I've always hated that phrase. "Back to school" brings up less than fond memories, no more sleeping in, lots of late nights full of homework, tests, stress, and so much more.
At least my schedule this semester seems pretty nice so far. I am planning to graduate in December so this is the final stretch for me! I loved my summer internship in San Diego and although I didn't leave knowing exactly what career path I want, I did learn more about the types of jobs I would like.
This semester I am doing an internship here in the Career Services office. I am focusing on event planning and some PR work. My current project involves filming past interns in hopes of creating short video clips that will be up on the Career Services website.
So, what will I blog about during the next 15 weeks? Probably my job search and my projects at my internship. You can expect to see a post about any and all upcoming Career Services events, job fairs, lunch and learns, etc. (There are some great networking opportunities coming up!)
This fall I am working on putting together a portfolio, perfecting my resume, obtaining letters of reference, and searching for jobs. I am guessing it will be similar (but more stressful and time consuming) to my internship search last year.
Even though it's only Tuesday, my semester is off to a good start. I hope you are getting settled into your new schedule and hi to all the new freshman : )
Have a great week!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Loving Summer
I have just returned from a nine week internship in sunny San Diego. I interned at an agency that represents models and actors. During my time there I kept a fashion-related blog. I focused on counterfeit sales of designer label fakes and knock-offs. I learned A LOT about the business of talent representation and about the fashion industry.
I also enjoyed every minute of being in Southern California. The scenery is beautiful and the Pacific Ocean is about 5 miles away!
I had quite a few mini "revelations" throughout the summer about my future. It is starting to become reality that in December I will graduate college and (hopefully) find a job. I realized that there are so many benefits to doing an internship in an unfamiliar area. I learned so much just through my hours at the agency. But, I also learned a lot about my new environment. I quickly realized that I had to become aware of "San Diego lingo" in order to succeed at my internship. I familiarized myself with surrounding cities and communities, big companies in the area, and certain political aspects of San Diego. Surprisingly, knowing all of these things helped me at my internship.
I participated in the BCEC program to receive credit for my work in California. One of the course requirements is to fill out and evaluate your skills at both the beginning and the end of your internship. When I filled out mine, after I had completed my internship, I realized that some of my skills (ones that I did not use during my internship) had improved! An example is my persuasion skills. I am horrible at negotiating or standing up for myself. I didn't have to do these things during work but there were situations that I encountered outside of work where these were important skills to have.
So, what's my point? Well, for starters, doing an internship will benefit you in more ways than you expect. I was lucky to be able to devote my last two months to this experience. Everything I did was new and exciting. On my days off, I explored new areas and drove to new places. In my spare time, I found a local theater and volunteered, helping the Costume Designer get ready for an upcoming production. So, I came home with much more experience than if I had completed an internship in a familiar place while juggling other tasks like school and a paying job.
Be brave and try new things! I wasn't sure I'd be interested in working in fashion, but exploring new things might lead you to an interest you didn't know you had!
I also enjoyed every minute of being in Southern California. The scenery is beautiful and the Pacific Ocean is about 5 miles away!
I had quite a few mini "revelations" throughout the summer about my future. It is starting to become reality that in December I will graduate college and (hopefully) find a job. I realized that there are so many benefits to doing an internship in an unfamiliar area. I learned so much just through my hours at the agency. But, I also learned a lot about my new environment. I quickly realized that I had to become aware of "San Diego lingo" in order to succeed at my internship. I familiarized myself with surrounding cities and communities, big companies in the area, and certain political aspects of San Diego. Surprisingly, knowing all of these things helped me at my internship.
I participated in the BCEC program to receive credit for my work in California. One of the course requirements is to fill out and evaluate your skills at both the beginning and the end of your internship. When I filled out mine, after I had completed my internship, I realized that some of my skills (ones that I did not use during my internship) had improved! An example is my persuasion skills. I am horrible at negotiating or standing up for myself. I didn't have to do these things during work but there were situations that I encountered outside of work where these were important skills to have.
So, what's my point? Well, for starters, doing an internship will benefit you in more ways than you expect. I was lucky to be able to devote my last two months to this experience. Everything I did was new and exciting. On my days off, I explored new areas and drove to new places. In my spare time, I found a local theater and volunteered, helping the Costume Designer get ready for an upcoming production. So, I came home with much more experience than if I had completed an internship in a familiar place while juggling other tasks like school and a paying job.
Be brave and try new things! I wasn't sure I'd be interested in working in fashion, but exploring new things might lead you to an interest you didn't know you had!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Your major doesn't determine your career path
I love the person who first came up with this idea! I am slightly envious of the people who graduate high school knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. I was not one of those people.
