Ok, so you may have seen this but I'm posting it just in case you haven't. Some of these companies I've heard of, some I haven't. Maybe this is a good list of go off of to submit your resume to once graduation gets closer, or start networking for an internship opportunity.
http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/career_launch_2008/index.asp
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Paid vs. Unpaid
We all know that money is central to any college students survival. But what happens if you come across a really, really great unpaid internship opportunity? Do you leave your current paid internship or take the unpaid route? There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both options.
Unpaid internships give you the freedom to work more hours and learn the real ins and outs of the organization. In most cases they may offer up to 3 college credits and a small stipend. But the big pink elephant in the room is the fact that unpaid internships are just that: unpaid internships, then you have to consider food and rent but the upside is that unpaid internships can lead to a paying job later!
Paid internships offer money but make sure that it's not to demanding or draining on your schedule. Paid internships also have tight working hours and may not be as flex as an unpaid internship. Remember when making your choice, make sure its the right one for you. Don't just take a paid internship because of the money.
Unpaid internships give you the freedom to work more hours and learn the real ins and outs of the organization. In most cases they may offer up to 3 college credits and a small stipend. But the big pink elephant in the room is the fact that unpaid internships are just that: unpaid internships, then you have to consider food and rent but the upside is that unpaid internships can lead to a paying job later!
Paid internships offer money but make sure that it's not to demanding or draining on your schedule. Paid internships also have tight working hours and may not be as flex as an unpaid internship. Remember when making your choice, make sure its the right one for you. Don't just take a paid internship because of the money.
It's been a busy month
I've been so busy with homework and getting ready to study for finals, I haven't had much time to write. I've also been looking for spring internships but it's hard to find a paying one in this economy. But sometimes you have to take the unpaid internship to gain the experience and learn the most.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Elevator Pitch Worked!
I think the elevator pitch worked! I used my "PR Detective" pitch and I had a really good phone interview the other day for an internship at an agency! Yay! for more internships (paid or unpaid, it doesn't matter, it's all about the experience!) I can not stress enough how important it is for college students to have valuable internship experience. It gives us a head start in the game for the job search after college and lets us see what we really want to do because, you never know until you try!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
How to manage stress of finishing school and job hunting.
I just read this blog from the Examiner.com and it's all about to handle the stress of finishing school (no matter when you're graduating) and finding a full time job at the same time. School is stressful in itself but also to throw in there graduation and finding a job! This blog is right on time for many of my friends who are graduating in a matter of weeks, and for me, it helps to have and follow the advice because right now, I'm not looking for a full-time job but I am considering my options for internships (which is a full time job if you ask me) so this advice is much needed:
Dr. Kelly Ray, a psychologist and public education campaign coordinator for the Louisiana Psychological Association, advises the following.
1. Understand how you experience stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. For example, do you tend to procrastinate or become over-involved in your school activities or planning for that “after-school” job? What events or situations trigger stressful feelings? Are you overwhelmed with the last minute “hoops” to complete for graduation, or do you feel overwhelmed with the decision of where to interview or how you “stack up” against the competition for your ideal job?
2. Learn your own stress signals. People experience stress in different ways. You may have a hard time concentrating or making decisions, feel angry, irritable or out of control, or experience headaches, muscle tension or a lack of energy. Gauge your stress signals, and recognize how you deal with stress. Determine if you are using unhealthy behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and over/under eating) to cope. Is this a routine behavior, or is it specific to test-taking or pre-interviewing jitters? Do you make unhealthy choices as a result of feeling rushed and overwhelmed?
3. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercising or talking things out with friends or family. Organizing and planning your schedule and/or thoroughly preparing for job interviews can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete tasks and keep a calendar of important dates handy. Keep in mind that unhealthy behaviors develop over time and can be difficult to change. Don’t take on too much at once – focus on changing only one behavior at a time.
4. Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity. Ensure you have a healthy mind and body through activities like yoga, taking a short walk, going to the gym or playing sports that will enhance both your physical and mental health.
