College Gloss: Future

Showing posts with label Future. Show all posts

Write for College Gloss this Summer/Fall!

Get published on College Gloss, or get involved with the website! College Gloss is looking for volunteer contributing writers, editors, and staff for this summer and fall.

Writers - Writers contribute one article per week to College Gloss on college fashion, food, fitness, beauty, dorm decor, and fun. The time commitment is about 1-3 hours per week.
Editors - Editors edit the articles for grammar, spelling, and format. Editors should be publishing articles daily, and the work load is about 3-5 hours per week.
Marketing/PR - Contributors for marketing and PR will work on advertisement sales and increasing our presence online and on campuses nationwide. Must be creative and a self-starter.

To apply for any of these positions, please email stephany@collegegloss.com. Writers and editors should also submit a writing sample. All positions are unpaid and are not for school credit.

What Resources to Use to Find Stellar Internships

Internships are not just about gaining experience for your resume. They are an opportunity to see whether you truly want to pursue the field after graduation, to make connections, and to learn skills you might call upon after college. However, not all internships are equal. At some, you might be toting coffee and organizing files all day, but at others you might have the opportunity to become involved with hands-on projects. How do you know the difference? Where do you find the stellar internships?

General: Intern Queen
From PR to legal internships, Intern Queen has a valuable list of top notch internships available for college women. Plus, their own interns give you the scoop on internship how-to's on the Intern Queen blog.

Journalism/Editorial: Ed 2010
For America's next top journalists and editors, Ed 2010's internship postings give you the chance to work at top magazines as well as smaller publications.

Fashion: The Fashion Intern
If you're set on entering the fashion industry, check The Fashion Intern, which posts internships on design, product management, PR, styling, and more.

Business/Finance and Engineering: Your school's recruitment process
In both business and engineering, working with a national firm can give you a big leg up for jobs after graduation. Universities often offer summer internship recruitment for business firms and engineering companies. Make sure to check your school's Career Center to see when the recruitment process begins.

Biology, Nursing, and Pre-Med: RIT's Internship List
RIT has compiled a list of 2011 internships and summer programs for biomedical and pre-med students. Otherwise, volunteer at a professor's research lab or at your local hospital.

Public Relations: PRSSA
Interested in public relations? PRSSA has an extensive list of public relations and social media internships from all over the nation.

Entrepreneurs: Youtern
If you want real world experience in a start up company, Youtern is your stop. With start up internships, you'll often get hands on experience working with the top of the company, and you'll get to see how they build their company from the ground up.

While internship recruitment goes on up until the beginning of summer, most of the coveted internships fill up by the end of winter or start of spring. Start looking soon, and best of luck.

UW's Fashion Mag Introduces the World of Fashion Blogging

University of Wisconsin fashion magazine, MODA, dubbed the week of March 19 Madison Fashion Week and celebrated by bringing in some of the Midwest’s best-dressed fashion bloggers to share tips on getting started with a personal blog.

The panel included bloggers from southern Wisconsin, Indiana and the Windy City.

“You need to be a storyteller,” said What I Wore blogger Jessica Quirk. “Your blog doesn’t need to be about what’s happening at fashion week. Blogging is almost like a resume in and of itself; you can show it to employers. It’s something you can be proud and passionate about.”

Quirk said she began by showing an interest in photography and taking pictures of her daily outfits while working in New York City. Four years later, after a relocation to Bloomington, Indiana, Quirk’s blog is now her career.

A highlight of the panel was Chicago’s Style Block blog. After working together at shopedropoff.com, an online designer consignment store, five girls decided to share everything fashion, food and fun about Chicago life.

“We took work and made it into something fun,” said Corri McFadden, eDrop-Off owner and Style Block writer.

“The great thing about blogging is that you can start now,” Style Block writer Chelsea Lanvin said. “If it’s interesting people are going to pick up on that. If you want to talk about fashion, blogging is where you need to start.”

The girls from Style Block have opportunities coming at them from all directions from sponsorships to reality TV shows.

“The key to making a blog into a successful passion is consistency and gaining a loyal readership,” McFadden said. “Use your opportunities to network. It’s all about connections. Always direct people back to your blog. Be your own brand.”

For many up-and-coming fashionistas, getting your start in the journalism world is the most widely chosen path.

Style Block contributor Erin Brennan said magazines, media and blogs complement each other.

“Blogging is just getting your feet wet,” Brennan said.

“A blog is essentially a journal, whether it’s giving advice or inspiration,” McFadden added. “You can take it in any direction you want.”

By: Jourdan Miller | Image: Weheartit

Four Things You Should Know Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the best opportunities to take advantage of during college. You have the chance to explore new cultures, meet amazing people and travel more in several months than you probably will throughout the rest of your life. However, before jetting off to a foreign continent for four months, there are about a thousand tiny details that need to be ironed out.

After getting transfer credits approved, obtaining a passport and visa, haggling with financial aid and booking flights, it is almost surreal that all this preparatory work leads to an actual destination. Relieved to have conquered the tedious steps, it’s easy to breeze through all the other preparatory steps and center your focus on your destination.

I am currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I can testify about how difficult it is to be completely prepared for a semester abroad. There are many factors I hadn’t considered before leaving, and I often wish I had someone to consult about what to bring with me or how to better prepare myself for my time away. So reaching out to all those potential travelers, here are a few valuable tips to help you plan for studying abroad in any country.

