When setting up appointments or exploratory interviews there are a few key points you should always follow:
1. Be specific about times to schedule- Because these are appointments that aren't urgent, it may be easy for a professional to forget or not think of a time to place this in their schedule. By offering specific options, it gives them a time frame and helps get a better response.
2. Narrow down your goals- Although you may feel like you are an open book and could follow many career paths, if you narrow down your scope it will help someone else help you. Often times broad ideas do not generate definitive results. This way the person you are meeting with will know who best to connect you with or how to help you.
Best of Luck!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
enjoying each day
Although a lot of my posts have been advice is facing the next step post grad, a big part of prepping for post grad is enjoying the time as a college student.
Instead of boring you with text, I'll share some photos of my last semester of college.
Enjoy:)
Instead of boring you with text, I'll share some photos of my last semester of college.
Enjoy:)
This is a photo of the Super Bowl party my friends had this year. 
We all went to BJs before the 100 days til Graduation Dinner. This is me with two of my friends.
Here is a photo I took of the beach in Punta Cana, where I went for spring break with year.
This is a photo of some friends on St. Patrick's Day.
intern your way to the top
Over the past four years I have had some great hands-on experiences in my field. From Abercrombie & Fitch to a PR firm in Washington, D.C. to my most recent endeavor at QVC, I would say I've had my fill of internships.
Not everyone has had these experiences, but have no fear, YOU WILL BE JUST FINE :)
Even though I've had a lot of internships, the reality is that if I choose to go elsewhere (outside of these three places) I could potentially start out as an intern. I know what your thinking, "ew, why?" But don't knock it just yet.
For all of you almost post grads, think of the internship as a stepping stone. An opportunity has just come my way as a PR intern for a major beauty company. However, it's paid (the equivalent to an entry-level position in my field) and will most likely lead to a job within six months.
As an employer, it makes sense. There is so much to learn in a new job. They want to make sure you can handle it and learn the ropes before they throw you in full time.
A few months ago I would have said no way, but now now I am keeping an open mind and you should too.
Stay tuned almost post grads..more to come.
Not everyone has had these experiences, but have no fear, YOU WILL BE JUST FINE :)
Even though I've had a lot of internships, the reality is that if I choose to go elsewhere (outside of these three places) I could potentially start out as an intern. I know what your thinking, "ew, why?" But don't knock it just yet.
For all of you almost post grads, think of the internship as a stepping stone. An opportunity has just come my way as a PR intern for a major beauty company. However, it's paid (the equivalent to an entry-level position in my field) and will most likely lead to a job within six months.
As an employer, it makes sense. There is so much to learn in a new job. They want to make sure you can handle it and learn the ropes before they throw you in full time.
A few months ago I would have said no way, but now now I am keeping an open mind and you should too.
Stay tuned almost post grads..more to come.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
taking advantage of field trips
I recently attended an alumni networking event with my university. We set off for NYC in the early afternoon and had some time to enjoy the city before the event.
As I walked around Central Park and Lincoln Center, I began to see myself living there. Sometimes all it takes is a little push or check outside of life in central PA to remind me what I want.
The actual event wasn't the most productive for me. I connected with a few alumni but for the most part I didn't find anyone that worked in my field.
Here's some food for thought..
Take advantage of these networking events offered through the alumni office. Sometimes the actual event isn't the most important part, it's about walking around a new city and picturing your life there. Think of it as a nudge in the right direction.
As I walked around Central Park and Lincoln Center, I began to see myself living there. Sometimes all it takes is a little push or check outside of life in central PA to remind me what I want.
The actual event wasn't the most productive for me. I connected with a few alumni but for the most part I didn't find anyone that worked in my field.
Here's some food for thought..
Take advantage of these networking events offered through the alumni office. Sometimes the actual event isn't the most important part, it's about walking around a new city and picturing your life there. Think of it as a nudge in the right direction.
This is a photo of me at the Park Central Hotel, where the event was hosted.
Friday, April 8, 2011
It's all about the journey
If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that I help out at a local boutique. A few weeks ago I did a photo shoot for them and had so much fun. Now I am certainly no model, but after all of the years watching America's Next Top Model, it was fun to try it out.
Even though I go to school in the middle of no where and don't have that many opportunities to have great internships or experiences in my field, I found something that worked for me.
I love clothes. I love marketing. I love meeting new people.
So here is a photo of the photo shoot with El, a new friend of mine from the store.