5. Reach out for support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behaviors.
A great resource for students experiencing stress is CampusCalm.com. The site’s mission is to “empower high school and college students to become stress resistant, confident leaders, able to create their own paths to lifelong success and happiness.” Maria Pascucci, founder and president of CampusCalm.com and author of “Campus Calm University: The College Student’s 10-Step Blueprint to Stop Stressing & Create a Happy, Purposeful Life,” offered the following additional advice for those dually stressed by graduating and job hunting.
1. Realize that self-worth should not be tied to one’s career. In the midst of a national economic downturn, it is dangerous for graduating seniors and those looking for entry-level jobs to measure self-worth and the worth of others through a job title or the ability to make money. It is not healthy to hold your GPA or résumé as your sole measure of self-worth. If you were asked to define who you are with or without your successes or failures, what would you say?
2. Avoid catastrophic thinking and correct with rational thoughts. “Oh my God, I sent in my résumé for a job I really wanted, and I didn’t get a call back. I’m never going to find a good job. I’m never going to be successful. All my hard work in college is for nothing. I’m going to live with my parents forever and eat ramen noodles in the basement.” Sound familiar? Stop!
3. Set realistic goals for your first job post-graduation. As a new graduate, you have to be willing to work extra hard to find a job, and you have to realize that you’re not necessarily going to find your dream job right away – and that’s okay. That being said, you have the opportunity through the interview process to ask potential bosses whether they like working with new graduates. Ask them if they’re willing to mentor you if you do a great job for them in return. Salary, perks and benefits packages are all important, but finding a boss who is willing to mentor you is more important for your first couple of jobs post-graduation.
4. Surround yourself with positive people. All students and new graduates need a network of positive people who want you to be happy and successful on your own terms. Truly helpful, positive people will encourage you to look at the practical day-by-day steps you must take in order to realize the most grandiose dream. Even if they don’t know what those steps are, they will encourage you to surround yourself with people who know how to help you position yourself inside your field. You can find positive people everywhere. Look at your professors, campus career counselors, community leaders and professional organizations; read writers you admire. The possibilities are endless!
5. Love yourself. Self-assured men and women know that self-love is the key to success. Self-love means prioritizing your time in a self-focused way, and realizing that if you don’t have at least 30 minutes for you every day, find something to cut back on. Find the courage to say “no” to things you feel like you should be doing when they’re not really in line with your priorities and passions. Busy college students and new graduates give themselves the greatest gift when they accept that success isn’t feeling like you have to do everything and be everything to all people.
Dr. Kelly Ray, a psychologist and public education campaign coordinator for the Louisiana Psychological Association, advises the following.
1. Understand how you experience stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. For example, do you tend to procrastinate or become over-involved in your school activities or planning for that “after-school” job? What events or situations trigger stressful feelings? Are you overwhelmed with the last minute “hoops” to complete for graduation, or do you feel overwhelmed with the decision of where to interview or how you “stack up” against the competition for your ideal job?
2. Learn your own stress signals. People experience stress in different ways. You may have a hard time concentrating or making decisions, feel angry, irritable or out of control, or experience headaches, muscle tension or a lack of energy. Gauge your stress signals, and recognize how you deal with stress. Determine if you are using unhealthy behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and over/under eating) to cope. Is this a routine behavior, or is it specific to test-taking or pre-interviewing jitters? Do you make unhealthy choices as a result of feeling rushed and overwhelmed?
3. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercising or talking things out with friends or family. Organizing and planning your schedule and/or thoroughly preparing for job interviews can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete tasks and keep a calendar of important dates handy. Keep in mind that unhealthy behaviors develop over time and can be difficult to change. Don’t take on too much at once – focus on changing only one behavior at a time.
4. Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity. Ensure you have a healthy mind and body through activities like yoga, taking a short walk, going to the gym or playing sports that will enhance both your physical and mental health.