1. Bring outlet converters and adapters.

Once you leave the U.S., electrical outlets will no longer resemble the face of those at home. I suggest purchasing universal outlet converters and adapters before you leave, as they can be expensive in foreign countries and are often difficult to find. The adapter will change the foreign plug so that you can connect your device to the outlet. This does not change the voltage, though, so you will definitely need a converter or transformer to make the wattage of your device compatible with the country’s power supply. You should also consider leaving expensive hair straighteners or blow dryers at home. They generate a lot of heat, and even with a converter, the differing voltage can blow them out.

Kara, a junior at Quinnipiac University, regrets bringing her GHD straightener with her to Spain.

“I was using an adapter, a converter, and even a surge protector, and my straightener still blew out. If you absolutely need a flatiron, you should just buy a cheap one once you’re abroad.”

2. Don’t leave your phone at home!

Many students opt not to bring their smart phone while studying abroad, worried about loss or theft during their travels. If you are careful with your belongings though, these devices are great tools to communicate with fellow study abroad friends and loved ones at home. Some popular texting apps I’ve encountered are What’s App and textPlus, which both allow you to send text messages for free through Wi-Fi. Another App I highly recommend is Skype for iPhone. Even if you’re off in Amsterdam for the weekend, you can use this free app to call, instant message, or video chat friends and family. Another variation of the Skype app costs about $7 and enables you to call any phone in the U.S.

Cara, a sophomore at Emerson College and current study abroad student in Brazil, swears by the Skype app.

“Having Skpye on my iPhone has helped me keep communication with my grandparents, who don’t have computer access. And I don’t have to worry about spending minutes like friends with international phones.”

The Skype app is perfect for those who don’t want to bother with an international phone and have loved ones back home who aren’t so technologically savvy.

3. Stock up on tampons.

When I arrived in Argentina, I faced a rude awakening in the feminine products department. Tampons are very limited here, and I had to scour about six different drugstores before even finding O.B.’s (the kind without an applicator tip). Many countries, such as Egypt, don’t sell tampons at all, and most will not provide the brand or type that you are used to. So for a word to the wise, you should definitely stock up on Tampax before boarding the plane.

4. Keep your mind on your money.

Getting used to your country’s exchange rate is tough enough, but the foreign transaction fees your bank charges on purchases in a different currency are really a killer. Each time you swipe your card or pull cash from an ATM, the money you’re being charged but not spending begins to rack up. Before leaving, check to see if your bank at home has international branches in your abroad destination so that you are not charged a fee each time you visit the ATM. If you do not have the advantage of an international bank, I suggest withdrawing the maximum amount of cash per ATM visit. This way, you will only pay a nominal fee and will have enough money to last you a few weeks. Just make sure not to carry all your cash with you—pickpockets are very common in countries outside the U.S.

If you want more advice about your specific country of study, some great resources are LonelyPlanet.com or Fodors.com. I found a lot of useful information by researching student blogs who had studied in Buenos Aires last semester and actually based a lot of my packing decisions on their suggestions. My only other piece of advice before embarking on the greatest journey of your life: make the most of every opportunity, and take as many photos as possible! This is an experience you will want to remember, so don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.

By: Kimberly Suchy | Images: Pinterest

You Scored the Internship! Now What?

The new semester is here (or quickly approaching!) and you just landed your dream internship. Congratulations!

Internships can open doors for future career options, give you plenty of chances to network and get your name out there, and help you gain valuable firsthand experience in the field.

Based on my experiences as a former and current intern, I've put together a list of some questions you should answer now to prepare for your first day, final day and every day in between.

Where exactly are you interning? OK, so of course by now you should probably know what company (or business) you are going to be an intern for. And yes, you probably know where it is geographically-speaking. But what about the values of the company? What about its mission statement and goals? Do you know who's in charge? Take some time to research the company or business a bit and get to know it as well as you can so you can be as informed as possible.

What is expected of you? You should establish early on what your specific responsibilities will be as an intern. In general, a good intern is one who comes prepared and is eager and willing to work, doing whatever is needed. You should have the attitude that no task is too big or too small. Stay organized and professional, and be friendly to your peers.

Where do you park? Knowing the answer to this seemingly simple question is important because searching for a parking spot can often take up more time than you anticipated, which can make you late. A good rule of thumb is to always give yourself some extra time (about 15 minutes) for the unknown. If you make a habit out of coming in late and looking disheveled, you won't be leaving the best impression on your mentors and co-workers.

What will you eat for lunch? You may be surrounded by fast food, fancy bistros, cutesy diners, cafeteria options in the building, or maybe nothing at all. Plan accordingly so you don't end up either hungry or spending all your money on unhealthy or expensive options. Alternate days by eating a packed lunch in the fresh air one day and then checking out that little bistro the next. Also, carrying small, healthy snacks in your bag is a smart idea to keep your energy up and a growling stomach down before and after your lunch break.

What will you wear? Of course your fashion choices have a huge impact on how you are perceived during your internship. The dress code for each place is a little different, so it will be important to get a feel for this as early as possible. If you had an interview already, try to recall what the overall look was in the office (or building or room). If you have no idea, your best bet for your first day is to stick with a fairly conservative ensemble infused with a small dose of something that stands out.

With the help of Polyvore, I've put together some examples of how you can dress your professional best, whether it's in a way that's conservative, chic or conservative-chic.