Even though I go to school in the middle of no where and don't have that many opportunities to have great internships or experiences in my field, I found something that worked for me.
I love clothes. I love marketing. I love meeting new people.
So here is a photo of the photo shoot with El, a new friend of mine from the store.
To Go or Not to Go...
I am currently facing a difficult choice..
To live at home or not to live at home upon graduation.
My conservative self says live at home and save save save!
My adventurous self says to pack up and move to the city, not to worry about money and live out my early 20s surrounded by my peers in an exciting place.
I have opportunities in both New York City and close to home in the Philadelphia Area.
Of course I don't want to play it safe or make a decision based on the fear of the unknown or not knowing how I am going to afford groceries (haha..I think), but how do you ever really know what is right or best?
If any of you figure it out, I'm all ears.
To live at home or not to live at home upon graduation.
My conservative self says live at home and save save save!
My adventurous self says to pack up and move to the city, not to worry about money and live out my early 20s surrounded by my peers in an exciting place.
I have opportunities in both New York City and close to home in the Philadelphia Area.
Of course I don't want to play it safe or make a decision based on the fear of the unknown or not knowing how I am going to afford groceries (haha..I think), but how do you ever really know what is right or best?
If any of you figure it out, I'm all ears.
Make a Social Impact
I recently attended the launch party for Social Impact, a non-profit group dedicated to inspiring young professionals to be philanthropic in the Philadelphia Area. This year, the group, started by Susquehanna University Alumni, supported Alex's Lemonade Stand.
Most of the attendees were young professionals and it was a great way to network and also have fun. As I start my life as a young professional, I hope to work with organizations like the Social Impact group as a way of bettering myself and meeting new people.
So much of the business world is about connections. In one night, I supported a great cause and met a ton of new people that may help direct my future.
Here is a photo of me at the launch party...
Most of the attendees were young professionals and it was a great way to network and also have fun. As I start my life as a young professional, I hope to work with organizations like the Social Impact group as a way of bettering myself and meeting new people.
So much of the business world is about connections. In one night, I supported a great cause and met a ton of new people that may help direct my future.
Here is a photo of me at the launch party...
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring had Sprung!
I've been waiting for this day for many reasons. Most related to this blog, though, is that I have been waiting for Spring to really start job hunting. Here are a few websites I have been exploring.
Feel free to leave more suggestions!
http://stylecareers.com/
http://www.mediabistro.com/
http://www.indeed.com/
Learn to Cook, Learn to Live
This year was the first that I lived off campus. I've always loved cooking and baking and trying new things. My roommate and I would chat over the Summer about how many elaborate meals we were going to make. Then we had our first grocery bill...$115.00!!!
Can you say RED FLAG??
There was no way that we were going to spend that much money every week on groceries. Sure we still love cooking but we have simplified our meals and have still managed to make healthy and delicious options.
Prepping for Post Grad life is not just about landing your dream job or keeping your grades up, it's about learning how to live a healthy and fulfilling live. It's a learning experience and no one really has it all figured out.
I love food and I love making great meals. It's kind of a spiritual experience for me and a great way to wind down.
Some favorites: Chicken & Mushroom Quesedilla on a Multi grain Tortilla and Tilapia and Quinoa with a Salad
Here is a picture of the quesedilla...
Can you say RED FLAG??
There was no way that we were going to spend that much money every week on groceries. Sure we still love cooking but we have simplified our meals and have still managed to make healthy and delicious options.
Prepping for Post Grad life is not just about landing your dream job or keeping your grades up, it's about learning how to live a healthy and fulfilling live. It's a learning experience and no one really has it all figured out.
I love food and I love making great meals. It's kind of a spiritual experience for me and a great way to wind down.
Some favorites: Chicken & Mushroom Quesedilla on a Multi grain Tortilla and Tilapia and Quinoa with a Salad
Here is a picture of the quesedilla...
What are your favorite meals to make?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
7 Weeks and Counting...
Every once in a while I realize that I won't be a student forever. It starts out as just a thought and within seconds converts to sheer panic. I recently experienced a slight panic attack as I sat on the plan on my way home from spring break.
Most of the time I can't wait to get out of here. Occasionally, though, I realize that for the first time in my life I have no idea what is next.
It's kind of an exciting feeling if you think about it. We are standing of the verge of starting our lives and anything is possible. At this moment I have no limits and haven't made one decision to hold me back.
If you had nothing holding you back, what would you do? Where would you go? Life can take you anywhere you want. Dream a little.
We have 7 Weeks..