5. Reach out for support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behaviors.
A great resource for students experiencing stress is CampusCalm.com. The site’s mission is to “empower high school and college students to become stress resistant, confident leaders, able to create their own paths to lifelong success and happiness.” Maria Pascucci, founder and president of CampusCalm.com and author of “Campus Calm University: The College Student’s 10-Step Blueprint to Stop Stressing & Create a Happy, Purposeful Life,” offered the following additional advice for those dually stressed by graduating and job hunting.
1. Realize that self-worth should not be tied to one’s career. In the midst of a national economic downturn, it is dangerous for graduating seniors and those looking for entry-level jobs to measure self-worth and the worth of others through a job title or the ability to make money. It is not healthy to hold your GPA or résumé as your sole measure of self-worth. If you were asked to define who you are with or without your successes or failures, what would you say?
2. Avoid catastrophic thinking and correct with rational thoughts. “Oh my God, I sent in my résumé for a job I really wanted, and I didn’t get a call back. I’m never going to find a good job. I’m never going to be successful. All my hard work in college is for nothing. I’m going to live with my parents forever and eat ramen noodles in the basement.” Sound familiar? Stop!
3. Set realistic goals for your first job post-graduation. As a new graduate, you have to be willing to work extra hard to find a job, and you have to realize that you’re not necessarily going to find your dream job right away – and that’s okay. That being said, you have the opportunity through the interview process to ask potential bosses whether they like working with new graduates. Ask them if they’re willing to mentor you if you do a great job for them in return. Salary, perks and benefits packages are all important, but finding a boss who is willing to mentor you is more important for your first couple of jobs post-graduation.
4. Surround yourself with positive people. All students and new graduates need a network of positive people who want you to be happy and successful on your own terms. Truly helpful, positive people will encourage you to look at the practical day-by-day steps you must take in order to realize the most grandiose dream. Even if they don’t know what those steps are, they will encourage you to surround yourself with people who know how to help you position yourself inside your field. You can find positive people everywhere. Look at your professors, campus career counselors, community leaders and professional organizations; read writers you admire. The possibilities are endless!
5. Love yourself. Self-assured men and women know that self-love is the key to success. Self-love means prioritizing your time in a self-focused way, and realizing that if you don’t have at least 30 minutes for you every day, find something to cut back on. Find the courage to say “no” to things you feel like you should be doing when they’re not really in line with your priorities and passions. Busy college students and new graduates give themselves the greatest gift when they accept that success isn’t feeling like you have to do everything and be everything to all people.
first day
Well, this is my first post and I'm very excited about it. I decided to create this blog because in my most recent research about networking for college students, I ran into something called an "elevator pitch"-something that is catchy, easy to remember and can be delivered all within 30 seconds (which is the time of an elevator ride-unless someone pushes all the buttons, then it can be longer).
So, my elevator pitch has become " The PR Detective." Because I'm so close to graduation (expected date is Dec. '09) my pitch is something that I can use in networking sessions that I believe will showcase my interest in PR. Also to be like a detective: to learn and gather as much information as possible without jumping to conclusions. Also, the art of pitching is something that I'll have to learn if I ever want to do anything in PR and be good at it!
Currently, I'm a PR intern, in-house at a healthcare provider. I love my job and the people I work with and our patients, that's why I work when I don't have class. As the self-titled, pr detective, I'm also looking at newsrooms and the difference between agency and in-house experiences.
So, my elevator pitch has become " The PR Detective." Because I'm so close to graduation (expected date is Dec. '09) my pitch is something that I can use in networking sessions that I believe will showcase my interest in PR. Also to be like a detective: to learn and gather as much information as possible without jumping to conclusions. Also, the art of pitching is something that I'll have to learn if I ever want to do anything in PR and be good at it!
Currently, I'm a PR intern, in-house at a healthcare provider. I love my job and the people I work with and our patients, that's why I work when I don't have class. As the self-titled, pr detective, I'm also looking at newsrooms and the difference between agency and in-house experiences.
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