A black-and-white striped top is strikingly simple, perfect to tuck into a bold blue pencil skirt. Err on the conservative side with a plain black blazer, or go chic with a cropped sequin jacket. Patent leather pumps add just enough high shine while suede wedges are subtly edgy.

Start with: Striped top: DAY Birger et Mikkelsen ($90), Pencil skirt: TopShop ($59)

Conservative: Blazer: TopShop ($62), Pearls: J. Crew ($98), Nude pumps: Nine West ($79)

Chic: Bib Necklace: 1928 Jewelry ($60), Sequin blazer: Dorothy Perkins ($59),

Wedges: Steve Madden ($99.95)

On days when you don't have much time to get ready, throw on an easy dress (with tights if it's chilly out). Pair with a bag that can hold all your intern essentials, and slip on funky flats or pretty pumps in an exotic animal print.

Conservative: Brown bag: DSW ($39.94), Belted dress: TopShop ($60),

Leopard flats: Steve Madden ($89.95)

Chic: Black tote: Dorothy Perkins ($49), Dress: Dorothy Perkins ($79), Velvet leopard pumps: Charlotte Russe ($34.50)

Red pants, while they may seem hard to pull off, can be paired with cream and black for a look that's pulled together. Add simple pearl jewelry and you're good to go. A red blazer adds interest to an embellished tank, and what could be more chic than glittery platform pumps?

Conservative: Ruffle blouse: We Like Fashion ($73), Red pants: Oasis ($50), Pearl studs: J. Crew ($50), Pearl bracelet set: JC Penney ($35.99), Black bow T-strap pumps: ModCloth ($34.99)

Chic: Red blazer: Warehouse ($56), Embellished top: TopShop ($84), Earrings: Max & Chloe ($45) High-waisted black pants: Warehouse ($40), Glitter heels: ModCloth ($34.99)

Being the new intern can seem daunting and unnerving, but with a dose of confidence and a few chic and conservative pieces in your wardrobe, you'll be able to conquer anything.

Good luck!

By: Anna Harms | Images: Weheartit, Polyvore

How to Rock Your Resume

With internship application season coming around, we're calling you out: it's time to update your resume. Whether you're a seasoned resume veteran or a first time resume writer, you'll want to follow these guidelines:

Keep it simple.
Your resume should only be one or two pages long. Make it easy for your potential employer to find information about you by separating sections on education, work experience, skills, leadership, and awards. Keep the content in one simple font and black ink. Make sure the title of each section (e.g. Work Experience) is in bold or somehow distinguished from the rest of the text.

Update your information.
If you're still in college, you probably move around every year. Make sure your address, cell phone number, and e-mail address are current and correct.

Be specific.
You did what? Specifically state what you did at each job or in each organization. Use active verbs to describe your job duties. You want to stand out among a sea of applicants who "helped with administrative duties."

High school doesn't count.
Cut the high school information. Unless you're a first semester freshman, high school extra curricular activities are irrelevant. Too much high school information can make you look like you haven't done much since then, and can clutter up your resume. The only exception is if you have relevant work experience from high school; we say leave it in.

Scour for typos.
You might be a qualified, amazing candidate, but one or two typos in your resume will have the employer believing that you're not serious about the job. Have someone else proofread your resume just to make sure you didn't miss any yourself.

List relevant information first.
Although there's debate whether you should put most recent or most relevant information first, we're on Team Most Relevant. Employers often only spend minutes, if not seconds, looking over resumes, and first impressions are important. While it's great that you're working at Starbucks this semester, employers will be much more impressed that stellar law internship you did last summer.

Take the time to update your resume, and check back for more information on internships and careers!

Five Tips to Landing an Incredible Internship

Wondering what to do in order to obtain a great internship? Follow these tips and you should be headed in the right direction.

Tip #1: Stay in touch with the people you meet.
Whether we’d like to admit it or not, connections account for receiving many positions in today’s society. That being said, it is very important to keep in touch with people who could potentially be your employers. Even if it’s just an occasional check-up with them to see how they're doing, you're still keeping your name in their minds and they will remember you. Take an interest in them. Praise them for recent work they’ve done that you’ve enjoyed. Let them know what you’ve been up to. Anything you can say to make your name stick in their minds will help.

Tip #2: Always be looking for internship opportunities.
Sometimes interns will drop out or decide to stop interning in the middle of their term, leaving companies with open positions to fill. Internships are always becoming available. You just have to look for them. Don’t panic, either. Companies work on different schedules, thus, they may not respond back to you as quickly as you would like. There are always opportunities available…somewhere. The key is just figuring out how to find them and not giving up your search.

Tip #3: Have a resume and clips ready at all times.
It’s very important to have a professional resume that you can give to potential bosses. Make sure it is clear, concise and error-free. It’s also useful to have samples of your work available. Some may want paper copies, and some may want online copies. Have both. No matter what, always be sure you are able to talk about the clips you have selected. If you submit samples of your work, you will most likely be questioned about them in the interview.

Tip #4: Do your research.
Before applying to a company, you need to be up-to-date on what the company is all about and the values and goals they hold. Going in without any idea will make you look stupid and will ultimately be a waste of their time, as well as yours. Know the directors or executives. Know the major issues they address. Be able to reference specific projects or issues they’ve conquered and be able to explain why and what you liked about them. If you reference specifics, the interviewer will be able to tell that you have done your research and really do want to land a position with their company. To land the spot you want, you've to put in some effort.