Most of the time I can't wait to get out of here. Occasionally, though, I realize that for the first time in my life I have no idea what is next.
It's kind of an exciting feeling if you think about it. We are standing of the verge of starting our lives and anything is possible. At this moment I have no limits and haven't made one decision to hold me back.
If you had nothing holding you back, what would you do? Where would you go? Life can take you anywhere you want. Dream a little.
We have 7 Weeks..
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Are You IN?
Well..are you?
LinkedIn.com is professional networking at its finest. Every college student should get one. (I will give you five minutes to set it up and then come back and read this..GO!).
Why LinkedIn you ask?
Networking is everything. We've all heard the phrase "it's not what you know but who you know" but what many of us forget is that we do really know a lot of people.
Think about everyone you know that may know someone: professors, coworkers, parents, parent's friends or collegues, friends, classmates.
Now think about this: if you join LinkedIn and connect to all of these people you already know and then browse there contacts, isn't it quite possible you may find someone else to network with? Couldn't that contact lead to an internship or even a job?
The answer is YES!
So get going and start networking. Your next contact or job could be right around the corner!
Why LinkedIn you ask?
Networking is everything. We've all heard the phrase "it's not what you know but who you know" but what many of us forget is that we do really know a lot of people.
Think about everyone you know that may know someone: professors, coworkers, parents, parent's friends or collegues, friends, classmates.
Now think about this: if you join LinkedIn and connect to all of these people you already know and then browse there contacts, isn't it quite possible you may find someone else to network with? Couldn't that contact lead to an internship or even a job?
The answer is YES!
So get going and start networking. Your next contact or job could be right around the corner!
Friday, February 11, 2011
My First Buying Trip
I started helping out at a new boutique in Selinsgrove last semester. It's All About Me Boutique has gorgeous clothing and accessories at every price range.
Candie, the owner, asked me to reach out to the SU students and help her figure out how to get new business. We brainstormed everything from social media outreach to fliers.
After helping for just three months, I had the opportunity to go on a buying trip for jewelry without Candie. Mind you, I have no experience in merchandising and had never been on a buying trip with Candie, let alone, on my own.
Sure I made some mistakes but luckily most of my purchases have sold. Here are a few photos I took on my trip to Ardmore, Pa.
So you see, I've kept myself busy and learned a lot that I could have never learned in the classroom. Sure I made mistakes with some of the purchases but I did my best and worked even harder to sell what I bought.
What a better way to prep for post grad then getting this real life experience?
Candie, the owner, asked me to reach out to the SU students and help her figure out how to get new business. We brainstormed everything from social media outreach to fliers.
After helping for just three months, I had the opportunity to go on a buying trip for jewelry without Candie. Mind you, I have no experience in merchandising and had never been on a buying trip with Candie, let alone, on my own.
Sure I made some mistakes but luckily most of my purchases have sold. Here are a few photos I took on my trip to Ardmore, Pa.
What a better way to prep for post grad then getting this real life experience?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
applying your education to your life and future
Have you ever wondered if what you learn in school will really be applicable to your career, espcially your first job? I've taken enough tedious theory based classes to have this thought on more than one occasion.
It's hard to accept that we come to college, learn one way of doing things and then go out for our first internship and job and they blow all of that learning to dust and teach you a new way.
Fear not, I have figured out a way to see the glass half full on this concern.
Look at college as the building block. You learn the academic perspectives in your field. You write papers and take tests and become informed on the "issues." And by the end, hopefully you can take what you've learned and draw some of your own conclusions on those opinions you read so much about.
That, you see, is the goal in my mind. In order to be successful in what is next, you are going to have to be confident in your education. The job market isn't ideal and the competition is fierce. There will, however, be something that separates a confident post grad from an unsure one. My opionion: fake it til you make it.
At the end of the day, we are all scared about post graduation plans. If you have faith that you are competant and what you learned in four years is useful and application, then with any luck, you'll find a job.
Thoughts? Opinions? Any more words of wisdom?
Share!
It's hard to accept that we come to college, learn one way of doing things and then go out for our first internship and job and they blow all of that learning to dust and teach you a new way.
Fear not, I have figured out a way to see the glass half full on this concern.
Look at college as the building block. You learn the academic perspectives in your field. You write papers and take tests and become informed on the "issues." And by the end, hopefully you can take what you've learned and draw some of your own conclusions on those opinions you read so much about.