During my last two years of high school, I started to think about what I wanted my major to be in college. For a while, I seriously considered becoming a nurse. After that idea fizzled out (which was shortly after my AP bio class took a field trip to see a gross anatomy lab and I passed out on the floor) I wasn't sure what my career path would be. Everyone told me to just pick a major that was interesting and that it was ok to change it once I started college. People said that once I started taking college courses I would realize what I was really interested in. Well...I've been in college for 3 years now and feel like with maybe another 3-4 years I would know what I want to do. Taking that first job out of college seems scary, what if you accept a position that you aren't really interested in, but it's a job so you take it, and then get stuck in that career for the next 40 years. Kind of depressing, right?
Internships and jobs have really helped me narrow my interests. By working in different jobs you start to realize the types of environments and types of tasks you like and dislike. Internships obviously are a great experience because they allow you to work in a particular field for a short period of time to "get the feel of the job".
In reality, not every job requires you to have completed a specific major. Many positions are open to a variety of majors or to anyone who has a degree. People switch careers at different times during their lives. No one expects that by the time you are 18 or 22 years old you will have your whole future planned out.
During my last two years of high school, I started to think about what I wanted my major to be in college. For a while, I seriously considered becoming a nurse. After that idea fizzled out (which was shortly after my AP bio class took a field trip to see a gross anatomy lab and I passed out on the floor) I wasn't sure what my career path would be. Everyone told me to just pick a major that was interesting and that it was ok to change it once I started college. People said that once I started taking college courses I would realize what I was really interested in. Well...I've been in college for 3 years now and feel like with maybe another 3-4 years I would know what I want to do. Taking that first job out of college seems scary, what if you accept a position that you aren't really interested in, but it's a job so you take it, and then get stuck in that career for the next 40 years. Kind of depressing, right?
Internships and jobs have really helped me narrow my interests. By working in different jobs you start to realize the types of environments and types of tasks you like and dislike. Internships obviously are a great experience because they allow you to work in a particular field for a short period of time to "get the feel of the job".
In reality, not every job requires you to have completed a specific major. Many positions are open to a variety of majors or to anyone who has a degree. People switch careers at different times during their lives. No one expects that by the time you are 18 or 22 years old you will have your whole future planned out.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Summer Goals
I can't describe the amount of excitement I will have when classes are over this week. Why must professors make our lives so stressful? They must think its funny, which I assure them, it's not.
It hit me the other day that in December, I will be graduating, which is a very scary thought. I still really have no idea what I want to do with my life. My professors drill me with this question and act shocked that an almost college senior wouldn't know exactly what my career path will be. I did feel a little relieved last summer, when my 50 year old aunt, who has a very successful job and happy lifestyle, told me "Anne, don't feel bad, some days I still don't know what I want to do with my life."
So, my new theory is that maybe knowing what we want to do with our lives isn't a very important question. It will probably change many times based on new or unexpected opportunities that arise.
At my internship (starting in San Diego in under 4 weeks which I am VERY excited about) I will be learning about casting, representing models, and using the web for social marketing purposes. So my goal for this summer is to forget about "my career" and "life after graduation" and just find out if any of these fields interest me or if I hate any of them.
My advice is to not get too hung up on figuring out the future and just keep looking for the opportunities that pop up along the way.
It hit me the other day that in December, I will be graduating, which is a very scary thought. I still really have no idea what I want to do with my life. My professors drill me with this question and act shocked that an almost college senior wouldn't know exactly what my career path will be. I did feel a little relieved last summer, when my 50 year old aunt, who has a very successful job and happy lifestyle, told me "Anne, don't feel bad, some days I still don't know what I want to do with my life."
So, my new theory is that maybe knowing what we want to do with our lives isn't a very important question. It will probably change many times based on new or unexpected opportunities that arise.
At my internship (starting in San Diego in under 4 weeks which I am VERY excited about) I will be learning about casting, representing models, and using the web for social marketing purposes. So my goal for this summer is to forget about "my career" and "life after graduation" and just find out if any of these fields interest me or if I hate any of them.
My advice is to not get too hung up on figuring out the future and just keep looking for the opportunities that pop up along the way.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Four More Weeks!!
I would just like to take this opportunity to say that there are four more weeks of classes, something that I am extremely happy about. This semester has been my hardest and most stressful by far. What was I thinking when I registered for classes last fall? Since Spring break I have been counting down every day and can't wait to finish. At a family Easter dinner last weekend, my cousin and I were commiserating about our stress and how much every college student hates the end of the semester.