Tip #5: Make yourself stand out.
Companies receive so many resumes and cover letters that you need to make sure your resume and cover letter stand out, so you will land the position. With cover letters, especially, we have the ability to be creative. So why not take advantage of it? Your cover letter is the perfect spot to really make yourself stand out. Show your personality. Stray away from the traditional guidelines. People evaluating applications get sick of reading the generic cover letter saying how much someone wants to work for their company. Tell a story or a new idea you have for the company. Anything apart from the norm will make your application different from the rest and will stick out. Also, remember, to SHOW not TELL. Telling is boring. Showing is detailed, specific and INTERESTING.

Take in mind these five tips in preparing for your next internship. Make sure that you're prepared and showcasing yourself in the best light. Be professional, motivated and determined. But, most importantly, BE YOURSELF.

By Liz Stratman | Photo by weheartit.com

How to Get Organized

With the semester well on its way, it’s about that time when midterms and big assignments are stressing you out and clutter in your life can just throw you off balance. This is the perfect time to get yourself reorganized to ensure that you breeze through the rest of the semester with flying colors.

Here are some tips to get reorganized and stay focused:

1. Always carry your agenda/planner and log important dates

Carrying it with you everywhere you go will enable you to know exactly what your schedule looks like at any given time. Use different colored pens and highlighters to color code different events or appointments relating to school, work or extracurricular activities. Sticky notes and stickers will also come in handy and will make it fun to write in your agenda every day.

2. Clean out your school bag weekly

Sunday nights are usually when there is some downtime and you can take the time to prepare for the week of school that follows. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes to clean out your school bag. Take out any trash or things that you don’t need to eliminate any clutter.

3. Write a to-do list every morning

Writing out a to-do list will help you see what you have to accomplish by the end of each day and it makes it easier to tackle everything on that list. Crossing off one thing at a time is like a pat on the back that will keep you going. However, be realistic and don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of things you know you will never get through. Start your list with the things that absolutely must get done that day and at the bottom of the list add the things you wish you get through, if you don’t get through the bottom of the list, it's not the end of the world, simply add it to your list the next day.

4. Clean out your school folder

By this time in the semester you have probably accumulated a stack of papers in your folder that perhaps you don’t need to carry around every day. Take out what you know you won’t need like graded tests or assignments and put them in a separate folder to leave at home. This takes off a little load out of your already cramped bag and makes it easy to find the papers you need if they are all in one place.

5. Revisit your class syllabi

Remember those multi-page contracts professors give out on the first day of class? If you haven’t looked at it since, now is a great time to reread it and cross out assignments you have already completed. Most importantly, look ahead at what is to come for the following weeks. Final papers, tests or semester projects may be coming up and it is important that you are aware in order to plan your time wisely.

By: Jessica Estrada | Image: Tumblr

Safety 101: Be Safe On Campus

As young women it is important to be aware of our surroundings and realize what is going on around us at all times. Young women take their safety for granted and don’t think about being safe and smart.

I recently moved into a small town home with my college roommate and we have been living quite comfortably for the past month. One night we came home from a seminar and sat on the couch in our living room to talk. For a moment my roommate looked up at the window and said, “Olivia, am I crazy or do you see something outside of the window?” Our windows were closed and the blinds were down, but as I looked up I could see a figure standing outside of our window. I saw the head of a man, his shoulders and part of his chest. We instantly began to scream and the figure moved from the window as we ran up the steps and into a bathroom upstairs. We called a male friend and told him to urgently come to the house. We also called our neighbors who live behind us to see if they could see anyone in our backyard. After a few jokes on their end of disbelief, a few minutes later they said they saw no one. Once our friend got there, he searched the house inside and out, looking for the man who had been peeking through our window. He could not find anyone either, but we called the police just to be safe anyway. Unfortunately, it took the police over two hours to come to our house and search the premises. The man was long gone.

But what if the mystery person had come closer and actually tried to get into the house? Would we have been able to stop him? It was one of the spookiest nights I have ever witnessed. The next day we put up a light for the back patio and hung curtains over our windows. The police have also put our house on a watch list. Even though the predator was only at our house for a few short minutes, you can never be too safe.

If anything, this experience has taught me to be extremely careful, and not allow myself to get too comfortable. Incidents happen to young women living alone all of the time. The more more safety precautions you take, the less chance you have of an incident occurring. Sporting goods stores have pepper spray for your keychain for just a few dollars. They even have ones that come in purple and pink! Be careful about having a routine, you never know who is watching so try to change it up sometimes. Keep outdoor lights on and try not to come home to a house in the dark. Also, it’s a good idea to have male visitors; they can be helpful if something really does happen. One last rule is to not walk alone. Creepers are everywhere and at night they get very bold. Overall, just be aware of your surroundings.

By: Olivia Lewis

Image Credit | 1

Miss Representation: A Must See Film on Media and Women

Be the change that you want to see in the world. Miss Representation highlights the messages the media plays in all of our lives as women, from our childhoods and into our careers. Just the trailer is a compelling watch, but I encourage you to attend a screening or watch it sometime with your friends or family.

Why You Should Get Involved on Campus

As the heat is dying down, the breezes are picking up, and the suns rays are becoming softer as the days progress into autumn, we’re back to school! Freshman are anxious and giggly, awaiting to experience their first year at college, while the upperclassmen are eager to see friends and move back onto campus. Welcome back to the college life!

College student activity boards and student life committees encourage everyone to participate in something each semester. Whether it be a recreational sport, club, or study group, it’s engaging and allows everyone to connect and make new friendships and relationships.