That, you see, is the goal in my mind. In order to be successful in what is next, you are going to have to be confident in your education. The job market isn't ideal and the competition is fierce. There will, however, be something that separates a confident post grad from an unsure one. My opionion: fake it til you make it.
At the end of the day, we are all scared about post graduation plans. If you have faith that you are competant and what you learned in four years is useful and application, then with any luck, you'll find a job.
Thoughts? Opinions? Any more words of wisdom?
Share!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Be A Successful Student In 5 Easy Steps
Going to college shouldn't be a passive experience. In order to be successful you must participate and be an active member of your campus.
1. Join a charitable organization- from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Habbitat for Humanity, there are tons of options on college campuses to make a positive impact of the community.
2. Get to know your professors- although not every professor is the nicest or most social, building professional relationships with your professors is a great way to network and maybe help you land a job someday.
3. Join a professional organization- no matter what major you are in there are pleanty of opportunities to get involved in a profession club or association on campus.
4. Find an on-campus job- even if you don't "need the money" you have to admit that having a little extra cash every two weeks is pretty nice. College is all about learning the balance of life. Juggling classes and a job is a way to gain tangible experience.
5. Embrace friends- getting involved in many activites, from work to classes and clubs, will also help you make many different kinds of friends. I cherish friends in my major, friends in my organizations and friendships I have developed throughout my time at school.
Do you have any other tips or comments? Please share!
1. Join a charitable organization- from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Habbitat for Humanity, there are tons of options on college campuses to make a positive impact of the community.
2. Get to know your professors- although not every professor is the nicest or most social, building professional relationships with your professors is a great way to network and maybe help you land a job someday.
3. Join a professional organization- no matter what major you are in there are pleanty of opportunities to get involved in a profession club or association on campus.
4. Find an on-campus job- even if you don't "need the money" you have to admit that having a little extra cash every two weeks is pretty nice. College is all about learning the balance of life. Juggling classes and a job is a way to gain tangible experience.
5. Embrace friends- getting involved in many activites, from work to classes and clubs, will also help you make many different kinds of friends. I cherish friends in my major, friends in my organizations and friendships I have developed throughout my time at school.
Do you have any other tips or comments? Please share!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
keeping up with current events from my bubble in pa
As I watched the State of the Union last night from a friend's house, I couldn't help but feel slightly out of the loop. Last year I was watching with a group of students and friends in Washington, D.C. discussing everything from Obama's words to the impact of wearing a certain color tie to the event. After last night, I've set a new goal for myself: read atleast the headlines of a major newspaper daily and turn on the evening news instead of E! News at night. Being informed is important as I make the transition from student to contributing member of society.
Here is a photo I took last January inside the Capitol. It's a reminder of the freedoms and opportunities I have as an American and an inspiration to make an effort to be more informed in the happenings of our nation.
Here is a photo I took last January inside the Capitol. It's a reminder of the freedoms and opportunities I have as an American and an inspiration to make an effort to be more informed in the happenings of our nation.
This is a photo of me with a WASP (Woman Airforce Service Pilot) and another person from my office in Washington. Milly, served as a WASP during World War II and flew planes across the ocean to relieve fighter pilots during the War. After 80 years, she was finally recognized for her service.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Will Our Friendships Stand the Test of Time?
True Life: I have great friends. That is probably what I am most thankful for about my time in college. Friendships and learning how to be a good friend is key to having a happy life. Now that I am approaching graduation, I realize that these friendships I have forged will cease to exist as I know them. Distance and changes in lifestyles will separate us in more ways than one. I can only hope that the bonds we have formed over our time together will keep us close, though I know I must accept that the chances are slim that I will be able to keep in touch with all of the people I care about in college.
As I approach the end, my life as I know it is rapidly changing. So for now I plan on enjoying the moment and taking a ton of pictures. Some day maybe we will meet again and laugh and cry at the photos from days gone by. That's all for now. Class is calling..
Friday, January 21, 2011
ATTENTION ALMOST-ADULTS
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Claire and in a matter of four months I will be leaving college in the heart of central Pennsylvania and to pursue a long and successful career in...I HAVE NO IDEA! After years of good grades, clubs, internships and seizing any other opportunity college had to offer me I am left with the feeling that I have the world at my finger tips but nothing solid to grab onto. So here I am, ready to put all of the knowledge and experiences I've had to good use. Somewhere between enjoying my last semester with friends and taking class, I am going to figure out what I want to do and where I want to do it. I'll share my own experiences, offer advice, ask for it and hopefully before I graduate I'll have some answers.
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