of inspiration in the mornings and it has slowly caught on. I usually post something in regards to being happy because I have coffee in my system or I am looking forward to getting what could be a good day started. I am usually happy in the mornings so I figured that sharing the feelings on Facebook wouldn't hurt.
Starting off the day can be rough but thinking of something positive while driving into work can be helpful. Thoughts can range from your passions, simple pleasures or what you have planned after work but taking a few moments to think of a simple happy thought can help get the day started right.
To think of a simple pleasure or phrase that is positive, take what LaVar Burton did on almost every episode of Reading Rainbow, the PBS television show that encouraged children to read. Growing up and watching the show occasionally, it always seemed like Burton started off each episode with a positive phrase. There was always a shot of him doing a simple task and he would say something like "There is nothing like a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day" or "there is nothing like a good book on a rainy afternoon" to start off the episode. I am sure there are more sayings Burton said on the show but he always started it off with a positive spin.
To get the day started right, think of a happy thought and spread it around!
Most recently, I started posting up words of inspiration in the mornings and it has slowly caught on. I usually post something in regards to being happy because I have coffee in my system or I am looking forward to getting what could be a good day started. I am usually happy in the mornings so I figured that sharing the feelings on Facebook wouldn't hurt.
Starting off the day can be rough but thinking of something positive while driving into work can be helpful. Thoughts can range from your passions, simple pleasures or what you have planned after work but taking a few moments to think of a simple happy thought can help get the day started right.
To think of a simple pleasure or phrase that is positive, take what LaVar Burton did on almost every episode of Reading Rainbow, the PBS television show that encouraged children to read. Growing up and watching the show occasionally, it always seemed like Burton started off each episode with a positive phrase. There was always a shot of him doing a simple task and he would say something like "There is nothing like a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day" or "there is nothing like a good book on a rainy afternoon" to start off the episode. I am sure there are more sayings Burton said on the show but he always started it off with a positive spin.
To get the day started right, think of a happy thought and spread it around!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Creating Balance Starts With Getting Out of the House
Creating a balance between work and personal life isn't always easy but it isn't impossible either. Having a balance helps create a lifestyle in which you can focus on work but leave it at work when you go home.
Balance isn't impossible to achieve and it starts with one simple concept; taking the time to get out of the house. Taking the time to relax at home can be beneficial but taking time to get out of the house and meeting new people or doing your hobbies can help create that balance.
Having a demanding job can be tough and it is easy to just want to come home and do nothing. Taking a couple of nights a week to yourself is okay but doing it too much can make it difficult to create a balance.
Below are some tips for finding time to get out of the house and enjoying life outside of work:
1) Plan when to do household chores in advance and stick with that schedule - Plan when you want to do your household chores such as cleaning, cooking, improvements, etc. in advance. If possible, try and plan a couple of jobs during the week so your weekends can be freed up for other opportunities.
2) Make time for your hobbies - Hobbies can help us relax outside of work and make time to do them. This will help you get out of the house, possibly meet others and provide something for you to look forward to
3) Plan times to meet with people in advance - If planning something last minute doesn't help, plan in advance! Take the time to plan time to meet up with friends and plan the times in advance if needed.
Balance isn't impossible to achieve and it starts with one simple concept; taking the time to get out of the house. Taking the time to relax at home can be beneficial but taking time to get out of the house and meeting new people or doing your hobbies can help create that balance.
Having a demanding job can be tough and it is easy to just want to come home and do nothing. Taking a couple of nights a week to yourself is okay but doing it too much can make it difficult to create a balance.
Below are some tips for finding time to get out of the house and enjoying life outside of work:
1) Plan when to do household chores in advance and stick with that schedule - Plan when you want to do your household chores such as cleaning, cooking, improvements, etc. in advance. If possible, try and plan a couple of jobs during the week so your weekends can be freed up for other opportunities.
2) Make time for your hobbies - Hobbies can help us relax outside of work and make time to do them. This will help you get out of the house, possibly meet others and provide something for you to look forward to
3) Plan times to meet with people in advance - If planning something last minute doesn't help, plan in advance! Take the time to plan time to meet up with friends and plan the times in advance if needed.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Key Rules To First Dates
Online dating continues to grow rapidly and getting the first date can make or break what happens next. Making a good first impression is important but not rocket science either.
Below are some first tips to setting up the first date and what to do on the day of:
1) Try Having a Phone Conversation With The Person First Before Setting Up a Time and Place to Meet - Arranging a meeting via e-mail is easy to do but you will want to make sure you can have a conversation with the person first. Someone may be comfortable e-mailing you back and forth but the two of you may not be able to have much of a conversation in person. Try setting up a phone conversation beforehand to see if the other person is someone you can talk to easily.