Some may glance past this suggestion, because they’re too focused on our studies, while others may immediately jump in at the opportunities, and the rest may sparely participate here and there. Whichever option you choose is up to you, and no one is going to force you to do otherwise. But, we hope you do choose to do at least one thing, because it’ll help you in so many ways.

Not only will you do something you like during your free time, but you’ll meet more people on campus (maybe even a cute guy you’ve been eyeing!), but in addition, they are great resume add-on’s and make you feel good at the end of the day. Yeah, you might be tired after a long day of classes and lectures, but a little refreshing activity never hurt anyone.

An adrenaline rush and good time full of laughs might be just what you need to jumps start that annoying essay assigned by your English teacher, or conquer all the tasks you need to get done, like that big pile of laundry and dishes you never got to last week.

You could even help out at a local food bank or donation center, care for children at a church or daycare, walk dogs at an animal inn, or tutor younger kids (or fellow classmates).

Enjoy these moments and experiences; they don’t last forever. Maybe you’ll learn more about yourself and figure things out that seemed unclear before. The year is full of surprises.

By: Laura Good | Image: Source

Lessons Learned: What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

Lately, I have been feeling older. Like, working-woman-with-bills-and-responsibilities older. I don't notice it all the time, but when I do, I can't help but think of the things I would have done differently, had I known then what my life would be like now. For the "me" one week, five months, or eight years ago, there is always something that I wish I had known, done, or said.

To the twelve-year-old me:

Don't buy that shirt from Abercrombie. You're too young to care about labels, and besides, it looks stupid. Even though your friends are wearing thongs, you don't need to. Don't be scared - tampons won't devirginize you. If you listen to her now, fine, but Celine Dion is cheesy - and Leonardo DiCaprio is so not your type. Algebra will be useless to you, but that doesn't mean you should stop doing your math homework now. If you can figure out this jumble of letters and numbers now, you can study finance and have a shot at making money when you're older.

To the fifteen-year-old me:

You will get your driver's license. Just be patient, and please be sympathetic to your poor mother in the passenger seat. You will get your first boyfriend. He will be goofy and cute and tall and everything else a first boyfriend should be. You will get boobs. They will keep growing each year. Eventually, you'll learn that big boobs are overrated. Some of the friends you have now will come and go, but the ones that matter are true. They will sit with you in the car right after your first boyfriend breaks your heart, stay over in your new apartment on your first night alone, and run boring errands with you on a rainy Saturday because you were working on the sunny day.

To the eighteen-year-old me:

Your body will never look as good as it does now with absolutely no effort on your part. Enjoy. Don't drink too much tequila in Cancun - or on the 4th of July. The relationship you are in now will change your life, but that doesn't mean there isn't more room to grow, to learn and love, someday on your own. Seriously, don't buy that shirt from Abercrombie. You don't need to know now what you want to do later. You will find a passion - it will just take a while to realize and embrace it. Don't stop writing.

Perhaps the biggest lessons I have learned thus far have been lessons for the twenty-two-year old me. But for now, it is too soon to say, and besides - aren't the lessons always changing? I could go on for pages, and all the way up to yesterday (your white skirt is definitely see-through), but had I known certain things at the right place and time, would I really be all the wiser? Or would I merely avoid making mistakes - the mistakes that made me who I am today? I waver between wanting to know what will happen next, saving myself from an accident or heartbreak, and wanting my future to be a question without an answer, mapping it out as I go.

Readers, what do you now wish your younger self had known?

By: Kayla Park | Image: Source

Clean it Up: The Do's and Don'ts of Social Media

Everyone knows that this is not the best time to go job hunting, but you can’t stay at home with mom and dad forever! Jobs are becoming so scarce that employers have the opportunity to be as picky as possible. Of course your resume, portfolio, recommendations, and overall appearance and personality matter; however, social-networking sites can end a career before it even begins.

All of you on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and even those of you still rattling around on Myspace, make sure you keep it clean! Many employers are asking for Facebook and Twitter information. What you say on the internet can remove you from the prospective employee list to the “thank you for your time” list.

If you wouldn’t introduce yourself as such at the interview, then it is probably a good idea not to put it on a social networking site. For example, unless you are applying for a job in a strip club (where they most likely don’t care what is on your Twitter or Facebook) it’s probably not a good idea to name yourself anything suggestive like, @LegsIntheAir, on Twitter. Triple and Quadruple names on Facebook are not professional either. Samantha LongHairDon’tCare Brown, is probably not what your employer is looking for, unless you plan on selling hair extensions and wigs.

It may be cliché but remember that a picture is worth 1,000 words and there are two things that can ruin yours; drugs and sex. There is no harm in having a night out with your friends, but remember that the entire world does not need to know the details. In fact, it is better to list your pictures as private to everyone, except the people tagged in the pictures. As for profile pictures, hide the red cups and vaporize the smoke! Your profile picture is supposed to represent you. Although you in a slightly skanky shirt arms wrapped around a few guys with red cups may remind you of a good time, pictures that suggest you may not be a trustworthy employee will not make you look like the best candidate for the job.

If you have a Friday night like Katy Perry's, don't the photos up on Facebook.