So...what are some ways you can ease your stress and get through these last few weeks without having a mental break down? Here are a few suggestions:
-Plan out these last few weeks, make weekly goals and make sure that all deadlines and due dates are clear
-Pick one or two projects or papers and get them done now, waiting until the last minute to finish everything at once is too stressful
-Add some fun time: don't get so caught up with work that you forget to leave a little time for fun and relaxation
-Sleep: the worst idea ever invented was to use your sleep time to get work done. Try to keep your regular sleep schedule, this will help you stay healthy and more alert so you are more productive during the day. So, don't pull too many overnight study sessions at the library.
-Exercise: Believe it or not exercise is a huge stress reliever. It helps you think more clearly and will make your "to do" list seem not so overwhelming.
So, good luck getting through the next four weeks. Soon enough, we will all be done and be able to start enjoying our summer plans!
So...what are some ways you can ease your stress and get through these last few weeks without having a mental break down? Here are a few suggestions:
-Plan out these last few weeks, make weekly goals and make sure that all deadlines and due dates are clear
-Pick one or two projects or papers and get them done now, waiting until the last minute to finish everything at once is too stressful
-Add some fun time: don't get so caught up with work that you forget to leave a little time for fun and relaxation
-Sleep: the worst idea ever invented was to use your sleep time to get work done. Try to keep your regular sleep schedule, this will help you stay healthy and more alert so you are more productive during the day. So, don't pull too many overnight study sessions at the library.
-Exercise: Believe it or not exercise is a huge stress reliever. It helps you think more clearly and will make your "to do" list seem not so overwhelming.
So, good luck getting through the next four weeks. Soon enough, we will all be done and be able to start enjoying our summer plans!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Albany Semester Program
As I'm sure you already know, internships are a common theme in my posts. For this particular post I'm going to give you an overview of the Albany Semester Program-one of the internships offered through Brockport's Career Services Office.
You must be at least a second-semester sophomore to participate, and must also have a minimum GPA of 2.00. This internship can take place during the fall, winter, spring, or summer semesters. The program is based in Albany however you can complete it in local offices as well. The Albany Semester Program is a state government internship, so students interested in government and politics should apply! You can earn 15 credits if completed during the fall or spring semesters and 12 credits if completed during the summer months. Some of these internships are paid!--which is not common.
Some past students who have participated in the Albany Semester Program interned at the DMV in Albany, the local office for the Attorney General, and local school districts.
There is a program fee. A breakdown of cost, requirements, overview, and a course syllabus can be found here:
http://www.brockport.edu/career/aoverview.htm
You must be at least a second-semester sophomore to participate, and must also have a minimum GPA of 2.00. This internship can take place during the fall, winter, spring, or summer semesters. The program is based in Albany however you can complete it in local offices as well. The Albany Semester Program is a state government internship, so students interested in government and politics should apply! You can earn 15 credits if completed during the fall or spring semesters and 12 credits if completed during the summer months. Some of these internships are paid!--which is not common.
Some past students who have participated in the Albany Semester Program interned at the DMV in Albany, the local office for the Attorney General, and local school districts.
There is a program fee. A breakdown of cost, requirements, overview, and a course syllabus can be found here:
http://www.brockport.edu/career/aoverview.htm
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Be "The Jack of All Trades"
Here is a lesson I have learned this year...In today's changing world you can't be skilled in just one area. More and more employers want to hire people who have been exposed to a broad range of things and who are familiar and skilled in different fields.
Another thing I have learned (and I'm not thrilled about this one) is that having strong computer skills adds A LOT to your resume. I like my phone, iPod, and having internet access whenever I want it, but I don't like technology. I don't have the patience and often get frustrated trying to learn how to use new technologies. But, through my applying for many many internships, I noticed that almost all of the employers wanted interns who were familiar with many computer programs as well as web design and internet research.
So, I would suggest branching out when chosing your college courses. Take a computer or web design course to learn the basics. It also might be useful to take some elective course outside of your major or minor. Having a wide range of knowledge will benefit you in the future!
Another thing I have learned (and I'm not thrilled about this one) is that having strong computer skills adds A LOT to your resume. I like my phone, iPod, and having internet access whenever I want it, but I don't like technology. I don't have the patience and often get frustrated trying to learn how to use new technologies. But, through my applying for many many internships, I noticed that almost all of the employers wanted interns who were familiar with many computer programs as well as web design and internet research.
So, I would suggest branching out when chosing your college courses. Take a computer or web design course to learn the basics. It also might be useful to take some elective course outside of your major or minor. Having a wide range of knowledge will benefit you in the future!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