2) Pick a Place That Is Comfortable For Both of You - Picking a place that is familiar and comfortable for both of you will help make the first date more relaxing. This will help both of you settle in and begin a conversation.
3) Relax, Relax, Relax - It's okay to be a little nervous on a first date but remember to just relax and let the conversation flow. Building a good conversation can take a little skill at time but isn't as overbearing as it seems. Sit back, relax and enjoy your date for the evening.
4) Take Time to Get to Know the Other Person - Avoid babbling about yourself or random topics and focus your time on getting to know the other person. Find out what his or her interests are, what he or she likes to do and learn about that person. Take the time to listen and respond and you will develop a conversation.
Below are some first tips to setting up the first date and what to do on the day of:
1) Try Having a Phone Conversation With The Person First Before Setting Up a Time and Place to Meet - Arranging a meeting via e-mail is easy to do but you will want to make sure you can have a conversation with the person first. Someone may be comfortable e-mailing you back and forth but the two of you may not be able to have much of a conversation in person. Try setting up a phone conversation beforehand to see if the other person is someone you can talk to easily.
2) Pick a Place That Is Comfortable For Both of You - Picking a place that is familiar and comfortable for both of you will help make the first date more relaxing. This will help both of you settle in and begin a conversation.
3) Relax, Relax, Relax - It's okay to be a little nervous on a first date but remember to just relax and let the conversation flow. Building a good conversation can take a little skill at time but isn't as overbearing as it seems. Sit back, relax and enjoy your date for the evening.
4) Take Time to Get to Know the Other Person - Avoid babbling about yourself or random topics and focus your time on getting to know the other person. Find out what his or her interests are, what he or she likes to do and learn about that person. Take the time to listen and respond and you will develop a conversation.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Open Your Mind and Find Talents You Never Knew You Had
During my years of high school, video production had been a huge passion of mine. I enjoyed going to various events with a video camera and tripod and could spend several hours in an editing room. Video production was something I was good at and found myself yearning to do more of.
While I spent lots of time in editing rooms with the footage I had taken, doing digital photography with still pictures was something I never considered. I was closed minded at the time and didn't think the skills could really translate. I enjoyed working with moving pictures instead of still images and never gave thought to using a still camera.
When high school ended, I moved away from home and decided to become more open minded in regards to trying different activities. I hadn't planned on learning digital photography before I went to college but eventually picked up the hobby...on accident.
I was scheduled to help out with a promotional event with our campus radio station and decided to bring my small digital camera with me. I decided that while I was in college, I may as well have something to capture the memories with. I took the time to take several pictures at the event and didn't think much of them when I edited them.
After the photos were edited, I received lots of positive feedback from the people who worked at the radio station. As a result, I started taking more pictures at different events and received similar feedback. When we got done with one event in particular, my friend Cat mentioned something I hadn't given much thought to:
"You ought to become a photographer."
It was just an idea but enough for me to want to pursue the hobby even more. I ended up upgrading to a larger camera, took a photography class and a new hobby was born! I went from taking pictures at campus radio station events to sporting events and charity events.
During this time, I realized I was developing the same passion I had for video production. I was motivated to improve my technique, get out with the camera and find different events to take pictures at. I was enjoying a hobby I closed myself off to in high school but found a passion when I became more open minded about giving it a try.
While I spent lots of time in editing rooms with the footage I had taken, doing digital photography with still pictures was something I never considered. I was closed minded at the time and didn't think the skills could really translate. I enjoyed working with moving pictures instead of still images and never gave thought to using a still camera.
When high school ended, I moved away from home and decided to become more open minded in regards to trying different activities. I hadn't planned on learning digital photography before I went to college but eventually picked up the hobby...on accident.
I was scheduled to help out with a promotional event with our campus radio station and decided to bring my small digital camera with me. I decided that while I was in college, I may as well have something to capture the memories with. I took the time to take several pictures at the event and didn't think much of them when I edited them.
After the photos were edited, I received lots of positive feedback from the people who worked at the radio station. As a result, I started taking more pictures at different events and received similar feedback. When we got done with one event in particular, my friend Cat mentioned something I hadn't given much thought to:
"You ought to become a photographer."
It was just an idea but enough for me to want to pursue the hobby even more. I ended up upgrading to a larger camera, took a photography class and a new hobby was born! I went from taking pictures at campus radio station events to sporting events and charity events.
During this time, I realized I was developing the same passion I had for video production. I was motivated to improve my technique, get out with the camera and find different events to take pictures at. I was enjoying a hobby I closed myself off to in high school but found a passion when I became more open minded about giving it a try.
Friday, February 24, 2012
College Students: Key Tips for Interviewing for Internships
Throughout the course of your college career, internships will help provide the experience needed to increase your skill set and gain professional experience. Internships are great opportunities to gain professional experience while in college and also provide networking opportunities.