Finally, be careful what you say! I know that Twitter and Facebook allow users to make their profiles private, but giving your employer your information will expose a lot of things that you may not have thought of. Typing in a twitter name on Google will release every tweet anyone has sent you or retweeted mentioning you on any open accounts. Facebook is open game for anyone. Remember how small the world of social networking is! I work as a camp counselor during the summer and my boss follows all of his employees on Facebook. This summer he had to fire someone because of what she said to a camper on her wall that included the name of our workplace. The smallest incidents can have the biggest effects!

Recognize your faults and clean up your page. Social networking may have started as a way for friends to connect over the web, but the job market is keeping a watchful eye.

By: Olivia Lewis | Image: Source

How to... Pick Your Major

Choosing a major is something that every college student must do, but how do you know which major is the right one for you? Some people begin college knowing what they want to be when they “grow up” and chose their major accordingly. But if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, picking your major can be a daunting choice. Below, I’ve listed a few helpful tips for making this decision.

Take Required Courses First
Most colleges require students to take a set of general courses, and I couldn’t recommend taking as many of these classes as you can right off the bat. Common subjects areas include math, English, languages, science, and history. Many students dread these classes, and quickly use up their electives on “fun” or “easy” classes. Generals are a great way to become acquainted with the different subjects you can study at your college. And trust me, you do not want to be the lone Senior in English 101. Take as many of these courses as you can your Freshman year, and you will most likely find a topic that peaks your interest. One class in this topic will lead to another, and soon enough you’ll be on track to declaring your major.

Study Your Passion
Unless you’ve been living in a space colony for the past few years, you know that the current job market does not look pretty. The twisted reality of college is that you spend four years in school to get a degree, which will hopefully lead to a job, so you can start paying for college. Too many students freak out, and think that the only way they to get employed in today’s market is by studying finance or business, which is simply not true. Majoring in a subject that you are passionate about will make your college experience far more fulfilling and enjoyable than if you were to major in a subject that you hate, but believe will lead to employment. Besides, your passion for whichever major you choose will show through to employers, and what’s a better advantage to have than that?

Think of the Big Picture
Upon graduation, you will receive a diploma, which will essentially be the most expensive piece of paper you’ll ever own. When you enter the “real world,” your major is merely a line to put on your resume or a conversation starter during an interview. The lessons you learn in college are much greater than what you’ll study under your chosen major. In fact, the greatest lessons you’ll learn in college are not related to academics at all. College teaches you how to work hard, and dive into a project and not stop until you finish it. It teaches you how to interact with people who are different than yourself. Most of all, it teaches you how to keep learning after college; to be curious about the world, and empowered to explore it.

By: Kayla Parks | Image: Source

The Great Debate: Should You Study Abroad?

When you're given advice about college, taking the chance to study abroad tops the list of necessary adventures along with road trips, taking a course that is totally unrelated to your major and pulling an all-nighter. Studying abroad can be a truly amazing experience—you're immersed in a new culture, learning new things and meeting great people.

But there are several reasons to choose not to study abroad:

Academics. Most colleges and universities have allowed for full credit transfer, which eliminates that problem. But your major courses may not be offered abroad or, depending on your program, you may be required to take several courses that relate to the country you're in. Another issue is course load. Many programs limit the amount of courses you can take abroad in a single semester. If you normally take five or six classes as your home institution, you may only be allowed to take three or four. This leads to another problem –graduating on time. Is it worth studying abroad if it knocks you off your academic track?

Financial. Because more and more schools have their own study abroad programs, you can usually just pay your regular tuition to study abroad. But this often does not include transportation, visas, health insurance, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. Also, the cost of living in other countries (particularly in Europe) tend to be much more expensive than the United States. Your financial situation at your home institution is also something to consider. Before studying abroad you need to make sure that the financial aid and loans you're reliant on can be used in a foreign country.

Missing Out. I can't be the only one who adores living on campus. While abroad, you're going to miss out on all the events and happenings on campus, whether it is celebrating your friend's 21st birthday or attending football games. You'll also be removed from all of the extracurriculars you're involved in. Your sorority raised $3,000 for charity and you weren't a part of it—not the best feeling. Missing out on great career opportunities is another downside of studying abroad. Internships, practicum and job offerings are all pushed away when you're in a different country.

Culture Shock. Being thrown into a new culture can be a beautiful and exciting experience. But a lot of people can't assimilate well. They may have many misconceptions about their new country or don't understand customs. Language barrier is another potential problem. This can result in students feeling lonely, isolated and homesick.

Studying abroad is a major decision. Preparing to study abroad requires months of work. It is definitely not for everyone. Don't think that just because it is grouped in the typical list of the College Bucket List that you must do it. Personally, I know I won't. I have bigger priorities—namely graduating on time or early and interning.

Have you studied abroad? What was your experience? Any downsides? Please share your opinions and thoughts!

By: Lauren Sale | Image: Tumblr

The Great Indoors: A Working Girl’s Guide to Summertime Fun

So you got a “grown up” job working the 9 to 5: congrats! Your summer will now be spent in The Great Indoors, otherwise known as The Office. Although having a steady income and feeling like an accomplished person are obvious perks of a full-time job, working inside for 40 plus hours a week often leaves a girl feeling tired, pale, and stressed. Even if you have considerably less free time, take advantage of all the season has to offer with these easy tips:

Sleep

It can be hard adjusting to a new schedule, especially when getting up at 11 a.m. for “History of Film” was the earliest morning you had in college. You’ve heard this countless times before, but they don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing! Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to looking and feeling your best, and your added energy will help immensely when you go straight from work to a party or event. If you must fake sleep, invest in a good eye cream to beat dark circles, and use shimmery eye shadow to hide exhaustion.

Eat

Don’t let boredom get the best of you – snacking on junk food at your desk leads to weight gain and fills you up before your regular meals. Besides, you’ll regret that fifth bag of Doritos when it’s Saturday, and it’s time to put on your swimsuit. Eat as many fruits and veggies during the day as you can, and skip the greasy takeout food at lunch. Instead, pack a sandwich or get a salad and soup to stay lean. Lastly, try to limit your sugar and caffeine intake (this is directly related to the part about getting enough sleep).

Play

It can be hard to pass up pool invites and road trips, especially if your friends aren’t stuck in an office five days a week, like you. The weekends are awesome, of course, but there is plenty of fun to be had during the week! Even if your days are now filled with copy machines and sticky notes, you don’t need to be a bore at night. Go out and have fun as many nights a week as you can (but get home early or you’ll be sorry!) You’re young, it’s summer, and there’s no reason your new job should stop you from enjoying life!

Kayla Parks: Image: Source

The College Girl’s Guide to Urban Living

At one time or another we have all pictured ourselves in an episode of “Sex and the City,” walking down 5th Avenue, window shopping in fabulous heels and designer clothes. Who doesn’t think of glitz and glam when it comes to the big city? You imagine yourself in a shopping euphoria carrying dozens of bags from Saks, Bergdorf’s and Bloomingdales as people watch you walk down the block. However, your daydream is quickly cut off by the blow of car horns and midtown traffic. Instead of hailing a cab or having your own Mr. Big come save you in his limo, the only budget-friendly option to get home is *gulp* public transportation.

While you could never imagine Carrie Bradshaw on a crowded subway car, true New Yorkers commute everyday on the MTA, battling weather and swarms of unresponsive people all trying to get somewhere fast. Since I have grown up in NYC, I have spent most of my life traveling on the subway or bus. My friends and I constantly swap stories about things we have seen when traveling in the city. Here’s a list of how you can manage (an almost) stress-free commute.

Seating
For some reason when entering a train people never move toward the center or ends of the car. Instead, dozens of people huddle on top of each other, trying to grab onto the same poll. This is neither smart or comfortable because the people eager enough to get where they need to go will push their way through, which leads to you either getting shoved or stepped on!

Finding a seat is also a main priority for people, so much so that I have seen people fight over seats. While we all want a nice commute, sitting and reading the paper, getting into a fight over it is, well, absurd. Instead, give up your seat to the elderly, disabled and pregnant, which are the people who clearly need to sit more than you do!

Also, quick tip, when taking the bus, go directly to the back! The front is the designated spot for those who can’t walk far and for people in wheelchairs.

To see how common people take up space and seats on the train, visit Seathogs.com.

Noise
Thankfully, cell phone service has not reached underground just yet. So, most commuters are spared the annoyance of hearing a person’s incredibly personal and extremely loud conversation on the subway. Unfortunately, the bus is not cell phone-service free, allowing for dozens of people to have loud and obnoxious conversations. While some phone calls are necessary, keep them low and as quiet as possible; no one wants to hear you making a bikini wax appointment or how your friend’s breakup is going.

And, speaking of noise, while you may be obsessed with Katy Perry’s or Lady Gaga’s newest songs, the whole train may not like it. Your iPod shouldn’t be loud enough that those around you can understand every single word of the song you’re listening to.

Eating and Drinking
We get it—you’re in a rush and you don’t have time to stop and eat something. Having a piece a candy or even a bagel on the train or bus is no big deal. However, enjoying a huge meal on the train is gross and unsanitary. The smell alone will fill up the whole train car and probably last all day, not to mention most people don’t know how to clean up after themselves.

And believe me, people will complain. Just watch this fight over spaghetti on YouTube!

These tips are definitely not just for NYC, they apply to anyone taking any form of public transportation. While this all may seem like common sense, many people have a habit of neglecting their manners when in public! What you do at home is fine, but when traveling with hundreds of strangers next to you, it’s important to take others into consideration.

So tell us, what are some of your pet peeves or things you have witnessed on public transportation?

By: Ariana Philips | Image: Weheartit

How to Not Let Your Friends Drift Away

The bond you share with a friend is only as strong as your desire to maintain it. After high school and college, as time goes on and people move or find jobs and significant others, your once tight-knit group of friends may begin to scatter. Although it is inevitable that things change and people change, never let a person who is dear to your heart fade away just because life is getting busy.

In kindergarten or first grade, making a friend was as simple as asking, “Want to be friends?” on the playground. You had 20 of them at your birthday party and there was always someone around to ride bikes with. In second grade, the bloody politics of popularity come onto the scene, although that is a different topic entirely. By high school, most cliques are well established, and during the four years you spend in that godforsaken windowless building, you live with the security of knowing who you will eat lunch with, who will drive you home, and who you’ll spend your summer vacations with.

Things change in college; your popularity and friend groups in high school no longer matter to anyone (unless you yourself were popular, in which case, you should probably ride that wave for as long as possible). Friendship qualities like your intelligence and sense of humor and ability to watch six-hour marathons of 30 Rock take precedence over, say, who was in your prom group.

Your friends in college are some of the best you’ll ever have because you share a new and exciting life experience with them - one commonly known as “growing up.” During this time, it can be easy to forget about the high school friends who taught you everything you know about life and laughter and sneaking out late to talk to boys. You might keep in touch with an occasional phone call or Facebook message, but the ever-growing distance is hard to ignore.