In some industries and businesses, internships can be highly competitive and the interview is important. The interview can make or break an opportunity and below are some tips on how to prepare for the interview:
1) Do Research on the Organization Beforehand - You will be surprised how many people will walk into an interview without doing any research beforehand. Not doing any research beforehand will give the impression you don't care about the organization or you are unwilling to learn. Most internships managers are looking for people who can help his or her organization and have a strong desire to learn. Not doing your research beforehand will be a turnoff.
2) Look Presentable During the Interview- Dress professionally and look presentable. Leave the cut off jeans, t-shirts and casual clothes at home. Prove to your potential internship manager that you will dress professionally when coming to intern for his or her organization.
3) When the Interviewer Asks "Do You Have Any Questions?", Ask Questions - This will show you paid attention during the interview and are interested in learning more about the organization
4) Thank You Notes - Make sure to send a handwritten thank you note to the person you interviewed with. Not many people do this and it will set you apart in a positive way
In some industries and businesses, internships can be highly competitive and the interview is important. The interview can make or break an opportunity and below are some tips on how to prepare for the interview:
1) Do Research on the Organization Beforehand - You will be surprised how many people will walk into an interview without doing any research beforehand. Not doing any research beforehand will give the impression you don't care about the organization or you are unwilling to learn. Most internships managers are looking for people who can help his or her organization and have a strong desire to learn. Not doing your research beforehand will be a turnoff.
2) Look Presentable During the Interview- Dress professionally and look presentable. Leave the cut off jeans, t-shirts and casual clothes at home. Prove to your potential internship manager that you will dress professionally when coming to intern for his or her organization.
3) When the Interviewer Asks "Do You Have Any Questions?", Ask Questions - This will show you paid attention during the interview and are interested in learning more about the organization
4) Thank You Notes - Make sure to send a handwritten thank you note to the person you interviewed with. Not many people do this and it will set you apart in a positive way
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Taking Advantage Of the Opportunities Presented Can Pay Off
As a way to attract students, many college and universities offer different types of technology, opportunities and build state-of-the-art facilities for many of their academic programs. Some schools have spent numerous dollars to improve different facilities on campus, improve the equipment needed, or have developed organizations aimed at providing students with opportunities. Attracting students is a goal for these improvements but taking advantage of them can have benefits later on.
During your undergrad years, finding a major you will enjoy can be a daunting task but taking advantage of what is offered in that major is just as important. Understanding where you would like to move forward in life and pursue will point you in the direction you need; taking an active role to get as much experience as possible will help you down that path.
Once you pick your major, take the time to understand the opportunities available for students pursuing the same degree/major. If you are a biology major, take the time to understand the different types of facilities or opportunities to work in the lab. If you are an athletic training major, take the time to learn how you can help with the sports teams on campus and get involved. For broadcast communication majors, take time to learn the equipment available, the editing software and work on various crews when you have time. No matter what major you have, take the time to understand what opportunities are available.
In addition to taking time to what the campus has to offer in your major, take the time to get an internship if it applies to your field. Internships are great ways to get professional experience within a field and can provide different skill sets. Don't simply take an internship to get a bullet point on your resume; take the time to learn another skill set, meet professionals who work in that field and build on the experience. Most people who take on interns want someone who is willing to learn from the experience so take the time to get as much out of it as possible.
While you are interning or taking the time to volunteer with the opportunities presented to you on campus, you may wonder if the experience will pay off later on. You may not know it at the time but chances are, that experience could open up doors later on. A connection who knows you or having certain experiences on your resume may open up the door for an opportunity later on.
During your undergrad years, finding a major you will enjoy can be a daunting task but taking advantage of what is offered in that major is just as important. Understanding where you would like to move forward in life and pursue will point you in the direction you need; taking an active role to get as much experience as possible will help you down that path.
Once you pick your major, take the time to understand the opportunities available for students pursuing the same degree/major. If you are a biology major, take the time to understand the different types of facilities or opportunities to work in the lab. If you are an athletic training major, take the time to learn how you can help with the sports teams on campus and get involved. For broadcast communication majors, take time to learn the equipment available, the editing software and work on various crews when you have time. No matter what major you have, take the time to understand what opportunities are available.
In addition to taking time to what the campus has to offer in your major, take the time to get an internship if it applies to your field. Internships are great ways to get professional experience within a field and can provide different skill sets. Don't simply take an internship to get a bullet point on your resume; take the time to learn another skill set, meet professionals who work in that field and build on the experience. Most people who take on interns want someone who is willing to learn from the experience so take the time to get as much out of it as possible.
While you are interning or taking the time to volunteer with the opportunities presented to you on campus, you may wonder if the experience will pay off later on. You may not know it at the time but chances are, that experience could open up doors later on. A connection who knows you or having certain experiences on your resume may open up the door for an opportunity later on.
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