After graduation, with even more new people to meet and things to do and places to go, you’ll have less and less time to spend with your friends. When you jump into the great abyss that is “adulthood” don’t let your college friends fade into the background, becoming a part of your past life, as with so many friendships before.

Make time to check in with your friends weekly and plan trips to visit each other if one of you should move. Let them know that you care about them. Even if you’re preoccupied with work or family or a new love, you still need your friends for their unconditional support, and that is something that will never change.

By: Kayla Parks | Image: Source

5 Ways to Survive and Succeed at Your Summer Internship

We all know how stressful the process of applying to internships can be. You spend weeks and even months sending out dozens of resumes, undergoing excruciatingly horrible interviews, and hearing the always awkward “we’ll call you” line before you completely give up hope and imagine living in your parents’ house for the rest of your life.

However, there’s always that one moment when things seem to go your way and you finally get a job! All that time and effort applying to internships can often feel like a job within itself. You get so caught up in the process of applying that when that fateful first day arrives, you are completely unprepared!

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your first day goes smoothly and pain free.

1. Dress professionally

Depending on where you’re working and the type of activities you will be doing, it is important to dress professionally and respectfully. Just remember that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed! While you may feel like you are playing dress up in a sea of middle-aged people, it is best to be dressed up rather than walking around in jeans and a tee. If you are unsure about the office dress code, look around and observe what others are wearing. For these hot summer months, business casual is the way to go, with a simple summer dress and a pair of heels. And remember girls, always carry a light sweater; it can get cold in your little cubicle.

2. Introduce yourself

Communication and first impressions are important in business environments, so it is crucial that you introduce yourself to everyone you encounter. Offices can be busy and chaotic, and many employees have no idea who is coming in and out, so take the initiative, break out of your shell and introduce yourself to people.

3. Unplug your electronics

While using your cell phone or iPod during class was once a perfectly normal way to pass the time, it is unprofessional in the real world. You are there to work, not to see what level you can reach playing BrickBreaker. So unless it is a slow workday and there’s not much for you to do, put the phone away and don’t forget to put it on silent. While you may love your "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ringtone, your co-workers (and your boss) most likely won’t.

4. Speak up

It’s OK to have questions or concerns, so don’t be afraid to speak up. You are a student, so they don’t expect you to know everything; even the little stuff can be confusing sometimes. If you are unsure about anything, ask your boss or even other interns for help. This will ultimately allow you to meet new people and help your bosses remember you better.

5. Have fun and learn

And lastly, have fun! While it is important to complete your work and tasks, you also have to enjoy what you’re doing and do it with a positive attitude. So be relaxed and bring your true personality to the table; it will help you communicate and network better. And remember, everything you learned, even the most mundane tasks, will help you when you finally enter the real world!

By: Ariana Philips | Image: Source

Summer: What To Do When Your ‘Hometown’ Doesn’t Feel Like Home

You just moved back home after an incredible year away at school. You had an awesome time on your own, got used to living by your own rules, and made new friends who made it hard to leave. You may be excited to live at home again (who doesn’t like home-cooked food or a full, stocked pantry), but you realize that the transition back home may not be so easy after all…

If you are anything like me, freshman year of college was a blur of new experiences, freedom, academics and opportunities. You go from anything and everything you have ever known and grown up with to something completely different. Now that the school year is over, you find yourself back to where you started, putting your college life on hold.

How do you connect your two different ‘lives’? Where does your college life meet your home life and how can you make the most of your time away from the pressures of school? Transitions can be hard, but keeping these tips in mind may make the collision of school and home a little less painful.

· Keep in touch with friends from home and friends from school. It’s important to maintain friendships in both places. Although it’s completely normal to feel lonely and isolated at home, use your time to re-connect with peers from your hometown high school or family members who may have become distant throughout the school year.

· Find something to occupy your free time- a job, new hobby, travel, etc. A little extra spending cash may come in handy back on campus, but a summer job may also give you something to put on a resume, work experience or a sense of accomplishment. Try something you have never tried before—sharpen your cooking skills or raid your mother’s scrapbooking closet; get your creative juices flowing!

· Bring a little bit of college life back home. Remember all those crazy pictures you took at football games in the fall? Post them around your room to remind you of your college memories. Also, try doing some of the same things you did on campus while at home. Was Sunday brunch with friends in the dining hall a ritual? Try meeting some hometown friends for brunch at your favorite local restaurant!

· Re-work your relationship and boundaries with your parents. Now that you have lived on your own, you may expect more freedom and less household responsibility. Remember, you still live at home and your parents may have the final say—but kindly remind them that your college experiences have made you a mature, responsible young adult, and that may, in fact, translate to a more flexible curfew.

· Enjoy time to reflect over the changes in your life and the path they may lead you toward. You went through a lot this past year. College years are tough. You learn a lot about yourself, your passions, and your sense of determination. Take some time to think about what this past year meant to you, what went well, and what may need to change next year.

My hometown will always be home to me. Although it feels like I have to balance two separate lives, the place I grew up in and the people I grew up around will always hold a special place in my heart. The people and places from my childhood made me the person I am today. Now, I am lucky enough to start a new journey in a new place—and balancing the two may be difficult, but it also makes me realize that home may not just be about a specific zip code. Home may be about the people I am surrounded by and the experiences that define who I am as a person.

By Meaghan O’Connor | Photo: aquietsimplelife.com

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